This is futurechelseawooley's Blue Wedding!

So here are four different kind of invitations I thought about using. Sorry about the quality of the pictures, but i think you can still get the idea. When I used the flash it reflected really bad off the paper and when I didn't use the flash, it was too dark! (I found the blue paper in the clearance section at Hobby Lobby... it was a sign!) The blue paper is the same for all of them. But the white paper is different designs with each one. Three of them have ribbon and one has jewels. There are only two different kinds of ribbon. There are four different overall designs: the lacing of ribbon, the half circle with ribbon, the one ribbon, and no ribbon. (I liked the ones with the ribbon just because I didn't have to use glue at all). All the text is the exact same on the invitations. It has the monogram at the top and the invitation wording at tht bottom.

1) which white paper should I use?
2) ribbon or jewels?
3) which blue ribbon?
4) white paper with special outlining or just plain?
5) which overall design?

So Hobby Lobby is having a sale on Bridal stuff! Everything on the bridal aisles are 50% off!
I got the heart vase for $2.00
I got the mints for $1.00 each
And they have tons of ribbon and decorations!

I know I have talked about vistaprint.com before, but I think that website is so awesome. Right now they have a deal to get 100 postcards free. All you have to pay for is shipping and if you add any extras. I want to use postcards for RSVP to save on stamps and what not. Well if I use vistaprint.com, It's going to be around $30 to get the 100 postcards (I only need around 75). They charge for adding your own pictures and shipping was around $10. I kept the back black and white to save on costs also. So what do y'all think? Since Jeff and I have been together so long, we have so many pictures of different "Big days" in our lives (prom, HS graduation, College graduation, etc.) so I wanted to make that a part of our wedding and I thought this was another cute way. However, I think I need to decide how I'm going to make my invitations before I order these just to make sure they match the invitation. I would hate my RSVPs to look better than my invitations. OR I could make this part of my invitation..... Any opinions?

I will tan before my wedding I promise!!!!! lol.

So these are the two pair of shoes that I LOVE!!!! I can't decide which one I'm going to wear. My MOH likes the strappy one the best even though it doesn't quite match my dress. But I'm going to keep both of them just cause I couldn't part with either pair :)

And I added more pictures of my dress.... Yes I've been trying it on today... I can't help it!

Thank goodness I just registered a few weeks ago! I still have time to change my registry! I like Bed Bath & Beyond better anyways :)

Here's a story about it:
http://www.sacbee.com/103/story/909399.html

I've never posted a picture of my engagement ring, so this is kinda what it looks like! It's much more beautiful than it looks in the picture. It's gorgeous! I always wanted a solitaire for the engagement ring especially because I have the smallest fingers in the world and I'm very particular about what rings I wear. So after we finished looking at tuxes, we stopped by the ring store. I thought my wedding band would just be a band that would go below my engagement ring, but once I tried those on, I didn't like them. So then the very nice lady (of course) showed the the solitaire wraps. And I fell in love with this wrap (the second picture). This is the only wrap that really let my solitaire stand out but also accented it nicely. I'm really happy with it! But they are going to have to take my solitaire ring and sauder it with the wrap... So I will have to be without my ring for awhile!

Jeff picked out his ring which is a Titanium ring. This may sound really stupid, but I was initially concerned because I heard rumors that emergency rooms didn't have the tools to cut off Titanium rings and that they would have to cut off someone's finger to get it off in an emergency! Well now I've learned that only emergency rooms and fire stations have the tools to cut it. So I feel better! And the ring looks great on him. So we've ordered the rings and now we are just waiting around (6-8 weeks) for them to come in!

Jeff woke up Saturday morning and said, "Let's go get the tux." So we did! Sorry for the corny picture, but this is the tux Jeff and I picked out this weekend. I say "we" but Jeff wanted to get the cheapest one there, but it looked horrible! So I negotiated with him to get this one. The picture of the vest, is the color (periwinkle) and style Jeff and all the groomsmen will wear. I wasn't sure if I should have something to differentiate him from the groomsmen..... It's pretty close to the bridesmaids' dresses. Not exact but close enough, I hope! Since I couldn't make up my mind, they will all wear the same thing for now. It's all set up at Al's formal wear. Now we just have to get the groomsmen to get fitted, which is going to be hard since one is in California. But I have faith in my fiance that he will get them to do it.

