Reception Recap

So it's been 45 days since we said "I Do" so let's see what I remember about the reception.

After the ceremony, we took about an hours worth of pictures with the bridal party and family. Dave and I were able to knock out our pictures before hand when we did our first look. To really try and get the party started, the bridal party and our parents entered the reception to "Yeah" by Usher. It's always been one of my favorite songs, especially to dance to. 

Grand Entrance

Dave and I made our grand entrance to Chris Brown's "Forever."  We made our way to the dance floor, where we had our first dance to "Whatever It Is" by Zac Brown Band. It's our favorite band and the perfect song for us.

 First Dance

Following our first dance, Dave danced with his mom, Susanne, to "Do I Make You Proud" by American Idol winner Taylor Hicks. I danced with my grandfather to The Judds "Grandpa" as it's a perfect song for us. Dave then also danced with Kelly to Rascal Flatts "My Wish." 

After those dances, everything else was a whirlwind. I know I tried to get around the room to speak to everyone but, boy is it tough!  But I can tell you that neither Dave or I made it all the way around the room because we had a chocolate fountain and we never saw it! lol 

Shortly after the dances, the DJ, Geoff from Soundquest DJs, called me to the floor and started talking about USC and the Gamecocks and me being a Carolina grad, etc etc.  He told me there was a surprise in the building for me....after a little "2001" music...the best mascot in the entire country walked in....COCKY!! 

It was a surprise to me that he was actually coming. I know my mom put in the request earlier in the year but I told her I didn't want to know the outcome! Cocky was a hit at the wedding with a bunch of the guests and of course, the kids! He spent a lot of time taking pictures with the guests, dancing and having a great time!  If you are a Gamecock fan or grad, and are getting married, I highly recommend you invite Cocky!!

After some dancing and a quick bite to eat ( I'm talking 2 bites of a chicken tender) it was time for the toasts and cake cutting.  The speeches by both Christie and Suzanne were amazing and really touched my heart and meant a lot to me.  Ryan's Best Man speech was so Ryan so it was a pretty funny.  Dave and I cut our amazing cake with the Marine Corps NCO sword, which was pretty awesome!
I guess when it came to the cake cutting and eating, I really never thought about the whole cake smashing. I really didn't think I would do that and I know I didn't want cake smashed all over me and on my dress.
But.. I forgot who I was marrying. Geoff asked the guests if they thought it was going to be "Naughty Or Nice" and got a reaction out of the crowd, which many thought would be naughty. And they were right. Dave reached first to smash but I got him back. Nothing too outrageous but it was fun. 

Following the cake, Dave was asked by Geoff to bring 5 guys out onto the floor who were good friends and people he wanted to thank. He asked Jeremy, Jeff, Kentrell, Ryan, and Joe Yozzo. Little did they or even we know, they were chosen to be the Village People and perform the YMCA! It was hilarious!! Cocky even got involved and tried challenging the guys with some dance moves.

We had a few other funny moments at the reception including the Flower/Garter Toss.  Dave's friend Alicia caught the bouquet and Kentrell, one of the groomsmen, caught the garter. Geoff, the DJ, then brought Alicia and Kentrell out onto the dance floor and explained that Kentrell would need to put the garter on Alicia's leg and the higher he went, the longer our marriage would last....and he'd had to do it blindfolded.  Well while blindfolder, my stepdad Joe switch seats with Alicia so Kentrell started to put the garter on Joe's foot and it wasn't until he got close to his knee when he felt Joe's pants that he ripped off the blindfold and saw what was going on.

PRICELESS MOMENT!! It was moments like this that make me so glad I had a videographer cause it's all captured!

Some of the girls from my very first clogging team also got out on the dance floor and performed one of our favorite dances "I Like It, I Love It" by Tim McGraw.  It was a hit and a chance for the to show off my dancin' shoes..my lowtop pink Chuck Taylors!

The most priceless moment and thing people are still talking about from the wedding was the groomsmen stripping on the dance floor and my grandma, yes my grandma, out there dancing with them.  There are so many pictures from this and each one is so funny. I still don't know who's idea it was but all of the groomsmen, including my grandpa, took off their shirts, kept on their ties and hit the dance floor.

