http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf .mygen { Created using MyGen 2.5 - www.mygen.co.uk } .mygen { Background Properties } table, tr, td { background-color:transparent; border:none; border-width:0;} body { background-image:url(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b166/shelberrrs/TU27096.jpg); } .mygen { Table Properties } table table { border: 0px } table table table table{border:0px} table table table { background-color:FFFFFF; } ]]> Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:05:52 PST en-us http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/98916 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/98916 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:12:00 PST Im so excited here is the preview to our photos to come! Amanda and Crystal are truly gifted photographers check out their blog as they have set up this preview! http://amwphotography.blogspot.com/ ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/94717 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/94717 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:47:00 PST Just thought I would give you girls a heads up. If you have not ordered your invites and want pocket folds go to www.cardsandpockets.com They are offereing 25% off all orders between now and November 15th, just enter code# 305568 at checkout! This is who I used for mine, they are affordable and well made. Plus they have lots to choose from! ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/94550 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/94550 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:32:00 PST I just added some new items to my website in the SALE!!! section! Also the L O V E dishes are still a hot item! Don't forget you can also spell out anything you like such as... L ? B S M I T H M & J and much more Check it all out in my store: http://stores.ebay.com/EVER-AFTER-Weddings-Boutique]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/94403 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/94403 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:29:00 PST Brian and I decided to write our own ceremony. We knew we didnt want a long drawn out one. We also did not want anything to formal or to religious (more spiritual). This was what we came up with, many of our guests said they found it refreshing and special. I thought I would share it with my WBC family! Welcome, family, friends and loved ones. We gather here today to celebrate the wedding of Leanne and Brian. True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage between two persons. In its right relation, it's the uniting of two souls already attuned to each other. When such a true bond already exists between man and woman, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgment be made. This acknowledgment is the prime object of this gathering and this ceremony. We are here to bear witness to the entry into a closer relationship, that of husband and wife, between these beloved friends who are already one in spirit, to offer your love and support to this union, and to allow Leanne and Brian to start their married life together surrounded by the people dearest and most important in their lives. Leanne and Brian thank you for your presence here today and now ask for your blessing, encouragement, and lifelong support, for their decision to be married. Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure of all human relationships. No ceremony can create your marriage; only you can do that – through love and patience; through dedication and perseverance; through talking and listening, helping and supporting and believing in each other; through tenderness and laughter; through learning to forgive, learning to appreciate your differences, and by learning to make the important things matter, and to let go of the rest. What this ceremony can do is to witness and affirm the choice you make, today, to stand together as life long partners. You are now taking into your care and keeping the happiness of the one person in the entire world whom you love best. You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other, but also the companionship and blessing of a deep trust as well. You are agreeing to share strength, responsibilities, and to share love. In the spirit of the importance of a strong friendship to a marriage, Brian and Leanne have asked his cousin Ceslie to read a selection about love. (reading of EE Cummings, I carry your heart, to take place now) Brian, if it is your will to take this woman to be your wedded wife please respond I will. Groom: I will And Leanne, if it your will to take this man to be your wedded husband please respond I will. Bride: I will Two people in love do not live in isolation. Their love is a source of strength with which they may nourish not only each other but also the world around them. And in turn, we, their community of friends and family, have a responsibility to this couple. By our steadfast care, respect, and love, we can support their marriage and the new family they are creating today. Will everyone please rise. Officiant: Will all of you who are present here today, surround Brian and Leanne in love, offering them the joys of your friendship, and supporting them in their marriage? If you so do please reply, we will. All: We will Officiant Thank you, you may be seated. We've come to the point of your ceremony where you're going to exchange your vows with one another. But before you do that, I ask you to remember that love – which is rooted in faith, trust, and acceptance - will be the foundation of an abiding and deepening relationship. No other ties are more tender, no other vows more sacred than those you now assume. If you are able to keep the vows you take here today, not because of any religious or civic law, but out of a desire to love and be loved by another person fully, without limitation, then your life will have joy and the home you establish will be a place in which you both will find your sanctuary. Please join hands, Brian repeat after me. I, Brian, take you, Leanne to be my wedded wife. With deepest joy I receive you into my life that together we may be one. I promise you my love and devotion, and my tenderest care. I pledge to you my life as a loving and faithful husband. Now Leanne repeat after me. I, Leanne, take you, Brian to be my wedded husband. I promise to be there when you need me, to comfort you and encourage you, to help you reach your goals, to be your best friend