acireta

we're definitely going to do one, but its to protect both of us. My FI got burned by his ex-wife (she basically stole the company he built and then bankrupted it so he's been building a new one), and I have a bit of property and assets that make my mom nervous LOL we're actually going to do it soon even though we have 15 months until the wedding, so it's far enough away from the wedding so it doesn't take away from the romance of our special day :-)

Interesting... thanks for the heads-up! we'll see how this goes :-)

I'm going with Vavoom Pinups http://www.vavoompinups.com/ Their main package is $350, which include hair, makeup and wardrobe. A few of my girlfriends are doing the shoot with me so it'll be about $300 each. They're more of a vampy, retro style than the BD style, but I love their work! I'm a little nervous though! :-)

I love this - how the J & R are intertwined is perfect! our first draft is below...

i love the little starfish with your initials, how adorable! you really did a nice job.

want my groomzilla? he's being picky about the SHADE of blue that we use LOL

I could definitely see that happening. But as tubby as I am, anything would help right now! I really need to tighten up my core. Once I'm a gorgeous size 2 (ok really, that's never going to happen LOL) I'll lay off the sit-ups :-)

wow, what beautiful dresses! I kind of lean towards the ruffled second one, it looks lighter and more beachy but seriously you are stunning in both of them!

maybe stationery and flower vendors? this sounds like such an awesome idea!

Everyone in this thread responded respectfully and tastefully, offering their personal opinions and experiences. There was no overreaction. Can we lock this now please?

I got some carrots, oranges, bananas, apples, some other fruit, all 0 points... what I always crave is carbs. I need to find some delicious low-point carb (but wheat!) snacks. I just keep making notes of interesting suggestions that people have offered online and in meetings... apparently 43 goldfish pretzels are only 3 points, and I can't eat that many goldfish at one time, so I think I'm starting there for now.

She also has been working out like a fiend, lost 60 pounds in the past year and she's only about 5' 1". So the flat belly was a combo of both working out, but she said she really toned up her tummy doing this. No six-pack but when she flexes they're rock hard.

A friend of mine did the 200 Sit-Ups program this year and was able to do 200 consecutive sit-ups at the end of 6 weeks. They have a free pocket guide and a $3 iphone app to help you log your progress and handle the timing (lucky me, I have a crappy blackberry, but an egg timer would work also). http://www.twohundredsitups.com/index.html They also have a program to do 100 consecutive push-ups, but I'm not even thinking about it since I have NO arm strength! I'm starting this week. Has anyone done this program?

I've never done WW before, but I joined on Monday. I don't have to learn a whole new plan, which seems to be a challenge for people who know the old plan well. Love it so far! I weigh in next Wednesday and I'm a little nervous/excited to see the results of Week 1! As a newb the biggest challenge is learning good snack foods to keep around other than fruit. I'm going to burn myself out on oranges LOL If anyone has good suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

We're reserving a chair for my dad. I'm getting him the same boutonniere as the groomsmen also to place on the chair when I walk down the aisle. oh lord, must. not. cry. at work.

how cute is that including sunscreen? love it!

Welcome to the site! You'll find a ton of info on destination weddings here, just start poking around and bookmarking pages you like. Don't be nervous! You've found the best resource on the web! Congrats on your engagagement!

Reminds me of my mother: "are you trying to cool the whole neighborhood?? Close the door!!" LOL

Don't know how I didn't see this sooner! Hello there, nice to see another west suburban girl

love the 2nd one!

I did that for my mom when she got married in 09, so she better repay the favor. Isn't that what moms are for?!

FI and I were just talking about this in the car like 15 mins ago. I told him your story. He's very intrigued by this sort of thing also. He always wonders what it would have been like to go to college. I told him if he had gone to college, he wouldn't have been working at the car dealership, he wouldn't have bought that Mustang, he wouldn't have joined the Mustang club and we never would have met :-) Things happen for a reason. You never know when following intuition will get you where you need to be. I love this quote: "God may lead me down paths I do not want to take, to get me to the place I need to go."

I enjoyed the Winter Classic game today, but it was better when it was at Wrigley in 09 :-) yay for 2011 brides! this will be a good year for you!

I always wonder about this sort of thing!! I was heading out on a roadtrip a few years ago. I live in the suburbs and had to drive into the city to pick up my trip mates. I packed my car, kissed my mom, took a final check of my stuff and headed to the car. I was frantic to get on the road already!! My mom came to the front door and said, "you need to come back here and give me one more kiss!" I was irritated because I wanted to go and she was being sappy :-) It took about 30 seconds for me to run up the walk, smooch her and jump back in the car. Then I was on my way. Driving on the highway, I was in the middle lane. All of a sudden, a hundred yards in front of me, two semi's merged into the center lane, crushing a car between them. It was the craziest thing I've ever seen in my whole life. Thank goodness traffic was light; other drivers and I had enough time to swerve right onto the shoulder and avoid them just in time. I always wondered if my mom just KNEW that I needed to wait 30 seconds before leaving. Good for your FI for doing the right thing and going back to offer help. Random acts of kindness always come around to you in the end :-)

it takes A LOT to make me tear up but you got me LOL. I lost my dad a few years ago and this made me bawl. congrats on such a beautiful engagement, and on finding such a wonderful man who loves you so much!