Smalltown Wedding Blog

letterpress class

2010-07-29T07:03:00.001-04:00

Hi all!!

I am beyond excited because I just signed up for my first basic letterpress class here in NYC. I'm going to learn a ton in three hours, and will leave with 24 personalized note cards. This has been something I have wanted to do for a long time. I had originally wanted to complete a more intense course based on digital images that were then transferred to photopolymer plates, as this is something I am interested in, but those courses just did not seem to fit into my schedule. This basic class will teach me how the original operators of these historic pieces of machinery actually used them - setting the type and composing by hand. Fortunately, I think the basic idea remains the same regardless of the method, and this course is about 1/4 of the cost of that more intense one, so that's good.

And for those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, here is an image of and old letterpress:

source

Also, here is a series of short clips from Boxcar Press on how it all works.

The course is August 3, so I'll post pics of my completed cards once they're complete!

from my email, but click here for their site

Merry early Christmas to me!!!!

plan ahead

2010-06-28T23:10:00.004-04:00

i just love this little non-planner datebook. i mean, the whole idea of a day planner is to stay organized, but i love that it allows for notes and brainstorming and journaling - other than your next dentist appointment and what time so-and-so is coming over.

source

i actually keep extra notes in my current day planner, using post-its or the margins. so the non-planner datebook above is just what i need!

my current planner

a quote to live by

2010-06-24T23:21:00.000-04:00

source

big pretty watch

2010-06-24T19:33:00.001-04:00

i reallllly like this watch. just sayin'...

april 2010

2010-06-23T23:24:00.000-04:00

Sorry it has taken forever to finally get around to this! Life is crazy as usual in the big apple, and my computer died (and was fixed very quickly, thanks to the amazing people at the 5th Ave. Mac Store - and $150 of my hard earned cash). I also wanted to take some time to play around a bit with new ways to frame images in Photoshop or Illustrator. I finally just figured it out! So - at last, here is some of what happened in the weeks before our big day :)

the beautiful dyson vacuum

my parents got us for an

early wedding present

derek "putting the vacuum together" :)

easter sunday at our church in hoboken

neff family pictures in freeburg

for dave and lisa's 30th anniversary

a fun night in the NJ

apartment - 4/2/10

(making margaritas!)

lunch break on the steps

of the main NYC post office

at 32nd and 8th

working on table place cards

for the wedding reception

norma from work made me

a handmade "bride" card...

...and some for all of

my bridesmaids (made to

resemble their dresses) - so nice!

More to come soon!

where to start?!

2010-06-06T09:00:00.002-04:00

hello again!

so between the wedding and the honeymoon, it's been quite a while since i've posted anything at all. i've been throwing around ideas in my head about how to document all the wonderful things that have happened to derek and me in the past 30 days, and it's a little daunting!

i think i've come up with an idea - why not show just how incredible it has all been via a combination of images and video? i tend to ramble as it is, so why not leave the majority of the speaking to the photos?

yeah, sounds like a plan.

so here is the agenda for the next couple of weeks or months, to be completed at my leisure (it is my blog afterall - i make the rules!) and with intermittent interruptions, of course. ;)

pre-wedding days

may 8, 2010!

day after

honeymoon

please let me know if you're reading - leave a comment and say hello!

about an hour before becoming a mrs.!

what a mighty good man

2010-05-03T23:29:00.000-04:00

Well, ladies and gentlemen, the wedding plans are about all wrapped up. D & I conquered the seating charts on Saturday (took a wopping 4 hours - no fighting was involved - we were very proud of ourselves), and I hand-wrote all of the placecards. I started packing today, since we're heading home right after work on Wednesday. We'll be setting up the tent and partaking in some pre-wedding pampering (that is, I will be) before the big day rolls around. Looking forward to the rehearsal and dinner after!

A little over a year ago, the night we got engaged - April 25, 2009

Ohhhh my... Four days until I walk down that isle to the man God chose for me to live my life with. I asked Derek on Sunday if he'd thought about how crazy that is - that people, all the time, pick one single person to spend their short lives with. He said he hadn't thought about it. Haha :)

To me, it's such a huge thing. In this past year we've learned so much about each other, and I have fallen more and more in love with him each day. I'm so, so very happy to be with Derek, and I think we are going to have such an amazing life together, full of experiences, learning, travel, faith and love. He compliments me because he's so different from me, but he and I are so, so alike, too. It will of course be wonderful to wear a beautiful gown, have my hair done (probably the nicest it's going to look for the rest of my life), be surrounded by pretty things and amazing people, see my D in a tux, and eat wonderful food, but I really just can't wait to be Derek's wife!

Just discovered this little beauty by one of my old favorites, Macy Gray. Always loved her! Think I'll listen to this Saturday morning with the ladies. See you all at the wedding!

cranky at kinko's

2010-04-26T22:31:00.002-04:00

With only 11 days until the big day, life is flying by full speed ahead (except when I'm at work). :) BUT.... we (here in the soon-to-be-Mr.-and-Mrs.-Neff house) are feeling calm, cool, and collected - all because we're getting everything accomplished in advance. Last night I finished the table number designs in Illustrator & Photoshop then back to Illustrator, then back to Photoshop (they about drove me crazy), as well as some miscellaneous signs for the reception. Today after work I headed over to Kinko's and got them printed on my spiffy 'intense kiwi'-colored paper from Cardstock Headquarters. I was a little bummed because the ink doesn't seem to want to stick to the cardstock, but such is life. And after $16, a slew of really cranky Kinko's employees, and some random guy asking me if I was getting married, who I was marrying, whether it was my first marriage... AND if I was nervous, (really bizarre...) I wasn't about to re-print them. So, if you're at the reception, don't touch the table number cards until every has found their table. :)

Every day, there is a moment where I re-realize I'm going to be getting married.... REALLY soon. Today, there were a couple:

-One happened when my boss, who just returned from a vacation was going over our calendar for the next couple of weeks. She gets to May 11, and goes, "Oh! And Emily will be a married woman by then!" haha My heart jumped a beat, but it still made me smile, so that's good. :)

-The other happened just a moment ago when I typed out a list of pictures we'd like taken at the church and reception for my aMaZiNg* photographer's "month before form". I'm a little late on the month-before part, but... that's what you get with me! Anyway, just filling out that section made me realize (for probably the 1400th time how excited I am for Derek's entire family and group of friends to be under the same roof as mine for an entire day). There is going to be so much love at St. Peter's church and at my farm that I just might burst.

oh! and i picked out a nail polish color... take a guess.

i know you're just dying to find out. :)

So much more to update this little blog on - including my very own bridal shower and bachelorette party. What. An. Amazing. Day!!! More on that later :)

*just ask her - I've already asked her if we can be friends after this whole shin dig is said and done. she said yes! :)

friends, food, and fedex

2010-04-13T22:08:00.004-04:00

Oy... rough day at work. The cure? A nice cold Bud Light Wheat, Derek's home cookin', and a good ol' blog entry...

