The Rehearsal Jitters

I got dressed and rushed out of the house to get to my rehearsal on Friday only to have to turn around when I had this feeling I didn't shut the garage door.  Well, I hadn't forgotten but I'm glad I went back because Mj and his aunts were getting back from Old Town and rushing into the house to change.  We were all able to go in one car and made it on time despite the crazy traffic that was all around us like something out of the twilight zone.

I decided to switch to a bigger room so we would have more space and slightly higher ceilings-it wasn't booked so we were able to do it.  I got a chance to chat with Jenn our coordinator to make sure that there would be enough tables in the room to seat all of our guests unlike what it appeared to be on the room diagram.  I still couldn't get the tables numbered so I could write them down on my place cards which annoyed me but I guess it would just have to wait.

As each new arrival showed up it was so exciting.  My little sis who I haven't seen since Christmas.  My good friend from Atlanta Fe-who I haven't seen since 2007.  I met Mj's grandma for the first time.  Friends and family.  It was wonderful to see their beautiful smiling faces.  These people who traveled all of this way and were there at the rehearsal just for us.

The rehearsal itself went OK.  I say just OK because we didn't have time to actually go through the words like I'd hoped.  It was more for placement.  Our officiant is my friend Eb's husband and this is his first wedding.   I felt confused and I think he was feeling the same.  I'd planned on having us get together for a run through but like many other things it never happened.  Luckily, I had the music there because after changing up the format a little we discover that we actually will run out of time and need to come up with a second song for me and my dad to walk to.  Our coordinator made us kiss multiple times which was quite stiff and awkward.  Not that we've never done it before but we were on the spot and I think it made us both self conscious.  It suddenly dawned on me that everyone is going to be staring at us all night and I started to feel a little freaked out by that.  I guess I should have thought of that before I decided I wanted a wedding huh?

THE DINNER

US

We had a great time at our rehearsal dinner.  It was a casual affair at a little Italian restaurant.  Our party fit on one long table at the patio.  It was nice for everyone to hang out and get to know each other.  I was so worried about the cost but my parents gave us money to cover it and a few people couldn't make it.  We got the bill and it was just a little over budget-even with alcohol included.  They were supposed to only do sodas but whatever-I was glad to see people enjoying themselves so it was all good.

Bridesmaid Eb & Big Sis

Me & Bridesmaid Fe

Little Sis & Boyfriend T

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

I made a game time decision to have a late night impromptu ceremony rehearsal.  By the time we left our dinner it was pretty late.  I was tired and still had things to do but I knew that it would make all three of us feel better to do a run through from start to finish.  We dropped off his aunts at our house, changed and didn't get to their house until 11:30 pm.  Eb told me K was getting a bit nervous and frankly so was I. Thank goodness we practiced because our first run through was a mess and what a disaster it would have been if we had done it that way when it counted.  I didn't know what to say when.  K would tell me to repeat after him and I would forget what he just said by the time it was time for me to speak.  I couldn't even remember what finger to put Mj's ring on.  We got the jitters out and worked out the bugs.  We did it exactly twice and that was all it took for us to all feel more confident and ready for the next day.

I went to bed with my mind racing with coulda, shoulda, woulda, what if's but at 1:30 am-technically the day of my wedding there was nothing more that I or anyone else could do about anything.  The planning was over and it was about time to execute.

One Day Until My Wedding

Everyone has gone to Old Town today.  Mj's mom and two aunts.  I was supposed to go but decided it would be best for me not to.  I am not stressed.  I am only feeling a little bit anxious and I would like to keep it that way.  Spending the entire day on an outing and then heading straight to my rehearsal then dinner afterwards and not getting home until after 9 pm on the eve of my wedding is certain to send me into a tailspin of all kinds of freaking out which I would prefer to avoid.

We spent a really fun day in Julian yesterday.  We went out there to chase the sun since it seems unwilling to make an appearance where we live.  After we came home those lovely ladies were nice enough to help me put together and stuff my favor boxes.  I had to make a run out to Party City to buy more candy after realizing those tiny little boxes were just a bit more roomy then I originally thought.  Thank goodness they had five bags of pink wrapped mint candies I was looking for.  They waited up with me while I wrote out my place cards and I should have went to bed when they did but I didn't.  Just too much on my mind.

