landlocked bride™ | midwest + mountain west wedding inspiration

Not blogging about my own wedding tonight.  Haven’t had much inspiration lately, let alone, I haven’t really thought much about the next few steps in our wedding plans.  So, I’m taking a break to focus on the marriage of some friends.

Tomorrow I will be heading off downtown to witness the marriage of two good friends.  I am really looking forward to it for a few reasons.  1.  It has been nearly a year since I’ve been to a wedding.  2.  I adore the two friends that are marrying.  They are a fantastic couple and great friends.  3.  It is the first wedding I will be attending as an engaged woman, so I will have a different perspective this time around.  4.  Their reception is being held at Windows (7th floor), so it is a good opportunity for the FI to see a wedding there before ours (I’ve already been to a few there).

I really love witnessing the wedding of two people deeply in love.  It is a great reminder of why people marry in the first place.  And, in particular, M and M (how cute?!) are just a great fit.  Two of the nicest people I have ever met and could not be happier to have met them both.

I plan on taking a million photos tomorrow (surprise, surprise), so I’ll share a few.  I told M that I was going to play the paparazzi at her wedding and her photographer might not like me (so sue me).  I’ll be armed with both cameras so I don’t miss anything.

So, on Saturday night I get a lovely little e-mail from Zappos regarding my recent purchase which brought an even bigger smile to my face (is that possible?).  The e-mail read something along these lines:

“Because your are a valued customer, we are upgrading your shipping, free of charge.”

Of course I’m more than excited, because that only means that my shoes will arrive 2-3 days earlier than promised (bonus).

Before heading off to work this morning, I check the UPS tracking number to see where my love Keedens are in relation to me.  Lo and behold they were in town and were “Out for delivery.”  Could it be, that my shoes would be arriving into my hands today?

When the UPS man announced his presence in the office today, my ears perked.  Another employee signed for them and I peaked around my cubicle wall to find her holding the beloved Zappos box and walking in my direction.  The first thing out of her mouth?  “Are they your wedding shoes?”  And I eagerly announced “YES!”

I grab my scissors to open the box and waiting inside is an Adidas Shoe box?  Yes, you heard (read?) me correctly.  I immediately text the FI to tell him his shoes arrived and I get a response of “?” from him.  “You know, your shoes.  A pair of Adidas shoes, Size 10.”  “I haven’t ordered any new shoes since I got those Pumas a little over a month ago.”  “Hmmm,” I say, “I’ll find out what’s going on.”

I check my tracking number, and the UPS site, and then take a gander at the packing slip.  It appears as though some guy name “Yago” in the state of Washington will be receiving a Zappos box with my beloved Kate Spades.  I dial up Zappos to explain, and for a mere moment, they work on getting another pair delivered to me.  If only they knew that I ordered the last pair of red satin Keedens in a Size 7.  “Ma’am.”  “Yes?”  “Looks like we will need to contact the gentleman that will be receiving your shoes to have him send them back.  We will need you to give the shoes you got back to the UPS man when he returns.” “Okay.  I can do that.  But, how can I ensure that I receive my Kate Spades?  You see, they are very important shoes.”  “Oh, please do not worry, as we will be contacting the gentleman that will receive your shoes to let him know.  And, I am pretty sure that when he opens the box to see a pair of 4″ red satin shoes when he is expecting his soccer kleats, that he will be giving us a ring.  We will let you know when your shoes are in route.  We do apologize for any inconvenience.”

I digress.  Can you say heartbroken?  So, I have to wait a few more days for my shoes, which is fine, but I better get those shoes.  I have pined over them for I have no idea how long.  I must say this little shoe dilemma did put a damper on my day (Is that sad?).

BUT a friend of mine did receive fantastic news in that a good family member of hers is paying for her honeymoon.  This news (although it doesn’t really affect me), really made my day.  I couldn’t be happier for her and her FI.  Such a fantastic ending to the day.

Wow….that was a long ramble.  Now if only I could have my shoes….

