Today is 31 days from The Big Day. I'm feeling pretty good about having a handle on the details.
I have a dress, shoes, veil, and underpinnings. The flowers are done, and the fresh flowers have been ordered. We have transportation, a photographer, music, food, and beer. Oh, and cake - yummy.
Tuxes are being ordered, attendant gifts have been purchased, and I got Craig the coolest wedding gift, but you'll have to wait to find out what that is.
Invitations have been sent and RSVP cards are being received. The table assignments are underway.
My bachelorette party was last weekend, and Craig is having his bachelor party this weekend. My bridal shower is Saturday.
We have the rehearsal dinner planned, and an officiant to officiate. We have the ceremony and the readings prepared.
I'm making my programs and menu cards in a couple of weeks. Hair and makeup appointments have been scheduled.
The honeymoon reservations are confirmed.
What did I forget?
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Meet The Maid Of Honor - Heather Sievers
The counter says 31 days until the wedding. I have three bridesmaids to introduce. Let’s get to it, shall we?
Heather Sievers is my Maid of Honor. (If you’re wondering why she’s listed last, it’s because I did these alphabetically).
We have been friends for over nine years. We met while we were working at the same law firm. We also used to smoke, so we found ourselves taking a smoke break around the same times. When I first met her I thought she was really funny and looked like someone I’d want to hang out with outside work. After a few weeks of conversations at work, we made plans to go out on a Saturday night. Our friendship took off from there.
We used to take girl trips once a year. Our first trip was to Memphis, where her hair was attacked by a goat. We were sitting on a patio at a bar that had live goats behind a tall fence. The goats came up and starting nudging her arm through the bars. One of the other patrons said if we gave it beer it would leave us alone. She gave it some of the beer left in her cup, and it went away. However, a few minutes later the goat grabbed a hunk of her hair and started yanking her head against the fence, looking for more beer. I recently discovered that the bar no longer has the goats, so I immediately called her and told her we could finally go back without fear of being snatched bald. She’s still pretty mad at that goat.
Another trip was to Gatlinburg. When we picked up the keys to our cabin, there was a large sign that warned people that there were bears in the woods and not to leave food scraps in the woods or trash cans. We read it but didn’t think much of it.
Later that evening we decided to put on our swimsuits and enjoy the hot tub on the back deck. Heather prepared a lovely platter of cheese, crackers, sausage and a large bunch of green grapes. Holding the platter carefully, she stepped into the hot tub. I was applauding her grace when she missed the bottom step and dropped the whole plate into the tub. We managed to salvage the cheese and sausage and most of the grapes before they stayed too long in the water, but the crackers were a total loss.
As we moved around the tub, we’d find random grapes on the bottom of the tub, so we’d fish them out and throw them out into the woods.
The next morning we heard noises on the roof and deck. Heather was convinced it was a bear that was eating the grapes, and sent me out to investigate. It turned out to be acorns falling off the trees, but in the daylight I found more grapes in the hot tub. We also discovered that the crackers didn’t fully disintegrate but managed to coat our swimsuits with crumbs. To this day, we can’t eat crackers and cheese without laughing.
Heather has recently found true love, and also just had a daughter, Isabella. The irony is that she is engaged to Maddy’s godfather, and Heather is Maddy’s godmother. Maddy was so excited when she found out that they were together. Her fairy godparents, she calls them.
Even though we don’t work together anymore, we still manage to keep in touch, just probably not as often as we’d both like. Regardless, she’s always there for me when I need her, and I love her dearly.
Heather Sievers is my Maid of Honor. (If you’re wondering why she’s listed last, it’s because I did these alphabetically).
We have been friends for over nine years. We met while we were working at the same law firm. We also used to smoke, so we found ourselves taking a smoke break around the same times. When I first met her I thought she was really funny and looked like someone I’d want to hang out with outside work. After a few weeks of conversations at work, we made plans to go out on a Saturday night. Our friendship took off from there.
We used to take girl trips once a year. Our first trip was to Memphis, where her hair was attacked by a goat. We were sitting on a patio at a bar that had live goats behind a tall fence. The goats came up and starting nudging her arm through the bars. One of the other patrons said if we gave it beer it would leave us alone. She gave it some of the beer left in her cup, and it went away. However, a few minutes later the goat grabbed a hunk of her hair and started yanking her head against the fence, looking for more beer. I recently discovered that the bar no longer has the goats, so I immediately called her and told her we could finally go back without fear of being snatched bald. She’s still pretty mad at that goat.
Another trip was to Gatlinburg. When we picked up the keys to our cabin, there was a large sign that warned people that there were bears in the woods and not to leave food scraps in the woods or trash cans. We read it but didn’t think much of it.