I've stayed home so I can focus and be prepared for the rehearsal and the wedding day.  I need to be close to home near my wedding folder and my lap top so I can finalize any last minute details that might pop up.  We decided to switch rooms and my wedding coordinator still has not gotten back to me regarding the room set up so I can finalize my seating chart and write the table numbers on my place cards.  I am normally not overly impatient but I can't wait 3 days for a response this time around because otherwise I won't get an answer until Sunday.  After my wedding.

Mj can't seem to understand why I couldn't just go with them.  He went out with his buddies last night and I didn't even want a bachelorette party at all.  I would be too distracted to enjoy myself and I am so OVER going out.  I just don't have the energy for it.  Maybe if the only thing I had to worry about was getting myself, a tux and our flowers to the hotel maybe I could.  I'm in charge of knowing who to pay and how much.  I have to make sure the CD's are burned and all the centerpiece parts are at hand.  I'm in charge of making sure that all of the details are taken care of.  I know myself and I know my personality.  I can't be rushed.  I have way too many thing to pack, organize, and finish up to be spending a day hanging out.

Bridal Party Gifts

I picked out some great flat silver sandals at Macy's and my Bridal Party gifts Monday.  Each bridesmaid gets Pink by VS body splash, a pair of cute undies and the black pin on flower for their dresses.  The two girls who are traveling by plane and can't carry on too many liquids got a smaller travel size body splash and a lip gloss.  It all goes with my PINK theme.  I got my mani/pedi done this morning and I'll be getting my hair done bright and early at 8:00 am tomorrow.  I've been going over time lines, ceremony format, burning music CD's and working on my vows.  I've put aside some of the things I need for tonight and tomorrow.  In a few minutes I will start getting dressed and ready for my rehearsal which starts at 5:30 pm.   Too bad I have no idea what to wear.

I can't control if the sun shines and so many other things but I can control myself.  At least I hope so!  I am determined to remain calm, cool and collected.  My wedding is TOMORROW.  Deep breath.  And I plan to enjoy it!

The Fair & The Fourth

Do we really NEED Chocolate Covered Bacon? UGGh!!

I love the fair and I think I've gone just about every year since I can remember.  We used to go as a family and now that I am older it's a tradition I've happily held onto and Mj seems content to go along with the program too.  I used to go for the rides but now I go for the food.  I have a wedding on Saturday so I did not get the chocolate covered bacon.  Yes, that's right.  Chocolate Covered Bacon!!!!!  You can even get deep fried butter and deep fried Klondike bars now if you so desire.  They have gone way too far if you asked me.  I got the delicious french bread pizza that I get every single year.  I pretended not to notice that the pizza place may actually have a store that's probably not too far from where we live.  It's easier to believe that I can only get this once a year.  It cost $8.16 at the fair and is probably a heck of a lot cheaper at their store but I simply don't need the temptation.  We headed over to the beer garden after that where we paid about $14 bucks for two beers and sat in the grass outside watching MMA cage fighting while we ate.  Random, I know.  You never know what kinds of things you will see at the fair which is one of the reasons I love it so much.

This year was a little different because we wanted to see a show at 7:30 pm instead of just doing the all day thing like I usually do.  We planned to get there late afternoon but got off to an even later start then anticipated and didn't have time to do a single ride or walk around as much as I would've liked but we still had fun.  At least Mj was here this year unlike last year when he was out of the country.  The Jeff Dunham show was pretty funny and entertaining.  We saw him 4 of his 6 hilarious characters.  I laughed through most of it.

Jeff Dunham with Crochety old "Walter" one of my fav characters of his

Saturday night after the fair we picked up my mother in law from the airport and then Sunday I picked up my big sis!  It was so good to see her.  She is growing another human being inside her body, her feet are swollen, and she has to take insulin shots now that she has gestational diabetes but she's still my big sis and it's nice to have her home.  All of us went up to my parents house for the 4th and spent a nice relaxing day there.

