Wedding ABCs

Me and Danny celebrated our first wedding anniversary on March 13. I still love talking about our wedding and looking at pictures! I'm stealing this idea from fellow blogger Simply Sunshine and Daisys. I thought it was a great way to share more details of our wedding...and give me an excuse to share more wedding pictures!

Attending: 70. It was the perfect size wedding. Enough people to have a great party..but we could still mingle with every person in the room!

Bridesmaids: 4. My sister was maid-of-honor. My three bridesmaids were my closest friends, Ashley, Veronica and Lindsey.

  

Catering: Our food was amazing! Our cocktail hour was cheese and mimosas. The reception was brunch...complete with waffle bar. And man-oh-man did I eat!

Dress: My dress was gorgeous. I wanted short, ivory and sleeves. I bought long, white and strapless...and it was perfect!

Engagement: We dated for about 5 months before Danny proposed. We were engaged for 5 months. So yes, we knew each other less than a year! We also had engagement pictures taken...love them!

Flowers: We had roses. Just for me and the girls, we didn't have them on the cake or on the tables.

Groomsmen: Just one. The Marines made that super impossible for us.

Honeymoon: We went on our honeymoon a year after we were married....to DISNEY!

  
Invitations: They were simple and featured a bride and a Marine!

Justice of the Peace: She was great...and free! One of the many perks of my hubby being a Marine!

Keepsakes: Our guestbook was awesome. Our guests had to draw, make predictions, and give us advice. It was one of my favorite wedding things!

Ladies Night: My bachelorette party was so much fun! We got dressed up, put on wigs...and went bowling!

Music: We had two awesome DJs who also surprised us with a videographer! They played awesome music, had some awesome games lined up...and bought drinks for the bride and groom. If we ever had another party I would hire the exact same DJs!

Newlyweds: How long are you considered "newlyweds?" I think we are still in our honeymoon phase!

Old, new, borrowed, blue: We didn't do any of this...I'm not exactly a superstitious person!

Photography: We had two photographers...who flew up from North Carolina! Anna May and Michele Quick..they took some awesome photos...it's hard to choose a favorite!

Question popping: We don't have a super cool proposal story. 

Reception: Held at a local hotel...and it was amazing!

Shoe game: This was a "how well do they know each other" game. We each held two shoes, stood back-to-back and answered a series of questions. The best one: who's the best driver? We both threw Danny's shoe into the air...our guests laughed hysterically!

Trash the Dress: Yep, I did that!

Unique: We had a very early wedding...the first brunch wedding the hotel has ever done. I think they loved it almost as much as I did! I also think our colors were unique...aqua and red!

Vows: We wrote our own...and I heard a ton of people crying while we read them to each other!

Wedding Woes: Just one: Will the groom be able to attend! The USMC didn't approve leave until last minute..and Danny didn't make it to Massachusetts until the day before the wedding!

X-rated: I've seen some pretty raunchy pictures of guys taking off the garter belt...but ours was just funny. Danny said "jeez it's hot under here!" and I couldn't stop laughing!

Young Kids: We had no kids at our wedding. I'm not a huge fan of kids so this was a pretty easy decision to make for the wedding!

Zzzzzz: We were up early the morning of the wedding...so we passed out super early after a hard day of partying!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

A year ago (tomorrow!) I married my best friend. Our wedding was perfect...brunch, friends, family and lots and lots of love. It was an amazing day and I wouldn't change anything about it. The day after our wedding we loaded up the car and took our first roadtrip as a married couple. Soon after that we were moving into our first apartment and starting our lives together.

When I saw Jennifer and Dustin's top ten list of their first year married, I knew I had to do the same thing. So, after you check out our list make sure you check out their fantastic list! 

Top Ten of our First Year!

One: Our Wedding Day

Sure it's probably cliche to put our wedding on the list...but it's what got it all started! We had had 70 people at our wedding, close family and friends. It was the least stressful day ever. The food was amazing, we laughed, we danced, I couldn't have asked for anything more perfect! We have tons of wedding pictures...and I'm only going to tease you with one of them!

 Two: Bringing Little Miss Miley Home

We brought Miley home on April 17. I spent a week searching for a beagle, we found someone who said she had a full-blooded-beagle. HA! Miley has to be the tallest beagle on the planet if that is true! She is the cutest, sweetest puppy and really completes our little family!

 Three: Kaleb's Visit

Kaleb spent two weeks with us over the summer. We did alot! Mini-golf, bowling, zoo, aquarium, beach, roadtrip to South Carolina, and on his last night here....Medieval Times! We all had such a good time with him here...Miley misses her little buddy!

  

 Four: Massachusetts for 24 Hours

We flew into Boston at 8AM, went to a my uncle's luau themed wedding, and left the following morning. It was the most fun we've ever had in 24 hours! Lots and lots of alcohol, a hangover on a plane, and crazy memories. Things like this makes me wish Massachusetts was closer to North Carolina!

