China

So I registered at Macy's for the china set that I would love to have. And then I took it off, because I found this set...

They only thing that is different between the set I picked and this is the white design between the silver lines. OH AND NOT TO MENTION THAT I PURCHASED MY ENTIRE SET FOR $10!! Yup, $10.

Heres how: I went to a thirft store once day and found this set, I asked the worker if the price on the one plate was for the whole set, and she said yes! Then, I asked if it was on sale, and she said YES!!! This is what I got:

9 Dinner Plates

7 Salad Plates
7 Dessert Plates

7 Saucers
8 Tea Cups
1 Serving Plate

1 Serving Bowl

Now I know you are saying - well this isn't a full set - No its not, but thats okay because there is a website that I can go and get all the piece individually. I can finish the entire set for less that $200 - WELL WORTH IT!!!

Bridals Show Lessons

So I went to a bridal show a while back. And I learn and recieved alot of information including some great gifts!!!

What I learned:
1. China is too expensive! But I still want it cause my family actually used theirs and I will too.
2. Some companies are just there for the brides and parents who want to spend a fortune on one day

3. Bridal shows are better when you have not book a single vendor yet

4. There were only 2 bakers, and NO florist at this show

5. I got way too much informational pamphlets.
6. I did get some useful gift certificates - ecspecially the one to Longaberger Baskets!! I am so totally using that one!

7. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT!! - I want this at my wedding for cocktail hour!

Guest Book?

So we all know that there are about a million different types of guest books, and its really hard to choose which one to buy. You can get books, picture books, plates, pictures, the possiblities and endless. I decided to go with the picture frame because I will never look at the actual book again....

Total price for the pen, matte, and frame = $25

I love Michaels & Hobby Lobby... their 50% off sales will save my budget BIG BIG BIG TIME!

Unity Candle

So since we have broke the bank with certain services, everything else needs to be cheap for the wedding. So, while I was at Hobby Lobby today, I noticed that a packaged Unity Candle Set would cost about $25. THEN sitting next to the packages of sets, were the bases - costing about $20.

So I figured I could get the candle, the tapers, and three vases for much cheaper.... here it goes:
1 Plain White Unity Candle = $6
2 Plain White Taper Candles = $2
2 Taper Holders in Glass = $12
1 Unity Holder in Glass = $8

TOTAL = $28

After the sale - THAT I DIDN"T KNOW ABOUT.....

=$14.50 with tax

I was pleased. Now all I will do is tie some nice ribbon to the candles and the holders and it will be perfect!

P.S. I also added a picture of what the centerpieces would look like before I add the ribbon on it...

DJ & Cake

We BOOKED THE DJ!!!!

yay - I'm jumping for joy, you have no idea!

Now its time for the baker to be booked. We are starting to look at bakers, have about 4 that would be available, so hopefully we can settle this issue soon.

We have an idea of how we want the cake to look. We were thinking three tiers - white buttercream, with a simple music scroll wrapping around the cake and the topper would be a trumpet and a clarinet. (still considering putting the standard people on top too... what do you think?)

Save the dates

I finished the save the dates and they look amazing! They all got sent out and everyone was very happy with them. Now on to the invitations!!! Imagine the Save the date listed earlier with a dark blue cardstock behind it with four white-stamped brush stokes surounding the magnet. They look wonder and I was even please that my Fiance helped me piece them all together with out any complaints! Thanks again to him & his mother!!!

Appoligies

I appologize so much for not updating - I've been uber busy with teaching and things. Anyways I will start posting tonight and get everything updated!!!

Mary Kay

So I recieved another Bridal pampering thingy from a Mary Kay consultant, and decided to take her up on her offer - only cause she gave me a $13 gift card. It was just me and her, still don't have any close enough friends to invite to something like this here in town... but anyways, it was great and we had a blast. I really really really would like to get the little compact of make-up for th wedding and just have all the eye shadow colors, blush, mascara & lipstick in one place, but it cost $66!

