Marriage, One Year Later

Guys... I have been married for an entire year (yesterday). How does time go by so fast? October will always be one of my most favorite months even more so now that it holds our marriage anniversary date. I am so excited to celebrate with my favorite guy on one year of marriage down and the many, many more to come. I know I've learned so much just in this one year I can only imagine the years to come.

|We have learned to compromise, agree to disagree, and love each other during our worst. Nothing makes me happier knowing I have someone who will love me unconditionally.

|As much of an independent person as I am, I need Joe in my life. He is my partner and other half. I'm completely okay with knowing that I need this person in my life to be a better version of myself.

|Never speaking about personal things (you know your spouse would not want you speaking about) regarding your spouse with friends. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard awful things come from someones mouth about their husband and it makes me cringe. That is the most intimate relationship you have, I feel like it should not be slandered like that.

|Knowing that through the ups and downs of life I have that one person to always rely on. This year has been hard. With health, job, and school things that have not been easy, it's always nice to come home to someone who makes me feel better. Or let me cry on his shoulder.

|We both appreciate a good Netflix marathon. We have finished many of series in our first year of marriage and it's one of our favorite things to do after work/weekends.

|You really get to know someone once you're married. I mean, we've been together for almost six years in December, but now that we're married I feel like we are even more connected. It's really the best feeling ever.

I can't wait to see what this next year holds for us. What is your best advice you give to newlyweds or what works for your marriage?

Wedding Guests: Do's and Don'ts

I miss doing Wedding Wednesday posts so much! Planning our wedding was my hobby the majority of last year and I loved it. I meant to write a post on etiquette for wedding guests a long time ago but never did! These are all things that I personally experienced, or thought would be useful to someone going to a wedding soon.

DO:

RSVP on time! This was a huge pain for me. We of course pay for these RSVP's with the paid postage for a reason, so please send them back. Don't text the bride that you'll be there, she has enough going on that it's better just to see it in writing. Plus, then she will know if you are bringing a guest and your food option.

Show up on time. This was a huge problem for our wedding day. We were ready to start the ceremony when someone ran in and told us we had to wait because someone had to run somewhere but they will be right back. Needless to say, I was't pleased. Show up early and find a spot; the bride and groom will be thankful.

Stay for the reception. It was sad to see how many people came to our wedding and only managed to stay for dinner before any of the fun parts of our reception. The newlyweds and their families have put a lot of time and effort into the reception, so stay to celebrate and enjoy it!

Pay attention to the dress code if there is one. It's just polite. I didn't mind what people wore as long as it wasn't flip flops, tank tops, and jeans. People still showed up in them anyway, and I didn't care much, but it's just nice to follow the bride's lead.

Use the hashtag! I had so much fun looking through our hashtag after our wedding, it helped me get get through until we had our professional photos back.

Don't:

Bring a date if it wasn't specified on your RSVP to do so. If anything, I would say ask the bride if it is important to you but never just assume and show up with someone.

Text the bride a few days before her wedding canceling on her. I had a "friend" text me to say that they couldn't make it to my wedding a couple of days prior because of work. The food was paid for, the seating chart was finished, and it was hurtful that my friend didn't request this day off months ago.

Use your phone during the ceremony, especially if the couple specifically requests not to do so. I can't imagine who you would need to text in the middle of a ceremony that couldn't wait until after so just don't do it!

I'm sure I missed something, but these are things that really stand out to me. What are some of your rules for weddings?

Bishop Wedding Part 5: The Reception

After all of our pictures were finished Joe and I entered the reception. In between the ceremony and reception our guests were able to make their way up to the reception area, grab a drink, and relax. Before we started dinner and the other festivities, we went around to every table to hug all of our friends and family and thank them for coming. We had around fifty people and it felt so special that we were able to talk to every one of our guests. 

I cannot believe that we do not have a single photo of our dinner! When I went through the thousands of pictures, I was sure I would find even just one, and I didn't. Salad was served first, then for the main course we had chicken cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and dinner rolls. I was especially sad we didn't get a photo of the dinner because the chef decorated hearts from spices all around our dinner plates. 

When we did our tasting I knew right away that the chicken cordon bleu had to be served. I am still kicking myself for not eating more of that dinner. I should have had someone box it up for us but I was a little side tracked, just being married and all.

As dinner was finishing up, it was time for speeches.

