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)