April Showers

May is here and I have yet to blog about my fabulous wedding showers!  I was blessed to have two showers.  The first shower was thrown by my sister (MOH) and one of my oldest longest friends.  These two are a party planning team match made in heaven.  If you ever need a party planned, get a hold of these two because they know their stuff.  They decorated beautifully with some help from my ridiculously creative momma, my bridesmaids pitched in yummy food, we had games, great conversations, and they generously spoiled us with gifts for our home.  Overall, it was an amazing time (minus the awful chubby bunny/how well do you know your fiance game-ha!). There is not better way to describe it other than with pictures!

Nana-Aly-Me-Mom

Party Planners

Bridesmaids minus my Jourds!

Aren't they just the best!? I love all of the details and thought behind all these things.  I also had a shower at school.  The people that I work with are so kind and generous!  I am blessed to be surrounded with amazing people.  Thank you to all those that planned, pitched in, and attended.  I am so lucky to have you all in my life.  Finally, let's check in on that good ol' to do list!
Wedding To-Do List

-finish registering

-pick out tuxes (The groomsman will be looking dapper in this)

-book honeymoon (yay!)

-finalize rehearsal dinner (hello Scotty's!)

-finalize flower arrangements (On Monday!)

-hair/make up trial (it's booked so I'm crossing it off)

-purchase groom's wedding band (yeah mine was purchased a month ago)

-figure out what I am going to give my wonderful bridesmaids 

-pick out my wedding jewelry (if this damn ear piercing would heal. ugh!)

-order invitations-Shout out to my momma for handling this one!

-book transportation for the bridal party (this is on Jeremy so...check!)

-food/cake tasting; finalize the menu (again, this is booked)

-finish wedding website
-programs
-rehearsal dinner invitations
-order thank you cards 
-order favors
-finalize music (church/dj)
-scope out some outdoor picture sites for the bridal party
-props for photo booth
-marriage license
I cross one thing off and add many more!  Isn't that how it always is though!?

Wedding Registry

So I've had this post just sitting as a draft for over a month.  It was written when I had only gone to one place, so I guess I'll go ahead and rewrite it.  Here goes! 

Well, we finally did it.  We have completed our wedding registry.  This was so much fun and overwhelming at the same time.  I read that you should register at 3 places to give your guests a lot of options.  I see the logic behind this but it would be so much easier to register at just one place! Anyway, we started at the place that has [almost] everything, Bed Bath & Beyond.  The lady that helped us was so nice.  She did have a tendency to force more expensive items on us, but little does she know...this bargain shopper went back in and took that stuff off. Boom!  

I totally thought that I wouldn't want to register for much because I have had a house for the past 6 years.  Then I decided, what better time than now to replace everything!  So we had a lot of fun picking out new dishes, glasses, cookware, kitchen gadgets, etc. etc.  We stuck with mainly kitchen things at the beginning because I wasn't sure about the bed and bath part.   Reason being,  I am hoping that we move into a bigger house within the next year or two and I'm not sure what my taste will be.  So here was the dilemma: pick out brand new things and hope that I still like it in a few years, or get new things that are more neutral and will go in a new house no matter how I decide to decorate it.  #firstworldproblems  Yes, I just hashtagged in my blog post.  

I ended up deciding to venture into the world of bed and bath when I went to Macy's.  They have amazing towels and bedding.  We picked out a new comforter and I am in love.  I am half tempted to go buy it myself because last time I checked it was 50% off!  The only downfall to this new bedding is that it'll require a paint change in the ol' master bedroom.  Again, do I repaint and use this right away if or do I save it for when we move?? A friend of mine saved a lot of her wedding gifts for when they moved into their new house.  I think this is really smart but at the same time I know that it will be hard for me not to open up all the brand new things.  Decisions, Decisions.  

Anyhooo, the last place we registered was Target.  By the time we were done with Bed Bath and Beyond and Macy's, we had most of our bases covered.  Our Target registry is pretty teenie weenie but we did find a few things that we liked there.  Although Target is cheaper, they don't offer the great coupons that the other stores do, so I'd rather have more things on those two registries I guess!  

Overall, this was a really neat experience and Jeremy and I had so much fun doing this together!  Lot's off laughs and silliness, no surprise there!  Now let's update the checklist, shall we?
 

