Kate & Aaron's Wedding

Dress Sneaky Peek

2008-09-09T14:57:00.003-04:00

Some pics of the dress from my dress fitting.

Little Things...

2008-09-09T14:46:00.005-04:00

Purchased a tiara for Chloe our Flowergirl - excited to see it on her! She's going to be very cute!

We are going to buy shawls for the bridesmaids to wear in case it's chilly on Lake Michigan in early October. haha. As long as it doesn't rain!

We are going to have glow necklaces for our guests to relax and have fun and dance the night away with! We thought it was a neat idea! We hope it turns out fun! hahah

Info Sheets & Itineraries

2008-09-09T14:34:00.003-04:00

Andrea, my bridesmaid - kindly agreed to format our itineraries for the wedding party! They turned out great and so fun! And the best part is at the end of the night - DANCING!

(dancewiz.wordpress.com)

Amber, my matron of honor also kindly agreed to format our Info Sheets for our OOT bags and she did an awesome job too!

I am so thankful for them!!!

Gift bags galore....

2008-09-09T14:23:00.007-04:00

I flew back to Michigan last week to get some wedding "to-dos" done. One was make our OOT (out of town) bags for guests staying at the hotels we had room blocks reserved. So Janie (maid of honor) and I headed to Target and got some goodies including bottled water, granola bars, fruit strips, goldfish & candies. She helped me stuff and beautify. We also put labels on our chinese "takeout" boxes for our "favors". I couldn't have done it without her.. well I could have but it would have taken twice as long.

I then proceeded to wrap all the wedding party gifts so they'd be done when we fly back to Michigan for the WEDDING in a couple weeks.

8.8.08

2008-09-09T14:14:00.006-04:00

We headed to San Diego for Bri and Jason's wedding. Bri and I are bridesmaids in each others weddings and it's been nice to have her to get advice from. Her wedding was AMAZING and beautiful. They are such a great couple and we wish we lived closer to them.

Bridesmaid Time

2008-09-09T14:06:00.002-04:00

My bridesmaid Lynn, who lives up in Tallahassee Florida, came to visit me after she took the Bar at the end of July. She helped me welcome August in our lives and start the 2 month countdown. We had a fun night of drinks and randomness at Bar Louie, the end of a golf tournament and at Beef O Bradys. She also came with me to pick up my bridesmaid dress for Bri's wedding and thank god it zipped! I was very glad to have her with me - I never have friends around! We also went to Michaels and talked about some craft projects - which I thought I was going to do, but now I don't think I have time... :( But Lynn offered to make our programs and I'm so excited to see the final product! She has this Gocco machine that I'm not even going to try and describe because I have no idea - but I know it produces some cool things. I'm very thankful for her to do them for us!

Guest Do's & Don'ts

2008-07-22T09:46:00.003-04:00

I found this great list in Bride's magazine on my way back from my bachelorette party & couples shower in Minnesota! It was eye opening for me being that it's wedding season in our lives right now..... so I thought I'd share.

DO RSVP by the Deadline, even if you already told the bride that you'd definitely be there. (RSVPs are the hardest thing to get out of people lately....from my experience & others)
DON'T call the Bride the day of the wedding for ANY reason.
DO stay upbeat when you talk to the Bride during the months before the big day. She wants to hear that you are excited, not that you have to rearrange your work schedule or can't afford a hotel.
DON'T wear white OR cream. Enough Said.
DO book your hotel and airfare early. Many couples include logistical details (like where to stay) on their web sites, along with the name of whom to contact with questions - if not the couple, then a parent or a member of the bridal party. (We don't have a contact person, but I like the concept)
DON'T bring a gift to the wedding - it might get lost or damaged. The couple will have enough to lug home already. (I think for some people the concept of this is hard because they have been used to it in the past... but makes most sense for the couple)
DO make a point of greeting the bride & groom. They'll have people around them all night, so it's okay to wait - not hover nearby. (Put down your drink before going for the big hug).
DON'T show up late to the ceremony or reception, as weddings tend to run on an invisible - but tight - time line. (I'm at fault for doing this... but it was due to getting lost... no excuses leave early. )
DO help get the party started. That means being one of the first people to hit the dance floor. (I've never had a problem doing this with friends).
DON'T change your table at the reception. You risk upsetting the seating plans delicate balance.
DO let the DJ do his job, which means not bugging him with requests - the couple have probably labored over the playlist and have a specific idea about the music they want.
DON'T take the centerpieces home unless you're told you can. They might be earmarked for charity - or the bride's relatives.
DO send any photos you take to the couple ASAP - they'll be grateful to hae some shots to show around.
DO follow up with the newlyweds if you've sent a gift but haven't received a thank-you note within three months.

Mens attire....

2008-07-22T09:32:00.007-04:00

We found ties for the fathers!

This is what the groomsmen's attire will look like with the solid tie.

Aaron tried on his groom's outfit a couple weeks ago when we got his pants & blazer back from the tailor. I think it's going to look really nice on our wedding day! Aaron will wear the striped tie.

Pre-wedding Life

2008-07-12T16:20:00.004-04:00

Aaron has been working on the OOT Favor boxes - we changed from the M&Ms to Jelly Belly's - purple (island punch), green (sour apple) & blue (sour blue raspberry)! So we are almost done with those - had to order some more labels from (http://www.myownlabels.com/) , but we are about 1/2 way there.

We bought what we think will be the ties for the fathers from Macy the other day - it does really help to bring along the groomsmen tie to compare colors - hahah! That was the first time we did that - so the other times Aaron and I were going back and forth if it would match. The dads will also wear the same pants as the groomsmen - as long as we can find the correct sizes - for some reason I can only find the pants in Michigan. Their suits will be different - but that's minor.

We are working on the groomsmen gifts.. and it's coming along - It's hard to buy guys gifts!

After I take the boards on Tuesday, we'll start printing up the address labels for the invitations and get those sent out in the next couple weeks! Yay! So whether I pass or fail... I'm still getting married in October - so that's good! :) haha. I'm looking forward to getting rsvps back and starting the seating chart and getting that figured out.

We found out that our marriage license has a 3 day waiting period - so we bought our tickets to fly into detroit on a Monday - I'll try my dress on and then we'll drive up Tuesday to get to the office in time - then we can pick it up on Friday. So we will be up in Michigan for a week!

I added more rooms to our room block at the Inn - we were nearing the 20 rooms we had blocked and needed to have reserved and the invites haven't even gone out yet - that's great!

Some small touches we talked about at our tasting in May - servers holding small champagne glasses as the guests come down to the ceremony & lumineers (white paper bags w/kitty litter & votive candles inside) to light up the walk way from the ceremony into the club for cocktail hour. The club is also allowing us to make our own cds for cocktail hour & dinner to put in their cd player so we don't have to pay the DJ for those couple hours! This club was throwing out money saving options left & right - it was awesome!

I believe we have chosen our first dance song... that we'll try to keep a surprise... knowing us it may even change! hahah.

I fly up to try on my dress in September for my first fitting - one month from the wedding date!

Our schedules right now completely clash - so we are looking forward to Bri's wedding in a couple weeks in San Diego to have some time together!

The table runners are done! The same seamstress & Aaron's mom are going to make us a ring pillow that will have his grandmothers buttons on them - since she can't physically be at the wedding -we will have something of hers there. The flower girl dress is in the process of being ordered, the Jr. Bridesmaid dress will be made by the seamstress in August when Sydney goes to visit Aaron's parents, the ties have all been bought (lets just hope they fit everyone), rooms have been added, tee times are in the process of being set for the day before the wedding (how fitting), the mom's are looking for their attire - so we need to still look for rings, print up programs, send out invitations, send money to the baker (eek!) and I'm sure there are more things to do!

