Happy 4th of July!!!

As you know, I love the 4th of July!  The 4th was my grandfather's birthday.  I have wonderful memories of the huge block parties that we would have with family and friends every year.  The culmination of every party was home-made vanilla ice cream, served up to Grandpa in a brand new ice cream bowl, that doubled as his gift.

In memory of Grandpa C, imagine how wonderful a scoop of melting, hand churned, vanilla ice cream would be with this 4th of July themed wedding cake!

Wow!

All I can say is wow!!!!  The day was amazing!  I will do my best to describe it:

We had a great rehearsal dinner the night before at Paul Martin's.  It was wonderful to catch up with our out of town visitors and to have a chance to relax before the big day.  I slept at the hotel the night before so that I would be able to get ready with my Mom.  We were still trying to do last min. things until about midnight.  I fell asleep, hard, until I woke up at 3:00 a.m.

There was NO way that I could fall back asleep; I was way too excited!

My wonderful hair and makeup artist Jennifer Gilchrist showed up at the hotel at 7:00 a.m. and got started! Both my Mom and I were so happy with the results!!! (See pics below).

My Matron of Honor and Flower Girl came to pick me up just before 9:00 a.m. and we were off to La Provence (minus my bridal undergarments; more on this later in "TIPS")!

The hour before the wedding flew by so quickly.  It seems like I blinked and almost missed it.  I got got to walk around the venue a bit before having to get dressed; what a blessing!  My day of coordinator Bekah was phenomenal!  I knew I wouldn't have to worry about anything while she was running the show!

Before I knew it, I was pinning corsages and boutonnieres, and getting ready to walk down the aisle.  The processional music started (thanks DJ Hustle!), and we took our places.  I could see the guys walking down to the ceremony site; then it was our turn.  My Matron of Honor started down, followed by my Flower Girl.  Then the music changed over to "When I Say I Do," my parents took my arms and we headed down.  I was literally doing everything I could to not cry.  Mr. T said that he could see me holding it in.  When I got about half way down the aisle I was able to see his face and I was fine; no more welling up! :-)

The ceremony was perfect.  Our pastor knows us very well, so it was extremely personalized.  At 10:40 a.m., Pastor Dwight pronounced us married!  We celebrated up the aisle to "Higher and Higher!"

The rest of the day really does go by VERY quickly.  It seemed like just minutes had gone by when we were cutting the cake, thanking everyone and saying goodbye!

Looking back, I can honestly say that it was the best day of my life (so far)!  I can't wait to continue my life as the MRS. T!!!

(Professional pics to follow)

Photography Must Haves

I spoke with our photographer John Hoeft, of Hoeft Photo, yesterday, and he reminded me that we need to meet to go over my "shot list," or my "must haves" for our wedding photography.  That got me thinking (and researching) on what I really wanted.  My complete list is over 80 shots long; don't worry, I won't list it all here!

Here is my short list of shots that I really want.  What are the shots you are looking forward to your photographer capturing on  your big day?

• Close-up of details (place settings, name cards, centerpieces, etc.)
• Bride's dress on the hanger
• Shoes shot: bride, bridesmaid, flower girl with shoes on, holding up the dresses
• Close-up of groom's face when he sees bride for the first time
• Close-up of each hand as the rings are exchanged
• The kiss
• Happy couple walking back down the aisle together, as married couple
• Group shot of bride, groom, family and wedding party
• Bride being lifted or carried by groom or sitting on groom's lap
• Bride and groom's first dance
• Best man (or other guests) making a toast to the couple
• Guests dancing and cutting loose on the dance floor
• Bride and groom whispering to each other
• Bride and groom cutting the cake
• Bride and groom in back seat of getaway car

Color Board: Spring!

I have to say that I am so happy that the sun is shining again. I love spring! The flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and love is in the air.

Here are two of my favorite spring themed inspiration boards; aren't the gorgeous?

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Tropical Wedding Cakes

Can you tell I have Hawaii on the brain now?

I came across these beautiful wedding cakes by Cake Lava, Kailua, Oahu, HI, on  Style Me Pretty's website.  Cake Lava has been featured on TV including TLC and The Food Network, and in numerous magazines.  I can see why!  You can view more of their cakes on their website, www.cakelava.com.

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Summer Color Board - Red and Orange

I don't know about where you are today, but it is rainy, windy, and cold here.  I need to get warmed up!  And what better way, than with a summery color board.

I absolutely LOVE the details in this inspiration board that I found on Groom Sold Separately:

Happy 4th of July!

To say that I love this Fourth of July inspired color board is an understatement.  You can see that every detail pays tribute to this holiday, from the drinks and beautiful bridal shoes, to the cake and fireworks send off.

Doesn't this just get you in the mood to have a Fourth of July party?