http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater body{background-image: url(http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii199/khallthornton/Layout.jpg);}]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:15:07 PST en-us http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/80245 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/80245 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:54:00 PST http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/80235 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/80235 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:57:00 PST These are the "professional" pictures. They weren't nearly as good as the ones my aunt took (I will be posting them tonight as well, so don't worry ladies!)]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/80229 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/80229 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:12:00 PST These are the "professional" pictures. They weren't nearly as good as the ones my aunt took (I will be posting them tonight as well, so don't worry ladies!)]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/80223 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/80223 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:32:00 PST http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/79897 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/79897 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:19:00 PST The wedding was wonderful!!!!! Only a couple of hiccups, and nothing too horrible at that!!! Life has been crazy with the honeymoon, getting home and settling in, starting school, and all the entertaining!!! I will be posting pictures tonight of all the festivities!!!!!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/66023 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/66023 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:27:00 PST http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/66022 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/66022 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:06:00 PST http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/64797 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/64797 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:16:00 PST Ladies, I really need to find 50 white satin chair covers to match the ones I already bought. They say they are satin, but they aren't shiny. At this point, though, I'm considering everything! Please, please let me know if any of you have or know someone who has chair covers and is looking to sell in the next 45 days or so!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/60183 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/60183 Fri, 08 May 2009 19:12:00 PST OMG!!!! I just got a text from my uncle that my cousin (his daughter) may not be able to be our flower girl because he can't deal with all the drama. WHAT!!!!! This whole situation started because my uncle, aunt, and two cousins live like 6 hours south of the rest of my family and are that far because they can't stand being "manipulated" by them. Whatever. That's all in their heads. Problems have come up before and my uncle always turns to me to vent (thereby putting me in the middle), but always says we're here if you need us. So when the wedding date was set, I asked if his 4 year old could be our flower girl and his 10 year old could be one of our readers. He said of course, we wouldn't miss being there for you for the world. Then when my bridal shower started getting planned, my family wanted to make it as easy as possible for them to come up for it. After some bickering and planning, they had decided to come and would be staying the night with my mom or my other aunt. I got a call early last week, from my uncle telling me my aunt had had surgery to correct some sinus problems and wouldn't be able to come. But he and the girls would. He started talking like he couldn't wait to see me at the shower. I got off the phone with him and called my mom right away. I vented to her and told her what he was planning. (Mind you this is a girls only shower.) She said she would call my aunt, figure out something to keep him occupied, and tell him without telling him that he wasn't invited to attend. So, the next day, my mom called me and said it had all been taken care of. Crisis averted. He sent me a text tonight saying there had been a big storm and they couldn't come to the shower anymore. He sent pictures of his house to prove there had been a storm. A couple of shingles were missing and some of the gutters were down. Please it's a week away, you can't pick up the yard and slap some shingles on this weekend and come up?! But whatever, they won't be coming. Then a half hour later he sent another text saying "you may not have Danielle as your flower girl cuz your mom doesn't believe me about the storm!" WTF!!!!! I called my mom again and she said she told him she believed them but they had a week before the shower. I started freaking, my uncle is a moron sometimes and he is slower than molasses about common sense stuff, but seriously! Why is he taking this out on me? Doesn't he realize that whatever problems he's having with my mom isn't my fault and I don't deserve to find out 83 days before my wedding that he won't be bringing his daughters up for the wedding! They kept acting like they couldn't afford to come up and buy dresses for the girls and new clothes for themselves and gifts, etc, so even went out and bought the flower girl dress for them. Now they do this to me. All I keep thinking is, how childish and dramatic he is. This is ridiculous! I'm sorry about the venting, but this is so frustrating. I feel like I can't count on people. And they wonder why I'm becoming a bridezilla! ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/57037 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/57037 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:13:00 PST I haven't been able to get on in such a long time because we were getting ready to move, closing on the house, moving, and then for 3 weeks, we didn't have internet! We closed on April 3 (Friday) at 3 pm, then immediately after went and bought paint and started painting our living room in our new house! We had to be out of our apartment by 2 pm Saturday, because the guy who subleased from us was a total ASSHOLE! When we first started talking to him, he didn't understand much english (he's Indian) so answering any questions took FOREVER. We paid for all of April, so we told them we would pay for almost one month of their rent, then he started to try and get more money out of us by saying another company was offering 2 months free rent (NOT TRUE) and try to get out of paying us the $300 deposit, of which we only were requiring them to pay $200 (they would get our original $300 deposit back at the end of the lease)! I'm really sorry if anyone takes offense to this, but there's a reason I become more and more racist and act superior to most foreigners. They act like their shit dont stink and they have more intelligence than Americans! Sorry but f*you! He's done nothing but piss me and my FH off from the minute we started talking to him. When we first got to the house, we found a wet spot on the living room ceiling. And I'm talking a 2 by 6 foot spot. The realtor had left the water turn off valve in the upstairs bathroom on and it had leaked through the register vent into our ceiling! Then we were turning on the other faucets and found that every single one leaked! Saturday night, we went to pick up our fridge (about 1.5 hours from our house) and it was a nightmare. We couldn't secure it in the back of my truck very well, so it felt like it was going to topple the whole ride. Talk about being tense. Then we got it home and the measurements the people gave us were wrong because it didn't fit between the kitchen wall and our cabinets! So now it's sitting in our garage! After that nightmare, we went to pick up the washer and dryer ($400 for both). The dryer was supposed to be gas, but the guy (another Indian guy) didn't know what the hell he was talking about and was wrong, it was electric. He wouldn't sell the two separately, so we were out a washer and a dryer. How fun! Not! We ended up going to sears and having to buy a dryer and got an old washer from my mom for free (I had to drive up the Sunday after 3 hours each way). Then when we went to put the dryer in the utility closet, the dumb-ass who build the house didn't leave enough room for the washer and dryer to sit side by side next to the water heater. So the dryer doesn't open all the way because the wall is in the way! Our box spring didn't fit up the stairs (because of the header and our stairs being super steep) so until yesterday, we were sleeping on our mattress in the living room. Yesterday, we cut the box spring to get it up the stairs and had to re-assemble it in our bedroom! It sqeeks alot more now when we're moving around on the bed. But we finally got to sleep in our bedroom. Like I said, it's amazing to own our own home, but at the same time, it's the most stressful thing that's ever happened to us. ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/55391 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/55391 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:09:00 PST It's been the wildest, longest, most sleep deprived thing either one of us has ever done, but it's been a complete dream come true. We don't have internet and we had quite a few bumps in the road, but I wouldn't have traded the whole experience for a smooth ride and our old apartment! I don't have much time to gush about it ALL right now, ugh classes, but there will definately be more pictures and info to come!!!!!!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/51557 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/51557 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 14:15:00 PST Before & During Ceremony Tables Before Guests Arrive Guests Arriving Parents being seated Lighting of candles Groom at alter Groomsmen & Bridesmaids walking Ring bearer and flower girl coming down aisle Groom’s first glimpse of future wife Bride and father coming down aisle Giving away the Bride Readers Unity Candle Lighting Memorial Candle Lighting Exchange of Vows Exchange of Rings First Kiss Recessional Signing License Bride & Groom leaving ceremony Posed Wedding Pictures Complete Wedding Party Bride and Groom Bride Only Groom Only Individual Bridesmaids Individual Groomsmen Group Groomsmen Group Bridesmaids Groom with Parents Brides with Parents Bride & Groom with Groom’s Parents Bride & Groom with Bride’s Parents Family Portrait – Groom Side Family Portrait – Brides Side Family Portrait – Both Sides Bride with Siblings Groom with Sibling Groom with Best Man Bride with MOH B& G with Bride’s Grandparents B&G with Groom’s Grandparents Both Families (Guys Only) Both Families (Girls Only) Reception Pictures Wedding Party Entrance Bride & Groom Announced Pictures of Reception Hall General Organized Chaos Scenes Head Table Wedding Cake Food Arrangements Place Settings