Recaps are coming the Recaps are coming!

Well the tally is in, how much did that big day cost? I will let you know how I saved TON'S of money on my big day with recaps and updates. Hopefully this will help you as you plan your big day or help someone else plan theirs!

Here are a few shots from the big day!

We DID IT!

In 100 days, we planned, executed, and survived our wild and crazy wedding weekend! We are so blessed to have so many friends and family that came out and supported us on our big day. I was blown away to find the church FULL! Thank you to all of you who came out, and we feel like we saw everyone for 30 seconds, so I can't wait to see you all soon and spend more time catching up!

Thank you to my vendors who all far exceeded my expectations to ensure we had a wonderful celebration!

Highlights from the night good and bad....

• It rained like cats and dogs until exactly 2:00pm when pictures began, then the sun came out and we took some fabulous shots!
• My preacher Brother Jack Martin is now a rock star after the ceremony he performed, yes he really is Irish, and he preaches at that church.
• The Slide Show hit the frits about 6 minutes into the 12 minute show.
  
• We did a couples Keg Stand (thank you Crockett for that encouragement)
• Someone tossed their cookies in the men's bathroom sink (good thing the Keg Order was messed up)
• The place we ordered our Keg's forgot to order them, so we ended up with 2 instead of 3 and didn't get our Yuengling Keg :(
  
• We ended the reception around 11:15 and then headed to "BobKatz" some shady hole the in the wall where most our out of town guest where, and celebrated until 2:00am!

It was the best night of my life, and I couldn't be happier. The Photographer took over 10,000 photos so as soon as those come in I will post some.


As far as the Blog goes, lets just go with it. I will see where it leads!!!


Mrs. DeForest

License to Wed!

We are headed to the County Clerk to get our License to Wed!!! Today begins our big 'to do' list and we are so excited to be T-Minus 2 days to go! I keep hearing that song "FINAL COUNTDOWN" in my head.

I put my wedding dress on last night so I could STOP having the nightmare that it wouldn't zip, glad I put that fear to rest! LOL Now I can relax, no pigging out, just know that it is going to be fine. It is all going to be fine, great, AWESOME!!!

I will update as much as I can over the next few days, but for now off to the County Clerk!

Tres

With the Paper Poms done, and just 150 tiny ribbons to be tied, and my vast Army of friends that will be helping me out tonight and tomorrow I think I am ahead of the game (just need to keep repeating that to myself). I did goof up a bit, I forgot to order one groomsmen his "gift" D is going to take care of that today, whoops! Tonight I am going to whip up a few batches of Toll House cookies for the out of town guest to give them a "homey" feel to their welcome baskets, break and bake, or from scratch totally up in the air at this point! LOL

I wanted to share with you guys an awesome website I found if you are planning a vacation, Honeymoon, or just a weekend getaway you HAVE to check out this site! How does Paris at $39 a night sound? Yeah I thought you would be interested! its called AirBnB.com and they have deals from coast to coast!



My Unofficial Expert Bridal Advice of the day:
You can not expect those around you to totally grasp the "big picture" if you don't clue them in. Don't keep all those little details to yourself because you don't want to "bother" anyone. You have family, bridesmaids, and friends for a reason. ASK FOR HELP, explain your vision and skip the stress. Ok I'm done!

SUCCESS

We finished the tissue paper poms last night! WOOT big shout out to my mama who is the best tissue paper fluffer in the south! I couldn't NOT have done it without her help! In the DIY department all we have left are putting ribbons on 150 programs, and I am going to bake some cookies for the Welcome Bags for our Hotel guest, other than that we are ALL set! I do have a few 'to dos' left.....Might I say I am the most calm I have been in weeks this week? Shocked? I sure am, guess the freak out's early on helped out!

• Wednesday pick up Wine from Warehouse
  
• Thursday Marriage License!
• Thursday hang black cloth to 'black out' the baptistry at Church
• Thursday set up sound system and slide show at Church (perks of it being our home Church)
• Thursday move all "church" furniture from pulpit area
• Thursday set up tables for Rehearsal Dinner
• Thurday Dave to pick up Tux's at MW
  
• PICK UP BM Chelsea at the airport!!!!!!
• Thursday WATCH GREY'S ANATOMY SEASON PREMIRE!!!
  