(where I spend 40-50 hours a week)

This past weekend I was lucky enough to spend time with two of my best friends & bridesmaids, Lisa & Corinne. It was just so nice to spend the whole day together. I always feel revived after seeing them. It was also so nice to see Justin & his gal Jordan, Lisa's boy Jim, and meet Nick (Jim & Lisa's awesome friend)! Definitely need to plan another trip immediately after the wedding. We've been doing a pretty good job of meeting up every so often, whether it's here in NYC, at Justin's in Southern NJ, or Baltimore, at Jim & Lisa's current home.

(the whole crew - minus me - out on saturday night. pardon the iphone quality)

So let's see... where are we in wedding planning land? Only 25 days until "the big day". Yesterday was the RSVP-by date, and we still have about 55 people to hear from yet. So... that will be a fun project next week - calling the stragglers. If you're reading this and haven't sent back your response card - please do! :)

Over the Easter weekend, Derek & I stayed in NJ to just take a break from our long drives home. Granted the drive is only 3 to 3 1/2 hours, but it wears on you after a while. And our trips home have been so packed with wedding craziness that it was nice to just go to church and relax at our own apartment. I look forward to post-wedding trips home so we can just veg out with our families and friends.

(Pictures taken on my iPhone on our last trip home)

(Singing to the pup... or trying to get him to howl)

Our Easter feast? Italian Dinner at Benny Tudino's in Hoboken. So good!! We shared a huge plate of bruschetta (none of that wimpy hors d'oeuvres business), and I ordered a crab raviolli a la vodka. Oh my gosh. I definitely recommend it!

Earlier that weekend we tackled a bunch of wedding projects that had been on the 'to-do' list for many weeks. I finally stopped playing around with the ceremony program design and actually printed them. I think in the end, I had about 20 different versions. So I hope you like them! :) We lucked out at FedEx/Kinkos. They printed all the ceremony programs and table menus (1 per table), AND cut them for under $50!

I also picked up some special wedding makeup at the Benefit counter at Macy's with a giftcard I had leftover from Christmas. I'm not one for expensive makeup (Covergirl works just fine for me baby!), but it really was fun getting a little mini makeover and actually buying the things the girl lathered on my face. It didn't hurt that she threw in a bunch of freebies. :)

Also... picked up the bachelorette party dress (also at Macy's - gotta use that discount!). It's a little black and hot pink number. Can't wait to wear it this weekend!! I got a dress for the shower at Target a couple months ago.

(bachelorette party get-up!)

We're not going to really nail down seating charts or those sorts of things for another week or so, but I got really excited after we'd gotten a good chunk of the response cards back and started writing out table place cards without the table numbers. I think (and hope) everything will look really nice when it's all finished. It's been a lovely year of planning, and it will be so rewarding and exciting to see it all come together.

(getting a start on the place cards)

Next weekend - home for a jam packed day of bridal shower & bachelorette party amazingness!!! Can. Not. WAIT!

little star

2010-04-08T23:15:00.002-04:00

super random, but the cutest thing i've seen all day

source

I would love for my hypothetical future children to look like this. haha

I liked one person's comment on the blog where this photo first popped up:

:: "How nice to see a child dressed appropriately instead of a walking billboard for the latest cartoon or toy being sold" ::

pinch me!

2010-04-08T22:24:00.004-04:00

oh. my. goodness!

(sorry if this doesn't all fit in the screen... so not claiming to be a bloggin' pro over here)

same amazing formula as the 6 seasons and first movie, but why fix what's not broken. i love them!!

reminds me of all the best girls i've ever had the pleasure of knowing and being friends with or related to - from kindergarten through college and into my adult life - you all know who you are! it's wonderful to meet the man of your dreams, but even that won't always be able to replace the connection you have with your best girlfriends. :)

"We made a deal ages ago. Men, babies... Doesn't matter. We're soulmates." - Samantha

can't wait to be surrounded my all my soulmates (of every kind) on may 8!!

ah!! one month!

2010-04-08T22:05:00.001-04:00

Oh my goodness!!! Only 1 month 'til the big day! I should probably look for something to wear!

Just kidding :)

(back in 2007 on one of his visits to UD)

So excited to marry this amazing man snoring next to me!!! He even makes dinner for me when I work late. Tonight it was "easy balsamic chicken". Sorry ladies. He's mine. :)

just another tuesday

2010-03-30T23:05:00.002-04:00

three orders of business today:

#1 - if someone, anyone would care to comment on any of these fine blog entries i write, i would be over-the-moon excited... i've been hearing from a lot of people that they read my blog, and it always shocks me, so go ahead and comment! write anything you'd like: good, bad, or off-the-wall. suggestions and thoughts are welcome!

#2 - i am in love with this wall letter... there is something about big hanging letters that i love, but this mossy one just took my breath away:

it's $35.00 on etsy.... definitely needs to be an addition to my future home.

#3 - got 7 of these little beauties for the wedding today in "smoke", "yellow", and "off-white"...

can anyone guess what for?? use the "FEEDBACK" box to answer!! :) simply click "feedback" at the end of any entry, enter your thoughts, then, in the "COMMENT AS" drop down menu, just select "name/URL". enter your name (no need for URL, unless you'd like to enter a website), click "continue", then "post comment".

comment made = emily's day is complete!

just be

2010-03-29T10:19:00.000-04:00

Develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. Learn to be content with what you are.

— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

6 weeks left!

2010-03-28T21:47:00.001-04:00

hello :)

just a quick recap of everything that we jammed into this fine weekend:

dropped dog off for grooming at D & J Kennels
applied for marriage license at the Snyder County Courthouse
wedding dress fitting at Brides Bouquet
tax appointment - government owes me... yay!
Mother and Daughters "spa day" at the seediest spa in State College. Mom is not allowed to pick the spas anymore
Family friend's graduation party
Spontaneous home cooked breakfast at midnight with a ton of friends - so much fun!
Month-before meeting with our awesome photographer, Jess and her hubby, Lucas
Mini family photo shoot at Neffs for Dave & Lisa's upcoming 30th wedding anniversary (with our wedding photographer)

carrie, samantha, miranda, and charlotte

2010-03-27T21:16:00.004-04:00

I've been so excited about all of this wedding planning, and registry organizing, and reception decor, that I allllmost forgot that the movie of the year is soon to be released (May 27 to be exact). My absolute favorite on-screen girls are back in Sex and The City 2, and I will be the first in theaters after we return from the honeymoon. No, I will not be going to a theater in Hawaii to see it. (Ahem... You ask: Would I, if I had the choice? Yes. :) Would Derek? Don't think so.) So no one spoil it for me (or... put in a hint to Derek that it would be a really awesome surprise while we're there) ;)

xoxo,

P.S. I just love how eloquently SJP speaks. Love her!!

the "name change"

2010-03-26T21:26:00.003-04:00

I've been getting the "Are you going to change your name?" question a lot lately. All from women. When I say I am planning on keeping the "Robinson" in the mix, but going primarily with "Neff" from here on out, I am met with mixed responses. Some seem satisfied that I am sort of keeping my "maiden name" (what a funny way to refer to your unmarried-life name.... am I really a maiden?? Feel free to drop some trivia on this in the comment box). Some raise their eyebrows at the idea of ever dropping my birth name for a man's. To me, it's just that... a name.

However, I am proud to be a Robinson. Would I be proud to be a Neff? Of course. A Robinson-Neff? Even better. The way I look at it, a name is just a word that identifies me to others. My current last name does hold sentimental value for me, but so does the one I will be changing to. Just like the engagement ring, the wedding bands, the vows, and the ceremony, the name change symbolizes a commitment, and even more to me, trust. I can trust this man with my life, future, and heart. And he can trust me with his.

Changing my name doesn't mean I will change. I'll just be starting an exciting new path.

To further explore this thought, here is an thought-provoking post by one of my daily reads, cjane. She explains how long it took her to feel like her new name was really "her's".

this beautiful lady

2010-03-24T20:00:00.002-04:00

Isn't this the coolest version of Eric Clapton's Wonderful Tonight? Wyclef Jean is drumming. This is sort of Derek's and my song. It's just a lovely picture of a couple who's been together and understands each others habits and nuances. Derek read Clapton's autobiography, and told me he wrote it about his then girlfriend, Pattie Boyd, while he impatiently waited for her to get ready for a party. We thought this would be a neat one to dance to but thought it was a little overplayed at weddings. It will probably still make an appearance, but not for the "first dance". I love this version though. Unfortunately they don't have it on iTunes. Apparently it's only available in DVD form from this concert.

put some new shoes on... & accidently bought them

2010-03-23T20:42:00.013-04:00

I may or may not have just bought another pair of shoes for the wedding... I know! What a waste. I'm a little ashamed, but want to explain myself. :) I really should not have bought the first pair. I wasn't totally in love with them, but thought it didn't really matter because no one will really see them under the poof of white and tulle and layers. But I will! And there will probably be the obligatory "shoe" picture... and I didn't like my shoes. So I got another pair. :) Thank goodness the first ones were super cheap. Here they are (drum rolllll)...

And in honor of my new shoes, here is one of my favorite artists, Paolo Nutini, singing his hit "New Shoes". Happy Monday.... Is it really only Monday???

*** update ***
Derek just informed me that it is, in fact Tuesday...

What would I do without him? :)

while D was at his bachelor party...

2010-03-13T20:31:00.002-05:00

I traipsed around the city in the pouring rain with my friend Tori! I'm currently on the subway now, which is taking far longer than it should have due to a "power failure along 4th Avenue". Anyway, since D is away on his bachelor party with his buds at Ski Saw Mill in PA, Tori took me to the Cooper-Hewitt Museum on the upper East side to check out the Rodarte fashion exhibit. Here's a pic I snuck in (and got yelled at in the process). We were originally going to go see the Tim Burton exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art but it was completely sold out! Must be a good one, so I'm goin to try to squeeze it in before it leaves on April 26th. :)

Then, we headed to H&M and I managed to concetrate long enough to pick up a couple cute things with a giftcard I got over Christmas, despite the fact that my sneakers and feet were completely soaking wet and freezing. :) Going to pick up some wild mushroom risotto now at one of my favorite restaurants, Film Center Cafe.

quote of the day

2010-03-08T13:25:00.004-05:00

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face... You must do the thing you think you cannot do."

- Eleanor Roosevelt

2 months to go!

2010-03-07T23:04:00.004-05:00

Derek and I just finished up a great weekend full of city exploring and good company.

The future in-laws and another couple of family friends came to visit us in our tiny apartment. Our sleeping situation was: Derek, Jake & I in our room, two on the living room floor, one on the lazy-boy, and one on the couch. Quite a full house. Definitely can't wait until the days when Derek and I have a spare bedroom. :)

We went to Macy's in Herald Square to see my brand, JM Collection, in-store. Then I took them to the design floor at 11 Penn Plaza, where I work. Then we headed to Ground Zero to check out the construction site. After weaving our way around the subway system (why do the trains always have to be under construction on the weekends?! it's confusing and embarrassing when you can't figure it out and have guests following you around. hello!) it was off to dinner at an awesome little italian restaurant (I got the veal marsala with portobellos and mashed potatoes special... yum!!), followed by drinks at Derek's and my favorite NYC bar, Barcelona Bar.

In wedding news, tomorrow will mark two months until the wedding. I am so ready to just be Mrs. Neff (the second)!