So I've passed my 100 day mark and now I'm in the double digits!!!

From: http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/beauty.htm
Thought this was super helpful!

Like all the other details related to your wedding, planning and sticking to a beauty time line and schedule will help to make you as beautiful and radiant as you can be on your wedding day. Beauty regimens, in large measure, amount to a bride's allowing herself a little extra pampering in the months before, and right up to, her special day. That beauty regimen also provides a bonus, because such routines are great stress-busters and everyone knows that anything that relieves anxiety and calms the nerves is a real gift for every prospective bride.

SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
1. Set your beauty budget. Know how much you can spend and allocate expenditures in order of priority. Watch local newspapers and flyers to see where you can make the best of your spending by making purchases at sales. Local salons, fitness centers and spas may offer specials to prospective brides. Don't be shy. Ask.

2. Once you know your wedding timetable, make all your beauty-related appointments well in advance. Many a bride has found herself seeing s "strange" hairdresser, because hers was out-of-town, or booked solid.

3. Make an appointment to have a talk with your hairstylist. Take advice from a professional. Ask about and discuss the hair style, cut, and color that she or he feels would best compliment your face shape and your type of hair. Talk about several styling options and which your stylist feels would work best for you. Such a discussion will be especially helpful when you begin searching for your headpiece.

4. If you are considering a chemical process like a permanent or coloring, have it done early enough so that you are sure you're satisfied with the look. Plan and schedule your appointments, so that the coloring, permanent and cutting will work out well, considering hair growth, color growing in, and permanent growing out!

5. Start pampering and preparing your nails. This is a good time to start using a nail strengthener and cuticle builder. If you bite your nails, stop now!

6. If you are planning to have a professional do your makeup on your wedding day, ask around and find someone who comes recommended to you. If you'll be doing your own makeup, take enough time to experiment with different products and different looks. Your wedding photographer may give you some ideas of what makeup will photograph the best. Make certain to keep in mind that the extra stress of the day and/or the weather and/or your moving around a great deal may influence how well your makeup wears. A professional makeup artist can provide helpful advice and possible solutions.

7. Put yourself on a skin-care program, and stick to it! If you have problems with your skin, consider consulting a dermatologist or aesthetician to help you clear up any persistent problems and get a recommended a program suited to your skin type.

8. Consider hair removal. If you shave, continue to do so, but make certain to use a pre-shave and aftershave product. If you'll be waxing your legs, start early because repeated waxing thins hair growth.

9. Start a fitness program. Whether you join a gym or fitness center, get a personal trainer, or do-it-yourself, stick to it and, not only will you look and feel good, but you'll be giving yourself energy-boosters. Try to stay on an eating program that emphasizes low-fat food. Get plenty of exercise. This is not the time to go on an extreme diet. Major weight changes take their toll on your body and have an adverse effect on how you look and feel. Slow, steady, and sensible is the routine to follow.

10. Evaluate your deodorant/anti-perspirant. Does it work well and does it keep you dry? If you have an odor problem, try several products until you find one that works well for you. If wetness is a problem, consider having shields sewn into your gown. A little extra protection, even if it isn't really necessary, will be a source of comfort and reassurance to you.

THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
1. Treat yourself, if you can, to a professional manicure every week or every other.

2. Experiment with new nail looks. See what you like. Keep nails simple and subtle for your wedding, and you can't go wrong.

3. Make an appointment for a manicure for the day before your wedding.

4. Treat yourself, if you can, to monthly pedicures. You toenails may not show on your wedding day, but then there's also your wedding night . . .

5. Buy some aromatherapy products and bath oil or beads. Candles, sprays, loofahs, mitts, and the like can be a part of a luxurious routine of at-home pampering.
6. Make an appointment with a professional makeup artist.

FOUR TO SIX WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING
1. Make an appointment with your hair stylist. Bring along your headpiece and any other hair adornments you'll be wearing at your wedding. Do a full trial run. Walk around (run and jump too, if possible) to check the comfort-level of your headpiece. Nothing is more unnerving than a headpiece that feels like it's going to fall off.

2. Check with your photographer and, if you are having a pre-wedding portrait, book an appointment.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING
1. Check with your special guy to make sure he's booked an appointment for a hair cut, shave, and a manicure. Ideally, a professional shave should be booked for several hours before the wedding.

