Wedding Wednesday {the final countdown}

I can’t get the song out of my head but I can’t stop thinking that this is it… the final countdown.  In just 2 weeks and 2 days, John and I will become Mr. and Mrs.!!  Days are passing faster than ever and my to do list seems to continue to grow- shouldn’t it be getting shorter??  I can’t begin to find words of how I feel at this point- excited, nervous, stressed, emotional.  This past month has been full of excitement more than anything though!

Earlier this month, my best friends and sisters ventured to Nashville with me to celebrate my last weekend as a single lady!While my mom and Lee worked to get the invitations stuffed, stamped and ready to be mailed! I was so happy with the way the invitations turned out and I was excited to get them off our hands and into those that mean the most to us!

This past Friday my mom and I had a busy but productive day.  We finally nailed down the menu with our caterer- the one and only Aberdeen!  I can’t wait to indulge in some of the yummy food- even if it’s at the end of the night!  After that we met with John’s grandmother who is making us our ring bearer pillow!  So sweet and thoughtful!  Finally, we headed to Evelyns where I had my final (ish) dress fitting!  I can’t believe in just 2 weeks I will finally be slipping into (my) perfect white dress and preparing to walk down the aisle!

I know that these last couple of weeks will fly by but I am ready for the fun to begin!!!

Wedding Wednesday {firsts and lasts}

Happy leap year! Being a February baby I am always very aware of these few and far between years when we add an extra day to the calendar! Yesterday was bittersweet as I celebrated my last birthday as a Watson(although my parents often argue that we will always be Watsons!). Wow, my friends and family know how to make a girl feel special- phone calls, texts, cakes, hugs and kisses all day long! John spoiled me with a mani/ pedi from my favorite nail spa in town, a massage and a delicious dinner for the two of us at Saludas! He must have sensed that I am in a great need of some rest and relaxation!!

We celebrated my birthday tonight at my parents house complete with Pasta Fresca and (green) mint chocolate chip icecream cake- my favorite!! Tomorrow, my friends and I are celebrating at another favorite- Rosso! I have always loved birthdays and believe everyone deserves a nice long week or at least few days of celebrations! Thanks to to my wonderful family and friends for making it do special!!

On a random but important wedding note, I never thought choosing a first/last daddy daughter dance could be so difficult! I think about this often- I've always been extremely close to my dad and this dance means the world to me! For those of you that know me, know I'm a crier. I've had a couple in mind that Ive had to nix from the get-go bc I fear I will be that bride ugly crying through the whole dance. Not to mention he will be wearing a dinner jacket and I'd hate to ruin his outfit at the start of the reception. I think I've found the perfect song- meaningful but upbeat and fun but I thought I'd share a song one of my good friends sent me a few months ago. The words are so fitting but I have (ugly)cried often listening to it- there'd be no hope for me! I suggest having a tissue, or two or 3 on hand!:)

Wedding Wednesday …

a day late. 

We are trucking along in the planning department and living at home has put me at a huge advantage.  My poor mom is oh so patient. 

Today we had our 2nd (of 3) meeting with Monsignor Harris.  Have I mentioned this wedding is getting real? Tomorrow marks 9 weeks. Single digits- how?? There is something about sitting in a room with the priest that is going to marry you in 9 weeks talking about logistics of the big day that puts thing into perspective… real fast.  I could not be more excited. 

In other news, John survived his bachelor party this past weekend and made it home in one piece.  From what I’ve heard, the boys had a blast and even behaved.  We were also on a need to know basis and I do not need to know any different!

We are heading to Aiken Saturday for Breigh and Grahams nuptials!!  Breigh is a good friend from college and I could not be happier for us to be able to celebrate such a big day in their lives!!

Speaking of happy… this picture makes me just that.  We got a few teasers from our photographer {we are both using the wonderful Zil photography} from Boo’s wedding. 

Do you blame the goofiness in the middle?  He does have TWO daughters to give away 3 months apart!! 

