Filed under: All About Me
Proposal stories are my favorite. Maybe it’s because the delivery is always set up for a happy ending. Maybe it’s because every day after feels like Christmas Eve until the big day comes. Or maybe it’s simply because I’m a hope*ful romantic who will always believe in happily ever after… Idk.
But what I do know is, if this guy’s setting the standard… I feel sorry for all you dudes out there who have to go after. Click below. You’ll see what I mean :)
Click Image to watch YouTube Video :)
June 9, 2011
Anna and her Papa making their way to the groom!
First and foremost, I’d like to thank all of you that sent nice weather vibes to Osgood, Indiana last weekend… because even though the rain eventually came, it was well after the outdoor ceremony concluded and the bride was properly covered :)
Secondly, can I just say what a BLASTIN’ good I had celebrating my girlfriend’s wedding!? There were sooo many cute things they did with the ceremony, which I would encourage all my brides-to-be to at least take a gander at:
- The wedding was outdoors and incorporated all Anna’s (the bride’s) nieces and nephews. Ranging in ages from little to little-er, Anna and her now hubs set up blankets on the grass in the front for all the little ones to lounge during the ceremony. They also equipped them with candy; so, the level of satisfaction was at an all time high.
- Also, during the Sand Candle Ceremony, Anna and Brian (the groom) both had previously given the pastor a list of items they thought the sand represented from the other one. So, when they were pouring their vases into the center vase, the pastor read off all the wonderful qualities each found in each other. Sooo sweet!
- Another uber sweet thing the ceremony brought about was talking about the four family sides that would be joined at the marriage of Anna and Brian: Anna’s mom and dad’s family and Brian’s maternal and paternal sides. Taking the ceremony reigns again, Anna and Brian stated their favorite qualities of each side and how they could only hope to emulate each. Of course, this was a tear jerkin’ fave for the crowd.
- To keep the country fun rolling, dinner was served as a delicious buffet style meal — fixed with all grandma’s favorites!! Including (buts obvs not limited to): fried chicken, country buttered rolls, potato and pasta salad, crisp greens, smashed potatoes and gravy and all the mouth watering trimmings you can imagine. For serious, my mouth is watering right now just thinking about it.
- Of course, after all the swing like thunder dancing, refreshments were also served later in the evening, as well. They had hot dogs, topped with every street vending condiment known to man and Anna’s favorite, bags of buttery popcorn. de.lish.ous.
It was a beautiful day filled with beautiful people and even more beautiful memories. Check out below to see what I mean… here are some of the shots I captured :)
The b.e.a.uuuutiful flowers surrounding the nuptial arch :)
The gorrrrrgeous bridesmaids wore robin's egg blue and carried bouquets of pink! Love.Love.Love.
The bride, escorted by her Papa, near the end of the journey -- as the BEAMING groom's madre (far left) watches sweetly for his reaction. One of the best moments!
Delilah, the flower girl extraordinaire, "patiently" waiting for Anna's arrival down the aisle with her color coordinated sucker :)
FINALLY made it! Just shut up with the awesomeness of Anna's dress... straight diva.
Boys will be boys -- more concerned with their candy than the ceremony, hehe :)
The entire bridal party getting their wedding on! Back-dropped by the stunning grounds of Anna's parent's Osgood home.
While his hat did make it back on, this little ring bearer still found his time better spent digging into a new sucker flavor than the ceremony details. So stinkin' cute!
Conversations took a turn to the serious :)
Saying the vows...
Hugging the 'rents...
Still eating the candy :)
Congrats again to Anna and Brian! It was a wonderful day and hopefully a sign of even more wonderful days ahead! Love love love to you both and cheers to many, MANY years of happiness!
May 31, 2011
I go to A LOT of weddings. It’s kind of my thing. I’m guessing it has something to do with either my killer good looks or mayhaps my insatiable appetite to “move it! move it!” Either way, I love it.
So, it’s no surprise that this weekend, I’ll be venturing out to get my groove on at yet another “I do” destination celebration. This time, the setting is none other than good ‘ole Osgood, Indiana. Don’t know where Osgood is? Well, you wouldn’t be the first; so, no worries there. Just know that it is part of Southern Indiana’s FINEST, and I couldn’t be more pumped to party it up there!