Start the fireworks....it's time to celebrate!!!!

2008-07-02T21:26:00.002-04:00

WE BOUGHT OUR PLANE TICKETS TO OUR WEDDING TONIGHT!!!!! YAHOOOOOO!!!!!! WE DID IT!!!! WE'LL BE IN MICHIGAN FOR A WEEK! WE ARE ONE STEP CLOSER!!!!

3 months out - FREAK OUT!

2008-07-01T20:38:00.004-04:00

This past weekend we had our couple's shower and bachelor & bachelorette parties in Minneapolis. The weekend was filled with fun, friends & family!

We got some great gifts at the shower and I got lots of underwear and goodies at the bachelorette party! Thank you everyone!!!! It was such a great time!!!!

Once we returned to Florida after an awesome weekend we realized our wedding is 3 months from Friday! Eeeek! is what went through my head! So I had a freak out - we have a list of things still to do.... flowergirl dress... fabric for table runners... favor boxes for OOT bags...favors for reception.... i haven't tried on my wedding dress yet since they sent the WRONG dress... so I still need to do that and a fitting... tailoring of Aaron's wedding attire.... ties for the fathers... dresses for the mothers.... invitations - address labels made - stamped & sent.... cupcake & cookie deposit/form sent.... call about the marriage license.... jr bridesmaid dress made...make the programs...and I'm sure I'm forgetting much more!

After my spasotic moment...my wonderful fiance came to the rescue and made me realize that I'm not in Michigan anymore and that he is here to help and actually WANTS to help since he feels like he hasn't had a part in the wedding yet - who would have known?? How awesome is that - so with his help I know we can do this. AND ...My future mother-in-law called today and told me that we have MORE than enough fabric for the head table runner so we dont' need to buy anymore - so that's awesome - she helped me check that off my list. I'm going to try and fly home in September to try on the wedding dress and then again the week of the wedding - because of the wrong dress being shipped Fantastic Finds (Bridal Salon) is taking care of all of the alterations needed! In order to get our marriage license we need to be up in Emmet County/Petoskey on the Tuesday prior to our wedding in order to pick up the license on Friday - no blood test required!

So... as we are approaching the 4th of July (which I have to work on... but that's ok I've been gone for a week having fun)... I realize that I need to take one day at a time... and ask for help of my fiance....he may not just do things on his own....but with some direction he is willing.

I miss all our family & friends!!!!!

Couples Shower!

2008-06-23T08:51:00.004-04:00

Noooo... not a couple IN a shower..... a wedding shower for a couple! :) This coming Saturday Aaron's Aunt & Uncle are having a shower for us and we can't wait! It'll be great to see Aaron's family & our friends that will be in town for our bachelor & bachelorette parties that same night! Yay! I can't wait to see everyone - and after moving and starting a new job - it's the perfect timing to get together with friends & family!

Something BLUE!

2008-06-18T16:13:00.003-04:00

I just ordered my wedding shoes! I hope I'm not jinxing it! I hope they fit!! :) I really like them!

Programs

2008-06-14T14:54:00.002-04:00

I saw this great idea on Weddingbee (www.weddingbee.com) posted by Mrs. Penguin (http://www.weddingbee.com/2008/05/21/programs-sorta/). I'm going to try and make something like this ... well lets say I'd love to have something I make come out like this. hahha! I love the eyelet idea and how it fans out. I'm going to have to try it out sometime - sounds like a tirp to JoAnns or Michaels in the future!

EUREKA!!!!

2008-06-14T11:34:00.005-04:00

Eureka has landed! Friday we got a shower gift from Aaron's parents - a Eureka Vacuum! How exciting! We had a little Dirt Devil that we had to PUSH across the floor - this one actually propels itself - yay! I've already vacuumed twice since yesterday! It's funny how vacuums can be exciting! I love the handle - it's massive and cool looking! Thanks Karen & Lyle!

Apartment Shmartment

2008-06-14T11:26:00.009-04:00

So, here are pictures of our apartment - I'm not thrilled about this apartment - it's a one bedroom (not pictured due to complete messiness) and we just have too much stuff for a one bedroom - plus we need room for guests & office stuff. We've already been looking at new bedrooms for when our lease is up at the end of October.

(Living room - standing at the doorway)

(Living room with dining room behind & our little computer station)

(Dining room filled with shower gifts on the side and non matching chairs)

(Our lovely OLD kitchen - I can't stand it - but new appliances help it out - our new trashcan from IKEA ($4) )

(Looking out into the living room and door)

(Our Lanai with our Michigan Chairs - we also have a storage closet out there that is really nice to have)

(Our bathroom - it also has a closet in here that is not pictured - so that helps us stash stuff in there)

Does the color have to match exactly??

2008-06-14T11:22:00.003-04:00

So the groomsmen are going to wear the solid green tie and I found a striped green tie for Aaron - well of course I didnt have the green tie with me when I bought the tie for Aaron to wear - well Aaron doesn't think they match close enough. We may keep looking - what do you think? We are still looking for ties for the dads that have the green in them - so we may change Aaron's tie if we find something - we definitely will bring one of the solid ties with us. :) (You'd think the bride would care more about the exact color, not the groom! haha!)

Favor Boxes

2008-06-14T11:19:00.003-04:00

I put together one of our favor boxes for the welcome bags & added a sticker - tada! I got the favor boxes from JeanM (www.myjeanm.com) and the label/stickers from My Wedding Labels (www.myweddinglabels.com). I'm planning on filling these with m&ms. :) But I'm trying to decide if I should put the boxes together down here, and fill them up in Michigan so the weather does melt the m&ms in route to MI.

Flaaarida!

2008-06-14T10:43:00.008-04:00

I made it to Florida! Aaron flew up to Michigan and drove down with me! It definitely made the time in the car go fast. The first night we drove to the border of Ohio & Kentucky - we stayed in Covington, KY - we got to the hotel at about 13o am. The second day it never seemed like we'd get through Kentucky, but we did and we made it through Tenessee as well. We stopped at Sonic to get a bite to eat in the humid & hot weather, well lets just say both our meals ended up in the garbage - it was not as good as it was supposed to be. So we continued until we found a Fuddruckers in Georgia. We spent the second night in Valdosta, Georgia - we were able to get a little more sleep and wake up a little later this time. We headed out at 10am to Tallahassee, Florida to visit Lynn & Matt. It only took us about 1.5 hours to get there it wasn't bad at all! We spent a couple hours in Tally - we got a nice tour of FSU's campus and then had lunch at the FSU golf course and headed back to their apartment to hang out before we left. We headed out around 245pm and made it to Ft Myers (after picking aaron's car up at the airport) around 930pm - this included a stop in Sarasota at a Chick-fil-a! The first week in Florida - Aaron's coworkers got together for a cookout and a game of catch phrase (battle of the sexes) - of course the women won!

(Lynn & I)

(The soon to be Mr & Mrs Small)

(Aaron and I at the cookout)

(Danielle, me & Ashlee)

(Dan, Ali, Brian, Danielle, Aaron, Me (w/eyes shut), Ashlee & Russ - no one in this picture is from Ft Myers, FL - Ashlee is the only one BORN in the state of Florida)

Cake....Flowers...Tasting... Bay Harbor....