Dave and I had a great time and are so thankful for everyone who came to share with us in our special day! We couldn't have had a better day and are so glad to share with you in the most important day of our lives.

Here are some other of my favorite pictures. To see more pictures from the wedding, visit http://mrandmrsdaveturner.shutterfly.com/ .

 

Coming up next.. a recap of our awesome and amazing 7 Day Cruise!

Best Day Of My Life

As promised, I'm here to share all the details of the most wonderful day of my life.

The day started at 8am... after a night of girl talk and giggling, we finally went to bed around 2am only to awake up early the next morning. Tina, my hairstylist, came to the hotel to do my hair for me. She did such an amazing job and I couldn't be happier. We weren't able to get together to do a trial run so she did it based on pictures I had printed and pictures I'd sent her from my bridal portraits. Thanks Tina for such an amazing job!

Afterwards, mom and I headed to get our make up done at Macys with Clinque.  That's when I got the first phone call of the day telling me it was an hour after the time the Officer's Club said we could come and no one was there, except for my two bridesmaids trying to get in. I told them to call me as soon as they got in. About 30 minutes later, things were fine.

It was a little after Noon when I reached the venue and I wanted to check everything out to make sure things were going the way I wanted. I was nervous at all. We had a room for all of us to get ready and it had plenty of windows for us to look out to see what was going on.

First Look

Soon after the photographer arrived and that's when time started flying by. We were taking lots of pictures, having fun, and getting me dressed.

Dave and I decided that we wanted to see each other before the ceremony, not only to calm our nerves but for the beautiful pictures that come from it. I've seen so many great pictures from this moment, I couldn't pass it up. We had the perfect location.  Out to the side of the lawn of the Officer's Club is a bridge, so that's where the photographers took Dave, giving me the chance to walk up behind him. It was a priceless moment, just like I hoped for. He actually cried moments after turning around and seeing me there in my wedding dress.. just an hour or so away from becoming his wife. After a few moments to ourselves, we were whisked away for pictures.

We then noticed guests were starting to arrive, so I took off back to our room and the guys hung out in the reception area. We also let guests hang out in there as it was like 90 degrees outside and no breeze. The ceremony started about 15 minutes late as it was Retiree Appreciation Day on base as well so the front gate was backed up, and there were still a lot of guests waiting to get on base.

The ceremony was by no means perfect, but perfect to use. Everyone looked amazing standing up at the front as a I walked down the aisle. I loved the parasols and how it looks from this picture and I know the girls enjoyed them since it was rather warm. I have to admit and always will, I did jump the gun on the "I Dos". I heard Mary Louise (our officiant) pause when reading the the vows and I jumped in and said "I Do" when she actually had another line to read.

Jumping The Gun on "I Do"

The guys wore aviator sunglasses during the ceremony, including Dave but when I looked into his "eyes" or glasses, all I could see was my reflection, So I took them off of him during the ceremony so I could see.

During the exchanging of rings, Ryan, the best man decided to play a little trick. He handed Dave the ring box... and it was empty. Then he decided to be silly and act like he didn't know where the rings were. He then pulled them out of his pocket... and I had trouble getting the ring of Suzanne's finger.. it was stuck for a quick second.


We had one part of the ceremony we had to skip over and come back to later on. We wanted to give our mom's roses as a representation of our love and thanks for everything. It was supposed to happen near the beginning of the ceremony but someone forget to put the roses on the table. But the coordinator was able to get them and had the guys pass them up to us.

And the only other issue we had.. well I did was during the sand ceremony.. it took forever.. and I kept spilling my sand on the table.. Oh well! lol

Mr. & Mrs. Turner!

I'll stop here and come back at a later time to recap the reception.. that's something you won't want to miss.
Where else where you find a gamecock, pink converse sneakers and groomsmen running around without their shirts..... Um that would be our reception! Stay tuned....

Party's Over, Just 30 Days To Go!

Whoa...where has all the time gone? I'm getting married in 30 days! 30 days! Holy crap!! I'm so excited that it's almost here. Let me get through next weekend and I'll be even more excited with it being May...and the honeymoon just being around the corner.

