Tis the season for REGISTERING!

"Sarah, you might as well go by yourself?" "It was very stressful!" "That was my least favorite part of wedding planning."  Each of these statements were made by friends regarding preparing for our up and coming registering experience. After much thought and deliberation, we opted to register at Bed, Bath, and Beyond (purely for convenience sake...you're welcome in advance.) and Williams Sonoma (for those "wish list" items.

I'm sure Trey felt like my "nagging bride" mode came in FULL SWING when it came to registetering. I felt like it needed to be done around the holidays...just in case...and he didn't. My main squeeze wanted to wait until January, when we would be....sending invitations, finding/ordering the groom's and groomsman attire, scheduling things for the honeymoon, determining and testing a place for the rehearsal dinner, confirming cake/food/rentals, and well, I'm sure I'm leaving something out. With that said, I pushed....and pushed...and PUSHED to have this done before I went back to school! And thankfully...he caved! :) (I knew there was a reason I was keeping him around!)

So after spending a morning on a Skype date with our friends Meredith and Jason, whom we are going to visit during our honeymoon, and purchasing the plane tickets for our honeymoon (which will leave me living like a gypsy for the next five weeks until our next payday!), we headed on our ready to grab scan guns and have a field day! After 2 1/2 hours between BB&B and Williams Sonoma, we had a whooping 38 things on our registry. Much to the dismay of the Williams Sonoma woman who promptly informed us that it was necessary we add more the registry and think of our guests who would be purchasing these said presents. Now, I will say, after over 3 years of living together, having a man who loves to cook...there simply was not and is not much that we need. So, we got some extras...towels, sheets, etc...and we've selected a few replacement items...pots and pans, silverware, etc...and we added a few new items, such as an ice cream/frozen yogurt maker (perhaps not the best idea for someone with lactose intolerance) and a fondue set (cha-ching), and the best part...my square plates!!!

Now, I will say, for those of you who are simply "so concerned" about a variety of options, we will be looking online at adding a few items...and we'll also be considering other registry or honeymoon fund options! Don't you fret! :)

After it was all said and done...I can't wait to check back over the next few months and see what fun things we'll have to play with after the wedding! And quite frankly, it wasn't too awful at all! Whew! Next up, invitations!

A busy Columbus Day!

Okay, let me begin by saying, I realize this is about 2 weeks late. Turns out, life got busy! With that said, Trey and I spent Columbus Day (a furlough day for teachers) hashing out wedding details! So, let's start with the beginning...

Our day started at Judy's house. (Judy is Trey's aunt FYI...) Apparently, she is quite the little event planner (little did I know). So as she pulls out her wedding book, notes, bible...I immediately realize we are in for quite the morning! We discussed chairs, tables, linens, my dress, a bridesmaid dress, tuxes vs. suits, flower, centerpieces, food, drinks, cutlery, shoes, dress shops, my bouquet vs. the bridesmaid bouquet vs. Mom's bouquet, designs for the bride's room, designs for the groom's room, traveling in the morning, cakes, lawn games, and I'm sure there was more...but quite honestly, I can't even think of it at this moment. I will admit though, one of my favorite moments of this visit with Judy was shoe shopping in her closet! (Thank you for the Tori Burch shoes!)

After our productive visit, we headed up to Smithgall to review the ceremony location because as it turns out, the lovely field where we intended to host our ceremony...isn't flat. And while it's a GORGEOUS field, I simply do not have balance THAT good, and I'm prefer my guests were having to sit sideways as well. (You can thank me later!) On our way we stopped for lunch at CUPCAKES at Truelove Celebrations. Now, I must admit, our tasting with the caterer was wonderful, but the cupcake tasting was MUCH better! Trey and I each grabbed one of their homemade salads to sample (I chose the chicken salad...which if you are ever in Gainesville and nearby...try it. You won't be disappointed!) and 3...yes THREE, cupcakes. We sampled Pumpkin, Strawberry and Italian Cream. When I tell you amazing, I am not even exaggerating! We were in the car fighting over who got the last bite of each one! We enjoyed them so much, we got two more on the way home! (Thankfully, I've got 6 months til the wedding! Won't be having many more of those trips!) We ended up deciding on Key Lime and Italian Creme cupcakes with a strawberry cake for us to cut, while Trey's cake will be either the Spice or Pumpkin! I promise, if you don't love them, we aren't friends anymore! :) With that said, take a peek at their page and make a visit to Gainesville for some deliciously sweet indulgence! 
http://www.facebook.com/truelovebakery

