Thursday, April 12, 2012
Thank You Thank You's
The most stressful thing after the wedding was taking care of the thank you cards. We easily had over 100 cards to write between us, and it took about a month. It was a goal of ours to do a sheet (roughly 25 per week). I bought a super cute pack of 50 cards at Target for $12 and we went at it! The only bad thing with that was the timing of everything. Some family may have received their card two weeks before the other... well if this happened to you - please remember we had a huge list to go through and I can now safely say they are all done! The last handful is going on in the mail tomorrow!! AND the reason why it took so long was because we tried to include a meaningful thank you message not just a general thanks. So as the title states, thank you for being patient with our thank you's :)
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Lucky Number 3, Ladybugs?!?
I'm not the most superstitious person but you wouldn't believe how many things have happened to me leading up to the wedding! It all started one day...
Kim, her mom, my mom, and I were driving to the Mall of Ga for a girls afternoon of shopping and for some reason or another mom remember and shared that while she was pregnant with me, she woke up every morning at 3:33am to use the restroom. To then Kim's mom responds," Wait you are getting married on 3/3!" we all just started at each other with wide eyes! I redecided that 3 was my lucky number (long story short but I flip flop between 3 and 6!) from that point on everything seemed to happen in 3s!
The story with the lady bugs was kind of interesting. Thursday (3 days before) I was cleaning my room and I happened to look over at my pillow and one was just sitting there. I'm thinking to myself how dare that ladybug sit on my pillow, then I squirmed thinking eeewwww bug on my bed!! So I grabbed a piece of newspaper and flung it on the floor. A couple hours later as I went to lay down, I instinctly flipped my pillow thinking it would get rid of any bug germs. As I lay my head down I saw something flying around my ceiling. Another lady bug! I even sat up to see the other one on the floor to make sure it was in fact a second bug! My ceiling, being too high to reach, was a lost cause. I turned off the lights and covered my head with the blanket.
The next morning I met up with Scott and told him that I found two ladybugs and he said it was good luck.
Well the story continues, that night all of my bridesmaids slept at my house. It was roughly 2:45am when our giggling started to calm down and we decided it was finally time to sleep. Again I lay my head down in my pillow to see a ladybug sitting on my ceiling in which I proceeded to laugh. Of course none of the girls had any idea what was going on so I had to explain the oth lady bugs. I figured my marriage would definitely have extra good luck with my lucky three ladybugs! The last bit of luck dealt with the weather. I paid attention all week to the forecast. Even the morning of showed 60% chance of thunderstorms. The night before, following our rehearsal dinner, storms began to brew. We had extensive severe weather tht included a couple of nearby tornado touchdowns! But even with the storms we had fun, the girls had a wonderful trip to Steak and Shake during the storm that was a blast! It was not really a bachelorette party but just a fun time to relax before the wedding. Before bed, Megan said that we should pray for some it to stop raining before the wedding. We all said amen and fell asleep. The following morning we woke to a light drizzle and much humidity. As the day progressed and we went to get flowers a sliver of blue sky pierced the sky. We were soo excited! After my hair appointment as we drove home, we prayed again this time asking God to give us a little bit of sun during the ceremony.
It was in His hands at that point. 4:45 rolled around, dad and I are en route to the venue. I happen to look out the window to see sun shining through some thick clouds right over downtown Lawrenceville. It tugged at my heart and I could only smile. The best part of the day (weather wise!) was actually something that the photographer said.. Mind you Shannon was not with us when we talked about all the stuff or prayed but she said after the ceremony that the pictures she got wil be perfect because of the light shining through the doors essentially making a natural halo around us!
