Kristy!

Hey Velda! I'm talking to Jacques right now about our reception dinner. We're changing our plans and have decided to actually eat at the restaurant. It's just so much easier. We'll then have the "party" at the villa afterwards. That menu you sent me was SO helpful. Thank you! I went wedding dress shopping this weekend. I had only gone once before (like 7 months ago), but this time I was really ready to find something. I think I did! It's a Maggie Sottero. I have not purchased it yet, but I'm going back this weekend to try it on again. (I can't impulsively buy something like that.) I think this is it though. Yes, I will post pictures if it is. As for BM dresses, they're non-existent. At this point, we're not having a bridal party. If that changes, I would not have my girls purchase a dress. It's just not a big deal to me. Photography is one of my favorite subjects. I won my photography and videography from BDW! Kristi Klemens of KLK Photography and Paul Bennett of Blue Sky Videos will be flying down to spend 4 days with us. I'm so excited! I'll probably make coffee table books instead of a standard album, but I haven't thought more about it than that. I hope planning is going well for you!

Tell him to post more! I want to see more! You look AMAZING!

Alyssa, I'm so sorry I missed your send-off. I'm so excited to hear the details when you get back!

I'm so sorry to hear this. Just be there for your FI. Hugs to you.

FI can sometimes have a condensending tone. I equate it to the way he sounds when he gets annoyed at someone working the McDonalds drive-thru window. I think about the 3rd time he used it on me, I fired back "don't talk to me like I'm a McDonalds worker." It opened the door right up to say that he has a way of talking down to me and I'm not going to stand for it. Since then, I think I've heard it once in the past couple years. (By the way, I hope I didn't offend anyone. I have nothing against someone who works at McDonalds.)

I know I would enjoy vodka, pineapple, and cranberry!

Quote: Originally Posted by Alyssa i am really not comfortable with this Kristy - i think a lot of my guests would be like where are the drinks!?!lol I don't like it either, I was just throwing out another idea. This is a tough one. I've been to weddings with just wine and beer and that was fine, but I feel like warm locations make people want tropical drinks and beer. Is there a cheaper drink they could make by the gallon, like a Malibu bay breeze or something? I know that a mai tai screams Hawaii, but maybe that could be an option.

Well, another option could be just serving alcohol at the cocktail hour.

Quote: Originally Posted by Alyssa i personally hate pinot grigio b/c it is so fruity and sweet so i prob won't choose it in case i want a glass of wine lol Good reason not to go with it then! I personally like Sauvignon Blanc and Reisling, but I would never expect one of those to be chosen. If you want chardonnay, then go with chardonnay.

My job is to collect Christmas presents for children. (I work for The Salvation Army.) It is so hard to get donations this year because people can barely afford their own bills, let alone spend money on other people's kids. It's so sad.

Would everything fit inside a travel mug or something like that? What about a collapsible cooler?

Aw Karen, that's so sweet!

This will definitely help. THank you!

Birds have some crazy good aim. They goes me in my ear once while I was at the beach. They amaze me. Thanks for the chuckle!

I will have a similar problem as about half of my family doesn't drink, but FI's family definitely does. I'll be honest. I'm a white wine drinker and I tend to get frustrated that Chardonnay is always the white wine selected where there is only one choice. I would recommend chosing something different than the typical merlot and chardonnay. Maybe a pinot grigio and a chianti? It's just something a little different, but not way out there. The signature drink is a good idea. I'm not sure about 18 per gallon either, but maybe they use little glasses. Maybe you could do a virgin sig. drink as well to give the non-drinkers something special. (Even though my mom doesn't drink, I know she likes to have a little umbrella.)

That's like the first time Chris introduced me as his fiance. I got all giddy. I was like wow, he really does want to marry me!

It's considered improper to put registry info on the invitations because it looks like you're asking for gifts. Definitely put your website on there though. It's a great way to let your guests know about it. Like the other girls, I will be putting my registry info on my website (whenever we get around to registering).

I remember my 7th grade math teacher teaching us the Recipricol Rumba. "Stay, change, flip, cha cha cha."

Is she trying to use me as a hand-puppet?

They look great! Paul is going to love them.

You look great in both, but my vote goes for the second one.

You guys are so cute. They turned out really well. No traces of boy make-up!

Pretty pretty pretty! I can't wait to see the "final product."

Where have all the St. Lucia brides gone? There were a few of us for a while. I want to hear how everyone's plans are coming along!

Thanks for all the advice. It's nice to see a review for an AHR (or 2). That Barbie doll cake is so precious.