Later that evening we decided to put on our swimsuits and enjoy the hot tub on the back deck. Heather prepared a lovely platter of cheese, crackers, sausage and a large bunch of green grapes. Holding the platter carefully, she stepped into the hot tub. I was applauding her grace when she missed the bottom step and dropped the whole plate into the tub. We managed to salvage the cheese and sausage and most of the grapes before they stayed too long in the water, but the crackers were a total loss.
As we moved around the tub, we’d find random grapes on the bottom of the tub, so we’d fish them out and throw them out into the woods.
The next morning we heard noises on the roof and deck. Heather was convinced it was a bear that was eating the grapes, and sent me out to investigate. It turned out to be acorns falling off the trees, but in the daylight I found more grapes in the hot tub. We also discovered that the crackers didn’t fully disintegrate but managed to coat our swimsuits with crumbs. To this day, we can’t eat crackers and cheese without laughing.
Heather has recently found true love, and also just had a daughter, Isabella. The irony is that she is engaged to Maddy’s godfather, and Heather is Maddy’s godmother. Maddy was so excited when she found out that they were together. Her fairy godparents, she calls them.
Even though we don’t work together anymore, we still manage to keep in touch, just probably not as often as we’d both like. Regardless, she’s always there for me when I need her, and I love her dearly.
Meet the Maids - Kristen Schlautman
The counter says 31 days until the wedding. I have three bridesmaids to introduce. Let’s get to it, shall we?
Kristen Schlautman is my soon-to-be-sister-in-law. She just got married this past February, and was kind enough to ask me to be a bridesmaid, and to include Maddy as a junior bridesmaid.
I almost ruined it, though. She had asked me to go to a bridal shop with her to look at some dresses. While we were browsing through the racks, I said, “I heard that you’re supposed to choose ugly people as your bridesmaids, then you’ll look twice as good!” I was totally kidding, and wasn’t even thinking she was going to ask me to be in her wedding.
A few days later we had lunch, and she asked me then. I was so surprised and so touched that she would include me and Maddy. Then she told me she had planned to ask me that day at the bridal shop, but after my ugly comment she wasn’t sure if I’d be flattered or offended.
She was sweet enough to watch Maddy for us recently while we went out. When we got home she said, “thank God you’re here, I’m exhausted!” Apparently Maddy had talked her into playing catch, kicking the soccer ball, going on a bike ride around the neighborhood, going to DQ to get some ice cream, and then throwing a racquet ball in the house. Kristen finally hid the racquet ball from her, and told Maddy to get ready for bed. Kristen said that if all kids were that energetic, she’d need to get in shape before she had any of her own.
Famous last words, because a couple of months later, she broke the news that she was pregnant. I am so excited and so happy for her. She’s going to be a fantastic mom.
Kristen Schlautman is my soon-to-be-sister-in-law. She just got married this past February, and was kind enough to ask me to be a bridesmaid, and to include Maddy as a junior bridesmaid.
I almost ruined it, though. She had asked me to go to a bridal shop with her to look at some dresses. While we were browsing through the racks, I said, “I heard that you’re supposed to choose ugly people as your bridesmaids, then you’ll look twice as good!” I was totally kidding, and wasn’t even thinking she was going to ask me to be in her wedding.
A few days later we had lunch, and she asked me then. I was so surprised and so touched that she would include me and Maddy. Then she told me she had planned to ask me that day at the bridal shop, but after my ugly comment she wasn’t sure if I’d be flattered or offended.
She was sweet enough to watch Maddy for us recently while we went out. When we got home she said, “thank God you’re here, I’m exhausted!” Apparently Maddy had talked her into playing catch, kicking the soccer ball, going on a bike ride around the neighborhood, going to DQ to get some ice cream, and then throwing a racquet ball in the house. Kristen finally hid the racquet ball from her, and told Maddy to get ready for bed. Kristen said that if all kids were that energetic, she’d need to get in shape before she had any of her own.
Famous last words, because a couple of months later, she broke the news that she was pregnant. I am so excited and so happy for her. She’s going to be a fantastic mom.
She also should be a professional bridesmaid. In addition to being the bride in her own wedding in February, she was a bridesmaid in June, she'll be mine in September, one more in October, and a short break to have a baby before standing up yet again one next June. Even while she's pregnant and not feeling so hot, she's planned and participated in the required bridal events without a word of complaint, and still looks amazing.
She’s like the sister I never had but always wanted. We’ve played bingo, gone shopping, traded advice about wedding etiquette, had conversations about the importance of shoes, she’s taken care of me when I got a little, uh, inebriated, and she’s accepted me and Maddy into her life like we always belonged there.
She’s like the sister I never had but always wanted. We’ve played bingo, gone shopping, traded advice about wedding etiquette, had conversations about the importance of shoes, she’s taken care of me when I got a little, uh, inebriated, and she’s accepted me and Maddy into her life like we always belonged there.