Champaign Toasting Glasses First Toasts First Dance of Bride & Groom Parents Dancing Guests Dancing Cake Cutting & First Bites Gift Table Guests at Tables Garter Toss Bouquet Toss Anniversary Dance Father-Daughter Dance Mother-Son Dance Pictures Bridal Party Is Responsible For Bride dressing Mother adjusting veil Mirror shots Makeup shots Hair Bridesmaids interacting Groom dressing Groomsmen interacting Nervous shots Pictures of the location ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/50741 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/50741 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 06:06:00 PST 1. What did you think when you first saw him/her? Start from the beginning -- you didn't want to go out and now you're grateful your friends dragged you out? How to use: When we met at __________, I knew __________. 2. When did you realize you were in love? The more specific you are able to be, the more touching the story. Was it when he helped you bring your sick puppy to the vet? How to use: I knew I was in love when ____________. Don't underestimate the power of humor. Throw in at least one more playful sentiment (When she recited Don Mattingly's RBI record...). 3. What do you have now that you didn't have before you met? Focus on the heart and head, not material possessions. Has she taught you to appreciate beauty differently? Has he helped you learn to savor creating a home-cooked meal? How to use: Before I met you, I ___________. Now I ___________. 4. How has your worldview changed? Life has likely gotten better since the two of you joined forces, so tell everyone about it. How to use: Because of you, I see the world __________. Having trouble? Think about the new things you've tried with your mate -- what have you experienced together that you never would have on your own? 5. What do you miss most when you're apart? This will probably be something mundane but powerful -- what about his smile first thing in the morning, or the way she puts out your lucky mug for your morning coffee? How to use: You are such a part of me that when you're gone, I __________. 6. Where do you see yourselves in 10 years? 20 years? 40 years? Go deeper than Happily married in a big house. What are your long-term hopes, dreams, and goals? How to use: I look forward to __________, laughing and __________ as we __________. 7. Is there a line from a movie, song, or poem that says it all? It's okay to borrow, as long as it's not too much of a cliche (we're sorry, but You complete me is suffering from overuse). Instead modify something familiar to personalize. How to use: Subtly. I watch you ________, and I think to myself, what a wonderful world. 8. Do parts of the traditional vows resonate with you? Maybe you're not so sure about the obey part, but can you really go wrong with love, cherish, and...? How to use: Try I promise to cherish and honor you ____________, but add a time frame and funny reference for levity: ...all the days of my life, especially when curled up on the couch with takeout. 9. Can you think of a funny or touching experience that put your partner in a new light? The way he played with your little cousin or helped your grandmother up the stairs showed you that under his macho exterior is a wittle, bitty bunny wabbit and you love him for it. How to use: When you ____________, I saw you for the _____________ person you are. And that made me want to ____________. 10. Is there a harrowing experience that strengthened your bond? This one rides tandem with #9. How to use: See #9. 11. What goals and values do you both have? Stating your common bond may just expose your inner Wordsworth. These ties -- whether your shared faith or your mutual love of wine -- will also help demonstrate why you're a perfect pair. How to use: We share ___________, so together we can ___________. 12. What about him/her inspires you? What is it about your fiance that you'd like to improve in yourself? What do you most respect about your partner? How to use: Your ___________ has shown me how to be___________. 13. What promise can you make to codify your devotion? Here's an opportunity to personalize your vows -- many couples pledge their endless love, but how many promise to take the dog out in the morning, even in the snow? How to use: I promise to always ___________. 14. How will you change together? You know what your goals are -- think about the steps the two of you will need to take together to reach them. How to use: I look forward to ___________ as we __________. 15. What metaphor (or simile) would capture your love? Think of something that describes or defines your love: Is it strong like a castle? Peaceful like a mountain stream? How to use: Our love is like a ___________ because it ___________. 16. Why are you entering the bond of marriage? Think about why marrying your fiance is so special. You may be surprised how the answer leads you to the perfect words. How to use: To me, marriage is ___________. With you, it's ___________. 17. What will keep your marriage strong? Find the bedrock of your relationship. What makes your relationship tick? Is it your resilience? Your shared sense of humor? How to use: Even when ___________, we will have ___________. 18. What are you most looking forward to about married life? The wedding is just the beginning. How to use: I look forward to ___________ as we embark on ___________. 19. What do you expect out of married life? Defining your expectations will help you make and keep promises. Think about your dreams, and what you'll have to vow to do to make them come true. How to use: I know our marriage will ___________ and I vow to ___________. 