Wedding Wednesday: wedding video

Link:
http://vimeo.com/shutterbliss/review/59620594/4e8a5d8ebe
password: april

I do not like our wedding video. 
Could this be because it took Shutterbliss 4+ months to create a 3 minute highlight that looks just thrown together?  Could this be because my many emails to Shutterbliss set expectations they had no intentions on following through?  Could it be because there are three separate shots of Chris and sucking face (really who wants to see that?!)?  Could it be there are two separate shots of just my shoes?  ...one shot of the random stuffed butterfly that was in the hotel room?  ...our vows all choppy and not smooth?  NO talk of our pastor.  NO shot of us on the dance floor.  NO shot of us on the dance floor during our first dance.  NO real shot of me and my bridesmaids.  NO real shot of my dad walking me down the aisle. 
I could go on and on.
I'm pretty sure it's a combination of all of the above.
I won't bore you with all of the details. But I originally asked Shutterbliss when I would get my video in the first week of December, thinking this would be timely as my friend who got married two weeks prior also used Shutterbliss and got her video back before Thanksgiving.  I was told within the week.  And well I didn't get my video until mid-February (TWO and a half months later).  Very unprofessional in my opinion.
I am happy with the song they chose, parts of Kari's toast, and the shots of the Chateaux, but that's about it.  We did get the raw footage, but even that doesn't have the beginning of the ceremony with everyone walking down the aisle (including myself, the BRIDE!).  
So overall I'm disappointed and don't recommend them.   I wish we would have invested more, and did some more research.  But of course what I did see and when I did talk to Shutterbliss originally all seemed like I would love the end result.

Wedding Wednesday ~ a preview of photos

We have wedding (some) photos!  I was going to wait and post all of them at the same time, but I won't get the DVD images from Molly until tomorrow. 

I'm pretty sure I'm in love all over again!

All images courtesy of Molly McGannon Photography.

What I love about seeing the pictures and having my friends and family see the pictures is that I (they) get the true vision of the day.  I absolutely love the pop of color, and it is just as I expected it.  I loved seeing me and my bridesmaids, our dresses truly did compliment the over all look.  The overcast and cold day did create for some beautiful lighting, and for the most part you can't tell we are freezing (although there are some pre-ceremony with my parents where you can tell I was SO cold!) 
If you want to see all 800+ photos email me and I'll send you the info.

Wedding Wednesday ~ more random wedding pictures

I'm patiently (trying super duper hard not to go bug my photographer) waiting for my wedding pictures.  Our contract states 4 - 8 weeks.  So patience people!  And the video will probably be not until the end of November.  In this world of instant gratification, this is hard!  So to help the anxiety here are some more random wedding day pictures.

during the ceremony

our cake with our parents wedding day pictures.

dancing!  with signature drink in hand!  my friend Tina always adds fun captions to pictures!

michelle, me, and emily

first dance

Cheyenne our flower girl

April, Tina, me, Annabelle, and Sara

Charlie, Justine, me, Kortny, and Steven

more fun dancing!

another pic of my rockin' shoes!

the back of one of the journal's with the signature drink (blue mojito)

the reception!, this is the only picture of the space "untouched" taken by my day of coordinator Katie.

Katie also took this video she posted on her blog.  Go all the way down to the bottom, my video is the last one.  We did a flash mob of sorts to "I'm Sexy and I Know It" by LMFAO.  So.much.fun.

our rings

my friend and bridesmaid Tina had the idea to make this sign!  She enlisted her brother in law to create it, he met with Kari in ABQ to get it, and Kari drove it up to Denver!  It was a huge surprise, and hung in the lobby of the hotel for almost two days!!!

I forgot to mention our first dance!  We  danced to "You and Me" by Dave Matthew's Band.  When Chris and I first thought about our first dance I told him I wanted a song that told a story.  That would talk about our future and our life.  He did the research and came up with the song all by himself, and I love it.  We took 5 dance lessons at Ward Carter Dance and learned the foxtrot!  I'm not too sure if anyone really noticed, but it was fun.

Wedding Wednesday ~ ALL the details

UPDATED ~ items italicized.

Just some random wedding pictures for you to view.

my rockin shoes!  love 'em!

the first time I was able to try on MY dress!