Five: Paul McCartney!
 My sister and her (then) boyfriend came down for a week of fun...on the agenda: Charlotte and Paul McCartney! We went out for delicious sushi and ended the night with Sir Paul. It was amazing hearing him sing Hey Jude and all the other favorites. I physically had goosebumps the entire show. You need to see him in concert!

Six: Wine and Beer Festivals

So I'm cheating, these are actually two different weekends with our favorite couple, Carmen and Mike. Lots of alcohol and lots of fun. Really, that's all that needs to be said!

  Seven: Mom and Dad in North Carolina

Mom and Dad came down for Columbus Day weekend. We did lots of touristy stuff, me and Mom did some shopping and the guys went golfing. I love that Danny and my parents get along so well. These pictures are from our dinner at Olive Garden...I gave Danny a kiss, then Mom and Dad made fun of us!

  Eight: Halloween at the Colwells

This was on Jennifer's list too. I think we all credit this night for the reason Everclear can't be found on North Carolina shelves anymore. Great night...awful hangover!

  Nine: Christmas in Massachusetts

Ten days in Massachusetts, two crazy puppies and lots of memories! Miley had her first taste of snow! Danny and my Dad went "couch shopping," which was really an all day Christmas party. Nerds! But it was great to just get away for a few days and spend time with the family!

  Ten: Disney!

By far the best part of the year. I love Disney and I secretly already want to go back! (Okay, it's really not a secret!)

Tomorrow starts another year of amazing memories!

Planning V's Wedding: Part 2

It's been almost a year since my dream wedding.

But every time I look at wedding website I find things I wish I had!

In the first part of planning Veronica's wedding I picked some colors and a location.

Today is my picks for Veronica's dress, bridesmaids dresses, and Pete's tux!

Flowers: Eggplant mini cala lilies,

lavender parrot tulips,

dark purple tulips and plum hyacinth

Dress: David's Bridal 

 Shoes: Milanoo.com

Flowers: Plum mini calla lilies, picaso mini calla lilies,
cream roses, amnesia blue roses,
lavender &  green lLisianthus

Dress: J. Crew 

Vest and Tie: Fine Tuxedo

Boutonniere: Lily & Silverstone Rose

Tux: Google Images

Veronica and Pete had their engagement pictures taken over the weekend!

I can not wait to see them!

Maybe that will be the next installment of "Planning V's Wedding!"

 

Planning V's Wedding

My friend Veronica is getting married next January.

I asked her the wedding colors she said maybe silver and merlot.

Well, I got to searching and discovered aubergine.

I'm secretly hoping this is the color scheme she chooses!

Photos from Google Images (Dress J Crew)

Inspiration Board by Me

Veronica and Pete want to get married in the Berkshires.

A small wedding in the Berkshires?!

It's going to be so beautiful!

 Here are a few places I've that would make their day extra special...

  Willowdale Estate

Bucksteep Manor

Race Brook Lodge

I'm already counting down the days until their big day!

The Wedding!

I was going to post this tomorrow..but I couldn't wait to share! As you know, over the weekend my bestie, Katie, got married. It was such a beautiful weekend and I am so happy that I got to be part of everything.

Friday night we had the rehearsal at the chapel. Being a bridesmaid is easy...the groomsmen had tons of work! Escorting people, running around...and all us girls had to do was stand there with flowers and look pretty! We did a few trial-runs of the ceremony and then we were off to Mike's Farm for the rehearsal dinner!

I've never been to Mike's Farm to eat, so I was pretty excited. The food wasn't as amazing as everyone makes it out to be....but oh-my-God...the mac and cheese is TOO DIE for. I learned that the secret ingredient is mayo! Who knew!? We had a lot of fun hanging out with Katie and Frank's friends and families....and I was really getting excited for the BIG DAY!

The wedding day started early for the girls. We met at the hair salon around 10:00...and we all thought it was going to be way too early. By 1:30 we were still there...and running late! But man...we were all looking pretty! When we made it to the pavilion we realized we haven't taken any group photos yet! So, we snapped a few pictures, did some last minute setting up....and had to be reminded to eat!

Once we had our dresses on and the bride was looking gorgeous we went to the chapel. The ceremony was gorgeous. Katie and Frank had friends doing readings and one of them even sang. They had the most beautiful vows....and I wish I had a picture of their kiss! They are so-damn-cute! Hubby promised he would take pictures...but he didn't! I can not wait to see everyone's pictures!

When I say it was freezing out, that is an understatement. When we were waiting to get in the limo I had the biggest goosebumps! We had some champagne and some laughs in the limo with the bride and groom...and then we were on our way to the party!

