My memory can be a bit fuzzy at times and I often forget who I’ve told what to. As a way of keeping everyone in the loop I’ve created this blog. I thought it might also be useful as a way of getting opinions and advice as well as a way for my bridesmaids (or bridesmaid and bride matron?) and maid of honor to get to know each other.

I’ll go ahead and recap everything that’s happened so far, although I’m pretty sure you’ve all heard this by now.

We still do not have a date or location set, which I thought would be the first and easiest things to cross off the list. The 3 locations I have in mind are the Edson Keith Mansion at the Phillipi Estate, the Powell CrosleyEdson Keith Mansion. (Already know the other 2’s May availability) Hopefully once we find those two things out we can decide on a date and location. Mansion, and College Hall which is a part of New College’s campus and is/was part of the Ringling. I really love all 3 for their architectural style and their warm inviting feel. We don’t have a date set, but we’re thinking May right now. I’m working on finding out the dates I have off from school around that time and Andy’s working on finding out availability for the

As you know, the pastor of our church back home will not be marrying us. We’re working on finding another local pastor to marry us, and if all else fails there’s always a notary (or Elvis! -Sam).

Once we get all the above figured out I’m sure I’ll feel a huge relief. I’ve been planning this wedding since before I even knew Andy (and thankfully he’s put up with my going crazy over theknot.com and all things wedding over the years) so I have a good idea of what I would like in terms of all the decorative stuff.

We haven’t signed a contract yet, but Andy’s mom works for a restaurant and her boss is able to get us a fantastic deal on catering so that should be set. I also have my dress picked out so I’ll probably be ordering that in the next week or so. (Trying to decide on the size…2 or 4? My bust and hips are well under the measurements for the 2 but apparently I’m a bit chubby in the waist or something since I’m 1 inch over. Do I order the 2 and do my sit ups in the meantime so that I need less altered or go with the 4?) I also found bridesmaid dresses that I really like, but I want to be sure everyone is happy with them before a final decision is made and unfortunately they are not yet in stores so you can’t try them on. However, if you’d like to see what they look like and give my feedback you can check them out here.

I’m thinking of ordering the flowers in bulk online and then doing the arrangements myself. Don’t worry – I have something very simple in mind. I’d love to have candles all around, but I think each place has a no candle policy or at the least very strict limitations. We still haven’t decided on a cake or cupcakes…perhaps a little of both? As for the invitations, I came across one I LOVE but it’s pricey so I’m not sure if we’ll go with those or not. If not, I’ve seen some cute ones at target that you can print yourself which would be much more economical.

I’ve come across a number of websites that have a style board where they put of pictures of pretty, inspirational ideas. Below you’ll find some of the photos I’ve found and saved on my computer as inspiration.

So I was thinking something like this for the flowers. Three square glass vases of different sizes with pink flowers.

Here’s another relatively simple arrangement that’s pretty.

I haven’t decided on what exactly I want my bouquet to look like. This is one of the many that I like.

Another bouquet that is really pretty. This is probably a little more formal/structured that what I’d want.

Soft peony bouquet.

Peony and rose?

I’m not sure yet if the ceremony will be indoors or outdoors, but I like the candle in the large vase with rose petals nestled at the bottom.

I love the idea of having some kind of branches that are decorated with lights or glitter to add sparkle to the room.

I think these initial wreaths are cute.

I love the mantle in this picture (top, center)! I think all 3 places we’re looking at have a fireplace too.

I think I’d like to do something similar to this with small easles and cities we’d like to visit if we have arranged seating.

Not sure of the exact style of cake I’d go for, but I think this is one pretty idea.

Another idea.

Relatively simple, yet pretty cake by publix.

Ok, I just had to throw this one in. Can you believe this is actually a cake? Completely cake! Beautiful, although a bit over the top, and most likely costs more than our total budget haha.

And then there are the cupcakes…

More beautiful cupcakes. Probably more expensive than a regular cake for these.

What do you think of the dress? Don’t you love it?! haha kidding… I do really like the cupcake though. Simple, but pretty.

If I wear my hair down I want it to be loose curls, either all the way down or loosely tied half back like this.

If I wear my hair up this is exactly how I want it. Nothing too stiff.

Pretty sure Andy and I are gonna do something like this for our save the dates.

Well that’s about all I can think of for now. More to come later.