Engagement Photos: Part II

So a few last pictures to finish... (I didn't have the patience to load them all the other night!)  These are awesome because I saw Big Ben painted on the wall so of course I wanted some shots with it- For those who don't know, I lived in England for a few years when I was young, so Big Ben was a familiar face!

And a few more random ones to finish...

I love that you can tell how happy I look in this picture!  YAY!  I can't wait for the real thing :)

Engagement Photos: Part I

For your viewing pleasure: the long-awaited Engagement Photos.

First some serious ones...

(my favorite below)

then I start acting like myself again

posed but cute

not posed, but Ryan loves this picture... apparently I frequently look confused?

random, taken around Virginia-Highlands

hanging out with the graffiti
love the twinkle lights at the end

So what do you think?  Do we look almost unfoolish??

Big Planning Lesson #1

So I am trying to manage wedding planning without making myself crazy.  And as life would have it, I keep getting tested to see whether I can really stay sane while planning a wedding.

Last week one of my closest friends let me know that for personal reasons he could no longer be an usher in the wedding.  And my first reaction, I am sad to say was to be very very angry and hurt.

Ryan was awesome about it (called me and told me he was taking me out to dinner to cheer me up), and my mom functioned as personal therapist extraordinaire once again.  (I really don't think I could plan this wedding without her expert therapizing.)

And basically what she reminded me of was: While it is totally acceptable to be hurt and angry and frustrated (yay validation!) just because someone could not be present at the wedding didn't mean they didn't love me.  Case in point: my older brother will very likely not be able to attend the wedding (thanks Army, for sending him back to Iraq... boo).  But I am not angry at him for choosing to be in the military!  So I can accept the love of my friend, even though he does not think he will be able to be in or at the wedding.

the family except Dad last Christmas: me, Ryan, Mama, Mike, Mary (MOH), and Katie (bridesmaid)

So Big Planning Lesson #1: Just because my wedding day is important to me (and I want to share it with the people I love most in life!) doesn't mean that it's a good time for everyone else.  And that doesn't take away from the love I have all around me!

(In light of this, I did call and apologize to my friend, and tell him that I loved him at the wedding, or at home!  So for now, there is peace again in friendship land.)

Losing Focus

Two things:

First, I did FOUR pushups yesterday... Yes, I am that weak, as it turns out.  But now my arms hurt today!  That is so sad!!  And I thought y'all should know.

Second, I was watching some random wedding show last night when I couldn't sleep, and I actually loved something they had to say.  It was along the lines of:

"When you are planning a wedding, you lose focus of the purpose because it takes so much out of you.  But when you try on your dress, it brings you back to the vulnerable woman you are, and you remember why you're getting married."

Am I the only person who thinks this is really sweet?  And really true?

(Sorry, I have no idea who said it.)

Reason #572 to Marry Ryan

When I got home on Thursday night (late, class got out at 9:30) these beauties were next to the bed with a note:

"I'm so proud of you and all that you have become... I can't wait to stand next to you for the rest of my life and watch your dreams come true."

I had just finished my last final plus presentation for grad school- and I was beyond exhausted.  But I was thrilled because I can finally join the world of the living!!  This was a perfect and completely unexpected way to start celebrating.  Makes me pause and feel pretty freakin thankful.

More Eye Candy

Did you want more to look at while I study for my Human Sexuality final?  This photo stopped my heart:

Image from Tim Willoughby via Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Finals Week

I don't know how much posting I will get around to this week; I am taking finals for my last semester of grad school EVER!  Then I actually get to join the "real world" of working, which I know you won't believe is much much much better than homework.  But trust me, for me- it is.

To give you entertainment until then: Go check out megan w photography blog, to see fantastic images like this one.  They all capture my heart.