There is A LOT that goes into a wedding.  I was engaged for almost 11 months and planned everything out and feel like my timing and planning worked out pretty good.  A lot of credit is due to everyone who participated behind the scenes.  I truly hope I don't forget anyone or anything!
Officiate - Pastor Ken Brown: We've gotten so many compliments on our ceremony, and our pastor is definitely due credit.  He is truly such a joy, and since we've been attending church we truly enjoy his spirit.  He added some amazing personal touches throughout our ceremony that made it even more special!
Church - Broomfield United Methodist Church: I grew up Catholic, and always knew that if I were to get married, I would want to get married in a church.  When I voiced this to Chris after we got engaged he mentioned finding a church for us to belong to, so that we could be at "home" once the wedding day arrived.  I was so relived that he was on board, and we were so blessed to find such a wonderful church family within the first church that we visited!
Reception - Chateaux at Fox Meadows: I had been eyeing this place easily for the last 7 years.  Immediately it was my dream wedding.  I'm so blessed that it was part of the day and my reality wedding!  We originally met with Jayme back in December who gave us the tour, and once we signed the contract for our day I definitely consulted her a hand full of times.  We also met there back in July when my mom was in town, and again 2 weeks prior to the wedding.  Other than that, they were definitely hands off.  Now who knows what all they did come the day of the wedding, but I imaged they would be more part of my planning.  A big disappointment was the cocktail hour.  Cocktail hour was suppose to be outside in there beautiful backyard gazebo area.  Well with the temperature in the 30's the back-up plan was to have cocktail hour down stairs in the basement.  Granted it isn't as nice, but that's where it was suppose to be.  When we arrived to the reception I was shocked and surprised to see all of the guests hanging out in our reception space.  I worked very hard and had a vision of being able to see the space untouched.  Have my very own "First Look" of the space.  Now we'll have no pictures of that space and what it looked like.  I later found out that the basement was under construction which was why cocktail hour was in the main reception space.  Obviously nothing could have been done about it then or now, but it's just hugely disappointing.
Ceremony Music - Harpist Monica Smith: I found Monica back in January and she was one of the very first vendors we booked.  I hadn't really thought about ceremony music but while browsing theknot.com she was listed as a featured vendor.  One of my mom's favorite musical instruments is the harp, and knowing what our church looked like, I thought it would be a beautiful touch.  I never even officially met Monica, but the music was beautiful!
Florist - Statice Floral: Lori.  Our package at the Chateaux came with a choice of florist, a DJ, caterer, cake, and photography.  Every one's recommendation was Statice Floral.  So that's who we went with.  We met with Lori back in January, and I met with her again about two weeks before the wedding.  I knew I wanted my flowers to be bright and colorful.  I wanted a bouquet to truly pop up against my white wedding dress.  My favorite flower is the bird of paradise, and I wanted that incorporated but I didn't want it to be seen as tropical.  I wanted elegant.  And Lori pulled all of it off beautifully.  I loved my bouquet.  When our bouquets arrived at the hotel while we were getting ready, that my first moment of "OH MY GAWD I'm getting MARRIED!"
Dress - Amanda's Bridal: Da Vinci style # 50010.  As you know dress shopping was hectic for me.  And in my opinion the picture of this dress on the website doesn't do it justice.  It also has the silver stitching, which I opted for the ivory.  My dress was perfect for me.  I love how tiny it made my waist, the rouching was super flattering, it had some bling but not a lot, it also had some detailing but not a lot.  To me it had all elements incorporated into my day. 
Reception dress - Nordstrom Wedding Suite(dress no longer available): This was one of the surprise moments of the evening.  Only a few people knew of the change of dresses.  I always thought a wardrobe change would be fun, and thankfully my gown was about $700 under my original budget so I splurged on a reception dress for about $150.  As much as I love my wedding gown, this dress was so much more comfortable and much better to dance in!  Plus I've already worn it again, on my honeymoon!
Shoes - Dillards: Knowing that blue was going to be a such a big highlight color in my wedding, I knew I wanted some rockin' blue shoes to wear with my dress.  I ran across these while shoe shopping with my mom back in July.  I kept walking by them thinking they wouldn't work.  I probably walked by them at least 6 times before I finally decided "I should just try them on."  And I'm so glad that I did.  They were perfect, but not at all what I had pictured in my mind.  I originally thought I wanted a T-strap or Ankle strap, definitely not a peep-toe.  But they worked, and I think that were perfect.  AND comfortable.  Now I just need to find an outfit so that I can wear them again.