Well the story continues, that night all of my bridesmaids slept at my house. It was roughly 2:45am when our giggling started to calm down and we decided it was finally time to sleep. Again I lay my head down in my pillow to see a ladybug sitting on my ceiling in which I proceeded to laugh. Of course none of the girls had any idea what was going on so I had to explain the oth lady bugs. I figured my marriage would definitely have extra good luck with my lucky three ladybugs! The last bit of luck dealt with the weather. I paid attention all week to the forecast. Even the morning of showed 60% chance of thunderstorms. The night before, following our rehearsal dinner, storms began to brew. We had extensive severe weather tht included a couple of nearby tornado touchdowns! But even with the storms we had fun, the girls had a wonderful trip to Steak and Shake during the storm that was a blast! It was not really a bachelorette party but just a fun time to relax before the wedding. Before bed, Megan said that we should pray for some it to stop raining before the wedding. We all said amen and fell asleep. The following morning we woke to a light drizzle and much humidity. As the day progressed and we went to get flowers a sliver of blue sky pierced the sky. We were soo excited! After my hair appointment as we drove home, we prayed again this time asking God to give us a little bit of sun during the ceremony.
It was in His hands at that point. 4:45 rolled around, dad and I are en route to the venue. I happen to look out the window to see sun shining through some thick clouds right over downtown Lawrenceville. It tugged at my heart and I could only smile. The best part of the day (weather wise!) was actually something that the photographer said.. Mind you Shannon was not with us when we talked about all the stuff or prayed but she said after the ceremony that the pictures she got wil be perfect because of the light shining through the doors essentially making a natural halo around us!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Pre-Wedding Jitters
Soooo many wonderful things happened and I could not possibly have found the time to tell you all before the wedding. Fortunately I am photo happy and will try my best to tell you all the small juicy details!
The morning of the wedding started out great. I woke up feeling like I had in fact slept well and went to take a shower. All of my bridesmaids had slept over for emotional support (which truly did help!). They even surprised me by going to Dunkin Donuts while I showered! I had a delicious chocolate covered sprinkles donut and a french vanilla coffee coolatta. I devoured the donut but for some reason could not muster the coffee. Jessie and Lauren had gone to get their hair done leaving Alison, Kim, and Megan to come with me to do mine! Mom rode with us as we went to pick up the flowers.
I don't recall saying too much but I think the nerves had just started to hit me. As we walk into the flower shop it hits me - I was getting married. The next thing I knew my stomach turned upside down and I couldn't think straight. Mom took a picture of me and you can even see the nerves in that picture! We picked up the flowers that looked absolutely gorgeous!! Funny - the florist had called me on Thursday night telling me they were ready, and she was so excited she wanted me to come see them! Anyway, we piled back into the car and headed towards the venue to drop them off into the fridge and head to the hair appointment. I'm not sure why with my nerves I drove but I did! I think it kept my mind occupied for the short time.
Stomach still unsettled we left the venue for Joseph's Salon in Lawrenceville (great place if you haven't been!). Heading off 316, I just happened to look up and see a sliver of blue sky. Mind you, the night before we had tornado warnings and crazy severe weather.. It had even been raining as we were getting ready in the morning. We all started shouting with excitement! At Josephs, mom and I were both getting our hair styled. Another blessing came when sun starting shining through the windows (at this point weather channel stated it would be 60% chance of storms all day!). We started singing "Here Comes the Sun" in the salon and laughing. My nerves started going away at this point. In fact, I had actually texted Mrs. S telling her how nervous I was! Kim took some pictures of me but I can tell you I honestly don't remember taking some of them! Everyone was being so amazing too. I really couldn't have chosen a better group to have with me on my special day.
Josephs salon also does professional makeup, and at the last minute we decided to just go with it. It took 30 minutes, pushing us slightly behind schedule but at that point our photographer had joined us and all was well.