2. Get your "final" hair trim, color, and/or color touch-up.

ONE WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING
1. Buy and put together a beauty kit for your wedding day. Include doubles of all the hair, nail, and skin-care products you'll need for your special day and on into your honeymoon.

2. Treat yourself, if you're so inclined, to a leg and bikini wax.

3. Get a pedicure.

4. Treat yourself to a "last-minute" facial.

5. Get a professional deep-conditioning hair treatment or do-it-yourself at home.

A DAY BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
1. Have a manicure, conditioning hand treatment, and hand massage.

2. If you can, treat yourself and your groom to a spa visit for massages and other pampering goodies. They'll do wonders to relax you for the big day.

3. Go to bed on-time. Get as good a night's sleep as possible. Lack of sleep is your worst beauty enemy.

ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
1. Have a light, but healthy breakfast. You'll need the energy boost, even if eating seems the last thing from your mind. Stay away from caffeinated drinks and salty foods. Both act as unattractive skin "buffers."

2. Practice some deep-breathing exercises. Light some aromatherapy candles ir incense. Think relaxed. You have prepared well and you look absolutely lovely.

24-Hour Wedding Countdown -- What to Eat and Drink Before Saying "I Do"
Posted Tue, Jun 05, 2007, 10:24 am PDT

It's wedding season, and here come the brides -- 44,230 of them a weekend! Whether it's you, your best friend, or an adored daughter who's counting down to The Big Day, here are five easy steps to ensure looking and feeling your best during those final 24 hours -- from the first toast until the final flurry of rose petals.

1. Bloat-proof your belly. Don't spoil the perfect fit of your dress! Avoid anything salty -- from pickles and fast food to Chinese takeout -- for at least 24 hours before saying "I do." Limit carbonated beverages too, which can be salty and gassy. You don't want to be bloated and burping!

2. Get lots of sleep. Forget all-night gabfests with your bridesmaids the night before. Instead, have a nice warm bath and, if possible, a gentle massage. Kinda hungry? Have some chamomile tea (mildly sedating) with a drizzle of honey (makes you less alert) and a banana (two sleep inducers and a muscle relaxant).

3. Create a caffeine-free zone. If you need wake-up coffee in the morning, fine. But then stop. Stock up on iced herbal teas, fruit juices, and bottled water. If you've got jitters, caffeine will make them worse, plus it's a diuretic so it'll make you pee a lot (no easy feat in a wedding dress) and could lead to dehydration -- a serious energy sapper.

4. Space out the alcohol. Weddings often mean a nonstop flow of celebratory champagne, wine, and cocktails. But you need to be dazzling, not dim (and definitely not dehydrated, sleepless, or hung over -- all risks of an open bar). So...

The night before: Give yourself a two-drink limit. Or stick with wine spritzers (ask for more club soda than wine).
The wedding breakfast: Skip the mimosas and sparkle up your OJ with seltzer.
The reception toasts: Sip your champagne, don't empty the glass. Pace yourself through to the cake cutting and bouquet tossing.

5. Eat something! There may be tons of food, but it's easy for busy brides not to get a bite. To keep your energy up, hunger down, and tummy flat, go for the fish, chicken, and salads -- but have a plan B: Ask your maid of honor to stash an energy bar or some Brazil nuts in her purse. Just six nuts give you four grams of protein and some healthy fat, a combo that will keep you going far longer than you'd think. Not for your whole life, of course, but that's what the rest of the day is about!

from http://food.yahoo.com/blog/beautyeats/10814/24-hour-wedding-countdown-what-to-eat-and-drink-before-saying-i-do

Wedding Ticker from WhenIsMyWedding.com

So here are some things I need to do within two weeks of my wedding:
1) get eyebrows waxed
2) get-away car needs to be washed
3) RSVPs need to be confirmed at chapel & cake place
4) wash Gizmo (my dog-see picture) so during the honeymoon, my mom isn't taking care of a smelly dog
5) break wedding shoes in
6) make sure Jeff gets his hair cut
7) confirm flowers
I know there is more but I'm drawing a blank....

Ok after this blog, you'll be able to tell I'm a little obsessive about lists... being a psychologist in training, I am fully aware of my list issues lol.