Me and my preggo sis

Monday my mother in law and I went shopping.  We got her completely outfitted for the wedding from head to toe.  I also found my shoes at Macy's.  They are exactly what I was looking for, they were on sale and I had a $10.00 off coupon so I only spent $32.00 with tax.  They are cute and comfy gladiator type Alfani sandals with a tiny 1/2 inch wedge.  I will be comfortable all during the wedding AND have a great pair of sandals to wear afterwards.  I also discovered this great store called Cotton On.  They are based out of Australia.  I am all about comfort and love this store because they have stylish clothing all in cotton and some great prices.  It was not planned but I was able to get my little shopping fix and spend only $23.00 because I found a navy and off white stripped cotton dress for $9.00, a black and white skirt for $5 and a great black shirt for $5.  The dress is cotton, casual and will be perfect to bring with me on our honeymoon.  SCORE!  It's the first shopping I have done that wasn't for the house in a long time.  I'd almost forgotten that stores had other sections besides housewares.

I had a great weekend.  The bad news is that I'm back at work right now and tired but the good news is that It's a two day work week.  I'm taking Thursday, Friday, and Monday off to prepare for and recover from the wedding.  Can't wait.

Pretty Pot Goes Boom

We got our first two wedding gifts on Thursday.  Fun, fun, fun!  One of them just so happened to be a very nice set of red stoneware cooking pots with no evidence whatsoever of who sent them.  We searched the box for a packing slip or invoice but there was nothing. You know those expensive registry items you add to your list because you want it even though you don't think anyone will get them for you?  Or just because the store offers 10% off un purchased registry items so you figure you can just buy it yourself after the wedding if you really want it?  Well, these pots were one of those items.  Mj was so excited about them in fact that as he was commenting on how nice and heavy they are he actually dropped one of the lids on our newly purchased coffee table.  The coffee table that is covered in glass and just so happens to be the one single appliance/furniture we purchased that did not offer a warranty or protection plan.  "Yep, baby the pots sure are heavy.  Thanks for demonstrating."  The lid crashed into the table and we looked on in stunned silence as it shattered the glass into a spiderweb of wreckage and sprayed glass chunks all over the carpet.  As we stood there frozen taking in the mess around us we could hear this cracking sound as the glass continued to break even as it already seemed shattered into a million pieces.

Good thing the other gift was a comforter.  I lovely SOFT down comforter.  I stood there with my eyes wide and my mouth open not really knowing where to start with clean up until Mj bent down and started picking up the large chunks one by one so I did too.  Then we got out the brush and pushed glass shards from the table into the box the pots came in.  Then out came the vacuum.  Our coffee table no longer has glass over the top of it but it was actually removable anyways and still looks ok. 

Mj looked at me, put his arms out and asked me if I forgive him for breaking the table.  I replied, "Yes of course" as I gave him a big old hug and kiss.  We can replace the glass later but I can never ever replace Mj.  Accidents happen.  The glass is cleaned up and all is forgiven. 

The only question that remained was...who in the heck sent us these fantastic heavy pots and how will we ever thank them if we don't know who they are?  Then I discovered the tab on our online registry titled "Gift Purchaser."  Thank You Aunt Cindy!!

Good Family News

Originally my big sister was supposed to be in my wedding but instead she decided to get pregnant.  I mean really, how could she do this to me?  Only joking!   My sister is in her late 30's and she really wanted a child but was having a heck of a time getting pregnant and staying pregnant so I was really happy for her that it finally happened but crushed that she wouldn't be at my wedding. Not just because I want her there but because she already misses out on so much being far away from the family since moving away four years ago and this was just one more thing. A big thing at that. As it got closer and closer to the wedding things started happening that gave us hope that she would make it but always the pessimist I didn't count on it.  About a month ago she booked her flight and made it official! Not only will she be here on Sunday in time to come to the wedding but she will be staying out here until after she delivers her baby next month. My big sis is finally coming home and I can't wait to see her. Next challenge. Finding this very pregnant mama a dress!  Mom, Dad, Big Sis, Middle Sis (me) and Lil sis have not all been together in one place in about two years so it's going to be great to all be together again.

The other bit of good news came Wednesday. I got a message from my mom saying that she had news and to call her when I could. "News" is such a cryptic word.  It could really mean anything good or bad. My mom got her lab results back and she is a match for my dad. We really weren't expecting this because they don't have the same blood type.  I actually do and we all figured that if there was one person in the family that might be able to donate it would be me.  This is only the first step in a long series of testing that needs to happen prior to any kidney donation but it's a really good sign. My dad is #1 on the kidney donor list now and after two false alarms and a year on dialysis he is READY.   One could become available any day now but if that doesn't happen it's good to know that my mom can give him hers.