First up was Joe's best man Anthony, his speech was funny, but still very sweet. He gave us all a big laugh by asking me to place my hand on the table, then asking Joe to place his hand on top of mine and then making the joke that this would be the last time he would have the upper hand.

Then it was my sister Connie's turn. She had to go and give a seriously sweet toast that made me tear up. She quoted Pablo Neruda: “I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.”  
I had this quote put into our wedding album, it will always make me think of this day. 

Our first dance was to "Dancing Away With My Heart" by Lady Antebellum

After more dancing it was time for the bouquet toss. We played "All The Single Ladies" Duh.
I know my sister was gunning for that thing. But it was the youngest of the bunch, my cousin Jamie who caught it. I guess that's bad news for the rest of the girls because there is still at least ten years before she can get married.

We knew that we wanted a small cake, and then different flavored cupcakes. We opted for the main cake to be red velvet and the cupcakes were: spice, oreo, and champagne. They were so delicious. Instead of keeping the top tier of the wedding cake for our one year anniversary, we kept one cupcake to freeze. 

That's my "Don't you dare get this cake all over my face" look. He's a smart guy, and knew to get that cake fully in my mouth.

We danced, we mingled, we drank champagne. It was a blast being around so many of our closest family and friends. It went by so fast, it was truly the best night.

Bishop Wedding Part 4: The Reception (Venue & Decor)

Happy New Year everyone! I'm back for another wedding Wednesday! This has been one of my favorite blogging days since getting our wedding photos back. I am going to be cutting the reception posts into a few because there are so many different things I want to show and talk about that would make for a way too long blog post. This week I am sharing our reception venue and decor. 

As I've said before, I loved that the venue where we got married was all inclusive. I wanted to find somewhere that we could hold both the ceremony and reception so it was easier on our guests and not to waste any time. 

The venue at Riverlakes is so beautiful, not to mention the staff was amazing. We had an outdoor wedding and then our guests were escorted to the reception area which is indoors/outdoors. The entire room had sliding doors that opened out to a large patio that we used for dancing. 

For our gift to our guests, I wanted to make sure that it represented our fall wedding. Of course, Pinterest wins again because we made s'more bags for everyone that were stamped with a sticker saying "sending you s'more love" with our wedding date. 

The napkins were purchased from The Knot website, and I made all of the chalkboard signs. I framed our engagement pictures and our invitations and had them placed around the reception as well.

As you can see, the centerpieces also have curly willow incorporated.

Next week, I'll recap the entire reception!

Here's the rest of our wedding recap in case you've missed any. 

Part 1: Getting ready

Part 2: The ceremony

Part 3: The wedding party

Bishop Wedding Part 3: The Wedding Party

Before and after the ceremony was strictly for taking pictures and getting those done before we lost light. I must say that it was so awesome to have a smaller wedding party because it was really easy to get the pictures finished quickly while still making sure we got amazing shots.

Picking our wedding party from the very beginning was simple, there was really no questioning it. These are the people that hands down are always going to be there to support and love us.

The relationship that Joe has with my family is more than I could ever ask for. He treats my sisters as his own sisters and my mom as his own. It's always been a girls club growing up with my mom and sisters, so when they took Joe in and loved him like family I knew that he was the one.

Through the dress fittings, stress, and planning, these girls were always there to help. I remember when we first got engaged and started the planning process I didn't even remember that it's a thing to ask people to be in your wedding party in a cute and Pinterest-y way because it was just a given that these two would be in our wedding. I am thankful that even after growing up with me acting like a second mom to them that we are still lifelong best friends.

The boys looked so handsome! I was very adamant about these tux's, those colors, and the boutonnieres, so seeing everything put together on them was amazing.

I had at first wanted my mom to be my maid of honor. She's my best friend, and I knew that she had to play a major roll in this wedding. She means the world to both Joe and I. Walking me down the aisle and giving me away was the perfect way to incorporate my mom into the wedding ceremony. Without her, our wedding would not have been possible at all.

After all of the pictures, it was time to make our way into the reception as husband and wife! 

I hope you all have a merry Christmas!! 

Previous posts:

Part 1: Getting Ready

Part 2: The Ceremony

Bishop Wedding Part 2: The Ceremony

We really could not have asked for a more beautiful day to get married. It was sunny and 75 outside which was really just perfect. When we were searching for our venue, we found this one because it's actually right down the road from where I work. We ended up choosing it because we wanted outdoor/indoor space. I liked that we could do the ceremony and reception there and it was beautiful for pictures as well.

