Saturday is THE day!

Today's post will be my last one till next week!! I have been incredibly busy putting together programs...making out of town guest bags..ugh...today was a pretty bad day...it all caught up to me!

I finally got my dress back..and it fits great! I think I was at the seamstress about 5 times since Sunday..to today.. I was a bit worried..that she wasn't going to be able to pull it off..considering how many times I had to go back...Some of you may not know..but just a quick recap-the laundry cleaners (who specialize in wedding gowns) destroyed my gown! Thank goodness the store nearby...had my dress..or otherwise I'd be out looking for a new one because its not a new design...like 4 seasons ago :)

Yesterday I was at Michaels craft store and found the cutest photo prop ever! It only cost me 5.99!!! I can't wait to show you!! Also, our Reverend told us that we should practice our "kiss." I was like what? It should be PG rated and done slowly for photo opportunities!! I had to laugh..but it is the truth! I thought this couple did a good job! To see more pictures from this gorgeous wedding click HERE.

Dave Richards Photography

A huge thank you to everyone who has helped me in this amazing journey. I wish we all lived near each other and could do monthly wedding meetings :) You all sound like pretty amazing women!!

So, this Saturday around 4pm...say a little prayer that the sun in shining!!! I will be back as soon as I can to share with you every little detail!!

Good News/ Bad News

Soon as I landed in PA...I was anxious to get my hands on the placecards! I had them delivered to my parents house from the office of Penned & Pretty! They turned out gorgeous and I'm anxious to use them!!! So, of course I had to take some pictures :)

Please give credit:

stationary design: Teresa VanWagner

Caligraphy: Penned & Pretty

Now, onto some bad news...but don't worry it ends good :) Last evening..driving home from the airport, my Mother says... "OHH I have to tell you something!" in a "you will never believe this" tone. Long story short..the drycleaners destroyed my gown...not exactly sure of the details..I guess the silk had all this black ash like substance on it....They informed my Mother that this has never ever happend before! and...somehow they found the EXACT dress in Hershey, PA in my size...bought it off the rack for me and tomorrow I have my fitting!!! Now please keep in mind I am getting married next weekend. Deep breath! Also the dress and alterations are being covered. WHEW! wow, my friends that is the definition of LUCK :)

I was told there is always "something" that goes wrong..or happends with your wedding..I'm hoping that is my "something!"

I need to Focus!!

So, as I should be packing for my trip back home tomorrow..I find myself looking at blogs... and I came across my new favorite photographer!! Dave Richards Photography! Absolutely amazing! I think the shot below..is my new all time favorite!! It was taken at Disney! How fun and adorable!!

photo credit: Dave Richards Photography

Okay, back to focusing! Packing! Ugh! Click on the credit link to see more of these gorgeous engagement shots!

10 Days to Go!

So, honestly...where did that "200 days to go" day go? Well..they went..and it has come up fast!!! In just 10 days...this will be us! We fly home this Friday to tackle a ton of stuff this weekend...but I am hoping by Monday...I will be able to relax and enjoy my time home with family on Memorial Day!

photo credit: Hazelnut Photography

So, posts will be minimal...I still can't believe that its only in 10 days!!!!

Da Band

This past weekend we stopped by Robbins Bros to pick up the Fiance's wedding band! We have been so busy these past couple of weeks that we almost forgot about picking it up! Could you imagine?! So, I had to share with you a picture of his band! We decided to go with palladium....anyone else go this route?

These were the best two shots! I'm still learning how to use my camera!

ps.. I really love the ring box!

12 more days!

Meredith and Derek's Blog

After watching Greys Anatomy last week...it made me think about a lot! Life, death, love and weddings. I am so anxious to see what happens next season! So, I did a little searching..and I came across Meredith and Derek's wedding website :) Ya gotta check it out..very cute!

photo credit: ABC.com

Be sure to check out the guest book comments and favorite moments!

Woman to Woman Conversation

I wanted to share with you a book that I purchased at our "Weekend to Remember" a couple weeks ago. The book is called, For Woman Only. Why? Well...Shaunti Feldhahn the author, really breaks the relationship down...This book discusses why your husband reacts a certain way...what is going on in his mind...and those things we just don't get! It is a woman to woman conversation. I just finished reading..and this will be one of those books that I will keep forever and probably read over and over again throughout our marriage.

"Ready for an eye-opener? A mountain of meaningful information for any woman wanting to understand men at a profound level."

— Les and Leslie Parrott, Seattle Pacific University, authors of Love Talk

Shaunti Feldhahn also has books for the guys!! "For Men Only" and many others...take a peak at her website. The Fiance is half way thru his book! The books are short..and to the point...I didn't even have to ask him to read it...which is a very good sign :)

Pretty Please...