Wedding To-Do List

-finish registering

-pick out tuxes (The groomsman will be looking dapper in this)

-book honeymoon (yay!)

-finalize rehearsal dinner (hello Scotty's!)

-finalize flower arrangements (On Monday!)

-hair/make up trial (it's booked so I'm crossing it off)

-purchase groom's wedding band (yeah mine was purchased a month ago)

-figure out what I am going to give my wonderful bridesmaids 

-pick out my wedding jewelry (if this damn ear piercing would heal. ugh!)

-order invitations-Shout out to my momma for handling this one!

-book transportation for the bridal party (this is on Jeremy so...check!)

-food/cake tasting; finalize the menu (again, this is booked)

-finish wedding website
  (yeah, I forgot about the following... whoops!)
-programs
-rehearsal dinner invitations
-order thank you cards 
As always, if you are reading this and think I'm leaving something off, feel free to leave a comment!  Looking forward to spending time with all of the wonderful ladies in my life at my bridal shower on sunday!! 72 days to go!

Not Wishing Away Time & Premarital Counseling

As of last Friday, we are 3 months away. Three months. 90 days. 12 weeks. Holy freakin' Moly that's soon.  When I had lunch with my sister today, I was telling her how much I was just ready for it to be here but at the same time, I don't want to wish away time because time is precious and I want to savor every moment of these last three months, the wedding day itself, and our honeymoon.

 I was reminded of just how precious time is late last night, when my aunt passed away after a very long/hard battle with cancer.  She was so incredibly strong and taken away from us way too soon.  I try really hard not to take things or the people in my life for granted but when something like this happens, you are immediately reminded about just how precious life is.  Hug your loved ones a little tighter and don't let a day go by without telling those that you love, that you love them.

And now onto premarital counseling...this is something that was required by our church.  A seminar from 9-4 on a Saturday.  Sounds like a snooze fest right!? WRONG.  I definitely thought it was going to be a long day and that I was going to be really irritated by the end of it but it turned out to actually be quite fun.  We did a lot of exercises that required team work, sharing our feelings, getting to know more about each other, etc.  It was put on by a family/marriage counselor and the pastor that is going to be marrying us.  I was so excited to meet him and we'll have an individual session with him in May.  I thought I'd end this with some perils of wisdom that I took away from yesterday's seminar.  I think these things can apply to any relationship [engaged, married, friendship, anything].  

1.Tell people what you appreciate about them and cite specific examples of why.
2. It's ok to take a time out during conflict to cool down, in fact it's recommended.
3.When someone is unloading about an external factor (usually work), LISTEN. Agree. Be supportive.  You don't necessarily need to give advice unless the other person asks for it.  
4. Relationships are not about keeping score and we all have an emotional bank account.  You can add to said bank account by doing things together.  I have a whole list of ideas if you need some! ;)
5. The Love Maps Questions Game is really fun and you should download the app.  You might actually learn a little bit more about one another even if you think you know everything.  Jeremy wanted me to add in for number five that he knows more about me than I know about him (by 3 measly points). 
6. There are scientifically researched steps that you should take after a fight to get things resolved. 
7. Conflict is most likely to end the way it begins, so be mindful of how you approach things.
8. If Jeremy and I get caught on desert island and we can only pick 10 things from a list, he is going to pick as many things that will help us get off the island and I am going to pick things that will help us survive on the island. ;)

yeah, mon

Yes, you read that correctly.  I am just over here brushing up on some slang because we are going to Jamaica!  That's right, we finally booked our honeymoon and I couldn't be more excited.  After many, many months of researching and constantly checking for deals on Groupon; I woke up Saturday morning and decided that it was time to make a decision.  

For those of you who know me, you know just how hard it is for me to make any kind of decision, so this is huge!  Wow, I must be growing up! I was all about the amazing deals that I found on Groupon but unfortunately they come with a lot of restrictions and I just haven't heard of many people using them, so it made me a little nervous.  This coming from the girl who went on spring break via craigslist last year [a story for another day].  This is a way more important and expensive vacation, not to mention out of the country, so I wasn't willing to take any risks.  I decided to book through my trusty old friend Expedia and I think we still got a great deal.  I am so excited because I have a passport but have never been out of the country and I've never done anything all inclusive before.  All of my friends recommended going the all inclusive route and I'm so glad we did.

