THE hair

I'm trying to find an old Hollywood hairstyle for the big day. Will be wearing a veil and a headpiece, so the hairstyle will need to work for both...

What do you think of these? Have any ideas? I need help, peeps.

Ohhhhh yeah

I forgot to share with you.

The fabulous Latina Wedding Blog/Web site - Para Ti Novia - is following Fiancee and I during the wedding planning process.

Check it out. Can you find me in the posts? :)

List #2

Because I'm sure to lose my mind in the next week or so...

Here's List #2.

1. Invitations!!! Finalize, dammit.
2. Centerpieces
3. Flowers & bouts
4. Reception Photos (one of Fiancee's dad, one of us - both in frames)
5. Start thinking about hair and makeup
6. Nag bridesmaids about getting dresses (individual phone calls this time)
7. Bridal undergarments...and

SHOES!!!!!!!!!!!

I suck.

At blogging, that is...

I could apologize for not posting, but don't think it's necessary. For those who know me, follow me on Twitter, or are friends on FB --- you know what's up with the wedding.

Things are c-r-a-z-y.

And this blog thing takes a lot of time...

Anywho - some pretty pictures for you to look at.

My fabulous headpiece from an Etsy designer - Brenda's Bridal Veils.

Aaaaaand my jewelry. Also from Etsy, of course. Designer is the fabulous Lizardi Bridal.

Like? Hate? Love?

Veil or Headpiece?

Recently I've been going back and forth about wearing a veil vs. headpiece for the wedding ceremony. I want the best of both worlds, but don't want to be tacky.

Why I didn't think of this before, I don't know.

Anywho.

So while perusing these breathtaking photos from the one, the only Neysa Ruhl, I had a sudden realization...


I can wear a veil and a headpiece. I'll just do a little switch-a-roo.

Saweeeeet!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, excuse me while I go geek out.

Invitations

I'm trying to find invitations that will help set the mood for our wedding day. Something antique-y, vintage and glamorous.


Found these beauts on Etsy. Would have the designer make them in our colors, of course. Whatcha think??

Colors

What do you think of this color palette?


Are the colors right for a vintage-inspired Spring wedding?

Eh?

On Losing My Best Friend

September has been one hell of a month.

In four short weeks I managed to wreck my car and lose my best friend.

The car can be fixed.

But the pain of losing someone so close to my heart cannot.

It's a long story and unfortunate in more ways than I can articulate. And the saddest part is, I'll never know the true reason why she chose to drop out. Friends for 20 years, you'd think I merit an explanation. But I'll never understand...

Because I was there for her wedding - as her maid of honor, standing by her side as she married the man she dated for many years. ON THE BEACH.

I was the one who put on a bridal shower - with no help from family or friends.

I was the one who shelled out money I did not have - just to see her smile.

If I had to quantify what I invested in her happiness....well, I won't do that for sake of my own sanity.

As I share my pitiful story with others I'm beginning to realize that if a friend isn't happy on account of your own happiness, are they a friend at all?

Nope. Not at all.

This little realization is the only thing bringing me peace right now.

I have nothing else to say on this subject.

List #1, revisited

It's been awhile since I've rambled about my planning progress (or lack thereof) - but I'm finally getting somewhere. This little list tells me so.


1. Find dress [DONE]
2. Figure out wedding colors. [Almost done...I think]
3. Registry. [Semi-registered at Crate and Barrel, the other TBD]
4. Wedding Web site. [Does Facebook Weddingbook count?]
5. Bachelorette party location. [Does writing inside these brackets count?]
6. DJ or band? [DONE!]


OK, so two out of five isn't bad. Is it?

So. Like.

I got my dress!

Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't post photos nor tell you what it looks like because Mr. Fiancee is not allowed to see it.

But I will say my whole vision for the wedding has changed - because of the dress.

I see a 1920's inspired bridal wardrobe and vintage-style reception in my future.

Oh. yes.

Mushy love stuff.

Fiancee is out of town this week traveling for business.

Leaving lil 'ol me to fend for myself. (Ha!)

