The Big Day: Getting Ready

June 12, 2009 dawned a bright and sunshine-y day. I woke up SO excited, and yet so calm. I headed downstairs where all my friends were together in one place, which was just the most awesome feeling. We grabbed some small food, and got ready to head to the salon.

You know I was happy because a. I have a mimosa in hand b. because I was grinning and c. because these photos of me with no makeup on actually exist.

Actually, I had walked out of the house that morning without my makeup. Ack! So much for being calm. But, a well placed phone call to mom and all was resolved.

Almost done!

My gorgeous friends were all getting beautified

While we were getting ready, everyone got the chance to relax on the couches, drink some mimosas, and hang out...

Shelby contemplated life...or cheese curds. One of the two.

Lindsey got the fun job of running to have my ring cleaned...and everyone else's!

After we were all ready to go, we headed out to Lake Wissota. Cue the pro pictures.

Headed down to the getting ready room, and hiding from the boys. 

Shoes on the Bible... sacrilegious? I certainly didn't stage this one.

The ladies were dressed and then it was time for one last toast, before it was time for the dress.

Not a pro pic, but I love this photo, because I can distinctly remember thinking "Well, here we go!"

Time for presents and a veil and then we would be ready for our first look!

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Today's Dilemma

Lately I have realized that I have been putting off making decisions about my attire, beyond the dress, on the day of the wedding. It is time to buckle down.

I know I want Navy shoes. For a long time, I have wanted THESE Navy shoes:

This is the Kate Spade Gali Shoe. I have loved them for a long time.

Sadly, they are still $351.00.

The green ones have gone down in price, but of course, not the blue.

I have a hard time rationalizing this purchase, even though I love them so much - but when else in life will I be able to rationalize this price on shoes?? All of the comments say how comfortable they are, and that they also ordered them for their weddings (in white and ivory, mostly). Even the fiance has sanctioned the purchase...so why do I still hesitate? (Probably because I have an ongoing wedding budget in my head).

Today, I stumbled across these lovelies from J.Crew:

The Nicolette strappy heel.

These babies are $188.00, but there are promos often enough which could make them an even better deal. They are a quarter of an inch higher than the Kate Spade's...which may make a difference in a 12+ hour day. But, I may be able to get more use out of them after the wedding.

There are also some more options on Zappos, mostly from a brand 'rsvp' that all range from $65.00-$79.00. They are cute, but the reviews don't seem to be that great regarding comfort...and they are all something that I feel like I would buy for any-day wear. I don't know that they would make me feel all that 'bridal'.

So here is the dilemma - do I go with the dreamy bridal shoes, the practical midrange, or the cute, but not comfortable, affordables? (I feel a little like those people on House Hunters must, when the host boils their choices down to select catch phrases).

P.S. I could also always order them all and see what I like best in person? Who has ordered from Zappos?

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She has arrived!

Zarah is in!

Bella Bridal Boutique called my mom to let her know that my dress has arrived...a full 5 months ahead of schedule.

While this would normally be great news for a bride, and it still kinda is for me, but I still don't get to try her on until May! So, while I needed her to arrive before then, this early delivery is kinda killing me.

Maybe it is time to check some plane fares for a weekend trip to Wisconsin ;)

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I found her

Yesterday, in this whirlwind of wedding planning, family time, and studying for comprehensive exams (ugh, don't ask...) that is my "vacation" this year, my mother, sister and I went wedding dress shopping.

And we found her. The one.

And her name is Zarah.

Pictures of ME in the dress to come, when a nosy fiance isn't sneaking around trying to ruin the surprise because he is finally burnt out on Rock Band.

YAY!

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Playing Dress Up

So a while ago I posted about dress shopping, but never told you anything about it! {shame on me}

The first place we went was Treasures Formals & Bridals in Roswell, GA. We weren't sure how this place would be, and they did not have a large selection, but the dresses they did have were so well picked. There was a large range of styles among them and they were not too pricey.

The owner was my bridal consultant and she was a-m-a-z-i-n-g. I loved her. Seriously.

I tried on many dresses, and ended up liking two dresses. It was funny that I liked these dresses, both by Sophia Tolli, because they both have asymmetrical elements to them and I love me some symmetry.

Meet Francesca

I really liked this dress {sans straps} but I was not head over heels...though looking back in pictures it looks pretty darn good. The back is corset, but she is willing to make design changes, including putting in a zipper. {point for Sophia}

Next, Meet Zarah

I looooooovvvved this dress. It was a lot less traditional that I was planning, but it was just so fabulous. Lindsey even made me put it on with a birdcage veil and I could pull it off in this dress! {Not for the ceremony, of course, but YAY!} The only things we wondered were:

1. If this dress would be a lot more flat in white, as I tried it on in this deep color, and
2. If this dress would be "too much" for the feeling of our wedding so far {both my mom and academic adviser said I should wear whatever dress I want, regardless, since I only get to do this once.}

More of our day of shopping to come, but what do y'all think?

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Confession.

I have a little confession to make. 

I have never had any idea, nor did I care very much, about wedding dresses.

 

I know, I know, some of you are giving me shocked and amazed expressions right now...but I am 100% serious. I could picture the view from down the aisle - Austin and I, standing there, swearing to love each other forever...everything looked great...

 

...except from my neck down was just a big, white-ish blur. I have/had absolutely no idea what I wanted.

 

Things have changed. 

 

After consulting with my mom, who contends - within reason - that I order my gown in Wisconsin, she revealed that she had no problem with me trying some things on before I get up there for Christmas. I will after all only have a few days up there, and if I go in with no idea that would probably not be good.

 

So, I went dress shopping with some ladies from my grad program. Nothing serious, we just casually swung by a local boutique here in Athens. They don't really have a large selection, but it was way more fun than I had anticipated!

 

While I don't think that there were necessarily any winners, it gave me some ideas...and a vision of myself, as a bride.

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Oh? did you want to see a glimpse of the vision? Well, alright...if you insist.

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No peeking Austin. This means you.

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