tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41969921284301833322024-03-05T06:56:07.056-08:00The Burgundy BrideThe Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-11154410187531770562011-07-25T09:59:00.000-07:002011-07-25T10:01:39.092-07:00A Month of Marriage<div align="center">Yes, today's date of <em>July 25th, 2011</em> signifies the fact that it has been exactly one month since I became a married woman. It's true ... as many of those who were in attendance could confirm ... I walked down the garden path with my dad at my side, exchanged (some pretty special) vows with Mr. BB, ran through a blur of confetti, and danced the night away before departing on a boat that marked the beginning of our life as husband & wife. Of course, there are quite a few details from our wedding celebration that I missed - but to sum it up, <strong>it was amazing, unforgettable, and exactly what I had hoped for</strong>. <em>And a little bit more.</em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">We are patiently <u>yet anxiously</u> awaiting both our professional photos & videos from our day ... and I completely plan to share the results when they arrive. In the meantime, I thought it was only fitting to revisit my former close companion, <em>The Burgundy Bride</em>, precisely one month after my wedding day. And while I couldn't even attempt to recount the entire day, just as I did prior to the festivities, I have every intention of remembering the many details <em>myself</em> by sharing them on my beloved blog.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em>So first things first, and for obvious reasons ... </em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Just as many other brides and grooms do, Mr. BB & I decided to exchange gifts on our wedding day ... <em>or possibly that was my idea? </em>Regardless, as usual, he did not disapoint. And furthermore, I guess he had been aware of this blog I had been visiting for a over a year, because <em>our </em>brother/best man delivered a book that I will always cherish approximately two hours before I walked down the aisle. My husband-to-be had printed my<strong> ENTIRE</strong> blog ... each letter, word, & sentence ... and bound it into a book with a cover that he personally made himself. It was pretty remarkable, to say the least.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xCYzN4oUJT5yOUck4Cy2pgacp-aOapYtS0txrvgh5uNKMfT16yn6ChOi8ykEAf5DkR4WsMk-t7vs5Q4AQkL7hdxppBfd6Dw1tHCYsKtFa07PK34HwrHR-wcAc9jowfB78bw31KnKrH0/s1600/sawacookout+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xCYzN4oUJT5yOUck4Cy2pgacp-aOapYtS0txrvgh5uNKMfT16yn6ChOi8ykEAf5DkR4WsMk-t7vs5Q4AQkL7hdxppBfd6Dw1tHCYsKtFa07PK34HwrHR-wcAc9jowfB78bw31KnKrH0/s320/sawacookout+006.JPG" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDRQFcKewUF6vwhwWN9r3qYq8S242QEV4HDjho8Ilcph71gSGZpwzZsqoNIil84RwGlja0UWs8ZBos1J8dWzHKAF9jCrp-qJ86T_R7ZJKzvXCgYoPDQ2dKZ_5NJcqybMwBmwQboHvQjI/s1600/sawacookout+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDRQFcKewUF6vwhwWN9r3qYq8S242QEV4HDjho8Ilcph71gSGZpwzZsqoNIil84RwGlja0UWs8ZBos1J8dWzHKAF9jCrp-qJ86T_R7ZJKzvXCgYoPDQ2dKZ_5NJcqybMwBmwQboHvQjI/s320/sawacookout+007.JPG" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div></div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-58985411544160435112011-06-22T12:18:00.000-07:002011-06-22T12:18:55.318-07:00Over & Out ...<div align="center">As my mother told me yesterday, you know the big day is getting close when the flowers have arrived. And they have ... along with the tables, chairs, dance floor, confetti cones, completed programs, favors, esc. -</div><div align="center"> and currently, the employees from Distinctive Rentals are setting up the tent that will cover my Great Aunt's backyard.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em>So yes,</em> we are close. <strong>Really close</strong>. So close that today's post will be my last before I am officially a married woman and my June garden, backyard wedding is a memory rather than an upcoming event to plan. While I previously had planned, (my <strong>Type A</strong> personality is always planning), to blog through the day of the rehearsal ... I have since realized that this week will be a whirlwind of completing last minute to-do's, welcoming out-of-town guests, and obviously, setting up <strong>the vast amount </strong>of decor we have been planning for what now feels like forever. Therefore, I must succomb to the fact that while I may want to, I will be forced to stay away from my Pink Dell laptop until I am <strong><u>Mrs.</u> BB </strong> ...</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">When I first began writing these posts approximately a year ago, it was in an effort to be a part of <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/">http://www.weddingbee.com/</a> ... one of the many wedding blogs that I frequent for creative wedding thoughts & ideas. Well, <em>that never happened</em>. But as I look back, the opportunity to reflect on this unique journey through writing about my daily experiences has been so valuable to me. And even if no one besides my mom did read it (other than Mr. BB, when I directly asked him to!) ... I am thankful that "the burgundy bride" came to be. Furthermore, while I realize that I will no longer be a bride past Saturday (yet an official married woman!) ... I plan to continue to visit this site. Because the truth is, </div><div align="center"><strong>I always have something to say</strong>. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">And of course, I will have to recap that June garden, backyard weddind that I was just speaking of. </div><div align="center">Until then ...</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-41619952743032088302011-06-20T15:01:00.000-07:002011-06-20T15:01:14.769-07:00Passports, "Packing", & Pocket Schedules: Check.<div align="center"><strong>Among other things</strong> ... of course. <em>Yes</em>, we have now officially entered the single digit countdown to our June 25th wedding date, and more specifically, we are only five days away.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">We feel like we have been in our own <em>bridal boot camp</em> for the past few weeks ... and by that, I am referring to the fact that we have been doing little else but tending to each & every detail for the big day. So since the last time I updated my blog, a lot of loose ends have been tied up (literally & figuratively).</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Some highlights include ... my FI finally receiving his passport (and thus eliminating all of my family members & friends who were lining up to join me on the sand in the Bahamas); successfully packing myself for the night before my wedding, the day & night of the wedding, and of course, that Bahamas trip I just spoke of; and lastly, <em>typing, formatting, printing, folding, & tying</em> the "pocket schedules" that our wedding party will recieve tonight at our <strong>official </strong>boot camp (more information to come).</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKETa4vWC-nFBfpPVhSEmi4kPrjm9Ycl1oRXPbH6gDLZ91HEX06jeRGDmdxdwaFSX9ZprIargldsdftd9yTwgMbgQOmRqY4nAQXAKa1aKS91OMEic_GiN8iIjX_Cfk5y8fs2tqIenXWk/s1600/pocket+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKETa4vWC-nFBfpPVhSEmi4kPrjm9Ycl1oRXPbH6gDLZ91HEX06jeRGDmdxdwaFSX9ZprIargldsdftd9yTwgMbgQOmRqY4nAQXAKa1aKS91OMEic_GiN8iIjX_Cfk5y8fs2tqIenXWk/s320/pocket+001.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInlU2KliEbwuiEjNFJtqiVslo0XBrcOGhyphenhyphenk5zwbvWVIMxbm8t7TrpkL0DodIT9gX1yw9LOY0WK0fPm2u55lCmdvsZFt9pdgtGBGAswgGL7mZRgi6yAYVC4_5IPNbKpqa50lZm2zg4HC4/s1600/pocket+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInlU2KliEbwuiEjNFJtqiVslo0XBrcOGhyphenhyphenk5zwbvWVIMxbm8t7TrpkL0DodIT9gX1yw9LOY0WK0fPm2u55lCmdvsZFt9pdgtGBGAswgGL7mZRgi6yAYVC4_5IPNbKpqa50lZm2zg4HC4/s320/pocket+002.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13TI4v4IcK46DJlOkJj3SELrgF4Lq0IhLWtjsVzDFtUxvm7nuYVU-po5zcWhC-ucNFMQGfYi1vYBk4GIdQ3P3efuTLHYFLs-MOchZvc0qwLaCSqXbJteucKn17acKuyK31hP8K4gZHhA/s1600/pocket+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13TI4v4IcK46DJlOkJj3SELrgF4Lq0IhLWtjsVzDFtUxvm7nuYVU-po5zcWhC-ucNFMQGfYi1vYBk4GIdQ3P3efuTLHYFLs-MOchZvc0qwLaCSqXbJteucKn17acKuyK31hP8K4gZHhA/s320/pocket+003.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Information Includes ... Times/Days of Events, Important Phone Numbers, Addresses ...<br />
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</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-82849832706063533802011-06-16T06:38:00.000-07:002011-06-16T06:38:57.353-07:00My Dad & Grad ...<div align="center">Even if it was't less than 10 days before my wedding, this would still be a <em>really, really</em> thrilling time for me (as it is every other year). As my fellow teachers know, the initial days of summer bring a sense of excitement that only we can understand. Thoughts of <u>long, relaxing days at the beach with no responsibility</u> dance in our heads ... while the assurance of a paycheck every other two weeks still remains. </div><div align="center"><em>There really isn't anything better.</em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Another constant that arrives each June? The weekend in which we celebrate both our<strong> "Dads" & "Grads."</strong> Both are celebrations that would be impossible to forget, since Target, Hallmark, and Macy's have been feverishly advertising them both since the beginning of May. And personally, I plan to relish the opportunity to show some special people in my life how much I appreciate them.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Anyone who knows me is aware of how much I respect my dad, and furthermore, those who have met him understand exactly why. I am fairly sure that I have expressed my thoughts on this subject on a previous post - but my father is seriously the <em>best dad in the world. </em>He has <strong>always </strong>been there for me whenever I have needed him (which tends to be a lot ... still ... ) and I am beyond fortunate to have him. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Secondly, although I look forward to graduation each year (and I have already explained why), this year will be extra special. My youngest brother, Aaron, will be graduating from high school tomorrow evening - and if my family has anything to do with it, <strong>and we will</strong> - he will have the biggest cheer at the ceremony. I am so proud of him & what he has accomplished, and again, those who have met him understand how incredible he really is.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Congratulations to <em>my dad & my grad ... </em>this weekend is all about <strong>you</strong>. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aVT8Trtyh-4TqZdAl_OMhDax2hvWBAtNUYZG18swclGu8x3AmKqlzmCTWByQIHGXmLi1jIFgtWyLNPK6myP7IjT-EeATTjHaIJxCwzEjalzlWvLsgRTfFh2nxTnT5Ti1KY_jwYomyRE/s1600/websitepics+862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aVT8Trtyh-4TqZdAl_OMhDax2hvWBAtNUYZG18swclGu8x3AmKqlzmCTWByQIHGXmLi1jIFgtWyLNPK6myP7IjT-EeATTjHaIJxCwzEjalzlWvLsgRTfFh2nxTnT5Ti1KY_jwYomyRE/s320/websitepics+862.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-80674945315641579662011-06-15T16:40:00.000-07:002011-06-16T05:12:12.551-07:00Bags, Bags, Billions of Bags ...<div align="center">Seriously, <em>where does the time go?</em> Mr. BB & I talk about it often - how as you get older ... <em>minutes, hours, days, even years</em> ... seem to go by faster & faster. Are we the only two who remember when we were younger and an hour used to feel like FOREVER? <u>You know</u>, when your mom told you that you had to wait an hour until you could go play with your friends and it sincerely felt like a lifetime before it would ever end ... </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">So my point is that the last 18 months have officially gone by so incredibly fast that they feel like a blur, and the fact that my wedding is now <strong>exactly 10 days away</strong> is pretty unbelievable (and incredible all at the same time). <u>And what are we spending these last few days doing?!</u> <strong>LOTS - </strong>in fact, we all (my mom, fiance, dad, brothers, sister, future brother-in-law, esc.) have a list of to-do's before the big day can become a reality. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">My main job has been getting the <em>billions of bags</em> together for the many people who are involved in this upcoming celebration. That includes: <strong>kids bags, bridal survival kit bags, "friend-or" bags (<em>those people who have helped us from the goodness of their dear, dear hearts</em>), vendor bags, and OOT bags (out-of-town bags</strong>). My house, which was already "packed to the brim" with materials needed for a week from Saturday, is now completely overflowing with bags, bags, and more bags. And I must admit that both my future husband & myself are very much looking forward to handing them out (thus, clearing out our home) in the days to come.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGmEhXIEqCwSrsEQXqW_NPwHAZeiL8sFt8nvtQ2eDeybE4sg0SGV9DcgWQ_7xovB-WT_nSA1Rt11IxfBQCO_p81MYoblmG-XB5eTTYaC8qO8d_efXriqLm21jUY-8Tx55_BbhkgiwpfQ/s1600/morebagsdiy+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGmEhXIEqCwSrsEQXqW_NPwHAZeiL8sFt8nvtQ2eDeybE4sg0SGV9DcgWQ_7xovB-WT_nSA1Rt11IxfBQCO_p81MYoblmG-XB5eTTYaC8qO8d_efXriqLm21jUY-8Tx55_BbhkgiwpfQ/s320/morebagsdiy+002.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IJ3r3DLMOYMDYswS4Nxu8FjtDWqpOlhbeAQ-mjn0olG2CrPBLKksvayyax4aeHNaQNlBb-GJsTkG_OZXa9q1uiBPg22KHCO6UPwMIhZhs5p6M-wHbPSqw22-19UvPBbtIXIGbAECGdA/s1600/survivalbags+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IJ3r3DLMOYMDYswS4Nxu8FjtDWqpOlhbeAQ-mjn0olG2CrPBLKksvayyax4aeHNaQNlBb-GJsTkG_OZXa9q1uiBPg22KHCO6UPwMIhZhs5p6M-wHbPSqw22-19UvPBbtIXIGbAECGdA/s320/survivalbags+003.JPG" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></div></div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-38545553548720447232011-06-14T05:10:00.000-07:002011-06-14T05:11:53.309-07:00"Lunch"ing with the Ladies<div align="center">I am constantly thankful that I was <u>not</u> the first of my girlfriends to get married, as prior to going through the process with two of my best friends recently, I certainly was not aware of many of the <em>bridal traditions & customs </em>that exist. It is seriously hard to keep up will all of them, although I would now consider myself officially an expert on the subject. One of them was definitely the <strong><u>bridal luncheon</u></strong>. Sure, I had heard of a <em>bridal shower</em> and as a girl who loves a celebration of any sort, I have thoroughly enjoyed the ones I have attended. And obviously, the bachelorette party was an event that I (sometimes) looked forward to even more than the wedding. But the bridal luncheon was something I was unsure of ... </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">You know you are getting older when you look forward to<em> giving</em> gifts more than <em>recieving</em> them. (You remember Christmas as a young child, when you tear open your gifts so quickly you aren't even sure of what Santa actually brought you ... and then feel slightly depressed after you realize there aren't any more presents labeled with your name.) <em>Needless to say</em>, I have been thinking about the perfect gifts for my special ladies for over 18 months now. In fact, I actually began on them <em>last summer ... </em>when on a few of my days off, I hand-painted vases in colors that reminded me of each of my girls. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">So over the weekend, I was positively thrilled to be able to thank the extraordinary woman in my life who have made this wedding process so unforgettable for me. (And , of course, had my mom to help me in this pursuit, even though she is definitely the one who deserved the biggest thank you). Together, we hosted a luncheon at Rockafellar's Restaurant, in which we were able to celebrate over yummy food, cocktails, a fantastic view, and of course, gifts for the girls.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTkoNxN2HxSCYIRlPUTLW4KpmTlqQfBZzcyEREkB4uw3C7PjZOuYwp19lGBg-q5pcMFCUhkKh4aNh7E3-hO16z-UlO8cUsR0HvOOp4W59orFJmamnk7YBYvz6Qzg1n5Z8MqItDevVoPw/s1600/weddingpictures+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTkoNxN2HxSCYIRlPUTLW4KpmTlqQfBZzcyEREkB4uw3C7PjZOuYwp19lGBg-q5pcMFCUhkKh4aNh7E3-hO16z-UlO8cUsR0HvOOp4W59orFJmamnk7YBYvz6Qzg1n5Z8MqItDevVoPw/s320/weddingpictures+009.