Random Love Friday: Round Four

I may or may not have put in a request for a Christmas/Wedding present from the fiance...

via apple.com

As my battery dies on my current cell phone, I think about my intense desire for this gift frequently.  So with my sights set on the iPhone, my thoughts hadn't even migrated to accessorizing until this week I saw these beautiful cases featured on Made By Girl:

fabrix cases

For an additional $24.90 (including shipping) I can have a pretty fabric case!  It comes in many different colors...

Just a few of the many options

But if I were choosing one today, I would choose Black Wallpaper:

Think you need a pretty Fabrix Case too?  Let me know your favorite color.  And if you have one, let me know how that iPhone is working out for you... I will try and contain my jealousy!

Big Weekend Plans: Pre-Cana Workshop

image found here

Before a couple may get married in the Catholic church, the couple must attend Pre-Cana classes (or a workshop, in our case) to prepare for marriage.  I thought I would do a little research, and was interested to see what Wikipedia had to say on the matter:

"Pre-Cana is a course or consultation Catholic couples must undergo before they can be married in a Catholic church.  The name is derived from John 2:1-12, the wedding feast as Cana in Galilee, where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine."

(Sad confession?  When I read this I was like, 'Mmmmm, wine... That sounds good.')

"Approaches to Pre-Cana vary among Catholic parishes.  Often six weekly sessions will be led by a priest or deacon with support from a married Catholic couple.  Common topics include: compatibility of the couple, basic principles of Catholic marriage and family life, conflict resolution within marriage, and natural family planning."

I won't get into my thoughts on some of those things (at least not today), but let me just say there are parts of this I am looking forward to, and parts I am most definitely NOT.

When Ryan and I met with the priest officiating our wedding for the first time, we reviewed the first half of our results from a compatibility test we had taken.  The priest seemed quite convinced that we either completely agree, or that we complement each other perfectly.  (I must say, that while he seems really nice, I am glad I didn't have any major issues to discuss with him because he seemed to somewhat... minimize any comments I did make.  Hmm.)  Either way, when we finished he told us to go complete our Pre-Cana, and then come in for round two.

We had three options at the Cathedral for Pre-Cana.  The first is to meet six or seven times over dinner with a recently married couple.  While this is apparently very popular, this made me massively nervous.  Neither Ryan nor I is the type to meet strangers and discuss our marital future.  Too much introversion in this relationship.  So that was out.

The second option is Engaged Encounter, which you can learn more about by clicking the link above.  I really wanted to do this, because I believe we could benefit from being forced to contemplate our future marriage for a weekend.  It is a retreat with activities throughout the weekend to encourage communication.  I am a big retreat fan anyway, so this seemed like a great idea.  Logistically however, not so much.  It is expensive, and it is a time investment.  Sadly, two things neither of us felt great about.  So this option was out.  (If you have been on Engaged Encounter though- PLEASE tell me!  I am so curious to hear what it's like.)

Our last option (and the one we chose by default) is the Pre-Cana workshop.  For $95, you can spend seven hours hanging out in midtown Atlanta with other couples preparing for marriage.  And so we shall, on Saturday.

I must admit, I am really curious more than anything.  I am glad we are forced to invest time in talking about marital issues- I am just not confident about how it will be handled.  My experiences so far have left some important things to be desired, which is frustrating as a counselor.

So I will let y'all know how it goes- but if you have any inside info, let me know!  What kinds of bonding activities should I be prepared to endure?  Are we really going to feel comfortable discussing emotionally intense topics in such a public setting?

Wordle made my day.  For this I used (a slightly edited version of) the letter Ryan wrote when he proposed.  I love it :)

A Fantastic Resource: The EAD Library

If you haven't already checked it out, go over to Elizabeth Anne Designs and look through the brand new EAD Library that launched yesterday!  In describing the Library, Rebekah and Ami said:

"The Library is filled with hundreds of useful links, from photographers to shops to stationers.  Our goal is a simple, comprehensive list of vendors.  The Library will help every bride, no matter her location, find the vendors and inspiration she needs for a beautiful event."

I have been reading the EAD Blog for some time now, and the Library is a fantastic addition!  It is very straightforward and easy to navigate.  I am thankful for this great planning resource!  Great job Rebekah and Ami!