In closing, I just came across this blog, Marta Writes, and I have... Fallen. In. Love. What a talent! I love finding blogs that are the actualization of everything that is going on in my head. It's hard for me to totally express to friends and family what it is I want to do, but it's easy to show them. My head is screaming, overflowing, bursting with ideas. How can I channel that?

Here is her office. This looks like... creative heaven!

source

I liked this quote from one of her recent entries:

I'd say life is too short not to follow your passion. Start small - start by setting up some time to create your goods or prototypes and take photographs. Then start selling your goods on etsy.com, then go to a regional craft or market tradeshow, then approach some local retailers who might have an interest in carrying your products. Create some space in your schedule to "create" or work on your business. It might be for only an hour a day. But that's better than nothing.

- jenny | LobotoMe.com

G'night for now,

time.... is not on my side!

2010-03-03T22:56:00.025-05:00

Hello! I wish I had more time to post - and I have so much to post about - but I don't! Macy's is keeping me busy, busy, busy (in the form of 50 hours a week, plus 7 hours of commuuting) and no where near my dear blog and huge audience (hehe). Fortunately, last week was "slow" at work, so I was able to get a bunch of things done for the wedding.

Derek and I packed up the car with mason jars, dog food, and Mr. Jake and drove back to good old Freeburg on Friday morning, as we both had off work due to the snow storm (yes - we drove home during the blizzard... yes - it was crazy but we got home safe... yay!). We had three appointments and a big day of invitation addressing planned for Saturday, so it was nice to get a head start on the weekend. Since we arrived home so early, we made a quick stop at Dagles to see if we could find Derek something that he'd like to wear on his left ring finger for the rest of his life. Sort of a daunting task for a man.

We looked around at the mall two weekend prior but left frustrated after getting a lot of conflicting information. Having one jeweler tell you 'yes you can cut tungsten off your finger if it gets smashed' and another telling us the opposite, we decided we should consult with real professionals on the safety of my man's hands. Because he works in "construction" (a vague term for what he actually does), he needs to wear something that can easily be cut off (God forbid) if his hand were ever to be smooshed. Poor guy. But... success! We found one at Dagles, and it was actually a very special moment. It brought me back to the day we secretly put a down payment on my engagement ring in March of 2009. Gave me butterflies! The style of ring he chose was one I had pinpointed as my absolute favorite before ever telling him. We're just that good. :)

First thing Saturday morning, Derek and I met with Mayor (and DJ) Fred Moyer to go over music selections for the reception. I am so, so excited about the music for the reception and think Fred is going to reflect our love of great music along with favorites of our friends and family. Having a DJ who knows almost all of the guests will help, and I'm sure his lovely personality will play a huge part in the awesome-ness of the entire night. Can't WAIT!!

Then I met up with Court and.... off to my hair run-through appointment with Tina at Expressions. Let me tell you what, that woman knows how to do hair. She turns my thin, lifeless hair into something worthy of a wedding in no time at all. Within 45 minutes she had done, redone, and REdone my hair (count 'em - three up-do's!), and I'm still not entirely sure how I will end up looking because they all looked so lovely. She's a miracle worker. :)

Then... off to the florist in Richfield. Evelyn at Evelyn's Designs is amazing. She knew I wanted peonies but said that they might not be in season. Fine with me. She suggested garden roses instead, and mums in the place of dhalias (also a later-in-the-summer flower - according to her). I think it's all going to look gorgeous. I think she really gets the vibe we're going for. Can't wait to see the whole reception tent when it's all said and done. Here is some of the inspiration I've gathered along the way that I showed her:

Then, it was off to put together and address 120 or so invitations. We won't be sending them for another couple of days, but they are totally and completely finished. Such a relief! Somewhere between the DJ and the florist, Derek called from the post office asking if it was alright to put a dolphin stamp on the invites. He was trying to do me a big favor by picking them up, but Court and I quickly discussed and decided we weren't too keen on the dolphin - as we are going for a "rustic, vintage farm" feel, not a "rustic, vintage... ocean" look, but he wasn't too happy about that (one of my pickier moments of the last year of planning - I am ashamed to admit). It just cracks me up that the biggest wedding planning controversy to date has been over this:

After a unanimous vote (among the below-mentioned ladies), we did not end up using the dolphin stamp. :) Thank you Dave (future father-in-law) and Mrs. Doak for your help at the post office!

Such an amazing team effort on the invitations. Helping were: My sister (Court, a.k.a. Maid of Honor), my future sister-in-law (Kelsey, a.k.a. beautiful bridesmaid), my future mother-in-law (Lovely Lisa Neff), Derek's Aunt Rose Ann, Mimi (a very close family friend/second mother), Shawnee (Mimi's daughter-in-law), and Derek even stepped in to help stuff envelopes at the end. Oh, and Dave (future father-in-law) made us dinner. Couldn't have done it without him. And it only took 2 1/2 hours.**

Pictures from this day coming soon.

This wedding is really coming together, and I have loved planning every moment. Can't wait to see what the next two months holds in store. Love, love, love... Emmer.

**You may be wondering where MY parents were during this crazy day. Let's just say I don't feel bad that they missed out, as they were on a beach in Puerto Rico most likely with a coconut drink in hand. Miss you guys so much!!

pretty little bird

2010-01-30T17:03:00.007-05:00

I just came across this little guy at Candied Fabrics, where owner, Candy Glendening dyes all the fabrics herself. This creation is 5" x 5" and so cute! I could see this hanging on a wall among a collage of frames, a la Art Wall, a blog I love to read every so often. I'd love to do something like this when we own a house and won't have to worry about all the holes in the walls when we leave. :)

3 months and 13 days... and counting!

2010-01-24T18:56:00.019-05:00

I have a countdown on my MacBook that tells me everyday exactly how many days are left until the wedding. I know you all were just dying to know. :) So this will be a monster catch-up post for the work that has been done over the last couple of months!

There has been so much wedding planning going on! It's been tough to get a lot done with Derek and I both working, but a couple of weeks ago, it hit us that we are getting married in 4 months so we'd better get back into the planning.