Then towards the end of the session, she tells me that the $13 gift card she game me.. I can not use, I have to give it to a friend! Bummer on my part, cause it is only good for her buisness, its non-changable to another consultant...

i hate fine print!

Rose Petals

So I found this great deal on rose petals from this store called http://www.efavormart.com/ for $12 I got 1000 dark blue rose petals. This was a terrific deal, the cheapest I found online. We are going to use them for the flower girl's basket and on all the centerpiece. They shipped really quickly and I'm glad because I will have plenty time to buy more if I feel like it!

Now the debate is whether to have an aisle runner or not? There is a neat pattern with the two hearts..but I'm not sure if I want to spent money on a runner...

Save the Dates

So the save the dates are in and now it is time to assemble and get them mailed!!! They are supose to be dark blue, but right now they look purple - no biggie. Once we put the dark blue card stock behind it the color will look darker.

They have two hearts (waterpaint style) and then our information on it. I am placing them on magnets then get to mount them on Cardstock, and address all the letters (so looking forward to that part..not).

So excited because I'm really starting to see things come together!

P.S. - found a great deal on rose petals, so I ordered them ...way too far in advance.
&
found my garter for under my dress - just got to put a bid in on eBay for it...

Centerpieces

So a while ago, my mom was at the Christmas Tree Store in New England and called me to tell me she had found the centerpieces for the wedding - @ $3 each!! Heres a picture:

Now I need to explain that it is the redish box towards the left with the actual candle holder in the middle. We are taking off the flowers and will be decorating with dark blue ribbon! I'm really. please that my centerpieces were only $3 - it really does help when you are having a budget wedding!

Photographer

We book the photographer! He is one of the best in the area, and I'm really excited! Check out his pictures: http://www.sunderphoto.com/!

He is really nice and so if his wife. We havn't picked out our package yet, but we have till the end of September to decide. Its a nice package because he and his wife will do the wedding together, so he will go to wherever Chris is getting ready while she is over where I am getting ready. This way we can have an acurate depiction of what was going on before I walk down the aisle to be with the man of my dreams for the rest of my life!
I'm really excited now that wedding plans are falling more into place! more to come...

Flowers

So my thoughts about having Stephanotis as my main flowers is out the door. Me know absolutely nothing about flowers found out real quickly that an all stephanotis bouquet would cost me $600! And that the type bridal bouquet cost between $100-200 bucks! That is so much more than I can afford

So after talking with one florist, I think I can do all the bouquets, boutineires (sp?), & coursages for about $200 - hopefully even less. But now instead of Stephanotis, we go with Daisies - hopefully a dark orange or dark red. We will see, I have a alot more florist to talk to! It will take awhile!

Apologies!

So I am so terribly sorry for not writing, my computer had crashed. But I'm back now, and I will be posting frequently and back-posting with the developments of the wedding!

Still going strong & Ironism

So I am surviving teaching and still loving it! I really enjoy the little kids and I'm really happy with the school district that I am in. Everyone is really incredibly nice and I feel like I made the right decision to teach grades that I never even observed while in college, and teach in a private school! I'm just really glad everything is working out so well.

So my friend Alli and her boyfriend Travis got engaged this weekend! It is ironic because of the simillarity that their relationship has to me and Chris'. Only 1 month apart in dating, getting engaged, & the wedding date! Now we might just have a bet going on who will have the first kid! lol.

Clarify

So I guess I wasn't crystal clear on the details!