Yes, I know, I have been the super slacker, non-existant bride-to-be.

The past few weeks have been filled with the ups and downs of life (mostly work), and yet again, I have not had much time to think.

I spent this last weekend at a friend’s bridal shower. It was a nice affair on a Summer St. Louis day (in other words, it was pretty warm). Thankfully the sun was out, seeing as how lately it has stormed its butt off almost every day. I got some great shots of her opening gifts, which I might share later (pending her approval, of course).

Since we’re on the topic of photographers, the FI and I FINALLY booked our photographer. The contract and check have not yet been mailed (they will on Monday), so I am hesitant to share my giddiness for who we chose. We are both really happy with our choice and will be sure to dish once the photog receives our signed contract!

This weekend I am off to TCB (Town and Country Bridal) to show a good friend my dress. Two of my friends have already seen me in the dress, but I promised K that we would take a gander this weekend so she could see the awesomeness that I have yet to purchase. It will also give me another chance to peak at the BM dresses they have in their showroom. I’m having a hard time choosing something. Another side note: Don’t expect any pictures of the actual “dress.” That will remain a secret until the wedding, but I will gladly share images of my not chosen gowns.

Another side note, these past two weeks have really opened my eyes to some great ideas I have for the wedding. One – I am booking a Day of Wedding Coordinator. I have already picked her out and met with her, now it is a matter of signing a contracting and mailing the deposit. More on that in another post. Two – We are going to try and incorporate some eco-friendly/green ideas into the wedding in some ways. We have yet to figure out how, but have a few ideas up our sleeves. Three – We are taking a more modern approach to the look and feel of our wedding. There are some non-traditions and modern/contemporary/simplistic ideas that we will be incorporating. After all, this wedding is supposed to be a reflection of our relationship, not “old world tradition” (not that I am dissing it, because it can be beautiful, but it is just not for us). Four – I would LOVE to have my aunt officiate our wedding ceremony, if she is willing to become ordained (not that would be an issue, because I already am….don’t ask, unless you really want to know). We would just much rather have someone close to us officiate the marriage than have a stranger do it. It would mean so much more. Five – Color. That’s all I got. We want to add punches of color wherever possible.

Sorry for the hodge podge of a post. I’m sure many of you out there in wedding planning land have had many of these moments.

So this weekend I was able to spend some time with some great friends of mine.  It was absolutely fantastic to see two of my absolute favorite people.  I took off work on Friday just so the three of us could go dress shopping.  The idea was to take all of my favorite dresses, show them to the girls and then narrow down my choices.

Now, after my last post, you all found out I had a bit of a dilemma seeing as how I had added five more gowns to my favorite list (ahh!).  I left that shop last Saturday with a dress in mind that I loved.  However, there was two other gowns at two other shops that I really liked as well.

My first appointment was at Town & Country Bridal.  I had mom tag along to this one, as she did not see me in any of the gowns I tried on last weekend because I shopped by myself.  We got there a little early, before my mom, so we browsed the bridesmaids dresses for some options/ideas.  Once mom got there, I went back to try on the five favorites from last weekend.  I saved my favorite dress for last.  After coming out in each dress, they all liked most of them for one reason or another.  Here is one that I tried on:

This dress was an absolute great fit.  The bustle was beautiful too.  If I had gone with this one, I would  not include the halter piece.  That part un-hooks from the dress, so you don’t have to use it.

Source

There were two others I tried on (which I cannot find photos of).

It was not until I came out in the last dress (the favorite) that they figured out which one was probably “The Dress.”  I had loved this dress last weekend when I tried it on, but I loved it even more when I tried it on again.  Not only that, but the girls loved it, mom loved and everyone could tell I really felt good in it.  And the bonus?  The dress really fits me and my personality and style.  And the second bonus?  There some cute little old ladies walking by the window when I had that gown on, and they gave the thumbs up and said through the window that it was “beautiful.”  Always a good thing!!  Don’t think you’ll find a picture of that one on here…you’ll have to wait until the wedding.