• Friday pick up Keg's and put on Ice
  
• Friday make sure all other "airport" guest are picked up by Army Buddy
  
• Friday drop off "Welcome" bags at the Hotel for out of town guest
  
• Friday pick up Candelabra's at 12 take to Church and set up!
• Friday set up Reception venue with Bridesmaids, Mom, and Florist
• Friday get a manicure! This is a priority! LOL
• Friday rehearse, and eat!
• Saturday get gussied up, Marry the most wonderful man I know, Shake it on the Dance Floor!

Seems like a lot, but most stuff will be knocked out in one fail swoop, that is why D, mom, dad, and myself are ALL off work Thursday-the Weekend, plus we have lots of LOTS of helpful hands coming to pitch in! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE TO MY AWESOME FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!!!

and then there were 5.....

We had a really crafty weekend at the Hoolihan house we knocked out 2 more paper poms thanks to family and friends and we also finished 100 of the 200 programs. Here are some fun "crafty" photos of my little workshop. Notice the Groom is "laying out" while Mom and dad work diligently. LOL

5 days to go, and just a few odds and end to wrap up! We are so ready for our friends and family to get and here and get this party started!!!

Shoes!

One of my favorite things! I love em' sadly I am restricted to mostly flats these days thanks to a botched foot surgery last November, any who. I ended up buying these shoes from David's bridal, they have a very low Kitten heel and are quite comfy I had them dyed for a mere $3 to match my Ivory dress Total cost $63!! They also had a table of $39 clearance shoes, you should check out if you need formal footwear for any occasion!


If you are looking for a little more flash in your footwear, check out Polyvore.com they have all shapes, colors, styles, and price ranges for all your W-Day needs. I looked here to find the Bridesmaid's some Green shoes, I just never had any luck :(



This weekend D is helping his brother move to Hopkinsville, KY (yeah for close family)! I am going to knock out the rest of my pomanders (3 to go) and fold our programs, but this is after I get my pre wedding facial :) 8 days to go, we are so pumped!!!

Happy Friday and Happy Weekend!

Murphy's Law is in effect!

I am remaining positive, light, zen! I am so ready to get hitched! I am not excited about all of life's little "happenings" that have fallen upon us this week for starters....

• Swine Flu happens but, you should stay HOME FROM WORK (this means you BRENDA!)
• Key's will get locked in the car, I should just be glad we got to spend some extra time together :)
• Family Drama will ALWAYS happen, especially in big families
• Rain, Rain, GO AWAY, is a good thought. KEEP THE GOOD THOUGHTS
• Exercise will keep you from "flippin' your script" that is until you find out the instructor has a sub, because she has SWINE FLU, again it happens, thank you for staying home!
  
• People will always ask rude questions like "Is this your first marriage?" WHO THE HECK ARE YOU??? Why is it ok to ask me that question, but the answer is YES, First and LAST!

Lighter Notes:

• Cake is designed, flavors are picked and I couldn't be happier. I am just hungry
• Our DJ is the beez kneez! Met with him yesterday to finalize music list
• Old Time Pottery saves the day, well sort of.
  

We're almost there 9 days to go!!!!!!!!!

I'll take Cheesy Love songs for $200!

Music is what drives me in this hectic world. Its what keeps me moving when I want to quit, its the first thing I listen to in the morning, and I play it ALL day. Its like Therapy, so when I was presented with the task of the "First Dance" songs, I was like shoot, how do I pick JUST ONE, but I tell you it was easier than I thought. Music speaks to me (no, not like Dr. Doolittle) and these songs spoke to me and make the list for The Reception.

Reception Play List:
D and Amber's First Dance-"You are the best thing" by Ray Lamontagne
I think the title pretty well sums it up, it's hip, has a nice groove and doesn't take itself to seriously, a lot like D and myself!