The bridesmaids dresses are in and waiting for the girls to pick them up and take them for fittings. The guys have all been measured for their tuxes. The mason jars are all collected, clean, and boxed up for safe keeping in my parent's attic. My mom and I shopped at a new thrift/antique store in Selinsgrove over Christmas and found tons of little antique jars for centerpieces to sit with the mason jars.

In a couple of weekends, I'm going home to hang out with my sister and put mason jars and other centerpieces together so we can get them to the florist. The burlap that will be wrapped around many of the mason jars has arrived, along with the paper from Cardstock Headquarters that will become the table numbers, programs, and menus. I still need to get over to M&J Trimming to pick up the velvet ribbon that will also decorate our mason jars.

My mom did an awesome job finding a guest book that wouldn't just require guests to stand in line before the ceremony to sign their names. Guests will receive a little card while walking into the church to sign and write thoughts and well wishes on while waiting, then I will compile them post-wedding (and probably post-honeymoon) in the guest book scrapbook-style. I love it!!

Our homemade thank you notes and table place cards are now as complete as they can be, and the programs are almost ready to print.

For grandparents we have lost, we will have a small memorial at the church and the reception. I found small frames to hold each of their pictures, and they will hang with twine from a little jewelry tree I have. We will certainly be thinking of them and knowing they're looking down on us that whole day.

I tried on my actual dress the day after Thanksgiving, and it is just lovely. I cannot wait to wear it that whole day (and maybe again every couple of months?). :) I have my next fitting on March 27.

Apparently bridal shower and bachelorette party plans are well underway, but I have no clue what the plans are! I love surprises!!

Derek and I completed the LED "throwies" for the reception lanterns quite some time ago, but here is a good picture of our work. These little guys took hours to put together! Back story: the reason they're called throwies is because they are often attached to magnets that people throw at metal objects!

The invitations have been drafted (over at My Gatsby) and are about ready to be ordered. Here is a little preview of the colors:

More to come soon.... :)

water for life

2009-11-17T00:29:00.002-05:00

if you're feeling generous - or even like you might be able to donate just $5 and skip your morning coffee - help out with vintage pearl's efforts to raise enough money to build a fresh water well in west africa... tax deductible, and if/when she reaches the $5000 mark, 250 people will have fresh, clean water for life... i'm giving $10 now. not much, but it's something.

mycharity: water

have a little faith

2009-11-16T22:51:00.004-05:00

I've been starting to think that I may need to change the name of my blog soon... While it still partially revolves around the wedding plans, it is certainly starting to venture into some other areas, which I am fine with. I need a name to sum up the randomness... Thoughts? :)

Exhibit A:

On my way back from an amazing 24 hours in Baltimore with my best friends, Cor & Lis in Baltimore, I was catching up on my 20 or so blog subscriptions on Google Reader (note: I was riding the Megabus. Driving and iPhone browsing should not be done simultaneously) and somehow happened across my new favorite: The Nie Nie Dialogues. Nie Nie, or Stephanie Nielson, is a young woman of about 30 who is married to a dashingly handsome man named Christian. They have the 4 most adorable children.

In August of 2008, Stephanie & Christian were in a private plane crash, in which they were the only passengers, and the pilot was killed. They suffered severe burns and have miraculously come through it over the past year and a half. My favorite part of the story? Their faith... They are devout Christians and allowed God to pull them through their hard time. I have been reading both Stephanie's blog, as well as her sister, Courtney's blog, which covered the story of their recovery. What a truly amazing, inspiring couple. Enjoy:

quote of the day

2009-10-16T19:44:00.002-04:00

"I know we all love the details and sometimes get our heads all in a tizzy over bunting vs. flower garlands or mason jars vs. vintage silver but really, when it all comes down to it, this is really what it's all about, right? Being surrounded by your family and friends while you commit to your best friend and love of your life."

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vintage perfection

2009-10-03T18:32:00.004-04:00

absolutely beautiful. makes me want to just copy paste their whole wedding onto my already developing plans. :) sooo beautiful:

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Fricky Forever 8.15.09 from Patrick Wright on Vimeo.

have you missed me?

2009-10-03T16:41:00.005-04:00

I don't think anyone even actually reads this, so I'm sure I haven't been that missed. But... regardless. I will explain where I have been. Around the time of my last post, I got an email from my friend, Julia, who works at Macy's as an assistant designer, informing me that a girl she worked with had just gotten promoted to associate designer and moved to another brand within the company. The exciting part for me? They needed someone pronto. Long story short: I just finished my 6th week of work as an assistant designer at Macy's Merchandising Group, in the JM Collection brand, working on Collection Knits! I'm officially a working woman. Derek and I packed up our stuff and the dog and moved (very suddenly) to a town in NJ that sits right outside the Lincoln Tunnel, making the commute a cinch.

We're finally getting settled in, and I am finally starting to think about the wedding again. There was a lot to do once we got here, and let me tell you. NJ does not make things easy at ALL on people just moving to a new town and starting a new life. It took us 3 trips to the DMV, 4 trips to the car insurance place, 2 to the parking authority, and 4 parking tickets to finally get the major things sorted out. I highly discourage anyone from moving here. :) Although, I do really love our place. And, since I am back, I will leave you with a genius, new way of spicing something old right up - tongue depressor business cards. Love it!

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zapatos

2009-08-14T15:17:00.003-04:00

(a.k.a. shoes!)

Well, unfortunately, my dream shoes came in, and they were not a perfect fit. They were WAY too high, a half size too small (they were out of my size, so I thought I'd give it a shot), and just not working. I still think they're gorgeous though.

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So, after a little further searching, I found these puppies, which I really like. I can't wait to see them in person. The best part? They're wedges, so I may not even have to take them off once the reception in the grass and tent starts! That would be awesome!

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projects and postcards

2009-08-14T15:02:00.011-04:00

So much getting done in the land of weddings. While I was in New York City for some interviews last week, I picked up blank flat cards (as opposed to folding ones) and envelopes so that I can make my own thank you notes. I went with the flat cards because it uses less paper, and they were a lot cheaper. I also got a stamp from impressrubberstamps.com, as well as ink for the project.

I also picked up velvet ribbon from M&J Trim that will most likely be tied in a nice little bow around the mason jars that will be planted here, there, and everywhere around the reception tent and farm.