Well last weekend was my final bridal shower/bachelorette party. What started out as a really rough week full of bad news turned so much better thanks to my awesome family and bridesmaids, Melissa & Tracy and my Maid of Honor, Christie.  We rented out the clubhouse here at the apartment for the afternoon and had a great time with lots of laughs.
Here are just a few pictures:

I got our martini glass set from Crystal

Melissa, Christie & Tracy

Opening More Gifts

We had a great time and I can't thank these ladies enough for putting together an awesome party with so many last minute changes.

Last week I also had my bridal portraits take with Mrs. Judy Kay in downtown Charleston. We stayed within a 5 block radius and took so many pictures is so many different areas. I got some teasers from her last night and I cannot wait to see more.  She is fabulous and for anyone looking for a photographer in the state of South Carolina, I highly recommend her and her husband!

Things to Book:
Ceremony Site
Reception Site
Wedding Photographer
DJ
Videographer
Officiant
Baker
Makeup Artist
Hairstylist
Pre-Wedding Night Hotel Room
Honeymoon
Honeymoon Transportation

Things To Do:
 Pay Off Vendors
Meet with Officer's Club For Catering
Download Ceremony Music
Meet with Officiant to Design Ceremony
Guys Get Measured
Have Beads On Dressed Fixed/First Fitting
Second Dress Fitting
Bridesmaid Order Dresses
Make "Must-Take Picture" Lists
Send Envelopes To Be Addressed
Have Invitation Weighed
Stuff & Stamp Invitations
Schedule Bridal Portraits
Make Hair & Makeup Appointments For Bridals
Apply For Marriage License
Water Bottle Labels
Pick Out Picture For Sand Ceremony

Have Bridal Portraits Done

Send Photographer Pics For Guest Book
Register for Gifts
Plan Rehearsal Dinner <-- Dave's Mom taking care of

Write Thank You Notes for Shower

Change of Name Paperwork
Give Final Headcount to Venue 
Confirm Final Payment Amounts with Vendors
Confirm Location/Date/Time with Photographer
Confirm Location/Date/Time with Videographer
Confirm Location/Date/Time/Playlist with DJ

Things to Send
Save the Dates
Invitations
Thank Yous for Shower
Thank Yous for Wedding

Things to Order/Buy:
My dress
Shoes 
My Jewelry
Garter  
Day Of Wear
Wedding Rings 
Rehearsal Dinner Dress
Invitation Postage
Wedding Day Gift for Dave
Clear Labels For Invites
Water Bottle Labels
Koozie Favors
Flute & Serving Set
Bridal Party Gifts
Sand/Sand Ceremony Frame
Sparklers/Ribbon/Lighters
Pen For Guest Book
Parasols

Things to Make
Cardbox 
Envelope Liners
Rhinestone cake Topper
Tears Of Joy Packets
"I Spy" Game
Info sheet with contact numbers
Wedding Day Timeline
Wedding Day emergency bag
Monogram
Programs


Week-of-Wedding To-Dos
Rehearse Ceremony
Pack Bags for Wedding/Honeymoon
Put final payments and cash tips in marked envelopes
Wrap bridal party gifts
Drop off Materials at reception site
Prepare toasts/thanks to guests
Give wedding day schedule, directions and contact list to parents, wedding party and vendors

The Road To The Aisle

Things are really starting to come together.. I know I just blogged the other day but I've gotten so much done since then.  I think it helps I've only worked 2 of the last 6 days.  (I had a normal weekend off then got back on my regular schedule, so I worked Monday & Tuesday this week, and was off again on Wednesday & Thursday.)  Anyways...

I wanted to share what I've gotten done.  One of the big checks... Dave finished our photo card box.  I wanted to post pictures and instructions on how I did it since so many knotties on The Knot boards have been asking, but I can't find the pictures I took of Dave working on it when here started...So instead here's a link to the blog I followed....The Road To The Aisle We did just about everything the same, but instead of using L Brackets, we used Hing Brackets. I hope this helps if you want to do the project. It's a lot of fun and is a way to get the fiance' involved.

