Music Monday # 4 (First Dance options)

I am nervous about the first dance.  No offense to anyone, but I just don't like those first dances where the couple sways slowly (maybe a dip or turn or two) to some slow song that is really special to them.  The guests all ooh and ahh for about the first 30 seconds, if you're lucky, and then they turn to their tables and start drinking, eating and talking.  Argh...I want all eyes on me...not because I'm a diva who thinks I should have attention on me and my man at all times, but because I want to entertain my guests!  I want to get them excited, involved and jumping around with glee so that they can't wait til it's their turn to hit the dance floor!

Thus, I share with you my hope that my fiance will follow through on his original desire to want to take dance lessons and learn a swing routine for our first dance.  I say 'hope' because he has been sounding flaky lately when I mention looking into dance lessons as if he no longer wants to put in the effort.  I am hoping that I convince him otherwise and I am also hoping that I convince him that this is a great song for a first swing dance at our reception:  Crazy Little Thing Caled Love

And for your viewing pleasure, here's a couple who performed their own first dance to the song (I would actually use the Michael Buble version below and not this one):

And for the cutesy little Disney video for your viewing pleasure, here's the Michael Buble version we will actually (hopefully) use for our first dance:

Alright, spill it, girls...what are your thoughts and ideas for your first dance song selection?  Will you be taking dance lessons and go all out rock n roll or hip hop or will you keep it classic and timeless with a waltz?  Maybe jazz it up with a latin salsa or cha cha cha?  Or do you have that one special song that you will play while you simply basque in a single private (sort of) moment with your honey whispering sweet words to each other about how amazing your day has been so far? 

Or if you're already married, what was your first dance like?

I was originally thinking Michael Buble's Sway to a cha cha cha, but now I have a special surprise in store in addition to the song above - again, hoping I can get Mr. Fix It excited about it like me!  :)

Got the wedding shoes

So a few months ago the fiance and I decided to hit South Coast Plaza here in the OC to look at some jewelry stores and start the search for HIS wedding ring.  But really, I was also looking at the trip as an opportunity to browse for my wedding day shoes as I had been looking online and in shops and malls for a couple months and had not found anything that jumped out at me.

I knew I wanted something unique, different and red...I was looking for a deep cranberry red but only found one simple pair of nice heels in that color and I was not doing flips over them.  So I mentioned to the fiance that I wanted to check out some shops in South Coast for my shoes as well.  He said he guaranteed I would find something at Nordstroms so we went in there before heading into the main mall.

I browsed the shoe department and found a super cute pair in purple that I thought would have been perfect for my dress because they had a rose on the toe that would have matched the flowers on my dress.  But purple was obviously the wrong color...though I later found out that I could have bought them in red online. 

Didn't matter though, because the fiance was not feeling them.

Didn't find anything in the shoe department so decided to just walk down the clearance aisles on our way out of the store for fun...and there in my big ole size 10 shoe section was a pair of gorgeous red shoes just sticking out like a sore thumb...but in a good way.  :)  I put them on and they felt comfortable, sturdy and still sexy and unique...and the fiance was loving them.  Plus, they were 1/3 of the price of the other shoes I really liked...can't beat a bargain deal!  So here they are:

Seriously Saturdays: Do I need to put blinders on?

Ok, is anyone with me on this or am I just a nut job?  I bought my dress about 10 months before my big day.  It arrived within 2 1/2 months and I absolutely love it.  Afterall, it took me 2 months, 7 salons between Orange County and LA and at least 30-40 different gown try-ons before finding the *ONE*.  But now, whenever I see a gown posted on a blog, in a bridal magazine or on a tv show, I start to have buyer's remorse.  Seriously!  How is that possible? 

Don't get me wrong...I love my gown for all the right reasons and family and friends all tell me it's gorgeous.  But with SO many bridal options, styles and new lines coming out constantly and a LOOONG engagement period, it is easy to see something else that has similar traits and yet a different look to it and for a brief moment wish that I could have a do-over.  :( 

I don't seriously want to buy another gown - do I?  (sigh)

I still love my gown, no doubt...but I also love that gown, and this one and then there's that one.  What's a girl to do?  Does anyone else feel this way?  It's like I have to quickly turn the channel or turn my head if I open a blog post that has pictures of gowns in it for fear that I will want to sell mine and buy another!  I need to put blinders on - seriously!

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Swept away with wedding plans

It happens often...a woman, a man and a love story begins. They talk on the phone, send each other sweet messages, go on romantic dates and get to know each other all the while falling in love along the way. At some point, they decide they want the rest of their lives to be like this and a decision to get married leads to a proposal and the official engagement. And then...the wedding planning begins...and somehow the entire relationship is sucked into throwing a big party. Most conversations involve something having to do with wedding details and date nights are replaced with vendor appointments, tastings and dress fittings. There is a statistic that says that 20% of engaged couples will never make it down the aisle...that's 1 out of every 5 couples. So sad.

After waiting for 36 years to finally begin planning my wedding, it is easy for me to get caught up in the details and potentially neglect the one whose proposal set the whole process in motion. So I am very aware of trying to be sure that Mr. Fix It and I have many conversations and time together in which I never bring up a single detail. Funny thing is, I have found that now he sometimes brings things up. :)

Life tends to become stressful when you are a single mom raising a teenage daughter and planning a wedding while still trying to have a life.  (You all can relate whether you are a student, mother, career woman, etc)  Life has become about doctor's appointments, meetings, practices, paperwork and keeping up with crazy schedules. I have been feeling overwhelmed. But in the midst of it all, I received a simple text message: "I lv u." (I love you.) That's all it took...those 3 simple little words coming out of nowhere in the middle of my day. No voice spoke them aloud, but in my head I heard them over and over again from the man I love.

And I remembered all over again why it is that I enjoy all the plans and details and color swatches and flower choices and song selections...because when the planning comes to an end and the guests have arrived on April 16th, 2010, I will be staring at the man that God has brought into my life and I will follow my Lord down that aisle to the man that has made the planning all worthwhile. I enjoy the wedding planning because it ends with the marriage to John.