20. What words do you associate with love? Make a list of romantic terms so you can avoid overusing love -- too many repetitions dilute its power. How to use: My devotion/adoration/ passion is ___________.]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/50689 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/50689 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:34:00 PST GRAND ENTRANCE You’ve just finished your pictures and guests are waiting for the party to begin. Your entrance should be no less than grand. Determine whether you want to just introduce yourselves or if you want to include the entire wedding party. If introducing all attendants, make it more personal by including an anecdote about each bridesmaid and groomsmen. They will feel very special and this will let your guests know more about each person. But, back to you, consider how you want to be introduced. Are you a feminisit? If so, first names only will do. This will take attention away from the fact that you are not taking his last name. If you’re more traditional, “Mr. and Mrs.” is the way to go. WHEN: The Grand Entrance kicks the party off. Have your band leader or DJ invite guests to the dinner area to give you a warm welcome. TOASTS Toasts are a great way to honor you and your new life. The best man, maid of honor and often father of the bride take part in this tradition. After everyone else has spoken, you and your groom should consider making a thank you speech to your guests. After all without them there would be no party. WHEN: The Toasts traditionally take place between dinner and the dessert course, however if you have a cinematographer, you should work this into his schedule. For instance, if the cinematographer is scheduled to leave during dinner, move the toasts to the beginning of the meal. CAKE CUTTING Symbolizing the first task you and your new husband will perform, the cake cutting is one of the favorite moments for your relatives. The anticipation of whether to smash or not to smash is something your aunt Betty will consider the perfect photo op. Grooms, if you are reading this, never smash—brides pay way too much for their makeup application to have it ruined by marzipan and butter cream. WHEN: After dinner and toasts. Cake cutting should flow right into opening the dance floor. The guests will already be out of their seats and ready to party. FORMAL DANCES Even if you are just having a morning brunch without live entertainment, you will still want to dance with your new husband. It is the one and only time your husband will feel obligated to dance so take advantage of it. Depending on the time of the day and style of reception, you may also consider the following dances: Father/Daughter Dance: Just as it implies, this is where you spend a few minutes one on one with your daddy. Fathers love this stuff so if you are considering omitting this, definitely check in with your dad to ensure he is okay with skipping a dance with his little girl. Mother/Son Dance: This dance is set aside for the groom and his mother, although more and more couples are combining this dance with the father/daughter dance, as to get the dance floor open a little quicker. Consider a nice big band song from Frank Sinatra or Louis Armstrong for this special moment. Wedding Party Dance: A little passé, the wedding party dance is where each bridesmaid dances with each groomsmen. If it is important for you to have pictures of each of your bridal attendants dancing, consider allowing them to dance with their significant other rather than with a person they barely know. Also, in an effort to keep guests entertained, consider inviting all couples to the dance floor half way through this song. WHEN: After the cake cutting is time to participate in these traditions, however again, this is something you will want your photographer to cover so make sure to incorporate it into the timeline where he will be around. Also, if you want to break it up a bit, schedule each formal dance between each dinner course. BOUQUET & GARTER TOSS A tradition made to celebrate marriage which symbolically passes the torch to the next woman and man to tie the knot, the bouquet and garter toss can be a great way to interact with your guests. Before determining whether this tradition is right for you, review your guest list carefully to determine the amount of single people in attendance. If you only have one or two single female friends they may feel uncomfortable participating. Don’t worry though, even if you don’t have many single guests, you can still toss the bouquet. Simply have your DJ invite all ladies to the dance floor. The catcher wins a dance with your groom. WHEN: You will get better participation in this tradition after your guests have had a couple glasses of wine. For this reason, the bouquet & garter toss should be held later in the event after the dance floor has been open for 45 minutes or so. OTHERS If none of the above traditions catch your eye, consider some of the following: 1. Anniversary Dance: Invite all married couples to the dance floor. Have your DJ eliminate the couples slowly based on how long they have been married. Starting with, “sit down if you have been married 24 hours or less” and going up to 10, 15 and 20 years until only the couple who has been married the longest is still on the dance floor. This is a great way to celebrate not only a wedding, but marriage as a whole. 2. Honeymoon Dance: A good way to make a few extra bucks on your wedding night. Each guest pays one dollar or more to dance with you or your fiancée for about 10 seconds. 