A Well-Deserved Vacation ...

OK, the truth is ... taking 30 high school students to NYC wouldn't even come close to being described as a vacation.  In fact, it is probably just the opposite, as rest & relaxation is certainly not on the agenda.  However, a quick break from the current wedding world that has become my own (and those surrounding me) is just what the doctor ordered.

Tomorrow morning, just as I have done 4 years prior (along with my mom & fellow teachers) ... I will chaperone my wide-eyed, anxious Fashion Marketing students to the Big Apple.  And the trip is set to be jam-packed with fashion appointments, a dinner cruise, a trip to the Wax Museum, the Today show, a Broadway show ... and of course, we have to fit in a little retail therapy.  (It would seriously be wrong to visit the city without at least a little shopping ... even if you are saving money for an upcoming event!). 

Our main goal for the trip?  To find my MOB (Mother of the Bride) a few "bridal shower-worthy" dresses ... and as I have posted before, she is no ordinary MOB.  My mom is the most creative, resourceful, imaginative, and dedicated wedding planner I know ... and besides that, she looks less like my mother and more like my sister.  (I get it, I am biased, but we have been asked multiple times throughout this process, and even life in general!).  So in other words ... finding her a few dresses that look appropriate will not be a challenge, especially for an expert shopper like myself! :)

Enjoy the rest of your week - I an sure to be in an empire state of mind.

The Burgundy Bride is Bahamas Bound ...

And of course, she will have Mr. Burgundy Bride with her!  More specifically, we will be in Freeport, Bahamas ... arriving the Monday after our wedding celebration, and staying for the following 6 days.  In other words - Our honeymoon is official!

After a busy, busy wedding weekend of consultations, "bag-making", and a bridal show ... the good news couldn't have come at a more perfect time.  Truthfully, I was starting to wonder if we would be honeymooning in my grandmother's backyard (No offense, Momma, but I would rather begin my married life somewhere besides the state of Virginia!).  Thanks to those (you know who you are) for making this happen  - it truly is "the icing on the wedding cake." :)

So although I am obviously beyond excited (in fact, completely exhilerated!), that we now have the all-important honeymoon checked off of our to-do list ... this check caused a few more "to-get" items on its own.  (Don't worry - this one's on me, mom!).  As a true fashionista should, my mind has been dreaming of bright colored bikinis, printed maxi dresses, gladiator sandals, and oversized sunglasses ever since I heard the word Bahamas on Saturday. 

3 Months & A Day

Tomorrow marks exactly 3 months until my June wedding, and last week, the countdown officially hit 100 days!  As a result, things are happening at the Burgundy Bride house!  I am happy (ecstatic even!) to report that projects are being finished, to-do's are being crossed off, and ... money from that wedding account we opened is definitely being spent.  (Thanks again, Mom!).

In the many months since we started planning this celebration, I don't know that it felt real.  Since there was so much to do before this dream could even begin forming into a reality, my mind has been so focused on the little details such as the program, guest favors, and of course, the dress.  But as it gets closer, and the emails start coming in pointing out exactly how close it really is, I am starting to get those little butterflies of joy that feel when you are really looking forward to something.  And yes, obviously, I am really looking forward to this.

I know our hard work is about to pay off, and the greatest part is that at the conclusion of this wedding celebration, I will have a husband!  I think that finally is starting to click ... and as my high school friend, Anne, (who has an upcoming wedding herself!), asked me in her email yesterday - yes, I am so excited I could just explode. :)

Curing that Teacher-Itis

Senioritis = skipping class, missing tests, attending parties instead of athletic practice, generally slacking off at the end of the last year of high school.

I am certain that you have heard the term before, and (if you have a memory like mine) may even remember having a form of the "syndrome"  during your own senior year of high school.  Being a teacher, I know its symptoms all too well.  And even though it is known to typically occur towards the end of a student's senior year, the truth is, my seniors have been exhibiting signs since October.  In fact, I have a few juniors who seem shocked at the fact that we are still using our 90-minute class periods to do classwork instead of merely hanging out.  (Side Note:  We have over 9 weeks of school left:  Graduation is in the middle of June!).

So, while we are on the subject - Isn't it only fair for teachers to experience a little of these same feelings?  Not that I am slacking off (I promise!) ... but it seems that each year, right around the start of Spring, I am beyond anxious for the upcoming summer to arrive.  And (since my brain is a tad jumbled with a June wedding around the corner), this year, these thoughts seem to be stronger than ever.

