So cliche,

yet so unbelievably true! Things really do happen for a reason! Who ever figured that one out is so smart, huh? S-M-R-T I tell ya'!
Our original venue closing was the best thing that could have happened to our wedding!
We now have a fabulous wedding weekend planned that I honestly couldn't be more excited about!
Throughout the past two very chaotic weeks I e-mailed and called our vendors (mostly Jerri, our planner and Karyn, our photographer) various times! I now feel pretty close with these fabulous beings and know without a doubt we made the right decision when choosing to have them all on board to help out with our big day.
We are only a little over half way through this crazy process and having fantabulous (I may have just made that word up, but I like how it sounds) vendors and people you can put your trust in really makes it so much more enjoyable!

Anyways, this is a pretty boring post but nevertheless it's what's on my mind this lovely morning.

Now I'm off to try and sew my first ever project, a tote bag! :)
Cheerio my dears!

2 things...

Cathryn at Red Light Studios e-mailed me today with a picture of our almost finished cake bird toppers and I'm in love with them!!!!!!!!!!
I can't resist showing off one phot0 (remember they don't have their finishing coat), I chose this photo because it doesn't give away too much.

Also, I came across an adorable idea for Save the Dates on one of my favorite blogs (I can't tell you which because you might try and sneak a peek you tricksters!)
I looked at these adorable save the dates a few times throughout the early afternoon and thought to myself "I can do that"! I snuck off to Target on my lunch break and picked up a few essentials. Now armed with heavy card stock, baker's twine, a corner hole punch and detailing scissors I'm ready to give it a go!
Can't wait to show the finished product whether it turns out fantastic or fugly, hopefully it's the aforementioned.
Happy WEEKEND!!!!

"The One"

Remember a few weeks ago when I went dress shopping with my dear, also engaged, friend Missy?
Well our first stop was J Majors Bridal Boutique. Great service, great dresses, great system! It was basically just a wonderful experience!
The very first dress I tried on I LOVED! Loved so much that when Anna, the lovely lady helping us, asked if I could stay in it for a minute or two so she could do something else, I very happily obliged. In fact what I really wanted to do was run around the shop sneaking glances of myself and this beautiful dress in each and every mirror!
It's unbelievably comfortable, fits beautifully and I love it more than I really thought I'd ever love an article of clothing (and I've really LOVED dresses before).
I tried to forget about this dress because it was WAY out of my price range! I tried on about 10-15 more dresses that afternoon but after arriving home I found myself thinking of only this first dress.
I went back a second time the following Monday to make sure my infatuation was valid and while there Anna offered me a heck of a deal that I just couldn't pass up!

Well friends I'm extremely happy to report that I have my dress!

If my dear Mr. P didn't lovingly check my blog from time to time I'd post a picture.

P.S.-Happy thoughts of me in this lovely dress have helped to keep some of my sanity over the past two weeks!
XO'S!

*VENUE UPDATE COMING BY THE END OF THE WEEK!

Back on Track...

Quick update: Still no venue set in stone!
*Going forth I've decided to not discuss any possible venues until we have one nailed down.
Why? Because I think I jinxed us or something! I mean how can two people have had so much bad luck in the past two weeks?

Anyways, I was browsing one of my very favorite blogs this morning, Brooklyn Bride and came across an adorable DIY Project she did with another one of my favorite sites, ETSY!
I think these little favor bags are the perfect project for me to begin working on with my brand new sewing machine! :) Now I just need to track down the right fabric.

This lovely project also got me thinking about all the things I want/need to be doing in the next month or so.
I mean just because we don't have a venue doesn't mean I don't need to stay on track, right?
Here's my do to list I've come up with:

1. Finish Matchbooks
2. Order Sparklers
3. Start on DIY Sparkler holders
4. Find fabric for DIY project above!
5. Begin on little bags to use in "Welcome Bags" (I'm all about personalizing this wedding in any way possible!)
6. Start taste testing cookie recipes for our "Cookie Bar"

My goal and date deadline for these fun lil' projects is April 15th! Wish me luck!
Hopefully I'll have lots of picture updates for ya'!
MUAH!

Oh me, oh my, yet again!

I wish I had good news on the wedding front to report, I truly, truly do, but I don't my dear friends! :(
I'm feeling quite bummed right now to be honest.
We found out today that both venues fell through! Yes, that's correct, we aren't getting either!
I feel like we are at a dead end right now!
All I wanna do is go home hug my fiancee, steal a smooch or two, love on my pup, eat something comforting and get in bed!!!
Tomorrow is a new day and I plan to wake up as a woman on a mission!

