The Burgundy Bride is Back ...

After a rather delightful Christmas ... one full of family, friends, yummy food & wine, board games, thoughtful gifts, and approximately 12 inches of snow in Virginia Beach.  Yes - for the first time in my 27 years of holiday celebrations - I experienced a white Christmas.  In fact, it was such a white Christmas that my silver Honda Civic is currently sitting in my driveway still covered in snow (thus obviously, undriven) three days later.  The flurries starting falling on Christmas evening and have left my hometown (one not used to more than 1 inch of snow) practically paralyzed ever since.

Of course, the first few inches of snow generated tons of joy for both Mr. BB & myself.  We drank a few celebatory momosas, rode in a friend's four wheeler in the snow, and made the typical snowman along with enough turkey chili for two days.  Last night, however, marked the first feelings of cabin fever, and we both decided to use our "time-off while stuck inside" to our advantage.

Luckily, my parents live only a neighborhood away, and we were able to drive Mr. BB's Jeep Cherokee over for a much-needed wedding meeting.  Topics discussed at the meeting, which was comprised of myself, Mr. BB, my mother, sister/MOH, and an occasional cameo of my brother and dad, included:

• Dates of Pre-Wedding Events
• LED Throwies (Still Don't Really Understand this ... )
• Overall To-Do List
• Idea for Invitations

Perhaps motivated by the start of productivity (or the fear of all that needs to be done) ... I continued in "wedding mode" when I got home and started on our slideshows for the wedding.  Can't wait to share details on our invites tomorrow!  Until then ...

Making My List & Checking It Twice ...

I am definitely a list person; that is, I appreciate the value of a to-do list in my daily life.  I always have a to-do list on my desk at school (sometimes 2), usually have a to-do list on my fridge at home, and, most recently, have been using a to-do list from my palm cell phone.  I love lists so much that I don't know that I could function without them, and when I am able to cross an item off of my list, it is quite thrilling.

Tonight is the last night before my last day of school before a week and a half holiday break - one that is much needed & that I am really looking forward to.  And with a break, comes a change in my routine (which, truthfully, bothers me a little, and ,yes, I am aware that this is a sign of a type A personality ... much like my habit of writing lists).  Therefore, I may find it difficult to update my blog as normal before and during the coming days, so ... 

I wanted to take this opportunity to - write a list.  I fully plan on taking advantage of my time off to conquer some of the wedding tasks that have been looming over me during my busy last few months ... and know that I will be more likely to complete them if I officially write them here.  Here goes:

Wedding Tasks to Complete Over My Break:

1.  Finish DIY cones that we started at my bridesmaid dinner, and then restarted on one Sunday afternoon.
2.  Organize & update wedding binder. (That has gotten extremely messy lately ... )
3.  Meet with day-of-wedding-planner to ................. (I am sure there is a lot that we have to talk about.)
4.  Schedule dates for pre-wedding events.
5.  Begin the rather daunting task of creating the invitation.

I, obviously, could continue the list here, but don't want to disapoint myself if I can't get it all done.  So, Merry Christmas - enjoy your own holiday/break, and I will be back soon to update if I was able to thrill myself by checking off these five tasks.  Until then ...

Twas four days before Christmas ...

And I'm sitting in the foyer at my school selling tickets for our JV basketball game, attempting to multi-task by updating my blog, searching through my usual wedding websites, and simultaneously planning my lesson for when I return to school in January 2011.  (The countdown has begun - only 2 more days of school before my favorite holiday is officially here & I have 1 week & a half of freedom!).

So, as I sit here surrounded by fashion textbooks, laptop, and cash box for those brave enough to face the cold air to attend this game ... what is on my wedding mind?  Since, as previously posted, I haven't had much of a chance to check off my to-do list with the mayhem of the holiday season - I don't have any wedding updates to share.  However, I have been thinking exciting wedding thoughts today ...

Obviously, I am beyond ecstatic for my June wedding to Mr. BB.  I can hardly wait until the day finally gets here (although I need to wait, considering the rather large amount of tasks that need to be complete before it does!) ... and know that each & every moment of that day will be memorable.  Every once in a while, I get extra excited about a particular moment that I know that day will entail ... and and last night was one of them.  I was, once again, browsing on wedding websites, and came upon a video from an absolutely romantic wedding.  And it was one specific part of their video that brought a few tears to my eyes:

Here is the video:
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2010/12/17/romantic-cincinnati-wedding-from-studio-z/

And for those of you who know me, and my MOH who will be giving a speech at my wedding this June, you will also know which part of the video brought on the tears.  No pressure, Lex! :)

Tis' the Season ...