However, today was just what the doctor ordered - as I was reminded why I love my job so much.  "Mama Wright" (as they call her) came up to school today, & together we met with the 30 students who will act as "wedding helpers" this June.  Each of my girls (and one boy) were excited & eager to help in any way that they can.  I realized how fortunate I am - to have students who are so willing to help - even when there is no grade involved.

Thank you to each & every one of my "wedding helpers" - the wedding certainly couldn't happen without you, and I am so lucky to have you all a part of such a special day.  I can't wait to see you in your white, khakis, and aprons!  And don't forget - I will no longer be Ms. Wright when you see me! :)

Our Royal Connection

When posting about what I look forward most to the spring yesterday, I inadvertently left off one major event.  I am not quite sure how I did it - I am certainly looking forward to it, and even if I wanted to (which I don't), I couldn't forget it as its details are revealed on every news channel most days of the week.  In fact, as I currently type this entry - the Today show is describing (in length) how Kate Middleton will arrive to Westminster Abbey on April 29th.

So unless you have been living under a rock - you know that I am referring to the upcoming nuptials of Prince William & Kate Middleton.  And I am definitely one of "those" Americans who is beyond fascinated by the royal wedding and the "fairy-tale" story of the couple.  Even if weddings weren't on my brain at the moment ... I would still, without a doubt, be captivated by all of this.  (I admit it.  The book William & Kate: The Royal Love Story is sitting on my bedside table right now.)

My mom (perhaps where I got my love for entertainment news?!) is equally as anxious for William & Kate to tie the knot.  And the truth is - we have a connection to all of this (in our minds, anyway).  My mom & dad were married in the summer of 1981 ... the same summer as Princess Diana & Prince Charles.  Which is ironic, since (obviously) I will be married only 2 months after the current royal couple. 

Regardless - one thing is for sure - I will certainly be glued to the full coverage of the royal wedding less than 38 days away.  Just as my mom did 30 years ago on the day Princess Diana walked down that long aisle ... days before her own wedding to my dad.

PS - How is Kate getting there?  A Rolls Royce.  And then leaving in the same horse drawn carriage that Princess Diana did in 1981.  No connection there.

Spring Has Sprung

It's official - we have succesfully made it through another (rather chilly) winter and can now welcome the sights, smells, and overall beauty of the spring season.  What is there not to love about the spring?  It stays light out later, the fashion gets brighter, and it is that much closer to summer (AKA - the ending of another school year).  I especially love the arrival of floral prints at Forever 21 and the Easter basket aisle at Target. 

For me, this spring is particularly exciting (and a tad daunting) as the official end of Spring 2011 will be exactly 4 days before my wedding day.  (Side Note:  I wouldn't have known that without my best friend, Google).  These next few months are certainly going to be jam-packed, exhilerating, and scary ... all at the same time.  I have already mentally prepared myself for the unexpected "bumps in the road" that you inevitably face when planning a large event.  However, I do know one thing for sure - these days are sure to be full of memories that I will keep forever.   What is some of what I look forward to most?

• Wedding Fridays with My Mom
• My Bachelorette Weekend (Sometimes more than the wedding.)  (JUST JOKING!) :)
• My Bridal Showers
• My Brother Aaron's, High School Graduation
• Quality Time with my Family, Friends, & Vendors Who Have Become My Friends Throughout This Process

Happy Spring!  Did I mention that means it is almost ... summer?!!!!

The Color of the Day

I happen to love the color green.  I always have.  It's probably because of my combination of red hair/green eyes ... as a result, it has always been a good fashion color for me, as opposed to the color red (On a side note - it took me approximately 21 years to even put on a garment that was a shade of red , orange, or pink!  I thought it clashed with the hue of my hair!  Sorry Dad!).  A bright green makes me think of the spring, which is one of my favorite times of the year, and a darker green brings feelings of Christmas, another beloved time of mine.  Regardless, because of my adoration for the color, I have always been fond of St. Patrick's Day.

So, in honor of today's holiday, I must give special recognition to the green dress that my nine beautiful bridesmaids will adorn this June.

These PEAR Colored Dresses with be Paired with Floral Print Shoes!

I now obviously do not need to explain my reasoning behind choosing green as the base color for my wedding.  And it definitely didn't hurt that my maid of honor (and fellow redhead) also looks best and prefers the color green, whether it be emerald, lime, jade, or a shade of pear. 

I hope some of that luck of the irish is in the air on my June wedding day.  In the meantime, Happy St. Patrick's Day & Happy Almost Weekend! :)

My Special Find

As many of you who read my daily posts know, my June garden wedding will only happen because of a joint effort by many ... various friends, family, and "new friends" we have made along the way who have dedicated their time and ideas to making our day special.  And as a result, I definitely cannot take credit for the final product, but instead can only be grateful to those who helped along the way.  However, there is something that I must commend myself on, something I did achieve on my own ...