Wedding Wednesday

I am fully aware that I have abandoned my blog lately but specifically my Wedding Wednesday posts.  My intent from the beginning was to document each week of our engagement and where we were in the process.  I am here to admit, I got in way to far over my head.  Mainly because I never could really think of anything to talk about that I felt was that important to sit down and write.  Now that we are 10 1/2 weeks (WHAT?!?!) out, I am going to make a conscious effort to post every week.  However, just as most have been, this post and probably most to come will be totally random and all over the place.

I am pleased, ecstatic, over the moon, whatever other happy and relieved words you can think of  to say that I am DONE with the list.  D.O.N.E.!  I have literally been working on it for 10 months now and it feels as though a huge weight has been lifted.  Our invitations also came in today so it is a matter of a few weeks before we will be sending them out!

Last week my mom and I met with my florist, Fern Studio, and wow- I did not think I would ever be this excited about flowers.  If you are in the market for a florist I totally recommend her! 

Guess who leaves for his Bachelor Party tomorrow?!?!?  That’s right, it is already that time for John to celebrate his last weekend single with the guys in New Orleans.  There are also 2 other guys having their bachelor parties in N.O. this weekend too that John knows.  I am planning to keep myself busy this weekend and just pray that he comes back all in one piece!! 

I’d being lying if I said the past few weeks/ months haven't been some of the most stressful ever.  I have never really used this blog to vent about negative things (maybe sometimes!)so I wont do it now.  I am just so happy that I can see an end in sight and can not to finally be married to John.  I have a new found obsession with Essie nail polish- weird, I know.  Tonight I was in Target and I couldn’t help but splurge on a few new bottles because the names caught my eye.Bachelorette Bash, ChinChilly, e-nuf is e-nuf

That’s it for tonight!

Wedding Wednesday {I’m back!}

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times… time.is.flying.  When its all said and done we will have been engaged for 13 months.  Actually a little over 13 months.  I was told early on to enjoy this time because the big day will be here before we know it and it will all be over. 

I know, we are not quite there yet but we are getting close.  4 months, 1 week and 6 days to be exact! 

For the most part all the big stuff is taken care of.  The church, reception, band, caterer, invitations, wedding dress, wedding party/wedding party attire and BRIDAL PORTRAITS! 

Talk about feeling real… I had my bridal portraits last Thursday!  It was a little early to check this off the “to-do” list but there is good reason behind it, I promise!

We had our engagement pictures done at “The Hill” and I LOVED the idea of having my portraits done there too.  The house is up for sale and once I had my heart set on having them taken there, I knew I couldn’t take the chance of it selling before I did so.  The pictures are also one of the only things that I won’t be able to share with John before the wedding.  I wanted them to have meaning when he does get to see them and I knew this location would give just that! Needless to say, I got the proofs back Monday and it is killing me to not be able to show John.  4 months, 1 week and 6 days, I’ll have to wait!

Things are starting to feel real.  Really, real.  I am so excited for the next few months!  Until then,  I am soaking up the excitement of the first Watson Wedding of 2012!  This is going to be a big year for our family and I feel so lucky to have shared in this process with Boo. 

Yesterday marked 1 month until the wedding!  This weekend we head to Asheville, NC to help Boo celebrate her last few weeks as a single lady!!  We have a bunch of surprises and fun things in store and I can’t wait to share them!    

Wedding Wednesday {the dress}

I realize I have made the statement “This has been the most fun so far” multiple times.  I have to admit I may have been telling a little white lie.  This has truly been the most fun I have had during engaged life so far but also one of the most difficult.  This meaning shopping for THE  perfect dress. 

Some history:  My grandmother owned a dress shop when my mom and her 6 sisters were younger.  Seriously, could you even imagine… an endless supply of clothes at your exposure?!? Well, my mom and 5 of her sisters all wore the same dress.  A dress that was a dream back in the day.  When my older sister, Amy, was getting married she decided she wanted to forgo the dress shopping and “redesign” my mom and aunts dress.  I cannot give too much detail or any for that matter because my younger sister, Boo, has decided to wear it also!  I have never been one to dream of my wedding but for as long as I can remember, I have always dreamt of  the dress and what I wanted.  As much as I LOVE my mom’s, aunts and sisters dress, I immediately knew it just wasn’t for me.  That is where it was difficult.  My mom told me early on that my dad was struggling with my decision once he found out.  I'm not sure if it was because he wasn’t looking forward to me finding a new dress at his expense or that he wasn’t walking me down the aisle in the same dress my mom walked down to him in or he walked the first 2 sisters down the aisle in.  Either way, I know I made the right decision. 

