More Things To Do

As we get closer to the big day, I realize there may be a few more things I need to do or need to take credit for doing... Here's my new check list .


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 -- March 30th!
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
Send Photographer Pics For Guest Book
Register for Gifts
Plan Rehearsal Dinner <-- Dave's Mom taking care of
Write Thank You Notes for Shower -Done For 2 Showers
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

How Could I Forget...

I had so much fun writing my last blog and being obsessed with checking the mail, I forgot about my second bridal shower!
The ladies at the church I grew up in were nice enough to throw a shower in my honor! It was awesome.  About 20 ladies came out on a Wednesday night, which for some of them can be late and passed their outage time. We had so much food as many of the women brought a dish. If you know anything about my church, we love to eat so it was no surprise we had so much and so much left over.

We had a great crowd, as I said. Included in that, Dave's mom and Kelly made the drive up from Augusta and my bridesmaid Amanda, who's going to school in Mississippi, was in town and got to attend as well. It was great to see these ladies as well.

Dave and I got some great gifts and we are so thankful for everythings.
Here are some pictures from the event....

Three Generations - My mom and grandma

Some Of Those Who Attended

My Bouquet

Kelly & Susanne

My Mom's!

I'm Officially A Mailbox Stalker!

The wedding invitations are out in the mail and hopefully on people's fridges! I'm so in love with them and apparently other people are in love with them too!!

After all the trouble I had making up my mind, finding something I liked and was happy with..I'm loving my decision. We've gotten a lot of compliments on the addressing as well that Dave's mom did. We've even been asked if she would do it as a side job for some I know getting married later this year.

Now that they've been mailed out, I've become even more obsessed with checking the mail than before. We only have one key to our mailbox and I just keep it in my car. I'm now to the point when I get to the main street we live off of, I'm grabbing the key, and going straight to the mailbox when I get home.  We've already gotten 3 or 4 RSVP's back...but today...8 of them...and they were all yes's! I'm so excited!
Some people haven't written little notes saying "We wouldn't miss it." I've had a bunch of people write on my wall letting me know they got the invite in the mail and are looking for something to wear! I love it!! It really just makes me smile!

We even got our wedding gift today! My good friend and mentor from my first news job, Ashley, won't be able to attend because of May being a ratings month in TV (I really didn't even think about it when we sent the date...opps!)  I got home after excitement of 8 RSVP's and walk in the door and there's a box from Target inside. I opened it, and inside a beautiful wrapped gift in Target's logo print on white paper (who knew they had some awesome gift wrap) and inside.. a set of 4 beer glasses!! We love them!! Dave is so excited.. it's one of the things he wanted since he loves beer! Thanks Yarchin! Love ya lots!

 As for the Checklist....it's almost all done!! We got so much done the past week.... Dave's ring has been ordered and is already in!  6 guys have been measured for their tuxes...just waiting on one more. It's all the small things.. music list, picture list, download music I've already selected.  I got to order sand for the sand ceremony. I found pink sand but can't find orange similar to it. It's not really sand.. it's more like thick tiny rocks... I guess that's a good way to explain it. =)  

We should get our guestbook from our photographer this week. She told me she would mail it today. She loves the way it turned out and now I can't wait to see it!!


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 <---6 Guys Measured...1 More to go...

        Make Appointment for Alterations

        Have beads fixed on dress <- Pick up next week!!!!

·              Bridesmaid Order Dresses 

·              Must take picture list < -- started working on

        Send Envelopes to Susanne to be addressed

·              Go to post office to weigh invitation

·              Schedule hair trial <-- had to reschedule, made appointment for Bridal portraits

·              Figure out who’s doing my makeup

·              Apply For Marriage License

       Send photographer disc of pics for guest book  <-- Photographer has ordered!

       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 ordered!

·              Solemates – heel covers

Until next time....  1 month, 4 weeks and 1 day to Mrs.!

I'm So Impatient!

 Well the invites are done... all 161 of them.. addressed, stuffed with invite & RSVP card and direction card, stamped and sealed.... Melissa and I spent about 2 hours finishing them up yesterday.  Now I have to wait and I'm a very impatient person, especially when it comes to waiting.  Proper etiquette says to mail out invites 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.  So if I send out 2 months in advance, that means I have to wait until March 21, which is a Monday. I would like for invites to start arriving that date, so I'm thinking I will mail them out sometime the week before... but man, the wait is killing me.  It's like all the envelopes are sitting in the box just staring at me.  I think I also just want to get them out to start getting RSVP's back.  I love checking the mail and I can't wait to come home and go to the mail and find out who's coming and sadly, who can't make it. 