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yPjsXdCfg8Nj0HPyz-aYbv4uoHUljT5tKlK93n7cCeJRFRrciD8p07xR8FGBcs2OKdeRjVxf9wZnClbcGDCPUT75I_8I66ST22uesbZDkKM5dEqZ4m1C10Ua-fiD1lXjvAvaP6GJ30Q/s1600/weddingpictures+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yPjsXdCfg8Nj0HPyz-aYbv4uoHUljT5tKlK93n7cCeJRFRrciD8p07xR8FGBcs2OKdeRjVxf9wZnClbcGDCPUT75I_8I66ST22uesbZDkKM5dEqZ4m1C10Ua-fiD1lXjvAvaP6GJ30Q/s320/weddingpictures+011.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you, again, to my ladies for all you have done, and all I know that we have to look forward to. And of course, to my mom, who we all know that I couldn't have done (any of this) without.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-70926178696075752072011-06-13T05:56:00.000-07:002011-06-13T05:56:55.122-07:00Licensed To Wed.<div align="center">Well, another weekend has passed and we are now that much closer to our<strong> "big day" ...</strong> a day we have been planning & anticipating for well over a year now. Although I must fully admit that I don't know that the reality of it has struck me yet, either that or I am just <em>that anxious</em> for it to be here. </div><div align="center">And I know my FI, mother, grandmother and various other family members & friends would express their "readiness" for June 25th as well.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">So it's a good thing that we have now made it official by getting "licensed to wed" - Mr. BB & I visited the courthouse to obtain the<em> <strong>all-important</strong></em> marriage license on Friday! As with most other events thus far in my life, I was a <em>tad</em> tardy to meet my husband-to-be, who was starting to think he had a runaway bride on his hands. (He should have known, <em>since he knows me</em>, that I had walked into three different buildings before finding the correct one, in which I ran into another issue since my camera wasn't allowed in the building.) <u>Nevertheless</u>, I made it right before their 4:30 closing time, and after handing over our applications and raising our right hands to solemnly swear that all of our information was correct - we had another check off of our wedding to-do list. As VA law states, the certificate is valid for 30 days, and now all that remains is the signature from our officiant (and a fabulous celebration). And I <u>must</u> mention that the manilla envelope that holds our marriage certificate even even has a sparkly heart sticker on the outside. <em>Such</em> a sweet touch.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">As I stated, cameras were not allowed in the building, but I did manage to get a few on the way out ...</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRLtwFEjTnrFFxE8HQhzd8aA-a6SOuwNjozdWgTnaJqREbPK3h-FKno2cCOO9sWt11yU5_NZDI47kuYVLCdp_HDlvkpuGXDfEiP5qIGpddFZCun4Qes2H_jKzXPXCLFxv1DFJRJdvRD0/s1600/weddingpictures+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRLtwFEjTnrFFxE8HQhzd8aA-a6SOuwNjozdWgTnaJqREbPK3h-FKno2cCOO9sWt11yU5_NZDI47kuYVLCdp_HDlvkpuGXDfEiP5qIGpddFZCun4Qes2H_jKzXPXCLFxv1DFJRJdvRD0/s320/weddingpictures+005.jpg" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmUOb2ChllVZT53fZG6Bw43vi_Dmw8hvTWmGMQsznJ2X2PpAg6USWnhJBeZ2_tP88rScOD6G2WAZ4k09GPWcvgJ73GKvYd2N2eOBUAlYjODbZLct-RyWY_UPmLJc6Gu6K3flNHfRy638/s1600/weddingpictures+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmUOb2ChllVZT53fZG6Bw43vi_Dmw8hvTWmGMQsznJ2X2PpAg6USWnhJBeZ2_tP88rScOD6G2WAZ4k09GPWcvgJ73GKvYd2N2eOBUAlYjODbZLct-RyWY_UPmLJc6Gu6K3flNHfRy638/s320/weddingpictures+007.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-68222281680947529852011-06-09T09:45:00.000-07:002011-06-09T09:45:57.121-07:00LOVEMYJOB<div align="center">I am not one of those people who has a "personalized" license plate, but I do often find myself analyzing them to figure out their true meaning. And as my FI knows, there is one particular license plate (placed on a car that belongs to an individual who lives in our neighborhood), that always seems to catch my eye. It reads "<strong>LOVEMYJOB</strong>," and everytime I see it, I wonder what career its owner is in. <em>I mean</em>, <u>who really likes their job <strong>that</strong> much</u>? <strong>The point of a job is to get paid</strong>, and then, <em>in my case, </em>spend it at Forever 21 ... <em>although, as a wife, I truly plan to be better at that</em>. But to my point, even after listening to all of the guest speakers in my classroom each year say <em>"Love your job & you will never work a day in your life"</em> ... is that <u>really</u> true? Does anyone really love their job so much that they would do it for free?</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">So, as the school year draws to a close and my desire for summer days "<em>Ms. Wright</em>-free" grows stronger ... my thoughts have been on my own career. And while I fully admit that I wouldn't do it for free, I have been thinking about how fortunate I really am. The excitement that my students have for my wedding is evident, and when I really think about it, it makes me giddy. They ask questions about it daily, continue to assist in DIY projects even though they are completely exhausted, and express their anticipation for the day often. Furthermore, on the last official Friday of the school year (tomorrow) ... those students who will be "working" the wedding are staying <em>after </em>school to discuss last-minute details ... while most of their friends will be at the beach or the mall celebrating their upcoming freedom.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Yes, I would have to say that <strong>I love my job</strong>. I am really anxious for the amount of time I will have back after the wedding to devote to improving my daily plans for the students who have devoted so much time to me. And lastly, I <em>may </em>even forgive them for telling me that my new last name sounds like an old lady in class today<em>. Maybe. </em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LUQxE-seaUA-C0vtEJ8nG-Pbc6hhp1j7t-1CVJF5nW3Fxj7xbUlPiXOBmgx6dyTqtVWvYjUauA-DLXPJ95lyr5K_GQD6e9rkB_cx4n47-xX39ycj8EPYbTOnwuSzOzXsnoi5lfUERgE/s1600/lastday+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LUQxE-seaUA-C0vtEJ8nG-Pbc6hhp1j7t-1CVJF5nW3Fxj7xbUlPiXOBmgx6dyTqtVWvYjUauA-DLXPJ95lyr5K_GQD6e9rkB_cx4n47-xX39ycj8EPYbTOnwuSzOzXsnoi5lfUERgE/s320/lastday+001.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTgTzWwOycAId-41hzFpv5EHqyLEVScoYloA_MnazSFgbFvvCTu74iTsdxOCP3l4eG6WtzQcTyVhKCulyKhw6eh_4jAfdNXQilwF-GqeFkAPxXkLY82s5sKGrWrVZS2q1mYKEMfDERHg/s1600/lastday+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTgTzWwOycAId-41hzFpv5EHqyLEVScoYloA_MnazSFgbFvvCTu74iTsdxOCP3l4eG6WtzQcTyVhKCulyKhw6eh_4jAfdNXQilwF-GqeFkAPxXkLY82s5sKGrWrVZS2q1mYKEMfDERHg/s320/lastday+003.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-1437847682586538332011-06-08T09:59:00.000-07:002011-06-08T09:59:41.683-07:00Crazy for A Canvas<div style="text-align: center;">Obviously, <em>with nuptials less than 3 weeks away</em>, all of our invitations have now officially been mailed & we finally have the list of guests that celebrate with us on our wedding day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> (<em>On a side note:</em> our "head count" of 150 somehow grew to <strong>188</strong> plus <strong>15 kids</strong> ... but we have "made it work" ... the more, the merrier, right?!!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So now that our "babies" have been released & retrieved, it's time to reveal my <em>personal</em> favorite part of our wedding invites. As previously posted, <u>thanks to many extraordinary & hard-working people</u>, there were quite a few elements to the final product. But, <em>without a doubt</em>, my heart belongs to the hand-painted picture that my good (no, <u>great</u>!) friend/bridesmaid Niki created. The picture is of my FI & I in the backyard of our Tall Trees estate in which we will be married. <em>Needless to say</em> - it is certainly special to us both and we feel lucky to have had it as the first element of the invites that our guests were able to see. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What made me feel even more fortunate? When Niki gifted me with the actual original canvas ... a gift that I immediately placed in our home and (obviously) plan to always keep.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EmIyHQjUgqyQK9_RdzxSj_-3hfMY3qFNXXdnaD1CbCjoEinEjHv3XaI_Rbaz5T-GudOfgHHH77omLwDorsA1Fr28hzhEd-MYhitvJ-BeYQAdlS3AQC39sAG57ICTgLyuive1d15ENvA/s1600/canvas+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EmIyHQjUgqyQK9_RdzxSj_-3hfMY3qFNXXdnaD1CbCjoEinEjHv3XaI_Rbaz5T-GudOfgHHH77omLwDorsA1Fr28hzhEd-MYhitvJ-BeYQAdlS3AQC39sAG57ICTgLyuive1d15ENvA/s320/canvas+002.JPG" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
