.:.Invitations.:.

Hours. Not joking. I have spent HOURS printing these invitations...however, I LOVE THEM.

I still have more to do with them, but I was too excited not to upload them! I've also purchased all of the plates, cutlery, cups and most of the napkins. =] 

.:.126 days.:.

.:.Flower Girl Dress.:.

I've spent a year looking for the flower girl dress. I wanted something that a) matched the swirl theme, b) matched our colors, c) wasn't outrageously expensive, d) was something she could wear again and e) adorable!

I think I found it!!

It was shockingly inexpensive. I found it on Dillard's website! I'll probably order it for her in the next week or two. I'm so excited! =]


.:.150 days.:.

.:.My Wedding Dress and Other Things.:.

After months of silence, I finally have something worth posting! 

I had my dress. I bought it in January, and it is perfect. Unfortunately, after I had stopped eating gluten (out of necessity...gluten intolerance...fun.) I lost enough inches to make my wedding dress ginormous... I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to afford the alterations... I took my dress back to David's Bridal in a desperate attempt fix the situation... 

And it was phenomenal. The David's Bridal consultant, Jessica, was absolutely wonderful. I easily got my dress exchanged for the same design but two sizes smaller!! I now have minimal alterations to my dress! (Only because I'm short...the rest fits like a glove.)

As far as other things I've done for the wedding, I've purchased the bags for favors! We got them on clearance sale, saving about $20. It was pretty exciting as they had some in all three of our colors!  


We decided instead of a traditional guest book, we will have this! 

I can't wait! This will be another DIY project! This next semester I'll be excited to finish up some DIY projects. =] (Bouquets, Boutonnieres, Cartoon Cutouts, signs, etc.)

.:.159 days.:.

 

.:.Officiant and Espresso Caterer.:.

After a long process, we have finally come to a wonderful end to the search for an officiant! My grandpa has agreed to perform the ceremony for us! We are so excited. I had a dream that he did the wedding ceremony and fell in love with the idea. 


Now we'll begin the process of planning out the wedding ceremony!! :) 


Monday we're supposed to be meeting with the espresso caterer to discuss details and hopefully book the date! It's beginning to come together!


We'll be sending out the Save-the-Dates soon, and I'll begin on a lot of the DIY projects I have planned.


I'll begin to work on the cartoon cutouts for photo props for the reception hopefully really soon. I'll also be working on invitation wording, gathering things for the reception decorating and ordering some things I'll need. (Ribbons I found online and wedding shoes!!) 


I can't believe it is just over ten months away!


.:.309.:.

.:.Ceremony Venue Pictures.:.

I'm so excited that we booked the park for our ceremony. This is where Ben and I met, he proposed here and now we'll be married! 

 I adore this site. I want to have white chairs in this area angled at a "V," opening to the gazebo.

 The view from the inside of the gazebo.

 The front of the gazebo. This is where the bridal party will stand and we will be wed! :)

Back of the gazebo. Neat photo ops! :)

.:.His Wedding Band.:.

Yesterday we happened to be near Shane Co. and I suggested we pop in to take a look around. I need to take my ring in soon to get it cleaned and checked, so we thought if we found something, we'd come back in a couple of weeks to buy it. Well, we already knew which one he wanted; I had picked it out nearly a year ago and didn't show him until after we were engaged. He loved it just as much as I did. (Looks like I know him pretty well... good thing, huh? :P) Well, they didn't have it in store, but they could get it in for us. Only problem? They only had 2 left in the company. It was 7pm and they closed at 8pm. We rushed to an ATM and got the money from our savings account. (After we got turned around because a Sir Benjamin accidently got in the wrong lane.......) We returned to Shane Co. and was able to order it in. :) 


We are SO excited that we got the ring he wanted!

.:.395.:.

.:.Reception Venue Pictures.:.

So I finally made it to the reception venue we've had booked for a while now. It is more perfect than I could have imagined!

All tables and chairs are available for our use, and there is a full kitchen as well. (Pictured below.)

They aaaaalso have a patio!! I was SO excited to find this out! (Even though Ben and my mom both told me. Apparently I forgot.)

It is absolutely perfect for our use. I am so ecstatic that we got this place. It is beyond perfect and SUCH a great price!!


.:.410 days.:.

.:.Center Pieces.:.

