take it easy

Not that anyone really wants to hear about the wedding updates, but we've been making some progress - A TON of it. When this engagement was in its infancy, it felt like the wedding was too far away to even touch. I feel like every time I cross of a large item, ten tiny random tasks are added to the list. It's annoying, and definitely tough to keep track of.

These are some major items deleted from THE (dreaded) LIST

• Save the dates are sent, and I only had two returned (...so far)
• Rough draft ceremony schedule is complete
• Wedding invite stationary has been ordered
• Bridesmaids have ordered dresses
• Table runner material has been bought
• Counseling has been scheduled
• DJ has been selected
• Hotels are booked

To add to the feeling of relief that comes with items being deleted left and right, I'm overwhelmed by the flood of volunteers who have been willing to help with the wedding. Josh and I are extremely blessed to be part of such a loving family and network of friends:

• ushers have been decided (Jonny boy, Matt, and Mark)
• Sara G., Megan, and G.G. have agreed to help wrangle the little guys
• Bekah is graciously lending us her talents as a mini photographer
• Mike consented to man the sound booth at the ceremony
• Syna is making a belt for Ella's dress
• Andrea and Shelly are acting as my coordinators for the entire event
• Andrea (AGAIN! (I know, right?)) is making our cake and arranging flowers
• Jaclyn is letting me borrow her veil (um... wow)
• Aunt Barbara is passing on her tablecloths for the reception
• Josh's Aunt Sherry of Best Darn Kettle Corn (um, it really is.... have you tried it?) is generously doing FAVORS!
• G.G. is quilting the ring pillow
• Russ will be crafting the arch :)

Needless to say, it's been an answer to prayer that things seem to be falling into place.

Here are some other lovely ideas soon to be implemented:

It's getting easier, right?

bridal shower

J.'s mom, Donna threw an intimate shower for me right before the holidays. It was completely adorable, and I loved all of the attention to detail.

I'm surrounded by the girls from my Sunday School class

sandwiched between J's mom and my mammadukes

future sisters!

same old sisters :)

the dream team, bridal party

When I think about it, I am overwhelmed by the kindness of everyone who attended - J.'s family especially. I really am blessed beyond words to be welcomed into such a thoughtful family.

... and can I please add that I'm extremely happy to be marrying this guy?

the evolution of the SAVE THE DATE

Liz is a pretty swell person in general. It's true. She evolved our save the dates from something a tad comical to something completely personal and adorable. Now let's all laugh at the progression:

The final SAVE THE DATE:

Many thanks to The Art Director for taking an idea from my brain and transferring it onto a $15 pack of cardstock from STAPLES.

i.procrastinate.com

I am procrastinator. I am marrying a procrastinator. My Art Director is also skilled at completing things last minute. So how will this wedding EVER be planned in time? HOW?

Due to a death in the family, J. and I had to postpone our engagement photos to a later date. This later date ended up being a FRIGID later date. My fiance and I thought we'd do some light apple picking while our photographer followed us around like the paparazzi, and the entire thing would be a done deal - easy as pie. WRONG. We love autumn at Styer's Orchard. When J. and I showed up to scope out the scenery on our scheduled photo date, my heart immediately sank to my shoes as I realized all of the apples were dead - along with most of the trees.

J. could tell I was disheartened, and he lightened the mood by buying me a Charleston Chew.

Our photographer arrived and we began trekking around the muddy property scoping out some leftover fall foliage. Now whether it was the mad artistic skills of our photographer, John Rozier or the grace of God (somehow I know it was both), I could not be happier with our photos. We were freezing and awkward and standing in mud, but it's difficult to tell:

All photo credits go to John Rozier of www.rozierweddings.com

Hopefully all of the procrastination will be curtailed by my maid of honor and oldest sister. Those are two lovely ladies I don't want to mess with. :)