On a much more positive note we found out our great friend, Mr. Scott Barzee, was chosen for an awesome job today over lots of other candidates!!!! It was great to hear such wonderful news on what had been such a yucky day!

Crazy Fact Thursday

History dates white wedding gowns back to 1840, when Queen Victoria made white the bridal color of choice when she wed Prince Albert. However in 17th century, red color was a favorite in Europe. Other colors were worn for symbolic reasons, for instance blue meant constancy and green meant youth. As years passed, white was worn as a symbol of purity.

Things that make you go hmm...

Or in this case, things that make you go YIPPEE!!!
3 whole posts today, crazy, huh?
Well today on this yucky, cold, rainy day, I'm sitting in the office thinking about things that make me happy!!!
Let me share some of those things with you...

1. I get to spend the weekend with some really wonderful, funny and fabulous friends!
2. As of this past weekend I have a brand new craft desk (pictured above) where I plan to working on all the lil' DIY wedding related projects I have pictured in my head! ;)
3. Last night I received a beginner's crash course in sewing from my FML (future mother-in-law) which is sure to help said projects transpire.
4. One of my best friends, Miss Chelsea, started a blog that's guaranteed to be quirky, funny and just flat out fabulous! Check it out here!
5. I have INCREDIBLE family & friends who have thus far made the whole wedding planning process so enjoyable by being supportive and lending an ear so that I can go on, and on, and ON about one wedding detail after another.
6. The fabulous Karissa with Kiss and Tell Cards has offered to re-do (since the venue is changing) our save the dates for only $72!!!!!
7. In less than 4 hours I get to go home to my best friend! and that my sweets is always the icing on the cake!
XO'S!

You silly blessing!

Venue Update coming your way!!!
It's down to two F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S contenders!
In one corner we have the magnificent Boone Hall Plantation (picture #1)!
In the second corner resides the gorgeous Magnolia Plantation (picture #2)!
This decision comes down to whether or not another couple chooses to get married on October 17th at Boone Hall (said couple has another family member getting married on this day! So wrong to even consider this, am I right?!). We should know by the end of the week.
Regardless of who comes out victorious we will be thrilled, honestly!
What this all was my dear friends is one those BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE!!!
You can come out now! :D

Come on, you know ya' wanna!

Pepe's niece and nephew are hopefully (if they accept) going to be our Flower Girl and Ring Bearer.
We wanted to send a lil' something in the mail to make it official along with some small gifts, because let's be honest, bribery never hurts!
I decided to turn the cards into a craft project and thanks to a few purchases from Target and Michaels they turned out to be pretty stinkin' cute!
They should receive their package tomorrow...stay tuned for their official answer! ;)

Weekend Update

What a lovely weekend it turned out to be! :D
Saturday I went dress shopping with my darling friend Missy and I found "the one"! Seriously, I didn't think I could love a dress this much!!! It's definitely more than I wanted to spend, but the way it makes me feel when I have it on may make it worth it. I'm going to think it over this week and probably make my decision by Friday.
BTW I went back today on my lunch break to try it on and loved it just as much if not more! :)

Saturday evening P and I picked up some yummy take out and had a fun evening at home. It was the perfect Valentine's Day!

Sunday we headed out to Bed Bath & Beyond for our first joint effort at registering.
I have mixed feelings about the whole registering process. It's fun because your ultimately scanning items that will be gifted to you, but it's stressful because there is SO MUCH to choose from and you're worried you are forgetting something or not scanning enough of something, i.e. flatware.
Regardless we had a blast and Sunday was just a lovely day!
I got browse Michael's (LOVE THIS STORE) while P shopped at Dick's and then we were off to Target to pick up my first ever Craft Table for my new sewing machine. Details on that later as well as a fun little craft project I worked on last night.
Hope everyone had a marvelous Valentine's Day weekend!
XO'S!

Suddenly I feel very spiritual!

I must have called over 90% of the venues in the Charleston area over the last couple of days!
I just had this feeling that someone was going to tell me that someone canceled on our October 17th date . Well that feeling was dead on except someone beat me to the punch! Now we are trying to patiently wait (not really I keep checking my phone and hitting refresh on my e-mail page) to find out if this couple is going to put a deposit down on said venue, Boone Hall Plantation.
We even offered to send our deposit ASAP but understandably she has to check with the other couple first.
Now we sit and wait and hopefully end up with good news!
Let ya' know....

