Countdown

I woke up this Saturday morning at 7:15 am (I guess my body knows what time I have to get up for work) and as I was checking my phone to see what time it was and I saw I had an email. I looked to see if it was spam or something interesting to read and the title of the email was "9 months to go." It was from theknot.com. I instantly was wide awake and in the gym by 7:30. Holy crap, only 9 more months. You might think I'm crazy, but 9 months will go by quicker than I know it -- (stop and smell the roses Mari!!)

So after doing some brainstorming on the treadmill this morning, I'm now looking over my checklist provided by the knot and reviewing my outline provided by myself. I leave for California on Wednesday and I'm set to meet with one photographer, but I'd like to have a couple more lined up as well. The best way to find vendors is through referrals, so I'm checking out real weddings and reading over some California blogs to see what they have to say.

I should probably not be listening to techno music this morning, but it's what's playing on pandora and its getting me hyped to get stuff done today. With a slight intermission today to attend Mr. Groom's company banquet, I'll be back on the computer this afternoon. Engagement photos are set for tomorrow and I think the weather is going to be nice to us and let the sun shine for a couple hours. My lovely cousin and bridesmaid is making the trip down to DC to take some shots of us in front of our nation's capital and a few other beautiful places. Tonight Mr. Groom and I will plan out our woredrobe (that spelling looks wrong, but my computer is not correcting me) - I'd like to match, he doesn't... so we'll se how this goes, maybe we'll compromise and do a little of both :)

Friday Inspiration

Today's inspiration comes from Mr. Groom. I'm so busy planning small details, that I forget to stop and take a moment to reflect on what I'm really planning for. I'm planning a celebration of love. I'm taking my moment now to stop and smell the roses. I could not be happier with my prince charming. I'm so lucky to have fallen in love with someone who completes me and makes me whole. Even if all my details don't pan out to my picture perfect wedding, I am 100% confident that I will still wake up the next morning happy and delighted with the person I will be sharing the rest of my life with and I think that is really what is important. Our wedding day is about us, about our family and joining two lives together. I'm thankful he inspires me and through all the chaos, he brings me back to reality. I'm so grateful to have found him and for the memories we share together. It is so exciting that we are starting this new chapter in our lives. I hope Mr. Groom inspires you today as well, stop and smell the roses and take the time to appreciate the important things in your life as well.

Honeymoon

I never thought my honeymoon would be such a big decision. It has probably been the hardest decision Mr. Groom and I have faced as far as wedding planning goes. Do we want to go to Europe and sight see and create new memories together or stay at an all inclusive resort and pamper ourselves for a week? I think we are leaning more towards all inclusive pampering. So now the hard decision is what resort, what island, what amenities? As of right now our top choice is St. Lucia and to stay at a Sandals Resort. Why St. Lucia...... why not??? Soaking in the sunshine, massages, private pool, breakfast in bed, snorkeling, volcanos... you name it, St. Lucia's got it! so what are the downfalls? I'll have to get back to you on that :)
After speaking with a sandals representative and looking online at cheapcarribean.com, I think I found out what is wrong w/ st. Lucia. It's expensive! For the same price, we could travel around Greece, go to Tahiti or put a down payment on a house. Now we have to figure out what's more important, the location or the amenities? I'm pretty sure we want both so I have my homework set out for me this wekend.

French Inspired

Although I have multiple themes for my wedding, today I am focusing on the French theme. There are so many awesome blogs in cyber space focused on french weddings, parties, favors and more. The one blog I enjoyed the most was Parisian Party. How can you not love a french themed event: Champagne, romance, exquisite desserts, l'amour, chandeliers, pink & black, my list goes on. Since my wedding has six different themes, I must hand pick certain elements of the french part. Well one way I thought of, was instead of having a seven tiered cake that costs hundreds of dollars, I'm going to have a french dessert buffet table. From pastries to caramels, cream puffs and bons bons, my favorite french desserts will be available to my guests. I couldn't be happier with this decision to not have a traditional wedding cake. I haven't made up my mind on the setup of the the table, but I found some images that will help create the look:

Save the Date

I'm trying to finalize my guest list and my save the date cards. I have way too many people on my guest list so i'm giving everyone a numerical importance (1-high importance, and so on). Its such a hard decision. I wish I could invite everyone, but then the cost just keeps rising. I also want my wedding to be intimate enough that I can say hello to everyone and personally thank them for coming.

My save the date cards are near completion. I'm really liking the way they are turning out and I feel accomplished that I did them myself. I may not be the craftiest of person, but I'm trying. I'm trying to be a DIY bride (well on some things).

Things I need to complete this week: finalize guest list, finalize groomsmen, mail bridesmaids gifts, engagement photos. I think it's going to be a busy week!