Wedding planning update

I'm really trying to hit this blog up on a semi-regular basis. And by "semi-regular" I  mean I am trying to not go two weeks without posting again. I thought I'd go with the easiest thing, and talk about planning my wedding, since (obviously) it is the only thing on my mind these days. If you're new to this party, on the day I picked my wedding date, I had 64 days to plan. Roughly two months. Eight(ish) weeks. However you want to look at it, it isn't very long.

My most favorite engagement shot!

I'm hoping to put together a post explaining why I chose such a short engagement, and how I've made it through (so far) without killing anyone or losing my sanity (hint: lots of wine) but for now I'll just update you on the progress of the planning. Here's what we've got so far:

Set a date October 18, 2014!

Book a venue

Book a caterer & finalize menu

Hire entertainment

Take engagement pictures look for a post soon (coughjuliettecough)

Buy a dress

Come up with an outfit for Derek (he is insisting on jeans but I like this or even this)

Find a job for my brother (suggestions?? We are not having ushers)

Order flowers
Order cake/cupcakes

Order wedding day shoes

Book our rentals (tables, chairs, linens, etc)

Hire photographer

Mother of the bride outfit

Mother-in-law outfit

Choose bridesmaids dresses (I am loving something like this)

Finalize guest list

Design invitations/info cards

Print invites

Mail invites

Hire officiate

Finish our wedding website click here!

Plan bachelorette party

Register (?) for gifts

Book hotel block

Order favors

Design/print programs

Paint wedding signs (I've started, but not finished yet)

Buy wedding bands (I've picked mine out, still need to shop for Derek's)

Write our vows

Get a marriage license

Plan honeymoon


Holy moly you guys, I have done a lot since the last time I posted an update! I just crossed off about 15 things. I'm so excited about our officiant - Derek's uncle will be marrying us! I have always wanted someone I know personally to be our officiant, and was leaning toward my parents' preacher, but since Derek did not know him very well I still wanted to try to find someone special to both of us: enter Uncle Neal!


I still am wanting to find something for my little brother (he's 19) to do during the ceremony. I'm sure he is pretty neutral on the subject (actually I'm pretty sure he would be content doing nothing - you know how boys are) but I still want him to feel involved. I am having him walk our mom down the aisle (ya know, since my dad will be busy keeping me calm walking me) and I'm just wondering if that is enough?


I'm also SUPER excited that we've finalized both of or bachelor/ette parties and our honeymoon. We were both lucky enough to have good, gracious friends who are letting us stay at their beach houses. Mine will be in Panama City, while Derek's is in Pensacola - don't worry we aren't one of those couples who has a joint party. We're having a quick (due to some scheduling conflicts with work) honeymoon in NOLA. I've never been as an adult before, and our cute (ancient) little hotel is right in the middle of the French Quarter. If anyone has any suggestions on some fun stuff to do, I'd love to hear it!