Seeing as that Ryan and I both share an obsessive love of music.. I thought incorporating vinyl records could be a nice touch...

I have found tons of  projects throughout my random searches on Google, and am really in love with this idea. Now all  need to find are vinyl records that Ryan will let me ruin!

Having everyone sign a record would be neat, but 300
 signatures on one record is pretty ridiculous!

A guest book with front and back covers made from records is a
much more intriguing and fitting idea!

A 'vase' made from a vinyl!!? How about making these for
my lovely ladies to hold their bouquets?

Another table 'vase' idea that could look pretty neat if
used correctly. Then after the wedding Mama
can have them for her compulsive pen problem!

Very cool idea but I'm worried about the candles falling over
or dripping wax onto things that may get ruined.

This I will be for sure doing! What a
neat idea to hold all of our cupcakes! 

Backdrop for our photo booth? What do you think?

Every photo booth deserves a few props!

An adorable idea for thank-you cards.

Card holders! Genius! I love that we can use these
things AFTER the wedding as well!

Another great card holder idea!

Simple, beautiful, and modern...and a bit more flashy. Having a few settings like this,
others with vases and flowers, and some with candles can switch it up but stay within the theme

Unique, easy, and personal place settings...
I would of course use my own labels.

A lot like this... I'm leaning towards having something similar at our tables. 

Oh yeah... I almost forgot...

How dare you think I could EVER forget about my little bother Jackknife!! He's turning 5 soon and getting much easier for Sissy to handle in his older age! Those that know me, KNOW I'm not big on kids... but I'm kinda stuck with this awesome little dude! He's by far the smartest, and most intellectually advanced little boy I've ever seen and I'm so excited to see what he does with his impressive abilities and unlimited potential. Our mother is doing such a great job with him, really working with him diligently to tap in to the talents we know he already possesses. I'm so glad she had him, despite it being 21 years after me, because he really rounds out our cute little goofy family perfectly!

Check out my little gangster! He'll be a lady killer.. I'm certain!

Jack will no doubt be the bigger half of the ring-bearer duo, and he might get the responsibility of making sure Barkley James makes it down the aisle too!

Come on... I can't mention his name without putting up a picture of him!! Here's our little Butters!

There is only ONE person in the world that I can truly call my best friend....

.... and that person is my mother.

Sipping on a Purple Rain with my Mama right before the Prince Concert!

Because she had me at such a young age, I have always felt I was blessed with a mother, sister, and best friend all rolled into one. She has never judged me, mistreated me, lied to me out of malice, or hurt me. She has shown nothing but support, friendship, love, good intentions, and the best of wishes for me and my future throughout my entire life. I don't want to think about what life would have been like to not have her with me through it all... I honestly see myself as an extension of her. Some one she raised to be all that she wanted for herself, but was never given the opportunity. I look at the both of us together and can't find the seam that she ends and I begin, we're just two in the same and really have a true, deep appreciation to have each other in one anothers lives. The love I hold for her almost hurts because I feel it may make my heart burst sometimes. 

My mother is an intellectual, humorous, and giving person... almost too giving. She is one of the rare people in the world born for the sole purpose to nourish, support, teach, and give exemplary care to those that need it most. She can get along and find common ground with anybody, and is an extremely open person that just wants to provide some genuine TLC. Always one to stand-up for the underdog, she tries to find the good in people and can always be counted on to give you the benefit of the doubt. 

When I originally thought about who I would have as the maid of honor, I immediately chose my sister. Then after dwelling on it for quite some time, I knew my mother was the right decision all along, but because it's not something that's usually done, I had to over think it. I didn't stray from the truth in the least when I said there is no one else in the world I'd call my best friend... and no one else in the world I'd rather have stand next to me while I start this new chapter in my life.... why not!?  She's stood next to me for damn near everything else! :)

Coolest ladies continued...

It's been a few days.. but I can finally get back to blogging!
I've been so anxious to get to the rest of the ladies on my roster, because they definitely deserve recognition!

Next on the list is Miss.Theresa Anne. She and I met at the 'Theives Like Us' premiere, when I had the pleasure of accompanying Miss Shannon. From then on, she and I stayed in touch sporadically, and when I started the 'Giggedy Go-Go' group, I knew for sure she would be a great fit. We danced quite a few times together on the platforms and had a great time feeding off of one another's energy. More recently we've been trying to hang out as often as possible. She makes regular appearances to my ZUMBA classes, and always makes time to grab a perfect margarita with me afterwards. She's quite easily the sweetest person I know and has become an amazing friend to me in the last few months.

Now, on to Brooke. Brooke and I have only met twice, BUT, she and I hit it off so amazingly that I immediately knew I wanted to have her as a part of my bridal party (remember, I've been planning this for a while!) She is Ryan's-dad's-best friend's daughter, and as we found out at Ashley's wedding, where we first met, she shares my disdain for horrible dance songs.You know... the macarena, cha-cha slide, bunny hop, chicken dance, etc.... ALL of which will NOT be played at our wedding. She's got an electric personality and a contagious laugh. I'm excited to get to know her more through-out the planning  of the wedding, and have her as a friend for the rest of our lives.

Even after narrowing it down to 5 ladies and one maid of honor, I still have yet to choose the last bridesmaid:


Lisa Klein may be last in line- but she holds a very special place in my heart. Our 'tipsy talks' and 'dance lessons' always end up in a gut splitting- laugh out loud GREAT time! Looking forward to having her (and her hilarious hubby) as part of our wedding party- because I have a feeling... they ARE the party!!

Well, that's the bulk of the bridesmaids, but I can't leave out the most important of all... she gets her own post :)

Now I get to pick out the coolest ladies I know to stand by my side!

I personally have never been asked to be in a bridal party, so I'm not well versed in the role of 'bridesmaid'... good thing too, cause for this one I'm NOT going to be one!  Instead I have to learn how to be a bride!!!! :) Ryan has tons of friends and an over abundance of strapping young males to fill the positions of his groomsmen, but I think I will make him stop at 6 or 7. A 14 person bridal party??! This is going to be SOME party!

I have a few ladies in mind that I am positive I'll want to have my back on the big day. I also have a few that I haven't talked to in a while but still played a pretty big role in my life somewhere or another. To tell you the truth though, the more I look at it, the question isn't whether or not I want them in the wedding ...it's whether or not THEY want to be in MY wedding!!!

First on the list is my little sister, Miranda. She, being five years younger than me, and an anthropology and education major at Beloit college, has made me very proud and I'm excited to have her around for more than a day to celebrate with me! Her and I share a lot of ideas, morals, musical tastes, movie choices, and love of DIY facials, but trust me.. we are two different peas from a completely crazy pod!









Next would absolutely have to be my pretty Peach, Miss Shannon McD.
She is a multi-talented actress,dancer, singer, and artist, with a number of fantastic titles and  impressive projects under her belt. We first met when she tried out for Ovation, goodness, was it 2008? Something like that. Since, we've spent countless hours together rehearsing, driving to gigs, eating, living across the hall from one another, working together, and most of all, eating sushi. We also share a lot of the same qualities... the love of fine food, cheap wine, and of course, decadent dessert. Our birthdays are days apart, and it's become apparent in the past few years just alike we really can be!

Third in the line up is Moll Doll. Not only the wife of the best man, she has become one of the closest friends I have had in such a short amount time. She and I hit it off from day one, after I was pre-warned that "Molly doesn't like any of Ryan's girlfriends." If I was supposed to be intimidated, I didn't play along :) It didn't take much for her to win my heart, and apparently for me to steal hers as well. I just had to be me.