Rewind back to June.  June 18th to be exact.  My mom, sisters and I met at Evelyn’s to start my search for the dress.  Honestly, I started the process thinking I knew what I wanted.  I was told by many that most people go in searching for what they think they want and leave with what they never thought they’d choose.  I was more nervous than anything to slip into a wedding dress.  Any wedding dress.  The idea was crazy to me in an unexplainable way. Unbeknownst to me, my mom and sisters already had a selection of dresses for me to try when I arrived.  I was told to try on the one that drew my eye first.  best. advice. ever.  I probably tried on 20 and kept going back to the first.  Needless to say, I left with a dress and a huge smile!  John later admitted that he was secretly hoping and praying that I found the dress that day.  I did and I can’t wait for him to see me in it for the first time on our wedding day!!

Wedding Wednesday {save-the-dates}

I’ve totally been slack lately with my WW posts, but I’ve justified it with the fact that I never promised I’d post every Wednesday {and life has been chaotic to say the least}!:)  I really haven’t had much worth blogging about in the wedding department and I didn’t want to bore all 5 of you that may read this!  The wedding is quickly approaching- we are under 200 days!  I know that seems crazy to most that I am this excited about that but when we got engaged and set the date we were over 400.  Oh how time flies!  With Boo and Alex’s wedding being a mere 3 1/2 months before ours, we have sort of been forced to plan with them along the way.  I am not complaining, as we are almost finished.  We still have a few minor details but for the most part the decisions are made and we can now sit back and enjoy 6 months of a stress-free engagement! yay!

I spent the majority of my lunch breaks and evenings last week addressing save-the-dates.  Shortly after we got engaged, I found an idea for a save-the-date that I really liked.  I sent it to Liz and wanted to try and re-create it during our engagement shoot.  I wasn’t really sure how we were going to do this or how it would turn out.  John’s dad had a few extra pieces of Heart Pine wood {the family house in our pictures is made of this exact wood} that he let us use. A little bit of paint later and we were ready to go!  I LOVE the way they turned out {Thanks Zil Photography and Jot}! {This is the picture we used.  I can not get the actual save the date to upload.  technologically.challenged.} All ready and they were mailed out Friday! 

That is all for now.  I promise hope to be better about posting going forward!  For now, I must get back to packing.  We are heading to The Highlands after work tomorrow for Scottie and Austin’s wedding weekend!!

Wedding Wednesday {Austin and Scottie- Take 2}

I am lame and have run out of things to talk about regarding my own wedding so I am going to share more exciting and fun things! 

2 weeks from today we will be on our way to North Carolina for Scottie and Austin’s Wedding weekend!!  Scottie is the first friend out of way.too.many  about 15 to get hitched and I think I can speak for everyone when I say it is beyond exciting! 

We threw a “Miscellaneous” Shower for Austin and Scottie Friday night and The Zimmermans were gracious enough to allow us to have it at their house. 

{disclaimer- I once again failed at my intentions of taking lots of pictures}

Shrimp Boil- always yummy! Wonderful friendsWe had so fun much celebrating you two! Let the countdown to the Smith’s begin!!!

Wedding Wednesday {Ramblings}

If my calculations are correct, I have 31 more of these posts until the Big Day- uh yikes, what did I get myself into?!?  I have been questioning myself on what I would write about this week and I have nothing.  So, Instead I am going to ramble.

