That's What Friends Are For ...

I have always thought of myself as a true "girl's girl."  My FI might even say I was extra feminine - someone who loves to shop, chat with the girls over wine, & I admit it ... I often crave an afternoon complete with a manicure, pedicure (and maybe a little more shopping).   So there is is no doubt in my mind that even after I am an official Mrs. come June, my girlfriends will remain an integral part of my life.

Since Mr. BB & I got engaged 16 months ago, I have found myself feeling even more fortunate about the special people who surround me.  My friends have been just as much a part of this process as I have been - and it is their constant support that has made this experience that much more memorable.

This weekend marks my first official bridal shower, which will take place at one of my best friends/bridesmaids childhood home.  I am delighted to be able to celebrate with my girls ... 9 of who will be standing beside me on one of the biggest days of my life.  Thank you each for being you - and here is to many more life moments (and glasses of wine) to come.

A Plane Ticket, Passport, & A Prince

OK ... I realize it is not exactly accurate to describe Mr. BB (My FI) as a Prince, but with the Royal Wedding, Prince William and Princess-To-Be Kate have been on my mind ... and Mr. BB is my own Prince.  So it works, right?!

Today, "My Prince & I" were able to check off a major item from that always expanding Wedding To-Do List.  And it's a really good thing we did - since our Bahamas honeymoon is quite dependent upon it.  We each got our passports, and as a result, our first vacation as husband & wife certainly feels more real.

  The truth is ... even though we first started dating in the 10th grade ... the two of us have never even been on a plane together!  So, at the very least, this vacation is long-awaited & well-deserved.  After 18 months of planning and what is sure to be an eventful week of wedding excitement - somehow I already know it will be just what the doctor ordered.  We are both beyond thankful for this opportunity ... perhaps Mr. BB even more than myself, as he has never even been out of the country! 

PS - A special thank you to our Post Office Passport Extraordinare, who (as an early wedding present), did not charge us the usual $15 each to have our pictures taken ... even after she had to use white-out twice for the mistakes on my application (not my future husband's, his was entirely correct). 

2 Months ... Umm, Yesterday.

Most likely, it does not come as a surprise to anyone that I am a loyal wedding blog/website follower.  In fact, over the past 6 months, few days have gone by without a little time devoted to browsing through some of my favorites.  (I have several bloggers to thank for much of the decor that will surround my June wedding!). In other words ... websites that I previously didn't even know existed have become integral to our wedding planning process.  And on a side note:  I really should try to thank those former brides for their creative ideas that I have adapted as my own, although it's hard since none of them even know who I am. :)

The one website that I did know about was TheKnot.com, and it is most likely the "go to" for the majority of brides today.  It is for that exact reason, and the fact that we are striving for a different, innovative wedding, that I rarely type in it's address into my browser.  But today, its email was more informative than ever, as it updated me that my wedding is exactly 2 months away!

I don't know what surprised me more ... the fact that my wedding that once was 18 months/FOREVER away will be here in only 2, or that I am now so busy that the whole day went by without me noticing the importance of it.  It is seriously crunch time - an exciting time & certainly a busy one.

So here's to 2 months away ... and finally noticing it!  There sure is lots of updating to do in the weeks to come.

Back to Reality ...

It is definitely tough getting back to work after 5 days off, especially when the majority of those days provided us with clear, sunny blue skies & warm temperatures.  As I blogged prior to my week of vacation, this spring break was not going to be as relaxing as in years past, mainly because I was going to use my extra time to get some much-needed checks off our infamous Wedding To-Do List, and luckily, we were able to accomplish just that.  As a result, there are lots of updates that I could write about today, but one certainly sticks out in my mind ...

I've said it before - I am "that girl" who is constantly taking pictures and loves a good photo to commemorate a fun event or even just a standard dinner on a Saturday night.  I admit it, those few times that I have forgetten my bright orange Canon camera at home, my FI has to deal with my constant complaints and somehow, we just don't have as much fun. 

So it is no surprise that my bridal portaits were one of the pre-wedding events that I was looking forward to most.  Mostly, I was delighted to have the opportunity to put on the dress! ... the veil(s), shoes, and accesories, have my hair & make-up done, and obviously, to see the pictures afterwards.  It was a "trial run" before the big June 25th day!