Reception Shoes - Macy's: My mom purchased a pair of glitter silver TOMS shoes to wear at the reception.  She also bought me a pair, but they just didn't work.  I knew I wanted some sort of ballet flat, but I also wanted open-toed shoes (I wanted to show off my silver toes) but when I ran into these ballet flats I found at Macy's again they were perfect.  I'm not a big bow person, and the detailing on the front was just ideal!
Bridesmaid Dress - Amanda's Bridal: Alfred Angelo style #no longer available.  I really love this dress.  I think it flattered my girls perfectly, and with the side rouching and corset back even matched my dress a little, to look like it all went together.  I never really had a moment to just look at my bridesmaids, so I'm really anxious to see the pictures of all of us together.  The blue is beautiful, and I love the material and the fact that it was good for a cold Colorado day.
Hotel - Westminster Westin: This was a beautiful hotel.  I worked with Ashley and she was a lifesaver.  She was in charge of our hotel block, and looking back now I can't remember what it is that I called her about, but whenever I called her she was always there!  Our guests really enjoyed it and the fact that it's so close to so many things.
Hair/Makeup - Beauty on Location by Liz: Liz was a rockstar.  She showed up at 8:30am, and worked all the way to 2:30pm, getting all of us ready.  All the girls loved there hair and makeup, including myself!  She's truly dependable, and her rates aren't outrageous.
DJ - A Music Plus: This was the DJ provided through the Chateaux.  Music is a big deal to me.  I wanted our reception to be a party.  I wanted to dance the night away.  And the DJ provided just that!  It was so much fun.  Our DJ even went above and beyond my supplying the thingy that cuts off the end of the cigars for the cigars.  Thanks Fabio!
Caterer - Greenspoint Catering: Melissa.  The Chateaux gave us a handful of people to chose from in regards to food.  My dad immediately voiced wanting a sit down dinner.  Chris and I met with three different caterers.  The first one basically bullied us into having a buffet, which wasn't going to happen.  The second was more expensive and not as good as Greenspoint.  So thankfully picking out our food was easy.  Melissa was always available and super nice to work with.  And the food was great! 
Cake - Nancy's Best Cakes: Let me be honest.  Nancy is a bit out there, but wow does she know how to make a good cake!  Our cake was definitely clean and classic, but the flavors were all over the place!  She did a fabulous job.
Alcohol/Cigar's - DaveCo Liquors: A big advantage to the Chateaux is you bring in your own alcohol, and the caterer provides a bartender.  We had a couple of different beers, two white wines, and two red wines, along with our Blue Mojito as our signature drink.  We purchased about $1200 worth of alcohol at DaveCo, but were able to return about $600 of unopened liquor the day after the wedding.  With about 100 drinking adults from 5pm - 11pm and only $600 in drinks, is a pretty good deal.  Definitely a huge money saver.
The cigar's were another surprise, specifically for Chris.  He and his family occasionally like a cigar and I thought it would be something nice for them to enjoy.  The cigars were a huge hit!
Limo - Denver Limo: We also used this company for the bachelorette party.  I about had a heart attack when the limo took the long way (the freeway) to the church, but other than that the limo arrangement was pretty good.  For the wedding we had 2 limo's.  And both worked our perfectly. 
Custom Napkins/Matches - theknot.com shop: The blue "Chris and April" napkins were the very first thing I purchased back in December once we had our wedding date selected.  Then I got the matches after I bought the cigars.  I love the little personalized touches.
Invites - Wedding Paper Diva's: I don't really like our invites.  I think I jumped the gun on these, and got them on a whim.  If I could re-do these I would.  Oh well.
Ornament Favor - blog: I think my friend April found this link.  I immediately liked the idea.  They weren't too difficult to make, and so happy we decided on these right before Christmas so we could stock up during the after Christmas sales. 
Journals/Table Numbers - Journals and table number: I originally got this idea from my friend Sarah, who left a super long comment on one of my blogs then sent her comment to me via email.  A lot of the feedback I had gotten was that nobody looks at the guest book after the fact. And these will give us a tradition for many anniversaries in our future.  The books themselves were a huge pain to make, but well worth it.  Hopefully people wrote in them and signed them, and noticed the pictures on the back.