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<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Niki, for creating <em>something beautiful, unique, and personal to our day</em>. I love that this is a part of the wedding that will last a lifetime.</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-48266076674476867692011-06-07T05:11:00.000-07:002011-06-07T05:11:46.342-07:00Passport is Packed. I'm Prepared.<div style="text-align: center;">But unfortunately, that only makes <em>one </em>of us. In less than 3 weeks, <u>the plan</u> is for my new husband & I to embark on our honeymoon in Freeport, Bahamas. And after 18 months of planning, the vacation is one that is sure to be completely necassary & well-deserved. I have seriously been having dreams of us sitting on the beach, sipping cocktails with pretty umbrellas strategically placed in them, for weeks now. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>But those idealic thoughts may have to be placed on hold for just a minute ... </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mr. BB & I went to apply for our passports approximately a month ago, and (especially) after <em>attempting</em> to joke with the lady who was assisting us with the matter, realized how serious this process was. But with a lot on both of our minds with an upcoming wedding to plan, we both didn't devote much thought to the need for a passport after applying for them that day. That was until last week, when I casually went by our mailbox after school to find ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpmLhnvC63C6oVpNbFBM2ZgyQfrotQwVk_XWaxDq2JCSEvvopnQVMLJSSsez0dAQfbtG8pMpBOET7rrq4RAf1XZ_LHjMxzDQJTDQPvjibDZUjRgfvkjg9p21mZ7NbaF4HOsX2DjL8aHA/s1600/fedex.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpmLhnvC63C6oVpNbFBM2ZgyQfrotQwVk_XWaxDq2JCSEvvopnQVMLJSSsez0dAQfbtG8pMpBOET7rrq4RAf1XZ_LHjMxzDQJTDQPvjibDZUjRgfvkjg9p21mZ7NbaF4HOsX2DjL8aHA/s1600/fedex.gif" t8="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A FedEx Envelope ... Containing My Passport, Complete with the Official Book that Surrounds It.<br />
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</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzkXKWVWHPNwB9y70hCl48wJJEFsVpmFE1ta5NMvgeNXzjhjeZs35A6fVrxPiR9Obyv5HReLp3YiPHPEE6ITBHuuXYlsnnCSNRjcMbl0hf8j0u8PB8Iqv3PUx3VnjcMeZsY-4RuqkfIs/s1600/packed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzkXKWVWHPNwB9y70hCl48wJJEFsVpmFE1ta5NMvgeNXzjhjeZs35A6fVrxPiR9Obyv5HReLp3YiPHPEE6ITBHuuXYlsnnCSNRjcMbl0hf8j0u8PB8Iqv3PUx3VnjcMeZsY-4RuqkfIs/s320/packed.jpg" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then immediatly placed it in my bag that holds many of the other items that will come with me on my honeymoon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="text-align: center;"> So yes, it was an exciting moment that made our impending "escape" more of a reality. That was until I noticed that my FI didn't have a beautiful FedEx envelope like mine, but instead a <em>rather</em> small, lightweight letter placed to him from the same return address my big envelope had. And I immediatly thought back to high school, when you were applying to colleges, and you knew that the heavy letters meant good news and the lightweight ones were just the opposite.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It wasn't good news. <strong>Mr. BB had been denied</strong> - that is until he submits a birth certificate with the correct <em>embossed seal </em>from the state. So since then, we have submitted (in fact, overnighted) the correct record of his birth. Now, we are just waiting for his FedEx envelope to arrive.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>In the meantime</em>, anyone up for a trip to the Bahamas? Keep in mind - <u>You have to have a passport.</u></div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-48992869596556779662011-06-06T15:37:00.000-07:002011-06-06T15:37:42.650-07:00Last Wedding Before the Wedding ...<div align="center">It certainly feels like there are a lot of "lasts" lately ... especially since I just got through encouraging my students to make it through the week by reminding them that it is <strong>their last full week of the school year. <em>Other "lasts"? </em></strong>This is the<strong> last</strong> year that my students will call me by my current <strong>last</strong> name, Friday night marked our major <strong>last </strong>meeting before the big day, and over the weekend, Mr. BB & I attended the <strong>last </strong>wedding we will before our own.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">So after that rather overwhelming meeting (in which we had a discuss that infamous rain plan that we have been trying<em> not</em> to think about for so long!) ... my FI & I were able to enjoy someone else's special day for an evening. It truly was a beautiful event, and one that made me that much more anxious for our own. <em> My favorite parts of the wedding? </em> When the bride & groom were announced for the first time - as I couldn't help but think that I will myself will be a <em>Mrs.</em> in less than a month. And of course, much like any other wedding I have ever attended, I was a sap for the father/daughter dance. <br />
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Here we are at the last wedding before our own ...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjqQCeNUcgPh0XD3wUWg4SQ4rGDzkujz6brV07mTSYooO_lJmlAZQfgYBAUqxH5EYiPfG3gdm_SLHdqT4dmLMNMKmP16VdbuPAPdyT9o6g-O_NQhJBb2gKj9R_l7R8a6nBOE58yUxPPI/s1600/mikewedding+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjqQCeNUcgPh0XD3wUWg4SQ4rGDzkujz6brV07mTSYooO_lJmlAZQfgYBAUqxH5EYiPfG3gdm_SLHdqT4dmLMNMKmP16VdbuPAPdyT9o6g-O_NQhJBb2gKj9R_l7R8a6nBOE58yUxPPI/s320/mikewedding+014.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my husband-to-be!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnC2PsoAS5sUOhJHJipR2m1fesder5EduDJoZic95dfTSCLjZ8bocS-ktJE71NLXmNSRgm93TaqUVysYXEOwb27mYKOaYZRguG49ee9r8GWp7JJ0zWlxRm033VZ_PcU0XJu1h-6VKQXo/s1600/mikewedding+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnC2PsoAS5sUOhJHJipR2m1fesder5EduDJoZic95dfTSCLjZ8bocS-ktJE71NLXmNSRgm93TaqUVysYXEOwb27mYKOaYZRguG49ee9r8GWp7JJ0zWlxRm033VZ_PcU0XJu1h-6VKQXo/s320/mikewedding+010.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the stunning backdrop ... love those <em>backyard weddings! :)</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>So yes, they had the ideal weather for such a special occasion. And after the "Plan B" meeting I previously mentioned we had the night before, I was a tad bit envious of their chosen day. Cross your fingers with me (and even your toes) that we will be just as lucky. And of course, <em>congratulations to the newlyweds</em>! </div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-84427100821380073212011-06-03T04:31:00.000-07:002011-06-03T04:31:48.013-07:00Locked & Loaded ...<div align="center">When planning an event for what is now 190 people (plus 18 kids) ... there is bound to be a lot of "stuff." And by "stuff," I am referring to <em>plates, signs, cupcake toppers, mason jars, favors, ties, straws, shoes, flags .....</em></div><div align="center"><strong>The list could seriously go on, and on, and then on.</strong> Over the last 18 months, with my mom and I at the helm, we have aqcuired quite a bit. And until this past weekend, it was spread over three houses in random boxes and corners of various rooms.