I am so looking forward to this nice long three day weekend. Tomorrow Mj and I are going to the fair-which I do every year and have always loved.  We pick up Mj's mom tomorrow night after that.  Then, I pick up my big sis on Sunday morning and then we will all head up to my mom's house for the 4th of July.  I don't know if we'll see fireworks but I know I'll be having lots of fun. 

I only have to work two days next week which is absolutely wonderful and then I get married!!

Let The Music Play

We met with our DJ Tuesday to go over songs, timeline, and announcements.  We paid an extra $150 to include 3 up lights and extra DJ lighting.  Along with a great variety of music we want the lighting to make people feel more comfortable getting out on the dance floor.  We want everyone to boogie and have lots of fun.

I wish we could play every single song we really love and has meaning to us but if our wedding was that long even I woudn't want to go to it so that is impossible.  Music will play a major role in setting the tone and overall mood.  Playing classical or even having a band is so not us.  We spent hours months ago getting together a play list of our favorite songs and when we'd want them played during the reception and for our CD's. It was exhausting and one song just led to another and another and after a while it's just like, "Forget it."  I ended up with over 40 songs for dinner alone!  At least we've given our DJ an idea of what we like and we will just have to leave the rest in his hands. We're pretty easy.  No bouquet toss or garter toss.  And Mj said capitol N-O to the dollar dance so that's out. We told them to put the lights wherever they want.

The hotel provides a sound system for the ceremony so our DJ won't start until the reception.  I love it that we have absolute control over what's played but narrowing down the music for this was hard too.  I have always been a SUCKER for love songs so you can only imagine how difficult this is for me.  The pre ceremony CD will play during the half hour between the time written on our invitation [4:00 pm] and the actual start time of 4:30pm.  The cocktail hour CD will play right after our ceremony and through cocktail hour until our guests head into the reception room.  We will be missing out on  the cocktails and cheese display we paid for taking bridal party and family pictures at this time not too far from where our guests will be served and will still be able to hear the music.  It was so hard to choose!  All of these decisions felt impossible to make just 2 months ago and still do but it's now or never time.  This is what we came up with.

• Pre Wedding CD: Mostly Kenny G, a few John Tesh [what can I say...I love him!] and Shawn Colvin.
• Processional: "St Elmo's Fire" John Tesh version.  Does anyone use "Here Come's The Bride" anymore?
• Cocktail Hour CD: It will start with "It Feels Like Home" by Chantal Kreviazuk as we walk back down the aisle after our first marital kiss and then continue on with love songs ranging from Jason Mraz, Chaka Khan, Janet Jackson to Celine Dion.  Some upbeat like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo.   Songs that make us happy.
• Bridal Party & Bride/Groom Reception Entry:  "I Gotta Feeling"  The Black Eyed Peas
• Bride & Groom first dance:   "I Look To You" by Whitney Houston.  I really consider "Halo" by Beyonce to be "our" song but Mj won't dance to it because he says it's too fast.  Guess it'll have to go on the Cocktail hour CD.  Mj stumbled upon this song.  We both love Whitney and when I listen to the words I feel like it says exactly how I feel about Mj.  Isn't it just awesome how songs are like that?
• Father Daughter/Mom Son Dance:  "Can You Feel The Love Tonight"  Elton John.  It seems like a nice general song with great lyrics.  My dad and I will start then Mj and his mom will join in.  We will be doing this as a combo because Mj doesn't want to be out there with his mama all by himself.
• Last song of the Night:  "No One"  Alicia Keys

It's pretty cool because I know at any time I can go up to the DJ request something and know they HAVE to play it!  What other time can you guarantee something like that?  Just say yes to the lady in the white dress!!  I am the bride after all and it's MY OUR party.

I LOVE music. It is so powerful....like feelings that you can listen to.  It gives me chills sometimes-the good kind.  It can make me laugh, cry, and remember old times. It can make me happy, excited, sad, and it can even make me run harder on the treadmill provided I ever get my lazy butt back into the gym or keep me awake on a long drive. Music is the soundtrack of our lives and we have one for our wedding too.

First Dance I Look To You

Recessional: Feels Like Home [as we walk away down the aisle]

Cocktail Hour CD-LOVE THIS SONG

Processional                 Cocktail Hour CD

Kenny G Wedding Song -Pre Ceremony CD- I don't Know Why