The wedding will take place this Saturday evening, May 21st and is in celebration of the beautiful Ms. Anna Comer (one of my famed and former college roomies) and her beau-to-be, Sir Brian Lane.
You may be thinking to yourself, “Self, what does any of this have to do with me?”
Well, ladies, I’m so glad you asked. Because as of 1:59pm this afternoon, this was the weather forecast for Osgood:
Eeesh. I know. I know. Not pretty, right? Especially when you consider they’re getting married… outdoors (dun dun dun!!)… in her parent’s backyard (dun! dun! dun!)… with nowhere to run from the rain! Ahh!
So, you see ladies, this is where you come in. We need lots of sunny and warm wishes sent her way! Because A) I love her, B) she’s awesome C) my hair really doesn’t hold up well in hurricanes and D) every bride deserves the best! Thanks to all and cheers to many, MANY years of wedded bliss :)
May 19, 2011
courtesy of Jessika Feltz Photography
It’s funny, but I’m not much of a jewelry gal. I know, I know. Feel free to gasp and guffaw accordingly :) Even though all my girlfriends tell me it’s un-female to not love any and all trinkets that dazzle, I’ve always argued that I sparkle enough :)
However, all this played a role into the whole engagement process. My dear, sweet husband wanted to surprise me but had no idea what my ring finger size was, and sorry to report, I didn’t have a clue either. Thus the process for “finding the perfect fit” began.
Of course, every girl will be different – not only in size – but also in comfort. Some girls like the tight, almost-too-snug fit because it gives them a greater sense of security. Others, prefer it a little looser because the “spin factor” helps remind them it’s there. Still others are concerned with climate. If they’re in a hot, humid area where fingers can swell up like sausages, they may be more mindful and bump up their size .25″ or so… whereas ladies-in-waiting living in the artic may size down a bit to ensure the rock stays put when snow’s flying… but alas, as always, the choice it up to you.
So, for all you ladies out there looking to find your perfect fit, the World Wide Web offers are several ways to go about it:
- For instance, there is the String Test. This is where you cut a small piece of string, wrap it around your finger, measure it accordingly and compare with jewelry store measurements.
- Also, there is the Paper Test. Several online dealers will have versions of this for you to use. They simply provide a perforated guide that you can cut out, wrap around your finger and see where you land. You can even try using Google Images; just be sure the scaled measurements are accurate when printed.
- Finally, there is the “Secret” Test. Again, if you look online, most retail jewelry stores will have a ring scale you can use for accuracy. This is where you align a ring which you want to mimic the fit of on top of a chart to see which size will fit best. This is the one guys can use “behind the backs” of their ladies when purchasing a ring so she won’t know about; hence, why it’s the “secret” test. :) Of course, please, please, please note, this is the one my Mister tried – tried being the operative word - for me. Unfortunately, he chose a ring from my childhood (yes, CHILDhood) that would’ve been perfect… if this were the 16th century and I was betrothed at the ripe old age of eight, haha. So, make sure if your man is one who would do this, that you leave out only appropriate sized rings :)
Click here for a free PDF from Zales.com that has all three versions readily available.
Now, while it’s always best to get a feel for the ring fit yourself, there are many obvious reasons why this can’t always happen. So, if your actual ring can’t be there for you, BlueNile.com offers a Free Ring Sizer that will deliver plastic ring sizer to your house within 5-7 business days of your request. SUPER handy for the girlfriend DYING to get engaged who’s looking to drop some hints or just a girl looking to buy herself some bling ;)
May 5, 2011
photo courtesy of hubpages.com
In lieu that today is St. Patrick’s Day (happy St. Patty’s Splat, friends!) and I am oh so proud of my *Erin Go Bragh* heritage, I would like to pass on one of my favorite blessings to all my brides out there – past, present and future. May you all be filled with lots of love and luck today, tomorrow and always.
An Old Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
& until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Oh! And may you all your March Madness Brackets be victorious :) Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh — that’s Happy St. Patrick’s Day in Irish… see, this blog isn’t just about fun… we’re about education too! Hehe :)
March 17, 2011
In lieu of reports from the Washington Post that Prince William is suspected to wear a “custom-made, ceremonial military uniform, as his father Prince Charles did when he wed Lady Diana Spencer in 1981,” I can’t help but <sigh> at the sheer thought of it.