My Idea for a Unique Guestbook (Part 3)

So I've teased you long enough.  And now I'll finally share what I came up with for our guestbook from the suspenseful precursors I posted here (Part 1) and here (Part 2).  Mind you, don't get all worked up...it's really not anything hugely spectacular.  But what I have found is the perfect combination of all the ideas and things that were important to us in a guestbook:

1)  Something with pictures of our guests so we can remember what they looked like on our special day.
2)  Something more than just their signature or well wishes but a place for them to write (and draw) out some fun and personal answers to and about us.
3)  Something they will actually *want* to participate in and sign.
4)  Something entertaining and serves as a favor as well.

So after talking about my scrapbook idea with my sister, I started randomly browsing the internet and found it...The Guestbook Store!

The Guestbook Store offers a book that has pre-printed personalized pages that you can select from for guests to take a page, fill out some fun answers to questions and then we can later add a 4x6 photo on their page. The pages are front and back and you have a couple different options of the styles (formal or casual) the types of questions you want them to answer (wedding memories or predictions) and how many pages you think you'll need for your total guests. You can also select pages that don't need a photo on them.

As a surprise for Mr. Fix It and our guests, I have rented a photobooth from a company called Cheesy Photobooths and I got a great deal on a rental for 6 hours which includes a 4x6 color photo of 4 photos. Each guest will have 2 copies of their photobooth shots printed...one to take home as a favor and another to leave with their completed guestbook page for us to mount in our book.

I LOVE this idea and can't wait to get back from the honeymoon and read all of the special things our guests will write along with their fun and hopefully goofy photos. I am asking my sister (MOH) to take the guest book and pages and photos home and mount them and assemble it while we're on the honeymoon as a favor.

Here are some photos of all the fun details which I am hoping the guests will absolutely have a blast with!  I went to a Halloween costume store a few weeks ago and bought several props (hats, noses, sunglasses, wigs) at 50% off and am also making mustache props out of felt for the guests to use in the booth.  The company also provides some props as well and I am looking to find/make a couple chalk boards, too.

  

Front page of guestbook (photos: the Guestbook Store)

Back page of Guestbook

I can't even imagine what silly and stupid pics our guests (and especially family) will draw of us in that top right corner :)  And I love that it asks them to write something we should remember about this day...I am hoping we get all different perspectives on things that went on throughout the wedding that maybe we didn't see or won't remember years from now.

They even have the option of ordering extra pages for you to mount a sample of your invitation and add extra details like what the weather was like, what the bride and groom remember about the day and other blank journal pages if needed. You can also order special scrapbook type colored pens and select from a ton of different colors and styles of book covers.

A sample courtesy of Cheesy Photo Booths showing the set up.  I love that people outside can see how silly the people inside are being.

A sample from Cheesy Photo Booths of what the finished 4x6 prints look like:

We even get to add our logo, monogram, verse or thank you message to the bottom of all the prints! And you get to pick the color of the backdrop and the colors in your monogram so you can match your theme if you'd like. How cool is that?  Here is what I have come up with...the design is taken from our invitations and will be incorporated throughout stationery at the wedding/reception.

And we have the perfect location for this type of setup at our venue. Right off of the reception room and cocktail area is a back covered patio:

 

Now let me just remind you that you don't need to spend a ton of money to pull off something like this.  There are lots of DIY ways to incorporate something similar without spending the money I did on it.  You can ask a friend to take digital shots of guests as they arrive or turn in their guest book pages and then later print the 4x6 photos to place in your guestbook yourself.  You can also create the pages yourself using a basic computer program and then insert them into your own binder as well.  (I even saw someone who created pages almost exactly like the book when I did a google search.)  So be creative and don't feel these ideas aren't attainable on a tight budget.

And if you *do* have the money, then there's plenty of photobooth rental companies out there to look into.  One that I looked at even did video recording as well as photo strip printing.  And the bride and groom get a DVD of all the pictures and videos recorded after the event!  Our own company will provide us a CD of all the photo images so even if a guest takes a couple extra shots in there and tries to run off with the photos, we will still get to see and print them later!  (wink, wink)

So what do you think, ladies? What are your guestbook ideas? And definitely check out the Guestbook Store! And use the word THANKS in the coupon code when checking out for an additional 10% off :) FYI - they also have books for showers, anniversarys, birthdays, etc.

My Idea for a Unique Guestbook (Part 2)

So as a follow up to yesterday's post, here's more info on my thoughts on our guest book.  I knew I wanted something very different, unique, creative and personal and it definitely had to have pictures of the guests, not us in it.  I mean afterall, we will have plenty of freakin' pictures of us from the engagement session, wedding day, honeymoon, showers, parties, etc.  I want to remember what my guests looked like on my big day and I sure as heck don't want to ask my photog to run around my reception snapping "Smile!" pics of the guests at their tables.

So I came up with a few ideas:

1) The photo album/book that has pictures of us in it that people can sign on blank areas and pages. (This is a great idea, especially if you want to show off your engagement photos.  But like I said: I don't want pics of us in my guest book - it's about the guests!)

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2) The polaroid book where a friend takes polaroids of each guest (couples/families) as they arrive or approach the guest book table and then places the polaroids in a book for guests to write a nice message to us next to it.
3) A scrapbook that my sister creates of wedding themes and leaves blank places for us to add photos of the guests later. They sign a card that has a specific question or two for them to answer and then put it on the different scrapbook pages. A friend takes a digital snapshot of them and we later print the digital images to place in the scrapbook next to the cards the guests signed. The questions would be things like * What's your best advice for the bride and groom? * How did you meet the bride and/or groom? * What is your favorite memory of the bride and/or groom? * Where did you travel from today to attend the wedding or who/what were you most looking forward to about the wedding? (I loved this idea but after talking it through with my sister, the scrapbook was going to be very expensive and HUGE for 200 guests.)

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4)  Another take on the scrapbook idea is having a book full of little envelopes with cards/tags for the guests to write on and insert into the envelope.  KMattso over at Happily After All took on this idea as a DIY project and posted about it here. 
5)  I also had heard of things like the wish tree or a vase or platter that your guests can sign.  (This also follows with the signature photo of the bride and groom that is then framed with a large mat for the guests to sign around).

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Very sweet...I do want my guests to give me their advice and wishes. But I find that at weddings I've been to when you do this you get the same generic "Wishing you years of happiness and lots of babies!" Or "We are so glad to have been here on your special day. Can't wait to celebrate your 25th anniversary with you." Those are real nice and all, but there's not a whole lot of originality in them.   I wanted something like my scrapbook idea that would actually 'direct' my guests with some specific questions that I would get personal and unique answers from them.