We decided to book at the Secrets St. James Resort.  This is an all inclusive/adults only resort.  I think this will be perfect for honeymooning!  I am just so excited and I can't stop looking at the resort website.  Check it out if you are interested (Secrets St. James)!  

I mean, seriously!? I wanna go right NOW.

I can't wait to wake up to an ocean view for 7 days straight.

Last one, I promise. I am just beyond thrilled.

Now that we are all ready to jump on the next plane to the Caribbean, let's check in the the To-Do List, shall we!?  

Wedding To-Do List

-finish registering

-pick out tuxes (The groomsman will be looking dapper in this)

-book honeymoon (yay!)

-finalize rehearsal dinner (hello Scotty's!)

-finalize flower arrangements

-hair/make up trial (it's booked so I'm crossing it off)

-purchase groom's wedding band (yeah mine was purchased a month ago)

-figure out what I am going to give my wonderful bridesmaids 

-pick out my wedding jewelry

-order invitations

-book transportation for the bridal party (this is on Jeremy so...check!)

-food/cake tasting; finalize the menu (again, this is booked)

-finish wedding website

With 104 days to go, I think I'm doing pretty good!  Now if only this school year would go a tiny bit faster, so I could go into full wedding mode...

130 Days

That's the number of days until I transform from a Miss to a Mrs.  130 days until I marry the love of my life in front of all our friends and family.  130 days until I put on that beautiful white dress and spend hours in hair and make up like some kind of movie star getting ready for the Oscars.  130 days until what I expect to be one of the best days of my life.  130 days until the biggest party of my life with all the people I love the most-heyyyyo! 130 days until we have our first dance as husband and wife. 130 days until I have a presumably emotional father/daughter dance. 130 days and I am starting to panic.  

I should clarify, I am panicking from a planning stand point.  Everyone tells you that when you plan a wedding; there is a lot to do in the beginning, a lull in the middle, and a lot to do closer to the time.  Well my friends, I am starting to come out of the lull and right back into full planning mode.  There is so much to do still and every time I talk to my mom, we panic a little.  We need to take a deep breath and realize that everything will get done. As I am ready for the day to get here, I'm not at the same time.  So for my own sanity and because I love writing lists, here is a list of what we still need to do.
Wedding To-Do List
-finish registering
-pick out tuxes
-book honeymoon (yay!)
-finalize rehearsal dinner (hello Scotty's!)
-finalize flower arrangements
-hair/make up trial (so excited for this)
-purchase groom's wedding band (yeah mine was purchase a month ago)
-figure out what I am going to give my wonderful bridesmaids 
-pick out my wedding jewelry
-order invitations
-book transportation for the bridal party (heyyyy party bus)
-food/cake tasting; finalize the menu
-finish wedding website
I'm sure there are things that I'm forgetting, so please let me know if you think of something! Why didn't we just do a destination wedding!?! Just kidding! :)  

Bridesmaids and Friendship

In honor of our Friendship Valentine's Day Party at school on Friday, I thought I would give a well deserved shout out to my bridesmaids and my best friends.  I am blessed with 8 bridesmaids that I have been so fortunate to have in my life for many years, so here we go (in order of how long I've known them-ha!):

Aly-ahh my sister, my partner in crime (especially when we would throw wild parties when mom and dad went out of town), the person I can have the most horrible screaming matches with but at the same time, would be lost without.  We've definitely had our ups and downs but I trust you with my life and know that you always have my back. I am in awe of the woman you have become but you will forever be my little sister. I love you dearly.

                                                              

Jenn- friends since 5th grade, going on 19 years [gasp].  I am so blessed to have met you in Mr. Alka's 5th grade class.  We have had some wild times, fabulous Halloween costumes, countless inside jokes, classic photo ops, the list goes on and on. I could write a novel about all the amazing memories I have with you but I'd rather cherish them instead.  You have been there for me in my toughest times and are part of some of my best memories.  You are my thithter for life!

