Something Blue

"Mary in Blue, Lover be true"

So a new habit of googling everything led me to the origin of the famous and ever lasting poem. A little out of order but a detail already received. And for those who think "color" in wedding dresses is not traditional, you need a history lesson. In fact, early 19th century most wedding dresses were blue to symbolize modesty and purity, most commonly found on Mother Mary.

As previously mentioned, I did decide to illicit a bridesmaid;Thank you and Sorry Katie ;) Prior to the decision, not that there was a question of who, but if you recall a question of having any attendants at all, Katie surprised me a bit ago with an amazing detail. The sash above is to be sewn into my dress. What an awesome idea!

Just for a little introduction, Katie Murphy and I met many years ago in the now famous(or infamous, I don't know which I will admit to) Myra Pool! It was 2006 and what a FUN summer that was. Little did we know at the time what a great friendship would stem from that silly pool!(And many others for that matter)

Katie since then married her best friend Tom and they have Little Tommy and live just blocks from my parents in Jacksonville Beach. I was fortunate enough to meet their entire family and look forward to seeing them grow!

Detail 1: The Ring

Many of you asked, so here it is!

As Todd says he did "lots of listening.

My ring is a JB STAR design with beautiful detail filigree platinum setting with 100 accent diamonds. The main stone is a 1.7k radiant cut and a trapezoid on either side.

The ring is interesting, complicated, and a little "old lady gaud"(as Todd says) just like me!

Its perfect!

Making a List and Checking it Twice

I'm not sure if Santa is real, but some of the school children riddles certainly provide for a good foundation on proper planning. Being that today is exactly 8 months until the "BIG" day, Ive decided that the next series of posts will concern the devilish details that make this event us.

As some have read on Facebook, the dress has been deposited(60% down, fwew) and we are well on our way. I had a great experience at LOVE Boutique in Jacksonville Beach with Liza as my guide. They have an extensive collection of dresses and a very cute staging area. Some things to know when buying the dress that I found helpful and stumbled upon along the way.

First, go in with some idea of what you like. Go through magazines, look online etc and have an idea. But when you get there be open to what the owners and others have in mind as well. They see a lot of women and are familiar with the dresses. And heck, you're only doing this once right? Try on some crazy stuff too!!! Plan on being there for 2 hours, so if you line up more than one place in a day, give yourself time. Also I dont recommend more than 2 venues in one day.

Next, keep in mind that the dress is based on measurements that are taken now and not after you "lose those few pounds." So the lesson here is be realistic. Don't order a size smaller because you "will fit in", and don't kill yourself to lose a ton of weight. I must make a side note that I actually measured at a size 4 but purchased a size 6. I can always take a dress in, I cant always remove pounds. Plus remember he proposed to you the way you are now, not what he wants you to look like for 4 - 7 hours 9 months from now.

Lastly, think about accessories from the whole perspective from the get-go. What will it look like in photos? How much will my feet hurt? Veil, shoes, jewelry, etc. Keep in mind unless you are doing something hip like red or pink shoes, you don't want mismatched whites!!!! BUT for me I think most of the dyeables were hideous!

With that said, Im extremely excited about my dress. And to add to the excitement, as I flipped through the pages of Martha's 15th Anniversary Wedding Magazine I turned the page and there was MY dress!!!! Being the HUGE Martha Fan I am I feel so honored that I and her staff have like taste.

SO I look forward to sharing the details and hearing every ones thoughts. I did decide to have one attendant and I asked her yesterday at the fitting and she said "yes." Katie Murphy Scales will be assisting me throughout the process, the day of, and without a doubt for years to come. Thank you Katie for being a best friend, confidant, and well, a whole lot of fun!

As I cruised home from Jax Beach back to the Aug yesterday I heard a sentence from a Bob Marley Greatest Hits CD that Id never noticed before. "As it was in the beginning, so shall it be in the end, One Love" IM sure its from the Bible or such, but he definitely vocalizes it best.
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Latest specs:
To photo booth or not to photo booth, that is the budget question.

I finally decided to do the Honeymoon Wedding Registry. Link to come

Lastly, as I had my car getting an oil change I walked over to Defores, I couldnt take it and put the deposit on the spot! NEVER go to a cake place right before lunch!

The Devil is Definitely in the Details

Decisions have been made, dates have been set, plans have been solidified and things are shaking. But man its hard to tell someone no. No I don’t like your dress, no we are going with another venue, no we like this other photographer. At the end of the day, those who wed, plan, photo, bake, boil, serenade all are artists, and there are a lot of good ones. Versus my career and a day to day battle where I challenge rival payroll systems, at the end of my very long days, im proposing and demoing someone else’s brainchild. No one feels bad to tell me no, and honestly it doesn’t hurt my feelings(although I hate to loose, especially to other service bureaus. Boooooo)

So here’s the anecdote to our life together; the day of and beyond details.

Todd will be running RAGNAR as his bachelor party. He has promised to wear sunscreen and be extra careful as he and 7 of his faithful running friends take off from Tampa in an attempt to break the state record by running over 200 miles to Daytona relay style. Wish him luck(and me since he will be gone Thursday through Saturday.) Patrick and Tim, im holding you both responsible for getting him home on time, un sunburned, and in one piece.

Dress decision has been made, I will not post but will respond to email requests(Todd frequents the blog.) I will say its from the first place I went, Love Boutique in Jacksonville Beach, Florida and is totally opposite from where I originally went. Shoes im still debating(also only available on request.) My dear friend Erica Reynolds from Sutra in Jax Beach will be dealing with hair! I will be getting extentions "cause girl you know everyones got them." And Diedra Leake will continue to improve my skin. P90X has been placed into the workout regimen to start after the Gate River Run in 2 weeks.

Our ceremony will be in the Lobby of the beautiful Lightner Museum in Historic downtown St Augustine followed by a Spanish tapas reception at The Tasting Room featuring a fabulous menu and Champagne reception. Solo will be playing and im really looking forward to the celebration.

We, after much debate(all good) decided on Zach Thomas Photographyand are looking forwardto his artistry.

Flowers will be a combo of poppies and ranunculous roses and black calla lilies from Liz Stewart Design.

Invitations are almost ordered but as Todd says “remind him of me and my big eyes” and are titled, “Whooooos in love”

And then the cake, this is still on the table! Im a function over form person, so it will be yummy.

I think that’s it!

Oh I almost forgot the Honeymoon! In classic, movie fashion, Todd and I will be leaving from our reception and heading to the airport! This was one thing I insisted upon and im so happy Todd went along with it. We will be departing on the 22nd from Orlando to St Lucia for 5 days. Then heading to Madrid for a week! I cant tell you how excited I am. I will have our Honeymoon Wishes Registry up this week!

On a side note, thank you to everyone who has requested blog updates! Life and love has been incredibly busy and free time was spent attempting to sleep, learn Espanol and continue towards my race training! Now that selling season is over, work will resume as normal and I can get focused on this wedding!