3. Cultural Games & Traditions: If you are familiar with your ethnicity consider incorporating something fun from this background into the celebration. For instance, if Danish, you might have a waltz that ends in the socks being cut off of the groom. Or, if Jewish, the horrah is a tradition you won’t want to miss. ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/50616 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/50616 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:33:00 PST It's my FH's birthday today. He's 20 now. I turned 20 in early January. I was planning his birthday dinner and it made me wonder, how many other women here on WBC are older than their man. ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/50564 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/50564 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 06:21:00 PST Originally, we had planned on having my bachelorette party at our apartment, but since we just bougt a house and will be moving before we get married, it's now going to be at our house. My FH was pissed when I told him he couldn't be there when we had the bachlorette party at the apartment. When I brought up having it at our house and kicking him out again he got so pissed! My bachelorette party isn't going to be anything crazy or wild, just a bunch of girls hanging out eating and playing games and talking. So I told my FH he could stay but he couldn't be in the room. He said he would be in the garage working on the car all night. I said fine. I really don't want him there, but he doesn't want to be forced to leave his house. Is it weird if he's in the house that night?]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/50395 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/50395 Sun, 08 Mar 2009 12:02:00 PST When we went in there to get the bridesmaid's dresses picked out and look for my dress, they couldn't find my account online so I had to guess at the dresses I picked. Today, my mom when in to get my sister's dress and they said they couldn't give my mom the credit I had from my tiara (long story). I got into a screaming match with the manager because they FUCKED up and were blaming me and telling me I wasn't paying attention to what she was saying. It was a bridezilla moment, but the stupid girl brought it on herself. Then I get another call from my mom, who by this time has had her own fight with them and left and come back twice. She tells me they don't have my other MOH dress size that we made a very specific trip to get. They said it must just not have gotten written down, BITCH PLEASE! So now my MOH and my mom have to make another trip to get her sized again and pay for her dress. David's Bridal has been nothing but problems!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/50109 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/50109 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:39:00 PST Maybe this is a weird question, but people keep saying we're too young to get married. I just turned 20 and my fiance will be 20 next week, so we're both going to be 20 when we get married. How old will you and your FH be?]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/49896 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/49896 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:35:00 PST I am wearing elbow length gloves on my wedding day, and I don't know what to do with them after I walk down the aisle, specifically when it comes times to exchange rings. I heard you could put a slit in the glove so he can slip the ring on, but does that look weird and what do you do when it's time to take pictures? I don't know if I should take them both off, because one would look dumb. I really love the gloves, but I don't want it to be ackward during the ceremony. Any of you ladies wearing gloves, and if so, what are you doing with yours during the ceremony and after? Thank you!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/49796 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/49796 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:40:00 PST We went to look at a bunch of houses last Sunday afternoon. We found some houses we liked, but just weren't what we were looking for. We were at the 4th or 5th house and didn't have anymore to look at, but just before we were about to call it quits, we decided to look at a house that was a long shot. We assumed it would be a quick trip and we would quickly eliminate it from our list of possibilities. We pulled in the driveway and were pleasantly surprised by the house; it looked better in person than it did in the pictures. We walked in the door, looked at each other, and smiled. We signed on an offer an hour later. Its 1500 sq ft. open floor plan, 3 bed, 2 full bath, one and a half attached car garage, brand new kitchen, fireplace, and double lot. They accepted our offer, so the only thing left is the inspection. If it passes, it's ours, if not, we won't get our loan and we don't get the house. Cross your fingers it goes well!