Where To Place It

Months ago I bought a large gold picture frame that looks nearly identical to the one below, and it will be used for the same purpose as you see here:

photo credit: Laura Hooper

However, I'm still deciding whether or not to showcase the frame on the escort card table at the Reception...

photo credit: Becker

Or next to our wedding programs at the Ceremony...

photo source: The Knot

TBD.

2 Months from Today

Realizing that we are just two months away from exchanging rings, and saying "I Do", brings a flood of emotions. It makes me reflect on just how much I love the man that I am going to marry, and how I want this amazing feeling that exists between the two of us to be present for all the years to come.

When two people enter into a relationship with devotion, trust, security, faith, individual and collective goals, openness and honesty, and an unrelenting desire to want the best for the other person, then from a rooted friendship is an awakening to what true love is. And if what follows is laughter, affection, spontaneity, and romance, then life only becomes sweeter.

For those of you who have not yet read how Mr. Wonderful and I met, you can read about it here and here.

I will end this post with a poem that will be present in our ceremony programs.

- - -

LOVE

I love you not only for who you are,
But for who I am when I am with you.
I love you, not only for what you have made of yourself,
But for what you are making of me.
I love you for the part of me that you bring out;
I love you for putting your hand into my heaped-up heart
And passing over all the foolish, weak things
That you can't help dimly seeing there,
And for drawing out into the light
All the beautiful belongings
That no one else had looked quite far enough to find.
I love you because you are helping me to make of the lumber of my life
Not a tavern, but a temple.
Out of the works of my every day, not a reproach but a song.
I love you because you have done more than any creed could have done
To make me good. And more than any fate could have done
To make me happy.
You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign.
You have done it by being yourself.
Perhaps that is what being a friend means, after all.

- Roy Croft

Wedding Invitations - Atlanta Bound!

My invitation designer informed me that our wedding invitations are scheduled to arrive via FedEx, on my doorstep, tomorrow. I can't wait to have those gorgeous beauties in my hands...and then out in the mail!

Sneak peak to come!

It's Tasting Time!

Tomorrow afternoon, Mr. Wonderful and I {along with our mothers} will be attending our tasting with our amazing caterer {I can't rave enough about them}. The day will so happen to be the 29th...exactly 2 months before we say "I Do" {it wasn't planned that way, but I think it's kinda cool how that happened}.

Image found here

The Chef who will be preparing our food is a world traveler who is passionate about creating foods that suites every palette. Featuring an eclectic fusion of world influenced cuisines, their decadent food transforms into art on a plate.

We've already had sample tastings - once, before booking them, and then again at an event that they personally invited us to - and both times, we have been able to preview their presentation {which is impeccable}. Needless to say, we're looking forward to our tasting tomorrow! But moreover, we're looking forward to our wedding day...so that we can go back for seconds!

- - -

If you live in the Atlanta area, and are in need of a referral to a wonderful caterer, please shoot me an email. Not only is the food divine, but this company has an Event Designer who works closely with brides to ensure that your wedding will be flawless. She has been overseeing the catering aspect of our wedding with such professionalism, genuine care, attention to detail, has offered great ideas, responds to all of my emails quickly, and has even been a source for referrals to other vendors. She has been so amazing to work with and not to mention, is the sweetest ever!

It's in the Little Moments

There are many nights, when I close my eyes to go to sleep, that I envision our wedding day. And while I have put much care and attention into the details that will be present, the only thing that I see in those short minutes before dozing off, is Mr. Wonderful and I...together. As husband and wife. Beyond happy and so in love.

I'm certain that after our ceremony has concluded and we have briefly slipped away, there will be a moment when I momentarily close my eyes and allow myself to embrace the actual moment in all it's loveliness. I will place my hand around his arm, rest my head on his shoulder, and feel the wave of elated emotions go through me, recognizing that we have truly become one.

photo credit: Tanja Lippert Photography

Wedding Favors...Ordered!

Last night, we purchased our {gorgeous} wedding favors. I am so excited! I wanted to give our guests a gift that complemented the elegance of the evening - something absolutely beautiful and very original.

I knew upfront that what I had in mind would be rather pricey and that it called for extensive research, but I delved in with optomism. Not only did I personally find exactly what I wanted, but my negotiation skills got them at a fraction of the cost. I can't wait for these pretty pieces to be put in the hands of our guests {photos to come after the wedding}.

photo: The Knot

Advice on Wedding Favors:

Finding the best idea for your wedding favors can take a lot of time and effort. Originality is key if you want to make an impression. The favors that you choose create a lasting memory of your special day for family, friends, and anyone who was involved.

If you're a destination bride, you can find favors that emphasize the specific location that you're tying the knot. Whether your destination is Las Vegas, aboard a cruise liner, or on the white sandy beaches of Jamaica, you can find wedding favors that highlight the location of your special day and make a wonderful keepsake for your guests.

In the end, choose a favor that won’t be forgotten.

Put a Fork In It

I love the originality of this cake display. Normally, you see candles, or a bouquet, or most common, a server set next to a beautiful cake. In this case, it's a pretty fork line up.

photo credit: Diane Jacobs, Cakeworks

The Groomsmen's Ties

Some time ago, Mr. Wonderful and I picked out, and purchased, the ties that the groomsmen will be wearing on the big day. Last night, my future hubby "tried" to teach me how to tie a tie. It didn't go so well. Granted, practice makes perfect. But I'll be leaving the "loops, twists, and tight pulls" up to the guys on the wedding day.

photo credit: Silver Lotus

The regal ties that we chose will be one of the gifts that we will be giving to the groomsmen. They complement the bridesmaid's dresses beautifully, yet also integrates other colors. I initially was thinking of a solid colored champagne tie, but when I saw this tie, I definitely wanted the gents to sport a tie that incorporated a mix of champagne/ivory/slate blue hues. We couldn't have found ties better than these...

