The RSVP's are flying in.

We sent out the invites just over a week ago and we're already receiving RSVP's. Here's a list of the first one's we've received....

1. Jim & Chris (family friends of mine)
2. Tim & Shannon (my half sister)
3. Uncle Mike & Aunt Arlene (Kevin's relatives)
4. Bruce & Karol (SC family friends)
5. Cousin Mike & Karin (Kevin's relatives)

Getting the mail has certainly gotten more exciting these days. I'm so grateful for everyone sending them back so quickly. I think the cedar plank salmon is beating the lemon chicken's butt! The best reply so far, "I'll take the dish that has the most food on it." Bet you can't guess who said that!

The wedding is getting closer and closer each day. Only 3 months left.

It's truly an end of an era...

It is truly an end of an era today, May 29th. My mom is retiring after 35 years of teaching and 33 years of coaching. She started teaching in Orrville right out of college and stayed at the school until today. Throughout the years I know she has seen the good, bad, and ugly come out of high school students. During her years at the high school she taught health and physical education to freshmen and sophomores. If that doesn't give you gray hair than I don't know what does. She also was given the opportunity to START the varsity volleyball program in the 70's. Her schedule consisted of 7-8 games that year (I think that's accurate)! After 33 years she has won several district championships, regional championships, one state final four appearance, and one state championship! I guess this is my way of saying that I am very proud of her and all her accomplishments. I know the wedding this summer is really going to help her get through her first summer without volleyball in a long time.

Please help me in wishing my mom the best of luck during her new life journey. She is truly an inspiration to everyone she meets!

THANKS MOM!!! XOXO!

A Christmas gift that keeps on giving...

Kevin gave me this book last Christmas. We didn't grow up together and came from very different places so this book has taught us a few things we never thought to ask each other. It has also reveled some of the good, bad, and ugly of our relationship. I know that may sound bad but it has been a great experience going through this book with Kevin especially because we've made several 10 hours drives to Ohio between last Christmas and now. It was the most thoughtful gift! We have about 20 more pages left and we plan on finishing it up on our trip to Adam & Kim's wedding in June! I can't wait to finish it! Thanks Sweetie!

Bachelorette Party

It was so great to see all of my college friends. Unfortunately we did not get a group shot of everyone! Michelle, Ann, Jess, Kendra, and me are pictured in the second photo. My sister and I are pictured in the first. A big thanks to Sarah, Carey, and my mom for coming along too! I think it's best if we stay away from all the details of the evening but I had a great time, just look at my outfit! We went to dinner at a hibachi grill then out to a comedy club. Thanks again!

Wedding Jewelry

Here are my diamond & pearl handmade wedding earrings. Jo gave them to me at my shower (THANKS). They will look stunning with my dress, I just know it. Now it's time to find a necklace. The photos just don't do these beauty's justice!

My disclaimer, I did not have my professional camera on hand so this did not turn out to great but you can certainly get the idea.

My new last name.

I think it really sets in that your last name is changing when you receive your first monogram item. Kevin's mother threw me for a loop and gave me several items with a "W" on it. I'm not used to seeing that letter for my last name! :) The gifts were adorable and they sent me a reality check that the wedding is only 3 months away. Check out the coasters! We also received napkins, a wine stop, cheese spreaders, and a towel. Thanks Jo!

The Happy Couple

Here's another photo from the shower of me holding my bouquet that Kendra made out of all the ribbons on the shower gifts. Thanks for an excellent bouquet!

The Wedding Shower

Again, I know it's a little early but I had to get home to Ohio and see my adorable new nephew! I just can't help myself. So we scheduled the shower for this past Saturday, May 16th. I had a blast. The beach theme my sister and mom put together was so cute. They hung flip, fl0ps with twine, gave beach towels as prizes, and ordered a cake that looked like a sandcastle. The food was great and I am very thankful to all those who came. Thanks to everyone! A special thanks to the set up crew: Jess, Kendra, Ann, Sam, & Mom they did all the cooking and decorating!

Our first wedding gift to each other...

I know what you're thinking, "isn't it a little early for a wedding gift?" The answer is no, not when you find the perfect one! A friend of mine told me she found the perfect wedding gift for me to give to Kevin, however, Kevin and I agreed several months ago that we wanted to buy something together as our wedding gift to each other. We both wanted to get a piece of artwork for our large green wall in our living room. Originally, it was going to be of the Pineapple Fountain (where we got engaged) by Jim Booth. But, The Treasure Nest Art Gallery in Mount Pleasant had something better! Are you ready.....an oil painting of Alhambra Hall! It's beautiful. We love it. Since it is a little smaller than we anticipated, it will be hung with two framed wedding photos. A big thanks to Sara (my friend) and Katie at The Treasure Nest Art Gallery for helping us select this beautiful painting!

Final Invites

Here are the finals. My apologies, I had to blur some of the text. Ya never know! Thanks again to everyone for their help. I couldn't be happier with the final project!

Invite Mania!

I want to thank my mom, sister, my bridesmaid Kendra, and her sister Stacy for helping me finish this ambitious project, the invites. Another big THANKS to Kevin for printing ALL envelops, exterior and interior. Also a very, very special thanks to my sister Sam for designing all the graphics including the save the date all while she was pregnant. Here are a couple of photos of us working hard stuffing the envelops.

Table Decorations, Heidi Grace Fabric

I was trying to think a little more creatively than renting overlays from the rental company, so this is what I came up with, Heidi Grace fabric from Jo-Ann Fabrics. My mom collected this stuff from every surrounding Jo-Ann's in Ohio (THANKS MOM). This fabric is in high demand. I cannot find it anywhere. I think we barely have enough, but we will make it work. This will be in a circle or square shape over ivory linens on all the round tables at the reception. A bright pink runner will be on the rectangle "head table". I would like to make a few more items with it, but like I said it's a mysterious fabric. If you find it, give me a shout. Heidi Grace Midnight Kisses Large Floral Black.

Some may say these are Barbie shoes....

but I love them! One of my first wedding ideas was colored shoes. I didn't care what color as long as they were bright and different. It is definitely a growing trend according to many bloggers on weddingbee.com . I searched and searched and came back very disappointed. I was trying to match my bridesmaids fuchsia dresses. Finally I went to try on my dress at Jean's Bridal and found some white shoes that were the perfect height. I showed them my swatch and asked if it was possible. They held their breath and said it most certainly was. I think they thought I was a little crazy but they dyed them anyway. Not only did they dye them, they did a WONDERFUL job. I'm 100% satisfied. Here they are.....what do you think???? Fun or just over the top?

Oh WOW, a whole month!

So, so much has happened! How could I forget to post. For those of you that have given up on me, your faith will be restored! You are in for a treat! I have photos, photos, and more photos. The final invites are out, I had my wedding shower, bachelorette party, picked up my shoes, and got some jewelry. Here come the posts!