It's All About Us!

                                          image source

The main focus of your wedding day is, of course, your brand new marriage. Yes, we're celebrating a union of two families. But where would that union be without the happy couple?

Because we want your marriage to be the focus, we want the guests to be able to see as much of your personality and style as possible. You can do this is every single aspect of the wedding: colors, music, theme. It's all about you!

Take our wedding for example...

My bridesmaids are wearing mismatched dresses. Do people think I'm crazy? Yes. Do I care? No.

Our ceremony music is from the Forrest Gump score (our favorite movie). You won't hear any Canon in D at this girl's wedding.

Our groomsmen aren't even wearing jackets. Calm down...

There are tons of ways we choose to reflect our laid back, carefree personalities. And there are a million ways you can make this day all about you. So, make sure your family is aware that their choices could get a big fat veto from the bride and groom.

(Don't worry! We're going to talk about keeping family involved in future posts! Stay tuned...)

Take a look at these unique weddings! Full of personality, no?

10 Unique Wedding Themes

Let's Go Camping

Where The Wild Things Are (shot by my wedding photographer!)

Blushing Budget

image credit

That's right, people. We're getting it out of the way. Rich or poor, shoppaholic or cheapskate, no one likes to talk about money. So the number one way to have a positive planning experience is to build a  budget.

You may have family members try to avoid it by saying "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Don't listen. You'll end up falling off the bridge and drowning in your DIY wedding punch.  Just follow these simple steps to create the perfect budget for your perfect wedding.

1. Prioritize: Make a list of all the things you want for your big day and organize them into three categories:
     A. Basics: Must haves for every wedding. Food, flowers, ceremony site, etc.
     B. Details: These can be anything from just a few candles to chandeliers hanging over every table.
     C. Splurges: This special category is for that little girl inside you that dreamed of having your reception at the Taj Mahal. It may take a little bit of savings and fairy dust but you can't live without it.

2. Delegate: Assign parts of the budget to the groom's and bride's family. It doesn't have to be perfectly equal, it just needs to make sure everyone feels involved and comfortable. You can go the traditional route or customize it to fit your needs.

3. Start saving: Even if you aren't responsible for a single penny of the budget it's always a good idea to have a backup plan.

4. Be realistic: Don't ask too much of your family. Odds are they are even more stressed than you. If you know something is out of their price range, discuss it first or find a budget friendly alternative.

5. Stick to the plan: Set a certain spending amount for each item and try not to stray from it.

6. Do your research: Talk with other brides and research different vendors so you can get a basic idea of pricing for each service.

There you have it! My short, simple list for a reasonable budget!

And while you're in the mood...

Who Traditionally Pays For What At A Wedding?

Wedding Budget Worksheet

Budget Tool and Payment Schedule

31 Days: Blushing Bride

I've been a fan of the 31 Day series for quite a while. So I've finally decided to join in on the fun.

The challenge has come at a perfect time: I'm getting married this week!

I'll be posting wedding day tips, newlywed advice, and documenting the first month of our marriage. My goal is reflect and grow in my new role as I transition from bride to wife.

So here we go...

Day 1: BLUSHING BUDGET
Day 2: IT'S ALL ABOUT US
Day 3: CHOOSING YOUR GOWN
Day 4: WEDDING BINDER
Day 5: WEDDING DAY ITINERARY
Day 6: KEEP YOUR FIANCE INVOLVED
Day 7: PRE-CEREMONY SNACKS
Day 8: BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Day 9: GUESTBOOK ALTERNATIVES

Friday Favorites

Okay, people! In an effort to be less doom and gloom, I've decided to jump on board the Friday Favorites train.  I've gathered links to some of my favorite things I've found floating around the internet this week.

My crock pot is my new best friend and these yummy tacos are becoming a regular on our menu.

This style blog inspired me to evaluate all the things hanging in my closet. She's so sensible and down to earth. You're going to love her.

All women know what it means to NEED something sweet. These truffle and drink pairings look like the perfect dainty snack.

I spent many years driving over and living on Red Mountain and this shirt makes me incredibly homesick.

I love finding new blogs! And this blogger developed a fabulous challenge called Simple Focus that I've been gradually implementing into my routine.

That's it for now, folks. Happy reading and TGIF!

Like Rain

We all go through tough times in our lives. Every time we always imagine it to be the WORST thing we've ever been through, or the worst anyone's ever been through for that matter.

The funny thing is... I don't remember a lot of those "tough times." Sure, I remember tragedies and unexpected heartbreak, but many of the things I thought would never get better have quickly become things that never existed.

In 12 days I will have the unimaginable pleasure of calling my best friend my husband. We're standing at an insanely happy and insanely difficult point in our life together. A very happy marriage and a very unstable future. We're running out of time for things to fall into place and we're terrified.

In the midst of terror, He showed up. He showed himself in the form of a woman named Shelley.

We decided to renew our lease today regardless of our financial uncertainty. When we casually mentioned our wedding, Shelley replied "Let's see if we can give you a wedding present."

Guys, we walked away with a monthly payment $20 less than expected AND $500 off October's rent.

Reawakening

I've missed this little place. I've missed writing (to no one). I've missed blogging. The past year has been a rollercoaster. Ups and downs like nothing I have ever experienced. Shortly after leaving MT behind, I was hired as a music teacher and we picked up our little lives and left our precious city. It was everything I ever/never wanted it to be. We were closer to dear friends, left others, found our perfect apartment, and left the one we never knew we loved.

As far as my career, it is off to a rough/nonexistent start. After one year, I, along with four other new employees, was surprised with a letter stating the board's decision NOT to renew my contract.

This summer has been the most relaxing yet stressful few months of my life. After a million tears, a hundred applications, and a handful of interviews, we're still waiting and hoping for things to fall into place.

Today, on the last day of summer, we say goodbye to the things we cannot change and hello to fall and new beginnings.

Moving On.

The only word I can imagine to accurately describe the past month would be FUNK. I'm definitely in one. I feel like I need to just sleep for days and wake up a completely different person. For the most part, I can keep most of my feelings inside, but the consequences are definitely showing. I'm gaining weight. I'm tired. I'm irritable. I'm lazy. 

My self-consciousness has totally consumed my life. So, it's time to say goodbye for now. Time to create something new and different. We need a happy place.

Join me, won't you? 

Goals, Doubts, and Realities.