2008-05-25T18:48:00.014-04:00

This weekend I went up to Bay Harbor with my parents to taste cake, meet our florist & decide on flowers, taste food for the reception, and meet our wedding planner. We stayed at the Inn at Bay Harbor with a Lake View on the first floor and it was spectacular. The weather was awesome and the colors were beautiful. We've decided on a baker, on choices for dinner, setup for the reception, our favor (finally!), and orchids for our flowers & centerpieces! I've included some photos from the weekend.

2008-05-22T13:48:00.005-04:00

I'm trying to find a pair of fun, comfortable, vibrant flats to wear under my wedding dress. This what I've found on Macy's website so far... any favorites? I'm open for ideas if you see something that would work!

Illinois Bridal Shower

2008-05-20T13:19:00.004-04:00

Saturday my mom's family had a bridal shower for me in Willmette, IL - suburb of Chicago. It was a beautiful day full of gorgeous flowers, delicious food, awesome people, wonderful gifts & great memories! Just a couple pictures from the shower. Andrea, my bridesmaid, flew in from NYC to be there for the shower - it was so fun to be with her for the weekend and have her at the shower! The weekend was full of smiles & giggles. :)

Graduation/Pinning Ceremony

2008-05-20T13:11:00.006-04:00

I graduated from Nursing School! I never thought I'd get through this Accelerated program - but I did! It feels awesome, but at the same time I have that lost feeling - I've been going to school for 14 months - that's been my life... now it's REAL and I'm gonna be working as a nurse, in a different city & state - crazy. This past year and a half was a whirlwind - never thought it'd end, thought I'd fail out so many times... but I made it! Here are some pictures from the pinning ceremony & day.

Baaaa-lazers....and tie.

2008-05-20T12:47:00.003-04:00

We found a great deal for navy blazers at Kohls - going with our theme of the guys being able to wear their attire again if they so desired. I don't really shop at Kohls - but the blazers are decent and will do the job.

While at Kohls I also found the perfect tie for Aaron for the wedding to set him apart from the groomsmen - it has the same green in it but it has white stripes in it - yay!

Hair!

2008-05-07T11:04:00.005-04:00

I did a trial run for my hair today! I didn't have my headpiece/headband so we didn't get the full effect but we figured out the part and the curls! I'm very excited! My hairstylist Pam is awesome and I'm so happy she'll be doing my hair the day of the wedding!

Finally!!

2008-05-06T12:23:00.012-04:00

I am finally done with nursing school! Friday is our pinning ceremony and it's all surreal to me at the moment! I am not really sure where the past 14 months went - there were times when I never thought the end would come, and there were times when I didn't think I'd make it to the end.. but I made it and I couldn't have done it without my friends in class and support of family & friends. Last week after our last exam our class went out for a bar crawl and it was so much fun! There were comments afterwards saying "I didn't know you were that fun!" haha - we save the best for last! :) Quotes from the evening were "I will pay $4.50 to go to the lugnuts game and no more" (this ended w/me getting FREE tickets to the game via my bro) ... "Kate you have judging eyes..." my response "if I do then you do too.." her response "ok yes I do you're right" ... and "I have a malformation" (meaning to say a Mutation)... oh and of course me tying my sweatshirt around my neck looking like a tennis buff - haha - but I remember it all and ending the night dancing at Rum Runners was awesome. :) good times!

Starting off at Bonnies... margaritas and a burger!

(Me, Jen, Susan, Lesley, Erin, Kellie & Dana)

Strong Margaritas!

Anna & I - we had every clinical but 2 together!!! I will miss her dearly!

Me & Bob - He's a gentle giant.

(Me, Sean & Susan - Andre in the back)

Chillin at Stober's

Lockermates! Outside at Moriarty's - see the bloody???

Kellie, Me, Jen & Dana inside Moriarty's

Nuthouse - Kellie, Bethann (280 clinical instructor) & me!

Rum Runners!!! Don't stop believing song we requested!!! :)
We lost our voices the next day from this very moment!

Wedding Planner!!!!

2008-04-29T17:32:00.004-04:00

We booked our wedding planner today!!!! I'm so excited and relieved at the same time! I now can rest easy knowing someone else will be dealing with all the details the day of the wedding! She will take over a month out from the wedding and become our contact person! We've only talked on the phone but she seems great and we are meeting with her when we go up for our busy weekend in May! She lives in Charlevoix - 15 min from Bay Harbor and knows the area and venue well, so it's perfect!!!! We just need to taste the cake from Bella e Dolce in May & decide and then we should have all our vendors taken care of!

Welcome Treats!

2008-04-28T09:11:00.007-04:00

Welcome bags have to come with welcome treats! So I'm procrastinating studying right now to look at options. I came across the the M&Ms that you can custom print - but you'll pay a custom price for them - so I was thinking of doing the plain colors in bulk it's about 70% cheaper, and then I'll do a couple smaller bags with print and mix them together??? Just a thought. I have tins in mind to put them in and then add labels I've already had made. :)

The tins are from Jean M - just not sure which one I'll do - probably the cheaper one. :)

Janie is engaged!!! Yay!

2008-04-23T20:35:00.006-04:00

My maid of honor, Janie got engaged this past weekend! I'm very excited for her, she's found a great guy! They are planning on August 15, 2009 to seal the deal :) Yay Janie!

(Her beautiful ring!)

I went with Janie to Douglas J so she could get a manicure since she'll be showing off her hands more now with the new bling bling! :) She really needed a relaxing manicure with all this excitement! We proceeded to get some food afterwards ... yum yum :)

School is coming to an end...

2008-04-23T20:29:00.005-04:00

Nursing school is quickly coming to an end.... today we met for lunch before going to our practice pinning at school. Here are some pictures from our lunch at Bonnie's. I am one out of 2 people in our class who are moving out of Michigan and I will be sad to leave my new friends behind. A week from tomorrow is our last test!!! Yay!

(Jen, Dana, Jen & Me)

(Lesley & Amy)

(Andre, Amy, Nate, Jen, Anna, Erin, Joe, Mark, Dana & Lesley)

Basketcase :)

2008-04-22T14:53:00.011-04:00

Today I started packing up to ship some boxes to Florida to decrease the amount of stuff I drive down in my car. Amongst graduating, wedding planning, moving, starting a career and leaving friends I've made I've been a basketcase the past couple days. Everything is making me cry! Ahh! Hopefully this will pass until graduation actually gets here! I started this journey 14 months ago in Minnesota where I found out I got into nursing school and cried because I was so happy to finally get into nursing school and cried because I knew Aaron and I wouldn't be together during that time. And now I'm ending the journey crying - what a coincidence. So the many faces of Kate are below (excuse the no makeup) while I pack up.

JoAnn's.... who would have thought..

2008-04-18T14:02:00.006-04:00

I have no idea how to sew anything... so I never thought I'd ever buy fabric at Jo-Ann Fabric Store... but I did... Aaron's mom's friend is making us table runners out of this organza fabric. I had to go to 3 different Jo-Ann's to get enough fabric - I'm hoping it's enough! haha! But the fabric was 50% off this week so I had to get it!

I came to Jo-Ann's with 2 50% off coupons and figured I should use at least one while I was there (haha!) - so I caved and got a small "birdcage" wedding card holder - it was 1/2 off so that helped and I figure... maybe we can use it again sometime???? hahahah!

All in all.... Jo-Ann's really is better than I knew of it growing up - it has TONS of stuff OTHER than fabric - so I guess this is a plug for Jo-Ann's. :)

PS- Sorry I haven't been blogging much in between this past week was crazy at school - only 2.5 weeks to go! :)

Rehearsal Dinner!