Like any other, red blooded, American woman, it’s no surprise that I find the notion of a groom in uniform, especially a Royal one, finger-licking lovely. (I ask in advance that you forgive any offense or vulgarity that may slip through my lips and into my keyboard, because ladies, I simply can’t help myself… Also, Tanner, I love you – hehe!)
For serious, is there anything more attractive than a man in uniform? I think not. I don’t care if a sport’s jersey, striped socks, fire proof pants or policeman pleats; there is just something about a man in uniform that easily turns this refined, young lady into this howling character…
photo courtesy of dir.yahoo.com
Oy vey.
But alas, I digress. Because while a slick uniform can turn any male up from a 6 to a 10, there is no kind of uniform that does this quite as well as the military. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard… you name it; I love it. So, even though Veteran’s Day has already come and gone, I would still like to salute all the military grooms and the lucky photographers who got to capture ‘em on film :)
photos courtesy of artfuljoy.com
photo courtesy of unitedwithlove.com
photo courtesy of atlasweddingphotography.com
photos courtesy of jessicafreyphotographyblog.com
photo courtesy of davidettinger.photoshelter.com
photo courtesy of lanierstar.com
photo courtesy of allantuan.info
photos courtesy of catiesphotography.com
photo courtesy of swuchererphotography.blogspot.com
photo courtesy of marinecorpstimes.com
February 4, 2011
My unmistakable friend, Kimmi, on her wedding day! (photos courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
This past weekend, the Mister and I had the distinct privilege of witnessing one of my favorite people in the whole world say ”I do” to the man of her dreams, and if it’s alright with all of you, I’d like to share their fairytale now…
I first met my dear friend, Kimberly Marie Kessel (now Mrs. Witchger!), freshman year of college during our four year stint at the greatest place on earth… IU Bloomington (siiiiighhhh). And after nearly nine years of friendship, I can honestly say, she was and still is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever been granted on my journey.
An endearingly quirky and sincerely loyal friend to the core, Kimmi has been my greatest teacher in the meaning of unconditional friendship. She has an innate way of making everyone around her feel appreciated and needed without the lull of motive or expectation. Her giving nature knows no limits, and her selfless demeanor and unbound caring, have provided some of my life’s truest blessings.
There wasn’t a single other person on the planet that I would’ve rather spent my “No Class Fridays” with – be it on a hung-over trip to the Wendy’s drive thru, an inevitably regretful trip to the tanning bed or a simple trip to our living room couches to watch Lifetime Movies (yeah, I said it) and anxiously await the return of our other roommates from class.
Kimmi’s the kind of girl everyone could use in their life, which is why I couldn’t have been happier when I first met her match, Billiam (pronounced Bill-lum because Kimmi already had a William and Liam in her life – haha!). It was two Halloweens ago, and if seeing them paired as Harry and Lloyd from Dumb & Dumber didn’t scream “meant to be,” I don’t know what could! **That would be them on the outside, surrounding Kim’s sister, brother-in-law and nephew. (story cont’d below)
hahahaha!
Now, my dear Kimmi has always been a creature of habit and doesn’t necessarily stray far from her comfort zone or unorthodox guidelines created, written and followed by hers truly. While some may regard the reckless abandonment of proper etiquette and rules as discomforting, I should make it perfectly clear, Kimmi and her infectious personality are the ideal exceptions that prove this very rule… she’s simply too lovable to be considered anything less. So, you can imagine all our surprise – after Billiam had been sent half way across the world to start a branch of his company in the South of China – that Kimmi was still willing to give it a go.
We all knew after Billiam popped the Q, that there was a possibility for her to move; so, as time neared their December 18th wedding, the writing became clearer and clearer and was even spotlighted during the traditional Father of the Bride speech. Mike Kessel – the ahhhmazing papa of Kimmi – laid claim to the fact that his family of four – he, his wife, Sandi and their two daughters, Dani and Kimmi – were pioneers.
While they had family all across the US, they were the first four to venture into Indiana, which transitioned beautifully into the news that Kimmi and Billiam would be using the same pioneering skills for their move to South China… China… I just keep saying it, but it still seems unreal that our little Kimmi will be 7,200 miles away!!