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Well, my mother deserves more than a simple<em> thank you</em> for this one ... as I find myself saying quite often lately. As my FI & I partied the night away for our bachelor/bachelorette weekends, she spent the 3-day holiday weekend organizing all of that "stuff" that our backyard wedding will require. And as a result, we are truly <strong>locked & loaded</strong> for the big day. Of course I don't want to get too carried away ... <em>there are quite a few loose ends that need to be tied up before our guests arrive</em> ... but we are certainly more ready than we were before. Here is what our <em>wedding room </em>looks like now:</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5YvLdzJFecm0wS3F4NbVNL094H9wizGNk-912sMQ-jH1fcV8RhTcm9JKeuTnDIM1OQd2P3TFIyqq1KSppHtHC3pyqf0Ps_TWuK4K_dfLe9OGH6KvhUCW4SHdrS1hUwJSZozWtadj-GQ/s1600/room+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5YvLdzJFecm0wS3F4NbVNL094H9wizGNk-912sMQ-jH1fcV8RhTcm9JKeuTnDIM1OQd2P3TFIyqq1KSppHtHC3pyqf0Ps_TWuK4K_dfLe9OGH6KvhUCW4SHdrS1hUwJSZozWtadj-GQ/s320/room+001.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Mbuiz-Zq39Xfrd7unFqa_CfYG5Z0L5_NXwzbyS4cBfevc19Lx_PnabnZyYGMGHdTwwz6P3YyZ0f7rEBzYgOw42vtgl9KXRWOgHT6N2ge0diN7k4d44YstFp4ubi2xNxWbje4ScXTkgs/s1600/room+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Mbuiz-Zq39Xfrd7unFqa_CfYG5Z0L5_NXwzbyS4cBfevc19Lx_PnabnZyYGMGHdTwwz6P3YyZ0f7rEBzYgOw42vtgl9KXRWOgHT6N2ge0diN7k4d44YstFp4ubi2xNxWbje4ScXTkgs/s320/room+002.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Impressive, right?! <strong>Thanks mom.</strong> :)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-68528386370125128052011-06-01T05:22:00.000-07:002011-06-01T05:23:33.050-07:00Flowers from the FI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIC8-x8gQjFOzTm_nzwlYWG3Obkoj5jM55e2vdwVmiViF7JrygEaOZtVYJHbRt-OAWXc0oDySNML0iBQW5bSf0WAAib8wr-8nsTfGmAPD_XNm18KcYWCHS0j9wit1jJ9R8OMz4ISkL0E/s1600/flowers+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIC8-x8gQjFOzTm_nzwlYWG3Obkoj5jM55e2vdwVmiViF7JrygEaOZtVYJHbRt-OAWXc0oDySNML0iBQW5bSf0WAAib8wr-8nsTfGmAPD_XNm18KcYWCHS0j9wit1jJ9R8OMz4ISkL0E/s320/flowers+001.JPG" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><strong>Yes</strong>, the pretty flowers above are currently sitting on my kitchen table ... and <em>yes,</em> they were put there after I brought them home from school. <em>And how did they get to school?</em> My future husband sent them to me last Friday to wish me an enjoyable bachelorette weekend. <u>It's true.</u></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I realize that to many, flowers are a normal occurence. But I have always told Mr. BB not to spend his money on them ... because I have an issue paying money for an item that will eventually die. I really never understood the importance of it all.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">However, at a point in which I was <em>beyond</em> <strong>highly </strong>stressed over a wedding less than a month away & (I admit it!) a little frazzled over all I had to do ... they made me quite blissful. <u>Ecstatic</u> even. <em>And, </em>they were just what I needed to rmark the beginning of my "last fling before the ring" with my closest girlfriends.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">As I posted yesterday, the weekend was just what I needed to "relax, rest, & rejuvenate" for the final plans that are to take place in the next 3 weeks. <u>It's crunch time;</u> but certainly a cheerful time. There are a lot of final touches that need to be made ... and if I start to feel a little tense or anxious over it all, <em>I plan to look at those pretty flowers from my FI to feel better.</em></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"> </div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-55188928275497876392011-05-31T04:20:00.000-07:002011-05-31T04:20:07.340-07:00Our WILD Weekend ...<div style="text-align: center;">And it certainly was a wild one. In fact, <em>wild</em> is probably an understatement. With my MOH/little sister in charge, and 7 of my beautiful bridesmaids (plus one), in tow ... we headed for Charlotte to celebrate my "last fling before the ring." The weekend was full of memories & the perfect way to celebrate with my favorite ladies. It was such a lovely celebration ... that we decided we should have a girls weekend at least once a year for, well, <strong>forever</strong>. Why not, right?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWl-3KW4pvHcTYTZrcuqfFpb-D0h13QrHw-_tIaaV4NhIteb84E-fAdfE6a4oe5Sht776VGE7D3-BZ66Pst4wSHahrL2zzS2ws11lNMNZA7KyVyASW3RCN8yrWXJWOLyumG4GcZe6QQQ/s1600/wildbachweekend+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWl-3KW4pvHcTYTZrcuqfFpb-D0h13QrHw-_tIaaV4NhIteb84E-fAdfE6a4oe5Sht776VGE7D3-BZ66Pst4wSHahrL2zzS2ws11lNMNZA7KyVyASW3RCN8yrWXJWOLyumG4GcZe6QQQ/s320/wildbachweekend+002.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. BB's bags next to mine ... his weekend was jam-packed with 4-wheeling, tents, and beer. <br />
<em>A little different from mine, to say the least.</em></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsepolLsuD3pO4PxXKL-AReOqv43V7q54edtD11wjz_F_uS8W38LBsc5oWZkVfY5q1yIcxGtYYT6UHVFhX94YYRmIAhDA43fF3NMOx4cTxLn3k1DvNAOwjFhyphenhyphenAA8YQD5wmZrNib1XMAY/s1600/wildbachweekend+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsepolLsuD3pO4PxXKL-AReOqv43V7q54edtD11wjz_F_uS8W38LBsc5oWZkVfY5q1yIcxGtYYT6UHVFhX94YYRmIAhDA43fF3NMOx4cTxLn3k1DvNAOwjFhyphenhyphenAA8YQD5wmZrNib1XMAY/s320/wildbachweekend+003.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cars were decorated ... imagine the looks we got on the way. And the way home.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdl4BIL7zzeatFLBy3rO5KuHNMrDsFuQHatCORw0avp36kwpMClYAtcYlKC-PLM1Vm62nIz9WwQGu275kfEh7woHw6RBdGxtAtp6-AvkgroF_9Lovgu9IIsZMaP3ELYLxMZOBGTMocVg/s1600/wildbachweekend+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdl4BIL7zzeatFLBy3rO5KuHNMrDsFuQHatCORw0avp36kwpMClYAtcYlKC-PLM1Vm62nIz9WwQGu275kfEh7woHw6RBdGxtAtp6-AvkgroF_9Lovgu9IIsZMaP3ELYLxMZOBGTMocVg/s320/wildbachweekend+052.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect movie for the weekend. And, by the way, it was absolutely hilarious.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEwzofVeCNGErXVHmDQk5Uor5S0YZIuMvMeJngr_GlOOfnt6haV1FFP84Ejz5ppAc3SBmXIZd_yreQ8s8jq3fxuyibkr1973MKyk1x5ReDcKScs3KzPEKegT4RyvE5Wy86lGtcPle3w8/s1600/wildbachweekend+068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEwzofVeCNGErXVHmDQk5Uor5S0YZIuMvMeJngr_GlOOfnt6haV1FFP84Ejz5ppAc3SBmXIZd_yreQ8s8jq3fxuyibkr1973MKyk1x5ReDcKScs3KzPEKegT4RyvE5Wy86lGtcPle3w8/s320/wildbachweekend+068.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At dinner in our "animal-print" themed outfits.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2FDPugqp8ziXEcHoJw3QMX-cgSAeENSt_Am8sulvmVanLWdt4A4dMRW_Ycf_A9bfxDfHl_vKa_374gbKcea7GyemqeJb8sgk6bvPYk7AcnJ4i2CZKdBQnQ47w_vhLUwCWgoCr-I270c/s1600/wildbachweekend+069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2FDPugqp8ziXEcHoJw3QMX-cgSAeENSt_Am8sulvmVanLWdt4A4dMRW_Ycf_A9bfxDfHl_vKa_374gbKcea7GyemqeJb8sgk6bvPYk7AcnJ4i2CZKdBQnQ47w_vhLUwCWgoCr-I270c/s320/wildbachweekend+069.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After dinner, ready to celebrate!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTI77TtXoyAu-mIWrJ79CvSXjJdIiETc1K5reJpfon_P0sNH-l_Yq3YK9Q2pOs_4_YQGkw314Y2dw4gumb1UvzGB27QkO9pihAny6Ym1YT9BLcVXwchO3Z1JXn2Zl294gdISSJUX6u5w/s1600/wildbachweekend+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTI77TtXoyAu-mIWrJ79CvSXjJdIiETc1K5reJpfon_P0sNH-l_Yq3YK9Q2pOs_4_YQGkw314Y2dw4gumb1UvzGB27QkO9pihAny6Ym1YT9BLcVXwchO3Z1JXn2Zl294gdISSJUX6u5w/s320/wildbachweekend+086.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reunited! And a little bit struggling ... </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Thank you</strong> is not enough for my ladies who truly created the perfect weekend. It was a much needed stress-reliever, and made me that much more excited for the big day. And while I thouroughly enjoyed every minute of it, I couldn't have been happier to see my soon-to-be husband's face when I pulled in the driveway. We are that much closer to what we have been working so hard for ... and I think we are now both more ready than ever.</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-6548891715567519432011-05-26T04:28:00.000-07:002011-05-26T04:28:11.616-07:00Rain, Rain, Go Away ...<div style="text-align: center;">But <em><strong>seriously</strong>,</em> don't come back on June 25th. <u>Please</u> - <em>I know it's good luck</em> - but I really do think that was made up to make those brides feel better about their rainy "once in a lifetime" day. So while we keep putting it off (if you don't think about it, it's not a reality,<em> right</em>?!) ... both my mom & I are well aware that we need to have a rain plan in place for our June "backyard" wedding. And if you live in Hampton Roads like me, weather is on the brain due to the rather large storm that caused flying trash cans, school closings, and (worst of all) power outages this week. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(For the record - I<strong> really, really</strong> had a difficult time dealing with the lack of a microwave the other night - I seriously thought about asking my FI to put my Smart Ones on the grill.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But in better news ... this weekend, I, along with 7 of my <em>wild </em>bridesmaids, will get to leave the crazy weather behind for my bachelorette weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina. And yes, there is a theme, and it is <u>Ashley's Wild Bachelorette Weekend</u> ... complete with a leopard print invitation, animal print "goodie" bags for the girls, & animal print attire for all. <em>Here is a reminder of the shoes that will adorn my own toes:</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2GbJ-Ij7-bhQTa-SuvTVgkKuv-Lup8OqHYqL_Nmwi2b5cQOaeB3xVF7NFwGxCB0RUNrIUztmg-SblICBQyiNSJ1R_EypyXS82IFLdkgyAzbHUZQWOB89-R01Lz6v8p0C7XQ6sERtr0Y/s1600/leopard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2GbJ-Ij7-bhQTa-SuvTVgkKuv-Lup8OqHYqL_Nmwi2b5cQOaeB3xVF7NFwGxCB0RUNrIUztmg-SblICBQyiNSJ1R_EypyXS82IFLdkgyAzbHUZQWOB89-R01Lz6v8p0C7XQ6sERtr0Y/s320/leopard.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">And as I stated before, how can you <strong>not</strong> have a good time in those?!</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">Stay tuned for pictures from what is sure to be a memorable weekend ... in the meantime, we will be getting <em>wild </em>in Charlotte.</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-20121419278191444992011-05-25T04:41:00.000-07:002011-05-25T04:41:34.005-07:00ONE MONTH ...<div align="center"><strong><em>Yes, it's true.</em></strong> <strong>There is exactly one month until the day that I will officially become Mr. BB's wife. </strong>And I am <u>really</u> ready. Of course, we have some (and then some) loose-ends to tie up ... and therefore need every minute of the 30 days ahead ... but when it comes to being mentally prepared, I am 100% there. So, now that I am about to be a wife, (which, by the way, I still don't believe I am old enough to be called!), what am I <strong>most</strong> excited for? ...</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">1. <strong>My new last name. </strong>Ever since my fiance and I first started dating (I mean "going out") in high school, I have really loved his last name. As embarrassing as it is, I still remember coloring it in the sides of my notebook paper in study block. And now that I am older and it actually is a reality ... I am even more anxious to have a last name that has two syllables (harder for my students to shout out throughout each day) & is closer to the beginning of the alphabet. Not that, <em>dad</em>, I am not a fan of the last name that has taken through the first 27 years of my life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">2. <strong>The extra amout of time we are about to have.</strong> Eighteen months of planning is a <u>long</u> time, to say the least. And while we have certainly enjoyed it, and the many highlights & memorable moments we have had along the way ... I don't think anyone would argue that the additional time we are about to have back will be a much-needed relief. And when I say anyone, I am referring to the <em>many </em>members of our family & friends who have dedicated so much of their busy lives to our special day. We look forward to spending some time <em>relaxing </em>with you all.<br />
<br />
3. <strong>Just Being MARRIED. </strong><em>Even though I don't technically know it yet</em>, I am assuming that there is something very comforting about being married. And I really am so excited. Mr. BB & I have obviously been together, and even living together (<em>Sorry, Momma) ... </em>for a really long time now, but I know that the day when I will actually be able to call him my husband will be <u>extra special</u>. And something that will last a lifetime. <strong>That </strong>is something I am beyond ready for ... and I never needed 18 months to be there.</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-51026459013978145062011-05-24T05:47:00.000-07:002011-05-24T05:47:00.148-07:00Practice Makes Perfect?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoI5E05GFv7kEIOauuonIDd5XYtPy8m8Q1OFVIUZGiDGscrXO7JTaX3nLkuBj9uuuAGmOg5Eka8fVaEDaoUfOFObSVticWWiYn8DIjSV72A9Ys7JnZHBQv-iiQgsGCDlMJG444pHs5Xw/s1600/bridalshowergolfprestonparty+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoI5E05GFv7kEIOauuonIDd5XYtPy8m8Q1OFVIUZGiDGscrXO7JTaX3nLkuBj9uuuAGmOg5Eka8fVaEDaoUfOFObSVticWWiYn8DIjSV72A9Ys7JnZHBQv-iiQgsGCDlMJG444pHs5Xw/s320/bridalshowergolfprestonparty+053.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong>Yes, it is what you think it is</strong>. That is my <em>rather proud </em>father walking me down the garden path that we will actually be walking down in approximately one month. Crazy, right?!! I must admit that the moment (even though it was far from the real thing ... due to the lack of a dress, veil, music, guests, esc. ) was still kind of incredible. And <em>really </em>made this feel beyond real - something that seems to be happening a lot lately. And furthermore, that's a good thing - <strong>since it is</strong>.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Over the weekend, we met with our parents & wedding officiant at our "backyard garden party" wedding site. While there, we did an actual "run-through" of the wedding ceremony that had been months in the making, and I'm happy to report that it seemed to go as planned. In fact, there were parts that made me a bit teary-eyed ... although I admit that isn't very hard to do. See below for the actual steps in which we will say "I DO" ... </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixI69OovN4sppY1bWaD3vlInyH09KI7AZss3lrgVNn6klsGpsgBY0OfJpeessp9j1eeOFs1RHUs8ieNQCh2E1dqrTcjLayMT80crOYoI8hRv8yI6bpVVSJECXrPLssAAuosQhyrm9_2BA/s1600/bridalshowergolfprestonparty+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixI69OovN4sppY1bWaD3vlInyH09KI7AZss3lrgVNn6klsGpsgBY0OfJpeessp9j1eeOFs1RHUs8ieNQCh2E1dqrTcjLayMT80crOYoI8hRv8yI6bpVVSJECXrPLssAAuosQhyrm9_2BA/s320/bridalshowergolfprestonparty+050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">.... <strong>Really soon</strong>. <em>Hard to believe</em>, but very exciting. :)</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-31490180532611928172011-05-23T10:35:00.000-07:002011-05-23T10:35:04.377-07:00I Love Being a Girl ...<div align="center">Other than the fact that we are officially at 33 days until <strong>THE DAY</strong> ... excitement is in the air after a weekend of fun-filled events. And one of the highlights was certainly my tea-party themed bridal shower held at my grandma's house. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I am so grateful to both my grandmother & cousin for hosting a fabulous shower, and also to the lovely ladies who came to celebrate while sipping tea & wearing some rather festive hats. It was the perfect way to "de-stress" during our busy time & to spend my last days as a single girl. But perhaps my favorite part of the bridal shower was the opportunity for all of the special people in my life to finally meet (after hearing so much about each other for a significant period of time). I truly feel like this is why a wedding is so important ... it provides an avenue for all of the parts of your (busy) life to come together as one. People from both of your extended families, work friends, parents friends, childhood friends ... can all meet. </div><div align="center"><br />
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<div align="center"><strong>One of the many reasons that I love being a girl</strong> ... Mr. BB definitely didn't get the chance to sip tea with family & friends. All he gets is that bachelor party in the woods this weekend. <em> I'll pass on that one.</em><br />