To be busy!  Christmas has always been my favorite holiday ... I can't resist the sounds of holiday tunes, sights of bright lights, smells of homemade cookies, and of course, the hustle & bustle at the mall.  I have my mother's love of the winter holiday to thank for this infatuation, and even though I am now 27 years of age, I still enjoy our family traditions just the same.  However, with each year of seniority, I come to a new understanding of why some think of Christmas as more of a stressful time than a festive one.  And although it remains my favorite holiday, this year, December has come with a bit of stress and anxiety with the ever-increasing list of gifts to buy, cards to send, and celebrations to attend.

So, tonight concludes a weekend of shopping (in fact, three days in a row, to be exact), baking, & ornament-making.  I (think) I have finally checked off each special person on my "to buy for" 2010 list.  And, even though my mind has been focused on this important list, my June wedding always is on my brain ... so I wanted to share the find my mother & I had yesterday morning.  These mason jars:

Will hang on shepard hooks on the garden path that will serve as our aisle this June.  We were super excited to find them on sale (2 of my favorite words!) yesterday morning at Kirklands home goods store in our local mall.  Good work, mom!  They have been added to the ever-expanding wedding room ...

Snowed In ... Sort of ...

As I am sitting here, cozy in my bed with my space heater positioned directly in front of me ... the view from my window is the aftermath of winter storm 2010 (as they are referring to on our local news station!).  Being a Virginia Beach local, I am used to the fact that mayem occurs at the sight of the first flurry:  schools close, excited children attempt to make a snow man out of our one inch of snow, and our weatherman puts on his snowflake pin while providing 24-hour coverage.

So how did I spend my snow day off from school?  I was the first to arrive at the mall (shortly after inquiring on its adjusted holiday hours) in order to search for the perfect gifts for those left on my list.  Once safe at home, just as the snow started falling, I wrapped all of my gifts & baked holiday pound cakes for my co-workers.  Aaah, the holidays!  Truly, the most wonderful time of the year! (Second for me, now, to the month of June, which will be my anniversary!).  By the way, am I really old enough to have an anniversary?

My weekend is now free to partake in some more holiday traditions (getting the tree, baking my usual oatmeal cookies, & exchanging ornaments with my two best friends) ... and hopefully to fit in a wedding DIY project or two.  With a June wedding fast-approaching, there is no room for a complete diversion of wedding planning time!  Happy weekend, stay warm!

Who Said Being a Teacher Didn't Have Perks?

I love my job ... really.  Of course, we all have of those days at work in which we would rather be anywhere else, with anyone else, and doing, simply, something else.  But for me, those days are rare and far between.  I enjoy teaching my daily fashion lessons, planning exciting shows & field trips, and of course, watching my high school juniors & seniors mature each year.  I am lucky to have a good relationship with the majority of my students - and recognize the importance of getting to know them beyond the four walls of my classroom.

As I previously posted, my students played a large part in my engagement as many of them were on stage as Mr. BB proposed to me last February. Their first response after all the screaming & excitement died down?  "Are we going to be invited to the wedding?"  ... Even as a newly engaged women with little to no knowledge in wedding planning, I was sure that my guest list wasn't going to be expansive enough to fit my 120 person roster each year.  However, my mom had the perfect way to incorporate my students into my June wedding - while providing some extra help at the same time.

A good amount of my students will be present at my wedding - completing tasks such as helping watch the kids, waitressing, and ... doing hair?!  Yes - yesterday, in between our journal & class assignment - I asked one of my very talented young ladies if she would do my hair on my wedding day.   After witnessing (first-hand) her enviable abilities at our fashion show last Thursday, I couldn't help but see if she would be willing to play such an important role.  And - she said yes! 

So - another check!  I am super excited to have my student (who, did I mention, is gifted in hair-do abilities!) do my hair on my wedding day.  Yet another reason I am lucky to have the job that I do!  

Say Yes to the Dress(es)?

Mom - DON'T FREAK OUT!  I absolutely love my wedding dress and can hardly wait to wear it this June!  The title to this blog entry is NOT meant as a start to a search for a replacement to my beautiful dress ...

However, the last couple of days, my type A brain (which is constantly racing on wedding plans, holiday to-do lists, school lesson plans, and fashion wishes, sometimes all at the same time) has been thinking about a second dress.  This dress would be worn at the end of the reception, before Mr. BB & I make our exit on the boat off the dock in my great aunt's backyard (details on our exit to come!).  Example:  When Annie Banks changes into her white suit before leaving her sweet, adorable wedding in one of my favorite childhood movies, "Father of the Bride."

Again, Mom - DON'T FREAK OUT!  You & I both know that there are several white dresses (still with tags) in my closet that would fit the bill.  We have found quite a few affordable, bride-worthy white dresses at my two favorite stores, Forever 21 and H&M since my February engagement.  (Mom:  I have one, in particular, in mind!). 

