Wedding Marathon summer

I'd like to start with an apology of sorts - I think I complained previously that I wished Seth and I could catch a break.  We really have caught breaks on things so far: decorations, accessories, the cake.  So I'm sorry, and I thank God for the blessings He has given us.

When Seth came into town for my birthday, I feel like we planned wedding details 24/7 for 7 days straight.  It didn't happen... I mean, I celebrated my birthday for two of those days :)  And on the Sabbath, we rested.  But Thursday and Monday we knocked the ball out of the park.

We actually started Wednesday when he met me and Mom at the doctor's office (for my shoulder - completely off topic for this post).  After I was done there, Seth and I went to go see what kind of surprise I had put on layaway a few days prior.  It was at the mall, and he guessed where we were going when I got inside, but I lied (convincingly) and told him no.  Then we walked right in.  I gave the lady my layaway receipt and asked Seth what he thought he was going to see - he guessed his wedding ring.  Well, he was right... on half of it.  It was a ring, but it was MY wedding band!  It had been such a good deal that I put it on layaway immediately, and then when Seth saw it he loved it and bought it.  YAY!

We finished up that evening by grabbing some cake samples from one bakery, having dinner with my parents, and checking out a possible rehearsal dinner location.

Thursday was Power Day #1.  We went to the store where my bridesmaid dresses are so he could see them, then we went to three or four tux stores to see what they offered and get some price quotes.  Then we went back to the mall to kill some time before our meeting with Pastor Bosson at church, and guess what we found there?  HIS wedding band!  It was hilarious.  He had just finished telling me that since we'd found mine, he was excited about only having to look for his (and thus getting all the attention).  We walked into Helzberg's, he tried on a few rings, and found the one he wanted.  He even picked it over another one that he had been (in my words) obsessing over for a couple of months!  And it was such a good deal that, if I'd had known to transfer money to my checking account, I could have bought it that day.  But we ordered a special size that just came in, so I'll go finish up that account tomorrow :)  Then we went to church to meet with the pastor.  We got there a bit early on purpose.  Mom and I had ordered sample tablecloths for the reception, but we needed to see what they looked like in the fellowship hall -- beautiful!  Success!  Our meeting with the pastor was a success too.

I can't remember many more specifics, but at some point that weekend, Seth and I did the following:
- met with another baker, a cake lady who lives on Wilmington Island who is DEFINITELY baking our wedding cake.  I love her... and her prices.
- looked at florist books
- registered at Target
- met with a photographer

Since then, I've been ordering sample after sample after sample of invitations.  I'm not in love with any that I can afford, so we're still looking. 

Seth came back into town at the end of July to accompany me to a friend's wedding that was held at Southside.  I really wanted him to be able to see  a ceremony there so we would be able to really discuss ceremony details.  It was beautiful and I think it will really help us in our own planning.  That week we got another consultation with a florist completed and another meeting with the pastor.

We have three large details left to decide:
photography
flowers
invitations

We also have to decide on music, but that's more us having to ask to see if the musician(s) we want can do what we want them to do.  We have a pretty good idea of what we want, and I think it may surprise you.

Anyway, I am getting fairly burnt out on wedding planning, so even though it's been awhile since we posted last, it may be a couple of weeks again.  School starts up for Seth and me next week, and I'd really like for us to take some time off.

PS - If you know anyone who does beautiful invitations for beautifully inexpensive prices, I'd really appreciate it.

I wish!

Check out this story!  I keep telling Seth that we need to catch a break, and he keeps reminding me that we will.  I know we've caught a few, and I'm just not being thankful enough.  So, if you ever hear me complaining, please remind me of all the good things about my life, Seth's life, our relationship, and our future. 

Mom and I both have a lot of free time this summer, so we're tackling about one wedding topic a day.  Thursday was tablecloths.  I'm not joking when I say it took us 4 hours. TABLECLOTHS!  We finally ordered a few that will hopefully be here in time to check at Southside for color compatibility, size, and whatnot. 

Photography is the overarching subject of the week.  I have narrowed it down to two photographers, and Seth and I have appointments for consultations with both of them next week.  We also have plans to see my bridesmaids' dresses, check out some tuxes, visit a florist, taste some cakes, pose for some pictures, and - oh yeah - celebrate my birthday!  Whew!
 
Also, if you were wondering what I've done about invitations, I have a good lead on a friend of my brother's who now designs invitations and such.  I'm pretty excited about contacting her.

 I've tried on some wedding dresses, too :)  Not many, but a good enough start for me to realize that the dresses I thought I would love don't look anywhere near as beautiful as the dresses I barely considered.  There are also the dresses that I just won't try!  Yes, Dad cried when I walked out in the first one.

Hmm... what else have I done for this wedding?  I don't know.  Seth keeps busy, too, with plans, but he also has papers to write so I try to keep the distractions to a minimum. 

Still haven't found a cake topper, other than the Waterford cake topper, that I want. 


I think that's about it...