I’m asked at least every other day how planning is going.  In the beginning I loved that question- it was new and fun and I had so much to do.  Now, not so much.  Maybe because I’ve been doing it non stop for the past 6 months.  Maybe because it feels like it will NEVER get here.  Either way, I still force a smile and respond “GREAT!” in true happy bride fashion.  Don't get me wrong, I am a very happy bride but this planning sometimes feels like it’s for the birds.  

However, the past few weeks have been an exception.  I have made so much progress lately that I’ve actually caught myself hoping that someone, anyone and everyone will ask! 

A few months ago, I ordered my bridesmaids gifts (all the way from Ireland!)… well half of the gift.  Like everything else, it was waiting game until they came in and I could actually see them.  I. am. in. love.  I did order myself “one” and I am already wanting to “use” them! 

As mentioned in last weeks post, we got our proofs back from our engagement pictures that also included our save-the-date shot.  We immediately sent the picture to Tara to get started on them and as of today, they are approved and finalized!  I looked at them over and over and over again before finally making a decision.  I am praying she does not give me that many options for the invitations or I am screwed, for lack of better terms. Indecisiveness at its finest.   Oh and John- well he has expressed a little bit of obsession over them but shh don't tell him I told you!

Last but certainly not least (drum roll), THE list is finally coming together.  It may have been forced as I can’t send save-the-dates without it but it’s getting done nonetheless.  I have come to swear by the “wedding list” function on The Knot. 

I don't even know if I define wedding season the same way others do, but our wedding season is starting to pick up.  So far we have 7 weddings between now and June 2012, exciting but scary.  There could be many more. 

First up- Scottie and Austin. yay!  Did I mention it is in The Highlands and we are having an adult mountain weekend?  double yay!   We are throwing a shower Friday for them and I can’t wait to share the excitement via the blog with all of you!

Wedding Wednesday {engagement pictures}

Thank goodness for a short week and now an even shorter week for the Watson-Thompson duo.  We have spent the day battling doctors office waiting rooms and pharmacy lines thanks to… strep.  John tested positive. Mine came back negative however the doctor told me I had all the symptoms and that the tests aren’t 100% accurate, meaning I could have it but it may not show on the test. Another swab of the mouth (for strep B) and an antibiotic prescription later, I was on my way home.  Praying for good health tomorrow as I can’t afford sick time off.   Anywho, we got our proofs back from the fabulous Zil Photography yesterday and I.am.obsessed.  Liz is amazing to say the least!  I couldn’t resist sharing a few and the save the date picture we were going for is exactly what I imagined.  Be on the look out in your mailbox soon to see for yourself:)

We took the pictures in Liberty Hill at John’s Family’s house/property where he grew up which makes the pictures extra special!      

Thank you Zil!! 

Wedding Wednesday {Sister Brides!}

Born 17 months apart, I am not sure that my parents ever actually thought they would be faced with 2 wedding at the same time.   You’re reading this correct, my little younger sister, Boo, and I are getting married… 3 1/2 months apart.  I am often asked “How is your dad handling this, I bet he is freaking out”.  Boo and I’s response: “This is what they get for having us so close together”.  All jokes aside, this is such a special and fun time for all of us.  My parents are handling it better than I could ever imagine. 

Growing up I was known as “Boo’s older sister”.  She was the tough one, the one that I could count on if I ever got in trouble or simply just needed someone.  I feel that we are so lucky to share in this time together.    I can not wait to see her walk down the aisle to her future and feel so honored to stand by her side as her maid of honor. I love you, seester!

Wedding Wednesday {invitations, china & photo sessions}

Whew.  Friday wore me out.  It was such a fun and productive day with my mom- we got so much accomplished!  We started our afternoon at Non(e)such.  I have to admit I am not good with making decisions, much less making decisions on something I know little about.  My mom is a china and crystal guru so I let her lead the way.  It was a little overwhelming to say the least but I love what we picked out! 