*Yes, that first picture is the driveway leading up to Boone Hall! Doesn't it remind you of that scene from Forrest Gump when he's a boy and realizes he can run? I just love it!

Crazy Fact Thursday

The custom of throwing rice, originated with the ancient Hindus and Chinese culture. In these cultures, tossing it after the ceremony was believed to bestow fertility upon the bride and groom.

Something was bound to happen!!!

I had a message waiting on me this morning from our wedding planner that said "CALL ME ASAP!" You just know that's not going to be good news, right!?!?!?
I tried calming myself by doing lamaze techniques that I've seen in the movies (didn't work).
I picked up the phone to call Jerri with my heart racing a mile a minute...
"YOUR VENUE IS CLOSING!"
Not words any bride or groom should ever have to hear!
Armed with a few new suggestions from Jerri I sat out on a mission to find a place bigger and better!!!! AND that folks is exactly what we may have done in less than an hour!
Lookout Pavillion is a brand new venue opening next month.
I won't give too many details yet because I don't even have them, but I promise to keep you posted.
keep those fingers and toesies crossed my lovelies!

*This place is so new there are no actual photos on the website yet, just some little drawings.

Tah Dah!!!

Simply Chic Hair and Make-Up's website is up and running!!!! :D
It's not 100% done, according to my sis, but it looks it to me and I was so excited to share with everyone that I couldn't wait!!!
If you are engaged or know someone who is tell them to contact these talented ladies, they'll travel anywhere in the southern states! ;)
Congrats Carly and Tatum!!!

Weekend Update

When it's sunny and warm outside it would take a whole lot of negativity to get me down! This weekend happened to be in the 60's both days and filled with plenty of sunshine...this meant I was happy as a little clam (as my darling friend Emily Barzee so perfectly put it!).
I made my muffins and when P had one last night he said they were good enough I could sale them! What a compliment, huh? :)
I watched Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian because who doesn't like to be transported to a magical place from time to time?
I took my precious pup on a couple of long walks while listening to the new Joshua Radin on my Ipod (it's great and you should defintiely download).
I organized my wedding folder and felt a calm come over me once it was all done!

And then on Sunday I went with my two lovely friends, Missy and Chelsea, to the Crate and Barrel registering party. It was so much fun! You get to drink Mimosas (unless you drop a big box you are trying to scan right on top of your glass! frown!), eat heart shaped pancakes and chocolate fondue, all while scanning the items you hope to receive! What's not to love about that?!
If you are engaged or know someone who is tell them to register for this event! It's free and so much fun!!!

After plenty of "me time" Tuck and I sat around anxiously awaiting the return of Mr. P, our missing family member!

Thoughts my lovelies?

I find myself stressing over the smallest of details! I'm not sure yet if that's good or bad, I'll let you know if I figure it out. ;)
I've recently been obsessing over Ring Bearer pillows! There are just so many beauties out there!
You all know what a big fan of Etsy I am, right? Well that's where I discovered Emici Bridal and her unique pillows! Photos #1 and #2 are her creations.
Then pictured in #3 is a pillow by the ever so talented Anna Whitford! Yes I thought I was already sold on this pillow, I actually blogged about it a few posts ago, but then it happened! I let the "what if there is better out there" heeby jeebies creep in!
SO if you all would be so kind, please respond with your favorite! Is it #1, #2, or #3? :)

I know the Muffin Man!

So Mr. P woke up early this morning and left me and the Tuck Monster lying in bed missing him.
He's headed off at this very moment to meet with Brother in Law Mikey in Greensboro, NC so they can take an all day class to obtain their "Conceled Permits" (it's for protection ;) .
I'm excited to spend a "me" day that consists of watching multiple episodes waiting on my DVR of "Whose Wedding is it Anyways" while simultaneously reading my Everyday with Rachel Ray Mag (a gift from my future sis in law that I LOVE), cleaning house, walking my four legged furry son on this 60 some degree day and I'm also going to try my hand at homemade blueberry muffins! :)
It probably sounds silly but I love baking on the weekend because I want to try and perfect these recipes for P of course, but also for the day we have little ones. :) I want them to love mommy's cooking and I also wanna be the mommy who has the best cupcakes at the class picnic, is that wrong?
And blueberry muffins, well they are a quintessential breakfast food, a southern comfort! :)
Hope you all have a "SWEET" weekend!!!