I mean, heck, this is the girl who would never let us say “goodbye,” because she didn’t like the permanent tone of it. Instead, we had to replace all of our goodbyes with “just one second please’s;” as to soften the blow of the time we’d spend apart. And now that our darling girl has married her Prince Charming, we’ll be provided with our lengthiest “just one second please” ever! But funnily enough, I’m not worried in the least, because after seeing the two of them grow in love, there’s not a shadow of doubt in my mind that Kimmi and Billiam would be the best, most lovesick pioneers for journeying so far away!
Their day was marked by epic moments of firework displays, confetti explosions, influential nods to their Asian Sensation future, regally assembled peacock accents and an insanely popular photo booth (propped by me!), and if it’s any premise to their future, we can all look forward to a truly beautiful love story! See what I mean… how freakin’ cute are those killer kimono bridesmaid gifts?? (story cont’d below)
All the pretty ladies getting ready! (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Getting ready for their official entrance as Mr. & Mrs.! (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Caught in the act heading up the elevator! (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Such a happy couple - makes me smile! (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Confetti explosion during the First Dance - GARG! (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Warmed up with love! (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Ha! Cutest! (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Photo booths are genius :) (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Good luck to the wonderful Witchgers! May your journey be filled with more smiles, few tears and all the love and happiness you can handle! Billiam, I know there’s no man who could possibly love our Kimmi better than you, and as Dani – Kimmi’s sister and Maid of Honor – said when she ended her toast:
As you sit side by side through the roller coaster of life, remember to scream at the peaks, hold hands through the dips, laugh through the loops and enjoy every twist and turn… We love you, and cheers to many, MANY years of happiness :)
December 22, 2010
Because everyone deserves their own Christmas miracle…
photo courtesy of mywedding.com
It’s time for all of us to put that infectious holiday spirit to work, ladies and gents in hopes that Christmas comes early for one Floridian family! When my Google Alert for “wedding news” fed me this story from NorthEscambia.com, I couldn’t help but feel the all too familiar twinge of sympathetic fear run down my spine.
Kari Doyle, a Floridian wife and mother of two, went out Christmas tree shopping this past Saturday with her two daughters, Emma 4 and Olivia 2, at the local Home Depot off Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. Much to her dismay, the joy of picking out their family tree was quickly replaced by gut wrenching panic when she looked down at her hand and realized her wedding ring was gone!
I feel comfortable using terms like “gut wrenching panic” because unfortunately, this nightmare was my reality this time last year. Not even 24 hours after the Mister and I said “I do,” we were transporting gifts back to our home from my parents, when all of a sudden, I looked down at my hand and painstakingly realized <GULP> my wedding ring was gone!!
To this day, that sinking feeling still remains, and as if reading from the pages of a classic novel, I can still remember the exact text that played through my head…
Where did I drop it? Was it outside? Inside? When was the last time I had it? Here? At my parents? In the car? Did it fall off because it was cold? I knew I should’ve worn gloves! How could I have been so careless? How did I not notice? Good grief… what am I gonna tell Tanner? (Eyes widen even further) What will he say? Is this a sign? Ugh. It could be anywhere? Where do I even begin…
Believe me, this is not a good feeling. So, my hope is… that if enough people read this and enough of us hope for it… Kari Doyle will know the joy that sooooo humbly graced me when my Mister – Sir Tanner, lord protector of wedding bands and finder of all things sacred – hollered, “FOUND IT!!!” from underneath our Christmas tree!!! Haha! That’s right… somehow my ring slid off my finger, miraculously found it’s way underneath our Christmas tree and back onto my finger again!
That was my Christmas miracle; so, Kari, here’s to yours…
***sending holiday spirit, cheer, love and prayers***
Let’s hope you get yours too!
NortheEscambia.com reports: A reward is being offered for the return of Kari Doyle’s wedding rings. If you find the rings, call (850) 572-8817.
December 6, 2010
It’s so simple and so true, and even though John Lennon and Paul McCartney originally wrote and performed the song, it was Joe Cocker – and his unforgettably raspy voice – that captivated so many more with its brilliance…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQYDvQ1HH-E]
Because Lord knows “With A Little Help From My Friends,” I have been able to accomplish great things, and with a little help from their friends, brides the world over have been able to accomplish the same. For it is the love of a bridesmaid that truly displays the most exemplary, self-giving form of friendship… and that, my dear friends, can’t be substituted, exchanged or refunded for anything else.