An a side note, planning for my bachelorette party is underway.  It's set for Saturday, April 16th. My wonderful matron of honor Suzanne is doing all the planning and I've asked her to keep it all a secret.  I don't want to know what's going on. I hate surprises but I think this is one I can deal with. It will be here in Charleston and I'm super excited for it! 
 
I also have another bridal shower schedule to by my Charleston bridesmaids. I feel so loved to have 3 bridal showers.  My second one is coming up next week in Columbia. 
The ladies of the church I grew up in are hosting it.  It's during the middle of the week though since I'm still working weekends so I was worried none of the bridal party would make it, but I was wrong.  My childhood friend/bridesmaid Amanda will be there. She's in vet school and is in Columbia for the entire month of March.  Dave's Mom and Kelly will also be able to come up since they live in Augusta now. I'm looking forward to it.


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 <---4 Guys Measured...4 More to go...

        Make Appointment for Alterations

        Have beads fixed on dress <- Pick up in 2 weeks

·              Bridesmaid Order Dresses 

·              Must take picture list < -- started working on

        Send Envelopes to Susanne to be addressed

·              Go to post office to weigh invitation

·              Schedule hair trial <-- had to reschedule, made appointment for Bridal portraits

·              Figure out who’s doing my makeup

·              Apply For Marriage License

       Send photographer disc of pics for guest book  <-- Photographer has ordered!

       Water Bottle Labels

P     Put Together Invites

       Mail Out Invites <-- Can't wait!!

   Need to Make:

·              Card Box 

        Rhinestone Cake Topper

        Tears Of Joy Packets 

·              Programs

·              “Day Of” wear

·              Emergency Kit

       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 <-- need to go shopping for

·              Garter

·              Sparklers, Ribbons & Container

·              Pen for guest book

·              Koozies 

·              Parasols 

·              Flutes & serving set <-- mom is ordering this week

·              Solemates – heel covers

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

85 days to go... And Thinking Of Those Who'll Be Missing Out

Man how time is flying now... It seems like the year just started...but no..Tuesday is the first day March already!

Things are getting done and finished... including paying off all of our vendors. Thanks in part to our tax returns, that is now done!  That's a big accomplishment! Now it's just to finish up all the small things.
We got our favors delivered last week! They turned out so awesome! I can't wait for everyone to see them!

I feel like things are getting done, but I can't remember any more what I've done.. lol
The best thing done.. wedding invitation envelopes are done!! There's a handfull left for Dave's mom to do but she's in town this weekend and brought them with her! They look awesome!!

We had a little issue with the bridal party this week. Dave's groomsmen Anthony is in the Marine Corps and is stationed in Yuma, AZ. He got orders this week for deployment soon after the wedding, so with him living out of state, he needed to step down to take care of things for his deployment to Afghanistan.  So Dave decided to ask my step-dad Joe to be a groomsmen, and he happily accepted so things are good now.  Thanks Anthony for your service and you will be missed! But country comes first.

Mr. & Mrs. Anderson Young

One another note, I went to a wedding last weekend. My friend and sorority sister, Prissy, got married.  Her wedding also gave me a chance to see our wonderful photographers, Judy Kay & Wayne last weekend. Prissy looked amazing and had a great wedding. Everything was beautiful. Brooke and I had such a good time. (Both of our guys backed out on us last minute so we went as each other's date.. Hey That's what a sisters for!)

Brooke & I 

Chaunte', Josh & Stee

That same weekend I went home to Columbia was a great weekend to go home.  My friend Josh is a member of the South Carolina National Guard and on Sunday, February 19th.. he deployed to Fort Hood, Texas for a month before heading to Afghanistan for a year tour. Dave and I had spent the weekend before with Josh and his fiance', Stee. 

On Shem Creek

They came to Charleston to celebrate Stee's birthday and Valentine's Day and they stayed with us and we got to have lunch together out on Shem Creek.  Dave and I were glad we had some time to see Josh off at the airport before heading home to Charleston. It was a very emotional moment... as we spent the time with Josh and his family before he left.
We hate he won't get to join us for our wedding but we know he'll be there in spirit.  Josh-- Thank you for what your doing. We can't wait to meet up when you're home for R&R, but more importantly, we look forward to your safe return and ride on the Thriller next summer!

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

·              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

   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 

·              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