How did it go?  The first part (the look) far exceeded my expectations ... I felt just like I a bride should and now, I am that much more anxious for Mr. BB to see me walk down the aisle.  The second part (the pictures) are still a work in progress, meaning that I have only seen one sneak peek from my photographer & the ones taken in that orange Canon camera.  But even if I did have them, they would have to stay a secret!  (Come on, Kate Middleton hasn't even released the name of the designer of her dress!). 

Here a few of what you can see ...

Picking up THE DRESS the day before ...
with my favorite wedding shop owner, Helen!

Getting my makeup done by my faithful bridesmaid, Sara!

A SNEAK PEEK ...


PS - I do realize that it is a bit of a stretch to compare the secret of my dress to the one that will be worn by the future Queen of England ... but we are both getting married in Spring 2011.  So I had to do it.

Sweet, Sweet Spring ... How I Love Thee ...

Seriously, what is there NOT to love about the spring season (I truly have a soft spot for this time of year, as I am fairly sure that this is now the second time that I have posted about it!).    Aside from the "spring showers," quite possibly everything else makes me quite delighted.  This includes the arrival of open-toed wedges, floral prints, warmer weather, longer days, ... and, as I am sure my fellow teachers would agree ...

SPRING BREAK!

Without a doubt, the 3rd 9 weeks is the longest & most excruciating for anyone involved in the school system.  This year is certainly no exception.  In fact, with all the "extra" I have had to think about in 2011, the recent necessity for a break from students & school work is a bit heightened.  Accordingly, I am beyond blissful to report that my spring break begins tomorrow!  Yay! :)

So while the week will most likely be far from relaxing or peaceful - I am content with the change in scenery and obviously for the opportunity to get some more checks off of our wedding to-do list.  Part of the plan?  Get the "undergarments" for my wedding day attire, continue to create the bags for our bridesmaids, vendors, kids, & out-of-towners, and my bridal portraits are scheduled for the Friday of my break!

So here goes ... my official last Spring Break with my current last name ...

Survival ... Of the Bridesmaids

Disclaimer:  If you are one of my 9 stunning, caring, & delightful bridesmaids ...

PLEASE DO NOT READ ON!  

(Come on, if Mr. BB isn't always aloud ... neither are you!!) 

After several years planning of fashion shows (specifically with high school females as models), I am well versed in the saying "Better safe than sorry." I have been saved (more times than one) by a secret stash of safety pins, hair spray, and the always handy lint roller.  In fact, this year in my classroom, I introduced the Fashionista Survival Kit, complete with a needle & thread, and decorated in zebra print ... and have found that students who I don't even teach or know will stop by in the event of a fashion emergency.

So with one of the most important days in my own life quickly approaching ... I am well-aware that the chance of an "unforseen bump in the road" is pretty high.  And being the Type-A, perhaps overplanned girl that I am, I am aiming to aid in these circumstances in any way that I can.  Thus ... the Bridesmaid Survival Kit was born.  (OK ... I can't lie ...  I also got a little inspiration from some of my favorite wedding blogs).

The purpose of the Bridesmaid Survival Kit is to aid in creating a memorable, stress-free day for each of my 9 bridesmaids (who, by the way, are not only my closest friends & family members, but have been an integral part of this entire process).  Over the past week, I have been collecting the ingredients to what I think would make the perfect kit, and am very satisfied with the final product ... (And also gratified that I now have another check off my list!).



What Went Into the Bags ...

One of the 9 Final Bags ...

All of the Bags ... Which Will Now Be Added To the Ever-Expanding "Wedding Room"
(Sorry, Honey!)

The Poem Included In the Bags ... Which I realize you cannot read ...

Although I do enjoy writing (as evidenced by my blog), I also cannot take full credit for this poem.  Many of its parts were "borrowed" from some of my favorite bloggers (thank you ... I recognize that none of you know me or about my wedding, and therefore, know that I am currently writing this blog ... but thanks anyways.)