Recently, I received a card in the mail, and because giving and receiving personal stationery is one of my life’s simplest pleasures, I ripped into it with great excitement… which only turned into greater excitement when I saw what the card contained.
Inside the hand addressed envelope was a very well executed card which had Kimmi, my beautiful cousin’s, signature style written all over it. (You may remember Kim from the previous post All Because Two People Fell in Love: The Engagement of Ms. Kimberly Lynn.) My amazing cousin had taken her time and “with a little help” from her Mac created a fabulous card, covered externally with pictures of her and I and the date “October 15, 2011″ and internally with photo ops of her and her love and a hand written note - first asking me to be a bridesmaid; then, giving her explanation of why it would mean so much.
The card was simple and understated – just like my amazing cousin, and it was the perfect way for her to ask. It absolutely made my day, and because we’ll be spending the next year making sure it’s her day, I’m even more excited that she took the time to do something original.
Of course I said YES – duh! and can’t even wait to be a part of her (no doubt!) unbelievable day!
Here is her brilliant creation:
Outside of Kimmi's card :)
And for more “Will You Be My Bridesmaid?” gifts and ideas, be sure to check out our collection of goodies…
October 25, 2010
Many things in this world tug at my heart strings… babies laughing, a friend crying, a person eating alone, my parent’s house at Christmas, hearing my two year old nephew say, “I love you, Aunt Mary,” watching The Notebook, reading The Notebook, puppies, wedding vows, etc. I mean this list could go on and on, but nothing – and I mean NOTHING! – could possibly tug at my heart strings harder than two old people in love. (Siiighhhh)
There’s just something about an elderly couple, late-in-their-years-but-young-in-their-love, holding hands while walking down a street or through a mall or leaving church after Sunday service that makes my heart melt into pieces. Seriously, is there anything cuter than this…
photo courtesy of debidrecksler.blogspot.com
OR this…
photo courtesy of eternallymine.wordpress.com
OR this…
photo courtesy of thedatingpapers.com
I rest my case :)
Partly because of all the history their hands have together; partly because of the old school rules they use to love each other, and partly because I will never forget how my Grandpa Kennedy’s voice cracks every time he calls Grandma the “love of my life,” but regardless of what the overlying reason is… one thing is for certain, couples married 50+ years sure could teach all us soon-to-be/newly-weds a thing or two about love.
Because isn’t that the end goal we all want for ourselves when planning our wedding day? To grow old with the person we say “I do” to, rocking on a porch swing, drinking chocolate milk? At least that’s what I like to think every couple wants, which is exactly why when I came across this story on Tbo.com, I knew I had to share it.
Married for 62 years, Tampa residents, Cesario and Lucy Corrales knew what it took to make a marriage work. After years of living and working in the same town, getting married, settling down, having children and growing older and wiser together, Cesario and Lucy never lost the love they had for one another.
“They were married 62 years, and they could not be without each other,” said daughter Lisa San Martin. “He was her right hand. She was his right hand.” (Tbo.com)
And while lots of people use the sentiment “can’t live without you” as a means to personify their love for another, the Corrales lived it. Shortly after celebrating her anniversary to her husband on September 5, Lucy Corrales, 82, suffered a heart attack and died three days later at Tampa General Hospital.
Upon hearing the news, San Martin recounts her father’s reaction:
At first he just shook his head, almost in disbelief. Then, he broke down. ‘I should have gone first,’ he told her. (San Martin, Tbo.com)
<Gulp, swallowing back the tears>
And while Cesario didn’t go first, he certainly didn’t wait long to find his love again. Because 43 hours after she passed, Cesario Corrales, 87, suffering from a broken heart, died at the same hospital just a couple floors away from where he last held his sweetheart’s hand.
The funeral home that handled the arrangements collected Lucy and Cesario Corrales from the hospital. “They arrived together,” San Martin said. “And they left together.” (Tbo.com)
… Seriously, cutest :) Rest in peace, love birds, and cheers to all the years of happiness!
Lucy and Cesario on their wedding day, September 5, 1948 (photo courtesy of Tbo.com)
September 15, 2010
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