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/49708 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/49708 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:25:00 PST http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/49367 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/49367 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:22:00 PST Time - Event 8:00 AM -Meet at K’s Parent’s House 8:15 AM -Leave for FI 9:00 AM -Start Decorating/Flowers at FI 12:00 PM -Head back to K’s Parent’s House 1:00 PM -Hair Appointments 3:00 PM -Everyone Dressed and Ready To Go 4:00 PM -Groom and Groomsmen at FI . For Guys Only Pictures 4:30 PM -Bride and Bridesmaids at FI CEREMONY STARTS 5:00 PM -Ceremony Begins *Welcome (opening of the ceremony) *Presentation of the Bride *Consent *Unity Candle Ceremony *Personal Wedding Vows *Explanation of the Rings *Blessing of the Rings *Ring Exchange Vows *Wedding Prayer/Blessing *Pronouncement of Husband and Wife *Kiss *Presentation of the Bride and Groom 5:30 PM -Start Family/Wedding Party Pictures 6:30 PM -Finish with Pictures RECEPTION STARTS 6:45 PM -Introduction of Bridal Party 6:50 PM -Introduction of Newlyweds 6:55 PM -Best Man’s Speech 7:00 PM -Dinner is Served 7:05 PM -Maid of Honor Speech 7:10 PM -Any Other Toasts 7:35 PM -Official Dance: Bride & Father 7:40 PM -Official Dance: Groom & Mother 7:50 PM -Introduction of Cake 8:00 PM -General Dancing 9:00 PM -Trow of the Bouquet 9:10 PM -Throw of the Garter 9:20 PM -General Dancing 11:00 PM -Special Thank You to Friends & Family 11:15 PM -Departure of Newlyweds ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/49362 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/49362 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:00:00 PST White Pines Inn CabinCABIN AMENITIES • Queen Bed and Double Trundle • Gas Log Fireplace (available Sept. 1-June 1) • Private Bathrooms with Showers (some cabins also have bath tubs) • Linens Provided • 2 Cabins Are Handicap Accessible • Air Conditioning and Heat • Mini Refrigerators • Phones and TVs It's an hour and a half from our location but it's only $212 for Friday and Saturday nights!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/49077 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/49077 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:39:00 PST Since money is a little tight, we are trying to find ways to cut our wedding costs. I saw an article about a California couple who were getting married by on of their relatives. Our officiant is costing us $275, and while I know that's pretty normal or even low, we could have my FH uncle do it and it would mean so much more (as well as cheaper). I'm not thrilled with our current officiant anyways, so I'm not having any second thoughts about replacing her. Here's what I need to figure out: Can anyone be certified to marry us in Illinois. I'm having a lot of trouble finding answers and I was hoping so of you ladies might know something. Please, clue me in on this!!!!!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/49033 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/49033 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:18:00 PST I have finally decided on some of the major flowers: 1. Bridesmaids Bouquets - I don't want to change anything except one or two less of each of the different colored roses. We have 5 bridesmaids. 2. Corsages - There are 6 people who will be wearing the corsages: my mom, his mom, my 2 grandmothers, and his 2 grandmothers. The grandmothers' corsages will have blue roses, rather than the red roses. Our mothers' corsages will have white roses, rather than the red roses. 3. Boutonnieres - There are 11 people who will be wearing the boutonnieres: my FH, 5 groomsmen, my grandfather, his 2 grandfathers and our fathers. The roses will be partially open and all will be blue, except for my FH, whose will be white.]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/48987 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/48987 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:50:00 PST We've been talking about what we're going to do for our honeymoon the last couple of weeks. Originally, we had planned on going to a hotel called Sybaris and spending 2 nights there. (The room we were going to get had it's own pool and waterfall!) But when my aunt didn't pay for my dress like she said she would, the money that would have been spent on our honeymoon got spent on my dress. We're also trying to buy a house right now and we want to try to get pregnant a couple of months after we get married. I'm still a full time student and will be until May 2010, so I'm only working part-time right now. We were hoping to have our first baby right after I graduate so that I can spend the summer recooperating before looking for a job in August 2010. We will be ok paying our mortgage payment, bills, wedding, etc. on his full-time and my part-time jobs. However, we won't be able to save much of anything, until I get a full-time job. Sorry that was so long. We can't afford anything huge for our honeymoon, but I would still like it to be something special. I want to look back on it and not be able to hold back my smile. What would you ladies do in my situation?]