Jason's Wedding Band

We purchased Jason's ring this week! We are just checking things off the list!!! Jason originally wanted all yellow gold, but it was pointed out to him that most of what he wears (watch and cuff links) are silver or white gold, so he decided on...

Two-tone!

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!

[Photo courtesy of Tying the Knot]

I have a big decision to make...what shoes to wear! I know I want to wear peep toes with a closed heel. Comfort is important to me since I will be standing so much...I don't want to be worried about aching feet. I can't decide if I want the more traditional ivory shoe that matches my dress or a fun, more trendy, shoe with color. I could do a color that matches the MOH dress or a fun "peacock" color. Here are a few that I found. Any opinions or words of wisdom on what works and where to shop?

[David's Bridal Dyeables in Peri]

[David's Bridal dyeables in Victorian Lilac]

[An ivory shoe, courtesy of Blue Tux]

MOH Dress

Jason and I have decided not to have a huge wedding party. We are only having a MOH and a BM. This was a hard decision because we have the best friends and family in the entire world! We made this decision based with several factors in mind:

1.) We are having a small and casual wedding and when we sat down and counted how many attendants we wanted, it seemed a little too formal, even silly for what we are doing. It looks sort of funny when almost half of your wedding is standing next to you (a slight exaggeration, but you get what I'm saying).

2.) We are getting married in a small gazebo - the attendants would not fit in the gazebo, along the steps and would block everyone if they stood around us.

3.) We already have six peacocks-there just isn't any room for more than 2 humans!

We are very excited to have our MOH, BM, 2 flowergirls and a ringbearer!!! I think it will really turn out so sweet.

What does everything think of the MOH dress? It is the exact hydrangea blue that I wanted and will look amazing on the MOH, Jeanna. She has already approved! It is very light and flowy and will be perfect for an outdoor May wedding...the back is really cute and the front has a bow around the waist (and I do love bows)!

Four Christmases

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Jason and I survived our 4 Christmases. We had two in Houston, one in Corsicana and one in Arlington. Talk about a lot of driving! We have had a wonderful time visiting and spending time with our families. We even accomplished things on our wedding to-do list in the process.

1. I asked Jeanna (Jason's sister and my friend) to be my MOH
2. Jason asked Stephen (his brother) to be his Best Man
3. We asked Dad-Dad (Jason's grandfather and minister) to be the person to marry us
4. We confirmed our flower girls: my cousin Sydney and niece Amber
5. We asked our friends Jason and Sarah if their son Cameron would be our RingbearerBoy, we are good!

Jason and I are not having bridesmaids or groomsmen in the wedding-just the MOH, BM, flowergirls and ring bearer so that category is taken care of! We will post pics soon of the MOH dress and our holiday fun!

The Engagement

Jason and I are engaged! We are so excited and can't wait to begin the planning process (maybe me a little more than him). We will let you know as soon as the wedding blog is up, but don't worry...Life's A Beach is here to stay!

Now to the story! Jason and I planned on going to Matagorda, Texas for the weekend where my mom and LE have a house. Jason and I love to go to get away, relax, and enjoy the scenery. When we are there, we are super casual (picture me with no makeup), and just kick back usually fishing, laying out, and taking lots of naps! We were supposed to leave Friday after work, but I didn't feel well (thank you Chick-Fil-A milkshake) and Jason was exhausted. I complained about not wanting to go this weekend because we were so beat from our week, but Jason convinced me how relaxing it will be and that we need to get away!

Saturday morning we hit the road for Matagorda around 7:30 a.m. and arrived around 9:30. Jason immediately hit the dock and began fishing and I just hung out with my mom and played around. One side note, I never wear makeup or bring cute clothes to Matagorda because there is no need. We NEVER go anywhere or see anyone so it is pointless. I used to pack tons of outfits, but then learned after a few trips of over-packing.

Mom urged me to put some make-up on with the guise of wanting me to show her my eyeliner, shadow, etc...we were just playing around. I then had a group project for my MBA class that had to get done so I busted that out for a few hours. Around 3:30, I asked Jason if we could go to the beach. The beach is one of my favorite places and one of my favorite things to do in the entire world is walk it with Jason. We have done this many times, picking up shells, chasing birds and talking.

As we were walking around, Jason kept drawing things in the sand with his walking stick. I thought he was just being silly, but now looking back it was odd behavior. We walked around for awhile looking for shells. I separated from him for a moment to chase some birds (yes, I am weird). There was also a little boy walking around that I was getting a kick out of because he was holding a giant crab claw. Jason yelled over to me to come and look at the picture he drew me. In my head I was like, "oh goodness!"

Then I saw this and he dropped to one knee. I will spare you the amazing speech! I freaked out and said yes (although I can't remember actually saying it) and we celebrated!

Here is the ring that Jason gave me. This picture does not even come close to doing it justice...it is the most beautiful and unique ring. I love how everyone that sees it, says that it just looks like me!

Oddly enough, there was a guy playing guitar in the water which created an awesome soundtrack to the whole event making it so much more romantic. I immediately asked Jason if he had hired him, but no, it was just fate!


We then drove back to the house where mom and LE were waiting! We went to the Waterfront restaurant for a celebratory dinner. Remember how I said that I never pack any nice clothes...Jason even thought ahead and packed a few dresses, purses and shoes for me to wear to dinner...sneaky man!

It was the second best day of my life...the first being the day that I met Jason on February 23, 2007.

He truly is the perfect catch!

Original engagement story HERE!

Sprinkle Me With Happiness!

I love Sprinkles Cupcakes and I just discovered that Houston is getting one in spring 2009. I love when couples decide to forego a traditional wedding cake for a cupcake tower like below:

Look how classy the one below looks. If you aren't daring enough to have a cupcake tower-cake, think about incorporating them at a shower or rehearsal dinner!

But, I didn't think about giving these singles as a favor. Sprinkles has tons of sugar toppings you can choose from, but don't you just love the little engagement ring below? They also have hearts, flowers, letters, and even a longhorn for you Texas fans!

Oh, What to Wear?

I have had a very successful week off from work. Since I rarely have free time between work and school, Shelley (MOB) and I knew we needed to get everything squared away. After just a few stops, we found THE dress! We actually found three that I could not choose from-so I had to take pictures and sleep on it.

When I went back to the boutique the next day I was really stressed (the good kind of stress) because I was not any closer to making a decision. I kept going back and forth between all three.

I did as Shelley advised and tried on all three again, walked in them, stood flat-footed with them (not on the elevated box that makes everyone look taller and thinner) and sat in them. I wanted to make sure I chose a dress that was COMFORTABLE! I didn't want to be pulling and tugging or adjusting all night.

My other requirements:
-Something that I felt special in
-Limited beading and sequins
-Casual since it is an outdoor wedding, no church
-Something classic that will photograph well and look good for years to come
-A dress that will take Jason's breath away

Well, I found it! I feel 100% sure about my decision. It is ordered and I can't wait to put it on and marry Jason. I would post pics, but then, Jason will see!!! So you will just have to wait until May.

The same day that I found my dress, we also found Shelley's dress (it is dark brown and gorgeous), the MOH dress, and the flower girl dresses!

Upcoming posts this week:
-Wedding Diet
-The Great Ring Debate
-MOH Dress

Now for a pretty picture:

I Love Ring Shots!

I love how each ring is so unique in this one

Gorgeous ring, gorgeous flower

Bling, baby, bling!

Love it!

Tying the Knot...get it!!!

My good friend, Ashley, got creative and took this of her ring. We are waiting for her professional shots to come back!

This one is so sweet

Of course I love this one because it has to do with yummy greasy food

And then, yes, I jumped on the bandwagon. Festive, huh? At least I tried...it can only get better right?

Needing a Color Scheme...

But I just haven't figured it out yet. The four color palettes that I am thinking are blues, greens, cremes, and browns. I am off work and school for 3 whole weeks...yeah, yeah, there is that thing called the holidays thrown in there, but this next week is wedding planning time! I also have to do ALL of my Christmas shopping so it's going to be busy.

Mom and I have already looked at a few dresses; no winners yet. More tomorrow...we are also meeting with the venue to iron out details. Today we also looked at invitations and I think those will be chosen by the end of the week.

Here are photos that I love and are providing inspiration for what Jason and I want:

Have a great week everyone! I will be posting updates this week as they come up! Please send me pics of real weddings that used similar colors!!! Jason and Tucker say hi and have a great week too!

Peacock Invitations

, All over the wedding blog scene, I have noticed Peacock invitations, decorations, etc. I feel like this may be a great idea for Jason and I to use. The place that J and I are getting married and having our reception is known for having roaming peacocks around the property. Also, the resort where we are honeymooning has free roaming peacocks on the grounds.

