Meet the Bridesmaids

Just a little glimpse into the life of the ladies who will be standing by my side.  A lot of it is funny because if I get sappy I will cry, and I want it to be fun!  

Matron of Honor - Susan Groce

(Yep, she will kill me for this, but I was tired of looking through all of her FB photos to get one of just her.)

This is my sister and my matron of honor.  She is older than me, but I can still take her if needed.  She burnt me on the forehead with a curling iron when we were younger, but I won't tell you what I used to do to her.  She works hard and loves her two boys, Braxton and Thatcher, very much.  Growing up we were complete opposites, and in many ways we still are, but I see myself being like her more everyday, which means being like my dad more everyday.  She has a heart for the ministry and loves her work!  We dance in stores and don't care who is watching.  I can't imagine my life without her and I am so thankful she is my sister and will be standing beside me on my special day!

Bridesmaid - Ashley Holman

(At the Color Run)

This is one of the best friends a girl could ask for.  We met my freshman year of college and she lived in the room across the hall.  She was a sophomore, but we pledged the same sorority and have been friends ever since.  She is an amazing photographer and just has the eye to get a great shot!  Look up Ashley Holman Photography on FB.  She is momma to sweet Lyla and a great cook as well!  We were roommates when I bought my house and I know I wasn't easy to get along with.  She had a flip phone up until a few months ago and tried to dump it at a restaurant, but the waitress came to its rescue!  I am cat sitting her cat until the cat dies.  If that ain't friendship, I don't know what is - HAHA!   She lets me call her up and cry when I need to, or just vent.  She has amazing strength as a person and I am honored to have her in my wedding!

Bridesmaid - Morgan Williams

(A picture I stole off of FB)

Morgan is like a younger sister to me.  We have known each other for a long time through church and even though we have a good age difference, I can call her up and just chat about whatever and she can call me up as well and talk about anything.  She is very mature for her age and helped me with Vacation Bible School and then I helped her.  She is funny and has a heart of gold!  She is a student at UT Martin and an ADPi.  We don't hold it against her that there wasn't a KD chapter at Martin.  I'm kidding.  She was an intern for my sister at the church and that is where we became friends.  I don't have any stories on her yet, but I know I will.  She is a country girl at heart and loves her parents more than anything!  She also gets to call my momma Ma Carole, and watched after her when they were in Japan.  I think they were both ready for American Japanese food when they got home.  And I am jealous of her 4Runner.  It is newer than mine.  I am probably not a good example of what a "big sister" (not in the sorority) is supposed to be, but I am so thankful she is in my wedding! 

We Have Registered!!

Lou and I registered this past weekend and we had a lot of fun!!  

I was surprised that Lou enjoyed himself, but I knew once we hit the cooking and kitchen items he would be in heaven!  I had to beg for the scanner gun!  

Most of our registry is at Target, but we have also registered for dishes and a few other things at Dillard's.  Both of us have a specialty shop to register at, and I picked Polka Dots and Happy Thoughts in Nolensville, and Lou picked Cumberland Transit in Nashville.

Target Info:

http://www.target.com/wedd/registry/NZlrvMPRzM6yGudJYgk7Lw

Dillard's

www.dillards.com

Polka Dots and Happy Thoughts

on Facebook

Cumberland Transit

www.cumberlandtransit.com

(Lou hasn't registered yet)

I know this may sound crazy, but I am so excited that it is finally my turn to do this!!!

Wedding Bands...

Yesterday Lou and I went to Shane Co. to look at wedding bands.  

Yeah, we have a few more months, but Lou initiated this outing so I was all for it.  

We both picked out bands that match our personality, and I am pumped because my band is the perfect match to my engagement ring!  I didn't see it when we looked at rings, but I asked for something with similar engraving to what is on mine.  She brought it out and I was sold!  

It took Lou longer to pick his out than it did me, but I had a chance to look at some a few months ago while my ring was getting cleaned.  I am excited about Lou's because of the finish he is getting and I think we both picked out the best for us!  