Photobooth - Photobooth'N: In my mind a photobooth at a wedding is a relatively new idea.  Who knows how long this as been the "IN" thing, but I knew it would be a lot of fun.  I just wasn't too sure if I would be able to get my mom on board.  Thankfully I didn't have to try very hard.  When she visited in January and we went to a couple of bridal shows, she immediately loved it and wanted to get one for my wedding.  Shortly after I priced a few out and went with the cheapest one, and it was a HUGE hit.  There was a line for it pretty much the whole time.  The thing I loved about the photobooth is that it created instant gratification.  We got the guestbook that night, and it was so much fun to look at with Chris the next day and see all of the crazy/fun pictures!
Welcome Bag - I really liked the way these turned out.  So I just want to highlight them.  I got canvas type grocery recycle bags from Amazon, filled each one with a 5280 Magazine a local Denver magazine, a bag of trailmix from Mountain Man Nut & Fruit Company, a bottle of water, and a welcome letter.  I really wanted to highlight Colorado as the welcome bags were only made for people traveling in from out of town.  Hopefully everyone got there's when they checked into the hotel.
Videographer - Shuttlerbliss Cinema: I went back and forth for a long time about getting a videographer or not.  Thankfully Andrea and I negotiated on this one.  I can't wait to see the finished product!
Photography - Molly McGannon Photography: Molly was a joy to work with.  She definitely helped calm me down as we were getting ready to go take pictures.  I'm trying to be super patient, but I hope to see some pictures soon!
Program - my cousin/matron of honor: Kari.  I really loved our wedding programs.  Simple and elegant.  Thanks so much Kari for putting them together.
Glow Necklaces - Amazon.  I wanted to do something fun and simple to create a fun party atmosphere.  I got this idea when I saw people wearing glow necklaces at the park we went to on the 4th of July.  They were a total hit, and another fun surprise for our guests!  I brought them out when I came out after my wardrobe change.
Men's Attire - Men's Warehouse: All of this and I forgot my HH (hot husband, his new nickname BTW)!  The groom, his groomsmen, the ring bearer, ushers, and our dad's all got fitted through Men's Warehouse.
Etsy
Etsy was a huge part of my wedding.  I liked the idea of supporting local stuff made here in the United States.  All but two vendors were from out of the country and awesome to work with!
Rehearsal Dinner Invites/Escort Cards - InkaDink Designs.  Talk about quick turnaround and super cheap!  I loved LOVED both my rehearsal dinner invites, and escort cards...I wish I would have used this shop for my wedding invites.
Tank Tops - SomethingGlitzy.  I got myself a top that reads "Mrs. Sweat" and one for each of my bridesmaids and one for my flower girl.  Super cute and fun!
Towels - MonogramMarketOnline.  I got towels for the kiddos as thank you gifts: Max, Jake, Cheyenne, and Aidan.  This was a partially negative experience.  She forgot about my order, and had to request her to still make them and ship them.  Thankfully we got them in time.
Stamp - Love to Create Stamps.  I made a custom stamp for our rehearsal dinner invites.  Super creative, and a great idea for anyone who has recently moved!
Handkerchiefs - Pams Embroidery.  I got a custom embroidered handkerchief for each of my parents that was given to them at the rehearsal dinner.
Wedding day Jewelry - Crystal Avenues.  I love my wedding day jewelry.  Super BLING!  I made the mistake of not trying everything on with my dress until my wedding day, and the necklace was super long, so I wish I would have measured that.  Thankfully we just taped it down my back.  I also wanted a piece of my Grandpa Egan and my Irish background associated, so one of the crystals on the bracelet was green.
Cufflinks - Alexa Lane.  I got a pair of cufflinks for my dad.  One reads "Father of the Bride" the other "I Loved Her First."
Garter belt - Avysm.  This set came with two, one to give away and one to keep.  I surprised Chris with a Denver Bronco garter belt!
Headband - Lucibella1.  I love this headband.  A super nice touch to make me feel like a bride.
Veil - Ultimate Bridal Veils.  Because of all of my wedding day jewelry and the bling on my dress, I knew I wanted a simple veil.  I do wish it was a little bit longer, but considering it's the one thing you wear the least, I was very happy with it.
Sand Ceremony Vases/Flower Vases - Engraving by T.  Chris' and I official love quote is "Real Love Stories Never Have Endings" this is engraved on our vase that we poured our sand into during our ceremony.  I also got myself a vase for my bouquet that reads April/Bride/October 5,2012.  I also got one made for each of my bridesmaids.  This was a surprise for them that they got once we arrived at the Chateaux.
Bridal Party Jewelry - Bijoux By Meg.  I loved worked with this shop owner.  So nice. 
Hangers - Two Broads Design.  I got all of us (me, my mom, and bridesmaids) a hanger back in March, that I gave out at my bridal shower.  I love these because it's something you'll always be able to use.
PHEW I do think that covers everybody!!!
Flower Girl Dress - Tutu Bug by Bri.  I loved Cheyenne's flower girl dress.  Not only did accent our coral color perfectly, but it was just so much FUN!  Plus we got a great price on it!