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/48879 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/48879 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:36:00 PST I am not the world's best driver, but I'm no where near the worst either. Every Thursday I meet my FH for lunch so that we can spend a little time together since he's at work from 6:30am to 3:30pm and I work 3-10pm. I have class at the same time his lunch ends, so I end up missing the first couple of minutes of my class. Today, after we ate and kissed each other goodbye, I was driving the 3 minute drive to the school parking lot. At the stop light before the parking lot entrance, I was stopped behind a van. When the light changed, I guess I must have sped up faster than the van cuz I felt the jolt as I slammed into it. I followed them onto a side road and got out. I was crying of course. The people in the van were an older couple. I just kept saying I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry. The lady looked at the dent, and said no biggie are you ok. I said of course and he hugged me and said everything was just fine and not to worry. They asked if I was on my way to class and I said yeah, and they said not to worry about insurance and just to get myself to class on time. I offered to give them my insurance again and they kept saying don't worry as long as you're ok. Just calm down and go to class. So I did, but thinking back on it again, it seems so strange. I don't know who was looking out for me, but they kindness and understanding of those two people definately showed me that side of people that you usually don't get to see. ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/48821 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/48821 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 06:49:00 PST Something Old is meant to represent the link with the bride's own family and the past particularly mother or grandmother or even most distant relations. Something old is symbolic of continuity. To symbolise this link brides may choose to wear a piece of antique family jewellery which belonged to the relative. Alternatatively they may select something from the mother's or grandmother's wedding gown. Other things that may be chosen include a handkerchief, a scarf or a piece of lace. Something New represents good luck and success and the brides hopes for a bright future in her new married life. The wedding gown is often chosen as the new item but it could be anything that is purchased new for the wedding such as the wedding flowers or the wedding rings. Wearing a new item on your wedding day conveys the message that you and your husband are creating a new union that will endure forever. Something Borrowed is to represent to the bride that friends and family will be there for her on the special day and in the future when help is needed. "Borrowing" is especially important, since it has to come from a happily married woman, thereby lending the bride some of her own marital happiness to carry into the new marriage. Anything can be borrowed but it must be returned afterwards. Another way to incorporate a borrowed item into your wedding day attire is to borrow a friend’s piece of jewellery. If you have a close friend who has worn the same necklace for as long as you have known her, you might consider borrowing this particular necklace for your wedding day as a reminder of your friendship. Perhaps she wore the necklace on her own wedding day. Something Blue in ancient times is the symbol of faithfulness, purity and loyalty. Often a blue item is the garter and in olden times the couple wore blue bands on the border of their wedding attire to denote, love, modesty and fidelity. Another way to wear something blue is to include a blue flower in your headdress or theme your wedding flowers in blue. Brides have been honoring the tradition of wearing an old, a new, a borrowed and a blue item during their wedding for centuries. Although wearing these items is supposed to symbolise good luck for the bride, they are also just a fun tradition that gives the bride an opportunity to express her admiration for a few special people in her life on her special day. Something Old - locket with my papa's picture tied to my bouquet Something New - my wedding dress Something Borrowed - the handkerchief my grandma carried at her wedding Something Blue - my garter ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/48820 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/48820 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 06:42:00 PST MY LOVE ~ Linda Lee Elrod ~ When I met you, I had no idea how much my life was about to be changed... but then, how could I have known? A love like ours happens once in a lifetime. You were a miracle to me, the one who was everything I had ever dreamed of, the one I thought existed only in my imagination. And when you came into my life, I realized that what I had always thought was happiness couldn't compare to the joy loving you brought me. You are a part of everything I think and do and feel, and with you by my side, I believe that anything is possible. (this day) gives me a chance to thank you for the miracle of you... you are, and always will be, the love of my life. THE ART OF MARRIAGE ~ Author Wilferd A. Peterson ~ The little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have wings of an angel. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding room for the things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner. ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/47912 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mrsatwater/milestones/47912 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:11:00 PST I know we all dream about being Cinderella and wearing beautiful, rhinestone studded shoes, but somehow comfort won over fashion. My FH and I are only 5" apart and if I was wearing 3" heels, that would put us pretty darn close to the same height. Neither one of us likes how close we are in height when I wear heels, so I decided to get flats for my shoes. Not only will I not be taller, I also don't have to worry about my shoes killing my feet. They're not the most fancy shoes, but they are satin and they're white, and they're flat so yippy! I might add some pearls to the bows to make the shoes fit with our theme. EEEEKKK!!!!]]>