I know that you guys want more "visuals" of how things are coming together. I promise to post more photos of the various elements that have been selected! So stay tuned.

Ring Shots

Check out these rings shots by the talented Christine Farah.

photo credit: Christine Farah

The Call Came

Well friends, my dress has officially arrived. And while it doesn't look like the one below, it shows how I will feel in it...

photo credit: Jason Q tran

All that's left is to buy is a veil and then I'm "ret and set" for the altar.

photo credit: Jennifer Skog

I know what you must be thinking: "You haven't bought your veil yet?"

Nope. Sure haven't.

But I'm not worried {in the least}. I've been told by various places that it only takes two weeks {or less} to get it in once its been ordered.

I simply couldn't decide on which veil looked best with my dress so I thought I would wait until it arrived, in my size, before choosing which one to go with.

I'll keep you all posted on the veil progress : )

Let There Be Light

Lit candles instantly create a romantic ambiance. Lots of them will be present at our reception...and in our lounge area, like so...

photo credit: Mi Belle Inc, as seen on Just Dandy

I love the look of the above picture. A cluster of white flowers in the center of the table, with one illuminating candle on each side. Remember when I bought these {the below votives}? Well these little beauties will be going along side low vases of pretty flowers that will be placed in our lounge area {which I first posted about here}.

Now let's talk estate table + candles. I am loving {loving, loving} everything about this floral arrangement - its fullness, the way that the tall vase is wrapped with a pretty ribbon...how it says "come closer and admire me".

photo credit: Jennifer Skog

Here's another view of the elongated estate table. I love how lush the shorter arrangement is and how it complements the larger one. And I especially love how the hurricane candles are grouped together, with flowers casually tucked "here and there" at the base.

photo credit: Jennifer Skog

I told ya. Flowers are my thing.

Bouquet Creativity

I love unique bouquets.

This one is comprised of soft, fluffy white flowers, with the stem wrapped beautifully in an ivory satin ribbon pinned in place. What else to do I spy? Feathers!

And I love how the boutonnière reflects the same look.

photo credit: Jennifer Skog

We Need To Get Our Marriage License

I will be giddy beyond belief when I am holding our marriage certificate in my hands. First things first though...we need to apply for our marriage license! I've been staring at the reminder for a few days now...with our wedding just 2 scoops away, we need to get on that.

photo credit: Tec Petaja

Wrap It Up

There's lots of different ways to dress up vases that hold pretty flowers. The added touch of a ribbon can produce an extra element of elegant decor, as these images will show.

all photos: The Knot

It's Inauguration Day

I stood in line for 5 1/2 hours to vote on Tuesday, November 4th. Sure, it was total mayhem finding a parking space, and yeah, my feet were aching and at times I was "totally over it"...but this election was a crucial one and I wanted to be a participant of what will be known as one of the most momentous times in history.

To me, more than anything else, today is a time to reflect on just how far this country has come - how we united together to break through prejudice barriers...and personally speaking, it's moving to witness. For those who have lived through the civil-rights journey, I can only imagine how much it must feel to be alive to witness this breakthrough.

It's going to be a long day and night for news reporters, journalists, and the American public...but it's amazing to know that we are witnessing the beginning of a legacy and will be a participant of a historic event in which our attention today/tonight will be on honorable items of substance which impact our world {rather than on headlines that involve the latest celebrity to enter rehab. These "important" announcements will surely resume tomorrow}.

Despite who we have individually voted for, we all want a better America and I believe that our optimism and faith in our country will produce, in due time, the solutions that we hope to see.

---

“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”

“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you: We as a people will get there."

Words from my Heart

I've been thinking a lot lately about the vows that I will say to Mr. Wonderful on our wedding day. I've been looking forward to writing them for quite some time now. And with having made lots of progress in other wedding related areas, it's about that time to begin a draft.

It's going to be really hard to encompass all of my feelings into a short verbal sentiment of love, that doesn't exceed a few minutes. Perhaps I will write a second set of vows, expounding on my love and commitment, for Mr. Wonderful to read following our wedding day.

Luggage Tags with Attitude

I just purchased these sassy little numbers to affix to our honeymoon luggage:
Want to purchase some of your own? Visit this site. They are on sale for just $7.99.

An Update On The Arrival of My Wedding Dress

My wedding dress was supposed to arrive at the bridal salon around Christmas. However, it was held up in Customs. Totally understandable considering it was being shipped from China - and with Chinese New Year, everything gets backed up/put off {you pick}. But don't you think that the country should have postponed their festivities until after my dress was cleared for release? I'm important like that.

I got a call from the salon yesterday informing me that my dress was released from customs but {yes, there's a but} it accidentally got shipped to New York {Atlanta is not New York, but whatever. It's in transit and it's all good}. There are far worse things going on in our world then focusing on the minor delay of one white dress.

In any event...

In just a little over two months, it will be waiting for me....

And I will put it on with utter excitement...

My bouquet will formally be introduced to my dress and the two will spend a lot of time together that day...

I will stand before our family, and friends, and pledge my vows to Mr. Wonderful...

Then, we will likely do this exact. same. thing....

And then head off to begin our pictures...
And of course, do some sultry ones...
My dress will then be bustled before heading into the reception...
Where we will be introduced as husband and wife...
There will be lots of kissing, and lots of dancing...
And lots of unspoken words of admiration and love...
And after the night has come to an end...{well, you know}...

photo credit: Tanja Lippert Photography