As soon as we got home Lauren, Jessie, and one of my good friends Mia joined us in their preparation. It was a hot mess of girls (and my cousin Carlos helping out!) doing hair and make up in my mom's bathroom. At one point mom was with them getting dressed as well. I took a few minutes alone in my room to write Scott a letter. The photographer, Shannon, was with me too taking pictures of my dress, the bridesmaid dresses, rings, and everything else you can imagine! It seemed like hours went by while I sat in my room. Mom sat with me too talking for a while. Shannon took photos of mom putting on my jewelry. Kim came in and gave me some bread to eat since I had not eaten anything other than the donut. I took me almost half an hour to eat just the roll! The girls also did a toast with some woodchucks. I had a sip of Kim's but refused to drink more on an empty stomach. At this point the waiting began and I grew tired. It was emotionally draining. I was to the point where I laid in bed but had trouble. Because of make up I could not lay face down and with my hair I could not lay back. I propped my chin on my wrists and sat waiting to put my dress on. Mike came by and our letters were exchanged. I read Scott's letter and couldn't do anything else but smile. My nerves went away and I was excited. I never had a doubt he was the one I would marry!
Skip ahead an hour and at this point we are waiting for my dad. The photographer needed one more shot (of dad seeing me in my dress) before she could see the groomsmen, and we were all ready behind schedule. I had put on my dress and mom and Kim were at my side. I was sitting in a chair in the corner of my room and we were all yelling for him to come in. You know how long it takes guys to get dressed.. This part was sort of a blur but at the same time I recall it as if it just happened. As dad opened the door I stood. He looked at my mom and looked at me. Within what seemed like half a second I heard him mumble, "You're so beautiful" as we both reached for each other and that's when it came... I cried, we both cried, no bawled like babies. Not a single pair of eyes in the room were dry. For what seemed like ten minutes dad held me. I just buried my face in his jacket, thinking the whole time that I was messing up my makeup but that I didn't care at that point.
Honestly I don't know why I cried. I mean I do, I love my dad and it was a happy cry. We were both happy, nervous, excited, and it was the first time we both showed it. But surprisingly it was the last and only time we cried the whole day. I knew now that we would both gain strength from each other and he would be my support for the next most important hour of my life.
As the girls packed into their cars, my uncle drove dad and I to the venue in a rented Chevy Tahoe (big SUV's fit dresses better FYI!). It was a very humbling, very intimate time with my dad and uncle I will never forget. The last time I had a real chance to be daddy's little girl.
The final moments before the ceremony started were also crucial in my jittery moments. It was a little bit chilly outside with a dress on and a breeze. The venue has beautiful entrance doors that were closed with dad and I standing behind them. Darlene (my coordinator and amazing neighbor) stood out there with us helping with the timing of the processional. I remember shaking and telling dad that I wasn't sure if I was nervous or cold. He laughed his nervous laugh and said both. I could only smile. He grabbed my hand tighter and kissed my cheek. Darlene opened the doors and the rest felt like a dream.
The morning of the wedding started out great. I woke up feeling like I had in fact slept well and went to take a shower. All of my bridesmaids had slept over for emotional support (which truly did help!). They even surprised me by going to Dunkin Donuts while I showered! I had a delicious chocolate covered sprinkles donut and a french vanilla coffee coolatta. I devoured the donut but for some reason could not muster the coffee. Jessie and Lauren had gone to get their hair done leaving Alison, Kim, and Megan to come with me to do mine! Mom rode with us as we went to pick up the flowers.
I don't recall saying too much but I think the nerves had just started to hit me. As we walk into the flower shop it hits me - I was getting married. The next thing I knew my stomach turned upside down and I couldn't think straight. Mom took a picture of me and you can even see the nerves in that picture! We picked up the flowers that looked absolutely gorgeous!! Funny - the florist had called me on Thursday night telling me they were ready, and she was so excited she wanted me to come see them! Anyway, we piled back into the car and headed towards the venue to drop them off into the fridge and head to the hair appointment. I'm not sure why with my nerves I drove but I did! I think it kept my mind occupied for the short time.