And then I found it! The perfect combination of everything I was looking for...stay tuned for part 3!  :)

My Idea for a Unique Guestbook (Part 1)

**  Disclaimer:  If you are using any of the items I refer to in this post, please don't take it as a personal offense in any way.  Every single bride (groom) has their own tastes and style that they just fall in love with and there is nothing wrong with anything you choose to offer, do or display at your wedding.  I am just sharing my own personal style and the things that I appreciate at weddings.  **

Over the past several years, many of my friends have gotten married and one just booked her wedding for the weekend after mine.  One of them worked as a children's director at our church.  She is super smart, sweet and full of energy and great ideas to keep little precious children laughing and active.  She married a youth pastor who (like my own Mr. Fix It) is a huge surf addict.

I expected their wedding to have a beachy theme (the ceremony took place at Salt Creek Beach here in Dana Point), but I also expected it to have some youthfulness and fun little things mixed in, too.  Needless to say, I was a bit disappointed.  In her defense, she was super busy when planning and slightly overwhelmed so she didn't have the time to put a ton of thought into every little detail.  But I thought she'd at least be a little more creative than to offer the small 2x3 sea shell picture frames with an engagement pic of her and her hubby in them.  I mean that is done at most weddings and while you don't have to wow me with something spectacular, I just like to see something with a personal touch (the pic and the beach theme) but with some uniqueness to it.  What am I supposed to do with a 2x3 seashell photo frame?  It's up in a closet somewhere right now because I didn't have the heart to get rid of it.

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As we entered the reception, I almost walked right by the little 'guestbook' she had sitting out on a table.  It was seriously the very traditional simple little white guest book with lines in it for the guests to write their name and address.  I signed my name in it only so years from now she can see that I was in fact there, but I really wanted to head straight for the appetizers since I know she has my address - heck, she sits in my house every single Wednesday night during our bible study...and I did get an invitation, didn't I?

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Anyway, the point is...the guestbook can be a very fun and simple element of your wedding that helps you stand out from just any other wedding.  And it doesn't have to be super expensive and it doesn't have to be uber creative like this little gem:

Thanks to Kristy from I'm Gonna Marry You Someday for sharing this with us :)

I knew what I wanted for my guestbook...I just had to figure out how to pull it all together - stay tuned.

Music Monday # 3 (The Recessional)

First off, let me just say:  5 months to go today!  Woo-hoo.  I'm getting a little nervous but it's all coming together and whenever I share my ideas with vendors and others they say I will have a very fun and unique event.  :) 

Anyway, my fiance thinks about music and tells me has thoughts on things, but he won't share his ideas with me!  Supposedly, he has some 'surprises' up his sleeve for the wedding.  So frustrating!  Makes me nervous, too.  But I already have almost every type of song selection and music picked out for what I am hoping to incorporate into our ceremony.

For the recessional, I know I want something fun, upbeat and super duper lively to get the guests cheering, clapping, whooping and hollering and swaying to the music as we bounce with a jump in our step back down the aisle.  I also want to include some type of a throw back to the oldies as I really love the music of the 50's and 60's from Elvis Presley to the Beatles.  That's why I am hoping that this is the song we will have played right as we have our kiss!  The little intro gives enough time for us to kiss and our officiant to announce us just as we head back down for the recessional with our wedding party in tow.

With This Ring (the Platters)

Let's hear it, ladies...any ideas for what you want for your recessional?  Will you have a live song sung (as my sister did when 5 lovely ladies with an acoustical guitar sang All You Need is Love during her recessional) or will you have something played (like me) from a CD or .mp3 version?  Will it be lively and fun?  Or will it be traditional and romantic? 

To dance or not to dance? The Money Dance that is

So for the most part, Mr. Fix It has let me pretty much have my way when it comes to things we don't agree on regarding the wedding. He has been married before and I haven't and he knows how much thought and effort I am putting into everything so he usually gives in. :) But there is one area that I had logically got him to agree with me on and yet he keeps coming back to wanting his way: the money dance. You know...that thing where you and your groom stand all dolled up awkwardly in the center of the dance floor with no one else around while your guests stare at you and others line up in hopes of waiting to sway with you for 15 to 25 seconds just to stuff money in your pockets or purse after they've already brought you a gift? Well, at least that's the way I see it.

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Now don't get me wrong...this is just my personal opinion. Almost every single friend and family member's wedding I have attended has had a money dance...but it's just not *my* thing. In fact, my cousin received over $1,000 at hers while my sister barely made it to $200 at hers. And my sister's wedding was much bigger than my cousin's. But to me, it just comes across as awkward, begging, greedy and BOR-ING. I would much rather allow my guests to shake their groove thang on the dance floor than kill 10 to 20 precious minutes on the dance floor making everyone stand around. And God forbid, what if no one wants to get up and dance with us? Or what if it's all of my honey's friends that I have no idea who they are so I end up making uncomfortable small talk with them for 30 seconds? Oh, the horror!

Mr. Fix It thinks that in these economic times it would be helpful to have every opportunity we can to receive some extra funds for the honeymoon. He said with 200 guests, even if they gave $1, that would be $200 extra we have (of course, he's not thinking of our 5 year old cousins who have no apparent income at the moment). I told him *I'd* give him the $200 if it was so important to him. But honestly, we'd probably get more than that because we have very loving and generous friends and family. Besides, I told him it's the economic times we live in that make it all the more so why we shouldn't have it...because people can't afford it!

Anyway, recently he called telling me again why he really wants to do it. I told him that I would consider more creative ways of 'earning' money at our reception. For example, our DJ told us a story of how one bride and groom had their bridesmaids and groomsmen split into two teams and then sing for all the guests. Afterwards, they walked around with hats and such allowing the guests to give money to the team they thought was the better singers. All the money was given to the bride and groom and at least it was more entertaining and a performance that got the entire guest list involved in the idea. But John didn't like that idea either.

What do I do? I know that in some cultures this is a tradition and important part of a wedding...but not in my culture. So what about all you ladies? What are your thoughts and are you including this ritual in your own wedding reception?