Things that will need to be taken to the Chapel for the wedding:

1) matted photo for guestbook
2) pens for guestbook
3) floating candle vase
4) aisle runner
5) centerpieces
6) pictures and picture display
7) BM and GM's gifts
8) someone's camera- to have an extra person taking pictures and to take pictures of random things that the photographer may not get.
9) ribbon

For me:
1) DRESS (duh)
2) shoes
3) petticoat
4) bra/corset
5) jewelry
6) flip flops (just in case)

Things that I need to make sure that I give to the BMs:
1) jewelry
2) shoes

I will probably make a wedding day emergency kit also... somethings I want to include are:
1) brush
2) curling iron
3) bobby pins
4) mints
5) safety pins
6) tape
7) static guard
8) powder, lipstick ( i bought the exact color of lipstick that they used on my wedding day makeup trial run)
9) hair spray
10) deodorant
11) lotion
12) extra straight pins (for flowers)
13) finger nail polish
14) granola bar
15) bottled water
16) asprin

So being the OCD person that I am, I've been thinking about all the things that will have to be taken care of once Jeff and I leave the chapel. I will probably recruit my BMs or moms to help take care of it. So to help calm my anxieties, I'm going to make a list. If I forget something, please feel free to comment:

1) top tier of wedding cake (anniversary tier)
2) pick up signed matted photo (guestbook)
3) get gifts & envelopes
4) get floating candle vase
5) take my parts of the centerpieces
6) make sure Bridal suite has everything out of it
7) get aisle runner
8) pick up pictures & picture display
9) get wedding napkins
10) take bouquet to be perserved (if I decide to do this)
11) get dress cleaned (maybe... or i could do it when i get home)
12) tip preacher and photographer?
13) pick up toasting flutes/ cake cutters

I'm sure my list will grow as the wedding gets closer...

Ok I've been thinking more and more about having a Mongram Aisle Runner... and I took the first step and made a Monogram! I still want to edit it a little bit. I've found some really helpful sites for this:

this is a video that tells you how to make a monogram using powerpoint:
http://www.favorideas.com/video/monograms/monogram-ppt.html

And I found this great blog that lays out the instructions:
http://roadtotheaisle.blogspot.com/2007/07/diy-aisle-runner.html

So this is my last resort for shoes.... If these don't match, then I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I'll probably just wear them anyways. I think they are really cute though! I'm hoping that since their isn't as much white on this shoe that it will match better. We will see!!!!

Jewelry I ordered for the Bridesmaids! I really like it and I got a really good deal for it!

No we are not having a unity candle ceremony but I really like this... so I got it! Of course, there are going to be different names and date on it. But I thought it would look so nice next to the guest book when people first walk in. And it's a nice keepsake!

I stole this picture off another bride's website (thanks keragurley) . I like this idea. We could use our engagement pictures. I like this idea!

This Saturday is the beginning of the major wedding planning:
Saturday 4/19: cake tasting appointment & gift registry! DONE!!!!

4/19: Wedding Cake: Butterrum white cake with cream cheese icing
Groom's Cake: chocolate with cherry filling and lots of chocolate covered strawberries... YUM!
And registered at Target and Linens N' Things. Not yet completely done with the registration, but we are close!

5/3: Did some more wedding stuff:
Arrange Tuxs- Al's Formal Wear! Check!
Buy wedding bands- Check! Waiting to hear when they get in.

Scheduled!:
Dress Alteration appt.

The next most important things:
Finalization appt with Chapel
Engagement pictures


May will be the month of the invitations! I want to have the invitations ready to mail by the end of May. Summer session starts in the beginning of June and I want to send the invitations during the school session.

Got it! Looks cute!

Here's some shoes I'm thinking about for my bridesmaids. I definitely thinking of silver... So I will add shoes to the blog as I find them. Carol and Bailey, let me know which styles you like.

1st picture: from amazon.com $35
2nd pic: from Windsor.com $27
3rd pic: from Bellissima Bridal $42
4th pic: from discountbridalshoes.com $35
5th pic: from Houseofbrides $35

I think I'm leaning toward the 3rd pair!!!

Ok I've ordered the 3rd pair! Just waiting for them to come in!