                                

Jess-ok, first of all there are way better pictures of us, but this one makes me laugh and have vivid memories every. single. time.  I can't remember if we became friends in 7th or 8th grade. Does that make me old?  Anyway, some of my best memories involve you.  Our Spring Break in Vegas is one of my favorite trips to date.  Who knew two girls could cause so much trouble at the MGM Grand and I still don't know how we made it back to our room through that crazy casino every night.  Maybe I shouldn't admit that online.  Regardless of when we met, we've been friends for a very long time and I am still bitter that you didn't come to IU with me as my roommate but I'll get over it one day! ;)  Even though we went to separate schools, we have remained very close.  I was so honored to stand up with you on your wedding day and I am so glad that you will be with me on mine.  I can't wait for you to live closer.  I miss having you as a "neighbor"!!

                                         

Meghan-I am thinking we became friends Freshman Year- lunch with Jess, Michelle, and Kelly??  Who the heck knows.  All I know is that we have a tendency to be innocent double trouble from time to time and most of the stuff I want to write about isn't appropriate for two elementary teachers! ;) We have remained friends through 4 years of going to different colleges and I am so lucky that I get to see one of my best friends every day at work.  I don't know how I would get through some of my days without you listening to me vent and being one of the most supportive people I know.  Not only to me, but to your students and everyone around you.  That's why you were teacher of the year! ;)

                                              

                                   

Jourdan-I don't even know where to start.  We had some great times in high school but memories from IU, life after IU, and being roommates definitely trump all of that.  First of all, I couldn't have asked for a better roommate.  Being 22, fresh out of college, and buying my first house was a little scary but the fun we had in that 1 short year we lived together are some of the best times of my life thus far.  In my opinion, we have had more fun together in the last 10/11 years then some people have in a lifetime.  As with all my bridesmaids, you have been there through great times and hard but I know I can always count on you.  You have given me some of the best advice, especially when it comes to relationships and I will be forever grateful for that.  You are one of the kindest people I know and a role model when it comes to being a wife and a mother. I am so lucky to call you one of my best friends.

Sarah-do you know how hard it was to find a picture of just the two of us where we don't look like we've had way too much fun, if you know what I mean!? What does that say about us!?  It says that we are a darn good time and have way too much fun when we are together, especially in Bloomington and also our most recent trip to Nashville! ;) I am so glad that you didn't stay in Boston long and that we were able to pick up right where we left off when you moved back to Indy.  I have so much fun with you and you are one of the sweetest, smartest, funniest girls I know.  I am so thankful to have you as one of my best friends.

                                                   

Traci-Can I just copy and paste my maid of honor speech because we all know I'm not going to be able to talk about how much you mean to me without breaking down and crying hysterically.  Deep breath, here we go.  My freshman year, four years of college, would not have been nearly as memorable if it wasn't for you.  I am so glad that you stalked me that first week of college because you quickly became a lifelong friend.  We are sisters, heck we are twins [insert AXiD shout out here]. You leaving me for grad school in Minnesooooota was not my favorite choice of yours, but even with the distance, you remained one of my dearest friends.  Notice I'm not even going to talk about all of the amazing times we had in the dorms, the villas,  on 3 Spring Break trips, hanging with "our boys" (so possessive), watching the notebook together on Valentine's Day, rolling around the formal living room and eating Aver's, being asked to leave various establishments in Broadripple etc. etc. etc.  See what I did there? ;)  We are so fun and I am eternally grateful to have you in my life.  Oh and not to mention that if it wasn't for you and Seth, I wouldn't have met my future husband, crying during a bar crawl, I mean at your wedding.  No big deal!

                                             

Jes(s)- Last but certainly not least.  I have known you the shortest amount of time 9/10 years -ish but I feel like I have known you all my life.  You are my other half (aside from Jeremy of course-whoops!), the Ethel to my Lucy, my roommate during the Summer of Love, even though my parents didn't understand why you always spent the night (this is starting to sound really bad), one half of the 96th/Lantern dining room dream team, and you will forever be my moo.  I could write a book about our fun times, shared love of  Zoey,   Blake, cows, all things haunted, and all the shenanigans we have had but no one would think it was funny or interesting but us. STORY OF OUR LIVES.  We share one mind and even though we "broke up" (sorry, I had to), we are closer than ever.  I am so glad that I transferred to 96th and Lantern, who knew I would have met one of the best friends a girl could ask for.

This blog post has taken more time than anything I have ever written but I think it's my best post to date.  I am so grateful for all of these amazing women that will be standing with me on my special day.  I love you all so much.  I cherish the memories that we have and I look forward to the ones to come.  You all mean the world to me!