Another thing started and almost done, the wedding invitations!!! Dave's mom did a wonderful job with the calligraphy . She brought them last week and I couldn't wait to get the liners done...so right after they left on Sunday I got started!  She has 20 envelopes she still has to send to me for last minute additions and corrections.  Once I was done with the liners, I couldn't wait.... I went ahead and added in all the invites. 

Then yesterday Dave and I went and had the direction cards printed up. Since we're getting married on a military base, there's some extra steps our guest will have to take to get to the ceremony. That plus the address for the Officer's Club doesn't come up on Google Maps or in my GPS, so we wanted to make sure everyone knew where they were going. After that, we went and got the invitation weighed and purchased stamps for the invites and RSVP postcards... Don't get me started on those stamps.... Let's just say the post card stamp prices are going up during the month of April, right in the middle of my RSVP timeline. So the cards have two stamps..one with a polar bear..the other with a tiffany lamp. Not my dream stamps for my wedding invites. Anyways... I got home and couldn't wait (once again) so I started putting stamps on the RSVP cards and matching the cards with the correct envelopes. We numbered our RSVP cards to match up with our guest list in case someone forgets to put their name.  Now I will finish up the rest next week with one of my awesome bridesmaids, Melissa.  I can't wait to get the invites out in the mail and on top of that, start getting RSVPs back!!

Another project I started and I'm so excited about is our "I Spy" game/cards for the reception.  I just came across this the other day and think it would be fun and super cute. The wonderful Martha Stewart started the trend..
You have cards at all the tables and you just have random things from your reception for people to take pictures of, like "The Photographer Taking a Picture," "The MOH Helping the Bride," " The Newlyweds Talking With Guest," etc etc  I'm excited about it!



I'm so excited the big day is almost here. I can't wait to celebrate let alone go on my awesome honeymoon!




Taking Care of The List:

Need to Do:

  PAY OFF VENDORS
 Meet with Carol for catering 

·            Update flower list with Sandra

·             Download wedding ceremony music  <-- started

·             Meet with DJ – list of “to play” and “not to play” songs

·              Measurements for Guy Tuxs <--Papa & Dave have been measured, other guys have been sent info

        Make Appointment for Alterations

        Have beads fixed on dress <-- dress is dropped off

·              Bridesmaid Order Dresses < -- DONE!

·              Must take picture list < -- started working on

        Send Envelopes to Susanne to be addressed

·              Go to post office to weigh invitation

·              Schedule hair trial <-- going to see my stylist next week

·              Figure out who’s doing my makeup <-- My good friend Brittany has agreed to this, along with doing hair

·              Apply For Marriage License

       Send photographer disc of pics for guest book  <-- going out this weekend

       Water Bottle Labels

P     Put Together Invites

       Mail Out Invites

   Need to Make:

·              Card Box 

        Rhinestone Cake Topper

        Tears Of Joy Packets 

·              Programs

·              “Day Of” wear

·              Emergency Kit

En    Envelope Liners

        I Spy Game Cards

      

   Need to Buy/Order:

·            Clear Labels for Return Address

·              Postage for invitations

·              Pick out other gifts for Bridal Party

·              Sand/ Sand Ceremony Frame set

·              Dave’s wedding band

·              Garter

·              Sparklers, Ribbons & Container

·              Pen for guest book

·              Koozies 

·              Parasols 

·              Flutes & serving set <-- mom is taking care of

·              Solemates – heel covers

Getting Things Done!

Well today is a big milestone in our countdown to Mr. & Mrs. 100 days from now will be the big party and celebration, starting our new lives together! I'm so excited and can't wait.  It seems like only yesterday we were on the cruise ship and he proposed! Where has all the time gone??!!

We'll we've been getting things done... small things but hey they count. Things are starting to come in the mail, so once they arrive, I try to get the project knocked out of the way.  One of the first things done is our awesome custom water bottle labels.  We'll be having buckets out full of water for our guests since the wedding is outside and in Columbia, May can be warm sometimes. So we came up with two designs using our wedding colors and awesome e-pics... I did a case of water myself but then my mom and MOH wanted to help out as well so I shipped them each labels to take care of. So I can check that off my list.
I then needed a new projects (I know, I really don't need more to do) but I'd been chatting with some of the other May 2011 Brides on The Knot and a lot of them were doing "Tears of Joy" packets.. They are little envelopes with some tissue for anyone who thinks they may cry..and knowing my friends and family, there will be tears. I already had everything I needed here to make them, so why not.  I had lots of extra envelopes from the RSVP cards since we turned them into postcards, I had some extra ribbon and labels, and Dave has been sick and we bought two boxes of tissue so why not.  I made 60 of them. I didn't think everyone would need them. I've included a picture of my inspiration.












And finally yesterday I tackled my favorite project -- My cake topper. I finally got my rhinestones. I order them off etsy.com and had no idea the rhinestones were coming from Hong Kong so I was waiting for about 3 weeks for delivery. I'm not gonna post my final picture..but I show you one I took soon after I started. I'm so excited for it!

It's all coming along and I can't wait.  We also had some more people book the cruise... right now, there are about 25 people or so going.  That includes my parents, grandparents, Dave's Mom & Kelly, Ryan & Allison (Dave's cousin and girlfriend), Groomsmen Anthony, Kentrell & Jeff along with each of their ladies, The Knudsen family and a few others! I'm so excited!


Some other news -- I have two bridal showers coming in.  The ladies at the church I grew up in is having one for me in mid-March and my MOH & two other bridesmaids that live in the Charleston-area want to throw me a shower. Date has not been set.. And then Suzanne and I talked this week and decided on a date for my BACHELORETTE PARTY! I can't wait!

Need to Do:

·            Meet with Carol for catering 

·            Update flower list with Sandra

·             Download wedding ceremony music  <-- started

·             Meet with DJ – list of “to play” and “not to play” songs

·              Measurements for Guy Tuxs <--Still waiting for info to be sent, Dave called the guy yesterday

        Make Appointment for Alterations

        Have beads fixed on dress <-- dress is dropped off

·              Bridesmaid Order Dresses <-- 5 have ordered and 4 have received

·              Must take picture list

        Send Envelopes to Susanne to be addressed

·              Go to post office to weigh invitation

·              Schedule hair trial

·              Figure out who’s doing my makeup <-- My good friend Brittany has agreed to this, along with doing hair

·              Apply For Marriage License

       Send photographer disc of pics for guest book 

       Water Bottle Labels

   Need to Make:

·              Card Box <-- just need to buy lazy susan and put together

        Rhinestone Cake Topper

        Tears Of Joy Packets 

·              Programs

·              “Day Of” wear  <--ended up just buying

·              Emergency Kit

      Envelope Liners  <--cut out, now need to put in addressed envelopes

      

   Need to Buy/Order:

·            Clear Labels for Return Address

·              Postage for invitations

·              Pick out other gifts for Bridal Party

·              Sand/ Sand Ceremony Frame set

·              Dave’s wedding band

·              Garter

·              Sparklers, Ribbons & Container

·              Pen for guest book

·              Koozies <--ordered, should be arriving soon

·              Parasols 

·              Flutes & serving set <-- mom is taking care of

·              Solemates – heel covers

It's Becoming A Reality

     It's all starting to finally become real now that I've had my first bridal shower.
     Last weekend, my best friend and matron of honor Suzanne hosted an "Around The Clock Shower" for me at her mom's house.  It was amazing and turned out so well.  Each person was assigned a certain time to buy a gift for and we got a wide variety of things. From bathroom towels to wine glasses and to a chip-n-dip serving set, everything was great.   Each guest was also asked to bring a Christmas ornament for our tree. We got some really cool ones... From a monogram "T" to Santa Cupcakes as well as an engagement ring ornament. Suzanne's ornament was really cool.

     She ordered one from personalizationmall.com and had one of our engagement pictures put on it.  It's so cool! Once I get more pictures, I will be sure to upload them... To all those who attended, thank you so much! I'm so glad each of you were able to attend and be a part of the day!

     As for planning, things are coming along. We hit the 5 month countdown tomorrow! AHHH!!! My how time is going by so quickly.  Wedding invitations are ordered and have been delivered.  Dave's mom will be down this weekend for Christmas and she will be addressing them for us, so that is almost completely done.  After all the stress I dealt with to find invitations I really loved and was happy with, I'm so glad it's over!  I'm also adding a little personal touch to the invitations as well so that's another DIY project I've started and will finish once all the envelopes are addresses.