My hubby looked so handsome. We ate lots, drank more (shots with Hot Mani!) and danced until they kicked us off the dance floor. Me and Danny had so much fun! 

I hope Katie and Frank had an amazing day and are having a great time on their honeymoon! I can not wait to hear all about it...and of course I can not wait to see the professional pictures! The group pictures are going to be so awesome! Congrats SSgt. and Mrs. Carson!

2010 in Review

Can you believe today is the last day of 2010?

This year flew by.

Here are some highlights of this awesome year!

January

We were in Boston to ring in the New Year!

February

I was living in Cary, NC with Danny's family.

We bought a car. Celebrated Valentines Day at CiCi's Pizza (classy!)

And I went back to Boston to finish planning our wedding!

March

I had an awesome Bridal Shower and Bachellorete Party!

    

We were married on March 13, 2010!

You can read all the wedding posts here! 

After living with Katie for a little bit we were finally able to move into our first apartment!

April

We celebrated our first Easter together.

I got another (hippie) tattoo.

We brought a super cute puppy home!

May

We discovered our favorite restaurant, The Chelsea.

I took some tests for Danny. 

Miley went to the beach for the first time!

 

 Lindsey came to visit! And we saw a comedy show in Wilmington with Breanna.

Miley was spayed....and we went to Ohio!

June

Kaleb visited for two weeks!

We went to Boston for my Uncle's wedding!

And I complained about Call of Duty.

  July

 I complained about my neighbors.

We watched an airshow on the 4th of July in New Bern.

Miley discovered the bathtub.

I hungout with bloggy loves Reina and Jordan!

And the best part of July? My sister came to visit and we saw Paul McCartney in concert! We got tattoos. And we went to Myrtle Beach!

  August

I met three bloggy loves...Amber, Carmen and Allie!

 I bitched about homecomings. 

Me and Danny went to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg.

We went to Myrtle Beach..AKA The Vacation from Hell.

 September

 Danny turned 28...and I made him lobster.

I cut all my hair off and trashed my wedding dress!

My Mom and Nana visited while Danny went to Pennsylvania to "work."

 

And we went to the Wine Festival!

October

I had a couple Girls Night Outs and met bloggy loves Rachel, Jacque and Jennifer!

My parents came down for a visit!

We went to Beerfest with Carmen and Mike!

We had Katie's Bridal Shower!

  And we went to a Halloween party at Jennifer and Dustin's!

 

November

 An Xbox fell on my head.

We went to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Myrtle Beach!

Danny was on TV!

I went to Boston for my Grandparent's 50th Wedding Anniversary!

We went to Ohio for Thanksgiving.

December

I turned the big 2-5!

And we spent 10 awesome days in Massachusetts for the holiday!

 

That was a little longer than I intended...

but I loved looking at all the pictures!

And I'm crossing my fingers that 2011 is as amazing as 2010 was!

If I Married a Prince

I feel like such a nerd.

I'm excited for a wedding celebrating the love between two people that I'll never know!

Prince William and Kate are way too adorable for words.

And, except for the whole royalty thing, they seem so normal!

The media is estimating a 1 billion dollar price tag.

Holy shit!

So, that got me thinking.

If I were marrying a prince...what would the planning look like?

And boy do I have an imagination!

The Food

This isn't just a meal, it's an event! A 12-course-meal!

 We would start with Cocktails and Hors D’oeuvres.

Then the courses would be in order..

pasta, salad, poultry, soup, lamb, shellfish, beef, seafood, pork, sorbet, cheese and desserts.

and who would be making them?

The Chefs

Yes, the menu would be very eclectic!

The Location

The media is saying the wedding will either be at St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, or St. James' Palace.

I'd choose the beautiful St. Paul's Cathedral!

The Party!

I have absolutely no idea where the couple plans to have their reception.

Princess Diana's reception was at Buckingham Palace, so I imagine that's where Kate and Williams will be.

 But....I would have mine at Windsor Castle! I think it's beautiful there.

 Music

During drinks and dinner there would be an orchestra.

Sir Paul McCartney would be the wedding singer.

The Tables

    

The Cake

There are no pictures that show how huge or beautiful my cake would be.

This is the closet thing I could find!

Except mine would be white.
Queen Elizabeth's cake was nine feet tall. I don't like cake that much!

 

Bridesmaid Dresses

Do princesses even have bridesmaids? Well, I would.

Wedding Dress

I'm not a fan of Princess Diana's dress. It was....huge.

  

Vivienne Westwood has been speculated to design Kate's dress.

I love this one.

And finally, The Ring

William gave Kate his mother's £30,000 sapphire and 14 diamond engagement ring.

 Again, I'm not a fan. I personally like this one.

 

It's fun to dream, right?
Maybe I should be a royal wedding planner.