On our way back from Smithgall, we ran by Lanier Tent rental to look into cupcake tiers, table, chairs, and linens. When I say "stuff is expensive," I mean, THIS JUNK IS EXPENSIVE! We were pleased with the individual cost of the chairs...until we realized that we needed 100! Thankfully, we aren't having many tables (and in turn, many linens) because once again...that stuff is EXPENSIVE! Now, with that said, we aren't renting a ton of stuff, so it's not going to be outrageous, but we talked with them about a recent wedding at Smithgall Woods where the couple rented $11,000 worth of stuff! ELEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS PEOPLE! That's simply out of control! We...welp, we're going for under a grand! Woo Hoo!! We were very pleased with the company and they had exactly what we wanted! Check that off the list!

We ended our day at Christopher's Bridal and Tuxedo Rentals. My favorite part of this shop was the shoe section! If you buy shoes from Christopher, he will dye them for FREE! CHA-CHING! Now, the trick is finding shoes that I LOVE! (That's being saved for another shopping adventure with Mom!) We were able to get some great ideas for Trey, the groomsman, and the man of honor! I can't wait to go shopping with them, because let's face it...this is simply not like my dress shopping. I get a say in what those men wear! :) 

After a busy, exhausting, exciting day, we headed home feeling very accomplished and productive! I continue to hope that the rest of our planning goes as easily as these first several months!

Our Favorite Part of Wedding Planning thus far!

So after looking at what felt like a million venues....everything else has been a piece of cake! (And with that said, we are going to look at cakes, CUPCAKES on Monday!) The photographer could not have been easier, and next up...catering!

Now, I'll admit, this was hands-down the part we were looking forward to the most. Let's be honest, who doesn't like to sample a variety of yummy foods? WE DO! Being novice "foodies," it's silly to say we do anything but enjoy a nice, long, delicious meal! Now with that said, before we actually make it to meet with the caterer, my mother leaves me with the wonderful bit of advice..."You aren't going to have any of those fancy foods you guys like so much? Think of your guests, Sarah!" Well, lucky for dear 'ol Mom, those fancy foods didn't fit with our feel for the day...or our budget! (Turns out wedding planning...it's NOT cheap!)

After multiple phone calls with our potential caterer (because we had to set a menu of food choices that provided us a selection...and multiple things to taste!....and a variety to keep our guests' bellies full and happy!), we finally decided on a date, time, and food selections. On our drive up to Cornelia (yes, Cornelia....our attempt to avoid travel fees, and find some good 'ol Southern food!), we discussed questions we had for the caterer, what they could cover and take care of for us to elimate some of the "smaller" food-necessary items, and what we were going to do about drinks!

As we arrive, we are immediately sat, drink orders taken....and then the trail of food begins! They were bringing it out faster than we could taste it! (Needless to say, lunch was NOT a necessity after this outing!) We tried such a multitude of different treats, that we had a difficult time deciding what we wanted! Thankfully, like a solid caterer should, he came to us and asked what we wanted and they would create a menu for us! CHA-CHING! So, after much deliberation, we decided on EIGHT...yes, eight (I'm a little bit overly excited to admit this because quite frankly, we know some of our guests like to eat...and we want them to be securely filled up!) different finger foods! I won't tell you what they are just yet...I want there to be some surprise! Just know...most everything can be eaten off of a skewer or a toothpick! Finger foods...at their finest!

After deciding on the foods, we moved on to drinks, tables, set up, times, etc....the uneventful stuff! We left with Greg (our caterer) letting us know they'd put together a cost for a menu and get back with us the following day! So now the waiting begins...

We were really hoping to get away with going UNDER budget somewhere, and this was the area it happened! By avoiding a full meal, we were nearly able to cut our food budget in half! (With plenty of food to still go around!) When he called the next day, I could not contain my excitement as I called Trey to tell him the good news! Not only did their amazing price cover the food, but also table set up for the food, 6 different drinks, glass plates, cups, and silver...and even a bartender! WOO HOO!

So, of course, since this was one of the parts we were looking forward to the most, I made sure to ask Trey if he would prefer to try out another place before making our final decision...and come to find out, apparently we are the lazy wedding planning couple, because it only took the one and we were sold! For all ladies currently planning your wedding, outside of finding our venue, everything else has been so easy! We attribute that to going with something when we got a good feel for it...not deciding to see multiple photographers or caterers just because! Hopefully the cupcake tasting (the part I'm most thrilled about) will be a hit too! Fingers crossed!