So why the sudden thoughts of a second dress?  Two reasons:

(1) Like most other fashion-obsessed ladies, I have several fashion icons, and one of them happens to be the recently married Nicole Richie.  While pictures of her wedding day look have not yet been released (I can hardly wait!!!) ... news of her three Marchesa dresses at her wedding has.  One for the ceremony, one for the reception, and another for her exit with her new husband!  Simply a second dress for me would do ...

(2)  While searching through my daily wedding blogs/websites yesterday, I came upon the most romantic wedding ... one in which the bride wore an absoutely darling reception dress.

She found it for $34.00!

What do you think?  At first - the idea of taking off my stunning, rather expensive, wedding dress for even a second on my wedding day seeemed absolutely out of the question.  But now I am warming up to the idea ... I guess time will tell. :)

I'm Dreaming of A ...

Tropical honeymoon.  Is that asking too much?  I can be flexible ... Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, the Dominican ... any of these will do.  I would even be super excited to pack my newlywed bags for a trip to Mexico (even though my college spring break to Puerto Vallarta was a bust, I am sure that Mr. BB & I would have an amazing, memorable start to our life together there). 

Happy Monday - I am back from a long & eventful weekend.  My Thursday evening fashion show was a success, Mr. BB & I headed to Charlotte early Friday, and I was able to stand next to one of my sorority sisters/bridesmaids/best friends on Sat. evening as she married the man of her dreams. 

A Picture With the Beautiful Bride

(Congrats, again, Karie!)

So why the thoughts of Mr. BB & I laying on the beach with a pina colada in hand, specifically on this Monday in December?  Well, for one, though I thouroughly enjoy the sight of snow flurries outside my classroom window, it has been quite the chilly day and therefore, a week of fun in the sun is even more desirable.  Secondly, my favorite December newlywed (pictured above) left the chill this morning for the lovely island of St. Lucia ... and I have been envious ever since.

Now that our June wedding is getting closer - it is definitely time to get thinking of our own first week of marriage and where we will be located for it ... We certainly will deserve a relaxing week after 18 months of wedding planning.  So tonight, you may find me bundled up in my pink Snuggie, searching through travel magazines ... right before I head to 7-11 for a (few) lottery ticket(s) tomorrow.

Dear Wedding,

I wanted to take this opportunity to apologize to you for the fact that I have been neglecting you (as mentioned in my previous posts) over the past couple of weeks.  With the exception of a quick appointment to try on my wedding day attire & choose a perfect flower girl dress, along with a daily browse through my favorite wedding websites & blogs (had to make the time for this!) ... I realize that I have had to focus my attention on my high school fashion show that will take place tomorrow night. 

Wedding, I promise that this Monday, you will once again become the center of my attention and that I will provide you with the care & nurturing that you deserve.  But as they quote says "Life doesn't stop for anybody" (or anything!), and in the meantime ...

I wanted to wish the best of luck to the hard-working, determined young adults who I am lucky to call my students.  All of your effort will be paid off tomorrow night when you stun the audience with your talent on stage!  I am proud of each of you! :)

And, secondly, to my fabulous sorority sister (and one of the only people I know to read my blog!) ... you will make a beautiful bride on Saturday & I can't wait to stand next to you as you marry a great man!  Congratulations to you both!

So, wedding, after I complete the (sometimes daunting) task of producing my yearly fashion show tomorrow night, and then head to Charlotte with my FI to celebrate the wedding of one of my own bridesmaids ... we will reunite.

Until then ... And With Love,
Ashley

A Precious, Plaid Flower Girl Dress: Check!

An apology is in order ... I realize it has been longer than usual since I have last been able to update my "blog" (never thought I would say that?!).  The reason for my absence ... my annual fashion show, which will take place in exactly 48 hours & 14 minutes.  Before taking on the task of planning my June wedding, the largest, grandest affair I had planned prior was the fashion show each year at my high school.  And a large affair it is - one in which approximately 800 people attend, 50 models perform, local stores lend their merchandise, sets are built, esc. ... Towards the end of the planning, my life belongs to my students and this show.  (Example:  While thouroughly enjoying being alone while sitting down on the toilet to pee the other day, I was interrupted by the sounds of my senior girls who needed their planner signed to come work on props in my room).

I still can't believe it was this event last year in which I accepted a proposal from Mr. BB & thus began my journey of wedding planning that will culminate on June 25th.  Needless to say - I am looking forward to the conclusion of a successful fashion show on Thursday night, so that I am able to fully focus on my wedding planning once again.