Father Daughter Dance- "I loved her first" by Heartland
If I can get though it without crying it will be a miracle, my father picked this one out himself.

Mother Son Dance- "Godspeed Little Man" by Dixie Chicks
This song couldn't be more perfect for Dave, he is my little dreamer and every baby, and child picture we found he was playing dress up and using his big imagination.


All other songs for the Reception will consist of Hits from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and Today so bring your BOOGIE SHOES, we are going to be cutting a rug!!! As I mentioned before my DJ is a hoot, he used to be a Back-Up Dancer for MC Hammer and anyone who has been to his show can tell me he is A BLAST, not to mention REASONABLY priced! Vendor Shout Out to Johnny Gardner 615-384-7799!!!

So I'm Irish...

If you didn't already know, and I wanted to incorporate as many (there are TONS) Irish Traditions as I could into my wedding Ceremony. Here are a few things we are doing.

• It is an Irish Tradition to ring a bell for the dead (no it isn't morbid), you read their names and ring a bell to signal there spirit to this place.
• I have a bagpiper
• My future sis-in-law will be reading the Irish Wedding Blessing during the lighting of the Unity Candle.
• Dave and I will see each other before the wedding believe it or not, that is good luck in the Irish culture.
• I will be carrying my baby bonnet, that with the snip of a few stitches turns into a hanky!
  

A few Traditions that we decided to skip:

• If the bride's mother-in-law breaks a piece of wedding cake on the bride's head as she enters the house after the ceremony, they will be friends for life.
• When leaving the church, someone must throw an old shoe over the bride's head so she will have good luck

Here is one for you:
"Slainte," pronounced SLAWN-cha, is a familiar Irish toast!


SLAINTE!

Manic Monday

12 days to go and I have some things left on my do to list! I spent most of my weekend in the car, so I didn't tackle 1 more Tissue Paper Pom like I wanted to, so I guess that will get done tonight.

With 12 days to go here is what is left:

1. 4 more Pomanders to construct
2. Assemble the programs after the Preacher signs off on the ceremony
   
3. Get a list of Vendors to the Coordinator
4. Meet with Coordinator to finalize Day of activities
   
5. Delegate music duties to cousin who used to be DJ for the ceremony
6. Get 1st dance songs to actual DJ for the Reception
7. Final guest count is in, inform Caterer

I am trying to get as much done this week as I can so next week is as stress free as possible. Leaving just loose ends and any crisis' that may arise to be dealt with. My stress level is pretty low, I hope it continues for the next 12 days!

P.S. if you are bored this weekend feel free to drop in bring a bottle of wine and get crafty!

Sharing is Caring...

I stumbled on a website call Brideshare it is where Brides to be, and Brides past can sell things from their weddings, or if another bride has the same color scheme or theme as you, you can both go in on it and save mega $$$$. Check out their site, there are some amazing deals on here!


Here are other similar sitesL:

• The Wedding Bee

• Brideshare

• Once Wed
  

It's FRIDAY, its also 9/11 I want to take a quick second to remember those who lost their lives on that fateful day, and to remind us all to pray for those who continue to fight for our freedom's in America and on Foreign Soil.

RSVP

RSVP cards for the Reception and Rehearsal Dinner are due back by the 12th (SATURDAY), in case you were curious on how to respond, here is a little guide and helpful link at the bottom!

From Emily Post the Manners Queen:

1. How do I respond? Reply in the manner indicated on the invitation.

• RSVP and no response card: a handwritten response to the host at the return address on the envelope.
• Response Card: fill in and reply by the date indicated and return in the enclosed envelope.
• RSVP with phone number: telephone and make sure to speak in person – answering machines can be unreliable.
• RSVP with email: you may accept or decline electronically.
• Regrets only: reply only if you cannot attend. If your host doesn’t hear from you, he is expecting you!
• No reply requested? Unusual, but it is always polite to let someone know your intentions. A phone call would be sufficient.