Seriously Saturdays: Why I strongly dislike the post office

I don't like to use the word 'hate'...hence the funny subject title. I mean, seriously...it's kind of a mean word.  But I have to say, I am so sick and tired of the USPS! Not only have I had them deliver mail to the wrong address, lose mail, have mail show up over 3 weeks after sent and have to deal with their ever increasing prices - BUT on top of it all, they charge you a ridiculous rate to send a simple card...like a Save the Date let's say!

I should have known to check on their site www.usps.com and find out how much they would charge to mail my save the date cards. But I figured, "Hey, they're only a 6x6 square card and weigh the same as most letters do." So I didn't bother to check the weight and size and all of my STD's came back to me in the mail.

Ladies, never ever take a chance...even if you think you know what you are doing. Always test the weight and size of anything wedding related you are mailing before sending. Because now many of my guests received envelopes that have that ugly 'Returned for extra postage stamp' on them! UGH! It wasn't the weight but the fact that the cards were square that gives the post office the right to charge me for TWO stamps instead of one...so silly.  SQUARE?  Seriously?  I mean, come on...what does the difference between square and rectangle have to do with anything?

Have you had a run in with the Post Office or frustrations or problems with mailing or receiving your wedding related items?

Seriously Saturdays originated here.

My FFF's

If you hadn't noticed, off to the side of my blog I have my FFF's (Fun Follower Friends). 

Well, today, Megan over at Bee Only blog became my 50th follower!  Yea!  I started this blog barely a month ago and now have 50 'friends' that I love to visit their blogs and share ideas with and support from.  I have already had some issues come from my blogging experience though... :(

A Cupcake Wedding just posted about her Flower Girl's attire and I fell in love with the dress she picked out.  It is so cute and even comes in a baby blue that *might* match my other BM dress.  The problem?  I already bought my FG dress!  But I don't like it at all...and so now, thanks to Cupcake, I may just have to put that one up for sale on ebay and purchase the new one from http://www.girlsdressline.com/flower-girl-dresses/yoro-chiffon-dress-cc611.html

What to do, what to do?  Anyway, just wanted to say a quick thanks to you 50 wonderful ladies who have decided to follow along on the path to my big day...and peek into the insanity that is my thought process and life.  :)

Now I am thinking that since I see all these wonderful giveaways I might have to join the fun and offer my own.  I am thinking that I will go for something good to giveaway once we hit the 100 follower mark - so stay stuned!  :)

Pretty pretty bling bling (custom designed jewelry)

A couple months ago I had a fun weekend as far as wedding planning goes.  I had searched high and low for the right jewelry (bracelet and necklace) to wear with my gorgeous Maggie Sottero Sabelle gown and had found some great ideas from the little site known as Etsy.com.  But when I continued to browse Etsy, other web sites and bridal salons and jewelry stores, I just could not find what I had pictured in my head.  I'm kind of weird, too because I have this thing about the little 'dent' in my neck where I really want it covered by the necklace.  It's like an insecurity about how it emphasizes how thin I am which I do not want to do.  Anyway...back to the search.

I found this on Etsy:

Gorgeous, right?  Very different and yet still pretty.  Not quite what I wanted to spend...above the $100 range but somewhat worth it.  And though I loved them, I was nervous about buying something online and I wasn't totally thrilled with the brooches in the pieces.  So I posted a status update on Facebook asking friends if they knew anyone who made custom bridal jewelry?  I was connected with a woman about 15 minutes from my home and she told me about this cool little antique/vintage swap meet that happens once a month at a local college.  So a month ago my sis and I trekked down there and found the most beautiful brooch and a pair of earrings.  I was so excited.  The more I look at the brooch, the more I fall in love with it.

And the honey knew that I was heading down there and out of the kindness of his sweet little heart handed me $40 to spend as I wished.  Well, the brooch and earrings came in at under the $40 so I was happy about that.  I met with Jeanette (the jewelry maker) and showed her the pieces.  I showed her the pictures I had found and she began pulling out pretty pearls and sparkly things and lots of bling bling.  We matched the colors to the brooch and my gown.  I asked her if it would be possible to take one of the earrings and use it as a brooch for the bracelet and she figured out a way to 'make it work' (in the infamous words of Tim Gunn).  I was THRILLED!

Granted, the prices she quoted me were not really saving me much compared to what I could have bought online but now at least I custom designed it myself and know that I will L-O-V-E it!  And it will be my something 'old' for the wedding day since I bought it at a vintage swap meet.  So, here they are...my necklace and bracelet (made out of a brooch and a clip on earring):

What about you ladies?  Anyone custom designing their jewelry or have ideas of what they want? 

This is me...bowing my head in humble appreciation

So the wonderful lady over at Westside Wedding bestowed upon me the Kreativ Blogger award - Yea!  I really love her blog so I would highly encourage you to go check her out if you are not already a follower.  She often shares lots of templates and printables on her site and lately has been posting super inspirational images of gowns while blogging about her gown search.  Not to mention a recent fun post on the top 10 Wedding Movies of all time.

So the rules are to name 7 things about yourself that people may not know be it fun, interesting, or even embarrassing and then nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.