1. I found the DRESS - it is absolutely beautiful and I am just waiting to buy it!
2. We booked the CHURCH! - same Church as in the pictures on this blog. Gorgeous Church and the dark blue color will look gorgeous with the marroon decord in the Church.
3. We have our OFFICIANT - My fiance's uncle will be conducting the ceremony!
4. We booked the RECEPTION HALL/CATERER - Location #3 in the pictures. Beautiful hall and we are excited.
5. We got the CENTERPIECES - they are really neat candle holders! Don't have a great picture cause Mom has not sent that yet, but they are nice. Once we decorate them appropriately, I will post some pictures.
6. We are finalizing the following: Musicians, Photographer(s), & Invitations.
7. Our Wedding Website is now running and we are just missing a few things on it!
8. I got my ONLINE BRIDAL SHOWER ready to go - just need to get the guest list done.

Is this better, Sara? lol.

GREAT WEEK!

WE BOOKED THE RECEPTION HALL & THE CHURCH!!!!

I also did my first two days as a teacher! Very exciting, no problems what-so-ever. I'm really thankful that the school district I teach in is very nice, and I feel really happy to finally be teaching.

How cute are these... for Thank You Gifts?!

Found these at www.wherebridesgo.com. just too cute!!

Reception Sites

NOW BEAR WITH ME - IM POSTING 3 OPTIONS - 2 OF WHICH ARE NOT DECORATED FOR A WEDDING AND 1 IS - WHICH MEANS THAT THAT ONE WILL LOOK THE NICEST!

#1 - In town at a hotel. Very nice in side, but everything is red! Decorated it will have a buffet line, dance floor, and the tables and chairs will be in all white with chair covers and sashed.

#2 - In town and a Veterans club. Not as nice of a place, have less options and would have to rent out for our linens and things.

#3 - Preferred Choice!! Beautiful inside, price is decent! Has catering, dance floor, and all the other things as choice #1.
sorry the lady had just turned on the lights - this is just $35 extra to have!

The Church

This is an absolutely beautiful church that we saw and I REALLY REALLY want to use this church for the wedding. To me, there are no other options about what church to use!

It can seat up to 350, the colors in the church will work wonderfully with the dark blue that I am going to have. There are rooms for the Bride and Groom to hang out in. Plus, with the deposit we get use of the kitchen and fellowship hall for a rehearsal dinner. The pastor at the church will actually be there running the sound equipment for no extra cost! Plenty of room for the musicians and the reciving line will be lined up here...

Zoo!

We went to the zoo today and had a blast. We seem to go twice a summer - one with the two of us and one with the rest of his family. Actually - Chris even told me that he was even considering proposing to me at the zoo - but I think Fenway was a WHOLE LOT BETTER, hehe.

The Zoo in Omaha is really cool and host a large amount of titles for the largest or the biggest or the most of different exhibits and animals. We are allowed to bring in our own coolers and eat our own luches next to Pea Fowls, there is a high petting zoo. A Shark tunnel and a Dessert Dome. Plus one of the largest indoor Rainforest. We really like going and it was a nice way to end the summer!

Bridal Package?!

Okay, So I got a postcard in the mail today from a make-up consultant. No big deal right? I figured, I'm knew and she got my name from someone at school.

Turn it over only to read:
Thanks to David's Bridal - you are getting a FREE BRIDAL PAMPERING PACKAGE!

So I first called a friend who is in the buisness and she tells me it is ligit... So I call the number on the postcard. She answers and she starts to tell me about this wonderful Bridal Package:

2 Appointments - 1st appointment is about skin care and getting to know me and what is going on with the wedding; 2nd appointment is make up, she brings a special pallete filled with all the make up that would look the best on me for my wedding. And I could invite friends...

AND THATS IT! No free gifts or nothing. It is basically just the same show that the company does on any other night. Except instead of finding the best day and evening make up for me, it is supose to be the make up that would look the best for me at the wedding. AND THEN SHE WOULD TRY TO CONVICE ME TO BUY ALL THE COLORS SHE PICKED OUT FOR ME!!!

I don't know maybe it is worth it, maybe not. I would hate for her to drive over an hour to get here and not purchase any thing - but that make-up is expensive..what do you all think?