Stomach still unsettled we left the venue for Joseph's Salon in Lawrenceville (great place if you haven't been!). Heading off 316, I just happened to look up and see a sliver of blue sky. Mind you, the night before we had tornado warnings and crazy severe weather.. It had even been raining as we were getting ready in the morning. We all started shouting with excitement! At Josephs, mom and I were both getting our hair styled. Another blessing came when sun starting shining through the windows (at this point weather channel stated it would be 60% chance of storms all day!). We started singing "Here Comes the Sun" in the salon and laughing. My nerves started going away at this point. In fact, I had actually texted Mrs. S telling her how nervous I was! Kim took some pictures of me but I can tell you I honestly don't remember taking some of them! Everyone was being so amazing too. I really couldn't have chosen a better group to have with me on my special day.
As soon as we got home Lauren, Jessie, and one of my good friends Mia joined us in their preparation. It was a hot mess of girls (and my cousin Carlos helping out!) doing hair and make up in my mom's bathroom. At one point mom was with them getting dressed as well. I took a few minutes alone in my room to write Scott a letter. The photographer, Shannon, was with me too taking pictures of my dress, the bridesmaid dresses, rings, and everything else you can imagine! It seemed like hours went by while I sat in my room. Mom sat with me too talking for a while. Shannon took photos of mom putting on my jewelry. Kim came in and gave me some bread to eat since I had not eaten anything other than the donut. I took me almost half an hour to eat just the roll! The girls also did a toast with some woodchucks. I had a sip of Kim's but refused to drink more on an empty stomach. At this point the waiting began and I grew tired. It was emotionally draining. I was to the point where I laid in bed but had trouble. Because of make up I could not lay face down and with my hair I could not lay back. I propped my chin on my wrists and sat waiting to put my dress on. Mike came by and our letters were exchanged. I read Scott's letter and couldn't do anything else but smile. My nerves went away and I was excited. I never had a doubt he was the one I would marry!
Skip ahead an hour and at this point we are waiting for my dad. The photographer needed one more shot (of dad seeing me in my dress) before she could see the groomsmen, and we were all ready behind schedule. I had put on my dress and mom and Kim were at my side. I was sitting in a chair in the corner of my room and we were all yelling for him to come in. You know how long it takes guys to get dressed.. This part was sort of a blur but at the same time I recall it as if it just happened. As dad opened the door I stood. He looked at my mom and looked at me. Within what seemed like half a second I heard him mumble, "You're so beautiful" as we both reached for each other and that's when it came... I cried, we both cried, no bawled like babies. Not a single pair of eyes in the room were dry. For what seemed like ten minutes dad held me. I just buried my face in his jacket, thinking the whole time that I was messing up my makeup but that I didn't care at that point.
Honestly I don't know why I cried. I mean I do, I love my dad and it was a happy cry. We were both happy, nervous, excited, and it was the first time we both showed it. But surprisingly it was the last and only time we cried the whole day. I knew now that we would both gain strength from each other and he would be my support for the next most important hour of my life.
As the girls packed into their cars, my uncle drove dad and I to the venue in a rented Chevy Tahoe (big SUV's fit dresses better FYI!). It was a very humbling, very intimate time with my dad and uncle I will never forget. The last time I had a real chance to be daddy's little girl.
The final moments before the ceremony started were also crucial in my jittery moments. It was a little bit chilly outside with a dress on and a breeze. The venue has beautiful entrance doors that were closed with dad and I standing behind them. Darlene (my coordinator and amazing neighbor) stood out there with us helping with the timing of the processional. I remember shaking and telling dad that I wasn't sure if I was nervous or cold. He laughed his nervous laugh and said both. I could only smile. He grabbed my hand tighter and kissed my cheek. Darlene opened the doors and the rest felt like a dream.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Coin Ceremony
We are incorporating a little bit of Puerto Rican tradition into our ceremony. Mom and Dad did a coin ceremony in their wedding. Few American's have heard, but it essentially is transferring coins from the groom to the bride symbolizing his promise to support her and their children.
