This is lwak09's Chocolate Wedding!

So, we just got back from our three day relaxation at BLUE RIDGE LUXURY CABINS. It was AMAZING!!! These cabins are located in Helen, GA. Rates are good, and the comfort is even better! >>>>>>THIS IS NOT OUR HONEYMOON<<<<<< We just decided to take time out and get away for a bit.

I have seen the light at
>>>>>>> LIGHTINTHEBOX.COM <<<<<<<
I must say that this site is one of the best advertised on this site!
CHECK IT OUT!
So far, I have found the gowns for my MAID and MATRON OF HONOR, BRIDESMAIDS, and MUCH MORE! They have all that you need for an elegant, yet affordable wedding!

CHECK OUT THE PICS! I HAVE INCLUDED THE TOTAL COST (including S&H)

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The site seems very reliable and even offers an "after sale service" to ensure that you are satisfied! They even do PRODUCT REFUNDS, REPAIRS, AND REPLACEMENT, but you should check with their Customer Svc Reps to ensure that your gown is refundable, repairable, or replaceable.
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TODAY, I have FINALLY TAKEN A BUNCH OF STRESS FROM OUR SHOULDERS by locating THE EXACT TUX that we been wanting the men to wear at our wedding! AND ALL IT TOOK WAS A FEW CLICKS OF A BUTTON!
IT IS BY >>>>>>>> JIM'S FORMAL WEAR! <<<<<<<<<
>>>>>>>>>> http://www.jimsformalwear.com/ <<<<<<<<<<

Seriously! CHECK OUT THIS SITE AND BUILD YOUR OWN TUX!!!

Choose your desired JACKET, PANT, SHIRT, VEST, TIE, and SHOE Style!
Then you can even search for the nearest store that carries the line and send them a report of your selection! A representative will call you and you can give them the sizes over the phone! Cuts out A LOT of traveling (Groomsmen are in 3 diff. states and overseas).

I HOPE THIS HELPS ;) It surely has helped us!

Not only am I planning for our wedding but I must also plan to be in my brothers'. Being that his wedding is in July, I will be going from a bridesmaid to a Bride all in 4 months!!! I DEFINITELY MUST CATCH THE BOUQUET NOW LOL!!!!

Has anyone else been asked to attend a friend or family member's wedding while planing for your own? If so, then how did you handle the extra planning?

Not quite sure what to do next? Fresh out of ideas!?! No need to worry! My FH and I were blessed to attend the 2009 Wedding Expo at the River Mill Event Center, here in Columbus, Ga. Even though it was snowing, I enjoyed coming out!
We were exposed to various vendors who provided so many wonderful ideas for all aspects of the wedding: from the ceremony to the reception, and even the honeymoon and future housing plans!

For anyone who has not already attended one, there will actually be a VIRTUAL expo at OURWEDDINGDAY.COM on April 25th 2009 beginning at 11am. (I will be attending!)

HERE IS ONE OF THE FIVE WEDDING CHECKLISTS
THAT WE HAVE STARTED ON

10 – 12 Months
[x] Decide on your budget >>> AVERAGE WEDDING BUDGET $20,000
[x] Select your date >>>SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2009
[x] Choose your attendants
[x] Book your ceremony and reception sites >>> WYNNTON ROAD MINISTRIES and ST. LUKE'S BANQUET HALL

6 – 9 Months
? Send “Save the Date” cards
? Select your wedding dress and veil
? Select a caterer and discuss menu ideas
? Decide on flowers and décor
[x]Select bridesmaids’ dresses
?Select gown accessories
? Reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
[X] Start your wedding gift registry >>> MACY'S, BED BATH & BEYOND

4 – 5 Months
? Order your wedding invitations
? Choose your baker and finalize your wedding cake. Don’t forget about clever cake toppers
? Reserve rehearsal dinner location
? Give your shower hostess a guest list
[X]Shop for wedding rings
[X] Plan your honeymoon

2 – 3 Months
? Purchase wedding rings
? Finalize the wedding guest list and reception menu
? Book hair and makeup appointments
? Select wedding favors and accessories…ring pillow, candles, centerpieces Order rehearsal dinner invitations
? Mail invitations eight weeks before your wedding day
? Confirm tuxes have been ordered for groom and groomsmen
? Select music for the ceremony and reception

1 – 2 Months
? Have your first wedding gown fitting.
? Buy attendant gifts and schedule the bridesmaids’ luncheon.
? Meet with your officiant to finalize the ceremony

3 – 4 Weeks
? Finalize your wedding accessories
? Design and order your wedding program
? Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
? Get your marriage license

1 –2 Weeks
? Have your final wedding dress fitting
? Confirm all of your beauty appointments
? Confirm date, times, locations and guest count with all vendors
? Prepare guest favors and place cards

The day before
? Hand out assignment lists
? Have a manicure, pedicure and massage
? Rehearse the ceremony with the officiant and wedding party

Your Wedding Day!
? Make sure to wear a button-down shirt to your hair and makeup appointments so you can easily change into your gown without disturbing your wedding hairstyle
? Relax and enjoy the rest of your day!

After the Wedding
? Write and mail your thank-you notes.
? Finalize your photo album and scrapbook
? Get your wedding gown cleaned and preserved

When asked "Who is going to be your flower girl?" I smile and reply "Oh, I have three: Kamarria, Zaniyah, and Deja," then I wait to hear their response, which is often somewhere along the lines of "Why so many!" LOL! That's right, I have decided to have THREE FLOWER GIRLS!

I am so glad that my fiance totally agrees with my idea of us having three flower girls! The only difference is that he believes that two should enter together, then the third should follow me to "cover my tracks." LOL! What does he mean by that!?!?!

I envision the 4yr. old coming out first, followed by the 5yr old (Zaniyah) and finally, the 9 yr. old entering before I do. I don't think that that's too many little helpers :)

I guess the only concern I have about having three flower girls is the total cost for their dresses, stockings and shoes, hairstyles, jewelry, and baskets *

I have not decided upon which basket and ring bearer pillow to use. If you have any suggestions, then please let me know.

After contemplating whether or not to assemble my own invitations, I have decided that I'd rather not. The idea of getting artsy and creating a beautiful invitation ran strong through my mind, until I came across the "perfect" invitations for our wedding. Yes, we have chosen more than one, and they are already made!!! :D

Remar (My FIANCE) chose the first and the third one, I like the second ;)

Remember, our colors are Chocolate, Champagne, and Gold
Let me know what you think! *

*CHECK OUT THE PICS AND BE SURE TO READ THE CAPTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL INFO

Being that my fiance and I have decided to change our wedding date from June 20th to November 7th, I feel as though I have better planning time to kinda "start all over." The problem is: "Where do I begin Again!?!?!" Here is a list of some things that I have decided to keep and change:

KEEP/KEPT:
-Bridal party (All members and roles remain the same lol!)
-Wedding location (Ceremony will still take place at our church)
-Flowers (I have decided not to change the flowers after all)

CHANGE(D):
-Colors (changed from Truffle and Latte to Chocolate, champagne, and gold.
-Invitations (We have narrowed the design for our wedding invitations down to three instead of four lol!)
-Photographer (We won $500 off of our wedding coverage, still $1200, at a wedding Expo, but I decided to go with Ms. Camile Clemons for all photography)
- Ceremony must haves (We have decided to purchase a set: includes ring bearer pillow, basket, garter, unity candle, guest book and pen set, and tapers
*SEE PIC instead of separate items. Comes out to be much cheaper too!)