Walking & Routine

I have decided that I am going to actually start an exercise routine. I'm reshaping how I spend my days. It's actually quite nice. I get up, get ready, go to school, come home, make/eat dinner, go for a walk, take a rinsing shower, pajamas, tv & bed. Now out of the whole list, my favorite part is the pajamas. When I was student teaching, I got into the habbit of coming home and immediately changing out of my professional clothes into something more comfy - PJs!! I just tend to forget, especially now, that many people (my landlord and her kids) stop by in the evening, while I'm still in my PJs - opps. My walks are very nice. I never count my milage or steps and I have started to settle into a path which starts with a 1 of flat walking then it is hill central for a long time until I am ready to come back up the hill for a long flat walk around all the blocks south of the RR tracks. Most of the town I live in is set up on block format, except for the new developments on the outskirts of town, so I can easily pace myself and expand my walks 1 block at a time. I just seriously wish I had a walking buddy- my iPod is great, but it would be nice to talk to someone on occasion.

I'm just hoping I can lose somewhere around 20-30lbs before the wedding. We will see..I don't own a scale so I have to go by my clothes sizes... wish me luck!

Fine Lines & Eggshells

Ever feel like you are walking a fine line or walking on eggshells? Seriously.

This week was filled with a lot of it, from me being the walker, to be being the line and the eggshells. HERE IS THE REVELATIONS: I can be doing both at the same time! Weird, huh?

Being the walker:
Wedding planning has come to a hiatius for a little bit, don't panic - the wedding is still on! But I can not doing any more wedding planning until I have the permission to do so and other things to happen. I always thought that wedding planning would be such a joy, but a month into planning and I already want all of it to be finished and the wedding be tomorrow. Sometimes are good for planning, others are just wretched and I wish I could just call on my fairy godmother to come and make things just like Cinderella had them...no stress what-so-ever. I never thought I would end up crying a long time over the wedding and other things that have transpired.

I've been dreading the day that Chris has to go back to school. I'd rather him stay near so I can see him more often. 4 months of Saturday/Sunday afternoons is going to be rough. Knowing that he is back finishing up his degree while I am in a brand new town, and a new teacher, and his family will be the most comforting people near to talk to is probably not going to be enough. I would rather him stay and help with every little detail of wedding planning, but I know it won't happen. I know he doesn't want to come home some weekend and hear that we have to go look at photographers or meet with potential DJs just because he will be tired - BUT, he wants to be involved in all the details so walking the fine line between relaxing and planning and distance will probably be my biggest balancing act.

Being the line or eggshellls:
I guess with life being so busy for me right now, I am forgetting the important things in life and forgetting more important roles, like being a friend or what needs to happen rather than what I want to happen. I feel like my grade for life right now is a C when I know I could be getting an A. I guess when I am trying to be understand and respectable about touchy subjects I am over thinking the subject and forgetting about what really matters. Sorry. Being eggshells or lines is never a good thing, you always end up broken or pushed to the side because of the walker; maybe I need to be a strong seashell instead of being the eggshell...

Also, when does tradition have to mean everything must be traditional? Why can't it be a nice blend of traditional meets unique and different?

P.S. This is bring written after two very long days of a Strategy Learning program, so I am tired about drained about thinking deep. Home alone, and wishing I had something at home to keep be busy - other than my cat and my 45 minute power walks everyday. And I just hate evenings when I am stuck at home not having anything left to do and being bored.

What a weekend and day!

So this past weekend, my fiance's family went camping, however, my fiance and I spent a great deal of time in town so he could finish up his online class - we are both happy that that is over!!
Anyways, when we were not using the internet we were out at the campsite roasting smores, or as Chris would laugh because I charbroil mine while he actually roast his. We also went to a new church on Sunday as part of the long process of finding a church for us to attend together. the 35-40 minute drive to church right now is just too long and we know we can find a pretty good church in the area.