2. Is that your final answer?

• Changing a ‘yes’ to a ‘no’ is only acceptable on account of: illness or injury, a death in the family or an unavoidable professional or business conflict. Call your hosts immediately.
• Canceling because you have a “better” offer is a sure fire way to get dropped from ALL the guest lists.
• Being a “no show” is unacceptable.
• Changing a ‘no’ to a ‘yes’ is OK only if it will not upset the hosts’ arrangements.

3. “May I bring…”

Don’t even ask! An invitation is extended to the people the hosts want to invite—and no one else.

• …a date. Some invitations indicate that you may invite a guest or date (Mr. John Evans and Guest) and when you reply, you should indicate whether you are bringing someone, and convey their name.
• …my children. If they were invited, the invitation would have said so.
• … my houseguest. It’s best to decline the invitation, stating the reason. This gives your host the option to extend the invitation to your guests, or not.

4. Say “Thank You.”

• Here is something to try instead of Post Office RSVP's. It is a call service that your guest can call and RSVP to your big event. My Caterer told me about this! http://www.bestweddingrsvp.com/
  

There are several out there, just google "Wedding RSVP Service"

Second Guessing....

No, not getting married. Just choices I made early on. I was warned this would happen, you would not regret per se, but wish you had made another choice.

Sunday night mom, D, and myself went to see WICKED (it was FABULOUS by the way), and we had to walk past the War Memorial downtown. This had always been my "location pick" but for whatever reason once we were in full Wedding Planning mode, the idea NEVER crossed my mind to use it. I had already done the leg work, it was $65 to have a ceremony there, but you had to rent chairs and find somewhere to have your reception. Seeing it all lit up at night made me go, ahh shucks! I guess at the end of the day I am glad we had such a short engagement, or I could see myself doing this on 100 other things between now and the wedding. God knew my budget, and led me in the right direction.

On a happier note, I had my final dress fitting and my dress is now suspended from my little brothers ceiling fan (highest spot we could find to keep wrinkles at bay)! It fits PERFECT, so no splurges between now and then! LOL


One last thing, look for yours Truly in the Robertson County Times today under wedding announcements!!!

18 Days....

We are slowly rounding 3rd base as we approach the home stretch to W-Day! 18 days seems like a lot, but once you break down what needs to be done, it gets a little overwhelming. I am slowly starting to lose my cool, strong, demeanor, and have turned into what I imagine a pregnant lady is like post pregnancy, crying at the drop of a hat when I see sappy lovey dovey things, when Dave says something sweet, or when he talks at all for that matter. Luckily, I have been told this is COMPLETELY normal. I spent all evening going though ALL my childhood photos for the slide show, man what a wild ride that was.

So here is an update and what is up next:

1. Finalize ceremony outline with preacher so I can print my programs
2. Finalize rehearsal dinner menu
3. Finalize music selections with DJ
4. Finalize times with caterer for day before and day of!
5. Finish last 4 Paper Pomanders for pews
6. Date set aside for marriage license is September 24th

Guest response cards are due back this Saturday the 12th for the Reception and Rehearsal dinner so after that I will call my wine man to finalize the wine count. I am saving a trip to Atlanta by getting my wine at $4.99 a bottle through a friend whos dad owns a liquor store in town, after you add the gas, time, and lugging charge I am coming in about the same on my wine budget.

I am marrying a truly wonderful man, who has looked at me not ten, but twenty times this weekend and said "its all going to come together, and be ok" as I blubber like a small child, I am so blessed to have his patience! LOL

Somthing Wicked this way comes!!!

I have tickets this weekend to see WICKED!!! I have been wanting to see this for about 100 years, my BFF Chelsea gave me the book a few years ago for my birthday and I LOVED IT (Disclaimer: Book is NOT child friendly or like the musical at all, but still GREAT!) If that were not enough, I have my Bachelorette Party this Saturday night in Nashvegas with my closest girls! I am STOKED!!!!

D is headed to Lexington to hang out with some of his Groomsmen and catch the first UK football game, and hopefully they will ALL take a field trip to Men's Warehouse to finalize Tux fittings! LOL

What has been accomplished in the past few weeks:

• My flowers were ordered yesterday, WOOT
• Table Cloths are paid in full and I can pick them up the 24th.
  
