Jewelry?

These necklaces are from this amazing collection and you need to go view them all immediately. The above six are my favorites from the collection, but I need those who have seen my dress to give me their opinions. I think I am really leaning toward bottom left and top right. Swoon-worthy is what they are.

I just asked Brad which one he preferred and he picked the top right necklace. First of all, it's a miracle that he picked anything at all. Secondly, he and I agree on something jewelry related? Good Lord, it is a day after Easter miracle!!

On Good Friday, Brad and I joined my Aunt Mar Mae and Uncle Tony at Olive Garden for some delicious food, wine, and dessert. We also talked about weddings and babies (my cousin Nathan and his wife Meagan have a beautiful little boy). It was so good to catch up and we ended up spending two hours there. They also graciously agreed to be a gathering place for the McBrooms and Coopers for the evening after the wedding. I'm getting so excited about the wedding and I keep dreaming about getting to wear my dress and say, "I do," to Brad. Only 144 days to go!

Other than drinking wine and talking about what we've already got booked, I haven't really been planning much as of late and I don't know why. I did call the hotel today to set up a block of rooms, but they sent me to someone's answering machine. Brad and I have been thinking about invitations and we'll be meeting with Aaron on Wednesday. I continue to take pictures of flowers and dream about which one's I'll end up with. Also, I have taken up a cross stitch. As I get more into it, I'll share a picture, but I think it looks pretty amazing already.

I do need to continue plodding on with planning, so let's hear some motivational cheers for me.

--Melanie

Inspiration Board

All photos taken from google search results and http://bouquetbridal.blogspot.com. Feel free to click the image and make it even bigger.

--Melanie

More of the Same

Kroger informed me that they could do the flowers for about half the costs I've been quoted. That is fantastic news. I just have to decide what flowers to use, which is driving me crazy. I want to see and touch and arrange different flowers to see if I can get the look that's in my head. I don't even know what colors to narrow it down to just yet. This is problematic.



The above picture is what Kroger suggested, but I am really not feeling the hydrangea.  I also don't know if I want bright bright yellow.  I don't know.  I love the green button mums in the picture to the right (a Kroger bouquet), but I am not a fan of roses.  See, it's ridiculous.  Who knows what I'll end up with.


Also, I've been feeling poorly yesterday and today, which does not make me happy.  I don't have time to be sick right now (who does?).  Plus, I have an IHOP/Michael's trip scheduled with Mom tomorrow (and possibly my sister) and I want to go.  I want to start on some DIY stuff and a trip to Michael's is necessary.  Don't worry, as soon as the DIY is completed, I'll show you most of it.  There are some surprises I'd like to keep until the big day, if you don't mind.

--Melanie

I don't really have much of a green thumb...

I'm currently considering the possibility of growing and arranging the flowers for the wedding. There's only the centerpieces, my bouquet, three bridesmaids bouquets, one flower girl, five corsages, and three boutonneires. I think it's doable, but a few have stopped just short of laughing in my face.

The reason I've even begun to consider this is the price of florists is obscene. Quotes for my bouquet start around $110, which is simply ridiculous. I do have a meeting with Kroger Floral Dept. this week (who knew?!?) and we'll see how that goes. At the very least, they are able to order in bulk flowers for me if I still stick with arranging my own.

I still need to decide what flowers/colors I want in the bouquet, but I love blue thistle, seeded eucalyptus, and gerbera daisies.

Here are some bouquets that I like:

Picture from wholeblossoms.com

Bottom two pictures by Me.

Random

Here are some random things I'm loving today:

Succulents as centerpieces, ceremony decorations.

(Some of the how-to for the succulents.)

I mean, seriously, look at this gorgeousness.

This bouquet is fun, but not exactly what I'm wanting.

Scroll down on this page to find the blue thistle.

And this wedding is just stunning.

Sometimes I get annoyed when bloggers just post links, but I promise this is worth it. Also, I want to remember these for future reference and this is how I've decided to do it. :)

--Melanie

To-Do...Still...

Brad and I are beginning to think about wedding invitations this weekend. We want to get Aaron started on them pretty quickly so we have plenty of time to proof them, print them, address them, and deal with the post office...again. Ugh. I'm dreading that part. I'm just going to say it now--if you get an invite from me that looks like a lion chewed on it, please know that I apologize. Also, the invitations will have envelopes, so we're already upping our chances that you'll be able to read the information we're sending out.

Here are some pictures since I doubt my verbal prowess is what is keeping you here. :)

Also on the to-do list is:
1. schedule tasting
2. do some DIY stuff
3. book florist
4. book hair/makeup
5. get hair/makeup test?
6. Lord only knows what else...

I've been on Spring Break for the past week (yeah, working in the schools) and now I'm restless. Please don't misunderstand, I've quite enjoyed my time off, but I need a little more structure to my day. I know we'll get through this week and I'll be praying for summer, but I'll be OK. I just probably need to get off this couch and do something today.

--Melanie