The Dress: The Trunk Show

Now don't get too upset with me, but I am not going to give much information about my second experience during wedding dress shopping day number one.  I was VERY excited about this second place, and had heard that it was fantastic.  However, the owner of the salon got on my bad side fast.  Let's just say that she... had a lot of strong opinions.  Pretty much every comment out of my mouth was wrong, and she knew much better than I did about every aspect of my experience.  And the one thing she knew for sure, was that all brides love sparkles.  When I tried to explain that they just aren't for me, she told me that I was too far away from my wedding day.  "The closer it gets, the more sparkles all the girls want!  They'll have to cut you off come next January!  You'll want sparkles everywhere!"

Strange.  Six months out, and I am still not a huge sparkle fan.  Maybe this phenomenon kicks in after the six month mark?

Needless to say, I felt that experience disappointed.  So my hopes were back on the Jenny Lee trunk show.

Jenny Lee

I was foolishly hoping that my dream dress was going to not only magically appear, but magically appear in my price range.  Yeah... Not so much.  Jenny was amazing to meet- extremely nice and very helpful.  Having her drape and pin a dress exactly to fit my body was insane, and definitely (for me at least) a really cool, once in a lifetime type experience.  (Listen, I don't get out much.)

But alas, the dresses were still beautiful but not giving me butterflies, and were still not affordable.  I left feeling more than anything really stupid that I had let myself get all excited about something I couldn't afford.  I searched PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com and found one of the two I loved, but at $1750 plus shipping it was still more than I could stomach.  (I was shooting for as inexpensive as possible, but ultimately under $1000.)

I kept telling myself that I was glad; I had gotten a perfect idea of what I wanted.  There had to be something out there like these dresses that was inexpensive, and when I found it I would get that 'The One' feeling, and life would be fantastic.  I decided to quit dress shopping for a while, and wait until my Mom and sisters were in town to shop with me.

The Dress: The Search Begins

After getting engaged, I was very eager to begin the search for The Dress.  This struck me as the ultimate moment when it would become real- I would see myself as a bride.  I had done a pretty extreme amount of research into wedding planning before getting engaged, and there were a few things I was massively skeptical about when it came to The Dress.

First: What makes a designer dress so freaking special?  Besides that I find it completely ridiculous to spend an excessive amount of money on something you will only wear once, WHY were some dresses so much more outlandishly expensive than others?  Was it the name?  Was it the fancy salon?  Was it the material?  Could anyone actually tell?

Second: Is there really a 'The Dress'?  (Yes, bad grammar, I know.)  I had a very very very hard time believing that I would 'just know' when I found the right wedding dress.  It's a DRESS people!  Does fate arrange for me to lose my sanity temporarily and fall in love with a dress?!

Now don't get me wrong.  I was VERY excited to go play dress up with my fr

iends.  Nervous and shy, but excited.  So I did what appeared normal to my completely inexperienced self.  I sent an email inviting three of my close friends in Atlanta to come play dress up with me.  (It just so happened that all three of them were engaged, so I knew they would enjoy the setting as well.)  Then I researched the discover the 'Best' Bridal Salons in Atlanta, and made appointments at two of them.

Kelly's Closet

The first appointment I made was at Kelly's Closet.  Before I say anything else may I just tell you- my experience here was FANTASTIC!  If you want to hang out with fun, supportive, and loving girls, try on insanely gorgeous dresses, and be treated fantastically- make an appointment here.

It was here however, that I was introduced very quickly to the world of expensive designer wedding gowns.

I was almost shaking because I was so nervous to try on a wedding dress, and Sarah, the girl helping me was incredible.  She just kept me laughing, telling me I didn't have to wear a princess gown to be a bride, and telling me how hot I was.  (Before you laugh at how nervous I was, realize that new things are really hard for me!  And this DEFINITELY is classified as new.)