We decided to combine the Father/Daughter & Mother/Son dance. Now, we are in need of a song that would be appropriate for this dance. Has anyone else gone this route? If so, what song did you choose?

Photo Credit: Theorie Photography

I'm definitely feeling the pressure today! Only 17 more days!

What a nice surprise!

My Father...at the last minute booked us a quartet to play during the ceremony!! I couldn't believe it! My Mother said...every morning for about a month..she heard him on the computer searching for a quartet..listening to music samples...he was determined. He found a quartet at a local college: Lebanon Valley College. I met with them and they are perfect! Plus, they are half the cost of other quartets in the area. So, when searching for quartets..don't forget to check out local colleges in the area!

photo credit: Hazelnut Photography

Thanks Dad for your hard work and making our ceremony even more special! Love You!

Wango Tango

So, this past weekend...I let loose and went to Wango Tango in Irvine, CA. It was a blast! Black Eyed Peas...Flo Rida...rocked it out. They had a free photobooth..and we couldn't resist. They had to come and boot us out actually :) I had to share with you some of our booth pictures! It felt good to put the wedding planning on the back burner for one evening...

19 Days to go!!!

Happy Mums Day!

My Mother has been so amazing these past couple of weeks...She has been driving everywhere helping me get some of the "to dos" checked off the list. So a huge thank you to my Mom :) I wish I was home with her today with the family. It's days like today....when I wished I didn't live across the country! So, a big Happy Mums Day to my Mother and all the Moms out there!!

This is a picture from my shower. My bridesmaids..Mom in the middle and I am in pink:)

Today we had our second official dance lesson..and we finally learned the entire choreography! Our instructor Lisa, video taped it for us..so we can remember exactly all the moves! We seriously have to practice now..no messing around :) For the first time today..I used my wedding shoes...which made the dance even harder! It was very difficult to be "graceful." But..after 2 hours of practice I think I nailed it....now..how will I do in my wedding dress!!!

I also located a place back home who will clean my dress and keep it beautiful up to the day of my wedding! YAY! and Whew!

There was also a problem with our rehearsal dinner spot..so now it has been changed to the resort..not what I pictured..but it works...nobody has to drive now...and it will be a pasta meal...which is my favorite..So, stuff is coming together...and I think I'm doing a good job holding it together :)

Out of Towners!

So, my next thing to tackle are the OOT bags! We have several rooms booked to my happiness!! We have several guests flying in from Los Angeles and I want to make sure I supply items that are unique to PA....the east coast. As I was searching..I came across this post on weddingbee. They mention items that are unique to different areas...very helpful!

For the Philadelphia area it shares:

• Tastykakes, Soft Pretzels, Goldenberg's Peanut Chews, Yards Beer, Wissahickon Water, Directions to Tony Luke's
• Liberty Bell postcards, Cheez Whiz, Herr's Chips, Hershey's kisses!

So, I figure I would go off this list but focus on the local town nearby, Gettysburg which is a huge area for civil war buffs. It is a tourist area and I plan on supplying info on "things to do."

Now, what do I put all this wonderful stuff into? Well, this will be tricky. I am currently loving the gable boxes! Check out Mrs. Sushi's OOT gable boxes!! But at the same time I must remind myself of my budget!!!

Very adorable....Has anyone ordered any? Know of any specific site? Any suggestions as to whatelse to add to the OOT boxes?

Left to tackle..

I had one busy week at home! I met with my amazing wedding coordinator who helped me get super organized!! I met up with one of my bridesmaids who sat me down to focus on our ceremony programs. She has Illustrator which has made my life amazingly better!!

Things left to tackle...

1. I need to find a place that will clean my wedding dress. I got it off the rack...and many places say its not guaranteed. First of all what does that mean? I live in Central PA, Hershey. Anybody have any suggestions?

2. Candy Bar- Yes or No? If we do...we only plan on having 3 choices..keeping it simple. Any ideas as to where I could purchase class jars.

3. Out of town welcome bags

4. Bathroom baskets!

5. Get official guest list to Jessica over at Penned and Pretty! I already mailed her my pretty placecards!

I have much more...but if I list anything else my heart will start pounding :) So, I searched for a picture that would help me calm down... :)

photo credit: Theorie Photography

This is one gorgeous bouquet! Click here to see more from this wedding!

I'm Back.....

It feels like forever since I was able to get on and blog! A little withdrawal yes...but I was super busy for the past 5 days. Soon as I get back on schedule I have tons of good news and updates! Less than 30 days to go!!!

I L*O*V*E this ring shot! From the very talented Jordana Hazel, Hazelnut Photography!