ever, and to love you all my life, with all my heart. May I have the rings, please? The ring by its shape is a symbol of the undying love that exists between you. The substance of which it is composed is a symbol of purity, which shall ever characterize your mind and hearts in all your actions together. Its shape, the circle, represents eternity, and that love is everlasting. I ask for the blessings of the wind upon these rings, that you share communication and creativity. The blessings of fire upon these rings, that you share passion and spirit. The blessings of water upon these rings, that you share love and compassion. The blessings of the earth upon these rings, that you share health and vitality. The constant circle of love you share is symbolized in these rings. Let them be a sign of your friendship and the partnership you have come to celebrate on this day. When the waters are rough, let these rings remind you of the ebb and flow of life. Let these rings remind you of the happiness you feel at this moment, and let your memory soothe your spirit. Brian as you place this ring on Leanne’s finger, please repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a token of faith, a promise of loyalty and as a gift of my love for you. Now Leanne as you place this ring on Brian’s finger, please repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a token of faith, a promise of loyalty and as a gift of my love for you. Today, Leanne and Brian have chosen to commemorate their marriage through the celebration of the Sand Ceremony. This ceremony symbolizes the inseparable union of bride and groom into a new and eternal marital relationship. Leanne and Brian will simultaneously pour separate containers of sand into one common vessel. Each grain of sand in their separate containers represents a unique and singular moment, decision, feeling or event that helped to shape them into separate and unique individuals that they are today. As they pour their sand from their individual containers into one common vessel, those separate independent individuals will cease to exist alone. Instead they will merge into a loving and supportive marital partnering. Leanne and Brian, just as the grains of sand can never be separated into their individual containers again, so will your marriage be. Now please take your separate glasses of sand and alternate the pouring of sand into this joining vessel. United please repeat after me: I blend with you my heart, like these grains of sand, merging with yours. I am yours. You are mine. We are together forever, like the sand, we are one. (After pouring couple returns to original position) May you always need one another, not so much to fill the emptiness as to help each other know your fullness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you embrace one another, but not encircle one another. May you succeed in all important ways with each other, and not fail in the little graces. Look for things to praise, often say 'I love you' and take no notice of small faults. May you have happiness, and may you find it in making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it in loving one another. And now by the power of your love and commitment, and the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may seal this union with a kiss! Ladies and gentlemen, Please get your bubble kisses ready as it is with great honor for me to introduce to you, for the very first time, Mr. & Mrs. Brian Fagan! ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/92457 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/92457 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:57:00 PST Well we are home from our honeymoon! It was a relaxing week. We didnt do as much as we had thought we would. Honestly, we were just to darn tired! We didnt leave the hotel much! We did manage to make it to Sea World, what a nice day that was as there was hardly anyone there! Mostly we hung out on the beach, by the pool or just stayed in our room! ::wink wink:: The hotel upgraded us to a suite, which was really nice. It had a huge balcony that we really enjoyed! We didnt want to come home, but now that we are Im glad. I missed our dogs, lol! I have to say now that all is said and done I am relieved. We had a wonderful experience from wedding to honeymoon! I would not change a thing, but I am glad that life can get back to normal! I will post more about the wedding and vendor reviews very soon! And of course once the pro pics come in I will post them as well. I have started getting some from guests that I will put up in the next few days! ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/90910 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/90910 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:12:00 PST Im a MRS.! Horray! We had an AWESOME day!! Zero complaints, really! I have a busy day today, getting ready for our honeymoon. When we get back I will dish on everything! See you ladies next week!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/89881 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/89881 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:28:00 PST Well Ladies, it been an awesome year getting to know you, getting to share with you and getting and giving inspiration with you. With just 3 days left, Im off for some pampering! I wish you other gals who are getting hitched this weekend a wonderful and blessed event! I can't wait to come back and share the joys of our day with you all! Much love to all you WBC brides, it's been a blast! xoxo Leanne See you on the other side as Mrs. Fagan!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/89197 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/89197 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:52:00 PST Everything is DONE! We had to redo a few things due to a last minute change in bridal party members, its all done now. Everything is all packed, organized and ready to go. I think I have my nerves in check, again! It's just been a stressful month with weddings issues and a dog who is having multiple surgeries. 2 more days of work, follwed by two days of pampering, rehearsal day and then our "I do's". ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/88946 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/88946 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:45:00 PST Ok so it started mildly on Saturday, then a little more yesterday and now today I am rife with anxiety. Some of it is pure excitement, some stress, some worry. I have two more days of work to get thru and I am praying I dont flip out on my clients. AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I need UPS to deliver my calming tablets and fast!!! Ok just inhale and exhale, now do it again! ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/88720 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/88720 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:41:00 PST After a year and three months of planning I can not believe that this time next week I will be getting ready to marry the man I love most in this world. Girls, I am 33 years old and have waited for this day for a very long time. I had to kiss a lot of frogs to find my prince. I woke up this morning (tried to sleep in but could not) and looked over at the man who will be my husband and thought how blessed and thankful I am to have him in my life. My fairytale dream is about to become a true to life reality....I have to pinch myself. All the planning is done, now its time to sit back and watch it come to fruition. I am excited beyond words! I just want to thank you all for your words of encouragment, your support through tough times and your inspiration over the past year. You girls have been wonderful! I just had to say it now, in case I dont get a chance to before I head down the aisle. So again, THANK YOU!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/87924 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/87924 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:10:00 PST So this is the mock set up we did on our dining table with our candy jars. They will be set up on a round table in the foyer (pic 2)of the castle. I cant wait to see what its gonna look like with all the candy in them! Note the small red bouquet in the background that will actually look like the flowers in pic 3. OH Boy! 11 more days! ps Has anyone else noticed how the WBC counter on our pages is a day ahead of itself?]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/87815 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/87815 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:45:00 PST Well I've been praying for the last two weeks about this but we got final word today...and Im bummed My cousin, who I'd asked to be my bridesmaid, lives in England. She and her husband (who is a brit) where planning on flying out her tomorrow to be at our wedding. Back in July she had to reapply for her visa and was applying for citizenship. The government required she and her hubby send their passports with her aplication. Fast forward almost 4 months and they have not gotten their passports back, hence no flight to the US. She has been calling and writing, begging really, that they expedite her application. She finally got word back that unless someone has died (really?) that no other request would push her app thru any faster. She is devasted and feels as though she is letting me down. I am upset at the situation but am understanding. It just wont be the same with out her here. Since we were little girls we always said we would be in each others wedding. Now its not going to happen. We have however in a last minute decision have asked Brian's cousin to step into my cousins place. Luckily David's Bridal had the dress in her size and our color in stock. So even though we will still have an even amount of BM's and GM....I will still be missing my cousin and wishing she could have stood there with me. I just keep saying....everything happens for a reason! Words to live by!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/87485 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/87485 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:33:00 PST So with just two weeks until the wedding I am in final organization mode. Going thru stuff I came across a few items that I will not be using and therefore am able to sell. Item #1- Off White Hair Fascinator by Illusions Bridal-$50 I purchased it thinking I was going to use it instead of wearing a veil, however my family has guilted me into wearing a veil and now I feel that wearing both willbe too much. This is brand new and was never worn. It retails for $70. S/H$4.50 Item #2- Red and Damask Table Numbers (2-18) - $10 These are the table numbers I originaly made. They are 6X6 square. I did not make a #1 as I felt our sweetheart table would be #1 but that we did not need a table number, so I started at #2 and went thru #18 (that means there are 17 numbers). I ended up making another set with a slightly different damask pattern. These have been sitting wrapped up in a box for the past eight months and I hate to see them go to waste. Im just asking for a small amount to recoup my supplies. S/H $3.00 Item #3- 1/8" Red Ribbon (5- 10 yard spools) - $2.50 Offray Brand Ribbon. Great for tying up favors or to put on your bubbles. I over bought and had lots extra. S/H $1.50 Item #4- Black Candleholders with hanging crystals(2) - $15.00 4 1/2" diameter x 9 1/4" high. S/H $6.50 Item #50 34 Clear Votive Candle Holders (candle not included) -$15.00 S/H to be determined upon location of shipment. If anyone is interested in any of these items please email me at shelberrrs@yahoo.com, I accpet Paypal, Thanks!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/86675 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/86675 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:27:00 PST I had my final dress fitting today. I am sooooo in love with my dress! My matron of honor and one of my BM's came along so they could learn how to tie me into the dress and bustle it! Here is a photo of the bustle I chose! SUPER HAPPY! BTW, I got completely lucky...my dress fit me right out of the box. NO alterations at all. I just had to pay $60 to put the bustle in! I thought that was amazing and rather unheard of! ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/85966 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/85966 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:05:00 PST Ok, ok I admit I starting to feel a little overwhelmed. 22 days to I do and I've still got a bit of work to do. Finish programs DONE Finish seating charts DONE Give final head count to caterer and pay the balance DONE Purchase candy for the buffet DONE Finish the Emegency Kit Pick up my gown Pay off Bakery DONE Pay off the DJ Book wedding night hotel room JUST BOOKED! I think that is it! Work is crazy busy and we are caring for a pet that just had surgery and will need one more in the next month! IT'S CRAZY right now....I cant wait for our honeymoon so I can turn my brain off! ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/84802 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/84802 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:53:00 PST Yep, four weeks from right now I will be a Mrs. and dancing away at my reception! I can not believe we are with in the one month countdown! Time has just flown by and I'm in the final stretch. Almost all the RSVP's are in and Im just tying up a few DIY's. I am pretty pleased with everything! I had my dress fitting on Friday, the dress fit like a glove no alterations were needed. They are just putting in the bustle and I will be picking it up in a week! I hope all you October brides are ready! Our month is upon us! Best of Luck to you all...cant wait to hear how everyone's day goes and to finally share mine with you all!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/83733 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/83733 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:49:00 PST So now that the RSVP's are coming in I have been able to start our place cards for the tables. These are 4x4 black satin photo books with satin ribbons. They hold 10 photos each. We have a seating chart that will be by the guest table that will instruct guests which table to go to. Then at each place setting there will one of these photobooks that establish which seat the person takes. It also doubles as a marker for the servers to know which entree selection the guest chose (they get to choose between beef, chicken ot fish). I am super happy with how these are turning out. I have about 30 or so done so far. We have our final meeting with the caterers tomorrow at our location. I cant believe there is only 5 weeks left until the wedding. Im super excited!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/83412 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/83412 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:40:00 PST This week we started getting our RSVP's back in the mail. Everyday there are a few. So far all but 1 is a yes! This is exciting! 5 weeks from today is the wedding. ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/82682 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/82682 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:31:00 PST Wow, So I went to the beach on Monday with my mom and Brian. We wanted to escape the smokey air for a few hours. We had a great time body surfing. But then we got home and the color and pain set in. Im not a happy camper at the moment. And with only 38 days until the wedding I am freaking out that my skin is going to be screwed because of this....I look like a raccoon. Im applying every home sunburn remedy I know of. Lesson learned..my Irish white ass will stay out of the sun!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/81266 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/81266 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:32:00 PST So it is burning all around us. We evacuated my grandmother who is 86 and her 93 year olf sister 4 days ago. They have been staying with us. Last night my mom and cousin had to leave so now the are with us too! Full house! We also have 5 evacuated horses in our back yard. This is the scariest fire by far that I have ever lived trhough. The smoke is so thick and heavy, breathing has been fun! They say containment will not happen until the 15th unless this storm off the coast comes in and we get rain....(wishing I knew and Indian rain dance right about now). Anyhow..today was supposed to be my wedding dress fitting but I had to cancel and re schedule due to freeway closures and all my houseguests...I was so excited and thats been dashed! OH WELL! All that matters for now it that my family and animals are safe. And that these wonderful fire fighters are keeping their homes and structures intact! Please pray for all the personnel that are out there putting their lives on the line to not only fight this huge and devastating fire but the other 7 that are burning here in California! Everytime I drive past them we give the applause and thumbs up for the wonderful job they are doing!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/80759 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/80759 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:26:00 PST We have started our pre-wedding beauty routine. Once a week until the wedding....scrub and mask! So here we sit with our green faces....but after it is oh so smooth skin! I love that my man is secure with himself to allow me to torture him just a bit! Even if he has to make a crazy face! LOL]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/80628 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/80628 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 01:04:00 PST Well there is not a whole heck of a lot to do. I am mailing out invites today. That is exciting!! I still need to.... -put the programs together -pay off a few vendors -put the seating chart together (once RSVPs come in) -pick up my gown -have a final meeting with the caterer -finalize hair style and decide if im wearing a veil cant think of any thing else so I feel like Im in pretty good shape! All you October brides keep your eye on the prize! ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/80585 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/80585 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:02:00 PST They are all printed, assembled and stamped! Mailing them tomorrow, Whoo hoo! This makes everything feel really real. Can't wait for the RSVP's to rolling in! Now it's getting exciting! ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/79354 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/79354 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:07:00 PST We went to the county courthouse today and got our marriage license. Boy was that an expeience! Now in California you can start the process online. You fill out you application so you dont have to wait hours in line when you go. We still had to stand in line for and hour and a half amidst screaming children and I think we were the only English speaking people in there and the only ones trying to get a marriage license. Glad that is done and over with. After solemly swearing that neither of us were currently or ever married in the past. They gave us our official papers and we were out the door. 58 days until we complete them and are offically MR and MRS! ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/78924 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/78924 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:35:00 PST I cant believe we are 60 days away. I am tying up all the loose ends so that I can retain my sanity as we draw nearer. Good Luck to all you October Brides out there! xoxo]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/77138 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/77138 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:10:00 PST 70 days and counting.....! Tomorrow is my first bridal shower, cant wait! Just mailed off the final payment for our venue. Just a few more tasks and projects to finish. Invites are almost all assembled and will be ready for mailing at the end of the month! How are all you October Brides coming along? It's gonna be here before you know it! ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/76982 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/76982 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:42:00 PST We wanted to get kids something that could be useful but also something that will last and be remembered. We found the car alarm clock for Ty which is perfect because he is a car fanatic. The train bank for Jake, again he is Thomas the Tank fan so the bank is perfect. For the girls we got them both the heart shaped jewelry boxes. All items are being engraved with their names on them. I am really happy with our choices and I think the kids will really like them too!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/76870 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/76870 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:41:00 PST Brian finally chose and purchased his groomsman gifts. He bought these cool rubber grip swiss army knifes for the boys and had each one engraved. They come in this cool little tin too! He bought them from Groomday.com, its a site devoted to gifts for the males in the wedding party(well they have a few things that work for the gals too!). They were just under $19 each. Not a bad price at all!]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/76685 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/76685 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:22:00 PST So after months of it sitting in suspension I finally ordered our guestbook. I found Photoworks.com a few years back. We had spent almost a month in Europe and I had a ton of pics that people wanted to see but didnt want to ruin. So I made a photobook from PW so I would have and easy way to share our adventure. I knew back then that I would use them to make our guest book. As soon as our Engagment pics were done and I had them in hand I made our book, but for some reason just kept forgetting to order. Last night it popped into my head and I said to myself..."get it ordered now" so I did! I used all my favorite pics from our engagement session and in between I left blank pages so our guests can leave us messages. If you would like to see what I did go to: http://www.photoworks.com/photo-sharing/shareSigninBook.jsp?shareCode=AF52BE2C8F2&cp=ems_shr_alb_emb&cb=PW You should be able to preview it there. I have about 4 photobooks from this company. They do a wonderful job. So if any of you girls decide to go this route for your guest book I highly reccommend them! UPDATE: I just got an email that my GB shipped. I just ordered it last night (after business hours). So they printed and shipped it in less than 24 hours. Shipping is 5 Business days so I should have it by next Thrusday. ]]> http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/76539 http://www.weddingbycolor.com/tobemrsf/milestones/76539 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:31:00 PST Alright so my wedding has been a drama free zone until today. A little back story first. My grandmother's sister (Mina) lives in Idaho, she and I have never had a relationship and honestly I dont like her very much. I am only inviting her to the wedding out of respect for my grandmother and her daughter who I am quite close to. Ok so today I get a call from her daughter Christy letting me know that Mina is making her plans to come down for the wedding, mind you I have not even sent out the invites. She wanted to inform me that she would be bringing Christy's daughter Tamie and her daughter Morgan with her. To add another layer to the dislike...Tamie is my cousin whom I have not had much of a relationship with and who has always been very cold to me. Her daughter Morgan is even worse than her mom. Tamie always has said she is a "bitch" and that her goal was to make her daughter one. Goal accomplished. I had no intentions of extending an invite to either. And for that matter why would they want to come to my wedding anyway. Next I hear that my Aunt Christy's son will be in town that week and that she plans on bringing him to the wedding as well. He has never been around the family, so much so that I have only met him twice my entire life. I have to say I was taken aback to this news as 1) I was not planning on extra guests 2)that invites were a free for all to MY wedding. Mind you that having them means having to rent an additional table and linens, order another centerpiece, more favors, etc....) I informed Christy (nicely) that we are at our budgets limit on guests and that I didnt think I could accommodate these extra "crashers" ...um I mean "guests". Her response to me was..."well why did you choose to get married in such an expensive place if it meant you cant afford to invite your whole family?"... WTF!!!??? Is that any of her business? I said "because this is where we (brian and I) wanted to get married and that we were planning OUR wedding how WE wanted. I am not even inviting my father's brother (they cant come anyway) but its principle. Brian and I have both made exceptions where invites go. I have people who live right near me that I would love to have at my wedding but can not invite because it will push us over budget. Matter of fact: IT IS BRIAN'S AND MY WEDDING AND WE WILL DO WHAT WE WANT! After all we are paying for it. SO my question is am I being a bitchy bridezilla or am I within my rights of defending what we want? And should I simply call Mina and tell her that I will not be able to accommodate "her" extra guests. I dont want to start WW3 with my family but I also refuse to be railroaded by family, especially ones I am not that fond of in the first place. HELLLLPPP!]]>