Ok so the first picture is still my favorite. But I like some of the other ones but I can't decide what would look best with my dress. Also, I did find shoes at David's Bridal that I like BUT they have a policy that if you buy the shoes you cannot take them back if they don't really match my dress. You can only exchange them for another style. (and I refuse to drag my dress around with me and I can't get a color swatch of it) Well I really only like one pair a lot... so I didn't want to be stuck with buying two pairs. Anways, for now I'm going to just try to buy them online and make sure they have a return policy in case they don't match or fit right. I bought the first and last pair in the pictures. Hopefully one of those I like and match.

So i received the two pairs I ordered. The first pair (pic) does not match my dress at all. Totally different whites but not enough difference to dye it.... ugh.
The second pair (last pic) is still really different from my color but not as bad... so I'm waiting to make a decision.

Where did everyone find their wedding shoes? I've looked online at different bridal stores but I know that I could probably get the same types of shoes at any generic shoe store. Also, what type of shoes did you pick? I don't want flats because I'm so short. The bottom of the dress has beading and if I wear flats, they would have to take alot of that beading off the dress. So I definitely want high heels. Should I go for more stappy sandals or a shoe with more fabric on it? Also, my wedding in August. Any wedding shoe store suggestions? And how much do the shoes cost? I kinda like the type of shoe in the picture...

My fiance's mom and stepfather are giving us a honeymoon... and we're going to Jamaica!!!!!!!! I'm so excited. We are staying at a Sandal's all-inclusive resort. Thanks Patti!

So here are the pictures from my trial run for my bridal hair and makeup. Sorry about the resolution, I don't think Wedding by color likes the size of my pictures. Anyways, if you look close I have two different eye shadows and blushes on. One side is brown and the other is a light purple/silver color. I'm supposed to decide which one I like but I haven't been able to make a decision yet. So what do you think? It's going to be a daytime wedding, and my dress is white. I like the brown because it's more natural looking but I like the purple/silver because I think it would look good with my dress and it's a little more dramatic (but in a good way). Also, I haven't decided if I like the curls that hang down in the front. I have some time to decide, so I'm not in a rush.

Thanks guys! I've decide to go with the purple/silver color and not to have the hangy things in the front. Now I need to get cute hair accents for my hair. I'm not sure if I'm going to go with a clip or decorated bobby pins that will help scatter jewels all through the back of my hair.... And I think I'm going to loosen up the curls in the back right before I go down the aisle. I told her to make them tight because my hair falls out of curls pretty quickly.

So when I talked to my florist she was giving me lots of ideas about bouquets. Since I'm not a florist, it was hard for me to picture the flowers but I think I found some pictures that probably look like what she was describing. There will be white roses, light blue hydrangea, and a few of these really darker blue flowers (which I think look more like the last picture I posted but I different color blue). Also there will be no greenery or leaves sticking out of the bouquet. My bridesmaids will be just carrying the light blue hydrangea and a few white roses in their bouquets. Only my bouquet would have a few of the darker flowers. I can't decide though if I even want the darker flowers at all. I'm just going have to think about it. I really like the 4th and 5th pictures I've posted on here though.... so we'll see.

It's been a long time since I've posted something on here. My last 3 weeks have been HELL when it comes to grad school. Last week, I probably got a total of 10 hours of sleep over the entire week. But I have slowly but surely getting a few things done!
I've booked my florist, my photographer, and my hair & makeup people! Tomorrow I have my trial run with the hair and makeup people. I know it's early but I wanted to get it out of the way early. It's my Spring Break so I might as well get some more wedding stuff done. So hopefully tomorrow I will have some pictures of a cute hair style for my wedding! I'm having last minutes worries about my hair. I've always wanted my hair like half up and half down, now I'm second guessing that decision... What if it looks better all the way up? Hopefully I love my hair so much tomorrow that I'll feel better.

My mission this week is to buy wedding shoes! I really need to buy the bra I'm going to wear under my dress too. We will see how much I can get done this week!

More wedding hair styles. I really like the first one!

Ok I have all my save-the-date stuff. Ok guys, I have to tell you about this site:

http://www.vistaprint.com

I got 100 business sized magets for only $25! The problem with save-the-date stuff, is that if you only look for things labeled as "save-the-date cards, magnets, etc." you will have to pay 4 times the normal cost! So I found this online company that makes business cards. I created a business card that was really a save-the-date card. I think it's very pretty and what's good about it, is that you can upload your and your fiance's pictures if you want! (we decided not to do this) And right before you check out, the website tries to get you to buy all these other things that have the exact same layout and pictures that your "business cards" have. And right there they have "business card magnets." And there you go: save-the-date magnets at a fourth of the cost!!!!

