Rules for a Happy Marriage

Southern Weddings

These rules by Southern Weddings have been floating around Pinterest for a while now. I just came upon them and thought they were very interesting and helpful! Numbers 8 and 10 are my favorites.

What do you think about this list? Is there anything you would add?

Love, Alli 

It's the Small Things

Design*Sponge

A list of tiny engagement happinesses:

• I can read wedding magazines and blogs without feeling slightly silly
• I can eat ungodly amounts of cake with the excuse that I'm tasting it for the reception
• I can stare at my glinting engagement ring and only garner one or two odd looks
• I can use a register gun at my favorite stores and feel like a secret agent roaming through the aisles
• I can collect images for my wedding board on Pinterest without feeling slightly silly
• I can finally wear a white dress to a wedding
• I can randomly dance with my fiance with the excuse that we're practicing for our first song
• I can contemplate small party things that have big impacts, like color schemes
• I can finally make myself do those diy projects I've been saving up

What small things did you enjoy or are currently enjoying about being engaged?

Love, Alli

I'm a FI-AN-CEE!

{frolic!}

A couple weeks ago, I wrote a post about the unexpecteds of engagement. Yes, being engaged is hard. It's almost as if I've been stuck in a waiting room that's filled with only bridal magazines for the past few months. I am no longer a single woman, but, at the same time, I am not yet one with my husband-to-be. It's a tricky place to be. However, being engaged is clearly not all bad!

There are the obvious big picture things that are amazingly wonderful about being engaged. Mainly that an engagement ends in marriage and the two people who love one another more than anyone else start their new lives together as man and wife. Believe me, I cannot wait for this to come. 74 days from now I will be in my white dress, making the men in my life cry.

There are, also, many small things that I have enjoyed while being engaged. Though what I look forward to most is being married to Cameron, these details have also made engagement a time I will always treasure.

Though women oogling over my ring, and attending wedding showers are fun, I'd say my favorite memory, so far, is when my mom, dad, Cameron and I went to the reception site to taste the food that will be served on the big day. Aside from us, the restaurant was empty. We sat in front of the roaring fire, and started off the night with a wine tasting. Following this, the chef brought out more food than I could have dreamed of. Melon wrapped prosciutto balls, salmon bruschetta,  and soft shell crab was just the beginning of the delicacies he had prepared for us.

Though I enjoyed devouring this delicious food, it wasn't really what made the night special. Spending time with my parents and fiance and talking about what the months to come would bring, sharing our excitement with one another, and swapping stories about the past and the things that got us to where we are - that's what made the night unforgettable.

What are some of your favorite small memories of being engaged?

Love, Alli

Breathtaking

Story Photographers

The first of my brother and new sister's wedding pictures was released! Isn't it beautiful? The photographers were Ashley and David of Story Photographers. They were absolutely wonderful! They were extremely friendly, made everyone feel comfortable and even helped Bert and I set out candles before the ceremony started.

If you're still looking for a photographer for your big day, you should definitely check them out!

Love, Alli

Southern Bride Blogger

Southern Weddings

I have recently become a Southern Bride Blogger for Southern Weddings! I couldn't be more honored as they have been my favorite magazine and go-to blog during this planning process. They're based out of Chapel Hill, and have brilliant, Southern inspired ideas that I am dying to incorporate into my own big day.

So, head on over to their website and see all of the wonderful inspiration they have to offer. Also, check out some of the other Southern Bride Bloggers and drop them a line of support! If like me, I'm sure they loose their head every once in a while amidst the crazy planning.

Have you seen the newest Southern Weddings Magazine yet? What do you think?

Love, Alli

My Brother's Wedding

maddenphotography

Though the weather in Manteo was cold and rainy, I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful weekend to share in the wedding of my dear, older brother!

Only family and a handful of close friends attended, and the sweet simplicity made for a beautiful ceremony. Candles lit the aisles and their warm glow bounced off the dark pews. My brother and his new wife wore matching blue Vans, and their smiles did not leave their faces for a moment.

Before the exchanging of the vows, Cameron and I were asked to read Ruth 1: 16-17:

But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.

 I was calm as I walked to the front of the church to read the passage, but as soon as I opened my mouth, the tears began to flow. My voice quivered as I read these remarkable verses. I couldn't believe that this was it; my brother was getting married!

