New Face Added!

My apologies for the delay on some of the photos of the wedding party. My
sister will rarely let her photo be taken but I have managed to scan in a
picture of Veronica, my bridesmaid that lives in Texas. So feel free to visit
our Wedding Party Page to see her beautiful smiling face!

Color Me Pretty

I had a fabulous time with my Mary Kay lady, Susan Sever-Goetz, on Saturday. Susan is so much fun and promises I’ll look my best on the big day. I’ve been using my new products for the past couple days and I must say that I have already noticed an improvement in the hydration of my skin. This crazy winter is pretty harsh so I usually have issues with dryness during this time of year. And I’ve been doing the nightly routine thing too, removing my makeup, moisturizing, etc., which is something I’m not always so good at. So far so good anyway.

And…I’m so excited that Susan has agreed to help behind the scenes before the wedding and reception so we look our best, especially for photos and video!!! Can I just say I feel like a total rock star with my wedding day entourage?! Two wedding planners, a personal attendant, a makeup extraordinaire, and a partridge in a pear tree. (What’s next, wardrobe people so I can swap out dresses between events like the celebs do? Only kidding…I promise I won’t go THAT far!)

For the record, I am happy enough to be able to marry the man of my dreams, fairytale wedding or not. It just so happens Andy & I are kind of extremists and we are trying to create the most wonderful day we can, not only for us but our guests as well. I hope you will all be there to share it with us. Which reminds me, if you have not yet received a Save the Date postcard or magnet, that means we do not have your address on file. So please, please, PLEASE register on our guest list if you are interested in joining us for our very special day.

Rehearsal Dinner Location Booked!

After much debate over where we should hold our rehearsal dinner, Andy & I chose the River House in downtown Moline. They have excellent food, a full bar, Pepsi products – an absolute requirement for my personal attendant! , and are located within walking distance of the Radisson Hotel.

I am so excited to be able to cross things off my To Do list!

What a Guy!

I mentioned to Andy about my little DIY (do-it-yourself) card box project for the wedding. It was a little more hands on than I wanted to tackle myself so he jumped right in…although he’s taking far more steps to get it done than I would have. I wanted to screw it together and be done. When things weren’t going well I was ready to throw in the towel and try something easier. Not him. He wasn’t about to let this project get the best of him. He chose to sand down the wood frames and attempt to glue them together! (I’ll have to let you know how it turns out…they’re still drying!)

I Think I’ll Trash My Dress

Wait!!! Before you give me the evil eye, let me explain. When I first heard of this concept I was completely disgusted over the mere thought of it. Now that I’ve done a little more research, I am in love with the idea. Trashing The Dress does not necessarily mean to ruin your wedding gown. (Although, sometimes, sadly, it can.) My videographer perfers to call it “After I Do” and that is the term I am choosing to use going forward as well.

Some brides participate in actually ruining the gown to show their new husband that they will never need it again. Personally, if you are happily married, I think ruining your beautiful gown is in poor taste and even disrespectful to your marriage and new husband. However, I love the artsy aspect of “After I Do.” It gives the bride a chance to wear her gown again in meaningful or odd & contrasting locations that one would NEVER dream of wearing their wedding gown. Still why you ask? Some of the photography and videos I’ve seen are quite beautiful. Our videographer shot an “After I Do” session with a local bride in the snow. Check it out Here It really can be a beautiful thing.

I think it’s an interesting idea at the very least. I have no intention of ruining my new dress but think it’d be appropriate and fun to have some photos of us on a John Deere tractor since Andy bleeds green and yellow through and through. That’s one idea so far. Another might be some shots with my boys, since having dogs in the ceremony is simply out of the question. I’m going to start a list of other shots and locations I’d like to have to look back on many, many years from now so we can show our grandchildren. How fun would that be?!