<em></em></div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-50738947482611730962011-05-20T05:53:00.000-07:002011-05-20T05:53:04.812-07:00A Bridal Tea Is Where We Will Be ...<div style="text-align: center;">It is hard to believe that another week has actually gone by, and that another "Wedding Friday" is upon us. <em>Perhaps even more astonishing</em>? That I just counted ... and after tomorrow, there are only 3 Fridays left before the Friday that will be our cowboy-themed rehearsal dinner, otherwise known as the day before I am officially a married woman!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So as the days quickly go by, the celebrations keep coming, and this weekend will be no exception. Truly, I consider myself one lucky girl to have some fabulous people to celebrate with. I realize that it is these members of my family & closest friends who will be those continuing to surround us in our new life as husband & wife, one that I am <u>really getting anxious (and excited, and delighted!)</u> to begin! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> My bridal shower will be a <em>tea </em>party<em>... </em>complete with fun hats, "girly" dresses, tea cups, saucers, and (of course), lots of tea. <em>Possibly my favorite part</em>? It will be held at my grandmother's house, the same house that she has lived in since I was a little girl. Seriously, my memories at this house date back to when the cement was poured around the pool & my dad helped me trace my name into the ground. And I am fairly sure that Joe & I have been there to visit (and eat lots of my grandfather's good cooking!) at least 100 times. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>So I could not think of a better place.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Thank you to my grandmother & cousin for hosting such a special day, it means so much to me, and I am so grateful.</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Even though I am convinced that same grandmother will never read this ... she has yet to figure out my blog ... ). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-11211278562383637822011-05-18T15:25:00.000-07:002011-05-18T15:25:06.914-07:00Our "Friend - Ors"<div style="text-align: center;">The past 18 months have been jam-packed with meetings, appointments, and visits to places that we certainly did not have a need to stop into before. We have been introduced to a new world that we previously did not even know existed ... one that keeps many, many people employed, has its own "lingo," and that is simply <strong>massive</strong>. My mom & I often talk about how the <em>bridal business</em> is one of very few that doesn't seem to be affected by a bad economy. After all, even when finances are tight, most women aren't willing to give up on that wedding that they have been dreaming of since they were little. (However, I must admit that the wedding that will be my own in June is hardly one I could have <em>ever </em>imagined as a little girl ... )</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>But to my point</em> ... which is that throughout this entirely new experience, we have met many special people who have truly been incredible to work with. My mom & I are beyond grateful for their hard work & dedication to our vision, and have truly made memories that we won't forget. Our vendors are people who started out as strangers and have ended up as friends. (<em>Cheesy</em>, I know ... but we really do feel like we were fortunate with the people who have surrounded us while working on the special day. )</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The day of the wedding will obviously be a crazy one, so we plan to make sure that our new "friend-ors" are entirely prepared. It is sure to be a long one, and obviously, we know that anything can happen. So I have spent the past couple of weeks working on "vendor bags" that will be given to each of the many people who will be helping us on our wedding day in June. What will we include in our bags?! Some of it just happens to be pictured below ... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-64030071102747881742011-05-17T07:35:00.000-07:002011-05-17T07:37:23.665-07:00Something Borrowed: Part Two<div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday, I wrote about the famous wedding custom: <em> " Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Something Old, & Something New," </em>& promised that I would share details on how we are incorporating this practice into our own day ... other than just the conventional way. So here goes ... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Although I am sure my traditional, conservative grandmother would rather us have a "dry" wedding without any alcohol at all, that was never an option. <strong>It is a celebration, </strong>and when guests come to a wedding, they expect to be able to enjoy a drink or two to commemorate with the newlyweds. So obviously, a large portion of our budget had to go to alcohol merely because of its high expense. However, we were able to save money by only offering beer & wine, which in my opinion, is more than enough to celebrate with. That was until we had an idea for our cocktail hour, in which we will serve 4 different mixed drinks in the theme of<em> (You guessed It!)</em> ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>"<em>Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Something Old, & Something New"</em></strong><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Because I don't want to give everything away</u> .... I will share on of our 4 "themed" signature drinks. Our "Something New" will be a drink inspired by my good friend Karie's husband, Seth. Seth is entirely well-versed in this area because of his job as a bartender, and therefore, was the perfect person to go to when we needed to know what our "Something New" should be. We wanted a drink that was (obviously) new, pretty in the beverage dispenser (my mom's priority), & that tasted good. And his solution did not disapoint. The mix includes <em>Orange Juice, <strong>Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, </strong>& Sprite, </em>and yes, we have "tested" it to ensure that our guests will enjoy it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our "Something New" is certainly refreshing & tasty. Our only complaint? It was <em>so </em>good that our guests could be celebrating too much, too soon! :) I guess not everyone would consider that a problem, though. <em><strong>Cheers</strong> to our signature drinks</em>, and a wedding that is now less than 2 months away! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-51913650890975023662011-05-16T08:44:00.000-07:002011-05-16T08:44:01.433-07:00Something Borrowed ...<div align="center"><em><u>Something Blue, Something Old, Something New</u> </em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Even if you aren't in <strong>wedding world </strong>as I have been for the past year or so, you most likely know how the saying goes. Even the few "good men" in my Fashion Marketing class (relunctantly) admitted that they had heard it a time or two. Obviously, as I expect most brides do, I will yield to the tradition on my own wedding day and will thus wear an item that meets each of the 4 standards mentioned. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>(Even though I would not consider myself highly superstitous, this is kind of like a no-brainer, right?!)</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But apart from the well-known tradition, my mind has been on the term <em>Something Borrowed</em> more than ever lately, and some of you may even agree. I admit that I am a sap for romantic comedies (which probably comes as no surprise), and my favorites all tend to have Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson, or Rachel McAdams featured somewhere in the film. So even if I wasn't in the previously mentioned <strong>wedding world</strong>, I would have still been beyond eager to see the movie <em>Something Borrowed,</em> which just so happens to be a movie starring Kate Hudson <strong>&</strong> one that has a plot surrounding weddings. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, as our conclusion to "Wedding Friday" ... the MOB & I picked up dinner and were able to enjoy some much-needed & well-deserved relaxation while watching the movie. And it didn't disappoint. Kate Hudson was hilarious, as usual, and the fashion was entertaining to look at, too <em>(in my opinion, one of the highlights of any movie). </em>Our only complaint was the ending ... which I won't give away ...