Winter Blues

This is IU, my alma mater, and a much prettier picture than my backyard.

One thing I love about living in the Midwest is the the change in seasons.  I am usually not one to even complain about cold, dreary winters.  This year is different.  Don't get me wrong, I love snow.  I love the way it looks, I love the crisp fresh air that comes along with it, I love the occasional 2 hour delay, I love one or two snow days, and I love watching my pup frolic through it.  But mother nature, enough is enough.  I have had it.  With each passing week, we get more snow or subzero temperatures and I'm done.  

For starters, we had an extra week of Winter Break which sounded nice at the time but since December, we have had countless delays and snow days and I am dying to have my routine back.  As a third grade teacher, I know the importance of routine, both for my kiddies and myself.  I don't know what it's like to work a "normal/full week" and I am hating it.  All you non-teachers out there can roll your eyes and make comments about how easy I have it, but until you teach a classroom full of 28 kids, you can't even begin to relate to what I'm talking about.

There are two main reasons why I am stressing about this excessive amount of 2-hour delays/snow days.
1. I teach 3rd grade in Indiana aka the year of the standardized tests.  We have both IREAD and ISTEP coming up and I need full days to help my kids prepare! If you are unfamiliar with these tests, they are high-stakes and unfortunately part of my teacher eval/pay can be affected by the performance of my students. NO PRESSURE.

2. As if you didn't already know, I'm getting married in JUNE.  You would think picking the third weekend in June would give you a nice cushion of time between the end of the school year and your wedding to finalize details, relax, and work on your tan.  Well the polar vortex has up and ruined that plan for me.  For now, we are only going into the 1st week of June with our make up days but it's only February and in Indiana, snow into April is possible.  

I guess I just need to take a deep breath and "cross that bridge when I come to it."  Easier said than done.  And yes, as I type this, I am at home and we had another snow day.  Sigh.

2014: The year we get married!

Happy New Year!  It's 2014 aka the year we are getting married.  I can't believe we have been engaged for 9 months and are getting married in less than 6.  Bridesmaids dresses have been finalized, my dress is ready to be picked up, but I feel like there are 1 million other things that I need to do.  I have been comforted by thinking "I have time" for the last few months but now that it's 2014, that comfort is gone.  Is it too soon to go into wedding panic mode? Perhaps. 

I have been telling myself that I just need to get through the holidays and then I can get back to wedding planning.  Well surprise, the holidays are OVER and I need to get back at it.  First up (and the most fun I think): wedding bands!  Who doesn't love shopping for diamonds?  I am a bit frustrated with the place where my engagement ring was purchased.  You see my ring has a matching band but they don't have a sample.  You better believe that I will not be ordering anything without trying it on first.  The vendor "doesn't have a sample they can send".  Needless to say, I am now looking into other jewelers to find my band.  Suggestions are welcome. 

 I also need to book hair and make up, pick out tuxes, order invitations, book our honeymoon, meet with my florist to make some actual decisions, figure out the menu and the cake, decide on our first dance song, come up with a playlist, etc. etc. etc.  Now that I have written this stuff out, I am officially starting to panic. Deep breath in, let the crazy out. ;) 

On that note, time to get pinning!

Engagement Pictures and Save the Dates

You would think scheduling your engagement pictures for October would be safe weather wise.  Boy was I wrong.  Picture this: hair done, nails done, spray tan, locations scouted, props gathered and then RAIN.  We were all set to go and then it rained, I mean really rained, all. weekend. long.  Luckily, a few weekends later we had perfect weather.  We had so much fun doing our pictures.  We have a fabulous photographer and the three of us had a blast going all over town.  We chose a really pretty brick alley near our house, a gorgeous park, and a striking bridge for our locations.  I also made a save the date frame via pinterest that Jeremy was holding in almost every picture.  It was so funny!  I am so thankful for such a silly, fun loving fiance! I also designed and ordered our save the date cards today.  Another thing to check off the list!  Woo Woo!  A few of my engagement photos...enjoy! :)