The reception was held at a woman's house who attends my brother's church. It was a sweet time and I enjoyed hearing the stories of what was going through everyone's minds during particular points in the ceremony. I especially loved hearing my brother's description of his beautiful bride and how he surprised himself with how much he cried.

I am so thankful for this past weekend. I was honored to play a part in the ceremony and I will treasure that memory forever.

Love, Alli

Dear Brother

violet d'art

You have always been there for me.

I remember when I was five and you were ten and we were expected to eat asparagus soup. When we were alone, you disappeared with your full bowl and you came back with it empty. You grabbed me by the hand and we snuck through the halls of our great grandmother's condo like foreign spies. We found the bathroom, you took my bowl, and poured the green liquid into the toilet and tried to flush it. Even though the toilet almost overflowed, you saved me from having to eat asparagus soup.

I remember in third grade, all of the eighth grade girls called me "Bert's little sister". Until my senior year, that was a common name I went by, but I didn't mind. I enjoyed it. I liked it when people associated me with you. It made me proud. When I went to college, I was sad there was no one there to call me by it.

I remember in tenth grade when I didn't feel very pretty and I sat in your car, in your friend's driveway crying. I felt like I didn't have a friend in the world and I wasn't too excited about living in it. Not only did you encourage me by telling me all the wonderful things you thought of me, but reminded me that I'm a princess, a daughter of the Most High.

I remember senior year when I had bruised nails during the Nutcracker. You sat with me, and helped me wrap my feet, and let me cry on your shoulder when the pain was too much. Somebody said you were neglecting your backstage duties, but you said taking care of your sister was more important.

I remember that Summer we lived at the beach, just the two of us. It had been a rough year and I wasn't sure where life was going. I wasn't excited about the upcoming year either, and I was scared. Watching you care for those kids' hearts that we were ministering to, after your own heart had been broken, inspired me. You are so strong. You reminded me that life is full of seasons. That particular Summer is one of my favorite seasons.

I remember you driving to Raleigh every week to have dinner with me. You'd have three, twenty page papers to write and eight books to read, but you still wanted to have dinner. We talked about everything. What was going right, what was going wrong, and what we hoped for. Our chatter flowed seamlessly and we spoke to one another like the old friends we had become.

I remember when you brought home this new girl. I was nervous because I knew you loved her, and I had hated every other girl you brought home. I didn't want to hate this one. Once I saw the way you looked at one another, my nerves settled. It was as if you'd known each other for centuries. She was wonderful, and I was happy for you.

These aren't all my memories of you; they would take up several volumes. They don't end here, either. I cannot wait to see what the future brings for you, your beautiful wife, and us all. I'm excited to learn our new roles, and see where we go from here. This isn't the end of the road for us, but a new chapter.

I love you big brother, and I am so proud to be "Bert's little sister." I wouldn't have it any other way. Happy wedding day.

Love, Alli

Keep the Sparks Flying

mayan soffia photography

In this post by Joanna Goddard, she shares one secret of how she and her husband help keep the sparks flying in their marriage; on date nights, they meet at the restaurant instead of going there together!

She says, that instead of getting ready at the same and sliding into the tendency of talking about married people things, like were the bills paid and what time the sitter arrives, anticipation is built. She wonders what her husband is wearing. She worries that her makeup looks okay, and wants to look extra beautiful for her man. She says she always has butterflies opening the restaurant door!

Since Cameron and I aren't married yet, I found this to be so interesting! I know that things are going to be different, but we have no idea just how different. How do you and your guy or gal keep the sparks flying? Do you have any tips similar to Joanna's? I would love to know!!

Love, Alli

A Little Brag

magalerie

Cameron and I and my sweet mother are in the midst of trying to plan the tiny details of a wedding. There are so many intricacies, I'm scared that something will fall through the cracks. One of these intricacies is the ever-so popular wedding website. This has been on our to-do list for months, and we're finally getting around to it. Cameron and I split up the writing responsibilities, I took the proposal, and he took how we met.

Last night, Cameron finished his section. I sat down to read what he wrote and I finished it in tears. Happy tears, of course. So, I thought I'd take a little time today to brag and show you what my fiance wrote. I warn you, he may just be the best fiance in the world.

