Southern Bridal Expo

So this was one of the most eventful weekends so far in my wedding adventures.  On Saturday I met with my MOH and went shopping for my bridesmaids dress.  I think I found it:

 After Six 6609

 The color is Pantone Honeysuckle

And for the guys we are thinking of doing bowties in the paisley print shown from Jos A Bank.

We went out for Sushi and had too many drinks afterwards.  My best friend and her husband are natural entertainers and I enjoyed my evening.  The next morning I met with a potential photographer and absolutely LOVED her.  Stephanie B. Kingston, owner of Kingston Photography is going to be my wedding photographer!!!!  We decided at the meeting that I should do Bridal Portraits in the fall since I didn't get to be a fall bride.  Sunday was also the Southern Bridal Expo in Raleigh and my MOH and fiancee attended with me.  I had the BEST time!  I met so many vendors. 

R and I at the "Classy Transportation" booth.

 Best Friend and I having too much fun with the props for the Shutterbooth.  Doesn't her afro look so natural!

Our next trip to the Triangle is in a few weeks and we have a few more vendor meetings set up so I'll be sure to report back as we move forward with planning.  A good friend of mine gave me a planning book from Barnes and Noble, the Gartner Wedding Planner and I highly suggest it.

 And my shoes came in !!!!  I haven't tried these on with my dress yet but I purchased the Lulu Townsend Valissa sling-back in fuschia and ivory.  I'm not sure which ones I'll want to wear.  But they look adorable and the heel is low enough for dancing.

Hmmm...I wonder how everyone else feels about the new blogger layout.   I don't hate it but I'm certainly not as familiar with it.

When, Where, and a Dress

So in my last post I mentioned we have a venue for our wedding... well we also now have an official date!  Originally I was hoping to be a fall 2012 bride but it really was too much too soon.  Within two weeks we were already overwhelmed and felt like we were "behind" on everything.  I wasn't happy that we had to change it but now I think it is the best decision we have made and we've started enjoying the planning process.  We are still getting married at Shady Wagon Farm in New Hill, North Carolina on...
(drum roll please)

March 23, 2013!  One year from the day he proposed to me.  I'm still sad that the proposal was so shocking that I can't remember everything he said but I think setting our date on March 23rd is a sweet way to acknowledge our engagement.

Oh, and I found my dress.  The third dress I tried on at my first bridal shop.  I'll admit that I already knew what I was looking for.  I love dresses and I know what necklines and shapes look best on me.  Mom and I didn't quite agree, her favorite dress was similar to my junior prom dress in shape and although it was beautiful on me, it just wasn't my style.  She also purchased my headpiece and I found shoes online that I love!  R reads my blog so I can't post any pictures of my wedding day outfit but I can tell you that it's perfect for me!

The Southern Bridal Expo is scheduled for this weekend.  R and I are meeting up with my best friend (and MOH) to check out the vendors and maybe get a few ideas.  We are also going to visit a few bridal shops to look at bridesmaid dresses.  I'm looking for something pink, maybe in a flowy chiffon fabric.  My MOH went last weekend and tried on several dresses so I could get an idea of whats available and one of them was adorable.  I can definitely imagine it alongside my dress.

I don't have anymore wedding updates.  I purchased more Ole Henrikson serum and night cream for my birthday - I love this stuff!  I will also be experimenting with hair masques in the next few months and I'll be sure to post some reviews.  I need a trim so I was going to talk with my stylist about a good hair regimen so it'll be healthy and shiny next Spring. I've been in such a rut using the same products and I can't wait to purchase a few new ones to test out!

Birthday Weekend(s)

Since R put this ring on my finger life has gone from 0 to 60 mph!  We are spending so much quality time with friends and family (and we both celebrated birthdays last week!)  My birthday weekend was weekend before last - we went bowling with friends on Friday, shopped wedding venues on Saturday along with a YUMMY dinner at the melting pot, and had a big family engagement /  birthday party with my family on Sunday. 

This past weekend we celebrated with R's family.  Friday evening we had a delicious steak meal cooked at home and Saturday spent time with friends on the golf course.  On Easter we enjoyed a great meal with R's family.   

On an exciting note we have a wedding venue!  I'm sending in the deposit this week and we are so thrilled to become man and wife here: