Found a Fabulous Florist

As you know, my tastes tend to run to the sparkly and ecclectic side. I'm not a big "roses and bows" kind of girl. Today I went to Shreveport to teach a Turn Technique workshop at SandysDance. Mom went with me, so we could do some Dollar Tree store stalking, and check out Alfred Angelo bridal store, Ross, etc. On a fluke, we decided to visit Michael's ... and found the most incredible florist! Mom and I were plaing around with some flowers, and the store florist came over and started making suggestions. We talked for a bit, and she started running all over the store grabbing "stuff." Ms. Julie then proceeded to put together the most dreamy bridal bouquet! She then made the most luscious and unique piece for my hair, and an adorable boutennire for Chris. She listened to our ideas, and then made them even better. And not only are her designs creative and brilliant, the 3 pieces are were totally and completely affordable!

We'll be headed back to Shreveport soon with our "flower needs" list for her to finish out the wedding. Mom and I are so excited to have found this incredibly talented and fun lady, and look forward to seeing more of her creations! (And what a load off our minds).

Gift Registry

What a fun and festive day! I had the opportunity to visit with several local merchants while putting together my gift registry. Ms. Marilyn at the Muffin Tin (whose precious daughter I've taught dancing for year), Ms. George at the Trenton House (her picture is in the dictionary by "southern lady", and Ms. Lori and The Gingerbread House (they have the coolest stuff ... if you haven't been there, go visit!). Also finilized my registry with Ms. Dot at Dillard's (for the cutest china ever!) and Target (awesome bathroom stuff).

It was great fun having the opportunity to sit and chat and "be a bride" with such wonderful ladies. I really appreciate them for being so helpful, and making the experience a real delight.

Engagement Ring!

Chris gave me an amazingly beautiful engagement ring today! A gorgeous brilliant cut solitare, with princess cut channels on each side, set in yellow gold. Very sparkly! He even pulls out his flashlight to spotlight it, and sings disco songs upon request :)

Daphne and the fabulous folks at Flair Jewelers in Monroe created the ring. If you are in the market for any special pieces, go see her! She's the best!

Snowflakes

When thinking of the month of January, what comes to mind? Winter, cold, snow (unless it's those 2-3 freakishly warm days in Louisiana when you can put the top down on your convertible). So tonight I was doing my weekly retail therapy at the Dollar Tree (it's addiction, I know), and I discovered the most beautiful 3-dimensional snowflakes. We bought out the whole store, then went to West Monroe and did the same thing. Thus, our wedding finally has colors and a theme. We're doing a silver and ice blue winter wonderland. How fun!

It's Official - Strauss Theatre Main Stage is the place.

It's official - Mom and I signed the contracts to have the ceremony and reception at the Strauss Theatre Main Stage building. This is a great venue, with some wonderful memories and connections for both Chris and I. And wow! Does word get around fast! It's amazing how many people around the theatre already knew by this evening.

House Remodeling Project

Sunday was a day filled with inhaling red, black and white paint fumes. We got the refrigerator painted red, and it's the exact color of a Coca-Cola can. We're wondering if maybe we should find a big Coke decal to decorate the side. All of the black is finished on the walls, and we've got a coat of Kilz on about half of the cabinets.

My friend Dan the landscaper came by and made some suggestions on how to "fix" the yard. He's going to start the project next Saturday.

Starting the official "bridal diet" today. Nothing major or over-the-top. Just would like to be about 15 pound lighter by January. But I know that I'd better do it now because Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming up :)

Guest List

Wow! I finally captured Christopher long enough to start his side of the guest list. It's amazing how many duplicates we have in our cell phones. However, it would be helpful if he knew the last names of some of his extended family members :)

Ceremony/Reception Location

Still trying to decide where to have the blessed event. Today we talked to the folks at Austins by the River, the American Legion Hall on Forsythe, and Scot at Strauss Theatre. If the quote from Strauss is correct, it looks like we've found our location. Let's keep our fingers crossed on this one.

I found a dress!

Low's Bridal in Brinkley, Arkansas is an amazing place! I had a 10:00am appointment with a fabulous bridal consultant, Rachael. She talked with me for about 10 minutes, and then brought me the most incredible dress. I put the dress on, and knew it was "my dress." After trying on 18 beautiful dresses (and 1 really strange one), I finally purchased the first dress of the day.

So I brought home the most amazing silk chiffon gown, diamond white, halter neckline, sweep train,and beautiful roushing - ON SALE!!! WooHoo!