The cardstock I ordered from Cardstockheadquarters.com also arrived, and I am cutting each sheet myself into 12 table place cards and stamping them with the above-mentioned stamps. After we send out invites and get all responses, I'll hand-write each card and we'll be hanging them from twine and mini clothes pins in little trees we're renting from the caterer. I love working on these projects. They're mindless, so I can watch my newest TV show obsession, "A Lyon in The Kitchen", while working on them, and I really love seeing handmade things at any party, wedding, etc.

Derek and I have also already finished making about 125 of the LED "throwies" that will be used to light up the lanterns in the tent! Only about 100 left!

In other news, I think I'm going to work on this project someday soon (using all postcards that were sent to me over the years... yes I've kept all of them!) and hang them in our new place, wherever and whenever we move:

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Also, I totally just hit the jackpot of do-it-yourself projects!!!! Check this out!

heaven on earth

2009-07-31T15:10:00.003-04:00

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Is it just me, or does this look like a snippet of heaven? Laura Resen's photos are so beautiful, especially the interiors. I think i'd never ever leave my bedroom if it looked like this...

holy paper lanterns

2009-07-31T12:15:00.003-04:00

Who would have ever thought having paper lanterns at a wedding could be SO incredibly research intensive and time consuming?! I think they're cute and light and fun, but my goodness. They don't tell you lighting them will be the most difficult and expensive part of the whole process. I have researched and researched, and I actually think I've come across the cheapest and easiest way to do this. In finding other blogs by brides who have also used these lanterns, I've found that it is simple (albeit time consuming) to make your own light sources. Plus, it will save us SO SOOO much money.

Just so you all can appreciate this when you see how pretty it is under that tent, here is how Derek and I are doing this. These are the necessary pieces to put these babies together:

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10mm Difused LEDs, bought on ebay
CR2032 3V Lithium batteries, also from ebay
1-inch wide strapping tape
Cardstock for the 'on switch'

Which we will put together (250 times over) to make this:

before pulling out the cardstock 'on switch'

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...and after

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And this is what the final effect will sort of look like:

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These are the blogs I discovered that convinced me to take on this big project:

I have to give a huge shout out to "F" over at Engaged. After I emailed her asking about some details pertaining to the lights, she offered to send me one of her's that was already made up so I could see how they work!! I received her cute little package a few days later. It really did help to see the 'throwie' in person before starting to assemble them. When I offered to pay her for it, she wrote, "No need for reimbursement for shipping or materials, just pay it forward when another bride needs help with something you've become an expert in :)" I wish everyone on earth was this sweet!

bridesmaid footwear

2009-07-31T11:28:00.004-04:00

Yesterday the bridesmaid shoes were officially chosen and bought! They're the same Payless shoes I wrote about a couple weeks back. We (okay, I) just took the plunge and said let's do it. They're so cheap and I think they're so perfectly fitting for our naturey-rustic-vintage-farm theme.

I'm also in love with one of the necklaces from Target. It's just a little too expensive at the moment. I want to see if it'll go on sale at any point...

hammock in the city

2009-07-31T11:20:00.003-04:00

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I was really happy when I saw this blog entry by JoAnna Goddard over on 'A Cup of Jo'. A hammock is one thing I think Derek and I need to really invest in. They're relaxing, sort of romantic, simple, and super comfy. With us most likely ending up in a city setting due to my career path, I was sure this would have to wait until our move-to-the-suburbs-and-buy-a-house days. No, no, no. Just find two trees, and.... that's it! Why did I not think about this before?!

mapage

2009-07-30T15:56:00.003-04:00

Just found this lovely little site where you can create your own ceremony and reception map by just dragging the icon to the locaton. This is so handy for us because my parent's address (aka the reception site) doesn't turn up on googlemaps or mapquest. This way, I was able to just show people where it is in relation to the church. Gotta love technology... sometimes. :)

hobby = $

2009-07-30T15:52:00.002-04:00

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Something I hope to get my hands on some day... In my dreams I work for a while then break off and do my own thing (with lots of success). I always love a challenge. I could see myself decorating interiors in the next, oh I don't know... 30 years?

curls and flowers and bird cages, oh my!

2009-07-27T15:24:00.017-04:00

Thoughts on how I might do my hair. The flower on the bottom is one I may buy from a vendor on Etsy.

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if you're not having a good day, watch this!

2009-07-24T09:24:00.000-04:00

Yes, most of you have already probably seen this, but I am SO jumping on the band wagon!!! This is too freaking hilarious. I love it!

milkglass vases!

2009-07-23T10:13:00.007-04:00

Oh my... The things that happen on days off of work! Tuesday I had off, so I ran around doing wedding things mostly. I scoped out jewelry and shoes for my bridesmaids, I picked up tape at the hardware store for the paper lanterns we're making (well, specifically the battery packs, or 'throwies' that will go inside of them), lost my sunglasses, bought grommets for the invitations, had an impromptu meeting with florist, found my sunglasses, etc. I also ventured to a couple local thrift stores, because what's better than using/recycling items that someone else saw no use for? I went in looking for mason jars, but came out with my new favorite thing: milkglass vases. Yet again, I've found another amazing addition to the reception decor that I think ties in so well with our rustic, vintage-y theme! The 'hobnail' vases really remind me of my mom's mom, I guess because I've seen things like this around her house. I was thinking about still placing them with the mason jars, in a sort of random set up, but wasn't sure how it would look. Then, I found images from real weddings in which brides did pair the two up, and I think it looks so great!

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And here are some more of just the milkglass vases. I really love how they stick to one type of flower per vase. It looks clean, simple, and will actually keep costs down!:

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progress

2009-07-22T14:53:00.014-04:00

Well, let's see... A few major decisions have been made since the last post! On Saturday, Lisa, Corinne, Court, and Kelsey accompanied me to the Priscilla of Boston in Wynnewood, PA (near Philly), and we found their bridesmaid dresses! I'd rather not post the picture of the dress, as I want a little bit of a surprise factor to still be in store for the guests, but I'll tell you it is not one of the originals I had picked out! I suppose I will let you know the colors though. Two of the girls are wearing a dark gray color called "smoke", and the other two are wearing a very light grayish, blueish green called "seaglass". They'll most likely be wearing these shoes from Payless, which I'm so tempted to buy myself:

I'm looking at these necklaces for them from Target. I just ordered all three online, as I can return them to our local Target (they didn't have them in store), and shipping was free!