When Mr. BB first proposed to me at my fashion show (about 15 months ago now!), without a doubt, we had no idea in what direction we wanted to take in planning a wedding.  In fact, for months, we didn't know where we would have it, what time of year, how many people we would invite ... and if we would even make it a celebration for more than just our immediate families.  The one detail I knew for sure?  Whatever happened, I wanted a good photographer.  And I certainly found her.

We hired Chelsea, from Bit of Ivory Photography, after my FI and I met with her one afternoon.  And I am serious when I say that it was the only detail that we knew at that time (and were still clueless with our wedding and the wedding industry entirely). I had stumbled upon her website while browsing on message boards one night, and just knew.   I am so thankful that I did ... she is beyond talented, creates beautiful pictures, but more importantly, is just plain nice.  She is so interested in my vision and will do anything to make it happen.  And like other special people we have met throughout this process, she has become a friend.

My Mom, Chelsea, & I ... enjoying lunch & good conversation!

Since I first met Chelsea, I have been lucky to watch her business grow (and grow, and grow ... )and couldn't be happier for her.  I knew I had something extraordinary.  Thank you, Chelsea!

Baskets, Wands, and Quality Time ...

We officially had our flower girl craft extravaganza this past Saturday.  And thanks to my trio of precious, darling little ladies ... it was a success.  All three of the girls are already, at their young ages, true females:  extremely meticulous, detail-oriented, and crafty.  They accomplished a lot, and didn't even want to take a break for a snack in the process ...

• Dresses - Their plaid, tea-length flower girl attire is in ... and, thanks to Pure English, is quite possibly the cutest I have ever seen.  And although I have pictures, I have to keep something a secret ... so you will just have to wait.  But they are adorable, I promise.  And I wouldn't lie about fashion.
• Baskets - The girls played a part in adorning the baskets that they will carry down the garden path this June.  There are two green baskets and one pink ... and luckily, there was no controversy when we allowed the girls to choose their preferred color! :)
• Wands - Perhaps their favorite craft of the day ... the girls made wands for the kids to use when the rest of our wedding guests participate in the sparkler send-off.  This is obviously a much, much safer option.  (Thank goodness my mom thought of this - it seriously would never have crossed my mind and I could have had a major disaster - or some really sad kids.)
• Picture - Together, the three little artists created a picture of Mr. BB and I for the program.  And their creation could rival some artwork I have seen for sale.  Do I see a future career here?!!

Thank you to Abbey, Kayla, and Isabelle for your help & for taking part in getting ready for the big day!  And more importantly, I value the time you were able to spend together ... I hope as a result of our craft day, that you feel even more involved in the wedding than you already were!

Flower Girls With Their Wands!

With the Girls! :)

I Know I'm Not the First ...

And certainly won't be the last - to have, what I refer to, as a (mini) bridal breakdown.  A bridal breakdown can be defined as a temporary relapse, in which the bride may freak out over one of the many details of her upcoming wedding, such as the invitations, menu, or dress.  And while these details will most likely work themselves out before the big day, at the moment of the breakdown, they seem to be extremely monumental and life-changing.

While I would love to play it off that I am one of those cool, calm, & collected brides-to-be, that probably isn't always the case.  I (hope) I am no bridezilla, and find myself to be completely the opposite when it comes to the food, flowers, or even the music.  But, in true fashionista style, I am particularly selective over the dress and overall style of the day.  (Perhaps more than most?!! ... )

So, as a result of my passion for fashion and desire for style on my wedding day, over the weekend, I admit it - I had a mini bridal breakdown.  And yes, it was over the dress.  Please don't think I am a whiny, unappreciative type of person ... I am beyond thankful for the many, many people who have dedicated so much time and effort towards my big day.  Which is why I now realize how silly I was to even temporarily think that the dress I will soon wear is not absolutely perfect ...

I have since come back to sanity and love my dress more than ever.  Thank you to my M-O-M and MOH for assisting in that process.  Just a small obstacle in getting to our celebration of love on June 25th ...

They Will Walk Down that Garden Path, Too ...

Mr. BB & I both consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have grown up in large, close families.  And as a result, when deciding on our wedding party, we knew it had to be big.  As previously posted, the total number of our bridesmaids/groomsmen equals 18, in addition to our 3 flower girls and 2 ring bearers.  The more, the merrier, right?  Well, if that statement is true, our wedding day is sure to be merry.

