Make it work!

Big news! I have chosen THE DRESS. It is 04/05 for those who have seen pictures of the top contenders. Gorgeous. Paloma Blanca. As I am abnormally tall, I will be ordering extra length (samples are made for 5'9"ish) and, why not, an extra 3' on the train. Mum may add some extra lace to the bottom, if we decide it will be a good look.

Of course, I tried on around 60 dresses (no kidding) and this is one of the first ones I tried on. That is my way. Sigh.

And, also very 'me'--I even managed to haggle them down on the price a little at the bridal store!! Awesome.

I am so so happy and relieved to have that out of the way, although I am sad mom didn't get to share in the fun of champagne-sipping bridal boutique shopping.

No news yet on the date of the wedding. I am slightly over-anxious and can hardly restrain myself from stalking my amazing cermony violinists (my teachers from age 10-18). They are the only thing I need to confirm before I can book everything. Fingers crossed that they call me back today!

Posting a picture here of the wedding colors I am thinking of going with.

Crunch time

We are getting married in Tennessee! While at first I was not a huge fan of this idea, I've come around to it and I think we will have the most beautiful and fun wedding in TN!!! Best of all, my amazingly talented and crafty mom will be able to help lots with the planning. And, we will have lots of opportunities to do fun wedding-planning things together over the next few months. Fun. Love it.

So, while I was just getting excited about the Tennessee decision and regaining control of my stress-induced teeth grinding--I decided that since A really really wanted to get married in the Fall why not try to pull this wedding off for October??? When I've called vendors and wedding dress shops they're like 'October of THIS YEAR???' Srsly?
Apparently pulling a wedding off in around five months is pretty unusual. It's still TBD on the confirmation of a couple of things, but I am pretty sure it is a possibility, with the help of my amazing mom and friends!

Other than booking all of the vendors and setting the date, my main concern in life is THE DRESS. I have been to five shops so far and I've found a couple of dresses that are really great. This is a huge decision, but I will probably make a choice in the next week, since dresses need to be ordered and shipped like 5 months in advance. Which is now. Crap.
Dress shopping is kind of awesome. I will send you pictures of the frontrunners if you are interested--just dont want to post them because of that random tradition that the groom shouldn't see you in the dress before the wedding. I think this is probably a brilliant rule though because lost of dudes know zero fashion and if it were up to them we'd probably all be wearing some kind of typical princess gown. or that really unflattering white color. ugg.

Hopefully an update tomorrow or Friday about the location and date! So excited!

Celebrity Sightings!

Went to LA last weekend to visit my amazingly funny and awesome friend, Sam. She is one of those people who can strike up a conversation with anyone in an elevator and have a funny story about it later. Usually involving mimed butt grabbing of strangers or something equally embarrassing (shame).
My main goal for the trip was to see some at least B-list celebs. Because I love celebrities and spotting them in their natural habitat: West Hollywood. It is like anthropology. Not shallow at all. Previous to this trip my best celeb spotting was with my mom at the Palms in Vegas when we were IN AUDRINA'S ELEVATOR. I died.
My other (secondary) goal was to eat some good food. Accomplished. Check out Village Idiot (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-village-idiot-los-angeles) and Toast (http://www.yelp.com/biz/toast-bakery-cafe-los-angeles). Very hip and very very tasty. Also had fun at a wine tasting event at Bacchus.

So, about the celebs. Winston's luckily let us into their bar on Friday night. They were having a 'semi-private' party and seemed to think we were non-sketchy enough to allow in. haha, they might have changed their minds if they knew how much celeb-stalking-tourist capability I have. anyhow, we took a seat at a table and AMANDA BYNES (from Hairspray and other Nickelodeon-type movies/tv shows) sits down right across from us with a tall hottie date. She had really great hair/makeup but was kinda boring all night. The semi private party was for Jamie Lynn Sigler's (Sopranos) birthday party. She was there, looking very cute in a coral dress, with the entire cast of ENTOURAGE. Everyone--Adrien Grenier, Jeremy Piven, Turtle, Kevin Connoly, and Kevin Dylan. They were all very short but exciting to see. We also say Channing Tatum and Britney Snow (Prom, Hairspray, Gossip Girl). Britney and I will prob be best friends now, since we chatted in the bathroom about how old the song was that they were playing and how it reminds us of middle school!!! haha. I am such a nerd.

Apparently this level of awesomeness is not a normal occurence and I shouldn't expect this every time I come to LA. Too bad. But thrilling for my first night in LA.

We also saw Leona Lewis when we were shopping for jeans on Sunday afternoon!! She is such a talented singer. Contemplated taking a picture but settled on wearing my shades and staring for about 5 minutes. Not obvious at all.


On the wedding planning front--there are a few new developments on the selection of a location. I am now reconsidering a wedding in Johnson City (TN). Here are the pros for a JC wedding:

1. Everything will be much much cheaper (including venue, food, drink, music, photography)
2. Could get married on a Saturday night
3. Could have ceremony at mom's church
4. Would be able to mom's expert wedding planning skills in full effect
5. Could have great location for reception with good food
6. Less stress for me
7. I could come home several times to help plan
8. I could have Tim/Kim (my awesome violin teachers) play for the wedding!!!
9. Hotels would be cheaper for visitors. Could put together a list of fun activities/food/sights for the out of towners. Maybe even a shuttle to/from the hotel?? Just a thought.


Cons are the location inconvenience for some (cost of flights and transportation issues, plus JC is just not as exciting as Houston). And, some pretty major issues with the guestlist and alcohol at reception (I'll just leave that vague). Oh well. I am going to think about this for a while and make a decision pretty soon.

Perpetual Christmas

Yay for my first post, post-engagement. Being engaged is (so far) like waking up to Christmas morning every day. I am super jazzed excited for all the fun planning. Trying to contain myself so as not to become the quickest Bridezilla in history.

So, I've heard it is normal to have the overwhelming/distratcing impulse to stare at your new ring while trying to do everyday things (typing, driving, walking. well, anything really). I am this way. I am in love with my ring and I think it is so perfect. Good job, A.

Many friends have asked for a photo. My digital close-up photography skills are about on par with my basketball commentating skills, so the pictures are BAD. But here it is anyway. Kind of looks like I have a claw-hand. Need to see it in person to get the full effect. Shoutout to Judith Ann Jewels (http://www.judithannjewels.com/about.htm), in the Galleria area. They were so nice and helpful and the store has such wonderful lighting I might just move in.

More info on wedding plans to come. So far, all I know is that we've selected a location (Houston) and a general timeframe (March-ish April-ish 2010). Hoping to do a lot of research on venues in the near future.