And here are my potential shoes, although my mom is currently trying to find the shoes she wore the day she married my dad. She said I could sort of embellish them myself and make them 'my own'. She thinks they might be sort of low though, and she knows I want probably a 3- or 4-inch heel. But if she can find them, I'd be honored to wear them and have a little piece of her attached to me all day. :)

On Wednesday of last week, I met with our cake baker, Cindy Strawser ("The Cake Lady"). She was so helpful! I really think our cake is going to be gorgeous. Also not going to post a picture of what it will look like, but it is one of those I posted a few days ago! Can you guess? We picked two flavors: carrot cake (because Derek loves it) with cream cheese filling; and white cake with chocolate fudge (because I love it) and raspberry mousse filling! We were able to taste test the latter flavor, and it was amazingly good. Cindy also brought out some fondant peonies she'd just recently made, and they looked like the real thing. Can't wait to see it in real life!

daily dose of randomness

2009-07-16T15:34:00.005-04:00

This has nothing to do with weddings at all, but we all need a break right? There were other things I had interests in before I started planning my wedding! :)

Just found this totally awesome site, Knock Knock. It is too fun (especially for a girl who could spend three hours in Staples).

Check out this library cataloging kit, like back in elementary school when you actually had to use your brain to find a book! I know it's super dorky, but it would keep things in order and help you remember who you lent books to. Perfect for someone with bajillions of books:

And this cracks me up because it's so true!

my backup singers

2009-07-14T09:04:00.007-04:00

Some thoughts on bridesmaid dresses for my gorgeous friends, family & soon-to-be-family:

  melissa sweet  #223

melissa sweet #215

melissa sweet #215 (back)

priscilla of boston #214

priscilla of boston #313

priscilla of boston #313 (detail)

vineyard #1302

vineyard #1507

vineyard #1508

vineyard #1510

All are from Priscilla of Boston or their sub-brands Melissa Sweet or Vineyard... we're all going on Saturday to look at them in the Philly area.

*all images from priscillaofboston.com*

sugar and more sugar

2009-07-14T08:21:00.010-04:00

So I started this blog this morning knowing I had to find some pictures of wedding cakes that I liked because I have an appointment tomorrow with "The Cake Lady" (whose real name is Cindy Strawser) to discuss possible options. I just hadn't seen anything yet that had really grabbed my attention.... Until I saw Marie Fantaisie's website. Hold gorgeousness!! And of course, here are some of my favorites:

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And this one just gave me an idea! I went through a brooch phase a while back (admittedly inspired by Sex & The City) and collected a bunch of old brooches. Some are from thrift stores, but I have one from my late grandmother that would be so awesome to add on the cake somehow. It's in jewels that I think match the colors we're going for too!

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fun & food for two

2009-07-13T11:39:00.004-04:00

Some honeymoon activity and dinner thoughts:

Food...
The Postcard House (recommended by my Aunt Lisa)
Tahiti Nui (live music & dancing... recommendation from our hotel owner/host)

Fun...
Waimea Canyon (supposedly the Grand Canyon of the Pacific)
Kauai Sea Tours (catamaran snorkeling trip)
Surfboard rental

flora

2009-07-13T10:16:00.010-04:00

I am loving these bouquets... I think peonies look so fluffy and perfect and romantic. I just can't get enough of them. It's funny, too, because at the start of all of this wedding planning, I didn't really care about the flowers (or so I thought) until I started doing a little research and realized that I am really drawn to peonies, as well as dahlias. Here are a few bouquets or flowers that I love:

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crystal & andrew's wedding

mike & sarah's wedding

ali & shon's wedding

big fat dahlia

I love this boutonniere:

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I'm also loving this do it yourself (DIY) cake stand. It's so cool looking and generally easy to make. I love this picture, where there are two identical cakes in a small size and larger size. Maybe Derek could work on this little project. He loves wood-working.  :)

site: once wed

honeymoon!

2009-07-13T09:31:00.000-04:00

So psyched!!! Just booked The Love Shack at the Hanalei Surfboard House in Kauai, Hawaii for May 22-31, 2010!!!!

hawaii?

2009-07-09T11:08:00.001-04:00

Thinking about this little hideaway for a honeymoon....

(http://www.hanaleisurfboardhouse.com/)

This is what Frommer's had to say:

"Book now because this place is so fabulous it will go fast! Just a block from the beach, these two incredibly decorated studio units are a steal at $175. Host Simon Potts is a former record company executive from England who thinks he has retired to Hawaii. He's the hardest working retired guy we have ever met. The first thing he did was ask the kids he coaches in soccer if they had any old surfboards; he even offered them a few bucks. Potts got enough surfboards to line them all up standing next to each other, to create the most unusual fenced-in yard in Hawaii. Next, Potts turned to decorating: One studio is filled with whimsical "cowgirl" decor, and the other in pure Elvis Presley memorabilia. Both units have kitchenettes, comfy beds, water purification systems, 300-channel televisions, free high-speed wireless Internet access, Bose CD players, DVDs, iPod docks, barbecues, and backyard lanais. But the best reason to stay here (besides the 2-minute walk to either the beach or downtown Hanalei) is Simon himself; his stories about the record industry will keep you howling with laughter for hours."

Sounds like so much fun. The owner emailed me and told me about a private 'word-of-mouth-only' cottage that he also rents for honeymooners, called 'The Love Shack'. He sent me pictures, and it is so darn cute and 150 ft. from the beach!

07/09/2009 - Update: Just found this article on drbeach.com, naming this beach #1 in the USA for 2009! This ranking is based on "50 criteria, which include water and sand quality as well as safety, facilities and environmental management"

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escort cards

2009-07-09T10:13:00.000-04:00

Some inspiration for our escort cards:

(http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/2008/06/real-wedding-saturday-karima-aaron.html)

Love the twine. Love the paper quality and printwork. Love the font. Was thinking about using places D & I have been for table names, but why not K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid), as my dad always says. We may rent a couple ficus trees from our caterer and sort of string them in the trees so guests can go up and unclip them... I'd love to use the twine to tie in the natural, country feel with the mason jars. So perfect. I think I could do this for a living. :)

a few of my favorite things

2009-07-09T09:04:00.001-04:00

A few great shots from the engagement photo shoot...

i'm getting a little hungry...