Love, Alli

How We Met by Cameron

I’m not really sure where to begin this story, or really even how.  You see, looking back at how Allison and my relationship began is a time filled with almost unequivocal joy and light, that its difficult to look at it without putting on some shades and gently explaining for you, the audience, who can’t really understand our feelings without me expressing it for you in words, or if you were in front of me, with gestures and signs. So, please enjoy the story, and thanks for taking the time to read it.

As fate would have it, Allison and I went to N.C. State together. We both studied Literature, and as such, were bound to find each other out at some point. We first had a Renaissance History class together the spring semester of our freshman year. She was the quiet, too pretty one who was interested in some dude in the class and as such, I kept to myself. But I did see that she was beautiful and delicate – a sort of Petrarchan beauty that is so close at hand but the idea of her beauty kept me miles away.

We didn’t meet again for another 2 years. I’m not sure what happened in those between times. Probably a lot of mistakes and missteps while Allison grew in beauty and goodness while I pined away trying to find that right girl to call Mrs. Winter.

But I digress.

As the Lord would have it, we managed to have two classes together that fateful semester – Advanced Fiction Writing and Literature of Utopias and Dystopias. In between classes, Allison and I had a gap of about 2 hours between the two classes, in which time Mollie, a bridesmaid of Allison’s and Allison, would hang out in Caldwell Lounge. I would go there too, but not with them. I would work on projects or homework, and would hear them chat sometimes, but it took several weeks for me to get up the courage to go and sit with them. The thing that helped was that Mollie was there. I didn’t know Mollie at all, but I figured that there being 3 people would make it less creeper-ish, so I totally used Mollie (sorry Mollie, just being honest) to talk to Allison.

Then we began going to coffee shops between classes and found we sort of have the same group of friends. I started going to Community Groups and what-do-you-know Allison was there. (That I must point out was unintentional, but favorable to my aims at wooing this beautiful Godly woman)

So Allison and I got to know each other better and better. We would talk about things like The Fantastic Mr. Fox or her brother or Jesus or our faith. We just started to bond. It was great.

One night I got up the courage and decided I wanted to ask Allison on a date.

Just a note to you guys: this is like my favorite story

So, I knew The Scottish Play was going on at the University Theater and asked Allison if she was going. Being the good theater girl she is, she affirmed and I asked if she wanted to get dinner. No problems, she thought we were just good friends, so she said yes.

The next night we went to Mitch’s Tavern and ate dinner before we walked to the play. However, Allison didn’t suspect it was a date until I said, “This’ll be on one check” to the waiter. I didn’t know how to read her face. She looked happy and scared. She had never had a boyfriend before, how else was I supposed to get a date out of this girl!?

Well things went well after that. Actually, not immediately…

She told me ‘no’ essentially 3 times before we sat down and decided we wanted to date. But it was good. It made me want to pursue her even stronger. I wanted Allison, I needed Allison and I knew then, that I loved Allison.

And, I won’t lie, pursuing Allison really taught me something about Jesus. I knew she was a keeper. I knew she wasn’t just any Christian girl. I knew she wasn’t just some silly Southern ballerina. I had to hold in my heart constantly the reminder that she is a child of God, loved by the Father and held in his arms by the death of His Son.

This wasn’t just a girl I was trying to love – this was a real angel.

And I didn’t think magic could happen!

Throughout my pursuit of Allison, I knew that things wouldn’t be perfect or even easy. We’ve had good times and bad. We’ve gone through struggles and times of ease. But, what made it incredible was always imagining Allison as my mission field where I would be able to tangibly love someone as Christ loves us.

And one thing I want to tell you all who have read this far, my love for Allison has never, nor will ever be based in her looks or talents or intelligence or grace, but will be based in the love that Jesus has for her. I have to recognize that my love was not from me, but from Jesus, who loved us first. I want to leave you with this verse about how I want to care for Allison. If you see the gospel in this, I pray that you would accept it as truth for you too, because this is the love that is promised for us in Jesus!

Ephesians 5:25-33

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

The Unexpecteds of an Engagement

Terra Vision Photography

I'm going to start with a disclaimer.

Being a fiancee is wonderful. It's a short, special time that will never happen again and I wouldn't trade it for the world! It's just that, well, there are things I didn't expect when I first became a fiancee. I'll get into the mushy gushy, lovey dovey, out-of-this-world wonderful stuff in another post; but I've always been a bad news first, good news second kind of gal.