I have to say, both times we have been in Shane Co., we were treated with nothing but respect and they were so personable.  They don't work on commission so they are not trying to push a sale.  My kind of place.  They know about customer service.  I would do business with them and recommend them to anyone.  

I can't believe it will be 7 months until we get married!!!  It is flying by!!

We Found a Photographer!!

Not sure why this was the most stressful thing so far in planning our wedding, but it was not fun.  

But....We found a fantastic photographer and as I was just looking back over their site, I am becoming more excited!!  The price was PERFECT and I get what I want!! 

We (well mainly mom and myself cause Lou was so tired of hearing about it - haha) picked this company after meeting with them one Monday night.   

We both felt good about everything and I am not breaking my parents bank!!  

http://nashville-photo.com/Home.html

It is called Complete Music Video Photography.  

One more thing checked off the list!  

Finding a Photographer...

One thing Lou and I, mostly I, did not anticipate was how hard it would be to find a photographer we loved and that we could afford.  Photography costs have skyrocketed in the last few years!!  When I heard what most people spend on photography, I was floored!!  

I completely understand it is a one shot deal, and it will be the one thing you will look back on years to come, but I can't imagine going broke (well, my parents going broke) just for pictures!!  I know exactly what I want, but have had an extremely hard time finding someone we could afford.  

After emailing for investment information and getting package information, I knew I was in trouble.  Buying a house was easier than finding a photographer.  I have champagne taste on a water budget!  

But, I think I have found a photographer whom I both love the pictures, can get exactly what I want, and can afford!!  I am meeting with two different photographers on Monday, and I am excited, because I like both of their pictures!!

I did book a photographer earlier in the week, but after doing so I had a full blown panic attack and they were gracious enough to return out deposit.  Their pictures are AMAZING, but after we booked it hit me how much it was going to cost and I just could not do it.  Hopefully this will not happen again, and I don't think it will as the prices are more in our budget range.  

I think Lou is to the point that he doesn't care, just tells me to pick one!!  HAHA!!  

More adventures to come!

Let the Planning Begin!

We took a break from the planning process, since we had most of the big things set, to enjoy the holidays.  I also started a new job, so I had to get used to the 5 day work week again.  But, I LOVE MY JOB!!  So now I am realizing that I have less than 9 months to get it all together!!  I really thought I would be this completely organized bride with all of my stuff already lined up, and I already have the notebook, just need to fill it up and get my ducks in a row.  It will all come together, and I would love to get my other room cleaned up and organized, but I have to do a few things to my room before all that can happen.  Just don't want things strewn all over the house, not that there is much space :)  But soon things will kick into high gear so keep checking back for updates!!  I am so excited!!!  Here is a pic from the hockey game the other night :)

Reception Venue!!

With both Lou and I not living in Dickson,

I turned to my wonderful friend Meagan,

who grew up and lives in Dickson,

for help when it comes to finding local vendors. 

 

Since our wedding is at Montgomery Bell State Park,

we didn't want to have our guests drive a long way to celebrate,

so we wanted to keep it pretty local :) 

 

The Inn at Montgomery Bell State Park would have been perfect,

but it is completely booked for the entire weekend, so it was out.

 

I called a place Meagan suggested and when I looked at the pictures I was hooked!

Mom and I traveled out to Dickson this past week,

and as soon as we walked in...

WE LOVED IT!!!

 

 

It was not too big, and not too small, but the perfect size!!

It has round tables that are included in the rental cost!!

And the chairs are really nice also!!

(I don't know why I was so concerned with how the chairs looked, but I was - haha)

There is an exposed brick wall!

And really nice and clean bathrooms!!

I am so excited to have my reception at Events on Main in Dickson, TN!!!!!!!

It is a fairly new space for events, but it is, once again, perfect!! 

 

Check out their FB page!!

http://www.facebook.com/DicksonEventsOnMain

 

Here is their website!!

http://www.dicksoneventsonmain.com/

 

Everything is coming together!  We were going to wait to start booking places and vendors, but people are already booking up for next October that we are going ahead and getting the major things booked!  AHHH!!!  I am soooooo excited!!