As for decorations at the ceremony site, we kept it simple with pink and white rose petals scattered down the isle and I had an obsession with curly willow (you'll see it incorporated in our centerpieces), so we had it added on the arch with fresh flowers on top.

I did my bridal portraits and pictures with my sisters and mom before the ceremony (which I will share in another post) so there wasn't so much waiting time after the ceremony for our guests. As time came close for the ceremony to start, I was hidden away to not be seen until 5pm. Then it was time to get married! 

My mom walked me down the isle, it was the best decision for me. She's my best friend, the one who raised me, and I couldn't imagine anyone else doing it. I walked down the isle to "A Thousand Years"

This was the first time Joe and I were seeing each other, and I was so happy we waited until that very moment to see each other. 

The ceremony itself was very quick, but perfect. Our officiant read the most beautiful prayer at the opening of the ceremony that put an ease in my mind because I was very nervous.

I had no idea how fast the ceremony would feel, it goes by so fast. The only part I didn't love... for about half the ceremony there was a bee on Joe's boutonniere. If anyone knows me, they know that I freak out if I am anywhere near a bee. So it was really hard to just stand still and keep focused, not to mention my soon to be husband is allergic to said bee. Thankfully it flew away and left us alone after that. Just the things you get with an outdoor wedding. The rest of the ceremony was so perfect. All of the worries about everything being set up or all of the little details didn't matter at this point. 

Finally, we exchanged rings and were announced as husband and wife!

I'll be back next week to share more about our big day - bridal party / bride and groom pictures!

Previous wedding day posts:

Part one: Getting Ready

Bishop Wedding: Part 1 Getting Ready

It has been way too long since I have posted a wedding related post. I emailed my photographer a couple weeks ago and she said it usually takes around eight weeks to get them back. Since we weren't able to have my photographer there while I was actually getting ready for the wedding, I thought I would start with this post since it will be Iphone pictures anyway. 

Getting ready - 

The day before: If you read my previous post, you would remember that I had a pretty bad night before the wedding. I spent the night at my moms with my sisters, and we had a day of last minute errands and of course - getting pedicures. Mine was actually the pedicure from hell, he cut the skin all under my toe, and it burned the entire time but that's okay. I just kind of rolled with it. After the pedicure, that's really when everything went wrong. Since I have no desire to harp on that awful night, I will say that joy really does come in the morning, because I was ready to take on the day when I woke up.

I was just so excited to see Joe and make it until five o'clock. 

My mom made coffee and french toast, because it's my favorite and she's the best. We all had some time before we had to go set up at the venue so we ate, and all had time to shower. I know a lot of brides choose to relax the morning of their wedding, but I just wanted to go be busy and set up the reception. It kept my mind busy, and I loved being able to make everything just the way I wanted it.

It was truly, a beautiful day to get married.

My sisters strung blush pink lanterns along the exposed beams in the reception area that took a couple hours. I cannot tell you how amazing they looked. My family was a life saver setting everything up. 

A couple of hours later, it was time to go get hair and makeup done. It seemed like the morning flew by, and everything was moving so fast. My normal hair dresser was not available the day of the wedding, so I had to find someone a few months prior. Although I did a trial with this lady, I will say that I wish I would have been able to find someone I knew better to do the hair and makeup. She didn't quite listen to what I wanted. Thankfully though, it turned out really great!

I didn't wear a veil, instead I wore a really pretty headband and it matched my bridesmaids dresses. 

Joe and I opted not to see each other before the wedding. I knew it would have been easier to take pictures before, but I also knew since the beginning that I wanted to wait and see Joe as I was walking down the aisle. Stick to what you want, ladies.

After we we're done getting ready, it was time to head back to the venue and get married!

Day of Wedding Essentials

Ladies, when searching on Pinterest to figure out everything I needed on my wedding day, I laughed. Not at all of the items of course, but some of them I figured I would never need. Wrong. There are several things I wish I would have brought because I actually would have used them. 

My dress had a pretty long train and had a poof at the bottom like most wedding gowns do. I cannot count the number of times people stepped on my dress. It wasn't anyone's fault, because it was so big when I would dance or hug someone they would accidentally step on it. Not even halfway through the reception, I realize - no scratch that, someone pointed out that my dress was ripped. In my head I thought about how I laughed that I wouldn't need that silly sewing kit. Well it would have come in handy. Thankfully it ripped right at the seam on the zipper and on my upper back (it could have ripped in a much worse place).