P.S.-I'm headed to Crate & Barrel tomorrow with my two engaged best friends and also bridesmaids, Chelsea and Missy, for a fun registering party they are holding complete with food, drinks and music! HOW FUN!?!?! :)

Crazy Fact Thursday

The tradition of tying tin cans to the back of the newlywed's vehicle originated as a device, which would produce noise to scare away evil spirits!

How sweet it is...

Many of you have heard me mention before that for favors we'll be doing a "cookie buffet".
I love when there's a candy buffet at receptions but since they've become wildly popular I wanted to put a little spin on it. Plus who doesn't love homemade cookies? Yes I said homemade! That's right friends and family, I'll be requesting your help in making said cookies!
Don't worry though, if it's not your thing I would never insist! ;)
My family (me, mama san, gran, sissy) will be heading down to Charleston on the Wednesday before the wedding and I have a feeling that Thursday will be filled with lots and LOTS of cookie baking! I get incredibly excited just thinking about it!!!

With all that said I was on one of my favorite sites yesterday, Paper Source, and they were having a huge sale on these precious little stickers (photos 2,3,4)! They are the perfect size I need for the cookie jars.
I'm hoping to have my favorite calligrapher, Laura Hooper, write on them in a whimsical font (photo 5). Each sticker will state the person's name who made them and what kind of cookie they are...for example, "Mama San's Chocolate Chip Cookies".
Also we'll be using some of my mom's antique milk bottle's as vases for the cookie buffet table.
Hope I've helped you to envision the setup and hopefully the finished product will turn out as cute as the one pictured from award winning photo stylist, Rebecca Thuss (photo 1).

*Vintage Milk Bottle pictured (photo 6) was found through GoAntiques.Com, it's a one of a kind 1950 bottle from a Virginia Creamery and we just purchased it!!!

Note Worthy!!!

IT SNOWED LAST NIGHT!!!! :)
I feel asleep on the couch as I so often do and was awoken by Pepe's excitement over the snow!
In my grumpy, groggy state I couldn't really appreciate it, but I was thrilled when I woke up this morning.

At some point I fetched him the camera and he snapped a few photos because we knew it'd probably be the only real snow we'd see this winter (it kinda snowed last month, but we don't count that one).

Tucker either loved it or was just curious as to what this mysterious "creature"
was invading his backyard romping ground because he kept asking (ringing his bell) to go outside! It was cute!!!
P's home on a "snowday" and oh what I wouldn't give to be at home cuddled up with him, Mr. Tuck and my heating blanket.
Until then I'll be looking at these cute little photos with a smile on my face!
*P.S.-apparently our Hokie Gnome enjoyed the snow as well! ;)

Another gem!!!

Mr. P recently had another DVR hooked up in our bedroom so that I could record some of my favorite shows that he doesn't necessarily like to watch (so sweet!), like The Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Samantha Who (so funny!), The Hills, Whose Wedding is it Anyways just to name a few!
We've also started recording a few of "our shows" on that DVR since we are already recording too many in the living room (yes, we watch way too much tv!) !
Well last night P agreed to skip his workout (I'm so bad, I know!) so that we could climb in bed early to catch up on some Grey's Anatomy! I brought along the laptop so that I could continue browsing a new blog I discovered, Something Old, Something New!!! The blog is run by Kenzie Kate and what great style she has!!!! I found lots of cute ideas including these gorgeous handmade ring pillows by Anna Whitford!
She's making us our very own in ivory with a gorgeous primrose on it! The flowers are made of faux suede and it's hand sculpted on matching silk dupioni. I'm hoping this is another beauty we'll be able to pass down to the next generation.

*First photo is of me with my fancy lil' laptop thinga ma' bob I found at Target! It makes watching tv, laying in bed and reading my favorite blogs all so doable!!! ;)

Oh my deer!

A few posts ago I mentioned that Chelsea at Oh My Deer Handmades is working on custom flower hairpieces for my 'do on the big day! :)
I've decided against wearing a veil and there is just no way anyone is talking me into it.
On my first dress shopping experience they placed 3 different lengths on me and it freaked me out for some reason! I just didn't feel like myself and I would hate to not feel like ME on my MY wedding day.
So anyways, Chelsea is making me two little ivory beauties that will look something like these sweeties her friend Melissa wore at her recent wedding.
I LOVE THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*If you want to see more from Melissa's gorgeous wedding (that ONLY COST $4,000) click here!