This survival kit was made just to say,

I am so glad you are beside me on my special day!

It includes a granola bar if you need a sugar high,

And some tissues just in case you should cry.

Chap stick to help you care for your smile,

If your nail should break, I've included a file.

Sanitizer is there, but don't get it on your dress,

And gum to keep your breath minty fresh.

Take the Tylenol & drink water if its ill that you feel,

There are band-aids for those sexy floral high heels.

I hope I have put everything in this handy pack,

To let you know that this bride has got your back!

This "Survival Kit" was made so you will see

How much you really mean to this Bride-To-Be!



A Sneak Peek: Part Two

The actual mailing of our invites was a big deal for us (like a really, really big deal) for many reasons ...

Here are a few of them:

• As previously posted, there were many, many people who helped in the final creation of our vision.  The final product would never have occured without the hard work & dedication of each & every "hand" that played a part.  (I know, it is crazy to think that so many people are needed for a paper product that ultimately fits into one envelope ... )  A heartfelt thank you to each of you.
• Other than the actual day of the wedding, the invitation was most likely the biggest check on our to-do list.  Creating each element took immense planning & thought (all done by the MOB) ... and the fact that they are now "set free in the mail world" is really gratifying.  All of that hard work paid off - if nothing else, for my mom & I, because we really were able to complete a vision that she conceived.   (On a side note ... my mom seriously said "Our babies are gone" as we were pulling out of the post office.) 
• Sending out the invites definitely makes this whole "wedding ceremony/reception thing" seem more real.  Oh yeah, and the fact that after that "thing" ... I will be married ... another big deal.  An exciting deal ... but a big one, nonetheless!

So because yesterday's mailing was such a rewarding moment for us, I thought it deserved two posts.  And two sets of pictures too (I told you I am "that girl" who always has her camera!) ...

Outside of the Post Office ...

My mom adding the "final touches" ...

Getting ready to "set them free" ...

Satisfied! :)

A Sneak Peek Into Our Labor of Love...

So it's official ... there is really no turning back now ...

This afternoon, I will meet my mother in what is sure to be one of our most monumental wedding get-togethers yet (Seriously, this could even beat the dj appt., lunch with the photographer, and final dress fitting ... ok, I take back that last one.  Nothing beats the final dress fitting).  Today marks a day that at times, seemed beyond daunting, unattainable, even impossible.   While we certainly had a vision for what we wanted the final product to be - we didn't know if we had the resources or man-power to pull it off.  However, with the overall will-power of the MOB (my mother) leading the troops,  today we will fomally mail off our first set of wedding invitations.

It was not until I was engaged and planning a wedding that I realized my love & appreciation  for paper products, stationary, and most specifically, invitations.  They really provide an avenue to express your creativity & to give that "sneak peek" into your vision for the overall event.  Today, I am giving you a "sneak peek" into our final invitations, which I truly believe achieve the ultimate "dream" that we hope to make into a reality on June 25th of this year.

While I realize that the picture above is truly sneaky and does not provide much insight into the look of our final product, I must admit that it is on purpose and I do sincerely apologize ... but I want it to be a surprise!  So stay tuned  - details to come soon.  In the meantime, I have a date with my mom & the postman.  And I have my camera to chronicle the event. 

It was Hershey's For Her ...

So last week at this exact time, I was frantically stampeding the streets of NYC (with students in tow), in search of a few special items to bring back with me.  Yes, I realize I am supposed to be saving money for a rather big event that will occur in less than 3 months ... but I am a true (sometimes spoiled) daddy's girl and was quite fortunate to be given a little spending money when he dropped both my mom & I off at the airport.  And I do believe my mom was given a little allowance too ...

New York shopping is like no other.  And as a true shopper/fashion lover should - I don't waste a minute when there is limited time to find that perfect dress or the ideal pair of shoes that will change your wardrobe completely.  Even when I am tired and can hardly keep my eyes open from meeting each of my 30 students needs ... the pure energy of New York and all it has to offer keeps my adrenaline pumping.  I could seriously shop for a week straight.