While some brides would rather have a child-free ceremony/reception, I have always felt strongly about our special "little" people playing a large part in our day.  Often, the funniest, most memorable moments come from one of those really cute kid moves (you know the ones I am talking about).  So, when deciding on our flower girls/ring bearers ... it was always an obvious choice for us.  Our 3 flower girls are two of my FI's nieces, Abbey & Isabel, and my cousin, Kayla.  Our adorable "little men" are Abbey's younger brother, Sam, and Kayla's, Aidan.

This weekend, my mom is hosting a flower girl afternoon ... a way to spend time with our little ladies and an opportunity for the girls to have a part in making their own baskets to carry down the aisle!  I love that we get to spend some extra time with them, for them to spend time with each other, & that they are going to feel more a part of this experience.

Here are my girls:

Joe's Nieces:
Isabel & Abbey

My cousin: Kayla
(With her younger brother, Aidan)

I plan to post pictures of their completed baskets (which I am sure will be fabulous!) on Monday ... and the baskets will make their official debut, of course, on June 25th of this year. 

My Honey's Do-List

Although I am (fairly) new to this whole "fiance" arrangement, and have yet to become a wife, I am completely aware and have frequently taken advantage of the honey-do list.  As many of you know (most likely, even more than me), a honey-do list is a list of chores or household repairs that one spouse may make for another, and in most cases, it is the female making the list.  And since I have been living with Mr. BB for the past three years, and have the ultimate Type A personality,  I have much experience in this subject.  There have been many of these lists in our past ... and something tells me there will be more in our future.

Over the past few months, as our June wedding gets closer, my honey-do lists have become almost completely wedding related.  As anyone who has planned a wedding before knows, the planning process tends to take over your life, and often feels like a full time job.  And, most often, it is the bride (who has dreamed of her wedding since she was a little girl) who takes on the majority of the tasks.  Our situation is no different ... and while I admit that I sometimes get frustrated when balancing guest lists, centerpieces, and invitations in between my own teaching career ... for the most part, I have to give Mr. BB credit for his role throughout this experience.  After his own long day at work, he too comes home to help me in any way that he can.  Even more importantly, he has been extremely patient in dealing with me in such a crazy, busy time.

So ... imagine my delight, when, on my way out the door at 6:30 this morning, I noticed this list (in his hand-writing) on his work desk:

Entitled (If You Can't Read It): 
Wedding Things To Do!



He had written his own (wedding) honey do-list!  Impressive, right?  Thank you to Mr. BB, my future husband, for understanding the importance of a list ... but more significantly, for being my emotional rock during the planning of our big day.  Just one of the many reasons that I can't wait to marry you!

I'm Going to the Chapel ...

And I'm Going to get Married!  Ok ... so it won't be in a chapel (something my grandmother may still have issues with).  Specifically, it will be in a scenic spot in front of her sister's house.  But nevertheless, I am getting married!  And yesterday, that all became much, much more real.

With my MOH/sister & MOM/mom in tow - yesterday afternoon, I headed to my final dress fitting!  In other words, I officially have a wedding dress ... one that fits and is ready to be worn!  I mean, if the wedding were this weekend, my dress would be good to go.  I don't know about much else ... but I would have something to wear!  My sister even learned how to do the bustle and secure me safely into the dress (a surreal moment, for sure).

Even though many of my fellow bride-to-be bloggers have been known to post pictures of their wedding dress before their big day, something about that makes me really nervous.  Other than the obvious chance that Mr. BB may accidentally see it, I want it to be a surprise to everyone else too!  In honor of the final dress fitting, however, there are a few facts that I can share about my dress:

1.  It is white.
2.  It was purchased at Pure English, which, as mentioned before, is one of my new favorite stores.
3.  Speaking of purchasing ... the dress is the most expensive garment that I have ever worn, and most likely, will ever wear. 
4.  My mom, sister, & I all agreed that it was "the dress", a crowning moment that is not always the easiest to achieve. (Have you seen Say Yes to the Dress?).
5.  I really, really love it ... but more importantly, know that Mr. BB will.

So even though the dress is ready for the big day, we are obviously not ... but will be on June 25th.  Until then, it will have to wait.

A Bride In A Barn

I know ...  the words bride and barn are not the most likely to end up in the same sentence.  Aside from the obvious alliteration of the B's, brides & barns just simply don't have much in common.  Few little girls fantasize of their dream weddings surrounded by barrels of hay, tractors, & wheat grass.  So while I admit that it is not your ordinary spot for a bride-to-be, for the last few months, I have been determined to have my bridal portrats in a barn.

