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??