surprise! we're getting married next friday!

Not really. But our jeweler seems to think so. For the past few weeks the future mister has been receiving phone calls from them telling him that his wedding band is ready to be picked up. Every time he has had to explain that our wedding isn't until NEXT May. Then today he received an email with a photo of the wedding band along with, "Congratulations on your wedding! It will be here very soon!" They also included their hours - probably to remind us that we still haven't picked it up yet. I think this is funny. Despite the fact that he's told them multiple times, I guess they just keep forgetting to change the date in their computer. But that's okay, because now I have a photo to show you (read my previous post on the ring here).

I love that it's a fairly traditional style with a bit of a twist (rose gold). We still haven't picked mine out yet since it will most likely need a bit of customization to fit with my e-ring. When we purchased the future mister's band (right out of the case, at a discount), gold was at an all time high. I'm not sure what it is now, but hopefully it will be a bit cheaper by the time we make it up to Charlotte again (the only downside to our awesome jeweler is that they're located 3 hours away).

So tell me, did your guy opt for a traditional ring or something more unique?

it's about the marriage...

Last week I had a wedding dream. I've had a few before this one which were mostly along the lines of "everything-is-screwed-up-nothing-is-right-my-wedding-is-ruined-!!". This time my dream was quite the opposite. Yes, everything was different. First of all, the location was at the beach. We were getting married inside at the top of a bluff that overlooked the ocean. The photographer didn't show up for the getting ready photos or the ceremony. The catering was all wrong. I had a completely different dress on. But the most amazing thing about this entire dream was that I was completely calm.

Not the right dress? That's okay, I still felt beautiful and I was getting married.

Not the right venue? Still okay - I was getting married.

The photographer didn't show up? Perfectly fine. Somehow a back-up showed up. And I was getting married.

Screwed up catering? Still great. No one would know but me and the groom anyway. And, yep, I was getting married.

At the point in the dream right after the ceremony, I was walking along the beach hand-in-hand with my new husband and I started talking about how a big part of the ceremony was left out. I was on the verge of getting worked up about it when a huge wave of calm happiness washed over me. It was a wonderful feeling. And I could still feel it as I slowly woke up.

I think that was one of the best dreams I've had in a long time. Certainly the best wedding dream since I didn't wake up in a cold sweat, heart pounding. In this dream not one single thing that went wrong mattered. Why? Because when it comes down to it, that day is not really about the wedding at all. It's about the MARRIAGE. I really hope that I'll be able to successfully carry these thoughts and feelings with me until our actual wedding day (especially when I'm weeks or days away and ready to pull my hair out).

Does anyone else have any good wedding dreams to share?

weekend recap & celebration dinner

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend! I was off on Friday, again, but this time it was for a small medical procedure. So I mostly took it easy this weekend. Lots of time on the couch watching movies. The only time I left was on Saturday for a picnic in the park with friends to celebrate the end of another semester. The future mister just completed his first year as a PhD student. Here we are this time last year at his M.A. graduation:

Another year down, four or five more to go. I'm incredibly proud of all that he's accomplished so far. So we're going out tonight to celebrate at our favorite restaurant - Farm 255. We haven't yet lived here for one year, and we've gone to this restaurant for every special occasion - after our engagement, his birthday, end of fall semester, my birthday, parents in town, etcetera, etcetera. Not surprisingly, this place is at the top of our short list for rehearsal dinner locations (more on that later).

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Yum - I can't wait! Is there a particular restaurant that you frequent for special occasions?

savor the moment

Sorry for the brief hiatus. Work has been pretty crazy! It is not only the end of the semester, but I have also been covering for a co-worker who's been out since his wife just had their first baby. I did have a three day weekend, though - so that was nice. I indulged on Saturday by staying in my PJs most of the day and reading this:

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If you're not a fan of Nora Roberts or mindless romances, this might not be the book for you. But I enjoyed it. This is the third book in her Bride Quartet series (the first two were equally as good!). The series is about four friends who plan weddings together - Mac is the photographer (Vision in White), Emma is the florist (Bed of Roses), Laurel is the baker (Savor the Moment) and Parker is the planner/coordinator (Happy Ever After - out in November). Although the books are extremely predictable, the characters are likable and engaging. If you're a fan of chick lit (like me!), this book (and all the rest) are must reads!

more "real"

A few weeks ago, the future mister and I went to see our venue all set up for a wedding. Here are the pro pics by Melissa Prosser:

(we'll have access to this vintage car!)

It gives me goosebumps just looking at these. And a little voice in my head starts yelling, "You're getting married there! You're getting married!"

At what point did your upcoming wedding/marriage become more "real"?

dressing the men

I can't believe it's Monday already. Where do the weekends go?? Hope you all had a fabulous one! Ours was pretty quiet (well mine at least) since the future mister is busy writing final papers. We were successful in our trip to the mall Saturday morning and even did some research for our own wedding.

1. Men's Wearhouse proved to me that I don't want our men to rent tuxes. Now I'm not bashing anyone that chooses to go this route. I just feel that $180 for something that you don't even get to keep is not very economical. This just solidified my decision to have our men purchase (or use one they already have) a gray suit. Department stores usually have great sales on menswear and a nice suit is practically a wardrobe staple. That's a win in my book.

2. My honey looks amazing in this Brooks Brothers suit.

The store was right there where we were exiting the mall, so we figured why not. That suit is definitely staying on our wish list!

How did you decide on the groom/groomsmen's attire?

another checkmark

Waaayyy back in January and February I met with a few photographers. Well, we have finally made a decision, signed the contract and put down a deposit. Yay! I'm am sooo happy to have another one of the big ticket items crossed off my list. Another reason I'm excited is now we get to schedule engagement photos! But before I show you some of my e-photo inspiration, I guess you're probably wondering who we picked....

Heidi from Our Labor of Love!

Now onto some eye candy:

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