We finished up at Non(e)such just in time to head down the street for our appointment at Jot.  This was the most fun I’ve had so far.  Tara, the owner, was so patient and helpful- we went in with a lot of questions.  Who knew there were so. many. options.  If you know my mom, you know she loves the best of the best when it comes to pens and paper.  Needless to say, we agreed on something a little more fun than traditional but still formal.  I also found a cute idea for our Save the Dates a few months ago that Jot is going to do for us.  More to come on that:) 

Thanks mom for such a fun day and for all your help on those decisions I could not have made alone!! side note: John told me I was absolutely crazy for asking to take a snap shot of our appointment aftermath:)

Remember the failed attempt at engagement pictures due to the torrential down pour?  Well, mother nature was finally nice to us.  We ended our day with Zil Photography for our engagement session.    I feel so lucky that things worked out and to have Liz as our photographer.  Her husband, Ben, is one of Johns good friends and is in our wedding.  She knows John and I and who we are as a couple.  I’ve always said there is something to be said about a photographer who truly knows what/who they are photographing.  We had so much fun goofing off and just being ourselves.  I am dying to see the pictures and can’t wait to share them!  Thanks Liz (Zil is Liz backwards- get it?) for everything!

Well, time is flying.  I’ve been told it would.  This past week we hit our 8 month count down.  We are checking things off the to-do list quicker than I anticipated (yay)!  I don't know what I am going to do with myself once all the planning is done and I can sit back and enjoy being engaged! 

Wedding Wednesday {'maids & 'men}

No news to report on the list- I've made no headway and I'm still waiting on it to magically create itself. sigh. 

However, I can report that we not only have the best wedding party ever but we have also decided on what they will sport on the big day! Asking our bridesmaids and groomsmen was a lot of fun but also special for us. We have sisters, brothers, sisters/brothers in law to be, cousins, old friends and new friends.... We also each have 12. Eeekk. Do not get me wrong, we would not have it any other way.

I could not wait to find the perfect dress for my bridesmaids to wear.  I have never understood why a bride would not want her bridemaids to not only look amazing but feel comfortable too. I found this  article recently and could not agree more with it.  My mom, sisters and I made a day trip to charleston a few weeks ago in search of dresses. We were successful thanks to the sweet helpful girls at Bella Bridesmaid and I could not be more excited. I don't want to give too much away but we decided on a French Blue(swatch below) Amsale dress. They are so flattering on and I can't wait to see each of my girls in them in a few (plus some) months!

As for the guys, the decision was not so easy. Our wedding is going to be formal so we knew we at least wanted/needed the guys to wear tails. John has always said his favorite picture of his grandparents is on their wedding day leaving the church. He wore a white dinner jacket, she wore her wedding dress. We went back and forth for a good 2 months changing our decision between tails...white dinner jackets... tails... You get it. Tails it was. Until, I had my first "indecisive bride/I have 13 months to change my mind" moment. White (read-Ivory) it is. We are so thankful and blessed to have such sweet and supportive friends to stand by our sides on one of the most exciting days of our lives!

Next on the list to be checked off Friday- invitations, fine china decisions and a second attempt at engagement pictures (provided mother nature cooperates). For now I'm off to vino and yummy dinner with the girls:)

Wedding Wednesday {The List}

I'm happy to introduce "Wedding Wednesday" to my blog! I am doing this an in attempt to avoid wedding talk/planning from becoming my main blogging point. Trust me, as a bride-to-be it would be easy but I am dedicating Wednesday as the lucky one. Although, I can't promise there wont be occasional wedding party picture overloads.

One of the most, if not the most, grueling parts of planning this wedding has been "The" List. While it is made up of our family and friends that mean the most to us, the ones we couldn't imagine not being there to celebrate with us on our Big Day, it has been a big pain in my A. I find myself thinking everyday- are we leaving someone off, have we gotten so and so's address, is the address we have old- if so how do we get the new, etc. Honestly, I wish it would just create itself and then go away. Kidding. Kind of. I have turned to The Knot wedding list assistant and I highly recommend it to any other brides out there. I am hoping to tackle this in the next few weeks to come and be d.o.n.e with it. John has been great with helping... fingers crossed that continues.

On an unrelated note, John is in Dallas on a work trip so I am relieving Amy and Aaron of their parental duties and having a slumber party with three precious kiddos! It doesn't get much better than this!:)