At first I was going to post a laundry list of every little thing that was icky about planning a wedding, but it basically boils down to one thing: planning a wedding is extremely stressful.

A girl, from the time she is born, constantly hears that her wedding day is "all about YOU!" We grow up dreaming about our perfect dress and the color scheme and what our towering cake will taste like and the teary toasts our brothers will make.

If you think about it, twenty some odd years of dreaming about one day creates a lot of pressure for that one day to be, well, perfect! Tiny decisions become monsters that will make or break a reception. Things you never cared about before, like personalized napkins and rental chairs, become your new obsessions, and you can't seem to make it through a lunch without discussing the benefits of a champagne colored bridesmaids' dresses versus beige.

While the intentions are sweet, I don't really want June 2nd to be all about me. First of all, I'm not the only person getting married. There is a groom too, people! Second of all, I'm inviting my friends and family to help me celebrate this special occasion! If I didn't want them there, I'd just get hitched at the courthouse and call it a day. I don't want to mistreat my loved ones by turning the day into the "Alli the Diva Show."

But, most importantly, a wedding isn't just a celebration of two human's love for one another; it is a celebration of Christ's love for us! It is a reminder of how He pursues us, the Church, and has, does, and will always go to any lengths to show His love for us.

When I become the most stressed, and become teary eyed over envelope addressing, that's what I try to remember. Though I'm excited about the flowers and the menu and the dress, I'm more excited that this day isn't about me, or about Cameron.

What are your thoughts on wedding days? Any advice on how to appreciate this time of engagement would be greatly appreciated!

Love, Alli

More New Family

Vintage Photo Gallery

This past Wednesday I acquired even more new family!

My big brother, who just happens to be the best big brother in the world, proposed to his sweetheart and she said yes. He set out candles around 6:00 in the morning, they're both early risers, and asked for her hand in downtown Manteo next to the lighthouse. Afterwards, his family and her family came together to celebrate.

It was the first time we were all meeting one another and I was a little nervous. However, from the moment we arrived, my soon to be sister-in-law's family was just as welcoming and cheerful as they could be. We had fun eating some of our favorite foods and sharing photo albums of my big bro when he was young and even walked through downtown Manteo to see where it all happened.

Today is my parents thirty-fourth wedding anniversary. I'm sure when they were first engaged they had no idea where life would take them. I'm sure they never would have guessed they'd end up with a little boy and a little girl who would get married a month a part from one another. I know that they are beyond excited for the two of us, and I can't help but wonder what lies ahead for my brother, his fiancee, Cameron and I. I'm sure we'd never be able to guess in a million years.

My big brother and I had broken arms the same month, we had chicken pox together, we graduated on the same day, and now we're engaged at the same time. I can't believe that I get to share such a special time with my brother and I cannot wait for his wedding day.

Best wishes, big brother!

Love, Alli

My New Family

jessamae photography

When growing up as a little girl, you like to dream about the future. Along with what career you'll choose and your kids' names, your thoughts eventually turn to wondering about who you will marry and what he will be like. Occasionally, however, you do wonder about his family. Will he have any brothers or sisters? What color will his mom's hair be? Will his dad have any hobbies like smoking cigars or playing golf? Will they even like me?

The last question is what concerned me the most. Throughout my life, I've heard horror stories concerning in-laws. Hundreds of movies plots are driven by their despicable acts and I've heard of friends who know friends whose lives were destroyed by these new family members. Connecting with my husband to be's family wasn't something I thought possible.

Cameron's family proved me wrong. I've grown closer with his family and younger sister over these past months, but this past weekend reminded me just how lucky I am.

To make things easier, Cameron and I decided to spend the holidays apart since we'll have to be diving them between our respective families for the rest of our lives. So, this past weekend we visited his family so I could spend "Christmas" with them.

We had a weekend full of mall shopping and coffee drinking and present giving. We also visited McAdenville, or Christmastown USA, and oohed and aahed at all the beautiful, twinkling lights. We got to watch children tackle Santa Clause and families going from house to house singing carols. It was magical.

I'm thankful for my inlaws. It's been great being accepted as one of their own and welcomed to the family. They've made me feel at ease throughout Cameron and I's relationship and have told him numerous times that they think I'm great. What a special gift! I cannot wait to see what the years will add to my relationship with my fiance's family. I'm sure we'll have some unforgettable experiences.