Seriously, though.

While he's out galavanting with co-workers at a national conference, I'm coming home to an empty house, making dinner for one and sleeping by myself.

In all my solitude, I can't help but wonder, "How did I ever do this alone?"

I've always been independent. Just ask my friends. They'll say, "She's the one with that 'I don't need no man' attitude."

I was the girl who cringed when another woman outed her co-dependence. Especially after a breakup or a big fight. "I just can't do anything without him," she'd say, all sad and pity-faced.

Disgusted, I'd think to myself, "That sorry waste of flesh. She's the reason women have struggled for equality all these years."

(Sad, I know.)

So I guess Karma's taking its turn with me. Because I've morphed into that person. Ugh.

(Thanks, Karma.)

To all the women out there, those I wished those horrible thoughts, my apologies.

Because it's like I'm walking around with one shoe, and at any minute, I'm going to fall and he won't be there to catch me.

I'm absolutely head over heels, madly in love. I never knew a love like this existed. I never knew I could miss him like this.

Fiancee will be home tomorrow. I can't wait to be in his arms, leaning in to kiss his amazingly-soft, scrumptious lips.

I can't wait.

My Sister

I'll be gaining a sister and a brother once Fiancee and I are married.

And I've gushed a bit about Brother. But now it's Sister's turn.

Soon you'll see some of the fabulous things she's worked up for me.

Like, my Theme Inspiration? Oh yeah, this girl has taken it to the next level.

It's amazing.

And I can't wait to show you.

Theme Inspiration

I'm the type of person who believes that one eye-catching accessory can make an entire outfit pop.

So why not my wedding?

For the wedding theme, I'm looking for that magical something to inspire my colors, flowers, cake, bridesmaids dresses - you name it.

The item can be anything. A necklace, purse, headpiece, handkerchief...whatever.

I just need to like it. A lot.

Small item. Big purpose.

So who do I turn to? Etsy, of course.


This beaut offers a fantastic netting texture to go along with an even more fantastic color palette. I absolutely love the dark brown and champagne combo for weddings. I could see these elements in our invitations, the cake, bridesmaid gowns, flowers and more.
This little dandy has Spring-like elements that make me swoon. Tiffany's Blue, Sea Green. The whimsical dots, pretty white flowers, and of course the sparkly green beads. Hmmm...I'm seeing a fab escort table already.
This puppy is glitz and glam, all the way. Our invites would rock out with that peacock detailing. Loose crystal-like stones in our center peices, and a netty headpeice to finish it out. Unique. Original. Elegant. I'm sold on this one folks! (For now).

Dress Shoppin'

Auntie and I will embark on the first round of dress shoppin' this weekend.

I plan to use my inspiration as a starting point, and go from there.

But I want your help.

Help me find the perfect dress.

Are you married? Planning a wedding? Tried on wedding gowns just for fun?

Yes?

OK. I'd appreciate your advice. Help a girl out, will ya?

What should I do/not do this weekend? How can I make my experience memorable, productive AAAAAAND practical? This will be my first time trying on gowns.

I'll use your experiences to guide my own.

Let the fun begin!

The Moment

I looked back on my recent posts and noticed a common thread. Fiancee.

A lot of Fiancee.

I guess that's because I'm so blissfully content right now, all I can think about - or write about - is him.

Funny how love does that to you.

----

One thing you may not know about me - I'm a complete and total news junkie.

Like, obsessive news junkie.

So, while I was perusing my Google Reader the other day, I stumble upon this article.

Do Men Really Want to Get Married?
(via CNN)

Gasp.

"Are you kidding me?" I think to myself.

I had to know the answer.

----

That evening, I ask Fiancee if he read the story I emailed him. (Yes, I sent him the damn story, OK?!)

"What was YOUR light bulb moment? When did you really know I was the one?" I ask.

He laughs at me.

But my eyes catch his with that You-Better-Tell-Me glare and his laughter breaks. He's pensive for a moment.

"Something hit me when I was talking to my mom," he said. "She asked if I was going to propose to you. I knew I wanted to marry to you then."