So I fell in love with the idea of coffee beans as being part of our decorating. Below are pictures of what we plan to have on the tables. Half will be the first picture, and half will be the second.

I plan to put ribbon around the jar. I'll upload pictures of them at the bottom.

For these I plan to tie brown twine around the glass candle holder.

These are the ribbon ideas I have. I would like to also tie one of the colors around the invitations. 


:)


.:.417 days.:.

.:.Random Things That Should Have Already Been Up Here.:.

This is going to be mainly photos. This is a random compilation of photographs and ideas that I am shocked I haven't put up yet. So here we go.


Our cake topper: 


We love it. It is SO us, (that incredibly sappy, mushy couple) AND she's a redhead!! (Plus it's cheap! ;) hehe)

 Here is my design for the cake. The blue/green are ribbons. Roger will use his wonderful cake decorating skills to make it! :)

 Here is our color scheme... this, I cannot believe hasn't made it up before now... Wow... just wow.

 Here is our monogram that I designed! (A LONG time ago... we're talking over a year ago...)

We have new ideas for the bridesmaid dresses, and we LOVE them!

These dresses are a multi-style dress and the girls can wear them in any way they want. Arielle prefers long, and since she's the Maid of Honor she'd be able to get the longer one and the rest can wear the short. :) There are literally dozens and dozens of ways to wear this dress!


My mom and I are going to start looking into the centerpiece specifics soon. We also plan to go take pictures of the reception venue the week of my spring break. 


ALSO--because I'm incredibly excited, I must say that a good friend of mine WILL be in town for the wedding! We thought she'd be in England--but she will be HEEERE!! :)


.:.422 days.:.

.:.Ceremony Site Booked and Ring Bearer Suits.:.

It is official! Ceremony site is booked! I now have both venues booked! This is a major stress relief. I no longer have to worry about not being able to have the venues we were hoping for!

Also--my little ring bearer's suits came in!! I'll need to get a different tie, (or make them) but they are absolutely precious and perfect and they were also on clearance sale! Frugal FTW! ("For the win" for all of you interwebz n00bz :P)


I'm so excited! 


Next things on my to-do list are:
1. contact (again) our hopeful officiant
2. get our cake topper (which now can be found at David's Bridal!)
3. continue to find on-sale flowers for centerpieces and bouquets :)
4. get the clay to make the faux fiddlehead ferns for the bridal bouquet and the guy's boutonnieres.
5. start looking for inexpensive table linens! :) (I may have found some already ;) hehe)


I CANNOT WAIT! :)


.:.429 days.:.

.:.Guys' Fashion.:.

Ben and I went to Men's Wearhouse yesterday to pick out the tuxes for him and his groomsmen! SO excited!


They'll be wearing brown tuxes. Ben's vest/euro tie is Ivory in the "Tuscany" pattern.

The groomsmen's tuxes will also be brown. Their vests are in Malibu, also in the "Tuscany" print. =]

Their shoes will be some sort of shoe similar to Converse or slip-on Vans. Not entirely sure which, it all depends on which Ben prefers and which is more comfortable for him. 

SO excited!

We think their boutonnieres will look something like this:

And their shoes something along these lines:

I can't wait to see how he looks on our wedding day!! 

.:.437 days!.:.

.:.Picked Up my Dress!.:.

Well, today I had a doctor's appointment. My doctor happens to be located just down the road from David's Bridal. As I was headed home I thought, *gasp* I could get my dress!


So I did!


I went in, picked it up, and even tried it on. Also tried on some accessories to think about! I am SO excited that my dress is now just a few feet from me! 


Also, I re-ordered my save-the-dates. MOST of them were free this time, just not all. (I paid for about 25 of them, which came to be about $3. I think I'll be ok.) I couldn't handle where they had been cut off, so I fixed it. I decided that I'd just use the 50 free prints I had, (again) instead of filing a complaint and making a big deal out of it. It wasn't worth the trouble, not when I'm getting 50 free already. 


Our engagement pictures came in today, too! They turned out BEAUTIFULLY. Our photobook should be here within a few days, and so should our re-ordered save-the-dates.


And no, I won't be posting pictures! :P

.:.My Free Save the Dates.:.

Hehehehe


I really like when wedding things are free.


