Sad News

My grandmother passed away on Tuesday, December 20. Thank you to all of you who provided "e-support" for me, as well as my family and friends from home. It was really, really tough. But it was the toughest on my grandfather, of course--they had been married 60 years! Rather than concentrating on the sad times--and gosh, how I will so passionately miss her, her warmth, her generosity, just being with her--I will try and focus on the many happy memories. As I wrote in an email to friends this past week:

You also may or may not know that it was her, and my grandfather, who got me so hooked on baseball. We always discussed games, plays, and players. Her artistic talents were also unmatchable--no one could decorate a table, create a floral arrangement, paint a knick knack, or craft a holiday theme like she could. I would like to think my scrapbooking and crafting talents came straight from her.

And so, in honor of my Granny, here is a simple layout I posted on 2Ps (inspired by Wendy Bretz), about me and my Granny (photo taken this past Easter). Her love for my sister and me- her only grandchildren-was so tangible, so real, so fervent, so beautiful. I love and miss you, Granny. I know you're keeping the angels company.

Gifts from Gab...

Since one of the gifts is wedding related (she actually brought me three Martha Stewart wedding magazines, all lovingly earmarked), this definitely applies to my blog!

I had the pleasure of meeting supersweet Gabby last night. And April, another awesome pea. And Gabby's husband and two of his friends. We had a good time chowing down at Rock Bottom's last night, but if it didn't take forever the food to get there! Poor April was wilting away without her nachos. Anyway, it was fun to meet great people!

And YES, Veronica Mars is smarter than me!!!! Can I get another BEST SHOW EVER?!??!

Funny, random, small-world story. During our dinner conversation last night, where Gabby's husband Mike mentions something about Coe College (enrollment: 1100ish) and the soccer team. I say, "whoa, Coe College. I did a semester exchange to Iowa State my junior year (1998), and my roommate was a transfer from Coe, and she played soccer there." And Mike asks how old she is (26) and what her name was, and I say "Melissa San..." "...telli," Mike finishes. They totally knew who she was, when she played, and who her best friend was! How small-world is that??? Sadly, I haven't talked to Mel in a few years but maybe their "Coe Rolodex" friend knows what she's doing now.

Thank You!

...those of you who sent us Engagement cards!
Here's a page I did celebrating all the well-wishes!

More Ideas...

I am sorry I've been such a bad blogger. I'm really excited about the wedding, but some of my happiness about the festivities and the holiday season have been dampened because my grandmother, whom I am super close with, has been very, very ill in the hospital. I would appreciate your prayers for her. Thank you.

I'll start by posting some more ideas I've taken as my own.

We're doing a tiered program, an idea I first saw in In Style Weddings and immediately wanted to do. The idea I saw had a couple of colors for the different tabs, which I'd like to do if it's cost-effective.

We'll only have three tiers: The Wedding Party, The Ceremony, From the Bride & Groom. We'll have our custom monogram either printed on the front or embossed (I haven't forgotten my embosser, see!)...but likely the former b/c it will be bigger.


Speaking of programs, I really need to delve into my Bible concordance and find some verses/passages on LOVE, both for the ceremony and to print on the program somewhere. I would appreciate any recommendations--I am looking to avoid the traditional "Love is patient, love is kind..." verses that are read at EVERY wedding. As you know, I am trying to make ours unique. I'll probably look more into Song of Solomon as well as Psalms. ("I have found the one my soul loves," Song of Soloman 3:4 is a good one).

This is the best representation of the "look" I want for the Bridesmaid Dresses:

Rather than a tight ribbon, I'd like a fluid chiffon-esque sash. I absolutely adore these dresses--this is the original dress that I fell in love with in In Style two or three years ago (the pic in the mag was of course espresso dress and blue sash). However, they're made by Thread, a designer bridesmaid dress company (did you know there was such a thing? oh yes, Jenny Yoo, Vera Wang, etc all make designer bridesmaid dresses). Anyway, they cost $265 bucks a piece, which makes me a little uncomfortable to ask my maids to pay.

So I'll probably go with the cheaper After Six bridesmaid dress, and add the chiffon sash myself.

Scouring online sites as well as TJ Maxx for NON-GHETTO, modern Guest Books. Do they exist? I'm looking for something in our colors...not some quilted, white lace-bound horror. These are about the cutest I've found--but it doesn't come in dark brown.

Actually, a bound guest book will be secondary to our AWESOME, AMAZING, CREATIVE idea for a main guest book. It will remain secret for a while, but trust me, it is awesome. I will reveal it later on...
That's about all for now. Hope your holidays are going well!

Queer Eye: The Wedding Season

What fantastic timing! Queer Eye for the Straight Guy: Wedding Season, premieres tonight at 10/9c!

Don't you know I am going to be taking notes like crazy when Tom gives reception decorating tips. Ted will probably have some fantastic food ideas to pass along to my caterer. Kyan will tell me how I can be my most beautiful (I bet it will have something to do with exfoliating), Jai will useless of course, and Carson will just crack my behind up. Carson is a walking one-liner.


I love watching all things wedding--A Wedding Story on TLC is one of my all-time favorite shows. Which reminds me, maybe I should apply....!

Next steps:
-ORDER BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES. My girls have to get me their measurements. I have also been dragging my feet on getting this done. A true proscrastinator; I'll wait til I'm in panic mode to get things done. Not good.
-BOOK A DJ!!!
-Find shoes to wear with my wedding gown. Thinking strappy kitten heels in a fun color. I read where more and more girls are selecting shoes in blue or pink or something fun because, really, can you ever wear white shoes again, even if you kid yourself into dyeing them?
-Then, I can get my dress altered once I have the right heel height.
-Meet with the caterer and decide on food.
-Meet with the cake designer and show her our fabulous cake idea.
-Have J finish designing our monogram so I can order the embosser.