-Kate-

Quote: Originally Posted by JaimeLynne I want to put "You're my rock" The story behind this: One evening my Dad and I were sitting in the art gallery my family owns waiting for customers (we do that every Fri. from 6-9pm). It was a rainy night, and not a single person had been in. Out of the blue, this lovely couple comes in and we end up talking to them for hours. The guy is a little older and French and she is Spanish. They both speak a ton of languages and are extremely cultured and well traveled - very interesting people. Well, the man asks me if I am in love - and I reply "yes" (At this time I was dating my ex-boyfriend of 3 1/2 years). He says, "Is he your rock?" and I say "I think so" and he replied "You will know it's real when he is your rock, and you are his." So later that night I go over to my ex-bf's apartment and I ask him if I am his rock and he says "No". "NO?!?", I say, and again he says "No". I told him the story and he said that was silly. Well needless to say we ended up breaking up. Fast forward a few years to me and Martin. I ask him the same question and without hesitation he says "Yes. I am your rock and you are mine.". I was so excited to hear this ~ I had found my rock! I told him the story and he loved it. The rest, as they say, is history... You ladies seriously need to STOP MAKING ME CRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome!!!

FI is wearing a tan Banana Republic suit, white shirt, no tie, brown leather flip flops.

Donkeys all the way!!! You don't think it's normal to have 6 stuffed donkeys on the mantle? Come on'!!!! I'm contemplating doing the sanddollars for the welcome dinner (so we have something normal).

Quote: Originally Posted by laura b Actually, Lisa was right, I was having a laugh. But "in my head, not so good" was VERY funny. So, here's the real choker I bought: I think it'll go better with the lines of the dress. My mom got this one. She's gonna look hot.

Whooo hoooo!!! CONGRATS!

Way to go girls!!! I'm so proud of all of us. I didn't do crap today bc I had a haircut appt after work. Tomorrow am I'll be at the gym!

Those look great! I love the bride and groom.

Congrats!!!

You are totally normal for feeling this way. Most brides have issues with family/friends when they decide to do a DW. It comes with the territory. You just need to think about what you want for your wedding. When you close your eyes and imagine your perfect wedding, what comes to mind? If it's you and your FI on a beach, by a waterfall, etc. - go DW. If the first thing you think of is a large group of your family and friends being there with you, maybe a DW isn't for you. No matter how understanding your family and friends are, there will be fewer present because it is a DW. After being on this forum for about 9 months and reading a ton of posts, I can say I have one of the most supportive group of guests a DW bride could want. And even with that, there are still people who can't come. Some are pregnant and won't be allowed to fly by that point, some can't afford it. These are normal guest "casualties" when you have a DW. If that is something you are ok with - go DW. Welcome and good luck!!!

I think I have a weird point of view on this because we always have to fly/get hotels for weddings. I've never even been to a wedding in Seattle. We always have to go to Ohio, Chicago, etc. So every invite entails a lot of $$ for us, plane fare, and hotels. Essentially, every wedding I've been to is a DW! If I got to a wedding and had to pay more bc I tried to save $ on a hotel I would feel weird - like maybe they didn't really want me there. Not saying that is true, it's just what my instinct would be. Even with all that I still think it is up to each person to decide. Families and friends have different expectations and only the couple knows what those are. FI's fam would be horrified to know we had to pay for them (which is why we aren't telling them.) It's really a personal decision - no etiquette rules apply.

You are stronger than I am...I couldn't handle half this much drama!!

Welcome!!!!!!!!

For Pacific NW: - Check out the San Juan Islands. Beautiful and quaint. - Also try any beach town along the coast of Oregon. We've stayed in Manzanita - super cute little town.

Is it normal that it makes me a little sad that everyone is getting married? I feel like I did when my best college friends got married - so happy that you are getting married but a little sad that life will be different. You are all going to have such amazing weddings!! I can't wait to see pics and read reviews - and find out the answers to important questions like "Did Tammy put I Do on one toe or separate it between feet?" Love you girls!!! Now go out there and show us how to get married!

Holy hotness!!! You two look super sexy! Juan - amazing work. I can't believe that was your first session!

Here is what we did: On our website we only listed Dreams and vrbo as accomodation options. If people were willing to do their own research and find a different place we will pay for their passes. It's sorta like the reward for doing work to come to our wedding. That said we only have 4 people staying elsewhere so far. 2 have a timeshare at PBR so they stay for free. It would be crazy for them to pay to stay at Dreams. The other two just got married themselves and are buying a house - not a lot of extra money. Overall I think this is a go with your gut decision.

I managed to get myself to the gym this morning - 45 min cardio and abs. My arms are still sore from climbing this weekend so they are off limits for a while.

Hi Maye! Glad you made it to the forum. I'm looking forward to our first meeting in August!

If Laura could find my 2005 watch she'll get you your bikini in no time!

Have an amazing time!!!!!!

"I want to be your absolute ultimate" and "Sweet and Plain" - lines from the song I'm walking down the aisle to. We are each picking one to put in the other's ring.

I went rock climbing yesterday. My arms got quite the workout!

Quote: Originally Posted by PaulaV I am stuck at home with my FI with a badly pinched nerve and my dog decided to start biting at a hotspot on his back. I totally read this to mean the dog was biting at your FI's hotspot! I figured it out - don't worry - but for a second I was like "why does FI have a hotspot? that's kinda gross." Smart ol' me!!