Just because you may think you won't use something, still pack it and you won't be sorry. I over packed, even just for the day and I'm glad I had these things on hand.

Here are some things I did pack:

+ Deodorant | Trust me, you'll wanna freshen up!

+ Phone charger | If you hand your phone over like I did and you're out of the house/hotel all day this will be necessary. 

+ Lotion | It's all about showing off the ring. 

+ Lip color you are wearing | Touch ups 

+ Nail polish color you're wearing | Ditto. 

+ Bobby-pins
+ Hairspray
+ Bandaids
+ Mints or little Colgate Wisp freshen brushes

+ Lint roller 

+ Tissues | For any tears or also works for blotting lipstick or excess oil. 

+ Pain Reliever | I had a major headache and my back really hurt that morning.
+ Sandals or flip flops | I actually ended up not even putting on my heels!! You couldn't see my feet anyway. 

Things I didn't but wish I had packed: 

+ Sewing kit

+ Bug spray | I didn't take into consideration the bugs for our outdoor ceremony, but I wish I would have thought to bring bug spray for everyone.

+ Double sided tape or skin tape. 

MUST haves:

Rings

Marriage License 

Extra cash for tipping (unless someone else is handling)

Another tip: Drinking water is so important to stay hydrated, and eating will keep the bridezilla mood to a minimum. 

What were some of your essentials? Anything else you would recommend? 

**This post is not sponsored, everything was purchased with my own money**

Things I've learned since planning our wedding.

Guys, I'm a married lady and I still cannot get over it! I am just sitting over here waiting impatiently  patiently to get our wedding photos back so I can start the recaps. I have been thinking about all the different things you come across and experience when planning a wedding, and I thought I would share.

So, here are some things I have learned since planning our wedding..

People will not RSVP - You would think when you self address an envelop and provide a stamp to send back an RSVP, that people would. NOPE. I don't know how many texts or Facebook messages I received either accepting or declining. But that's not all...

People who RSVP may change their mind last minute - Yep...there will be those people who come up with a really bad excuse to not come last minute. It happened two days before and even one day before the wedding. After all of the food was paid for of course.

You will see the people who make an effort - SO true.. I kept reading articles about how people you wouldn't expect to step up and help, will. And some people who should be, sadly won't. Now this isn't the case for every wedding, but it was in mine. You will see what friends make an effort to be there, and who helps in anyway they can.

Pinterest will be your frenemy  - I loved Pinterest so much for inspiration in planning a wedding, but definitely have your own vision before searching on Pinterest. You want your wedding to show your vision and your fiance as a couple, and picking things that look pretty but isn't something you actually like won't do that.

DIY will be A LOT of hard work - Don't let people fool you into thinking that DIY is cheaper and easier. It's not. I did quite a bit of DIY projects for our wedding and let me just say although it was a lot of extra time, they were worth the time and the money. DIY will make your wedding unique from others. It's your time to put your own personal touches on your big day. I did all of our chalkboards, escort cards, guest favors, and our card box. It was worth it.

Things won't always go the way you planned - You gotta let it go girl, after months and months of planning a beautiful wedding you gotta let it go. Just like Frozen said. I had to let a lot go.

Cake people didn't show up on time? Let it go.

Dealing with people asking to bring extra people - the day of the wedding? Let it go.

Your shoes hurt you too bad, so you wear flip flops? Let it gooooo. (no one saw my feet anyway)

If you have a mom like mine, she will be your lifesaver. -  My mom was my right hand and my coordinator the entire time of wedding planning. My poor mom was running around in heels the day of the wedding trying to make sure everyone was where they were supposed to be. She did amazing and I have no idea how to even thank her.

P.S - If you can and it's in your budget - hire a day of coordinator! I wish we would have.

But, through all these things that you will learn in the wedding planning process, the most important is to focus on your future marriage! You can't forget about your fiance in the midst of planning, set aside time - even when you're so busy to talk about how you're feeling or just go on a date. That was important for me. 

Now that it's over though, I'm sad. Of course I have plenty to fill my plate like school, work, a cute puppy, and a really cute new husband - but I miss it. I really enjoyed watching my vision for our day come to life, and now that it's over I need to find someone to let me help them plan their wedding! I'll even do it for the free cake. Desperate much? I think not.