2008-04-11T15:53:00.002-04:00

Rehearsal Dinner will be at Knot Just A Bar - it's within walking distance of the hotel and a cute & casual place w/great food! It's perfect atmosphere for us! I'm looking forward to it! :)

April is here!

2008-04-07T11:26:00.003-04:00

April is here! It feels like spring today! I hope our wedding is even remotely like today in October - cross your fingers! Just thought I'd post some pictures of the hotel we'll be staying at for our wedding, and the beautiful golf course we'll be getting married at... It's getting closer and closer! Graduation is 5 weeks away with clinicals, presentations, physical assessment evaluations, and 2 more exams! It's crazy! Wedding is about 6 months away - eek! Shower in May & June w/bachelorette party! :) Things are coming together. We are going to taste some cake in May and figure out who will be our baker. Consult with the florist in May, tasting for reception in May... fun fun fun :)

DIY projects....

2008-03-31T14:36:00.005-04:00

I love the idea of DIY projects.. just at the moment I don't have a lot of time for them. But once I graduate I will have more time to start one. So I have enlisted help from my bridesmaid for one project and hoping Aaron's mom can make one or the lady making our table runners can?? haha! I think DIY projects do save money - but the time time time time....

This is from Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine - I think it's so cute! My BM Marnie agreed to put these together for me and then I can fill it with maps, itineraries, things to do, where to eat, etc... :) I'm very happy! Thank you Marnie!

(www.marthastewart.com)

Also from Martha Stewart Wedding Magazine - "Cute as a Button". I would love for Jude to be holding this in his 14 month old hands - it's so cute. It's made out of felt, buttons, stuffing (?) and ribbons, and if I can find someone talented enough to make it for me - I don't think the materials would be too much.

(www.marthastewart.com)

I found this idea from my BM Lynn's blog. It's an awesome idea! My only problem would be if it rained, the tissue would melt in a second. But I love how the color brightens up the aisle and you can't hardly tell that it's tissue paper! It's originally from Martha Stewart Wedding & they have cool napkin holders you can make that look like this! :)

Let the pipes play!

2008-03-29T16:29:00.003-04:00

Our ceremony will have a twist on traditional music - we are going to have bagpiper! We need to choose the songs we want played - but just hearing da pipes gives me chills and teary eyed!

Here is a bio on our piper, I do like that he is a Wolverine!

Peter Deneen began playing the bagpipes at the age of fourteen. It was at this time that he joined the Grand Traverse Highlanders Pipe Band, now the Grand Traverse Pipes & Drums. After spending several summers performing with the band, and studying at the Ohio Scottish Arts School in Oberlin, Ohio, he was awarded the “Junior Grade” certificate by the College of Piping in Glasgow, Scotland. Since 1993, Mr. Deneen has served as Pipe Major of the Grade IV Grand Traverse Pipes & Drums, and is responsible for rehearsing, teaching, and leading the pipe section. Beyond the pipe corps, he is involved in the personnel management and formation of the artistic direction of the band and is responsible for coordinating efforts with the drum section and maintaining a high level of personal and group performance standard for the entire organization. Under his direction, the Grand Traverse Pipes & Drums have competed successfully at highland festivals in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Ontario. As a Grade III solo competitor, Peter Deneen has taken medals in light music and piobaireachd at the Alma Highland Festival and at the Sarnia Supreme Highland Games.

In addition to his responsibilities with Grand Traverse, Peter Deneen has been Director of Bands at Traverse City East Junior High School since 1992, and served as Director of Music at Central United Methodist Church, where he also conducted the English Handbell Choirs. He received the Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) in 1992 and the Master of Music Education Degree from VanderCook College (Chicago) in 1997.

Navy & Green???

2008-03-27T17:39:00.015-04:00

I've been meaning to tie green into our wedding in some way since we will be getting married on a golf course - so I've been thinking to incorporate green ties and navy blazers for the guys - as one of my bridesmaids said - there aren't a ton of pictures with the BMs & GM together so even if the colors all don't mesh well together it's not a big deal. But I think green goes with mosiac blue and spiced wine. I found some cool pictures on the knot.

Bella e Dolce!

2008-03-24T18:58:00.004-04:00

Bella e Dolce is a cake & pastry company owned by Kim Sperl - and from the emails I've exchanged with her - I know why everyone recommends her! Her company is in Cheboygan which is further north than where we are having our wedding... yet she has been trying to help me taste her delicious cakes - and I think we finally figured it out - I'm going up to Bay Harbor in May for a florist consult & food tasting at the golf course - so she said even though she has 2 weddings on Mackinaw Island that weekend - she thinks she'll be in Petoskey area that Friday and could drop off some samples for us! How awesome is that! I have heard that she is the best in the area even though she's out of the area... so I really hope we love her cake as much as everyone else does! http://www.bellaedolce.com/

From her website:

"Bella e Dolce has been making wedding cakes and catering pastries since 1997. Kim Sperl, owner and pastry chef, is a Graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Paris, France. Her studies included pastry art and design as well as sugar sculpture and chocolate techniques. In addition to her training at Le Cordon Bleu, Kim has also studied with renowned cake designer and author, Colette Peters of New York, to learn the art of sugar paste flowers and fondant.
Each cake and pastry is made from scratch with fine ingredients from around the world. Our handmade decorations and garnishes are sculpted from sugar paste, fondant, chocolate or pulled sugar. While many clients enjoy simple finishes such as buttercream or chocolate glaze, others select our beautiful rolled fondant, a smooth, rolled icing gently draped over buttercream. Bella e Dolce cakes and pastries are available by special order only."

Flowers... CHECK!

2008-03-22T00:57:00.004-04:00

Our florist will be Monarch Garden & Floral Design in Petoskey, MI. I'm looking forward to having our first consultation with them in May and seeing what ideas they come up with! Woohoo - one more thing checked off!

Photobooth... CHECK!

2008-03-19T16:26:00.004-04:00

The deposit for the photo booth is going out today - so get excited! The guests will get a copy and then the other copy goes in a guest book they make for us! It'll be fun to see everyone being goofy! :) It's all coming together.... :) (www.thephotoboothcompany.com)

Transportation....CHECK!

2008-03-17T17:49:00.005-04:00

Our transportation is booked! We are using Mackinaw Trolley company! The trolley will transport the wedding party & guests from the Inn at Bay Harbor to the Bay Harbor Golf Course and back!

Michigan Shower at Bravo!

2008-03-16T17:53:00.020-04:00

My first shower was on Saturday and it was great! It consisted of my friends from school and this area and my aunt & cousin from chicago also made an appearance! The food was great, the ice cream cake was awesome, the guests were wonderful and the gifts were fun! Janie had everyone write advice for me as a married woman - it was hilarious!

Me & Janie (Maid of Honor) - Thanks for the great shower Janie!

Shower table - looks beautiful!

Nursing Friends (Jen, me, Dana & Anna)

Me & Lindsey (she's in the part time nursing program and told me about the accelerated program!)

Beautiful gifts!

Opening gifts - it was a work out! I was sweating by the end of it. :)

Yay! Wooden Salad Bowl w/matching bowls & servers

Yay! Pasta pot/Steamer! :)

Reading advice from friends... there were some funnies in there and some good advice :)
Janie video taping the advice reading - she's knew I'd get embarassed.

Beautiful flower centerpieces & wine bottle stoppers as favors :)

Lindsey, Robyn (Lindsey's SIL) & me!