So it's about 6 months until my wedding and already half of the magnets are ready to go out. I'm still waiting on about 3 addresses before I send them out. (well I'm really waiting on finding the time to finish them up) The text is small at the bottom and the colors are not exact but for that price, how can I complain????? lol. Anyways, soon all the save-the-date magnets will be out!

So I think I've settled on a Makeup and Hair place. It's only 7 miles from my apartment and it's a reasonable price. It's called Michi's Hair and Makeup Studio:

http://www.michishair.com/

I don't want to wear a veil or tiara or anthing (It's just not me). I'm going with either fowers in my hair or little hair jewels... No sure yet.

I think I'm going with Bloomfields florist in Denton.

Also, this one place is really cool. You can buy just like flower packages, such as 20 white roses, and they will deliever them to you and you can make your own bouquets with the real flowers right before the wedding. I've thought of this idea but I'm not sure... It's a risk to do that with a florist that is not close. Because if something goes wrong, then who can I go to that will fix the problem? Also it means a lot of last minute work.... But it's still an idea:

http://www.fiftyflowers.com/flowers/DIYWeddingCombos_273.htm

Ok I found my photographer for sure. It's Bee Creative Photography and he's stationed out of Cornith, TX. So there are two reasons why this is good. One, I don't have to pay any extra costs for traveling (I was going to have to pay up to $100 extra just for the photographer to travel to my chapel). Two, he does about 60% of the weddings at the Chapel that I'm getting married in. So he was able to show me all those pictures and since he knows how it all works, its less work for me. He has a really good payment plan and I like the guy, he was very nice. Oh and we get a free engagement photo session!
Here's their website:
http://www.beecreativephoto.biz/

Here is one of his pictures taken at Grand Traditions.

And of course, I have found a wedding dress!!!!! I will provide pictures later. I got it at a bridal boutique in Addison, TX. It was a great place and I found it at a great price. It's an Allure Couture dress. There is no online pictures of this dress but of course we took lots of pictures at the boutique.

Ok so here is one picture of the dress. I didn't want to put too many on here cause I don't want Jeffrey to see them. It's has a sweetheart top and the top is so sparkly. I don't think I need a necklace to wear cause I think it would just take away from the dress. I have to get it altered in April/May.

Here's the official dress of my bridesmaids. We found it today on our Day O' Fun. It's at Alfred Angelo, # 6493 in Indigo. It's around $150 plus you have to add alterations. Bailey, you have to order this by April to have it ready by August. We'll talk about how we'll handle that. Anyways guys, we have a winner for bridesmaid dresses!

Thanks to "chirawan" for an idea that she left as a comment on another bride's blog. I'm thinking another thing to put on the tables is a list of the wedding party and their relationship to us. Maybe I'll also put a little something about me and Jeff on the paper too. Like how we met or something. I think that will be a cute touch. Or that could be my program....Thanks again fellow brides! Y'all have great ideas!

Next Saturday Feb. 2nd, will be the official day of Wedding dress (and bridesmaid dresses) shopping! The stops include the usual wedding shops like David's Bridal and Alfred Angelo, plus some discount bridal places like Circle Park Bridal and the Bridal Company. I'm going to attempt to keep myself on a strict budget when it comes to the dress! We are starting at 9:15 sharp!!! I'm excited about it, but at the same time, it's going to be frustrating.... I'm trying to cram a lot into one day so I can concentrate the rest of the weekend on my school work. And after this next weekend, school is going to get worse.

Grad school + wedding planning= STRESS

You know I love soccer... maybe this could be the wedding dress I pick out!!! lol

Another invitation idea I really like that I think I could do myself.

So I posted an idea about displaying our pictures is some way at the reception. Well I thought instead of makign some elaborate display that I would have to have a place for... I thought I could use place-card holders at picture holders! So I would put a few on tables and on the food and cake tables to integrate the pictures all around the room. Just an idea for now. The last picture is my newest idea for centerpieces... I got this off a fellow wedding blogger's post.