I didn't have a complete idea of what I wanted, but I knew that I didn't want a princess dress (no offense, they just aren't me!) and I was curious to see something all lace.  In my imagination, that is what I would get married in- something somewhat fitted, and all lace.

However, when I tried on something all lace, I felt all wrong.  Too unlike myself; too girly.  It made me uncomfortable.  Instead, here are the two incredible gowns that I left my appointment loving:

Jenny Lee #601

Jenny Less #503

Being that I loved these Jenny Lee dresses so much, Sarah encouraged me to come back the following weekend for the Jenny Lee trunk show.  Without realizing what I was getting myself into, I agreed.

I had managed to begin to understand the complicated and overpriced world of designer dresses (of which I never could and never would choose to afford- but had fallen in love with), but the concept of 'The Dress' still escaped me.  As stunningly gorgeous these two gowns were, and how beyond incredible I felt in them- I just didn't get some lightning bolt wake up call that said 'I am the One.'

So I left my first attempt at wedding dress shopping feeling like I had massively enjoyed myself, but unsure as to how to proceed.

Random Love Friday: Round Three

This week's random love includes all things lacy and white; it appears I am in a romantic mood.  Enjoy!

napkin image via An Atlanta Bride

Fantastic carnation bouquet via The Fairmount Bride

Beautiful handkerchief via In This Instance

Gorgeous image via That Bride

Anyone else feeling romantic?

Fear of Flowers

One of the biggest things Mom and I talked about (with Lindsey's help!) while she was here was floral decor.  Neither of us knows too much about flowers or wedding decor, and I am not so good at visualizing.  So we took Lindsey out to lunch, and while picking her brain, she got me to realize that I don't need specialized floral knowledge to meet with a florist and vaguely describe what I want.

So I went ahead with my first step in "facing your floral phobia" and contacted three florists.  Now that I have one appointment scheduled so far, I realized that I am not good at describing what I want in words- at all!  I better come up with some pictures to demonstrate my desires since I won't be taking Floral Design Language 101 anytime soon.  At least not while I still have a day job.

Row One: "I love candles."

Row Two: "simple and small centerpieces"

Row Three: "classic, white bouquet"

Row One: first two images from On Occasions of Atlanta (I believe), candles via East Side Bride

Row Two: image via Tying the Knot, multiple centerpieces image via The Bride's Cafe, gorgeous image from Michelle Rago

Row Three: bouquet image from On Occasions of Atlanta (again, if I am remembering correctly!), carnation bouquet from Birch via The Fairmount Bride, bouquet via Miss Green Tea

So what do you think?  Did anyone else have to learn a new language to talk with wedding vendors?

Celebrate Your Differences

As Ryan walked out of the living room with the words "I couldn't respect myself if I watched that crap," I smiled and was thankful that we are different people.  YAY for Season Five of Project Runway!!!

Image via BuzzSugar

Wedding Planning Confession

Alright- I have a confession to make. I have no freakin' clue how to plan a small gathering at my apartment, let alone plan a wedding. Does it show?

Up until this point I have largely been trying to figure out how to plan this wedding "correctly"... God only knows what that means. As I'm sure you can all imagine- this was only succeeding in making me crazy. But today I decided- I am finally ready to embrace my total confusion, being overwhelmed with choices, and start having FUN.

I don't mean that I don't still want to take guest comfort, or the happiness of others into consideration. But I mean that, well, you can only do so much. I don't think I was ever going for "my PERFECT day," I was only going for "doing things right." And as my fantastic parents both keep trying to remind me: there are many ways to do this wedding thing right.

I think I am ready to start listening.

And I realize you're wondering- Pretty bath tub picture, but what the f*ck does that have to do with anything?  Well my friends, my master's degree has given me the gift of learning the importance of self-care, and this thought process is part of that.  So are gorgeous bath tubs.  Related in my head, I promise.

A special thanks to Meg for reminding me to keep taking deep breaths. And making me laugh at the same time.

Image from lioninoil via An Atlanta Bride.