With that said, we've decided to use Food Factory on Main out of Cornelia, GA! Take a peek at their menu! YUM!

http://www.foodfactoryonmain.com/

Headed to an AA Meeting...

And by AA...I don't mean Alcoholics Anonymous, but rather a meeting with Mrs. Amy Arrington (Truelove!) Last night Trey and I hiked our happy butts up to Gainesville (at 5pm mind you) to meet with Amy and her husband regarding photography for our wedding!

I, personally, was so thrilled to once again be back on the Wedding Planning Train, after a multiple week sabatical where school took over my life. I had emailed SEVERAL photographers, looked at a million blogs, and truly spent entirely too long on this decision. So when Trey's aunt mentioned this lady out of North Georgia (woo hoo!) who was our age...I was on board! And then, upon talking to Amy over email, I was really won over! I had received so many of the "standard" email stating congrats on our engagement, pricing, willingness to meet, etc. Quite frankly, I don't blame them! I'm sure emails are a dime a dozen in that industry. Actually, I could be wrong, maybe they aren't. Turns out...I don't know much about making a living being a photographer. ANYWAY...I really got a good feeling about her, but felt like things were just too easy.

So, finally, I took the leap, decided it was time to make a decision, and set up an appointment (after consulting my partner in crime on his schedule...which I already knew because he fails to have any concept of weekly planning!) Upon discussing this plan, Trey asks me roughly how long I think this meeting will take....my answer: 30-45 minutes. I couldn't have been more wrong!

As Wednesday arrives, I am wiggling with excitement and running around like a mad woman trying to ensure that as soon as the last kid is out of the office, my happy butt is in the car on the way to Gainesville! Welp, OF COURSE, not only did we have 1 child come back on the bus, but we also had 4...FOUR...who were not picked up in car riders! UGH! Thankfully, after making multiple phone calls, and hiding my rising worry, I was released to go!

Let me just say that 85 was my friend that day as I drove under the speed limit to get home, where my happy fiance was waiting patiently. When we arrived at Atlanta Bread Company (great meeting spot...even if we didn't eat), we immediately started talking! I think Trey even became more excited than I did! Not only did we get to share our ideas, but they were able to share some of their own and wisdom that we newbies simply don't have. As the evening went on, our conversation changed from wedding to personal lives to pets (for a long time....those of you who know us know we LOVE our pets and could talk about them at lengths longer than the average person cares to listen!) and even to travel and plans of places to visit. I'll be honest, at one point I almost told Trey to hush so someone else could talk! (I think he was a little excited!) My theory on a 30-45 minutes meeting was way off! Turns out, at the end of the day we were there for almost 3 and a half hours! At that point, not only had we invested quite a bit of time, but we were both sold! We loved their work, they seemed to truly understand the non-traditional look we were going for, and we spent 3 and a half hours talking to them! That's just nuts!

So with that said, we've now covered.....dress...venue...photographer! Next up, caterer!

In the mean time, take a look at Amy's blog! She is just wonderful!

Amy Arrington Photography

Said YES to the Dress!

So to begin, I FINALLY found the pictures from the Inn where Trey proposed and since it is beautiful, I wanted to share!

The sign outside the inn

Two Meeting Street Inn-Charleston, SC

Trey also, among all the other surprises, had gorgeous flowers sitting on the bistro table on our balcony when we returned!

Starburst Lilies-One of my favorites!

Now, on to the good stuff! Today my mother and I went dress shopping! Upon meeting a girl at Affordable Bridal who was getting married in November, I felt like perhaps I was jumping the gun a bit! However, after shopping and hearing how long it takes for dresses to come in (4-6 MONTHS!) I realized that perhaps...I was okay! And well, let's face it...I was ready to make a decision on something, and this one only needed approval from me (and my mother...Thanks MOM!). So, like my ring, I went in with the idea for my perfect dress. I wanted a fit and flare, sweetheart neckline, with ruching and a little bling. I tried on a scoop neckline...nope. I tried on a dress with pick-ups....nope. I even tried on a dress that weighed what felt like 50 pounds...definitely not! Here's a few of the contenders...

This one weighed a million pounds!