1)  This has been a sucky past year in the way of health issues.  My fiance was in a surfing accident last year that required surgery to reattach his bicep to his elbow and left him out of work for 4 months.  This past July I passed out at the beach (for no real reason that the doctor's can find) and smacked my head on the concrete requiring 6 stitches under my eyebrow and leaving me with a lovely scar for the wedding.  A week later, I was in a car accident and rear ended which left me in the emergency room for the day and am now trying to settle the thousands of dollars of medical bills I incurred.  Last month I cracked a rib after a horrible coughing bout due to being sick for over a week.  Needless to say, I'll be happy to see 2009 go - especially since my wedding is in April!
2)  I worked in the grocery business for almost 10 years as a checker and bookkeeper.  You'd be sorry I am not still there since I was by far the fastest checker in our store!  I just don't understand why checkers tend to screw around and look everywhere but at the UPC code on my groceries when I am trying to get out of the store and home after a long day at work!
3)  I work for a multi-millionaire who is involved in real estate investments and property management.  I found the job on monster.com and after working for him for 2 years, I decided I wasn't happy here anymore and so I found a new job and gave him my notice.  He begged me to stay and asked me what he could do to keep me.  I jokingly responded "Double my salary."  He did and needless to say, I am still here 5 1/2 years later and LOVING my job!
4)  My sister decided not to name my niece with a middle name.  Her name is Analeigh.  Her older brother (my 2 year old nephew) is named after his two grandfathers: Philip Joseph.  We call him PJ.  I told my sister to name my niece Analeigh Joy so that we can call her AJ.  How cute is that?!  She considered it but has not decided to make any official name change so now I am the only one in my family who calls her AJ.
5)  I am a huge fan of talk radio and new radio shows.  I listen to Bill Handel on the way into work almost every single morning and Frank Pastore on the way home from work every single afternoon.
6)  My daughter's Aunt and Uncle work for Jay Leno and we often get to go watch tapings of his shows and sometimes meet with the guests afterwards for photos.  We were supposed to go see Taylor Lautner (from Twilight movies) this Monday but my daughter made it to the final round of soccer tryouts at her high school and we had to cancel! :(
7)  I played softball for 9 years growing up and then randomly chose to run cross country my first year in high school.  My daughter played softball for 10 years growing up (and soccer, too) and then randomly chose to run cross country her first year in high school.  It is scary how much this child is taking after my own life history!

There you have it...and now for the 7 fellow bloggers I'd like to pass this award onto for being uber Kreativ and super supportive:

Crystal at My Carmel Wedding

Shooting for a $3,000 Wedding

Bride to Be Courtney B

Budhoop

A Los Angeles Love

August 15th Bride

35 Year Old Bride

Thankful Thursdays

So Ashley over at Ramirez Family blog has this thing she calls Thankful Thursdays.  I am all about giving thanks (not just on the holiday) but every single day of my life.  Because I know that without my Jesus, I would have nothing.  I know that every good and perfect gift comes from my Father above and I know that the people (family, friends, acquaintances) in my life have blessed me beyond belief.

So I just think this is such a great idea that I am going to 'borrow' it from Ashley and start my own Thankful Thursdays.  Now I know you might think this is getting a little ridiculous since I am already incorporating Music Mondays and Seriously Saturdays.  You might be wondering "Is this chick gonna make every single day of the week a theme related post?"  Well, I can't make you any promises...I do love me a good theme.  Maybe I will start Terrible Tuesdays, Wacky Wednesdays and Friday Funnies?  So what if I do?  :)

Anyway, it doesn't matter...the fact is, I think it's good to have a direction or 'open ended' question to get conversations and thoughts flowing.  So here it is, my first Thankful Thursday.  And what am I going to reflect upon that I am thankful for in my very first Thursday post?

The two things (people) I am most thankful for:  Mr. Fix It and my mini-me...otherwise as known as my fiance and daughter.  These two people make me want to be a better person.  They make me want to love as deeply as possible and stand up for truth and justice.  They make me want to give more than I get.  They make me laugh (and sometimes cry)...but they make me 'feel' my emotions.  They remind me how good my God is and they reflect His presence in my life.  But most importantly, they love me unconditionally...and I am so thankful for that.

So what about all you lovely ladies...as we head into Thanksgiving season, what are you thankful for?

Guestbook ideas: Be unique!

Well, I will soon be sharing my super fun guest book idea that I am so excited about - stay tuned next week. But while browsing through one of my bridal magazines I found a few other options that I thought were very different and fun to share:

1) Purchase a small wooden bench for your porch that guests can write their well wishes to you on.

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2) A useful rolodex with bright, colorful cards where guests write their message to you on one side and their contact information on the other side.

3) My boss is building a custom home with a private wine cellar in it. When he and his wife got married 3 years ago, they had picked out some small tiles and bought some permanent markers. The guests were asked to write their wishes on a piece of tile which is now being used to line the floor of their wine cellar.

4) My sister custom designed a calendar with photos of her and her hubby from childhood through their relationship together. She had it printed at a professional printers shop and then set it out at her wedding. As the guests arrived, they were asked to sign their name on their birth day in the calendar. This way, she had a 'guest book' to use all year long and also a useful way of collecting all of their family and friends' birthdays for future reference and card sending.

What about all you ladies...what are your ideas for fun, personal and unique guestbooks?  I will share my own guestbook idea soon!  (little teaser)

A Mysterious Giveaway!

So while browsing through the blogs I follow tonight I stumbled across Ashley over at Ramirez Family blog.  I am super excited to have found her and be a new follower.  And since she recently crossed the 100 follower mark, she decided to do a giveaway.  But the coolest part about it is that she is surprising the winner with exactly what it is she is giving away.  So definitely check her out here and see what all the buzz is about.

She is now at 115 followers.  I can't even imagine having that many followers - how exciting!  But then again, if you would have told me three weeks ago when I started this blog that I would already have 47 followers, I would have laughed at you!  :)

One other side note, thanks to Ashley's inspiration, I will be starting a new themed weekday post titled Thankful Thursdays...what a wonderful idea!

I so needed this laugh today!

If you are not already a follower of Chocolate Lover's Confessions, you truly need to go check her out.  She encouraged me to start this blog and I love her great ideas and encouragement as I share thoughts and questions regarding all my wedding deets.  She even posts some great recipes to share sometimes.  But if that is not enough of a reason to check out her blog, then definitely go read her post today regarding this funny little gem!

From food to animal: My new last name

So my last name is Campbell...soon to be Beever (with an e). 

My entire life I've been referred to by nicknames such as Campbell Soup, Soup, Sopita, etc.  It's kind of a no brainer that my last name is pretty famous, common, but still famous.  I love my last name.  My sister loves it because her initials were JC growing up (like Jesus Christ - not in a blasphemous way...she just liked having that connection).  I actually have two middle names (Lee Ann)...thus my initials were always SLAC.  Kinda silly but whatever...until now.

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I am now going from a 'soup' to an 'animal' (beaver) as my friend, Kristin likes to say.  Even though the Beever is not spelled like the animal, the name still gets referred to as such.  Now my initials will be SLAB...I don't think I like that.  And I know I don't like Stacey Beever as opposed to Stacey Campbell...this has been my name for 37 years afterall! 

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I'm scared...I say my new name...have not practiced writing it yet...but I say it.  It scares me.  But I am a traditional woman who will take on her husband's last name.  Ugh!  Beever...