Picking a Color Scheme

Let's talk color scheme. I've been going back and forth about this.  Originally I wanted to do navy bridesmaids dresses.  Then when my sister and I went to look around, I fell in love with this royal purple chiffon dress.  After finding my dress, I am back to navy.  Like I've said before, it's funny how the wedding gown can change the entire tone of the wedding.  Because my dress is satin and more formal, I've decided that the purple chiffon dress is out.  It just doesn't go together.  Now I am back to my original plan and I'm excited to have made yet another decision.  For a girl who HATES making decisions, I'm making an awful lot these days.  I've decided that we will do navy for the ladies and gray for the gentleman.  We will also have pops of brighter colors in the flowers and other details.  Now here is the next dilemma I face...what other colors do I want to accent with!? Of course I have yet again turned to Pinterest for help with this one!                    

loving coral

         

these flowers are amazing

                 

So many great ideas and color schemes!  I have also been perusing bridesmaids dresses online.  I've found some that I really like but I think it's time to plan a bridesmaid shopping day so that they can help me.  After all, they have to wear it!! :)  

minus the colorful sash

If anyone is interested in aiding me with all of this decision making, I'm currently accepting applications! ;)  Until next time!

saying yes to the dress

I have got to be the world's worst blogger.  When I jumped on the blogging bandwagon, I was completely motivated to document ever single little detail about wedding planning.  Well people, life happened.  I realized that juggling wedding planning, a full time job that extends the hours of 9 to 5, and writing a blog proved to be quite challenging.  On the other hand, what's life without a little bit of challenge!?  Over the weekend, I was talking to a friend of my sisters about blogging.  She is extremely creative and artsy fartsy and I am thinking she would write exactly the type of blog I love to read.  While I was encouraging her to be a risk taker and just go for it, I realized that I hadn't posted in two months.  All of this talk got me to thinking about why I started this blog in the first place and [somewhat] restored my motivation.  Even if only a few of my closest friends read this, at least I am using it as a creative outlet to document this wonderful part of my life.  As I am constantly reminded, it's going to come and go before I know it. Side note:  In my defense, there are a ton of lulls in wedding planning but I also remembered that I was going to blog about wedding planning and "all the things in between", so I excuses are not acceptable! :)  

Moving on...I said yes to the dress! I found the gown! ...and apparently I watch too many wedding dress shows.  I have got to say, this experience was more work and stress than fun and I am so relieved that it is over.  I went to three different stores, tried on over 30 dresses, and had three completely different experiences.  The first two are not even worth mentioning, so let's recap the appointment in which I found "the dress".  After visiting two stores in Indy, I decided that it was time to look out of state.  There is a great bridal boutique in Dublin, Ohio (Wendy's Bridal) and this is where I had a fabulous experience. 

By appointment #3, I knew exactly what I wanted [or so I thought] from the neckline, to the fabric, to the details on the bodice...I was a pro!  As we were pulling the first 5 dresses or in Mavis' mind the  first 10 (love you mom), I was pulling different variations of the same. exact. style.  The style that I thought I must have, the style that I refused to stray away from...until one little number caught my eye.  I loved EVERYTHING about this dress, besides the fact that it was nothing like what I thought I wanted.  My mom convinced me to pull it and with a quick roll of my eyes, I added it to the rack.  

The first dress I tried on "was the one".  It was exactly what I had envisioned but because it was the first one of the day, I wasn't ready to say that three letter word quite yet.  We tried on a few others that were similar but then just for fun we tried on that one that didn't quite fit my vision.  All I have to say ladies is that mother truly does know best.  I put on that dress that was out of my comfort zone and I instantly fell in love.  For the first time I had truly felt like a bride.  I am a very emotional person, I cry at movies, the occasional commercial, notes from my students, ANYTHING but throughout this experience I learned that I do not cry over material items.  Even though this dress didn't bring tears to my eyes, it made me feel something I had yet to feel and it made this whole thing real.  I am really getting married!!  I completely expected to have an emotional, ugly crying, bridal moment but I will definitely settle for simply feeling like a bride.  Needless to say, what they say is true-you will most likely end up with something you never thought you would and you will truly know when you find "the dress". 

 This dress is so far from what I thought I wanted, it even changed the tone of my wedding.  I had envisioned rustic/country chic and now because of this dress the tone is a little more formal.  This dress is timeless and classic and I am so excited that this part of wedding planning is OVER.  Big props to Mavis for sticking by my side through all of this.  I am so incredibly lucky to have a mom like her and the relationship that we have.  Until next time...