Meet the Maids – Kristen Deterding
(Jessica in the smaller glasses, and Deter flashing the peace sign. This picture makes me laugh. Hard.)The counter says 31 days until the wedding. I have three bridesmaids to introduce. Let’s get to it, shall we?
Kristen Deterding is our next bridesmaid. Her mom calls her Kristen, her friends call her Deter, or Ditzy Deter, and sometimes Jessica would call her DeeDee (which is also our dog’s name). But Deter doesn’t care what you call her, she’s just that laid-back.
She was one of Jessica’s best friends, and like another daughter to me. They both were beautiful, tan, blonde, scatterbrained, and ditzy. They liked the same music, movies, TV and people.
The funny thing about Jessica and Deter’s friendship is that they didn’t like each other for a long time. They first met as freshman at the high school, and although they had a few mutual friends, they just never hit it off.
In the meantime, Deter’s younger sister, Kaitlyn, and our Kelli became best friends. Being best friends required attending dances, basketball games and other social events. Jessica would usually be sweet enough to drop off Kelli, and Deter would do the same with Kaitlyn. They’d see each other, but still really never talked.
Finally, Kelli and Kaitlyn said to them, “why don’t you guys like each other?” When neither one could come up with a good answer, they started hanging out more, and within a few weeks they were inseparable.
Deter spent many nights at our house, and one instance in particular stands out in my memory. It was shortly before Jessica died. Jessica, Deter and their friend LeAnn had gone out on a Friday night. As they all had to work early Saturday morning, I half-expected them to be home at a decent hour but as they were young and energetic, they decided to push it as long as they could.
When they arrived home, they tried (unsuccessfully) to go upstairs to Jessica’s room in a quiet calm manner. There was giggling and shushing and loud whispers of “Quiet! My mom is sleeping!” Yeah, not so much anymore. When they finally arrived in her room (which was directly above my bedroom), I swore there were 12 people up there, there was that much thumping and talking.
The next morning I heard them start thumping around again, so I got up and made my special breakfast for Jessica. She loved biscuits and gravy, so I tried to make them for her on the weekends. As the girls trudged downstairs, they smelled the sausage, and started to perk up. Jessica hugged me and said “aw thanks Mom,” and Deter said, “Kim, I love you. You are the coolest mom.”
Deter has been a great source of comfort to me, whether she realizes it or not. I love hearing stories and seeing pictures that she has of Jessica and Kelli, and she keeps me up to date on what’s going on with Jessica’s other friends. I keep up with some of them still, but I’m closest with Deter.
She’s a sweetie, and I love her, and I’m so honored that she’s standing up with me.
Kristen Deterding is our next bridesmaid. Her mom calls her Kristen, her friends call her Deter, or Ditzy Deter, and sometimes Jessica would call her DeeDee (which is also our dog’s name). But Deter doesn’t care what you call her, she’s just that laid-back.
She was one of Jessica’s best friends, and like another daughter to me. They both were beautiful, tan, blonde, scatterbrained, and ditzy. They liked the same music, movies, TV and people.
The funny thing about Jessica and Deter’s friendship is that they didn’t like each other for a long time. They first met as freshman at the high school, and although they had a few mutual friends, they just never hit it off.
In the meantime, Deter’s younger sister, Kaitlyn, and our Kelli became best friends. Being best friends required attending dances, basketball games and other social events. Jessica would usually be sweet enough to drop off Kelli, and Deter would do the same with Kaitlyn. They’d see each other, but still really never talked.
Finally, Kelli and Kaitlyn said to them, “why don’t you guys like each other?” When neither one could come up with a good answer, they started hanging out more, and within a few weeks they were inseparable.
Deter spent many nights at our house, and one instance in particular stands out in my memory. It was shortly before Jessica died. Jessica, Deter and their friend LeAnn had gone out on a Friday night. As they all had to work early Saturday morning, I half-expected them to be home at a decent hour but as they were young and energetic, they decided to push it as long as they could.
When they arrived home, they tried (unsuccessfully) to go upstairs to Jessica’s room in a quiet calm manner. There was giggling and shushing and loud whispers of “Quiet! My mom is sleeping!” Yeah, not so much anymore. When they finally arrived in her room (which was directly above my bedroom), I swore there were 12 people up there, there was that much thumping and talking.
The next morning I heard them start thumping around again, so I got up and made my special breakfast for Jessica. She loved biscuits and gravy, so I tried to make them for her on the weekends. As the girls trudged downstairs, they smelled the sausage, and started to perk up. Jessica hugged me and said “aw thanks Mom,” and Deter said, “Kim, I love you. You are the coolest mom.”
Deter has been a great source of comfort to me, whether she realizes it or not. I love hearing stories and seeing pictures that she has of Jessica and Kelli, and she keeps me up to date on what’s going on with Jessica’s other friends. I keep up with some of them still, but I’m closest with Deter.