I do however love my blogging name "Born to Be Mrs. Beever."  Something about it just speaks to me :)  And now you know the history behind my handle. 

So...do you have any little stories, thoughts or ideas about your blogging name, your new last name or the dilemma of whether or not to keep, hyphenate or take on a new last name?

A NEW Award :)

So Lil (yes, I'm calling her Lil now) over at NuFlaiir just left me a wonderful little gifty:

Translation: Your blog is Super Cute!

She just started a new wedding blog in Portugese and received this award.  What a sweetheart she is to think of passing on some international love to me.  I am so lucky to have her as a fellow featured BB over on Get Married's Blogger Brides as well.  I am a new fan of her new site and am so grateful to her for thinking of me with this little gem.  So be sure to check out her new and improved site. 

The rules for this one are very simple.

- Indicate the award to other 10 blogger and let them know.
- Leave a message to the person that gave you the award.

So I decided I'd like to gift this to my 10 newest followers:

His n Her Towels

Chic n Cheap Living

Our Day by Design

Gracie Bella Butterfly

Mr. Jones and Me

A Los Angeles Love

San Diego Budget Bride

Recessionista Bride

Where's My Dessert?

A Bride's Brain

Music Monday # 2 (the Bouquet Toss and Cake Cutting)

So since I started my first Music Monday with my baby sister's wedding playbook song selection, I figured I should follow up with 2 more songs from her big day 3 years ago.  Last week was the garter toss and so it is only fitting that this week I share her song for the bouquet toss for all the single ladies (which btw, if you use Beyonce's song for your wedding bouquet toss you're not being too original.  Don't get me wrong...I love it and would love to use it to because it is so fitting, but seriously girls, let's try to find things that are a little more original.) 

So, when they were calling the single girls (which was me at that time) onto the floor, this song began to play:

Lonely People (by Jars of Clay)

Again, I tell you that you have to understand my sister's silly sense of humor.  I particularly like the 2nd verse that specifically says "This is for all the single people, thinking that life has left them dry." 

I figured I'd throw in another fun one for you as a double shot on this fine Monday...so for her cake cutting...though not quite as silly, she used this song (start at about 1:00 where the chorus begins):

Lips Like Sugar (Echo and the Bunnymen)

Get it?  Lips, sugar, kisses - cake...cutting the cake, kissing after?  Too cute. 

So, got any great ideas for your own tosses at the reception or your cake cutting?  I still have no idea for my own so I would love to hear other's ideas!

Seriously Saturdays: How my wedding made me jealous of a child

Ok, so how in the world could anyone ever be upset with or jealous of these 2 beautiful faces?  I mean, seriously...how cute are they?

This is my darling baby sister, Julie and her darling baby girl, Analeigh.  Is that just the most precious baby face you've ever seen?  And how gorgeous is my little sister?  (She also has a 2 year old boy, my nephew PJ who is just as freaking cute!) 

So how could I possibly be upset with either one of them?  Well, here's how:  My baby sis got married three years ago and ended up coming back from her honeymoon and finding out she was pregnant within a month...they didn't waste any time.  2 years later, Christmas morning, 2008 I got engaged!  Yea me (and the fiance)!  I was so excited.  We were also really happy for my again pregnant sister. 

By January, 2009 we had our date set - April 16th, 2010.  So exciting!  I began making plans, booked all my vendors, started buying little wedding related items and had the ever-so-creative and talented scrapbooking sis start working on designs and ideas for my big day.  A couple months later, baby girl, Analeigh was set to be born.  Her original due date was like April 25th I think.  But in early April my sis tells me she is having problems with the gestational diabetes she was diagnosed with and the doctors are just a bit concerned.  They'd like to induce her a little early.  How early?  Oh, they just so happened to pick April 16th, 2009!

WTF!?  Seriously?  I mean really?  I kind of flipped out on her and told her there is no way that baby better be born on the exact day of my wedding (one year earlier obviously).  How evil am I?  I mean how could I seriously let my wedding nuptials turn me into a nut job who would be jealous of her own baby niece?  But it happened:

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I turned into a bit of a bridezilla...only aimed at the family!  How horrible!  I think I told my sister that there was no way she was having her baby's 1st birthday on the day of our wedding.  I figured that somehow everyone wishing my little niece a happy birthday was going to distract from what we were really there celebrating.  I insisted my sister tell the doctors that they had to reschedule and that they needed to let her wait until her due date at the end of the month.  How silly is that?

I finally calmed down and realized how stupid I sounded and tried to play it off as I was only joking...in reality, I was actually a little upset.  Turns out they induced her on April 14th so now she will celebrate her 1st birthday 2 days before our April 16th nuptials.  This of course will cause some sort of problem as I pointed out to my sister that it was not going to be easy for me to attend a birthday party the weekend before my wedding when I would be so busy.  And we can't have the party the day after the wedding because we will be spending that day with all of our OOT guests from both sides of the family.  And then we leave that night for our honeymoon which means if she has the party after our wedding, I won't be there :(  That makes me sad.

It also made me realize that unfortunately from this point on for the rest of my little niece's life I will potentially be missing her birthday parties as the hubby and I will most surely go away to celebrate our wedding anniversary on some years.  (sigh)

My wedding coordinator was sweet enough to say that we will be sure to have some type of 1st birthday cupcake at our wedding to recognize my little Analeigh's big day at our reception.  Of course I am excited to do that (now that I have calmed down and realized what an a$$ I was acting like).   I mean, seriously...why is it that us girls suddenly turn into a raving lunatic as soon as that little gem of a ring is slipped on our finger?

It really surprised me that I reacted that way.  So what about you gals?  Have you had any unexpected, out of body, unlike your personality type of rants about something wedding related?  Have you had any problems or issues with your wedding date that you are concerned about or could potentially be an issue for future anniversary celebrations?

FYI:  Click here to see about the origination of Seriously Saturdays.

Blog Award Love - I am so blessed

So since I just started my personal blog less than 3 weeks ago I have begun following so many blogs!  I can't believe it took me so long to join the blogosphere.  Every single day I jump for joy as I see new followers add my site to their blog roll - woo hoo!  And then tonight while browsing through Sarah Ann's blog over at Misadventures in Matrimony I found that she had left me my second (and third) blog awards!  So excited...so here goes:

For the Over the Top Award you are supposed to answer the following questions with one word answers and then pass the award onto six fellow bloggers.