Today was nice because I got to spend more time in my classroom! I spent all morning bring stuff in and beginning to hang posters on the walls. Now I think I have a pretty big music classroom - and with that come 4 (yes, 4) bulletin boards, 3 being one size, and 1 twice the size of that. SO, tonight I sant down and created all the things for my 4 boards. I think dividing the big one in two will be nice cause then I can post pertanent information on one side and still have a Composer's Corner. I will always post my bulletin boards here & on a neat music bulletin board website so others can use them as well. I am all about sharing my ideas for my classroom because with budgets tight, buying idea books get costly and we all could use that money somewhere else. Well, 3 more days till my first day of inservice! I'll go back to my classroom tomorrow and then Wednesday I will sleep in, and do nothing all day as my last big hurah before school starts. It is just a shame I don't have the money for a mani & pedi on wednesday. Oh well.

Its August!

I can't belive it is August. August 1st, meaning in 5 days I have to report to school for New Teacher Orientation!!! Not gonna lie, I am nervous, excited, frightened, and anxious all in one. How will I manage all of this + wedding planning + the high school choir accompanist position?!?! EEKK!! well, atleast I now have insurance back! YAY!

Anyways, I made PB cookies tonight and I am taking them over to the campground to see Chris & his family (they camp alot). It was an absolute beautiful day today, only sad part was woring for 4 hours during the warmest part - would have love to been in the heat for just a little bit. This summer has been so cool that I actually miss the heat a bit because then I wouldn't feel guilty for turning and leaving on my AC all day and night.

Think I have figured out the flowers...

So I spent all day thinking about flowers while at work - typical of me. Then I found this picture and thought...PERFECT! I knew that my bouquet would have to be all white, just like me dress - no color whatsoever. But the bridal party bouquets were still tripping me up - until now:

Bridal Party:

Stephanotis with dyed blue bombay orchids (no calla lillies) and the stems will be tied with the same fabric as their dresses.

Bride & Groom Flowers:

Stephanotis - all white with no color or green leaves
The stem of bouquet will actually be fabric from my Mom's dress and/or veil

Bridesmaids & Flowers

So I officially have my bridesmaids picked out! Gina (MOH & BFF from College), Sara (BFF from Middle School), and Dawn (BFF from Middle School). Great buch of girls and some of the people who know way too much about me.

Any ways, I can not decide what time of flowers I want to use for the wedding. My color is dark blue and I really want my bouquet to be all white. But picking the flowers for the bridesmaids is very tough for me. I have some choices...

#1 - Stephanotis

#2 - Calla Lillies

#3 - Dark Blue Iris

#4 - White Peonies

#5 - Light Blue Hydrangeas

Let me know what you think. Or give me other flower suggestions or mix-and-match suggestions, please!

What a great day

So today, me and my fiance left early to head to Des Moines. He had a Dr.'s appointment, then we headed over to the best mall in Iowa where we went window shopping (but had certain stops for need). We started at Barnes N Noble - which can always be a dangerous store for me. Headed to the Mac store - Chris' favorite store, he was making a Genius Bar appointed. Then we wandered a bit before eating lunch at the Cheesecake Factory - YUMMY! Went by Zales to get him sized for his ring and for his to give me suggestions of what he would like [we did this for my rings, which were bought as a bridal set, so the table has turned and I am doing the same process for him-a surprise for him at the ceremony!] Some time during our trip to the mall we agreed we would come back and spend a whole day doing nothing but gift registries - which he was actually excited about doing! - even though most of it would be going towards the kitchen or the bathroom, lol. So I think we will have fun and I know he will actually get into doing the registry stuff. We finished the day by seeing the new Harry Potter movie, and an Auntie Anne's pretzle!!!

The drive back was nice and easy followed by pizza. such a great day to hang out with him all day and just act like it is a Saturday - but with less people in the mall.

My First Follower!

So I got my first follower today! She is my best friend and one of my bridesmaid for the wedding. She is such an awesome friend so it is no wonder that she would be my first blog-world follower!

