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Wedding Wednesday

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

We are in the double digits.  No more of the ol' "we have ____ months until the wedding."  Oh no, we're under 100 days.  And when you're under 100 days, time flies faster than it has been previously and you get to say, "we have 94 days until the wedding" instead.  I can't wait.

I also have to take a moment and marvel in the fact that planning this wedding has been one of the easiest and smoothest experiences of my life.  I also have to marvel that it's taking place 5 hours away from where Nick and I live, 7 hours away from where my parents live, and 5 hours away from where Nick's family lives.  Not to mention we will be hosting anywhere from 250-300 guests at said out-of-town location.

While this might have peoples heads spinning, I have to say, we made two decisions in regards to our wedding that I think really contributed to the excitement and smooth processes we've experienced as we countdown.  

For one, we have had an average to long engagement.  It wasn't a 5 month or 5 year wait, but we will have been engaged for 1 year and 5 months by the time all is said and done.  This has allowed a lot of ideas to develop fully, avoided a lot of decisions from being made rashly, and a lot of fees to be paid off ahead of time.  It has also allowed us the privilege of having more wants covered, as we've had more time to save, budget, research, and gather along the way.  No one feels "under the gun" and in need of a stiff drink daily {although stiff drinks are always welcomed}, and no one has fought or "exploded" as result to jitters and stress.

The second decision we made has me eternally thankful and grateful - we decided to get married in a small town in Pennsylvania where my dad grew up, just 30 minutes from where my mother grew up.  Backstory - I am a "military brat."  When people ask me where "home" is, I don't really have an answer for them...  I was born in Florida, lived in VA for a majority of my life {but in different cities no longer than 3-4 years at a time}, and always went back to PA for family visits and holidays.  It was only natural, then, that "home" be considered where family is...  and a majority of mine {immediate excluded} is in PA.  Nick was gracious enough to understand the need for me to have a wedding local to my extended relatives as I am fortunate enough to have 3 sets of living grandparents as well as one great grandmother who has enough spunk in her still to outlive us all.  So although the town isn't fancy, flashy, or connected to us as a couple, it's home to me.  This makes it the perfect place to commit my life to my best friend.  

Because we made the decision to get married in a small town {where everyone knows everyone, we have had the luxury of sitting back and relaxing while out of town, and getting massive things checked off the to-do list when in town.  There's nothing quite like the love and generosity that's met with a small knit community.  In this town people open up their shops early, trust freely, and put quality into their product.  We have met with 2 different vendors who changed their schedules to accommodate to us, and each that we have met with not only offers reasonable prices, but delivers both quality product and amazing customer service.  Going above and beyond with suggestions, ideas, and accommodations is not necessary, but to the people we are working with, it's just how it is.  

I have to also say, having a supportive family comes above all else in the wedding planning process.  I cannot imagine not having my parents and Nick's parents involved in the decision making process, and although we don't always tend to agree on opinions, it is always refreshing to hear ideas and perspectives that aren't our own.  There is communication among all parties {something absolutely vital in the planning process}, but there is also respect for certain wishes to be met and certain ideas to be brought to life.  I honestly think it will be the most magical day and cannot imagine how beautiful and perfect everything really will be.

In the meantime, we still have a laundry list of things to accomplish until the big day, but I have no intentions of stressing or worrying in the process.  All will be fine, and this bride-to-be will continue to be nonchalant and keep her cool during this exciting time {that is, unless the tuxedo lady puts Nick in an ivory shirt instead of a crisp white one...  but that's a different story for a different day}

Wedding to-dos still left undone:

Pick out tuxedos
Get Nick measured
Wedding dress fitting #1
Wedding dress fitting #2
Bridal portrait
Final dress fitting 
Pick out flower girl dresses
Purchase ring bearer tuxedo
Order wedding invitations
Address wedding invitations (...almost there!)
Send wedding invitations
Figure out a cake situation
Figure out a card "box" option
Finish making/order guestbook 
Make hangars for gowns
Meet with cousin about hair style ideas/options
Purchase wedding shoes
Wedding jewelry
Order bridesmaid's treats
Sign contracts with our photographer
Finalize payments with all vendors
Finalize numbers, selections, etc. with vendors
Send band music list
Pick out ceremony music
Pick out ceremony readings 
Have Nick's students fold favor boxes
Book honeymoon 

Book flights
REGISTER!!!
Figure out guest list/locale for bachelorette party
Determine available weekend(s) for bridal shower #2 for Nick's side of the family
Begin addressing thank-you envelopes
Purchase postage for invitations
Meet with local priest & wedding priest 1 more time
Apply for wedding license
Organize guest baskets
Assign guests to tables
Print table numbers
Create programs
Print Programs
Order cake topper
Order card box
Make table assignment/name tag display
Assign duties for wedding day set up/decor/gift transport/etc.Begin to create wedding day itinerary 
and
and 
and
...

More wedding fun to come!
Thanks for sticking with me :)



Photo Credit: Blythe K Photography

Linking up here

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7 comments:

Kait said...

YAY YAY YAY Wedding updates are so much fun! I've loved being along for the ride :)

Simply Evani said...

I love finding other bloggers in the wedding planning process! :) My fiance are on the beginning end of a long engagement and I seriously don't even understand how people get married in less than a year. Good luck with your to-dos, you've already done and decided so much!

Anonymous said...

Yay!! Oh good I am not the only one who had/has a average to long engagement. We will be engaged for 1 year and 4 months by the time out wedding comes around. Yay I love Wedding Updates!

Sheila said...

Aww congrats on your upcoming wedding! It is a very exciting time but def remember to take it all in and breath. :)

Found you via Shanna's linkup!

xo – Sheila
www.sheislovelyblog.com
Find me on BlogLovin!

Sarah said...

YAY you are getting closer!!

I get married in 52 days and it is hard to fathom how quickly and how slowly it is coming....

the to-do list feels sooo long and yet seems to be getting shorter by the day which is great!

Because Shanna Said So said...

Wahooooo!!! I am so excited for your guys and so glad that everything has gone so smoothly. Mot many brides can say that!! I cannot wait to see all the pictures!! You are going be a fairy princess!! 94 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#mommylife said...

so many things crossed off! whoo hoo can't wait!

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