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Your hair? Fine
3. Your mother?  Supportive
4. Your father?  Recovering :(
5. Your favorite food? Avocado
6. Your dream last night?  Boss
7. Your favorite drink?  Gatorade
8. Your dream/goal?   Travel
9. What room are you in?  Dining/Office
10. Your hobby?  Video editing
11. Your fear?  Illness
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?   South Orange County
13. Where were you last night?  Home
14. Something you aren’t?   Snobby
15. Muffins?   Blueberry!
16. Wish list item?   House
17. Where did you grow up? California
18. Last thing you did?  Mom-cab (taxi)
19. What are you wearing?  Jeans
20. Your TV?  High def
21. Your pets?  Pitbull
22. Your friends?   Busy
23. Your life?  Blessed
24. Your mood?  Tired
25. Missing someone?   Nephew
26. Vehicle?  Highlander
27. Something you’re not wearing?  Bra
28. Your favorite store?   Walmart
29. Your favorite color?  Many
30. When was the last time you laughed?  12 PM
31. Last time you cried?   Monday
32. Your best friend?   Mr. Fix It
33. One place that I go over and over?   Work
34. One person who emails me regularly?  Mom
35. Favorite place to eat?   Kabuki

And the lovely Over the Top bloggers I'd like to pass on this award to:

99+ Forever

Mr. Jones & Me

The Perpetual Party Planner

The Handcrafted Hitching Post

New Mexican Bride

The Relentless Bride

For this one, you list 5 things you are obsessed with and then pass the award onto five of the most fabulous blogs you read.

1)  Computers...I am on one all day long at work (thus the constant posts and comments) and I use them for everything - finances, business, hobbies, facebook, e-mail, video editing, photography, research, watching tv

2)  My cell phone - with a 14 year old daughter and family I talk to daily it is a must have in today's day and age.  My daughter will text me while she is sitting on the other end of the sofa...she thinks it's funny.

3)  LOST - the tv show.  I am a faithful fan since the first season and even figured out a way to incorporate this show into the current bible study I am teaching my 20 something girls each week.  We watch an episode, talk about character issues/dysfunctions that the 'featured' character is dealing with and then look up bible verses that relate to the character traits/issues so we can learn from them to apply to our own lives.  We talk about faith vs. science based stuff some too.

4)  Blogging - my newest obsession I can't get enough of it throughout the day.  Love that I've found a world of ladies (and men) out there to bounce ideas off of, gain inspiration from and just strangely support somehow.  It's truly a new world.

5)  Planning - whether it's for my wedding, our next vacation, a budget, whatever...I am a detail oriented planning freak.  When I moved into my current home I drew up floorplans of each room and measured them and then spaced out all my furniture the way I wanted it laid out before we could load any moving trucks.

So, here are the lovely blogs that I think are fabulous that I would like to pass this award onto:

Westside Wedding

A Cape Cod Bride

My Carmel Wedding

99+ Forever

A Chocolate Lover's Confessions

To elope or not to elope? Is that really a question?

So My Carmel Wedding posted about her fantasy of eloping and posed the question to us ladies as to whether or not we would ever consider this?

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I often read blogs or hear brides talk of their desire to just throw the wedding plans out the window and run off to some intimate, romantic getaway to elope - some even just think of the traditional Vegas wedding.

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Thinking of you and your honey whizzing off (preferably in a convertible) with the wind in your hair and not a care in your head is a beautiful fantasy.  No invites to print, no music playlists to be determined, no frustrating gown alterations, no constant fights with the fiance over how much money this wedding is costing you...ah, wouldn't it be nice to just let Calgon take you away?  (Yes, I dated myself with that question.)

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It's totally understandable to want to avoid all your stress, tension, nerves, anxiety and frustrations that bubble over during the engagement phase.  Sometimes, it's the mere fear of having 'all eyes' on you that makes a shy, introverted bride just wish she could meet the local justice of the peace up close and personal and be heading for the airport on a honeymoon.

I, unfortunately, feel really sad when I hear these desires from brides...mostly because it does seem to come out of their frustrations and not because the couple truly wants a small intimate little affair.  I completely relate to the stress and anxiety...

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And I completely respect those couples who want that little ceremony on a beach with their parents and best friends and their little dog as their ring bearer.  But I know there is absolutely no way I could ever do the 'elopement' thing...and it's not just because I'm an extroverted, love to entertain, doesn't mind being the center of attention kinda girl. 

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No, the reason I would never do this and feel sad when I hear other brides longing for this is because the truth of the matter is a wedding is meant to be a HUGE celebration.  Haven't you ever heard the phrase "I want to shout about our love from the mountaintops"?  Where do you think that comes from?  It's the excitement and joy of knowing that you have found that special someone who makes your toes curl, your heart melt and your giggles go silly whenever someone barely mentions their name!  Why would you want to deny the opportunity for family and friends to wish you their blessings, shower you with gifts and most importantly, support you in your decision to unify your lives in love for all of eternity? 

As brides, we often give some thought, but not a ton to the ceremony details.  And then we spend months and months planning the attire, invitations and reception.  We look for photographers, shoes, place cards, flower choices and amazing menus.  And though our vows are important, we forget about what really matters at the ceremony: 

**  Who are those people sitting in the front row?  Your parents, who gave birth to you and raised you and tried to turn you into 'marriage material.'  Your father is in tears as he 'gives you away' because he recognizes the gravity of this momentous event.  Your grandparents gaze at you and long for great grandchildren.  They are most likely the patriarchs of your family and this is a blessing you cannot believe for them to watch the grandchild they got to spoil turn into a lovely young wife (and hopefully new mommy which never happens fast enough for them).

**  Who are those people standing beside you at the altar?  Your siblings, cousins, best friends, mentors...they have probably spent the better part of your life with you laughing, crying, burning memories into your mind.  They were there when that ex boyfriend broke your heart and were ready to curse him to the ends of the earth when he showed up to a party he knew you were going to be at with a new girl.  They were there when you had to pull all night study sessions to realize your dreams of working towards your goal (and possibly careers).  They know every nook and cranny of your past...good and bad.  And you know what?  Today, on your wedding day, they are not standing there beside you because you asked them to wear a dress and throw you a shower.  No, they are there because they know this man you have chosen and they watched him court you and grow to love you and they know that he is the man who will in fact, love and cherish and respect you til death do you part.  They stand next to you to affirm that yes, this is the man we believe you should marry.