First Bit of Stress

So I am starting to get stressed out over the Church and the reception hall. I really want a center aisle but my Fiancee's whole family got married at this one church that does not have a center aisle. Thats the first conflict. The second is comeing from the food and caterer. Most of the reception places around town do their own caterering, but everyone wants me to go with this outside caterer - meaning more money, in my opinion. I really just want to book the Church and reception place now, so we can officially have our date set. Everything else can wait a while more to figure out...

New Layout Please

Any ideas where I can go to get a better layout for my page?

Booking Sites

So we made it back to Iowa and the first thing I did on Monday morning was to call to all the Churches in the area and the reception halls. Churches are being slow to respond back, but I think we found the reception hall that we want!!! Now I'll we have to do is put a deposit on the place and pick a Church...

The Dress

So since I was home when I got engaged, I jumped on the opprotunity to go dress shopping with my mom, sister, niece (the flower girl), and my future mother-in-law. We went to David's Bridal and I tried on what seemed like 100 dress (I think it was actually 30) and found one that I really liked but had slight hesitation because of one thing on the dress. So we left, since the store was closing, and one the way back decided to look at the other bridal store that I went to to find my prom and dance dresses.

So the next morning we went in and started pulling dresses to try on. The 3rd dress - yes the 3rd - was it! We kept trying on others but kept coming back to #3!!! It was almost exactly like the one I liked at DB but slightly different and was perfect! My future mother-in-law actualy pulled it for me. So we are in the process of ordering it in Iowa to save money and so I can get the alterations done out here instead of Rhode Island. Can't wait to actually get in and start the alterations!

I'm not posting any pictures because I want to keep it a secret, don't want Chris to find out!!!

The Proposal!

Chris and Becca had been discussing getting married for a while and almost everyone knew it would happen at some point. There was occasional trips to the jewelry store to get sized and look at designs, and there were all the talks about the wedding and marriage prior to the engagement. So, when it came time for us to plan a family trip to RI with Chris' parents, the big questions began to get asked (e.g. "Will he or won't he talk to her dad in person?" "Will he or won't he propose while in RI?") So four days into the trip, day two in RI, we were sitting on the T heading into Boston for a tour with his parents and hers, Becca looked at Chris and stated, "Just so you know, I have given up on the thought that you would propose while we are in New England." Chris doing his best, kept cool and remained in focus. While touring Boston, everyone except Becca, wanted to go to Fenway Park (Home of the Boston Red Sox) and tour the ball park! Which baffled Becca because Chris, nor his parents, did not care for Baseball AT ALL. Only Becca's family cared about baseball, so she was really confused over all of it. So we went on a tour of the park and at the very end, we had a few moments to get some pictures taken.......

So Chris and Becca's parents finish snapping pictures, as I am about to turn and grab my purse Chris tells them to "keep their cameras ready and that he is about to do something." Becca looked at him and asked "what are you doing?" then realized what was about to happen!!! As Chris is getting to one knee, Becca called him a "jerk." However, Chris is unphased by this and ask in the most simplist, romantic four words "WILL YOU MARRY ME?" Becca immediately starts in on an emotion break down as she announces "YES"

Therefore, in short, Chris proposed to Becca near the third base line at Fenway Park on July 14, 2009.

Starting Off (& Background)

So I have never ever done a blog before, this will be a first and I am hoping that it will be a stress relief from my crazy life! I am a first year teaching getting ready to embark on teaching elementary students music and play piano for the high school choir. I have recently got engaged to my wonderful boyfriend of two years last TTuesday at Fenway Park (I'll post the whole proposal story later). I live half way across the country from my mom and dad spend a lot of time sitting in front of the TV with my cat.

Hopefully this blog will be helpful to me and to everyone else who might like wedding advice, new recipes, and just the randomness that will come with this upcoming year.