Thanks to shutterfly.com, I now have:


1. All my save the dates--free,
2. a 12"x12" photo book of our engagement pictures--free, (a $55 value.)
and 
3. double copies of all of our engagement pictures--free,


We also have two separate $20 off any order deals as long as I use them before the expiration date. :D


I was so ecstatic at the idea of getting my save the dates free, because not only is free awesome, but I got to design them myself!


We obviously won't be sending them out anytime soon, but we needed to order them because my free deal was going to expire. 


I've been a little less productive lately. I still need to: (and I mean soon)


1. put the deposit on the gazebo,
2. pick up my dress,
3. go to Men's Wearhouse,
and
4. get ahold of the officiant (I've been trying, but I keep missing her)


Ben and I plan to go to Men's Wearhouse Tuesday. We have been told that in order to be positive that the vests and styles we want will be available for our wedding we need to put the information in the computer by April. We also have a little deal-thing that needs to be put in the computer by March. So we're doing that a.s.a.p. because we like inexpensive. ;)


I hope to get the deposit into the gazebo by next week at the latest. I'll keep trying to get ahold of our desired officiant, and hope to talk with her really soon. As for the dress, I need to make room in my closet! >.<


.:.450 days.:. 

.:.Reception Venue Booked.:.

It's almost midnight, now. I got home from work a bit earlier than I had expected, which was nice, because I have a lot to do. (Homework being a very important one...and folding laundry...) But as I try to get some homework done, I can't help but let my mind drift to what I accomplished today. 


Reception Venue: CHECK! Deposit's in the mail, and the date is set for "requested" until they receive it. It will then officially be "reserved!"
Ceremony Venue: Kind of check! (e-mail sent... specifics figured out. It's like halfway done at this point. haha)


THIS IS SUCH A RELIEF! 


I can now have my save-the-dates I designed printed. I can work on the wedding website. I can actually accomplish things now!

Also, my sisters loved the BM dress idea! Yay! It looked so good on them too!


Seriously though... having the reception venue set in stone and the ceremony venue in the works has lifted a huge burden. Now for all the fun stuff!


.:.464.:.

.:.The Giddiness Has Returned.:.

I had become stressed and bogged down with trying to find information for the ceremony/reception site. After weeks of not being able to get ahold of people, I was beginning to feel defeated.


However, today, I decided rather than waiting for them to return my voice mails, e-mails and phone calls, I'll e-mail someone I know and who is the chairperson of the organization. *DING* Got the information I needed. I've reserved the date in their online calender, and will begin to fill out/mail in the form and the deposit.


Although I haven't been able to contact the Park's Department, I'll do something about that really soon. A HUGE burden has been lifted!!


Also, got ahold of the specialty caterer, and e-mailed for more information. They sound perfect, and I can't wait to find more information.


I'm so relieved to have this information, finally. 


.:.467.:.

.:.My Dress Is In!.:.

My dress has come in!!! I'm sooo excited! It makes this whole thing feel more real knowing my dress is now only minutes away, and waiting for me to pick it up. Again, no, I won't post pictures!! ;)


Also, I should mention that Tuesday I'm taking my sisters to the brand new Alfred Angelo store in Castleton. Arielle might be joining us as well. We'll be seeing how they like a certain dress Arielle and I found. If they don't like it, then we'll most likely revert back to the original plan where they can choose a dress themselves. I don't really care. I just want everyone to feel comfortable in the dress they will be wearing!


Anyway, I must be off. I need to go get ready for work. I'll be talking to ring bearer parents tonight to ensure they can be my adorable little boys! I've already spoken to Sam, my flower girl's Daddy, so that's taken care of. If my mom is able to adopt by the time the wedding comes around, then my new little sister will be an additional flower girl. Sometimes I wish I could just fast forward to the wedding, other times I just want to enjoy the ride. 


.:.469 days.:.

.:.Center Piece Idea.:.

Keep in mind that this was done quickly... and while in class... lol Perspective is off and I know it. It is driving me crazy, but I'm not going to go through and make it look right.

Anyway, the middle is a mason jar filled with coffee beans and blue hydrangea on the top. The little blue and green dots are marbles, the candles are obviously tea lights. 

What do you guys think??

.:.Frustration.:.

I've been trying to get ahold of several different venues.


THEY WON'T ANSWER THEIR PHONES.


Ugh.


I'm about to just show up. lol


I have a couple weeks before I start inching on the "I really need to get this done" period, but these thing were on my list of "to-do's" for the winter break.