This weekend, my vision became a reality - and I have my co-worker/department chair/friend, Beth, to thank.  When my mother and I were first inspired by some of our favorite wedding blogs and were in need of a barn to fulfill the idea, I knew just who to ask.  Beth, my back bay girl, has lived in this sweet, peaceful area of Virginia Beach her whole life.  And while I can't imagine not being within 10 minutes of a Wendy's or certainly 20 minutes of a mall ... both my FI & I share a love of the area and have even talked about the idea to live there one day.  (Don't worry, mom, as I said ... we just talked about it.)  And Back Bay definitely has barns.

After making the drive to visit Beth & her barns, my mom, sister, & I were beyond pleased and super excited for the oppprtunity to have my portraits there.  And again, I know, it may not sound either bridal or beautiful, but I am convinced that my photographer has just the eye to pull off the idea - which, by the way, fits our wedding theme to perfection. 

Thanks Beth, for sharing your serene, special childhood home! 

It's Heavenly, Handmade, & All for Her ...

Update to "Wedding Blogging Vocabulary" (That I recently Learned) ...

MOH = Maid Of Honor

My MOH is my abolutely adorable, yet sometimes feisty, little sister.  She is 7 years my junior, currently a sophomore in college, and (as Mr. BB, many of my friends, family & students would tell you) ... I am a little bit obsessed with her.  I miss her terribly and cry each time she leaves to go back to school.  I guess it's because I (and my FI) have literally watched her grow up over the years.  But even though I get sad - I am truly happy & proud of her success at JMU.  If only it was a little closer ... 

So since she is my only sister (and MOH) ... I want to make sure that she feels extra special on my wedding day, and therefore, have been racking my wedding brain to make it happen. In a wedding tradition that certainly dates back before my wedding planning days, the maid of honor will wear a different color, carry another bouquet, or wear an extra piece of jewelry.  However, we are definitely not traditional ...

After many hours of searching online - my sister will have a handmade, hand-dyed (to our green!) vintage inspired headband to wear on my wedding day.  At this point, I would usually include a picture of my recent purchase, but I don't want her to see it yet!  So take my word for it - it's perfect.  And will look perfect on her. 

You will just have to wait & see ...

It's Pure Goodness, Really ...

A few weeks ago, I posted a blog giving credit to the many stores that had contributed to the decor that will surround my June wedding.  I had intended to follow-up with a part two edition today ... but then upon second thought, realized that this store deserved a post all on its own.

It's funny how a store you never knew existed (before last February) can suddenly become one of your favorite places to be.  And Pure English Bridal Couture certainly has done that for me.  The store has definitely played a large part in the wedding ... by dressing my 9 bridesmaids, 3 flower girls, and providing my entire look, including my dress & accesories.  (And these accesories are so divine that they may just become family heirlooms ... ). 

Helen, Vivian, & Sara have been incredibly helpful throughout this whole process (and it has been a process) ... they have become friends to us.  Seriously, if we could, we would invite all 3 of them to the wedding!   They have been patient (due to our many visits, including one with my dad & brother, straight from the construction site) & able to understand our vision.  And Helen's English accent may just be the coolest ever.

Both my mom & I will be sad to not have a reason to visit after the wedding - but have every intention of still stopping in to say hello.  And maybe bring some of our apple butter when we do ...

Thank you Helen, Vivian & Sara!

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words ...

I admit it.  I am "that girl" who always has her camera and is always taking pictures.  More specifically, my FI is always taking pictures for me.  I love a good photo & appreciate how powerful pictures really are ... I mean, they seriously can take you back to that moment in time.  Sometimes when I have a free moment, I will even just scan through the pictures in my (rather large) memory card, reliving some of my most exciting times over the last few years.  And other than creating memories, taking pictures is just fun.  I think facebook is partly to blame?  (You know you can relate ... that all-important profile pic!).

As a result of my love of pictures, I definitely plan to incorporate them into my wedding day.  As previously posted, I have already obtained a fabulous photographer and could not think of anyone better to help document our special day.  However, There are other plans we have for pictures ... and one of them involves our guests ...

We are asking for wedding pictures from those happily married couples that will be attending our June wedding.  The photo you choose is completely up to you.  We know how important these pictures are to you, and they are important to us too ... we want you to feel some of that magic from your own day!  We have already gotten our first photo:

My Future Sister & Brother-In-Law
Looking Adorable on their Wedding Day!

If you have a minute ... email me at akwright@vbschools.com with an attachment of your wedding photo!  If you only have a hard copy, let me know and you can send through the mail!  Thanks in advance for each of you being an essential part to our day!