Advice box - made by Sami (Janie's cousin)

Beautiful card - artist - Leslie Raven (Janie's mom) - I love it so much I'm going to frame it!

YUMMY! Coldstone Ice Cream Cake!

Gwen (Bri's mom (Bridesmaid)) & Judy (Aunt)

Thank you everyone it was a great time!

Warm.... sunny... flaaaarida!

2008-03-10T22:34:00.008-04:00

I just got back from a wonderful week in Ft Myers Florida. I enjoyed the beach, tropical drinks, fresh produce, hearty laughs, new friends and of course my fiance - Aaron. Here are some pictures from my week off. I'm back and I have a busy week ahead with the week ending with my first bridal shower!

Packing up to fly south....

2008-02-28T21:06:00.008-05:00

I'm ready to go back to some FLORIDA FUN!

It's been 2 months since I left Florida and Aaron and it's been too long. It's a much needed visit and break from school! When I get back I have one more week of class, a bridal shower and then I start my LAST class! Woo! Woo!

(FMB Ice Cream Man...yes he has his own bell.. and the kids chase after him!)

The Journey

2008-02-23T17:06:00.003-05:00

August 2004, almost 4 years ago I moved back to Michigan from spending a year in Florida working as a pharmacy tech, in hopes of beginning a career in nursing. I knew I'd have at least a year of prerequisite classes to take to even be considered for nursing school. But my naive self had no idea how long it'd really take me.

I started classes fall 2004 at LCC and began my trek of Anatomy, Physiology, Healthy Lifestyles, Pharmacology, Microbiology and math class of course. Spring 2005 I found out that I did not have enough points to get into the nursing program at LCC for the fall. I started looking into BSN programs (Bachelor of Nursing programs) - but every university had it's own unique set of prereqs - I'd be taking classes forever. I was set on getting my BSN and ditching the ASN (Associate in Nursing) program at LCC.

By the end of December 2005, Aaron had decided to take a job with his brother-in-law in Saint Cloud Minnesota at a golf course. St Cloud State University has a Bachelor of Science Nursing program and I thought this would work perfectly. All the while I have a Bachelor's degree - so once again naive me thought of course they'll take me. Ha! Not so fast my little friend. I took a chemistry class at SCSU to even be looked at for their program and I took a Pathophysiology course that I had to beg the professor to let me in to because it's reserved only for nursing students already in the program. I applied for their Accelerated program - they were going to take 16 students - I got an interview - YAY! - but I didn't get into the program - either what I wrote about my dreams of being a nurse at the interview killed my spot or I just wasn't up to par. I did find out that they only took 8 students - ouch! So I continue on and apply for their normal 2.5 year program that freshman & sophomore students apply too. I made it past the first stage - I get to take the entrance test - Yay! - but of course before we take the exam the proctor tells us that most of us sitting in that room will not be admitted to the program due to a lack of teachers and clinical sites. That was great motivation right before the test. I scored OK on the test, but obviously not GOOD enough. I also was told that freshman & sophomores got first pick because it was their first try at a bachelors degree and that all of us applying with a previous bachelors degree were chosen last if there were spots left open. OUCH! Yes, the whole time I thought my degree was working for me, I shouldn't of even had a degree - better odds!

May 2006 - my friend Lindsey gets into the LCC Part-time program - couldn't be more happy for her - we had taken many classes together at LCC prior to me leaving and both were waiting to get into nursing school. At the same time I felt my life was going no where - should I reconsider this dream of mine, or keep on trucking? Lindsey, thankfully told me about LCC starting an Accelerated nursing program and that some of the full time nursing students with bachelors degrees were going to be moved into this new class that would start March 2007. It was a 14 month program and would end May 2008. I rechecked the prereqs for LCC - check I had them all - I figured even though I'm in Minnesota I'll apply and see if I get in - it wouldn't hurt - I've been rejected many times before this - why not - we'll consider the complications later. So I had to fly back to Michigan to attend a nursing meeting that is required and meet with an advisor also required - at the meeting an instructor says - oh yeah the Accelerated program is full - no point in applying. How completely frustrated was I, I flew all this way for you to tell me this??? So I still go to the advisor appointment on Monday - completely different story - no there are 12-15 spots still open - you're a great candidate still apply. I turn everything in by hand and just wait. The deadline was Dec 1st I believe and they said they would tell us in February - which at the time made NO sense to me since the program started in March.

In the beginning of January right after I made an appointment for an interview for a position near the cities I get a call from the LCC nursing department - asking me if I'm still interested in the program because I live in Minnesota. I say yes of course and that's all she had to say. I call back to see if she can tell me more and she said it'd be sent out that week. So I anxiously await a letter in the mail - of course it took waaaay longer at least it felt that way. I finally get it and I'm shaking and I got in!!!!! I immediately start crying out of happiness and then start crying out of fear. How am I going to pull this off? I have to move home by February. Is Aaron going to move with me? Will I go alone? Will we be long distance for a year or so? I put that behind me until Aaron comes home. He walks through the door thinking I've made dinner for him - since I was workin a few nights at Target I had more time on my hands. He gives me this look like where is dinner and I say... no we are going out to dinner... and he says we are? And I said yes ... because I got into nursing school!!!! He stands there in shock - we hug and both start crying. I had waited sooo long to get into nursing school my tears were filled with joy & frustration. I was in shock.

Things moved quickly from there - I flew home to attend a pharmacology math course that was a couple days long. February 7th Aaron proposed to me, February 12th we drove back to MI and Feb 14th Aaron flew back to MN.

Classes started after spring break - March 12 or so? And we are almost here a year later. The summer seemed to drag on... but once we came around the bend and got through August everything since has flown by - we are about to end this class and move on to our last class! It's amazing how crazy this past year has been and how much I have learned. Nursing has opened my eyes to so many things and I never realized it was what it is...

For some reason it was supposed to take me 4 years to get to this place in my life. Now I am ready for school to come to a close, but at the same time I'm anxious and nervous about getting a job, moving to Florida, leaving my friendships here in Michigan and beginning a career I've been waiting for.

The Countdown Begins....

2008-02-23T16:20:00.004-05:00

11 weeks left until Graduation!

3.5 months until I move to Florida!

7 months and 9 days until the Wedding!

Adorable Jude London

2008-02-23T16:01:00.024-05:00

In this post I want to talk about my adorable soon-to-be nephew Jude London. He was born August 16, 2007. He has the same birthday month as Aaron and the same birthday day of the month as me! Instant connection! :) He's a big boy and such a cutipie - I call him judiepie. I know it's a little much but he's so darn cute. I wish I lived closer to see him more often!

Last week Jude London broke his little femur bone. At first they tried a leg cast, but sometimes in babies it's hard to get the cast to stay in the right place.

The cast wasn't staying on correctly so they had to put a hip spica cast on him. In order to put it on he had to be put under anesthesia. I can imagine this was very scary and worrisome for Amber & Scott as new parents. But all went well and he is home with his new cast on. He still looks adorable in it! :)

Below are some pictures of him over the past months. I know he has wonderful parents who are going to help him learn and grow on his path of life and love him unconditionally. I think I will see him next in June - can't wait! I'm thinking he'd make a handsome ring bearer! :)

I love this poem!

2008-02-20T21:05:00.000-05:00

i carry your heart with me - e.e. cummings

i carry your heart with me

(i carry it in my heart)

i am never without it

(anywhere i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)

I fear no fate

(for you are my fate, my sweet)

i want no world

(for beautiful you are my world, my true)

and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows

higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart

(i carry it in my heart)

BLAH BLAH BLAH basically...