She and Breck have hands down the cutest kids I've ever seen. They are literally mini-versions of their Mom and Dad! I've decided to also include them in the wedding as well, with Destiny being the flower girl in nothing other than a black tutu, and Jaxson walking along as 1/2 of the ring bearer team. 

I'd go on... I really would, because I'm just dying to blog about my maid of honor.... but I'd like to spend a bit of time with my hubby instead. TTFN... Ta Ta For Now!

I'm REALLY looking forward to trying on dresses... just give me a couple more Zumba classes!

I think I've narrowed my ideal dress criteria down fairly well.... It's all about Keepin' It Classy,  San Diego. :)
 This is the part I think my mom and Mimi are most excited for. Especially Mimi, she gets all teary just thinking about it. She bought me my baptism dress, communion dress, graduation dress, ALL of the prom dresses, and I've most certainly lost count of the Easter, Christmas, birthday, it's-just-your-color and have-to-buy-it-cause-it's-on-sale dresses to add to the mix. But now she gets to buy me the wedding dress... my last dress before she gives me away.
 I want to keep it fairly covered, not too big, not too long, juuuuust right :)

The neckline, small sleeves, and higher neck really make me love this dress.

This Dress.... is ALMOST perfect. Maybe a little deeper neckline with not such a "doily" look to it.
I Love this lace pattern though, not too tight and flattering in all the correct places.

 Id like a form fitting, lacy number with a strong silhouette. Something that is respectable, yet fun, flirty, and doesn't stifle my personality. No crazy train (I'm goin off the rails on a...) or veil that covers my face, I prefer Ryan to be able to see what he's got to put up with the rest of his life! 


I'd prefer a small flower or something  with a bit of sparkle in my hair. Something I've made myself, and I can possibly make for the girls as well. 

Maybe make a different one for each bridesmaid? Different sizes, textures, sparkles, and props to match their personality with a mixture of black and white? Hmmm. I love that idea and I think I'll plan on that one...

 Speaking of bridesmaids..... 

I had almost forgotten about this little gem...

When I was about 19, I had the pleasure of working for a little coffee shop/ lunch bistro right on St. Anthony Main named the Aster Cafe. It has a quaint little courtyard- patio area off to the side of it that would be great for a ceremony... the catch? I can almost guarantee it will not be enough space to hold all of our guests. But that doesn't mean it's not worth a shot! Stay Positive!

As I kept looking for a more suitable venue, I stumbled across Five. What used to be the fifth police precinct building of Minneapolis has now been transformed into a classy, edgy, and modern event space. This place really screamed Ryan to me seeing as he's so into the newer and more clean-cut style of things.


To Rent Five it is $3,600 but the downside is the ceremony seating only accommodates 180. Outside caterers are allowed with a license, and are usually around $3000 minimum. 

I've always loved the Varsity Theater!!!

Another awesome spot that I feel is a great historical landmark is the Varsity Theater.



While still with Ovation, we played a wedding there that was stunning. The lighting was fantastic, the sound system
flawless, food was equally stellar, and the general vibe was welcoming and well-executed. I checked the calendar for their events and found that the 25th is the only date the have available in May! Please please tell me this is things just working out again.
First it was getting the ocean view room on the ninth floor in Mexico, second,
 it was having sun on the day we had our engagement pictures taken,
and that was the ONLY day we had sun...THEN it was getting in to a 'fully reserved' restaurant at the last minute on one of our last nights at the hotel. Things really do just have a way of working out for us :)So, I called, and I hope to speak with them soon about possibly booking a showing and reserving the room. Fingers Crossed!

To rent the Varsity Theater it is $7,500. The Buffet starts at $35 a plate and plated dinners start with $50 a plate. That means it will be approximately $15,000 or so to feed 300 people. Goodness this food is going to be death of me! It's damn near impossible to find somewhere that will A) Let me cook, or B) Let me cook. Everywhere has their specific caterers and such... sigh... I guess we will just have to go with the flow on this one.