As for the rest of the day, the girls and I visited The Ultimate Bride and Demetrios so they could see the other two dresses that were my favorites.  They both loved these two, just like me.  So now the choice is down to three dresses (not quite a dilemma anymore)

Each of the three gowns are unique and “me” in three different ways.  I feel beautiful in all three of them, yet I also feel different in each of them.  As much as I sit and think about the gowns and what I want, my head and heart keep going back to that dress at Town & Country Bridal.  The dress fits great, it’s unique and fun, I feel great in it AND I just have this glow about me when I wear it.  No, I did not purchase the dress this weekend, but I am 99.9% sure that I have found THE DRESS.  Now all that is left for me to do is go try on those three dresses again, just as a reminder.  But, I’m pretty sure I have already made my decision.

I’ll post the two I don’t choose (which ever two they are) once I have actually purchased the dress…no worries.  You still won’t get to see “The Dress,” so don’t get your hopes up!

Did any of you find some great dresses?  Was it hard to choose or was the decision easy?

So the blog has taken a backseat to life…what’s new?

I recently spent a wonderful weekend with three of my favorite people in Keystone, CO. It was meant to be a break from life, a peek into the future and just a time to enjoy with old friends. It ended up being that and so much more.

It is amazing how in a matter of three days your life can completely change. Luckily for me, it was a good change. On February 15th, around 4:15 p.m. MT, on top of the main peak in Keystone at the beginning of the Frenchman run, B asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. I of course said “Yes!”

It was a moment to remember (and one I will, of course, always remember). The sun was setting, the view was perfect, the company was perfect and I was sitting next to my best friend in a State that we so dearly love. I could not imagine a better way to start a new chapter in our lives.

I just cannot wait to begin the wedding plans, but most of all, I cannot wait for this to come full circle, beginning with a marriage proposal and ending with a move to a new city (Denver).

It is amazing the things that can happen in one weekend. In just a measely 3 days, lifes are changed, friendships start, relationships break, cars are damaged, someone wins an award, you see people you haven’t seen in ages.

In one weekend, I have realized who matters, who doesn’t, what makes life special, who my best friends are, who I miss, who I am and who I am not.

I love movies like “He’s Just Not That Into You.” It puts things into perspective. Or CDs like The Fray’s new one. Maybe I am a sap, who knows, but what I know is that I want to be happy and I want the people I love to be happy. When they aren’t happy, my heart breaks, who ever they are.

It is hard to embrace change, but it can be so refreshing, and a reminder of who you were or who you are becoming. Welcome it and remind yourself that to grow, you must change.

Never have I wanted a week to be over. Funny thing is the week I’m referring to has not even started yet (next week). As Colorado inches closer, I am losing my patience. I just need the mountain air, good friends and Brady. I need a weekend of peace, laughter and memories.

I leave for Colorado in less than two weeks.  I am really excited first off, because it is Colorado and I love that state more than anything.  Secondly, I get to see two of my favorite people in the world and one of my best friends.

I really thing this vacation is going to be the beginning of something wonderful.  For several months now, B and I have been looking for jobs and apartments in Denver and I really feel this can get the ball rolling for us.  We have talked about moving for over a year (not kidding) and I think this visit is going to be a catalyst among other things.

We will also get the chance to ski/snowboard, which I honestly have not done since high school.  My board is still in such great shape because I haven’t gotten the use out of it that I could have.  I am going to come back so sore.  I am just hoping I do not get hurt so I can still run the St. Louis Half-Marathon in April.  Fingers crossed.

I wish we were going to have a little more time in Denver to look around, get some ideas, but mostly this trip is going to be good for the both of us.  A change of scenery and considering we haven’t had a vacation together in quite some time, a good fire starter, I guess you could say.  This month we are celebrating two years of being together (where did they go?).  So, Colorado, friends and us will make for a fantastic time and memory.