2008-02-20T13:11:00.000-05:00

Ok, so the last 2 weeks I studied my butt off for school and put wedding planning on the side - wow it was great - yes I had moments of - I should be calling this place, oooh that's a great idea - but I surprisingly stayed focus. So I took yesterday to think about wedding stuff - man that was a really bad decision - maybe I should go back to focusing on school - I felt more stressed out about wedding decisions, planning etc... than trying to get a 4.0 on my last test.

This is what I don't get, why does it end up being stressful at points? I mean it sounds like it should be so easy. It's hard too when you have to ask people for help... and then they don't really want to help - never expected that.. but I guess I shouldn't of had expectations for this. In the grand scheme of things stupid decisons are not what this is all about - and it's hard not to fall into it forgetting why you are planning this grand event. Aaron and I are getting married after 6 years in April of being together and that couldn't make me more happy right now. For people who have never planned a wedding - there are SO many more things to decide than you'd EVER imagine. You'd think just picking a photographer, DJ, florist, baker etc... and thats it...ooooh no that's not it - there are so many little decisions within ONE big decision - I don't think I really understood that before. (Deep breath) Now I do. It looks fun and glamorous on the outside... but it can't be that way all the time. You are putting your trust in complete strangers to make your day special and beautiful. COMPLETE STRANGERS. I guess everyone does it and it works out - so there's no turning back.

Then there's a point where you want info and ideas, but then there are the people who TELL you what you should do cause thats what THEY would want, but how come it can't just be - ok here are ideas do with that what you wish. There's always that... oooh that's nice... but inside it's really not you.... AHHHHHHHHHHH!

Thankfully I have friends who have made me feel sane during this process by supporting me and having my back - making me feel as though I'm not as crazy as I feel - Thank you! In the end we are going to have a fun day and I'm marrying someone who cares so deeply for me and is so genuine and caring I couldn't ask for a better person to marry. We've been on a long road to this day and I'm happy it's finally getting closer - We've been honest with each other throughout and compromised to achieve each others dreams in life - I can't wait to see what life will be like once we start our own family.

The vent is over. Ciao.

Arbonne

2008-02-19T14:14:00.000-05:00

I met with my Arbonne lady today - Sally, who happens to be my best friend Andrea's mom! The company offers great options to enhance your skin the right way - naturally! I'm even using Arbonne to help fill gifts for the wedding. I am currently using their body scrub in the shower and their foot lotion afterwards and I am loving both! I just got body butter from Sally today and I am looking forward to using it! I also have their Figure 8 Chews - Berry Burst that are tasty - if you need something to tide you over. I highly recommend their products - they offer travel size products which work well for shower gifts, attendant gifts or even in welcome bags!

Website: http://www.arbonne.com/ - If you'd like to contact Sally let me know and I can give you her info. :)

Photography..check!

2008-01-28T12:23:00.000-05:00

I just mailed in our photography deposit! We'll be using 4 Corners Photography! She made a custom package for us to work within our budget - very helpful! Very excited and happy to have another thing checked off the list :) http://4corners.shutterfly.com/action/
You can visit their website on shutterfly to see her photographs.

This is one of my favorite from her photobooks and it's BHGC!:

(4 Corners Photography)

Ding Ding!

2008-01-21T19:17:00.000-05:00

Trolley time! I think we are going to use Mackinaw Trolley company for our transportation from the Inn at Bay Harbor to the Bay Harbor Golf Course. It winds through the awesome houses that are between the Inn and the golf course. They are right along Lake Michigan - beautiful! I think this is a unique spin to transportation. :)

Essence Couture - Essence of Australia

2008-01-20T16:42:00.000-05:00

Today I went to Fantastic Finds to try on the wedding dress for my dad - to get the ok before we purchase next weekend. I'm glad I went because what I was thinking my dress looked like was not what my dress looked like! I like my dress even more than the picture I thought it was! I guess it's not on the designer site because they don't have all their dresses up there. So I came across these two dresses that have parts that look like mine. So in the end - the dress will be a surprise to everyone! :)

(above & below) The bottom & train is similar to the one on my dress

(above & below) - The hint of sweetheart neckline and the bodice are similar to mine and then the back w/corset style is the same. The dress is in a taffeta ivory.

Bubbles

2008-01-19T23:37:00.001-05:00

I think we might have our guests blow bubbles at us as we walk down the aisle as Mr. & Mrs., I like the fun touch it adds!

I believe...

2008-01-15T22:20:00.001-05:00

This is the wedding dress I am going to get!!!!! Try not to get distracted by the feathers in the hair (ha!). I think this dress says it has crystals in it - but mine doesn't, and it's taffeta - I think this also comes in a silk gown. But I'm pretty sure this is it. I'm going back soon so my dad can see and then again to a designer show to buy it!!! I'll be sure to pose like this in one of my wedding photos. :)

H-A-I-R.... too hard to decide!

2008-01-15T22:16:00.000-05:00

Hair! It's so difficult to choose! Up, down?? My dress is strapless so I hear I should wear it down or half up! I'm not sure! I saw these... any opinions???

Update...

2008-01-14T23:00:00.000-05:00

We just need flowers, bakery for our cupcakes, wedding planner... and we think we have chosen a photographer. :) yay! It's coming along....

We've found a DJ!

2008-01-14T22:50:00.000-05:00

We have chosen our DJ, he is actually my hairstylist's son! He owns his own DJ company - called A Different Spin! We are very excited - we basically told him he can't "suck" because we love to dance. He's been DJing for 12 years now and has a do not play list - which is good and lots of songs we love - so I think it'll be a great time! The DJ is my favorite part!!! :)

I think there is going to be a.....

2008-01-14T22:44:00.000-05:00

PHOTO BOOTH... at the wedding!!! :) It's not going to look like this one (haha!), but it's going to be fun. We are sending the deposit this week and are looking forward to having it! :) Our friends Dave & Jen had one at their wedding in December and it was so much fun! What's even more funny is that my mom really wants to have it. haha!

Fun shoes for the Bridesmaids!

2008-01-11T13:39:00.000-05:00

I think these shoes are so fun! I've seen them with the dress and they look great! I think they are fun and give a lil' sparkle!

I'm baaaaaack!!!

2008-01-09T12:37:00.000-05:00

I'm back from my travels south to Florida & east to NYC! I had a great trip of 11 days in Ft Myers with Aaron and 3 days in NYC with Vanessa & Andrea! I'm trying to get a couple more things/contacts in place this week before I start school on Saturday! boo!

I'm looking into finding a planner in northern michigan - if anyone has any references that'd be great!

Grooms Suit

2007-12-20T22:24:00.000-05:00

I love this suit from JCrew for Aaron - or something like it. Hopefully Aaron won't be looking at me like this guy is... creepy. haha!

Flowers for the maids... not sure either..

2007-12-20T21:40:00.001-05:00

Since I have 7 girls in mosaic blue and 2 girls in spiced wine - i'm thinking either mixed flowers intertwining both colors would be cool - or a nice white flower boquet would look nice too - contrast. Any suggestions or ideas???

Flowers for me.... not sure...

2007-12-20T21:16:00.000-05:00

Looking into flowers... I need to call the flower lady soon and have something in mind. I'm just not good with colors - so I'm hoping she can put something magical together for me. But I like these colors together - bring in the purple and blue. Any suggestions or ideas???

