Sarah

Quote: Originally Posted by mgreen Found this thread... and I needed to resurface it Great job on this Sarah.... you did a super job and it looks perfect. I want to try and make one of these too. Me and FH haven't booked our engagement photos yet (it WILL happen though prob in May).I'm thinking along the coast in Destin will be a backdrop for an amazing shoot. I may need some assistance building up our book. I know my mac has a photobook program and the finished product looks pretty good from what I've seen. Have you used MyPublisher before?? Just realized I never responded to this... I've never used My Publisher. The reviews I had read indicated that SharedInk was much better, so that is the route I went...

We're doing a legal ceremony in Cabo Kate. I'll let you know how it goes in a couple weeks!

Quote: Originally Posted by Nrvsbride Sarah thanks for sharing pics, they look great! Your workouts have paid off, you look amazing! That dress is so pretty. Your niece is adorable. And this should come as no shock to you: I want a piece of your cake. LOL. Ya know Glenda- I kept waiting for you to arrive, so I was disappointed when you didn't show! lol How about I eat your cake for you? It was really yummy... I'll make sure there's chair with your name on it Cabo, see you this weekend!

Quote: Originally Posted by Nini_Bride AHHH! YAY! Next week!!!! That's so exciting. Holy crap, I can't wait to see how everything looks and how all of your DIY projects worked out!! Can you believe it's NEXT WEEK?!? Holy Crap is exactly right...I have two more days to make my table runners, finish my last-minute to-do lists, drive my dog & cat 4 hours to the boarding kennel, get Jeff's pants hemmed for his SECOND suit he bought tonight- he decided if I got 2 wedding dresses and I'm trashing one then he wanted an inexpensive suit to trash. Cool! Anyway, I'm going to scream. Well, I should at least get off here and get something done! I'm just uploading music to my mp3 player right now...

Quote: Originally Posted by BEACHBRIDEMA Cute pics, the cake looks yummy! Sarah It was awesome- red velvet, which is my favorite. Somehow my SIL remembered me saying that a long time ago. She also schemed with Jeff to get an e-pic from him without me knowing so the cake would be a surprise. Quote: Originally Posted by LALA Looks like fun! And you look beautiful! Aww, thanks Kate- and everyone else for your compliments. I'm starting to finally feel like my living at the gym is paying off! Quote: Originally Posted by cessyboston looks like you had a great time... i love your dress..... It was so much fun! My dress is JCrew, got it on clearance last fall for $40. It's now in their stores for $98- sales rock! I added the sash... Quote: Originally Posted by Nini_Bride Sarah - it looks like they did a great job!!! At look at all of those gift bags! What'd ya get?? I couldn't believe how much stuff I got! I felt so spoiled...I can't remember it all right off hand, but I got my kitchen aid mixer I wanted, a sweet cuisinart food processor, kitchen aid blender, my plates, silverware, glassware, and placemats, pretty much all new miscellaneous kitchen gadgets, and a ton of gift cards, new towels, yada yada... Quote: Originally Posted by mgreen hey sarah I can tel those work outs paid off - you're getting so tiny now!!! Glad you had a good time. You are so lucky to be blessed with good inlaws. I love the baseball caps for you and Jeff, how cute! Also who's that cutie petootie sitting on your lap? A neice? She's adorable!!! That's my niece, Ava. She's my flower girl. Hopefully Juan will get some awesome pics of her next week. She's so adorable. Quote: Originally Posted by sweetpeaslee30 I got those hats too for me and my fiancee at our shower! looks like you had fun Yeah, Jeff showed up at the end to take the gifts home in his truck. The hats were from his mom- she is trying to talk us into wearing them on the plane. Maybe for breakfast or something silly at the resort one day, but I don't think I can handle it for the plane! lol

I know you all love pics, so here are a few from my bridal shower yesterday. It was a lot of fun. My FMIL, FSIL, and SIL threw the shower and did a great job. They decorated with a Mexican fiesta theme and had all my favorite foods! My cake was probably the highlight- it was so cool- my SIL designed it. Anyway, here you go...

