Plans in bloom!

Over the weekend, I stopped by a small floral shop in Greencastle just to get a ballpark idea of what to expect for flower prices. The owner of the shop pulled out a catalog book for me to look through of pictures of bouquets, with price stickers indicating the fortune that they cost. I, being as naive as can be, was only hoping to spend $500 on flowers. Boy was I underestimating the cost of flowers!

I had an appointment this evening with the owner of Roostervane Gardens in Funkstown. I personally prefer doing business with this shop because the work is always beautiful and creative. I immediately sensed a warmth from Denny (the owner) that I hadn't sensed at the other shop. He sat down with me, took meticulous notes of what I wanted. As I was talking about the colors and flowers I was envisioning, he would run downstairs to his shop and bring back flowers for me to look at the fit with the theme I was discussing. In the end, he had a small pile of flowers that represent >those that'll be used in my bouquets and arrangements. I asked him if I could buy the sample flowers from him, and he insisted upon giving them to me instead. My cascading bouquet will be the ivory roses (Eskimo Roses) with freesia and other white/ivory flowers, and ivy. My girls will be carrying bouquets with the flowers found in the picture (Eskimo roses, mango calla lilies, red and orange alstromerias, freesia, pyrnicum berries and other flowers). My flower girls will carry kissing balls of the same flowers. I'm really excited about the colors and the flowers, and my souvenir bouquet that he gave me. I'm not sure how much it's all going to cost yet, but Denny's going to mail us a proposal. For each item, he's going to provide 3 different prices (high, medium, and low). The higher price will be for bigger bouquets and the lower price for smaller bouquets. So, from that list, I'll chose the bouquet sizes that will best fit my budget.




I'm going to look at invitations this weekend, and I'll let you know how that goes!

Love,
Kristin

...And the REALITY sets in.

My FMIL (future Mother in Law) invited me to go along with her to a wedding being held at Antrim Brethren in Christ, the same church where Jason and I will be getting married in 8 months and 29 days. ...but who's counting *wink wink*

I walked into the church, immediately sensing the excitment and anticipation in the air. We walked into the sancutary and the beauty of the moment was very overwhelming. There were candleabras at the end of each pew, and there were large candleabras in the front of the church on the sides of the communion table where the unity candle sits. As we were seated and I began reading over the program, I realized that there is so much left to plan and arrange... and it REALLY stressed me out!

As the music played and the attendants came down the aisle, I caught the look on the groom's face as he smiled at each girl coming down the aisle. I could just picture Jason up there, smiling at my cousins and friends as they were coming down the aisle. And when the triumphant music began and everyone stood as the bride came down the aisle with her father, I admit that I became quite tearful (even though I don't even know the couple). I feel like the most emotional part (and most awesome part) of my wedding day will be my Daddy walking me down the aisle... and that moment when Jason and I see each other for the first time that day. I think I might be a bit emotional once I get to the alter... but I think that once Jason takes my hand, I'll be fine...

Anyways, this whole experience was eye-opening... kind of like looking into a crystal ball and seeing what our day will be like! I'm glad I went along because now I know that there are a few other things that I need to add to my ever-growing list of things to do :)

That's all for now.
kms

Planning Bliss

Well, I tried really hard to temporarily refrain from thinking anything planning-related over the holidays, so that I could just enjoy the holidays and put all of the planning funness off until the new year.

I must say I was pretty sucessful with this notion... However, the new year has finally arrived, and I'm still not really any farther along with my wedding plans. I am actively searching for the perfect invitation at the moment. I've come across everything from super expensive invitations ($800+ for 100 invites!) to eco-friendly handmade invitations... and several in between. There's the kind that you buy and print yourself... or the kind that fold up and don't require envelopes... or the kind that present all of the wedding information in a small portfolio format. Most of my searching until now has been online. I'm somewhat apprehensive about ordering online, though, because I'd much rather see the invitation in person before I order. Does anyone know of vendors around town that may sell/print wedding invitations?

For favors, I came across a really neat idea that I've fallen in love with. It's actually quite the "sweet" idea... hehe. I'm going to buy mini glass jars of honey to give as favors to all of the guests. I'm going to remove the original label and replace it with something that says "Meant to Bee, Kristin & Jason 10/18/08". I love the idea of an edible favor, because I would rather give my guests something that they can take home and ENJOY, not just throw away once they walk in the door.

I've also decided to add another attendant to my bridal party. I've asked my dear friend and confidant Melody to be a bridesmaid, as well. Initially our intention was to keep the wedding party within the family, however it seems silly to me to not include someone who I am so close to. So as of now, our sides are uneven... I have 5 attendants, Jason has 4. But oh well! There are no rules that say it HAS to be even. Melody will also be playing the piano for a few numbers during the ceremony.

The bridesmaids gowns have been selected. The girls will be wearing wine colored chiffon gowns. My maid of honor, Beth, will be wearing a halter-style gown, and the rest of the girls will be wearing a strapless number in the same color. My girls are going to look great!

Jason has decided that he would like Pastor Ken to preach a sermon during the ceremony. Nothing long... maybe 20 minutes at the most. I talked with PK and he said that he has done this in the past by "tastefully interlacing" the message throughout the ceremony. I'm so glad that Jason is giving me his input for the wedding. It's going to be such a special day for us! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!

Well... Operation Wedding Weight is in full swing and I've lost 6 pounds! 24 more to go until I reach my goal. WOOHOO!

I believe that's all for now. I'll keep everyone posted as I make more planning progress!!! :)

Love & Hugs
kms