In the midst of my fashion show craziness, I was able to get an all-important check off the wedding to-do list.  While trying on my dress (just as beautiful as I had remembered, by the way!) ... we spotted the most precious flower girl dress.  The dress fits our theme perfectly, and will look absolutely adorable on our 3 flower girls! 

In Green/Pink

Can't wait to see the girls in the dresses in June!  While I know some brides/grooms would rather leave the children out of the wedding day festivities ... some of my favorite moments at weddings have been those unexpected ones from the little ones!  Maybe that's why we picked 3 flower girls & 2 ring bearers?!

I Said Yes to the Dress ... And Now It's In!

As another week comes to an end, I am feeling my usual euphoria at the thought of the weekend.  The motivation of two days without students or a 5 AM alarm clock & with a comfortable wardrobe of jeans/flats and extra time with my FI, family, & friends, is what gets me through most work weeks. 

But, as I mentioned yesterday, this weekend is extra special since my wedding dress (AKA: The most significant dress of my life!) has come in and I get to see it, touch it, & hold it tomorrow!  The appointment is set for 2 PM and, with my mother & sister in tow, we will be sure to arrive promptly for this ultra important appointment.

So, although I assure you that there are 1,998,245 other items on the wedding TO-DO list for the weekend ahead ... the dress seems to be the only thing on my mind.  And in honor of that dress - I thought I would share my top 5 favorite aspects of it tonight (even though we ordered the dress in June, and I haven't seen it since then, I can picture it in my mind as if it was hanging in front of me right now!):

(Mr. BB - this is yet another post in which you may not read on!)


5.  My mom & sister love the dress as much as I do.  Even after watching multiple episodes of Say Yes To the Dress,  in which Randy explained that the only person who needs to love the dress is the bride herself ... I know that I could never have chosen a wedding dress that both of them didn't love. 

4.  Speaking of family - both my dad and brother also saw & approved of the dress.  Yes - my dad and brother (who are the manliest of men) - took a break from installing granite to walk into the swanky bridal boutique in which I found the dress to watch me stand on the podium in veil & all.  My dad said the dress was beautiful right before my brother called it amazing.  It was later that night that I found out they had planned their reponses on the truck ride over from the job site before they saw the dress.  I did say they were "manly" men.

3.  The dress is more traditional than I thought it would be - and I love that.  I have mentioned before that I am a fashion teacher with a serious addiction to anything fashion.  As a result, when I first thought about my wedding dress - I pictured a trendy dress unlike one I had ever seen.  It wasn't until I started trying on dresses, dresses, & more dresses that I realized the more traditional dresses made me feel more beautiful.  Furthermore - who wants to look back at pictures of their wedding dress with that "What was I thinking?" sinking feeling ... Have you seen 80's brides?

2.  The dress fits my vintage, garden party approach to my wedding day.  On another one of my favorite wedding shows (My Fair Wedding With David Tutera)  ... he explains how the dress really is the centerpiece to the whole occasion (sorry, grooms!).  I couldn't agree more - and since the vintage, garden theme is a reflection of my personality - fitting the dress to the theme was never a problem.

1.  The dress makes me feel like a bride - and I can't wait to see Mr. BB while I am wearing it.  I know he will love it, and I seriously have dreams about the first time he sees me in it.

The Pit & The Peak

Ok.  I admit it.  I am a reality tv addict.  The mere thought of daily life without it makes me uncomfortable.  The only reason that I am so quick to admit it is because I know I can't be the only one ...If reality tv ratings weren't high, would television producers continue to come up with innovative new reality shows such as Skating with the Stars, Bridalplasty, & The Real Housewives of OC, Atlanta, New Jersey, DC, esc.?!

The reason that I am calling attention to my addiction to reality tv is this:  as a result of viewing a recent episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Mr. BB and I have started a new nightly tradition.  Last night was officially the third night of our pit & peak new tradition (I understand that 3 nights may not yet be referred to as a long-standing tradition, but we have every intention to continue).  What is the pit & peak?  The Kardashians, as children, would share the pit and the peak of their day each night at the dinner table.  Cute idea, right?!  I thought this would be the perfect way for Mr. BB & I to unwind after a long day at work.

So tonight - after my long day at work - I wanted to share the peak of my day that I shared with Mr. BB last night.  Yesterday - at approximately 1:45 PM, my sales associate (and now friend!) called to share the great news that MY WEDDING DRESS CAME IN!  I have an appointment to try it on for Friday with my mom & sister and can hardly wait until then!  The dress was ordered in July and I think I almost forgot exactly what it looks like.  And as a fashion teacher and most likely any bride would feel - I understand the importance of the dress and the significant role it plays on the wedding day. Stay tuned for details ...

Oh - and you wanted to know the pit of my day yesterday?  Ironic - it came last night when the cable went out as I was watching one of my favorite reality shows.