We just finished our lists, here they are: Wedding/Cocktail Hour Stuff Prelude, Processional & Ceremony Music: Soft romantic music by Mariachi Trio During the Ceremony: "Pure" by Gateway Worship, guitar and song by my dad & brother Recessional & Cocktail Hour: Fun party music by Mariachi Trio Reception Stuff We're doing our first dance, parent's dances & inviting the group to join us in one slow song right before dinner... First Dance: Come What May - Moulin Rouge Soundtrack Parents Dance: You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban Group Dance: My Wish - Rascal Flats Dinner Music (I know we have a ton- this list is in no particular order, and our IPOD is just going on random! It won't all get played...): You’re the Inspiration – Chicago The Joker – Steve Miller Band It Ends Tonight – The All-American Rejects Enough – Barlow Girl Better Together – Jack Johnson Breakdown – Jack Johnson Labios Compartidos – Mana Inside Outside – Delerious The Reason – Hoobastank Seasons of Love – Rent I Wanna Grow Old With You – Adam Sandler Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole Kiss The Girl – Disney Open Arms – Journey Don’t Stop Believin’- Journey Save the Last Dance for Me – Michale Buble Faithfully – Journey If You Leave Me Now – Journey Quando Quando Quando – Michael Buble feat. Nelly Furtado Blue Moon – Michael Buble Guantanamera – Buena Vista Social Club Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder When I Fall in Love – Nat King Cole Eyes – Rogue Wave Nothing Left to Lose – Matt Kearney What if You – Joshua Radin Closer – Joshua Radin How To Save a Life – The Fray Wouldn’t It Be Nice – Beach Boys Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett Dreams – The Cranberries Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison I Walk The Line – Johnny Cash Heaven – Brian Adams This Kiss – Faith Hill Will You Still Love Me – Chicago I Love You – Martina McBride Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton Reception Music: (I think we have a lot here too, but again, we're just putting the IPOD on random and see how it goes!) Fast Tub Thumping – Chumbawumba One More Time – Daft Punk Run It- Chris Brown SOS – Rihanna My Humps – Black Eyes Peas Tequila – Los Labos Get Ur Freak On – Missy Elliot Hollaback Girl – Gwen Stefani Smack That – Akon feat. Eminem Buttons – Pussycat Dolls I’m Back – Akon feat. Baby Back Don’t Cha – Pussycat Dolls Baby It’s You – JoJo feat. Bow Wow Back and Forth – Aaliyah All for You – Janet Jackson Baby Come On Over – Samantha Mumba Objection – Shakira Seniorita – Justin Timberlake Come On Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners Living On a Prayer – Bon Jovi Shout – Otis Day Blister In the Sun – Violent Femmes Get the Party Started – Pink Get Down Tonight – KC and the Sunshine Band SexyBack – Justin Timberlake London Bridge – Fergie Glamorous – Fergie I Love Rock & Roll – Joan Jett Dude – Beenie Man Grease Megamix – Grease Soundtrack Walk This Way – Aerosmith & Run DMC Wipe Out – The Surfaris Barbara Ann – Beach Boys Surfin USA – Beach Boys I Get Around – Beach Boys Fun, Fun, Fun – Beach Boys Ain’t No Other Man – Christina Aguilera Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira Yeah – Usher PYT – Michael Jackson Beautiful Liar – Shakira & Beyonce Lights, Camera, Action – Mr. Cheeks Gold Digger – Kanye West Give It To Me – Nelly Furtado feat. Justin Timberlake Can’t Escape My love – Enrique Iglesias I’ve Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash Corazon Espinado – Mana En El Muelle De San Blas - Mana Gold Digger - Kanye West Can't Get You Out Of My Head - Kylie Minogue Love At First Sight - Kylie Minogue Boom Boom Boom - Jock Jams YMCA - Village People Turn Me On - Kevin Lyttle Slow The Way You Look Tonight – Michael Buble Remember When – Alan Jackson Making Memories of Us – Keith Urban One Hundred Years to Live – Five for Fighting My Girl – Temptations Bless the Broken Road – Rascal Flatts My Wish – Rascal Flatts Time After Time – Quietdrive I'll Stand By You - Carrie Underwood I Could Not Ask for More – Sara Evans Crash - Dave Matthews Crush - Dave Matthews Satellite - Dave Matthews Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton

Well, I only had to make 20 so it wasn't too bad, but I did cut every single blade out individually by hand with a pair of scissors. I usually did it sitting in front of the tv at night, so I really didn't notice how long it took. You also don't need to do as many blades as I did. This pic is just my mock-up. In the "real" one, there are actually 6 and 6 really is alot! You probably could get everything on 3 or 4, maybe you've already done that. I wish I had a magic answer for you, but nope! Kate's suggestion of using a cutter for the long edges is good...that way you could probably do a couple at a time.