Life Goes On

Mr. & Mrs. Chris and April Sweat

 I'm officially a married woman!  Things have been crazy, and I have so much to cover.  But I have the basics that I want to cover, just so that I can go back and remember.
Last week was mostly full of anxious feelings and praying for nice weather. 
Monday and Tuesday I felt so anxious about the week, my mom arriving, everyone arriving, I didn't want to be at work, and just wanted to start the wedding celebration.  Mom arrived Tuesday evening.  We stopped by the house and packed up on the wedding stuff.  Wednesday we delivered the Welcome Bags to beautiful 80* weather, got a manicure and pedicure, then met up with Chris' family.  His parents, sister, and grandma met my mom and we went to dinner.  By Wednesday evening you could feel the cold air come in, and I started mentally preparing that my wedding was going to be more like a Colorado winter wedding, rather than a fall one. 
Thursday morning the families and a couple of the bridal party families met for breakfast.  After breakfast we drove back to the house, then to pick up my dress, then to the hotel, then back to the house (I kept forgetting stuff), then back to the hotel.  Just with enough time to get ready and changed to head to the church for rehearsal.  I was quickly learning with the activities of Wednesday and Thursday how fast Friday would go. 
After the rehearsal at the church we went downtown for our fun, laid back, but nice rehearsal dinner.  The atmosphere was exactly what I wanted, and everyone had a great time and enjoyed the food.
Friday for the most part started out calm.  The hair/makeup lady showed up right at 8:30am and went to 2:30pm.  She was a rock start and was right on time throughout the whole day!  I was able to enjoy some breakfast, but the timing of the lunch wasn't good for me.  Lunch came just as I was placed in the hair/makeup chair, and needless to say I didn't get a single bite of my lunch.  The photographer, videographer, and florist, were all right on time.  I soon realized that all of these elements were about to collide, and I was just hoping everything would go as planned.  I was soon in my dress, and frantically going over details while my bridesmaids were getting dressed.
I had a special moment with my parents, before we (my parents and bridesmaids) headed outdoors for pictures, before heading to the church. 
I knew all along that planning a October wedding in Colorado the weather could be anywhere from 40 degrees to 80 degrees, and I was hopeful for the seasonal average of 65 and clear.  Unfortunately a super duper cold front hit, and we were in the 30's.  To say it was freezing in a strapless wedding gown, is a understatement.  However, I do think the weather will create for some beautiful and dramatic wedding pictures!  Let's hope they are awesome! 
There were a few things that went wrong throughout the day, but the one major wrong was definitely the weather, and I feel ok about that, just because there's nothing I could do about it.
After some pictures we got in the limo and headed to the church.  We started about 15 minutes late, and with all things considered, not bad at all. 
Walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing Chris was like a dream.  I was overwhelmed when everyone stood up for us to walk down the aisle, so I stayed focused on Chris, and I knew he would calm my nerves. 
I tried to stay focused during the ceremony and listen to Pastor Ken, and look at Chris.  All in all I kept it together, I did cry during my  vows, but there was lots of emotion there. 
After the ceremony we got some family pictures inside the church, then we left with the bridal party for more freezing pictures outside.  We got to the reception and did the grand walk down the staircase, followed by dinner, toasts, first dance, and cake cutting.  Then the party got started!  There were some fun surprises along the way that I'll share later.

The Sweat's

Overall the night was a blast.  I've gotten lots of compliments on the food, the music, our pastor, my dress, the venue, and the ceremony.  Overall it was truly a blessed day with Chris and I walking away as husband and wife!
Now that it is said and done, all families have traveled back to where they came from, and life will continue just as it should.  My second day as Mrs. Sweat has been grand, as Chris and I go back to normal life.
Tell me, if you were there, what was your favorite part?
Cheers!!!

Wedding Wednesday ~ the seating chart

So much has been done!  I going to try and remember it all.  So if this post is a little (or a lot) random and  crazy, no worries, hopefully it'll all make sense next FRIDAY!

Pictures above is our color coded seating chart.  I saw this recommendation on some wedding website, and it made total sense to me.  We got a large poster board, with little sticky's in different colors and made each group a different color. 
If I remember correctly the colors are as follows:
yellow = vendor
pink = brides friends
purple = brides family
orange = brides coworkers
light blue = grooms friends
dark blue = grooms family
green = grooms coworkers

The seating arrangement has been a huge headache.  With lots of stress, Chris making a phone call to my dad, and my dad apologizing to me (I'm pretty sure hell froze over at that moment), the seating chart was finalized about a week ago.

Right now we have a head count of 124.  We had to give our final count (and pay for overage) to the reception place this past Friday.  And our final count to the caterer is due tomorrow. 

It's crazy how you can plan what seems like everything, but with time down to only a week and a couple of days I've spent time doing wedding stuff what seems like everyday.

Last week I had a final sit down with the florist, and I'm super excited for our flowers and the usage of them.  Some will serve double duty with being on display at both the ceremony and the reception.  All along I had originally thought we would have two centerpieces, we will now have three. 

I've gotten a good head start on the Welcome Bags.  All bags are marked and ready to go with a tag.  And I have two out of three of the items that'll be placed in the bag. 

The alcohol is purchased and set to be delivered.  I've made signs for the bar that'll display what's available to drink.

Day of schedules are finalized and delivered.

The wedding programs are all printed and folded.  And the escort cards are also all printed and folded and alphabetized, and ready to go!

I have things labeled and ready to go to take to the Westin and to review with my day of coordinator.

I had my final dress fitting over the weekend.  Yesterday I got a haircut and highlight.

Still to do:
Write Welcome Letters
Follow up with DJ
Follow up with cake person
Change time on one of the limo's
Put Welcome Bags together

By this time next week my mom will be here, and majority of the wedding party will be en route to Colorado! 