What does everyone think about this idea? Too much or perfect?

Bring on the scanner!

Jason and I have been trying to decide where to register. I know this is not a big deal at all, but you know me, I like to analyze everything! I am thinking one department store (either Macy's or Dillard's) and then a Crate and Barrel type store.

Does anyone out there recommend certain stores or have a bad experience to share? We would love any advice!

We do know one store...Life Made Beautiful! It is a local store in Corsicana, Jason's hometown. It is the cutest store ever...we went on Black Friday and I purchased lots of presents for some special peeps in my life! It was exciting to start thinking about picking out things together for our new life as a married couple...we actually liked all of the same china patterns.

Houston, the groom has landed!

Before I begin a much anticipated Groom's Cake post, Chelsea being the only reader with bated breath I suspect, perhaps I should enter stage right and make an introduction.

Cue Tarzan Audible, Enter GROOM....

Now that the dramatic entry and introduction is over, I stand before you the humble, yet very happy and blessed groom stalling while groping for words to describe a hunting, fishing or outdoor related cake.

Although I am an avid fisherman (depending on the day), hunter and outdoor enthusiast, I am going to take the road less travelled for my cake.

"Uva Uvam Vivendo Varia Fit." If you know what that means, you are probably:
A. One of my buddies
B. A true Texan
C. A fan of Lonesome Dove or
D. All of the Above

So what does that mean? Quite simply it reads "A grape ripens in the presence of another grape." This epitomizes my feelings about my relationship with my soul mate and wife to be, my family and my pals. All of which I would make an epic journey on horseback from Montana to Texas for.

So how am I going to center my cake around this quote? Great question! One for which I do not have an answer to at the moment. I can tell you that my initial thought is to base it in part on the picture above - maybe incorporate the distressed wood sign and quote and kick it up a notch.

Alright, I'm sure you have grown tired of the ramblings of a mere groom to be, so I will close for now. "Catch" up with you soon...

-Jason

Let Them Eat Cake!

I am taking a quick study break so I can think wedding for a few minutes!!

For those of you who know me, it is no surprise that I am really excited about the wedding cake! I love the creative outlets these desserts provide, but of course, I love to eat them! Here are a few cakes that I love all courtesy of The Knot.

Even though I love the huge cakes with lots of intricate details since Jason and I are having a small, casual wedding this cake below is more our style! So classic and preppy:

I also love, love, love this one:

Can you tell I am leaning towards blues and greens? I would love to see any other suggestions you may have! Jason is going to post soon about his groom's cake so I won't spoil what I think his vision is. Now, back to the books. All my weekend has consisted of is a group case study, group presentation, individual paper and presentation, and studying for a final tomorrow night...uggh!

Can We Leave Tomorrow?

Jason and I have our honeymoon booked! We are going to....

Puerto Vallerta, Mexico!

We booked an all-inclusive resort above that has all of the requirements that we wanted:

-Beach and gorgeous water

-Animals (they have iguanas and peacocks on property)

-Pools

-Good food

-Ability to go on a deep sea fishing trip

-Canopy Tours

-Relaxing atmosphere

My dad and step-mom, Karin, surprised Jason and I on Thanksgiving with our first wedding present: a honeymoon trip! We are so thankful for this and can't wait to go!

Thank you Dad and Karin!!!!!

May 23, 2009

We have a date!!! Last week, we were looking at August, but when we realized that my brother's college graduation conflicted we started stressing! I knew that May was so soon and is such a popular wedding month - I just knew that we would not get our venue of choice or be able to find a weekend that worked for everyone.

Once I started really digging in the calendar there was actually only one weekend that would work, May 23. Any sooner and I was either in finals for the MBA program I am in, or there was college graduations for family members. Any later, and I was back in school. It has to be May 23.
I called our venue with my fingers crossed (and I made a few of my co-workers cross theirs too) and it was open - it was fate because it was the only weekend they had open too!

YAY! J and I are so excited that it is sooner than August. We have a lot to do, but between me (who coordinates events for a living), J (who works in the hospitality industry) and my amazing mom, we can totally get it done!!!

Here are a few pics of the restaurant that we are getting married and having the reception. We are going to have the wedding outside at the gazebo!

P.S. How cool is this: Jason and I met on February 23, our first movie that we saw together was called "23" and now we are getting married on May 23.