• Candelabras are ordered (need pillar candles)
  
• Chairs are ordered and delivery time is set for Friday the 25th pick up Monday am!
  
• My passport arrived yesterday!!!
• 2 Pomanders of the 6 are finished (2 more to make this weekend)
  
• Dress Alterations are finished, now pick them up!
• Invitations to wedding and rehearsal are finished and sent!
• Showers are over and ALL gifts have found their proper place.

I have come a long way baby, and I have a long way to go in 22 days, but its coming together and one day at a time, has been the proven method.

I wish you all a happy, safe, and restful Holiday weekend! Catch up with you Monday!

A

Budget Friendly Bridal!!!

Are you planning a wedding on a budget? There is a Budget friendly bridal show coming to town!

From The Budget Savvy Bride:

Budget Bridal Show

Date: October 10, 2009
Time: 9am – 2pm

Location: Old Hickory Country Club
1904 Hadley Avenue
Old Hickory, TN 37138

Cost: FREE!

Here is a list of Participating Vendors [so far]:
Beauty//Hair and Makeup
Liza Jeane’s

Decorations
Balloon Celebrations

Event Planner
Paint the Town Events LLC

Photographers
Crystal Bowron Photography
Michelle Hines Photography
Lori Quarles Photography

Registries
Pampered Chef

Venues
Old Hickory Country Club

Wedding Planners
Weddings by Shelly
I DO Weddings
Your Day of Fairytales
Childress Wedding Events

You can also become a fan of their page on Facebook!!

The best part is that the Budget Bridal Show is free for all brides and guests! They are also accepting donations to benefit the Nashville Rescue Mission- you can check out info on what kind of donations they accept here.

Each bride in attendance will be provided with a complimentary tote bag with extra information to help plan for the perfect day!
There will also be bride giveaways every 30 minutes during the show. To qualify for the giveaways, all brides must register for free as a member on the website and must be present to win! Plus, once you become a member you will have the inside scoop on what the packages will be and when they will be drawn to make sure you are present!
The Budget Bridal Show website also contains a blog and forum section in which brides can discuss DIY ideas, engagement stories and more! Hope you’ll check it out!

Is that a bird in her hair?

So I think it is no secret my love for the Birdcage Veil. I think they are so unique, fashion forward and fabulous, but I am willing to accept that not everyone has a love for the birdcage. I can hear it now as I walk down the aisle "what the heck is that in her hair? Feathers, a bird?"
D asked me this weekend "Did you show my mom your veil" I said "no, I am afraid to" he just laughed.

For those that know me, taking a "risk" per se on my wedding day with a relatively new accessory doesn't' surprise you, but Birdcage veils aren't really all that new, they are just becoming a little more affordable, wearable, and even more Fabulous!

My hairdresser for the wedding said "Amber, you are the only person I know that could pull this off" that was all I needed to hear, thanks Nicole! :)

Here are some VERY AFFORDABLE examples from the intranets: (click their links)
From Brenda's Bridal Veils:




























From Kasia Fink:

TN vs KY

I have mentioned many times thought my planning process that I am wanting to combine KY culture and tradition with TN culture and tradition. Not just sports teams, but Bourbon and Whiskey, Blue Grass and Honkey Tonk, etc. So I have decided if time, and nerves permit I am going to whip up a batch of Chocolate Bourbon cookies and have a stack of Moon Pies on the table for favors.

I also purchased blank damask place cards at Scrapbooking-Warehouse.com for $3.66 to use for food naming. I have been told so many times, it is all about the DETAILS, and I am making sure to add as many as I can, that are special to D and myself.

Here are some food names I have come up with so far....can't give to much away so I can't tell you WHAT they will be paired with, so the names may make no sense right now! ;)

• Billy Gillespie
• Blue Grass
• Bruce Pearl
• Bourbon Balls
• Volunteer
  
• Cardinal
• Mockingbird