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">PS - More to come on how we will incorporate <em>Something Borrowed .. </em>into our wedding. Other than just the traditional way. Because we are.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">PPS - If you have read the book, you already know how the ending goes. And don't you agree - should it really have ended that way?!! </div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-54776132267275552992011-05-15T14:59:00.000-07:002011-05-15T14:59:06.586-07:00Obviously, It's A Night to Remember ...<div style="text-align: center;">It is sometimes mind-boggling to think that all of this extensive planning goes into one night that, <em>according to most former brides</em>, goes by in the blink of an eye. And if the last 18 months have been any indication, my own wedding will certainly be no exception. So although I was unsure at first, I am now convinced that having a <strong>videographer</strong> at the wedding is not only important, but one aspect of our day that I couldn't do without.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't why I didn't initially realize the importance of having our special day recorded. I always regarded the photography as an essential part of the wedding <em>(perhaps even as my number one priority</em>) ... but did not forsee Mr. BB & I valueing a video recording. I think those bad, cheesy 80's videos were set in my brain (you know what ones I mean ... <em>no offense anyone</em>!), and therefore, completely wrote it off.<em> Then,</em> I started following some of my favorite blogs and falling in love with video after video ... videos that were creative, artistic, and just plain sweet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I am delighted that we have used part of our budget for a videographer, and even happier after meeting with her last weekend. Like many of our other vendors, she is young & innovative - and I can't wait to have her help us to always remember such a monumental day in our life. I am convinced this video will be invaluable to us - much like the one from our engagement (thanks for my FI's careful planning!).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-83242780647344934792011-05-11T15:20:00.000-07:002011-05-11T15:20:45.913-07:00His & Hers<div style="text-align: center;">It's true, in less than 2 months, I will have a <em>rather sparkly </em>new addition to my left hand. Perhaps even better, Mr. BB will have his own symbol of commitment encircling his ring finger. <em>In other words, </em>today, <strong>we ordered our wedding bands</strong>! And just as I have felt on several other occasions over the past couple of months - this whole "married" thing feels a lot more real. <em><strong>Deliriously real!</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a no-brainer where to purchase our bands (therefore any stalling of this "check off the list" was due to a lack of funds rather than any uncertainty). Any jewelry I have recieved from my FI (including my engagement ring) has been from <em>Baker's, </em>a jewelry store owned by a family friend. But when we went over the weekend to make it offiicial... I seriously think my heart skipped a beat when I looked down to see Mr. BB's finger with a band wrapped around it. Due to my love of fashion, before meeting my better half, many often assume that he shares my passion for clothes, accesories, and "purchasing" in general. However, the statement "<em>Opposites Attract"</em> must have some truth, because that couldn't be farther from our reality. While certainly handsome, my FI leaves the glitz & glamour to me. Therefore, June 25th will mark the first day I see him adorned with an accessory .... and gosh,<strong> I can hardly wait</strong>.</div>The Burgundy Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806060442287801404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196992128430183332.post-87953780086342308092011-05-10T15:41:00.000-07:002011-05-10T15:41:02.923-07:00Seriously MAD for Hats ...OK ... so this post is not particularly a June garden wedding update ... but as our date gets closer & thus, our days get busier, I could use a short escape from my own wedding world. Not that today's topic doesn't surround weddings, just not my own.<br />
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I realize that the royal wedding is now "old news" and that most likely, it is time for me to drop the subject. In fact, I am fairly sure that when I brought out the article with the official reviews of Catherine's wedding dress in class today, I saw a few of my girls with their eyes rolled bank into their heads. But regardless, I am indeed a sucker for these kinds of things, so I have to let it go just <em>a little bit </em>longer. Especially since I haven't yet discussed the <strong>fabulous, fantastic, fashion-forward collection of hats</strong> adorned by the guests at Westminster Abbey on April 29th.<br />
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Other than the obvious highlights of the morning, such as Catherine's arrival, Prince William's face when he first saw his future wife, and (my personal favorite), Prince Harry's comment to his brother as the bride was walking down the aisle ... I was entirely entertained by the guest arrivals. And I don't think I was the only one. Now, my desire is that this trend will come to the United States - <strong>something about wearing a hat immediatly makes you feel more confident</strong>. <br />
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Here are some of the most <em>memorable </em>hat moments from the royal wedding ... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeL5tHkWAI1xSSZ9SScX3c1o-8zc_ATYs7er2Jz87pA_M8hj0xGboQsrgIvco8dTHgoVOKFxTvfZU6pD4v8ziapWp5aCJggy-ATHQvLwgIx5xjwlq8pHDPtUy-VCiiHsmh5cx6i-oK31w/s1600/hats1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeL5tHkWAI1xSSZ9SScX3c1o-8zc_ATYs7er2Jz87pA_M8hj0xGboQsrgIvco8dTHgoVOKFxTvfZU6pD4v8ziapWp5aCJggy-ATHQvLwgIx5xjwlq8pHDPtUy-VCiiHsmh5cx6i-oK31w/s320/hats1.jpg" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So I admit it ... I liked these at first ... until almost every fashion commentator described how awful they were. I now get it, and think I was taken by my euphoria of the moment before.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6PHTNwzcXOT_SJPDTd3YVLYM4jwAfflYp34xGM9Gq-lv0gqtfjsCtToIb7OsB-7jN-O4lPrSKbc24Y6Ub6nBWjK41-u3bOHsu3aSoPgdq0uhHaTXpbwYPK6kDCYcy101A4slmsKQ930/s1600/hats2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6PHTNwzcXOT_SJPDTd3YVLYM4jwAfflYp34xGM9Gq-lv0gqtfjsCtToIb7OsB-7jN-O4lPrSKbc24Y6Ub6nBWjK41-u3bOHsu3aSoPgdq0uhHaTXpbwYPK6kDCYcy101A4slmsKQ930/s320/hats2.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these - all three. Can I wear one to the next wedding I attend? Would it be appropriate?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOkLGMvdowNGktu-HlSLTAHYkMAz5ZGCUgwM3jQBeReVvpPBeztjAFztVhQjHZ2eX1rkgGHj2yExd-ZMOioGmVMx36s2HytMwM8xBxdP8kf7FcaRtYKtMa8AAkF5H3E1PECEmkEIcKMg/s1600/hats3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOkLGMvdowNGktu-HlSLTAHYkMAz5ZGCUgwM3jQBeReVvpPBeztjAFztVhQjHZ2eX1rkgGHj2yExd-ZMOioGmVMx36s2HytMwM8xBxdP8kf7FcaRtYKtMa8AAkF5H3E1PECEmkEIcKMg/s320/hats3.jpg" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always love these two. Perfection - both of them. Even the one without the hat, obviously.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvdUgcYmn_h-i9N5ut0CikyN11ZFDtF1XloTsl4jvthftA4FTLC-P7SRdpyyRcT0n6kZIgA4r5XXv1sywi8NYK6zWoVlq61yM5erb0Eis1ZE5fA_P8nBB8mIuIMSVNC-DGsMrcNCUqm8/s1600/bridalshowersawaniki+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvdUgcYmn_h-i9N5ut0CikyN11ZFDtF1XloTsl4jvthftA4FTLC-P7SRdpyyRcT0n6kZIgA4r5XXv1sywi8NYK6zWoVlq61yM5erb0Eis1ZE5fA_P8nBB8mIuIMSVNC-DGsMrcNCUqm8/s320/bridalshowersawaniki+011.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While I would like to play it off that we too were guests at the wedding, the fan & kitchen cabinets probably give it away ... But at least we got in the spirit. Clearly.</td></tr>
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