9 days until I say I DO!

As the day gets closer things are still blurry, but with each passing day I can see a clearer picture of how things will come together.  And when I truly envision the day I get super duper excited!  I really can't wait to see it all!  It's gonna be an awesome once in a lifetime party!, party of LOVE!!!

Today is extra special, as it's my husband to be's birthday, so a very special shout out to him!
Happy Birthday to my Baby!  Thank you, for living so calmly over the past few weeks while things are super stressful in the world of wedding planning!  I love you.

Wedding Wednesday ~ something blue

I've known for a long time that when/if I were to ever get married I would want blue as one of my main wedding colors.  I feel blue represents me in so many different ways, and it is my favorite color.  Blue will definitely be seen in 23 days!  It's not matchy matchy and different shades will be seen throughout the day.  Blue is also the one common element that is seen throughout all wedding aspects.  From the "Save the Dates" to some of the small details, and even a few surprises! 

And of course the shoes!  I have blue shoes.  And I think they rock! I'm pretty sure I'm more in love with my shoes than my dress.  These shoes are of course, for later in the evening...for dancing.  My "formal" shoes are just as cute.  And ridiculously comfortable as well, but these are a good back up!  My something blue is officially taken care of! 

In other wedding news and the ride of emotions that has come with planning this wedding today is a good day.  I feel accomplished even though I have a long list of things to get through.  We had our final walk thru at the Chateaux last night.  Which added to my list, but the deadline for most things is 9/21, and although that seems like it might be far away (I wish) that's next Friday, and I'm definitely happy knowing that I'll have two weeks to clear my "wedding brain" to get recharged and relaxed for the official wedding day!  It's difficult focusing on the end result: that at the end of the day I'll be married to my love, and that is what truly matters.  Of course that is the whole point to the celebration and bringing all of these people together, and it's stressful because in the interim of all that people are tugging at you and your emotions in every which direction.  You want to please everybody, and other people are easy distractions to what should be my main priority: myself, my future husband, and our love filled union.  Things get scattered, and it's just hard.  So I'm relieved in knowing that after 9/21 the headcount/the seating arrangements will be set in stone and I can go back and focus on the love around me and being excited for the day rather than getting stressed about the day.   

The wedding program is just about finalized.  Next will be making a super long list for the escort cards. 

We have an order of how things will go once cocktail hour is over and people enter the reception space. 

I need to go to the liquor store and finalize the alcohol for the party.

Lastly, I need to put together our Welcome Bags for out of town guests.  I have ordered the actual bags, just need to get them, and fill them!

Holy cow I'm getting married!!!  Sometimes it still seems surreal!

Wedding Wednesday ~ 30 days!

How quickly has time gone?!  I'll be a Mrs. in a mere 30 days.  I was thinking about what to write about because truly I don't really have anything to update or share, but then I realized this is more for me and my memory, and I knew it would be important for me to write something. 
I have lots on my mind and lots going on.  I have stress related issues coming from both sides of the family and it has created a lot of worry on my end.  Nothing major and nothing horrible, just issues that I don't want to deal with.  Chris is so great and always says the right things.  He said something to me yesterday that really stuck with me that I want to try and prioritize in my thought process over the next 30 days.  He said something to the effect of: If you spend your time worrying, then you aren't spending your time enjoying this time.  And that's so true.  I know that when I look back on my time as an engaged person planning a wedding, I don't want to remember the time I spent worrying.  I want to remember how much fun I had, how supportive my family was, and how fantastic my bridal party worked at making every aspect of the pre-wedding festivities so special and memorable. 
I know everything will work out fine, it's just a lot, and it's overwhelming.  I have a unrealistic need to do everything and make sure it goes perfectly.  I know this isn't good for me, and I'm working on letting go, and coming to the realization that not everything will go as planned.
Onto the real stuff:
I realize it is still the beginning of the month, but truly I don't think I could have planned it any better.  I knew all along I would want September to be low key with no major projects to do, and that's exactly what has happened!  I'm so happy that both DIY projects are done: wedding favors (ornaments) and table numbers/guest book (journals).  My goals this month are to organize, follow up with vendors and relax.  I purposefully didn't plan any wedding related meetings over this past weekend so that Chris and I could have a full three day non-wedding related weekend.  We relaxed, shopped, and ate good food.  We did discuss some wedding items, but nothing major.  The next four weekends won't be so calm.  I have a meeting set up next week with our florist, to discuss our centerpieces and finalize everything.  Yesterday I got the call from the Chateaux wanting to schedule our final walk through.  That should be accomplished today and most likely scheduled for next week.   
All of the gifts that'll be given at the rehearsal dinner are wrapped and ready to go along with a signed card.  I've started working on Thank You cards.  And all-in-all I'm pretty ready. 