On a lighter note, I have a new idea for centerpieces. I'll be "sketching" some stuff up in Illustrator and I'll  upload asap! ;) I'm excited!

.:.Funny Engagement Video.:.

JibJab-type Video hehe

Right after we got engaged I made this video for fun. Haha


It still makes me giggle. Just thought I'd share it with everyone! ;)

.:.Playing Catch Up.:.

Ok, now for some quick updates.


Potential date: April 28, 2012. (only potential because we haven't booked venues yet.)
Colors: Light blue, clover green, espresso brown
We're going for a nice, yet laid back feel. A non-stuffy elegance, if you will. 


I HAVE MY DRESS!  No, I won't be posting pictures! ;)


I couldn't believe it. It was the first day we went to look, and the 5th dress I tried on. Only made possible by the best MOH ever, though. It is perfect. I couldn't have designed something better! The dress I'd fallen in love with on the internet looked AWFUL on me. It was made for tall sticks, not short curvy women! haha It was pretty, but mine is better! <3


Maid of Honor: Arielle Brown
Bridesmaids: Jennie Lawson, Rebecca Lawson and Amy Flesor


Best Man: Sam Miles
Groomsmen: Nick Heider, Zach Heider, and Collin Stroup


I'll be talking to potential flower girl and ring bearer parents this weekend. 


We plan to do much of the work ourselves. Roger's making the cake, we'll be making much of the food, and my mom will be doing flowers! 


We hope to have the ceremony at Lincoln Park in Zionsville. This is where we met and where he proposed, so it only seems right. ;) Hopefully the weather plays nice. *fingers crossed* We would like to have the reception at the Lion's Club Club House. Neither of these places would like to pick up their phones, though... So I'm having trouble contacting them. I'll try again in the morning.

As for now, I'm scouting out cheap pieces for my simple centerpiece idea. (Very fast sketch with Joe Mugg's scrap paper.)


That's all I have time for right now though. I'll add more later. I have to get to class!

.:.The Proposal Story.:.

Ben planned a "secret date" for us. This isn't uncommon, so I wasn't expecting anything. He drove us downtown and once he parked showed me the tickets we had for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I was stoked. After the 3 hour concert, we head back to the car and he says,  "Yeah... I'm going to need you to be blindfolded." Again, this wasn't uncommon for him.

After driving about 30 minutes he asks me if I know where we are and I said I had no clue. He allows me to take off my blindfold and we're in the parking lot of Steak'n'Shake, our #2 go-to restaurant. (It was too late for our other, Applebee's.) I was thinking, 'OK, he's being silly. Blindfold and WOOH! Steak'n'Shake.' After we're done eating, we leave and he says,  "Yeahhh... I'm going to need you to put that back on." At this point it is 12:30 and my thoughts are... to drive me home? Really? Silly boy. But I appease him and put the "blindfold" on. (For those who are curious he forgot it... and had me use his sweatshirt... lol)

After driving a couple of minutes, he puts the car in park and says, "OK, you can take the blindfold off but keep your eyes closed." He runs around the car and opens my door and leads me down a sidewalk. After walking a short distance he says, "OK! You can open your eyes!" We were standing in front of the Toy Museum in Zionsville off Main Street. "I wanted you to see the Toy Museum lit up in lights," he says. "This was where our first date was." My interpretation was he was trying to make me less of a Scrooge. Ya know, 3 hours of awesomely-played Christmas music and showing me downtown Zionsville lit up at midnight. (We won't tell him it worked.)

He takes my hand and we turn the corner and start walking toward Lincoln Park, where we met. (Also lit up in Christmas lights.) He begins to talk about how much he loves me and how much I mean to him.

As we walked into the park he asked me if I remembered what this park meant to us. I said that of course I did, and that it was where we met.He smiled his smile and asked if I remembered where we had been standing when he met me. (I had to admit that no, in fact I did not remember this haha!) He then said it was right where we were then standing. He then grabbed my hand and walked me down the brick pathway that led to the beautifully lit gazebo. He continues talking about what a difference I've made in his life and how much he appreciates having me be a part of it. 

Once we got into the gazebo, he finished his little speech and knelt saying, "Marcella Marie Lawson, will you marry me?"

After it clicked, I screamed, "YES YES YES YES!!!" 

I was completely shocked and had no idea it was coming. 

I AM SO LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH A WONDERFUL MAN TO BE MY FUTURE-HUSBAND!!