     The programs have also been finalized. I tweaked my design I previously posted on here.. (PAPER AND PROGRAMS) I'm really happy with the new layout and look forward to working on those. So now I will have to get those printed to start putting them together.

     My first bridesmaid has ordered her dress and it's already in! Snaps to Amanda!! YAY! I'm so happy.  Things are finally coming together... One down.... six to go!

     On a side note, Happy Anniversary to Dave and I! Tomorrow celebrates two years together...it's flown by yet it seems like it's been forever! Here's to many more years together!


Until Next Time...

My Bridesmaid: Krystle

Last but not least...my final bridesmaid that will stand by me on the most important day of my life is Krystle Ludwig Yozzo.

Krystle & her acceptance letter to USC

Krystle and I met last May on the day her and Joe (her now husband) were moving into their apartment in Charleston.  I felt like I already knew her since I heard Dave talk about her and Joe so much.  Dave & Joe worked together for a while, but Joe then moved back to Conway with family, met Krystle, fell in love and then moved back to Charleston.  Dave and I stopped by to see if they needed any help with anything and we went to dinner together that night.

Throughout the summer, we hung out plenty of times..going to the beach, having game nights, doing dinner together, etc etc.  Things between Krystle and I just clicked and we hit it off. The only downside to the both of them... they are Clemson fans.

The day of Dave & I's engagement party in Columbia was on Halloween.  Carolina was playing Tennessee and it was a week before I moved down here.  We called the party "Dave & Chaunte's Engagement Halloween Football Going Away Party."  Clemson also had a home game that day against Coastal Carolina (which is actually where Krystle graduated from) so Krystle and Joe weren't gonna be able to make it to our party.  To my surprise, they stopped by in Columbia on their journey across the state! I was so happy to see them!

While Krystle and Joe were still living in Charleston, she was working at David's Bridal so I made an appointment with her to help me find my dress.  Having someone I knew help me find the one made things so much easier and less stressful.  This was also the day I asked her, along with Melissa to be in the wedding (see Wedding Dress Shopping) Thanks girl for all your help that day.

Another great moment the two of us had together is when Krystle asked me to be in her wedding.  One of her bridesmaids would not be able to make it, so she asked me if I would be the final member of her bridal party. We had such a great time at her bridal shower, bachelorette party and the entire wedding day.
For her bachelorette party in Myrtle Beach, some of the other girls who were out with us wanted to call it a night, but Krystle wanted to keep the party going.  So the two of us headed out Broadway at the Beach to shut down the clubs.  And on her wedding day, the two of us spent the morning together getting last minute things done.  One of my favorite parts of the day... taking Krystle to get her nails done for the first time. =) Classic moment between the two of us.

Now the Yozzo's are living in Columbia as Krystle will begin working on her PhD at USC (GO COCKS!) in the fall. Best of luck to her on that!

My Bridesmaid: Melissa Gibbons

Melissa Gibbons is such an amazing friend to me.

We just met last year out of Folly Beach with a group of friends. She happens to work with Dave and was dating a guy Dave hang out with. It wasn't until sometime later we really started hanging out and something between her and I just clicked and we talked all the time.

Over the past year, we've done so much together... like hang out at softball games together, go to the Zac Brown Band Concert, as well as celebrate lots of occasion together.. including bridal showers and birthdays.

Cooper Rive Bridge Run

One thing we've done together is participate in the 2010 Cooper River Bridge 10K. I've always wanted to do it... but never thought I would. Melissa emailed me one day and told me she wanted to sign up and thought we should too. It didn't take much convincing as Dave and I had just done a 5K together in January. Boy was that a long run and an early morning. We didn't do too bad.. we finished the race in under two hours and had a great time along the way.

She's a person I enjoy talking with because we completely understand each other. Even though she sees Dave more than me, it's okay. =) She's more my friends anyway! Just Kidding!

I'm so glad the two of us have met and have become such good friends. I know I can always count on her to give me her honest opinion on something as I will for her.

I look forward to what's to come with our friendship over the years.