What are some special memories you've made with your in-laws? I'd love to hear.

Love, Alli

They're Here!

Cameron and I finally got our engagement pictures back and I couldn't be more excited! Our friend, Ross Davidson, did a wonderful job, especially considering all the crazy NC State Fair goers he had to dodge. What do you think?

That's the face of a winner.

Nothing inspires joy like a Krispey Kreme Burger, right?

Those dollar bags of carrots is the best buck I've ever spent.

Piggy back rides are #1.

I've actually never eaten salt water taffy. It's a texture thing.

Thanks, Ross! You da best.

Love, Alli

It is Monday.

The Light Fantastic

Hi friends! How has your Monday been going? Wasn't it weird waking up to a brightly lit sky? Though I enjoyed the extra hour of sleep on Sunday, I'm not too sure how I feel about the sun waking me up again. I'm sure we'll become friends soon again, though.

You want to know what's fun? Tasting food for a reception! Cameron, my parents, and I were able to do just that this past Saturday and it was one of the most wonderful, memorable experiences.  Not only did we leave with delightfully full bellies, but now we are able to look forward to what our lovely guests will experience this coming June! I can't wait.

What were you up to this weekend? Did you do anything exciting or did you find some quiet relaxation time?

Love, Alli

Paris Elopement

Green Wedding Shoes

Though wedding planning is surprisingly running smoothly, I sometimes think, "Man, I'd love to just run to the courthouse right now!" These beautiful pictures of a Paris Elopement found on Green Wedding Shoes don't help this desire.

Green Wedding Shoes

Aren't they adorable? The only thing that holds me back from hopping on a plane right now is the fact that Cameron and I really want our sweet families and dear friends to celebrate the special day with us.

Did you and your sweetheart elope? What are your thoughts on it?

Love, Alli

Wedding Magazines v. Blogs

Ruffled

As you know, even though I wasn't engaged until late September, I've been guiltily following several wedding blogs under the pretenses of doing research for my friends' weddings.  I found some very pretty things and carefully documented each idea on Pinterest.  Once I became engaged, however, I began to tire of the blogs.  It seemed like the same-old, same-old over and over again and I wanted to look for something new.

While on vacation, my mom and I went grocery shopping, and there I purchased my first two wedding magazines.  It was an exciting moment.  I've grown up watching women in movies read these magazines as if they were their lifeblood, and I was finally among the select few who could possess a wedding magazine without having to hide it with a secret stash under my bed. I had arrived.

Later that day, I excitedly headed out to the beach, armed with my Martha Stewart Weddings and The Knot Magazine. Within 15 or 20 minutes, however, I tossed the magazines aside and headed back to the villa to grab the novel I had been working on.

Since then, whenever I'm at the grocery store, I head to the magazine section, flip through new editions and different titles, but nothing really catches my eye. The wedding magazine has disappointed me.

Maybe it's because I've already purchased my dress and I can't bare to look at one more David's Bridal ad.  Maybe it's because I want to implement more DIY aspects into my wedding and the magazines are more focused on what you can buy where.  Or, maybe it's because I can envision my own wedding better while studying the real weddings of the beautiful brides I see on the web.

All I know is that, in my eyes, the blog has won.

Green Wedding Shoes

Now, don't get me wrong, I think these magazines are fantastic.  They are very well done, and if I ever was offered the opportunity to even observe these people at work I would consider it a high honor. The writers and editors who create these publications are very talented and they certainly know what they are doing. I humbly realize, and admit, that I could learn a lot from them.

However, the magazines are not for me and my tastes.

I never thought the day would come when I would pick a digital media over print, but here it is. I love my wedding blogs.  I cling to them.  I say, "I'm sorry I ever doubted you. Please forgive me. Show me more of your secrets!"  They sweetly respond with a, "Sure, why not," and continue to fill my Google reader with breath-taking photos and creative DIY projects. My Pinterest boards continue to be filled and I thank the blog for understanding my brief hiatus.

Some of my personal favorites for inspiration are Green Wedding Shoes, Once Wed, Ruffled, and Style Me Pretty. Do you have any favorites?

What are your thoughts on the battle between blog and print? Do you have a preference? I'd love to know!