Gorgeous Cooper. The location is excellent and you really captured the spirit of the occasion- great work!

omg I gave this to Jeff to do and surprise surprise it's not done. I have to go to my shower in 2 hours, but right now I'm trying to download songs- thank goodness for these lists, I'm just going to have to copy them!

I'm on Retin-A. I used it every day for a while last fall, but had to drop down to every other day because my face was always red & peely. I like it now- probably only use it every other/ every third day and it works well for me. I also spot treat if I get any breakouts with Benzaclin, but I have to say that I haven't had any for quite a while...better find some wood to knock on!

Quote: Originally Posted by host sarah, i know it sounds like alot but it is more than a wedding. it is probably your last family vacation with your parents and brother and his family...i mean how often do families get together like that. it will be a really special time for you guys. Actually, as painful as it was to put down on paper the grand total, it really made us feel better to see what we spent our money on and how much we still owe. We really did pretty good, considering we paid for most of it! I know it's soo much more than a wedding. And you're right- it's probably the last time my whole family will be together for a while. I can't wait- I got an extra chair so you can sit right down and enjoy the ceremony if you want to!

Quote: Originally Posted by host sarah, i know it sounds like alot but it is more than a wedding. it is probably your last family vacation with your parents and brother and his family...i mean how often do families get together like that. it will be a really special time for you guys. Actually, as painful as it was to put down on paper the grand total, it really made us feel better to see what we spent our money on and how much we still owe. We really did pretty good, considering we paid for most of it! I know it's soo much more than a wedding. And you're right- it's probably the last time my whole family will be together for a while. I can't wait- I got an extra chair so you can sit right down and enjoy the ceremony if you want too!

Quote: Originally Posted by LadyP I can not believe that I have not told you how great all of your things look. I come almost everyday and look at everything you have done and get inspired. These are beautiful and I will say that if your guest do not appreciate all of the energy and hard work you put into the wedding, I will go out on a limb and say we teh BDW future/experienced/and wanna be brides do. I absolutely love it. Your wedding will be soo lovely that I will cry.(not and emotional girl). Aww, thanks Catherine. I hope some of my projects will help others. Once I get back I'll be glad to help anyone!

Quote: Originally Posted by jpkw Sarah - I LOVE all of your projects!!! Everything looks so classy and your wedding is going to be absolutely amazing! I am so excited for you!! When do you get back? We are all going to be thinking about you and waiting anxiously to see the pictures and hear all about your wonderful day! Congratulations and thanks for sharing everything! I agree that you need to get in the planning business - you are incredible!! One more question - could you share the wording from your sand ceremony (only if you have a chance)? Thanks Jen! It's funny that Tammy posted the wording because I've actually been working on this this morning! We wanted to do a little different sand ceremony and incorporate something having to do with Christianity into ours. This is the wording we have decided on: Sand Ceremony Dad: “Jeff and Sarah, you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings. This covenant is a relationship pledge between two people who have agreed that they will commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives. Today, this bond is also symbolized through the pouring of three individual bottles of sand into one. One bottle represents you, Jeff, and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you ever will be. One bottle represents you, Sarah, and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you ever will be. The third bottle represents Christ, all that he is and will forever be. As these three bottles of sand are poured into one, the individuals continue to exist, but a fourth entity is also created; one which did not exist before but will continue forever.†Dad: “This layer represents Christ, who is and always will be the foundation of you both as individuals.†Dad pours the beach layer Dad: “Jeff, pour some of your sand, which will represent you as an individual.†Jeff pours next sand layer Dad: “Sarah, pour some of your sand, which will represent you as an individual.†Sarah pours next sand layer Dad: “This layer represents Christ as the foundation of your marriage†Dad pours more of the beach layer Dad: “Jeff and Sarah, as you each held your separate containers of sand, it represented your lives to this moment; individual and unique. As you now combine your sand together, your lives also join together as one. You may now blend the sand together symbolizing the uniting of the bride and groom into one.†Jeff & Sarah pour the rest of the sand from their individual bottles into one at the same time. Dad: “Finally, this sand again represents Christ’s role in your relationship and symbolizes that he will always fill you and complete your marriage.†Dad pours sand Dad: “Just as the individual grains of sand can never again be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so your marriage will be.â€

Wow that's awesome Lisa! I wish there was some sort of bootcamp around here! I've been at the gym every day this week. I've been consistently doing an hour of cardio and 30 minutes of weights every day. I now run at least 2.5miles in 30 minutes and then do either the stair stepper or elliptical for the other 30. I'm alternating legs and arms every day. Off to Cabo in 5 days! I'm nowhere near where I wanted to be by now, but these last 6 weeks in the gym have really helped alot. Oh well, I guess that's what I get for procrastinating so long!