Wedding Wednesday ~ Engagement Photos

At the end of June we had our official engagement photos.  And honestly I feel so blessed to have such a photographic city.  I went back and forth about doing pictures at either Red Rocks or Downtown.  I went with Downtown because I feel that represents us more as a couple.  Fun, unique, urban.  We met our photographer Molly McGannon and it was the perfect setting for us to get to know each other better as she'll be shooting our upcoming wedding in just 37 days!!!



This seems to be every one's favorite.  @ Millennium Bridge at the very west point of the 16th Street Mall



A lot of the areas we shot at are right next to where I work.  The building I work in is technically two buildings built together.  In this photo we are right outside the other building.

This one is one of my favorites.  Right next to where I work is this big yellow wall. 

This is another favorite, because it is just us.  Plus I like to think that Chris and I are a very fashion forward couple (Chris more than me) and this one shows our style.  I love the pop of his orange paisley tie.

Love my ring.

Right across the street from where I work is the Denver Performing Arts Center.  This picture was taken right in front of one of the door ways to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

Also taken at the DPAC.

Another DPAC pic

We got lots more, but those are some highlights.  I remember this day, and the weather being perfect.  We've had an extremely hot summer (62 days and counting of 90+ degrees).  We met right when it would have been the hottest time of day (afternoon going into early evening) and I think it was only in the 80's.  It could have been so uncomfortable had it been in the 90's. 
Thanks so much Molly for your fun photographic talent!  We can't wait to work with you again!
Things are definitely slowing down and I have gotten out of my funk from the previous week.  I physically have 20 journals made!, however they are still not finished.  I still need to attach the pens to the books, and put pictures on the back (each journal will have a different picture of us, we're alternating between the engagement photos and regular everyday life photos).  Once I do that the journals will be completely done! 
We're getting closer and closer to a final headcount (deadline to return RSVP's is 9/1).  Starting after Labor Day we'll be hunting people down who haven't responded. 

Wedding Wednesday ~ In a Funk

Yesterday I wrote an email to my bridesmaids with "In a Funk" in the title.  I'm officially over planning this wedding.  It's been 9 months since Chris proposed, and we've been pretty much planning the details ever since.  And I'm ready for it to be here.  Only 44 more days to go, and I'll be Mrs. Sweat. 
I had a rough weekend, unable to sleep, and was up at 3am Monday morning, to only sleep a little from 8am - 9am.  I called in sick to work, and told myself it was ok to take a mental health day.  To only have feelings of guilt linger in me yesterday for wasting a day away, and thinking about all of the things I could have accomplished, rather than laying on the couch. 
I knew it was getting bad when all this preparation was starting to effect my mental health.  Sleep is important, and I seem to always wake up in the middle of the night with wedding thoughts consuming my brain, and I'm unable to shut them down to go back to sleep. 
It's hard to balance.  Because truly I want to remember it all, and I know that there will the time when I "think back when" and I'll feel foolish for ever complaining about what I know will be a beautiful, fun, elegant, romantic, and meaningful wedding. 
I did make some organizational improvements over the weekend.  Rather than a huge mess on my kitchen table, I now have piles all over the house.  In the basement are a bin and one box to be taken to the Chateaux on the wedding day.  Up in the guest bedroom is a box of items to take to the hotel and the box to take to the church on the wedding day.  Tucked away in a drawer in the entertainment center are items to take to the rehearsal dinner. 
Over the weekend Chris sewed the remaining 9 journals together, and yesterday I taped the yarn to the back side of them.  Tonight I hope to tape the seam down the spine of the rest of the books. 
Today I signed cards that I'll be passing out at the rehearsal dinner, and throughout the wedding day. 
I do have a rough day of agenda for me.  I still need to follow up with the florist, the harpist, and the cake lady.
I'm still working on the song list, and I honestly think we have too many dances, that nobody will really care to watch.  We have our first dance, the father/daughter dance, the mother/son dance, then we are doing a daughter/father-in-law and son/mother-in-law dance, and lastly my mom wants to do a bride/groom, my parents, his parents dance.  I'm thinking all of our guests will be wicked bored with so many dances. 
I got my veil in the mail last week, and had my first dress fitting on Saturday.  Only a few alterations, which I'm happy about because that's a minimal cost, that could have easily been costly.
Rehearsal dinner invites have gone out, and over all things are coming together nicely.  I love our rehearsal dinner invites (probably more than the wedding invitation itself).  I found this lady on Etsy that created them for $6, I was able to use paper and envelopes from my friend Andrea (who's getting married 2 weeks before me and leftovers from printing out her own wedding invitations), so all I had to get was postage.  $6 for rehearsal dinner invites, plus postage, not bad if I do say so myself!
Once the journals are done, only a few small things are left, and the month of September is looking pretty clear, which is exactly what I wanted.