Here is what will be said (just in case you can't hear it):
The pastor gives the coins to the groom stating: Your love is priceless, and so these coins don't symbolize possessions - instead the represent commitment. These coins mean that you, Scott, promise to take care of Krystal and your future children, to be steadfast, to protect them, and to love them faithfully, with all your heart. The groom then places the coins into the Bride's hand and the bride drops them into a bowl.
That's it. Short and sweet, but we are doing this instead of the typical candle unity ceremony.
Here is what will be said (just in case you can't hear it):
The pastor gives the coins to the groom stating: Your love is priceless, and so these coins don't symbolize possessions - instead the represent commitment. These coins mean that you, Scott, promise to take care of Krystal and your future children, to be steadfast, to protect them, and to love them faithfully, with all your heart. The groom then places the coins into the Bride's hand and the bride drops them into a bowl.
That's it. Short and sweet, but we are doing this instead of the typical candle unity ceremony.
5 Golden Rings!!!!
5 Day Countdown has begun (and yes our rings are in fact white gold!)! It's hard to write on some things with the intention of not releasing too much crucial and awesome information. I do want a shout out to all of my ladies that came to help out this weekend! We painted a window, got half the programs completed, finished the kids books, and took care of the remainder of the jars! There's still a bit that needs to be done in terms of the programs but we are waiting for the paper to be rushed delivered! We did go to the venue twice the weekend, making me more and more excited! Saturday we went to test out the internet connection and show the bridal party the venue. Sunday, 550 Trackside had an open house and we invited Scott's mom and Darlene to see the place. To no surprise they loved it!
The question at this moment everyone is asking is if I am nervous.. It continues to remain no, but I am getting more excited. I think nerves may come in Friday when I realize it is actually happening!!
I will tell you my aunt came in yesterday and it was surreal (we don't see family very often) but it makes everything more real! Half the family will be here Wednesday and the rest arriving on Friday; I can tell you Scott and I are sooooo excited! If any of you can remember being a child and thinking about your favorite cousin who lives far away is coming to visit - that excitement is what we have right now. We are both big family people and we can't wait to share as much time with them before we all depart!
The question at this moment everyone is asking is if I am nervous.. It continues to remain no, but I am getting more excited. I think nerves may come in Friday when I realize it is actually happening!!
I will tell you my aunt came in yesterday and it was surreal (we don't see family very often) but it makes everything more real! Half the family will be here Wednesday and the rest arriving on Friday; I can tell you Scott and I are sooooo excited! If any of you can remember being a child and thinking about your favorite cousin who lives far away is coming to visit - that excitement is what we have right now. We are both big family people and we can't wait to share as much time with them before we all depart!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
License Agreement
This morning was a fiasco.. that may be an understatement..
We called Michael D and Kim to accompany us to get our marriage license - to meet us at 8am in the front of the Gwinnett Probate Court. I ensured we had all the documents we needed and headed out at the crack of dawn with Scott. By 8:15am, we were inside the building going through security. If you've never been to the Justice Building, it is as confusing as the airport but WITHOUT the signs!! Well when we finally found the vital records room we got in line waiting an extra 10 minutes. When we arrived at the window and handed our paperwork it was just another domino knocked over when the clerk told us she could not give us the license. She proceeded to tell me my name on the birth certificate did not match my drivers license. She said I needed to get my license changed or they could not process the license. I walked out of the room furious and called my daddy. The reason my name doesn't match is cultural - both dad's last name and mom's maiden name were added after my middle name. Though she couldn't comprehend that if you look at the information on the Birth Certificate and the paperwork I filled out it matches, as well as the Driver's License. Well we re-entered the vital records line and this time I asked to speak to a manager. We literally waited 30 minutes for her to show. I'm almost positive they were just waiting to see if we would leave. The manager proceeded to tell me that a judge in 2010 had mandated that all birth certificates match drivers licenses to get a marriage certificate. I asked her in response then why the DMV in the same county would not have put my complete name if I had to show them my birth certificate. She continued to deny my request. I told her that I was getting married in nine days and she rudely responded to either change my birth certificate, change my drivers license or go to another county.
