Swoozies!

So, I found another store that I am absolutely in love with! Swoozies! I have never heard of it.... I casually went in one day and came out with tons of purchases!! It is an adorable gift shop with tons of gift ideas, stationary and party picks! It is one of those shops that you can count on coming out with at least something!!

While I was there I snatched a couple cute koozies! They had all different sayings..."Gorgeous" was my other favorite! These would be cute bridesmaid gifts!

While I was there I put in for a drawing....and yesterday I ended up being the lucky winner! So a couple of my friends will be heading over there with major discounts and Swoozies will be providing champagne! We get a private shopping session! Just in time for Christmas!

This would definitely be the perfect store to snatch up some gifts for your bridal party! Click HERE to check out the wedding section!

Christmas is only 16 days away!!!

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Lastly, my MOH! I met Christy at PennState Mont Alto. Seriously...these were some of my favorite college memories. We were both in the health field...lived across from each other.. Again, as I think about all the fun we had...I smile! She is a complete sweetheart and has always been there for me..our late night chats...and that one night at whiskey mountain!!! She has also taught me a few things to keep me organized... :)

She tied the knot in St. Thomas in 2006! It was a gorgeous day and a beautiful ceremony! Our resort was perfect and it was so much fun to spend time with her before she married her man! She just had a precious baby girl in December and is a remarkable mom. I am very honored to have her as my MOH and stand aside me as I get married.

So, these are my three ladies! A friend from middle school....a friend from my summer job...a friend from college...I am so happy to have a friend from different chapters in my life. A huge thank you to you all for all your help and I am so excited to spend my big day with you!

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My other beautiful bridesmaid is Danielle. We met years ago when we worked at Hersheypark! We made tons of memories every summer....park parties...boys... :) We even played against each other in HS tennis!! We remained friends after college...and we always picked up where we left off. Then she told me she met this boy...it sounded pretty serious...and before you know it...they tied the knot on 7/7/07! Yes, she was one of those lucky brides!!

Danielle has been so helpful with assisting me in making decisions for this wedding...and keeping me calm :) I am so happy she will be with me on my wedding day!! She will keep me straight!

This is a picture from Danielle's wedding! Infact, its a group shot of some of the Hersheypark crew! These are some of the best ladies I know!!

SpotLight!

So, I figured I take this time to shed the spotlight on my bridesmaids! I am still in awe about all the love and thought that was put into my special weekend! Each I met each of my bridesmaids during a different time in my life...which makes it extra special.

I decided to start with Danelle... I met her in middle school and she seriously owned every pair of Umbros!! I was so jealous... :) She was also an amazing softball player...she went on to play in college. The memories from high school ...ohh there are too many to jot down but I always smile when I think of those days. I still don't understand how we got away with so much!

Danelle got married in 2006 and had her 1st adorable little boy May 2008. She is a great Mother and I am so grateful for her to be part of my big day. Her husband who is a doctor, is currently serving our country and we pray for a safe return in July.

Here is a picture from the bridal shower!

Cross off the list!

The Fiance and I took care of quite a bit over the Holiday and I must say...we got some steals!! First, we hit up the Brooks Brothers outlet in Hershey and found THE tie the GMs will be wearing. We saved over $50 per tie :) While we were in line I was looking through the jewerly kiosks and snatched up some beautiful earrings for my BMs! We saved about $15 per piece. Is this too easy? I was able to get a decent photo of the tie! We wrapped them up in tie boxes and found the most manly wrapping paper---all done! Unfortuantely I didn't think to take a pic of the earrings..but thats okay...I wrapped them up gorgeous too....let it be a suprise!

One thing that has really been bothering me is the TUX situation. We already went to Mens Warehouse...but I just wasn't convinced this was the tux for my Groom :) I honestly don't think he was sold either.. So, while I was surfing tux shops back in the east coast I came across Strictly Formals. They had so much more to look at and the gentleman Greg, ended up being a lot of help. We ended up going with a destination suit versus a tuxedo to keep the look simple. The Fiance will sport a cream vest with a cream tie...the GMs will sport a black vest with our tie. The vest made it a bit more dressed up and they will definitely stand apart from our guests. I had to add this shot of my brother getting ready to be measured..he looks thrilled! But I must say a huge thank you to him...helping us pick out the suit...matching everything up! Thanks Mike!!

It also didn't hurt that Greg was a huge PSU fan :) He had tons of collectibles all around his showroom...Below is a pic of Dad and Fiance looking at all his stuff!

So, we can definitely scratch off GMs apparal and gifts and BMs apparal and gifts. WHEW! It feels soo good to be finally done with all of that stuff!

Non Traditional Taste

Dear Friends and Family,

It seriously cracks me up when I share my ideas with others and get a "huh?" response. You know..when their eyes become big and open and their jaw may slightly drop... or they try to give a "i dont' want to hurt your feelings" look...So, I will let it out now..I am not your traditional bride...nor Woman! Of course there are tons of "traditional" things I want for our May 30th..but can't I tweak...modify...? I am an Occupational Therapist..aren't I? Always creating...problem solving...and most importantly making it meaningful for my patients... Wouldn't it only be normal for me to be extra creative and symbolic? So, I am giving you all a heads up...it will be OKAY! Trust me... if my bridesmaids wear black...DON'T FREAK OUT! If the Mothers' don't have a corsage...it will be okay. (I think my idea for the Moms are even better!!!)If I wear gorgeous designer black heels...I hope you smile :) Here are some pictures of other daring brides!

Photo credit: Left (unknown), Right: Amy Carroll Photography

Photo credit: Ann Hamilton

The Color says...

My gorgeous friend Anna came to the rescue and was the model for the possible BM dresses! ARIA Dresses, Black with an Ivory Sash. This was the best color combo to accent my dress! You will all understand how difficult it was to match my dress once you see it! So what do you think? I'm thinking Classy...Elegant...Sophisticated... My previous thoughts were pink but it just didn't compliment my dress! Good bye pink...Hello black :) xoxo