Wedding Wednesday ~ Bachelorette Party Weekend

This past weekend was my super fun-filled and relaxing Bachelorette Party weekend!

Let me tell you all about it.

 The planning and details of this weekend have been in the works for quite sometime.  Around Christmas time when my cousin and Matron of Honor, Kari said that she would throw me a Bridal Shower in April, my fun, party friend and Bridesmaid Michelle immediately said she would do the Bachelorette Party.  Both Kari and Michelle wanted to be in Denver for the festivities so we immediately looked at calendars.  Since Kari has school-aged kids, we decided it would be best if we had the party before the beginning of the school year, and with that the weekend and date was chosen! 

 I got off of work early last Friday and came home to these beautiful flowers from my friend and Bridesmaid Tina!  Unfortunately Tina lives in Florida, so she hasn't really been able to take part in lots of the celebrations, but she'll be here in October, and that's most special!  The flowers were the perfect jump start to the weekend ahead!
Friday night Chris joined us for dinner at Linger, like I wrote about in my previous post.  And we had a super fun time.  My hope was to include Chris so that everyone could get to know each other better, and I think that was a big success! 
Saturday was pure bliss from start to finish.  To make this party like a true getaway I got us rooms at the Four Seasons downtown for both Friday and Saturday night.  This place is simply amazing!  First class service all around.  I didn't even feel like I was in Denver!  We stayed at the hotel the whole day and just relaxed. We started with breakfast at the EDGE restaurant, then went up to the spa.  Michelle and Kari got massages, and I got a body scrub and wrap.  I had never received such a treatment, and it was fabulous.  They had this huge amazing waterfall shower for me to rinse off in, that I felt like I was in heaven.  The spa was decked out with a steam room, relaxation room, and jacuzzi.  Amazing showers, and all the amenities needed to get ready for the day.  After our services we hung out in the jacuzzi a little bit, then headed out to  the 3rd floor patio where the pool is located!  Once we arrived the area was filled with shade, but after about 40 minutes the sun was out and our tan was on!  We had a couple of drinks and even a snack brought right to us!  After the afternoon by the pool we got ready for dinner and the party night ahead!
Once we were ready for our night out we walked and took the shuttle to Zengo where my friends Sarah and April met us for dinner.  Zengo was fantastic, and the evening ended with the waiter bringing us some shots as he heard we were a Bachelorette party!  Cheers!
I had known that there were a few surprises in store, but wasn't too sure what they were.  I thought that the rest of the group was going to meet us downstairs at the hotel bar, but when we arrived back at the hotel and went up to our room the front door was decorated.  I was immediately excited, then I heard voices from coming inside!  I open the door to a group of my friends and decorations everywhere!  Some of the details are X-rated, so I'll leave that up to your imagination!  I even had my own 3-D male cake!!! 
All of us hung out in the room for about an hour before the limo arrived.  I had a little moment, thanking these girls for being part of my life.  I'm so blessed to have such awesome and beautiful friends!

Kari and I

Cathy, April, Sarah, Sara, Annabelle, Michelle, Kari
Brandi, me, and, Denise

Kari, Cathy, Julie, me, Thea, Sara, Brandi
Sarah

i think i look pretty cute

April, Kari, Julie, Sara, Brandi, Denise, me, Michelle, Thea, Annabelle, Sarah, Cathy
My amazing entourage!!!

Sarah and I dancing the night away!!!

When planning this night, my main priority was to dance.  I told Michelle that I just wanted to go out, drink, and dance, dance, dance.  Everyone pitched in and we got a super fun limo!  We started the night at PT's a local strip club with male dancers!  I really just wanted to do this, because well we could.  It is a Bachelorette Party!  Once inside I was excited as there was a dance floor and a cool vibe.  I knew I wouldn't want to be at the strip club long, so after about an hour I went to Michelle letting her know I was ready to leave.  And leave we would NOT.  Money had been spent for me to go up on stage to get my own personal lap dance!  Holy moly...I did not sign up for this!  So we hung out some more, and after my "present" we were able to leave about an hour later.  After PT's we were back on our way downtown to Chloe and newish dance club, that through the limo we got to skip the line and no cover!  Again this was something just to do because we could.  The place was huge!, again with a dance floor.  We did some more dancing, then relaxed a little bit at a table near the patio to get some fresh air.  After Chloe we headed to the Tavern, which was where I knew I would want to end the night.  I went to the Tavern for my 31st birthday and new it would have the music and atmosphere of what I wanted!  And it didn't not disappoint!  The Tavern has this awesome roof top bar with a dance floor, so we headed up there and danced the rest of the night away!!!  This was definitely the best part of the night.  Seriously a super fun night.  Waking up on Sunday night I kept thinking about how much fun I had.