"Go on," I say, like a giddy school girl.

"She asked if I was going to propose at Christmas, and I said no. I'll do it later...I said I'd do it later..."

----

The following Spring, we were vacationing in Cartagena, Colombia - his home country.

The sun had disappeared into the ocean while we sat atop this historic city wall, overlooking a spanish-colonial town.

His hands were sweaty and cold. His words a little shaky.

And before I could say anything, he got down on one knee, with tears in his eyes.


(To be continued)

What Men Really Want

Lying in bed, we turn to face each other.

I smile, he smiles back.

It's one of his best features, that smile. A quick glimpse into his soul, really.

"What makes you happy?" I say.

"Baby, I only need three things in life to be happy," he says.

Meanwhile that smile of his, beaming ear to ear, sends goosebumps down my spine.

"Really? Just three?" I ask sheepishly.

"Mmm-hmm."

"This is it. He's about to hand me the key to his eternal happiness," I think to myself.

And with that smile, he sweetly whispers, "Baby, I need good food, clean underwear and sex to be happy. That's it."

There's a short pause. Silence.

And I begin to laugh. He laughs, too.

He knows he got me good. Mr. Funny Guy.

That day, I realize something. There is some truth in Fiancee's little joke. Men truly don't need much to be pleased. Right?

If three simple things can nurture a lifetime together...then I'll be a superstar wife.

Life

I'm supposed to be compiling a grocery list for the week, but instead, I want to write.

(Lucky you.)

About a month into my relationship with him, I learned about his father.

"Tell me about your dad," I said.

He hung his head in sorrow and I already knew.

"He's gone, he died."

My whole body froze up like ice. As much as I tried, I just couldn't empathize his pain. How could I?

He lost a parent.

But something - something told me I would be the one to help shoulder his grief. It was very obvious he still ached from the loss.

And so I cautiously pursued this conversation, slowly learning how special his father was.

For example, Fiancee's contagious laughter. It is a carbon copy of his father's. Or Fiancee's knack for Jeopardy...apparently his dad was a genius when it came to trivia, too.

Little by little, I also learned his dad suffered from Multiple Sclerosis. A vicious disease that attacks the nervous system. And there is no cure. Yet.

It brings tears to my eyes knowing his father won't be with us on our wedding day.

But I'm hoping one small tribute will fill the room with fond stories, laughter and happiness - all in memory of this special man we both call "Dad."

So in lieu of wedding favors, we will make a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

I'm still figuring out how we'll tell our guests...

Like, should we leave a note on each table, or put up a photo of his dad, or make an announcement??

Please share your ideas. I'd love to know about the special wedding day tributes you've experienced.

Wedding Bandz

I'm not talking about the band that will play at our reception. (We still haven't decided if it will be a band or DJ or both).

I'm talkin bout the weddin bandz.

Fiancee and I did a little shopping this weekend, and I dragged him into Tiffany's. Just for fun.

Imagine my complete and total elation when he put this on...

All of a sudden, the engagement - being married - felt real.

Not that I don't feel engaged now. It just felt different.

Like, "You are ALL mine. FOREVER."

My heart, body and soul said we weren't just shopping for a ring - but for the piece of jewelry we'll wear for the rest of our lives. A very special band that communicates our everlasting commitment.

And then...

Like a sonic force of energy, I was thwarted from my epiphany.

Need I say more??

Love Note

Since fiancee and I are most likely going with traditional vows, I was thinking about writing love letters to each other on the day of the wedding.

Something to make the day more personal.

Will be a keepsake we can show our grandchildren.

Makes for romantic photo opp.

OK! I just talked myself into doing this. Now, must convince fiancee...

time to organize

For my organizational sanity, I'm going to use this blog as a place for planning. Here's my first list.

1. Find dress.
2. Figure out wedding colors.
3. Registry.
4. Wedding Web site.
5. Bachelorette party location - Vegas? (Yes, I'm reeeeeally looking forward to this little partaayy!!!)
6. DJ or band?