Planning Update

Whoa it has been a hot minute since my last post! I thought I would be better at this whole blogging thing when school was out but ironically, I feel like I have less free time now than during the school year. ANYHOOO, I have also been slacking on my wedding planning but we do have a few of the "big things" booked.  We are getting married on June 21, 2014 aka summer solstice and longest day of the year. Woo Woo! Our ceremony will take place at St. Luke's United Methodist Church here in Indianapolis. This church is gorgeous and I am very happy with our decision.
                        
Our reception will take place at the Marriott North.  After looking at many venues, we decided to go with the Marriott and I am so excited to be working alongside one of my sister's college friends.  I know she is going to be great to work with and she has been so helpful already!  You are the best Biz!! :)

Finally, and this was a no brainer, we have selected our photographer!  We will be using Ms. Jamie Lee, another friend of Aly's.  We are so lucky that she has such awesome and talented friends!!  Jamie took pictures of Aly and I for a Christmas gift for our mom and she did a fab job.  I am so excited to have her do both our engagement and wedding pictures. Check out her work and "like" her Facebook Page!! :) Here are a few that we gave to our momma for Christmas!

     

There is still much to be done but I feel a little more relaxed now that we have some of this stuff and a date locked up.  364 days to go, not that I am counting or anything! ;)

Another class moves on

Another year has come and gone! This year was "the year of change"...new classroom, new grade level, new teammates, new teacher evals, and 3 (yes 3) principals! That is a whole lotta change for a girl that doesn't always handle change the best. To say that this year was challenging would be an understatement. Instead of focusing on all the challenges, I prefer to reflect on the positive. I had an amazing group of kids this year who taught me more than they will ever know. I don't know how I got so lucky but this was truly one of my best classes in my 5 years of teaching. They were so sweet and willing to embrace both change and challenge and for that, they will always hold a special place in my heart. That and the fact that they were my first class of third graders. I must say, I was a little skeptical about teaching third grade but I absolutely love it. They are still young enough to be sweet to their teachers but old enough to work independently when necessary (welllllll most days!). The last day of school is always bittersweet but this year was especially emotional and I think that is because I had to say goodbye to a great group of kiddos.

So cute.

Makes it all worth it!

In other news, this little cutie is happy to have her momma home for the summer!!

It's official!

We set a date! We will be getting married on June 21, 2014.  You do not understand how relieved I am to have our reception venue picked out and our date set.  I've had so much anxiety and stress lately that it's been keeping me up at night.  As soon as we set a date, it subsided for the most part...imagine that!  After spending countless hours doing online research and devoting an entire day to taking tours, we've decided to hold our wedding reception at the Marriott North.  I'm so excited because our wedding coordinator is a close friend of Aly's (sis aka maid of honor), how awesome is that!?  Not to mention our photographer is also a friend of hers. Aly also also went to school for this kinda stuff as well, so hopefully with all of these things combined, my stress will simmer down a bit!  I also know that once school is out I will be able to devote more time to planning which will be awesome.

  11 days!  

Finally, let me introduce you to my new best friend-courtesy of my amazing co-worker!  This thing has e1erything I need to help me plan and keep me organized...LOVE IT!

Thanks Amy! :)

Engagement Beach Party

Whoa! I've been a busy busy girl! A few weeks in and I'm already neglecting my blog...yikes! A few weeks ago one of my best friends (Miss Jenn Rae) hosted our engagement party.  It was a blast!  Everything was pretty hush hush and I basically only knew when to show up but she went all out!  There were some fun surprises! First of all, my parents came which was awesome! My mom may or may not have accidentally let that one slip. ;) When we were walking down to her house (so lucky that we are neighbs), we didn't know who or what to expect.  We walked into a BEACH THEMED PARTY which was perfect since we got engaged on the beach. Her creativity never ceases to amaze me.  She is the ultimate party planner and we had so much fun spending time with friends and family.  I will wrap up the post with pictures because that's the best way to summarize our wonderful night!

  

Will You Marry Me? Centerpiece

How cute are these?!

           

My Bridesmaids and I minus One
Sarah, Jess, Aly, Jenn, Jourdan, Traci, Meghan
We missed you Jes(s) !

   

How I asked them! Thanks Pinterest!!

How awesome are these shirts!?

We are so young!

                                   

Geriatrics ;)

                                     

The hostess!  Thanks for a great night!!