The only weddings stuff going on now is: -Getting ready for the bridal shower -RSVP's coming in -Getting ready for the bachelorette party
So really that isn't my deal. That's stuff for my amazing bridesmaids and parents. In the meantime what am I doing? Well, let me show you: I may have mentioned once or twice that I'm graduating two weeks before the wedding. At the end of April, I have 2 huge papers (think 20 pgs each or so), 1 presentation, and 1 test all within 3 days of each other. This is how I'm conquering it-- make the world's most detailed calendar. Most days I have to shift things around because I don't normally finish for everything in that day, but that's why I built in some wiggle room.
Yes, it looks gross. But when I'm MIA for blogging I have a legit excuse, right?
Does your president do this?? I doubt it. What was the setting? Texas A&M's women basketball team had just won the national championship. So Dr. Loftin and Coach Blair decide to celebrate.
Other fun facts about our university president:
He wears bowties every single day. How can you not love him?
He has a very extensive and cool history with NASA. You know how I have a weak spot for nerds!
In serious news, he sends out weekly emails to the entire student body, updating us on campus news and events
When you email him about a question, he actually responds with a thought-out answer and includes attachments where necessary.
I know, I bet you never guessed you would see a post dedicated a university president!
This was our last counseling session with the reverend before the ceremony. It was crazy to hear him say, "OK- see you at the rehearsal!" We're getting so much closer... wow!
Anyway, so we mainly went over the actual wedding ceremony. We're getting married in a Presbyterian church and he uses traditional vows, which I love. Also, Matt & I will be saying the same thing, which was also important to us.
Music for Grandparents & Parents to enter: Sonata for Clarinet & Piano in E Flat Major by Camille Saint-Saens [My brother will be playing this, and I'm so excited! He was a music performance major in college but since graduation, I haven't heard him play. Even though I'll be stuck in my little bridal room, I'm happy he'll be playing at the wedding nonetheless :)]
Then we'll have the giving of the bride, followed by prayer and scripture readings. Then we'll have the Declaration of Intent (the I Do part), along with the Affirmation of Families and Affirmation of Congregation. Then coems the marriage vows and exchange of rings. We pray again, then there is an announcement of marriage, followed by the benediction. Then the most famous line "You may now kiss your bride."
Badaboom, badabing. We're married in all about 20 minutes. It's ironic how short it is since this is the most important part of the day. I often lose sight of that, though I wish that wasn't the case. Silly wedding industry.
But I am really looking forward to the ceremony and saying the vows. It is such an important moment for Matt & me, one I want to remember forever.
Before I get your hopes up, no, this post does not have any of the images. Besides the fact that I haven't gotten them yet, I am not going to post pictures from the portraits online until after the wedding. Sorry, but I'm sure you understand.
I had my bridal portraits taken by Kasey of Kasey Lynn Photography. She had taken our engagement pictures in the fall (read about here), and all of the times I had met with her she was so sweet so I was excited for her to take my bridals!
After getting my make-up and hair done, and getting into my beautiful dress, my mom, one of my BMs, Kara, and I all headed down to meet Kasey in Old Town Spring. Here are some pics of the area so you can get an idea of the setting:
Old Town Spring is filled with little old houses like this painted in bright colors. It also has small gazebos throughout, gorgeous fences, railroad tracks, fields, etc. Basically, a lot of variety in one location.
I'm so glad I had comfortable heels because it was a lot of walking. Combined with always picking my dress up, moving around was an interesting task. Kasey had me in several different poses, some more traditional and others a little different. As cars would drive by, I got several honks and people yelling at me! Quite a different afternoon!
I can't wait to see the pictures, though, as I know Kasey did an excellent job! And below are some tips for you brides-to-be to prepare for your bridal portraits:
Trust your photographer. She/He may have you do some silly-sounding things, but they know what they're doing.
Wear comfy shoes. I was glad to know my shoes will be great for the wedding day since I could walk several blocks in my heels!
Have others with you. Since we didn't want my dress to get dirty, everytime I moved locations we had to pick up the skirt and that just required more than two hands. Plus, they were able to carry the veil/props/etc
Confirm your hair and make-up appts a couple of days before. My hair stylist almost forgot about our appt because she doesn't normally open on Sundays. It wasn't a big deal in the end, but I was starting to get worried!
Have fun! If you start to feel you're forcing the smile, think about your fiance' and that you are SOOOOO close to getting married. That'll do the trick!
Invitations were put in the mail yesterday! Hooray!! I will share them with you in about a week after everyone else has had a chance to receive them. I love them; they're quite spring-like yet simple.
I will say, I despise stuffing envelopes. Response cards + response envelopes + reception cards + invites + website card all in inner envelope and then that in the outer envelope. Boooo... but it's done!:)
Matt & I had our last premarital counseling session yesterday, and that went really well. Talked about the order of the ceremony and whatnot. So with invites done and having the order of the wedding done, I guess it's official!
I have my bridal portraits today. Pray that the weather holds out! I will definitely update you on that later.