I've been on here all week and somehow managed to miss this? Crazy... This is so hard- can I just vote for them all? lol

OK, Tammy & Ann- you're stressing me out! lol, just kidding. I feel your pain though. Tammy- you seriously have the worst luck of anyone i've ever met. Your luck is going to be awesome after the wedding- it has to be! Ann, why do guys do this to us? How they can get through life being so scatterbrained sometimes is beyond me. So, I've spent the last 2 weeks stressing about my brother, SIL, and niece's passports. They applied Feb 2nd or 4th, something like that. Anyway- that was over 11 weeks ago abd they were still not here. We called the number when you go to travel.state.gov to check your status without any satisfaction. Both my brother and I sat on hold for hours waiting to talk to different people. Come to find out, they had messed up the spelling of my brother's name, and my nieces birthday and they weren't even to the "processing" phas yet. My dad called our congressman Dave Camp on Tuesday and was immediately transferred to someone who handles passport issues full time. My dad explained the situation, that they were traveling in 10 days, that my brother is joining the air force in 3 weeks and that it was my wedding and probably our last family vacation, yada yada. The guy told my dad not to worry, they'd have them but the end of the week. Jared (my brother) got his yesterday, and my SIL and niece got theirs today. They were shipped FedEx next day. So, if you're not getting satisfaction from the passport company, contact your local representative- I couldn't believe how fast he got the job done! You have to be within 14 days of travel though...

Well, I figured it was time to do this...this is very painful! Bride & Groom wedding attire, including alterations and accessories: $1625 Our travel 9 nights and air for two: $3500 Car rental: $350 Travel for 5 family members - we're covering 5 plane tickets and 7 total nights at Dreams: $5250 Photography (including engagement session, boudoir session, ceremony, and trash the dress session): $2975 Videography: $200, raw footage Guitar Rental:$150 Dreams costs (welcome dinner, ceremony, reception) including flowers, cake, etc: $2850 Mariachi Trio: $600 Invitations, STD's, Stationery, Paper products: $950 Misc Decor Items: $400+ BM/GM Attire: $260 OOT Bags: $525 Hair/Makeup: $280 Flowergirl dress, shoes, basket: $55 This doesn't include wedding rings ($5k), miscellaneous clothing and lingerie for the wedding week (not even going to add that up), and all the clothes and stuff I've bought for my family so they don't look like the beverly hillbillies! Yikes! $19970 for a wedding with 14 guests. I should have never added this up...and the scary part is that I know there's way more stuff ('ve forgotten and I added conservatively on some things... We're waaaayyyyyyy over $20k.

Nicole you are too funny- I laughed out loud when I saw the pic of your sister. I also knew right away that it was a joke- we both have a similar fantastic style (lol) so I knew there was no way you'd pick that dress...hehe Anyway, I tend to think the dark blue would make things a little patriotic. Not that patriotic is bad, just not necessarily the look I think you're going for! I don't think it would be bad to go with the aqua, just to mix things up a litte. However, I am just using white- I just like that classic (although some might call it plain!~) look. Red would be fantastic as well- I was worried a little about too much red looking a bit valentine's day-ish. You're getting so close!

Quote: Originally Posted by AmyInMI Hey Sarah! I went to the one on Saginaw again yesterday and nothing yet!! I'll keep ya posted I went to the one in Okemos last Friday and they didn't have anything. They did have some really cute gardening stuff though. Cute little galvanized pails, and pastel colored hand tools- would be really cute for a summer garden-themed shower!

No, I think those are super cute! I like the camo & pink idea too...They'd probably get used again...

I love HP! I'm re-reading all the books in anticipation of the new one...I love the movies almost more than the books though...

Quote: Originally Posted by Mishi I should not be on here, lol, but my husband is sleeping still (long night) so I came on to look and I had to post. I walked down to We Belong Together. It is very accoustic and beachy, even talking about the beach and everyone loved it. I also love What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life by Barbara Streisand, so I saved it for the first dance. You guys songs are great... I think the Somewhere Over The Rainbow would draw emotion from everyone! Hey Mishi- good to see you! Now, go enjoy your husband! lol

Oh Tara that sucks! Please tell me you're using something else in the meantime! I'm 2 days late on getting my BC refilled (yesterday's drama foiled my plan to get to the pharmacy) and I'm freaking out- can't imagine how you feel. Good luck...