Finally, when I thought I was spent and going to choose through one of these options...the adorable bridal consultant (there is something to be said about a wonderful bridal experience!) brought in one final option that initially I honestly wasn't crazy about. However, after adding a jeweled belt and a simple yet blingy veil...I. Was. Sold! Even my mother, who was also a bit skeptical, just loved it! I must've stood there in it for 20 minutes. Looking every which way, moving the train, bustling the train, looking at the back, trying on various belts...OH MY! Let me tell you, making that final decision when there were SO MANY beautiful dresses wasn't easy, but at the end of the day, I am THRILLED to finally have a my dress!

Now, if only it could come in so I can sit on my couch and just enjoy this wonderful dress!

Diving right in!

Welp, we've managed to survive an eventful vacation, a move across several towns, loss of air conditioning, days without TV or Internet, a leak in the garage and now the storage room downstairs....and now we can start planning! (Notice how I said WE and. not just Sarah by herself! Woo Woo!)


So we first talked theme or style...just to make sure Trey didn't hate it! (Just being honest...) We have decided on a southern rustic look! Think mason jars...simple flowers...very natural and laid back! Not redneck...not cheap...not really even country. Just rustic. We've never been the glitzy glam type...and figured our wedding shouldn't reflect something we are not!

Now with that said, I have learned that everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, knows something about wedding planning. (Not that I am complaining...all suggestions are welcome!) However, it's overwhelming! "Look into this venue" or "I saw this on Pintrest and you simply MUST do it" or "Well, you have to have engagement pictures...why wouldn't you?"

Well let me begin by saying, we are not looking to put ANYONE into debt. (Least of all...us!) With that said, spending tens of thousands of dollars simply holds no interest to me. At the same time, I do realize that venues aren't free, flowers aren't free, food isn't free...I could go on forever! And boy do I wish they were! Wouldn't that be nice...free food...we don't ask for much here people!

So, we've got a theme, a general idea for time of year, colors, garter, and...perhaps a ceremony idea? Now those of you who had a fiance that said "Do whatever it is that you want and I'll be fine with it all..." well...I envy you! :) Okay, so I'm joking about that (somewhat). Yes, I want Trey to be involved. Yes, I want his opinion. Yes, I want him to like the things I pick out. But man, oh man, getting two somewhat stubborn, hard-headed, opinionated (even if it is done quietly) people to agree and have the same "vision," isn't as easy as people play it off to be. I'm not here to lie to you...just the facts! (Like that new show on HBO, Newsroom...if you don't watch it, you should. You'll thank me.) Now, if you aren't married, engaged, in discussions about your dream wedding with your potential groom-to-be, take it from me. It's NOT all rainbows and butterflies! Now, it is fun, and let me tell ya...if I had a million dollars I could throw one heckuva party! But trying to find the perfect place, with the perfect food, with the perfect dress, and perfect flowers, and perfect time of year...and then have another person agree that it's all perfect and it fits perfectly into your budget...Not. Realistic. So, we compromise. Here's the kicker: I'm convinced wedding planning and perhaps house hunting (and maybe having children...I don't know, I have no experience in that field) are two of the best ways to work on communication and compromise. Hey, if you're going to marry them...going through wedding planning together is certainly a way to tell if it's going to work or not! ;)

Now the trick is...finding the time to actually go find and agree on that perfect place...perfect food...and perfect dress. Fingers crossed!

Let the decision making begin!

Let me begin with a disclaimer...all decision stated over the next few months (until paid for) are subject to change! Let's just hope they don't change too much!
With that said, two decisions have been made:
Venue...Nope
Dress....Haven't even looked
Food...we'll get there
Photographer...not even close
What we do have is this....COLORS and Garter Design! :)
One thing that Trey and I have loved doing over the past 4 years is attending Braves games. It seems only fitting that we find a way, quietly of course, to share this special part of our lives. And what better way than a lacey elastic band around my thigh!!!
Now onto the good decision..the colors! After much thought, and looking, and deliberation, and well, a lot of things! We are thinking about lilac and yellow. (This is where the subject to change bit comes into play!) With the time of year we are aiming at (spring), I think these colors would lend us to a lot of truly beautiful options! And let's face it, who doesn't love a cheerful color like yellow? So with that, suggestions are MORE than welcome! I'm open to flowers, centerpiece arrangements, anything regarding decorating in fact!
Think something along these lines...


I'll continue to update when house hunting stops taking over my life!