I took the last piece of advice. Scott and I left, drove to Cobb County Probate Court and you wouldn't believe the difference. In total, including time it took to park, we spent 14 minutes! The ladies were very nice, and even with four other families there, they were very efficient in having us in and out as quickly as possible - no questions asked!
Lesson learned. Don't go to Gwinnett County Probate Court for Marriage Licenses!
We called Michael D and Kim to accompany us to get our marriage license - to meet us at 8am in the front of the Gwinnett Probate Court. I ensured we had all the documents we needed and headed out at the crack of dawn with Scott. By 8:15am, we were inside the building going through security. If you've never been to the Justice Building, it is as confusing as the airport but WITHOUT the signs!! Well when we finally found the vital records room we got in line waiting an extra 10 minutes. When we arrived at the window and handed our paperwork it was just another domino knocked over when the clerk told us she could not give us the license. She proceeded to tell me my name on the birth certificate did not match my drivers license. She said I needed to get my license changed or they could not process the license. I walked out of the room furious and called my daddy. The reason my name doesn't match is cultural - both dad's last name and mom's maiden name were added after my middle name. Though she couldn't comprehend that if you look at the information on the Birth Certificate and the paperwork I filled out it matches, as well as the Driver's License. Well we re-entered the vital records line and this time I asked to speak to a manager. We literally waited 30 minutes for her to show. I'm almost positive they were just waiting to see if we would leave. The manager proceeded to tell me that a judge in 2010 had mandated that all birth certificates match drivers licenses to get a marriage certificate. I asked her in response then why the DMV in the same county would not have put my complete name if I had to show them my birth certificate. She continued to deny my request. I told her that I was getting married in nine days and she rudely responded to either change my birth certificate, change my drivers license or go to another county.
I took the last piece of advice. Scott and I left, drove to Cobb County Probate Court and you wouldn't believe the difference. In total, including time it took to park, we spent 14 minutes! The ladies were very nice, and even with four other families there, they were very efficient in having us in and out as quickly as possible - no questions asked!
Lesson learned. Don't go to Gwinnett County Probate Court for Marriage Licenses!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Dance Dance
Valentine's Day was pretty special this year. It was the first time we had not gone all out in the sense of spending money but rather had a more intimate experience. Earlier in the year, we purchased a Groupon for 10 group dance lessons and a private lesson to try and learn some dances before the wedding. Due to schedule conflicts, it was really difficult to do anything. Well, Valentine's Day this year we were able to push away our schedules and go to our first lesson!
I can't tell you how nervous I was going into the dance studio. A new venue with new people, hoping not to look like a complete idiot. I knew Scott was feeling the same. We walked in a few minutes late from the heavy traffic down to Atlanta. The class was an intro to Waltz and Cha Cha, neither or which I knew anything about. We went straight into the class and to our surprise truly enjoyed it! The dance instructor quickly came over to us and showed us the basic moves to get started with a box waltz. I think Scott and I picked it up pretty quickly because he was impressed!
The best part is essentially what I mentioned earlier about being in a new venue with new people. As stressful as it was, it was so wonderful to get away from everything we knew and be completely alone at least for an hour to ourselves. You can ask him, I didn't stop smiling the entire time the music played!
I can't tell you how nervous I was going into the dance studio. A new venue with new people, hoping not to look like a complete idiot. I knew Scott was feeling the same. We walked in a few minutes late from the heavy traffic down to Atlanta. The class was an intro to Waltz and Cha Cha, neither or which I knew anything about. We went straight into the class and to our surprise truly enjoyed it! The dance instructor quickly came over to us and showed us the basic moves to get started with a box waltz. I think Scott and I picked it up pretty quickly because he was impressed!
The best part is essentially what I mentioned earlier about being in a new venue with new people. As stressful as it was, it was so wonderful to get away from everything we knew and be completely alone at least for an hour to ourselves. You can ask him, I didn't stop smiling the entire time the music played!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)