You Might be a Bridezilla If...
...You wonder why that mean ole mayor is being such a hard ass about a lil ole tickertape parade.
...You think it'd be "really awesome" if the schoolchildren of some country – oh, say Luxembourg or Canada – could gather and hold candles and arrange themselves so they spelled out you and your groom's names from above.
...you think it's OK to drain your 401K. After all, what's a little thing like pushing gambling with your security and paying whopping withdrawl penalty when you can have an ice sculpture on every damn table.
...You don't think spray-painting 100 doves gold is the teensiest bit "over the top."
...The Fire Marshal has come to your house to plead with you in person.
...You don't understand why your fiancé is being so pig-headed about letting your Chihuahua "Snooky" be his best man.
...Your reception involves speedboats, hot-air balloons, or fireworks.
...Your reception involves camels in any way.
...Your reception involves the Secret Service in any way.
...Your reception involves NASA in any way.
...Your reception involves the Pope in any way.
...you instruct the caterers to never look you in the eye and to always refer to you as "Her Majesty, The Bride."
...your floral arrangements will leave several countries bereft of flora.
... Al Gore calls to say he's concerned your floral needs will affect the Earth's fragile eco-balance.

Take the Quiz
The new Bridezillas are ready. Are you?

Answer these quick questions to find out if you have what it takes to be a Bridezilla! Tally up the points next to your answers and find out if you should be fitted for combat boots or Manolos!

1. Someone objects to your marriage right before the "I dos". You:
a. Leap from the pulpit, rush down the aisle and tackle the offender (3).
b. Stomp your foot and yell "Shut the h--- up!" (2).
c. Cry (1).

2. You have 5 pounds left to lose before the big day. You:
a. Ambush the hottest diet guru and fly them to your home for a little one-on-one (3).
b. Cut down on carbs (1).
c. Try a liquid fast (2).

3. The bridal salon calls you:
a. By your first name (1).
b. "That girl with the issues" (2).
c. The Terminator (3).

4. Your gown is:
a. Your mothers (1).
b. French couture (2).
c. Stolen from a Renaissance museum in Italy (3).

5. Officiating at your ceremony is:
a. Your local clergyman (1).
b. The Mayor of the city (2).
c. The Pope (3).

6. Your guest list includes:
a. Your friends and family (1).
b. Your entire sorority, your mothers bridge club AND your spinning class. (3)
c. 150 "close" friends (2).

7. You are spending the day before your wedding:
a. Incarcerated for disorderly conduct at the hair salon (3).
b. Torturing your wedding planner (2).
c. At a spa relaxing. (1)

8. The day of the ceremony, your wedding ring:
a. Is on a pillow ready for presentation (1).
b. At the jewelers, being exchanged for another carat (3).
c. Already on your hand because it was "lonely". (2)

Your score:

19-24 - Congratulations! You're a Bridezilla! You've aced Bridezilla bootcamp, and are now the most accomplished player on the team!

13-18 - Well you've almost got a spot on team Bridezilla... but not quite. You're sort of like the water girl - you're supporting the team and you're learning a lot.

8-12 - You're just an average bride. Drop and give us twenty.

So we've definitely decided on the recipe book idea for wedding favors. It will help personalize the reception and I have a voluteer who has offered to do a big chunk of it for me.

Ok I think I have made the decision to have my ceremony and reception at this place. Jeff and I are going there on Monday so Jeff can see what it looks like and all that. So hopefully, all goes well and I'm hoping to put down a deposit on it. So tenatively my date is going to be August, 10th. This chapel is a really great deal. Ok this is a total list that is included: two cakes, fruits, cheeses, coffee, tea, punch, napkins with our names and date on them, decor, bowls or vases for the centerpieces, guest book, card box, garter, toasting flutes, cake cutting knife, an M.C. to make sure everything runs smoothly at the reception, bubbles for when the couple leaves, and someone to actually run the music during the ceremony. It's in Corinth which is just south of Denton, which is convienent for me and I can always stop by on my way to and from school if need be. And it costs around $400 for every 25 people that I add so I'm going to start with 100 people and once invites go out and RSVPs come in, I can add people up to two weeks until the wedding. I had to give up my chair covers.... the one thing I really thought I had to have... so we'll see.

Deposit was put down and the date is official: August 10, 2008!!!

So instead of a guest