Fore-ever, Par-fect, Tee-rific Favors

2007-12-11T19:13:00.001-05:00

Colorful Ties for the Groomsmen...

2007-11-18T11:20:00.000-05:00

For the groomsmen.... to keep it inexpensive, casual & fun... I'm thinking nice khaki colored dress pants, a crisp white shirt and a colorful tie - now do I go with all the same color for the ties, go everyone other person and use the blue & purple color, or have the Best Man wear the purple color and the rest wear the blue color? Then find a different tie for Aaron in his suit - stone color.

MOH Dresses....

2007-11-18T10:49:00.000-05:00

The Maid of Honor & Matron of Honor will be wearing this dress from Jcrew! It's the same dress as some of the bridesmaids but in Spiced Wine. Janie & I met up to look at the colors together and we both love it! She has a degree in Fashion Merchandising so her opinion means a lot to me since I can be color challenged a lot of the time.

Now we have to figure out what the groom & groomsmen will wear.....

Date has been set!

2007-11-13T11:29:00.001-05:00

October 4, 2008 at Bay Harbor Golf Club, Bay Harbor MI!

Venue pictures

2007-11-12T22:52:00.001-05:00

Here are some pictures of weddings at the Bay Harbor Golf Club.

The Date

2007-11-12T16:45:00.000-05:00

No date has been set yet ... waiting to hear back from the venue. As soon as I know, I'll post it or if you are in the wedding you'll get an email.

Inn at Bay Harbor Resort

2007-11-11T14:38:00.001-05:00

This is the hotel we'd be staying at and it's very luxurious - I miss it already! haha! This room was a suite, but 4-6 people could stay in it and split the cost. 1BR, but living room has pull down murphy bed and pull out sofa.

Found the perfect place!

2007-11-11T14:13:00.000-05:00

Bay Harbor Golf Club

Back side of Clubhouse facing Lake Michigan (View from the back of the clubhouse)

Ceremony space (Hopefully) - golf carts usually go here. :)

View from ceremony space

Inside the clubhouse - view from front door - the area we are standing in will be seating and the area in front that is rounded can be used for seating as well.

The larger of the 3 rooms - those are the tables & chairs that go on the deck in the back
The "yellow" room they call it - this off to the right of the big open space above - seating would be in here as well.
To the left of the big room is the bar area - we would take out the bar chairs and pull out the tables to have seating along the side - this would be more of the younger crowd sitting in here.
This is from the other end of the bar - the dance floor would go in this corner.
This is the beautiful bar! It's a little dark but the wood is awesome! The ceiling in this room is wood and it's in the shape of a boat turned upside down!

Hmm.. I guess I've been tagged....???

2007-11-11T12:25:00.000-05:00

The rules of tag:

1. Post the rules at the beginning.

2. List 6 facts/habits about yourself.

3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post,

and leave them comment informing

them they've been tagged!

(I probably won't be tagging anyone else)

1. I laugh in my sleep and sometimes I wake myself up laughing and other times people tell me I woke them up laughing. oops.

2. I love cheese fries ... basically cheese in general it's my biggest downfall when it comes to food. It's the best comfort food ever!

3. I have 3 classes left in nursing school before I graduate - that's just scary! 2008 is going to be a crazy year with graduating, new job, moving to FL, getting married, friends getting married... crazy but fun!

4. I love to send care packages especially to my fiance - something about picking out the items, wrapping them in cool colors and packing it up to send it away is really fun for me! hahah!

5. I love bloody marys... yum yum... all I can say - but not too much spice because then it takes away from the enjoyment.

6. Since I left college I've done a lot of things I never thought or told myself I would never do - 1) live in FL, 2) live in MN, 3)go to St Cloud State Univ 4) go to nursing school at a community college, 4) get married in MI, 5) move back to FL after I left 6) live with my parents

Short & Sweet. :)

GO BLUE!

2007-11-04T18:24:00.001-05:00

GO BLUE!

Awesome weekend for the Michigan Wolverines, we kicked some Spartan ass! :)

I spent the morning on Saturday at a bridal show with Janie, then we got some sushi for lunch and headed over to watch the game. Perfect day after being so stressed out. :)

Janie & I at Brad's friends house to watch the game. I sipped on some Mike-arita's all night - went down smooooothly... .

(Photo from UM fan site)

Martini anyone???

2007-11-04T14:23:00.000-05:00

The only idea I saw at a small bridal show this weekend was the use of a tall martini glass as a centerpiece.

(photo from Zap Events)

Northern Michigan......

2007-11-02T19:31:00.001-04:00

This could be a possibility.....

The Inn at Bay Harbor Resort Golf & Spa, Bay Harbor MI (45 min north of Traverse City)

Golf at Bay Harbor - on Lake Michigan!

Bay Harbor Shopping!

Destination Stress...

2007-11-02T15:18:00.000-04:00

I hadn't felt this stress until I got a call from a DJ I had inquired about telling me that another bride wants them for the same day and is having her wedding at one of the locations we are going to look at in 3 weeks. Then I thought of changing the date, moving up the date and having the wedding in MI shortly after I graduate and just get it over with, not caring, caring, to wanting someone to just choosing everything for me so I don't have to care about it. I give props to every bride who plans their own destination wedding - I don't know how you do it so far away alone. I have appointments to meet with planners - but I don't have one yet, dates are filling up and vendors/venues are becoming taken. I need to sit down and really think about this. I hope one of the places we see jumps out at me in FL or we just decide on a different location soon. I do have a photog booked, so I either lose the deposit, or see if she can switch the date. Wow - I need to stop focusing on this so it all falls into place - it's been making me crazy for the past 24 hours! I have nursing school to focus on ... after the UM/MSU game this weekend of course. Have a great weekend!

"Meet the Fockers"

2007-10-29T15:20:00.001-04:00

Our parents met for the first time this weekend! We have been dating for over 5 years, but since they live in different states it hasn't happened until now. Saturday night we went to WE GOTTA BINGO interactive dinner theatre show. It was HILARIOUS! It was an awesome time! Parents had a great time meeting each other!

I is for Invitations......

2007-10-22T18:53:00.000-04:00

I am very excited to have Bridget Skoog making our invitations! She is a long time friend of Amber's (Matron of Honor)! She sent me these ideas and they are exactly what I was thinking! I'm so glad we are on the same page! We are getting together this weekend while I'm in Minnesota to talk about paper, colors the whole nine yards. I love the pocket and fold idea for the invitation and we talked about doing a cool ribbon to pull the whole invitation together! Exciting!! :) Bridget is one cool chick! She's VERY creative, hilarious, hard working and best of all loves the Michigan Wolverines! :) GO BLUE!

Cupcakes...mmmmmm.....:)

2007-10-16T18:35:00.000-04:00

Cupcakes, cupcakes and more cupcakes! I love it!!! I like the idea of doing cupcakes instead of slicing the cake. The first two cakes below are the style I'd like, the cakes around the stand and on the top a small cake we can actually cut! That way we won't miss out feeding each other on our wedding day! ;)

The Groomsmen!

2007-10-15T20:36:00.001-04:00

Jay! - Best Man

They share the same birthday, one year apart and have grown up together. Jay is a pharmaceutical sales rep. Jay lives in Minneapolis, MN and is getting married April 26, 2008!

Mike Sustad! Aaron's Cousin!

Mortgage Broker and lives in Bloomington, MN

Mike MacKenzie! (The one in the middle) Kate's brother!

Specialty Pharmacy Sales Rep for Walgreens. Resides in East Lansing, MI

Dave!