She’s a sweetie, and I love her, and I’m so honored that she’s standing up with me.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Catching Up!
I've got to come over here more often! Now that I've realized I am just over three months out, things are starting to get busy busy!
Just this week, I ordered my bridesmaids' gifts, my veil, my shoes, and my invitations. The bridesmaid dresses came in a couple of weeks ago, and they are perfect! I'm so happy with them, and so far the bridesmaids haven't had any major fit problems.
The rehearsal dinner details are finally ironed out.
The ribbon that I bought (without my fabric swatch) matches perfectly! It was buy one, get one, and they had two rolls each of the blue and silver I needed. I took a chance and got lucky with the shade.
The flowers are in and I just need to wrap up the bouquets, literally. I'm keeping it simple and only using one type of flower, but they are so pretty. The centerpiece components are ready, except for the vases, which I am renting, and will pick up the day before the wedding, and assemble those Friday night. Hey Maddy, I've got a job for you!
I will be posting my next Meet the Maids installment this weekend.
My big news is I am picking up my dress on Saturday. I can't wait. Every time I go to the shop I "visit" the sample. But this is MY dress. No one else has worn it, and no one else will (unless Maddy wants to). I just hope it still fits.
Just this week, I ordered my bridesmaids' gifts, my veil, my shoes, and my invitations. The bridesmaid dresses came in a couple of weeks ago, and they are perfect! I'm so happy with them, and so far the bridesmaids haven't had any major fit problems.
The rehearsal dinner details are finally ironed out.
The ribbon that I bought (without my fabric swatch) matches perfectly! It was buy one, get one, and they had two rolls each of the blue and silver I needed. I took a chance and got lucky with the shade.
The flowers are in and I just need to wrap up the bouquets, literally. I'm keeping it simple and only using one type of flower, but they are so pretty. The centerpiece components are ready, except for the vases, which I am renting, and will pick up the day before the wedding, and assemble those Friday night. Hey Maddy, I've got a job for you!
I will be posting my next Meet the Maids installment this weekend.
My big news is I am picking up my dress on Saturday. I can't wait. Every time I go to the shop I "visit" the sample. But this is MY dress. No one else has worn it, and no one else will (unless Maddy wants to). I just hope it still fits.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Meet the Maids - Tawnya
Oh look, it's been exactly a month since my last Meet the Maids. At this rate, I will barely get all my maids introduced before the wedding.
I met Tawnya when we both worked at the same law firm, in the same department. She is one of those people that is instantly likeable - also being amazingly beautiful doesn't hurt. She's got that friendly, open, "hey how's it going?" personality.
Shortly after she started at the firm, she told us she was getting married in Hawaii. Our department threw a bridal shower for her. We did a Hawaiian theme, of course, and decorated the conference room with pineapples and floral leis. We even took the cash donations and made a money lei for her.
About a year after she got married, she quit working at the firm, but we stayed in touch through email and lunches. Sometimes it would be many months between emails, but we never really lost touch - we could pick up again right where we left off.
To say that Tawnya's marriage was troubled is an understatement. I testified at her divorce hearing. Apparently, my feelings for him were pretty obvious, because she told me later I was shooting him looks of pure disgust. Yeah, that's pretty close to what I felt for him. Without going into great detail, let's just say he won't hit my girl anymore.
As a thank you to those of us who supported Tawnya through her divorce, she threw a spa party for us. We had massages, facials and hand treatments, lots of wine, and lots of fun. (There is a picture somewhere of all of us in our white spa wraps but I'm hoping that stays off here. This is a G-rated blog, you know. )
After my girls died, she came to my house bearing food, paper towels, toilet paper, and homemade moonshine - all the essentials. She was the driving force behind the fundraiser, and if you attended and noticed the hot DJ? Yeah, that's her.
She's busier than a one-armed paper hanger. It took three months after I was engaged for her to have an open night so I could ask her to be a bridesmaid.
Although she's busy, she's always got a minute to answer her phone or reply to an email. How she manages to work full time, do her DJ gigs on the weekends, build a house, plan her own wedding, and still have time for everyone in her life is beyond me. She does it with style, I have to say.
Sadly, her daddy is very ill right now, and she's afraid she's going to lose him. Prayers and well wishes are appreciated.
Take a Picture
My wedding photographer, Jonathan Pollack, is also an award-winning photographer.
I met Jonathan last year, when he graciously did a photography session of Maddy and me. His lovely assistant (and bride), Stephanie, makes fantastic cupcakes. If you book a session, you get cupcakes. What a deal!
I hope we get some more at our engagement session.
I met Jonathan last year, when he graciously did a photography session of Maddy and me. His lovely assistant (and bride), Stephanie, makes fantastic cupcakes. If you book a session, you get cupcakes. What a deal!
I hope we get some more at our engagement session.
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