So what were my favorite purchases  - each that had to be stuffed into my luggage that was already 38 lbs. at the Newport News airport before departure?  Of course, there are a few ... but undoubtably, my favorite are a precious pair of denim ankle wrap platform sandals (that happen to give me approximately 4 1/2 inches in height). 

My mom's favorite purchase?  Like the good wedding planner she is, it is certainly wedding related.  In addition to discovering some charming t-shirts (we definitely differ in our fashion needs) ... after some searching, my mom was able to find the Hershey bars for the smores that we will serve at our backyard wedding.  Where else but the Hershey's store in Times Square?




The Store Where Our Search Ended ...



The Result of the Adventure!

The only downfall to the major find?  Carrying on the box of Hershey Bars since my mom couldn't pack them in her suitcase (they could break!) ... and as previously posted, the carry-on bags stayed with us longer than expected!  These smores better be worth it. :)

OKAY, I admit it ...

Maybe not my proudest attribute ... but I am a little bit of a celebrity fanatic.  The arrival of my two "trashy gossip magazines" each week is most often a blissful moment (sad, I know), and in fact, both subscriptions are the reason that I am able to make it through my cardio workouts each day.  E! News is on permanent recording on my DVR box - and when they recently expanded the length of their nightly show from 30 minutes to an hour - I may have been the most excited viewer.  Additionally, most of my friends, family, and students would agree that my love of celebrity gossip can occasionally result in "Angie, Taylor, or one of the many Kardashians" becoming a topic of conversation.

So, needless to say, when celebrity weddings, break-ups, or babies scroll as breaking news on channel 41 (E!) ... I usually am one of the first to know and am sure to follow in on the details of the story.  Most recently, my heart skipped a beat as I found out that one of my favorite A-listers (who I have been closely following since her days on Legally Blonde 1 & 2), Reese Witherspoon, was getting married to her agent boyfriend this past weekend. 

Just as the "celeb-story" normally unfolds ... no pictures from the wedding day were released until yesterday, when People (who had paid the couple for exclusive rights) released its upcoming cover online.  On the cover? 

Reese in Her PINK Wedding Dress by Monique Llulillier!!!



What do I think of her choice of an absence of a white dress on her wedding day?!  So glad you asked ... since this is her second wedding, I completely support it and think that, as usual, she looks stunning.  The other details of her country-chic wedding were equally inspring; smores, lanterns, a wood plank dance floor, all in a backyard.  HMMM ... Do we have the same wedding planner?!  :)

She Works Hard for the Money ...

It's back to reality (and the comfort of a much calmer set of surroundings) after a jam-packed trip to the Big Apple.  Just as I expected - the trip was (as usual) - eventful, hectic, and full of excitement.  An unexpected twist of fate?  It came on Friday night ... just as visions of my bed, DVR box, fiance, and an absence of the sound of Ms. Wright danced in my head.

Our plane had been delayed for 3 hours in the airport after our 3 day field trip in NYC with 30 high school students.  And if that doesn't give enough perspective to exactly how painful an experience such as this may be ... peer at this photo of La Guardia airport, most likely on a good day:

La Guardia Airport; which, by the way, makes the Newport News version look like the Hilton.

For the record ... I do realize I sound like a major complainer/whiner/moaner right now ... and probably look like it below: 

Friday, April 1st (NO JOKE!) at approximately 8 PM.



So now I must change my outlook on the overall experience, as its result turned out way more positive than I ever imagined.  My mom & I both worked hard for the money ... we (reluctantly) decided to voluntarily bump our seats until the next flight (at 10 AM the following morning) in exchange for free round-trip tickets for the flight of our choice.  My obvious choice?  My round trip ticket will be used with a destination of Nassau, Bahamas - a flight that leaves on Sunday, June 26th and returns the following Sunday.  MY HONEYMOON! 

So although staying in the city for an extra night (without our luggage, a shower, and any sense of direction) was hardly what either my mom or I desired on the Friday night after working as chaperones on a field trip ... it was definitely worth it.  And I couldn't imagine going through it with anyone else.  I just hope next time the new employee at the Airtran counter will tell us the correct "free hotel" the shuttle will take us to at 12 PM in the city.  Truly an experience I won't soon forget ...