Dave is the Facilities Manager at the Hilton downtown Minneapolis and a Hockey Official.

Dave is getting married December 15, 2007! He resides in Woodbury, MN.

Brock! Aaron's Brother-in-law.

Head Golf Professional at Territory Golf Course - St. Cloud, MN

Jason!

Sioux Shop Manager at Ralph Engelstad Arena - Grand Forks, ND

(Mike) Lommen!

Bartender in Cross Lake, MN

Personal Attendant... to have or not to have...

2007-10-13T21:04:00.000-04:00

So I was looking into this personal attendant position... not quite sure what it's all about. but I found this article online. But after this article, I'm thinking I can get all of those duties taken care of with 9 bridesmaids.... any opinions????

What exactly does a personal attendant to do?
I'm not surprised you did not find anything specific about the duties ofa "personal attendant" because it's an old "job" with a fairly new "title". For as long as women have been having weddings in the modern sense we have now, they've been assisted by those close to them whenfamily and friends were available.Both in weddings where I've served as an attendant, and at weddings I have designed for, I've often served in the capacity of "personal attendant". The duties of a personal attendant vary because they *are* very personal.What I would suggest is that you be in touch with this sister in the last week or two before the wedding, if not earlier, so she is fully tuned in to your concerns and priorities. This will help you both decide and understand-- before and during the wedding-- what duties will be most important.Think specifically about what you would like her to handle for you. Then also, keep her updated on anything you are particularly concerned about, so she can keep her eyes open for ways to smooth those situations as the day goes along.

To get you started, some typical "duties" you might ask her to be responsible for:

~helping you transport your gown and attire

~helping you dress

~holding a touch-up/emergency bag for you (lipstick, breath mints, aspirin, safety pins, deodorant/perfume, etc.)

~fielding messages for you at home/ceremony site so your aren't interrupted for every little thing

~protecting your privacy/quiet time pre-ceremony, if you values it

~taking messages/gifts to the groom, if you will not see one another

~various "go-fer" duties-- keep her eyes open on wedding day to see whatneeds to be done, checked, handled, smoothed over.

If she (and the bridesmaids as a group) can do a good job of this, beingJohnny-on-the-spot so you doesn't even hear about some of the little glitches, they can make your day *much* more relaxed.I want to repeat that you should follow your own instincts on what her duties should be. You will know best what you need and want.Foreverwed.com Expert-- Sara L. Ambarian author/creativeconsultant/custom bridal designer

Centerpieces & Colors Galore!!!

2007-10-13T20:57:00.000-04:00

I love all of these colors! This first one is a little more red than pink/magenta I'm looking for, but I like all of the items together. I still love the idea of floating candles with some turquoise/blue rocks/marbles in bottom in cylinder vases, not too high. I can't seem to find any good pictures of those. All of these pictures were found at www.brides.com

Looooooong tables

2007-10-13T20:41:00.000-04:00

I can't agree more with Lynn about long tables. I think it creates a more personal and intimate setting. Although I don't even know if I'll be able to have long tables since I don't have a venue yet. In time .... almost a month away I'll have a good idea (I hope!) of where our wedding will be! :) Pictures were found at www.brides.com

Groomswear... is that a word????

2007-10-13T20:02:00.001-04:00

I love these two pictures from the knot. I like the khaki or stone color suit for Aaron, with either a white shirt underneath, or a very colorful shirt - not sure what color that would be. I'm also liking the white shirt with the colorful tie, probably not pink. (I love how simple the bride's dress is in the second picture - sort of like the one I have from Jcrew)

The Bridal Party!

2007-10-02T22:39:00.000-04:00

BRIDAL PARTY!!!

Janie - Maid of Honor!

We met on the bus to middle school! She is back in school to become a teacher! She lives in Ferndale, MI!

Amber - Matron of Honor!

Aaron's sister! Amber just had an adorable little boy - Jude! She's a mommy! She works in Marketing at Tennant. She lives in St Paul, MN

Bri - Bridesmaid!

We met in Girl Scouts in Elementary School! She lives in Baltimore, MD and works at Johns Hopkins! She is engaged and is getting married August 8, 2008 in San Diego!

Vanessa - Bridesmaid!

We met at UofM and lived together for 3 years (even shared a room one year!). She just moved to Brooklyn, NY! She works at Physcians for Reproductive Choice and Health!

Andrea - Bridesmaid!

I've known her since middle school! She is a Connections Manager at MediaVest in NYC. She just got married and lives in Astoria, NY!

Chloe - Flower Girl & Sydney - Jr. Bridesmaid

My favorite girls in Sartell MN! They love the High School Musical!

Marnie - Bridesmaid!

Aaron's sister. She also is a big-wig in a nursing home! She lives in Sartell, MN and loves to scrapbook!

Lynn - Bridesmaid!

We met at UofM and then lived together the year after we graduated in Tampa! She is in her last year of law school and just got a job offer! She is engaged and is getting married 3 weeks before me!!! She lives in Tallahassee, FL!

Meg - Bridesmaid!

My Cousin! She's a big-wig in a nursing home, world traveler, and professional irish dancer!

She lives in Chicago, IL

Colleen - Bridesmaid!

My Cousin! She is a Physical Therapist in Chicago, IL.

Hair!

2007-10-02T22:35:00.000-04:00

I love the idea of a flower in my hair. I will not be having a veil so I think a flower will spice it up!

Flower Power!

2007-10-02T22:24:00.000-04:00

I love the daisies! Vibrant contrasting colors to the mosaic blue dresses! I also like the idea of monochromatic boquets with each BM having a different boquet.

Cake topper!

2007-09-21T20:48:00.000-04:00

How funny is this cake topper! It's perfect!

Unity Sand Ceremony.... and make art for your home!

2007-09-21T20:43:00.000-04:00

I saw this at a wedding a week ago and LOVED the idea. They are vases, and then the bride and groom have separate sand colors, pour into the middle vase. Once it's done you have a centerpiece for your house because the 3 vases fit together! If it's on the beach candles are just not going to work. I like this idea!

Dollar dance... to do or not to do...

2007-09-18T18:55:00.000-04:00

This weekend at a wedding (picture above is NOT from the wedding I attended this weekend - it's from a DJ website) the conversation about doing a dollar dance or not came up.... I know that they are tradition in a lot of places and families... but I feel torn because I don't want to offend people - they make the trip all the way down to FL, pay for hotel, plane ticket, food etc... and then for a dance with me? hahaha. Anyone have any thoughts on this matter???

Pass on favors... donate to a great cause...

2007-09-18T18:46:00.000-04:00

Make a pink envelope donation on behalf of your wedding guests

Your donation of $100 or more on behalf your wedding guests, or on behalf of a loved one, will help grant wishes to people who have been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. Your memorable day will create lasting memories for others in a critical time of their lives.

Resorts we are looking into in November...

2007-09-10T11:44:00.001-04:00

In November, I am going down to Florida with my parents to look at 3 resorts. Longboat Key Club & Resort www.longboatkeyclub.com (top picture), Sanibel Harbor Resort & Spa www.sanibel-resort.com (middle picture), & Marco Island Marriott Resort, Spa & Golf http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mrkfl-marco-island-marriott-beach-resort-golf-club-and-spa/ (bottom picture).

What we have so far....

2007-09-10T11:40:00.001-04:00

We have chosen our wedding party, and the bridesmaid dresses have been purchased. They are from Jcrew on sale for under $100. Bridesmaids chose which style they preferred to wear.