Love, Alli

Inspiration

Style Me Pretty

This engagement session from Style Me Pretty, Illinois, is what inspired the idea to have the shoot done at the North Carolina State Fair.  So, thank you, Style Me Pretty and incredibly adorable couple.  You helped me realize that engagement sessions don't have to be founded on the concept of an overly reproduced picnic.

Style Me Pretty

Above and Beyond

Rinse. Repeat.

I thought I was being sweet with my "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?" cards, but this bride-to-be went above and beyond with her cigar box kits!  Not only did she include a sweet note asking her friends to be her maids, but she also included information about the other bridesmaids, her thoughts on dresses, and the special role they will play.

She painted the boxes, lined the bottoms with vintage handkerchiefs, and included fabric swatches and paint chips to help the girls pick out their own dresses.  How sweet is this bride?!

At first, when I saw this project, I felt a little guilty about not treating my bridesmaids this well.  However, I guess I do need to take into consideration that she only has three maids while I have seven.  Plus, I have until June to do special things for my girls! I'm sure I'll come up with something, right?

What special surprises did you do for your bridesmaids? Or, what special thing did a bride do for you when you were her maid?

Love, Alli

Asking My Girls

Rifle Paper Co.

I have been in love with Rifle Paper Co. ever since I first learned of them on A Cup of Jo.  I've contemplated buying their stationary and have placed their sweet cards in my digital shopping bin several times only to conclude that it wasn't something I needed to spend money on in that particular moment.

However, once I became engaged, I finally had a reason to purchase some of their beautiful goods!  I saw this cute card about a month ago and I became a little obsessed.  Ordering these sweet things was actually one of the first things I did once the ring was on my finger.

Besides, when will I have a more perfect opportunity to tell my closest gals how much they mean to me than when I ask them to be my bridesmaids?  And, let's be serious, nothing brightens my day like a little unexpected snail mail.  The power of a handwritten card is too often underestimated.

Love, Alli

I'm Engaged!

Look at that rock! : )

Ladies and Gentleman, it is true.  I, Alli, am an engaged woman.  I can't believe it! It happened Friday night and I still sit and look at my ring for hours, mesmerized by the twinkle and sparkle of the diamond that rests on my hand. The boyfriend is now the fiance, and I couldn't be more thrilled!

He drove me to his cousin's beach house in Wilmington, NC, where I told him I loved him for the first time.  He had been down there earlier that week with one of his friends and they covered the porch with candles and Christmas lights.  He had a record player singing Simon and Garfunkel and Big Band hits.  We had dinner from one of our favorite restaurants in Raleigh, and listened to the waves roaring in the background.

I had an idea of what was about to happen and I couldn't stop smiling!! Eventually, he couldn't wait any longer, and pulled out a beautiful ring box and got down on one knee.  Moments after I said, "yes," fireworks exploded over the Carolina Beach pier.  Neither I nor my fiance had any idea they were scheduled and we both stood in awe and watched the bright, bold colors grow and fade in the night sky.  I couldn't have asked for a more perfect proposal night!

Unfortunately we didn't capture any pictures of the big night, but this is one of my favorite pictures of us!

The next morning, a couple of my friends came over to my place and we had a celebratory pancake breakfast, with mimosas, of course!  I had a great time retelling the story and showing off my new prized possession.  It was wonderful sharing the excitement of the previous night with some of my closest friends!!

It was a memorable morning, bed-head and all!

Now it's time to start planning.  As you know, I've been following wedding blogs for months with the excuse of doing research for my friends' weddings.  I thought I was gathering some great ideas for my own shin-dig, but now that the time is actually here, I feel totally clueless!

I registered for The Knot yesterday, and though they have many helpful tools and articles, it was also very overwhelming.  I now feel like it's necessary to spend every spare moment of my life planning!

However, I do realize that if the cake topples over and is eaten by a hoard of rats, or the bridesmaids all have wardrobe malfunctions during a huge hurricane pouring buckets on our wedding, I'll be all right.  The most important thing is that, once the day is over, my man will become my husband and I will become his wife!

Also, I have several wonderful friends who just went through all of this! They have been very supportive and I know they will continue to stay by my side every step of the way.  I am also blessed with a wonderful mother who can't wait to help me plan and make sure I'm a happy, beautiful bride.

Thanks for all your sweet wishes!

Love, Alli