2009-07-08T15:00:00.000-04:00

So yesterday, my mom and I had off work so we headed over to S&M Catering in Mifflinburg and picked out our menu for the reception dinner! It should be delicioso! You'll have to find out what we're having once you arrive, but I can say for sure that you won't go home hungry!

Oh! And 10 months 'til the wedding!!

engagement session

2009-06-15T21:40:00.002-04:00

Engagement pics are done! Here's the link to the photographer's blog, where she posted a few of the pics. These aren't necessarily our favorites, so whenever I get the rights to the whole album, I'll post our personal favorites in the 'photo album' on our wedding website!

details

2009-06-12T21:36:00.000-04:00

With all of the things that go into planning our big day, I keep drifting back to how everything will look. I went to school for fashion design, but really, something burns inside me for interiors and that type of design. Foreshadowing? :) TBA. Anywho, I'm all obsessed at the moment with centerpieces, reception lighting, etc. I found some amazing blogs that dedicate themselves to the style I envision and how to go for what you're imaginig. I've tentatively decided on a sort of 'theme' I guess you could say. After going back and forth between a sort of clean, bright, peppy sort of aesthetic, and a natural, outdoorsy, semi-country feel, I think I'm drifting more towards the later. With that decided, everything has sort of rushed into my head all at once. I'm thinking mason jars everywhere. Mason jars with peonies and dalias all over the place, mason jars with tea light candles floating in water, mason jars with candles hanging from trees or whatever as guests filter into the reception on our farm, mason jars with velvety ribbon that will somehow match our color schemes. Mmm.. It feels so homey and warm and... us. While I love huge fussy arrangements and decor, it doesn't quite feel Emily Derek.

Some thoughts:

(http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/2008/06/real-wedding-saturday-karima-aaron.html

(http://pics.boards.weddingbee.com/22830.ead.jpg)

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-_T0z05bIWA/SXONoN2l2XI/AAAAAAAABkg/
htQUpugxmOs/s1600-h/Fitch_small-306.jpg)

(http://abackyardwedding.blogspot.com/2009/02/q-how-do-you-light-backyard.html)

And these two blog posts:

On an entirely separate note, I'd love to have a photo booth for guests to take classic black and white strip photos of themselves (like the ones below) when they first get to the reception. I found a place near Harrisburg that will print two copies of each strip so that the guest can keep one, and we (Derek & I) get to keep the other for memories. I lovvve it. Just not sure if it'll happen yet. Stay tuned... :)

fotografias

2009-06-08T21:35:00.000-04:00

11 months to go! Got our engagement pictures taken last Thursday! We did some at and around the Freeburg Elementary School (we both went there and it is sentimental to both of us) and the rest around my family's farm. We finished up with a few final shots at Derek's apartment out in the yard with Jake, our dog. It was a blast, and we think they're going to be really great. I'll put a link up to the online gallery when Jess is done editing them!

it's a winner!

2009-06-01T21:33:00.000-04:00

Since the last time I wrote, lots has happened! I tried on some dresses at Brides Bouquet on 05/11/2009 (with my mom, Court, and Lisa Neff, Derek's mom there for opinions). I didn't think I'd find anything more wonderful than the dress at Lewisburg Bridal, but I did! It's a Maggie Sottero dress, it's ivory, and that's all I'm going to say. :) I actually put a deposit down a few days ago, so it's a done deal!

Then, Wednesday of that same week, Derek and I met up with Jessica Ames-Passmore, a photographer I found via theknot.com at Cruisers in Mount Pleasant Mills. Over ice cream, we checked out the work she's done in the past and her album options, and we fell in love. Derek asked 100 questions, so I could tell he liked her too. :) She's got an awesome aesthetic, and she makes the color photos look so antiquey. I love it!! Here's the link to the mini shoot she had with us that day outside of the restaurant: http://www.jessicaames.com/couples/emily-and-derek-wedding-consult-meeting-in-freeburg-pa/ Tell me what you think! Here are a couple of our favorites:

And, we set up our engagement picture session for this week, 06/04/2009! That session is actually part of the entire package we get when we book with Jessica, so it's like a little bonus! We'll be taking them around my parent's farm and maybe some at the Freeburg Elementary School since we both went there as little ones, and it has sentimental value to us. More to come later!

did you set a date yet?

2009-05-05T21:31:00.000-04:00

So Derek and I have been engaged for 11 days now, and everything's moving along very quickly already! Today, we officially set our date in stone. Our pastor, Tim Bingman and the church (Saint Peters Lutheran church in Freeburg) are available, so we're able to book other big things now! My mom already booked our DJ, Fred Moyer, too. He's such a blast at parties and weddings... I'm so glad we got him!

Later today, I'm going with my one of my best high school friends, Jasmine, with my sister (Court) to re-try on the dress that I loved at Lewisburg Bridal. They haven't seen it in person yet, and I want to get their reactions.

the big white dress

2009-05-02T21:29:00.000-04:00

Today, I had some time to kill before heading into work, so I called up my mom and asked if she'd like to go with me to try on wedding dresses for the first time! I called the Selinsgrove Brides Bouquet shop, but they were too booked to accomodate us then. So, I called Lewisburg Bridal, and they said, 'Come on in!' So we were there for only about an hour, but I think I found, possibly, thee dress! Later in the day, I made an appointment with Brides Bouquet in Selinsgrove, and I will be going there soon to try on more dresses with my sister, mom, and Derek's mom!

we're engaged!

2009-04-25T21:09:00.000-04:00

Derek and I are engaged!!!! It took a couple of days to let everyone know, but I promptly asked Court (my sis) to be my maid of honor, and Lisa Diker (college friend), Corinne Ciaverelli (college friend), and Kelsey Neff (Derek's sister) to be in the wedding. They all said yes. :)