**  Who are the guests sitting in those pews/chairs?  Your co-workers, alumni, neighbors, friends...they see you day in and day out.  They watch your favorite tv shows with you and celebrate Halloween parties with you.  They appreciate all you do for them and at one point or another in your life, they were a daily, necessary and major influence in your life.  And now, they get to sit here as you take your vows and promise your heart and soul to this man and they agree with your decision and support your marriage.  They sit here today with their own vows...vows that are necessary for any bride and groom embarking on the great unknown path of marriage.  They will vow to support you as a husband and wife and love and encourage you as you grow together.  They vow to not interfere in your relationship...to not ever lead either of you astray...to babysit your future children...to remind you (when you feel like running or are in the biggest fight of your lives) that you will get through this and need to humble yourself and truly remember to love one another.  They are your biggest fans...and will prove it by soon toasting you and partying down on the dance floor (even dancing those lame crowd dances like the chicken dance and electric slide if you ask them to).

Ladies...the next time you think you want to just run away and elope...try to remember what the day is really about...remember that it is always most importantly about people: not flowers, not gifts, not your venue.  It's about your parents, siblings, family, friends, and you and your groom.  Don't deny yourself this celebration and these vows...embrace them and try to grasp the emotion that lies in them.  It is beautiful, solemn, liberating and oh so lovely.

The BESTEST thing about my entire wedding: the VENUE!

So, we didn't get engaged until Christmas Day, 2008.  But for whatever reason, in August, 2008, I decided maybe I should check out some wedding venues on the net.  I was bored at work...sue me! 

I went to this site called Herecomestheguide.com that has a ton of listings and info on wedding sites all throughout Southern California.  And I came across this place called Rancho Las Lomas.  Now what's so crazy is I had never in my life heard of this place...and I live like 15 to 20 minutes from it.  I just loved it!  Their web site was amazing...they had pictures of all the different places on the grounds (it's an old private estate - did I mention that?).  They even had pictures of all the animals that are in the private zoo on the grounds...oh yeah, there's a zoo!  And it's private!  Which means not open to the public...only to guests of the venue...on your event day.  Tigers, zebras, llamas...oh my!

So I just decided it wouldn't hurt to e-mail them and find out what they charge for weddings...who knows?  Maybe one day I could get married here...assuming it's not $100,000!  They responded and the fees were somewhat reasonable to rent the venue...not cheap mind you, but reasonable.  Ok, forget it...for most of you, it's probably ridiculous to pay between $5,000 and $8,000 just to rent the venue without any food, chairs, tables, rental items...nothing, nada, zip!  But if you get married in off-peak seasons (December-April) they give you discounts...as well as offer discounts for weekday weddings (which means Friday).  I bookmarked the page.

Now many of my friends have told me "Oh yeah, I looked at Rancho Las Lomas...we couldn't afford it."  Why had I never heard of this place?  As a matter of fact, when I showed my sister their web site, she accused me of having kept it a secret from her so that she couldn't get married there a couple years earlier.  Apparently, it was out of the budget of almost everyone I knew...though many friends had attended weddings there.  Well, me being me, I knew that there had to be some way to make this happen should the opportunity ever present itself.

So when Mr. Fixit began talking to me about how much he loved me and could see spending the rest of his life with me, I was over the moon excited.  Especially on the day when he casually said (while we were laying on the sofa watching tv) "Maybe we should start looking at wedding venues?"  Oh boy...he didn't know the Pandora's Box he just opened!  I didn't want to seem too enthusiastic (or psycho) so I casually replied "Ok, I'll set up some appointments."  Well, within a few weeks I took him to Rancho Las Lomas.  We fell in love!  When the appointment was over and they left us alone to walk the zoo path, he said "We don't need to even look anywhere else...this is it."  Yea!  Fireworks were going off in my mind...until, I got a quote from their exclusive catering company that they require you to use.  It was ridiculous!  They were going to charge us $24,000 for 180 people to bring in all the tables, chairs, linens, plates, glasses, heaters, food, alcohol, etc.  That was completely out of our budget.

I, however, was not going to let this stop me.  I began talking to the property manager and found out if we get married on a Friday (which I wanted all along, they will let us bring in an outside caterer).  Cha-ching!  I was a bit disappointed though when they told me that our Friday affair in April (a supposedly off-peak month) was still going to cost us a $6,500 rental fee of the estate since we chose to bring in an outside caterer and weren't going with their caterer.  Seriously?  Not so cha-ching.  :( 

Now, we knew we wanted something unique and different and not your average country club, hotel or ballroom type venue where guests are basically trapped in a large square room - not that there is anything wrong with that because my sister did it and it was beautiful and amazing - just not MY thing for my vision.  But Mr. Fix It just couldn't wrap his arms around the costs.  I wanted to prove to him that we could have our dream wedding at this venue without having to spend the $50,000 minimum that most people who get married here spend.  (C'mon, in reality most weddings at this place cost over $100,000 easily!)  To persuade Mr. Fix It, I took him to 12 other venues over the next month.  We visited everything from country clubs, golf courses, hotels, cruise ships, restaurants, parks, museums, libraries...you name it!  Most of them fell within a very similar budget range, but none of them had the 'ooh's and aah's' reaction that came from RLL. 

We narrowed it down to the cruise ship and RLL (how did he compare those two I'll never know).  Mr. Fix It was really pushing for the cruise ship...super fun and really nice but so not my dream!  So I showed him the budget (see previous post) and told him I knew I could make it work.  He called me a few days later and said he'd been thinking about it.  He said he knew how important it was to me to have this dream venue for our wedding, so he decided we could go ahead and book it.  I seriously started crying.  I was truly choked up and thanked him so much for being such a wonderful, loving future hubby!

And without futher ado, here are some photos and a video of our venue: RANCHO LAS LOMAS!

I mean this is it!  A private estate with a spanish style feel that has HUGE grounds for the guests to roam around and be enchanted by.  We are getting married in April right when all the trees are green, the flowers are blooming and the weather is not quite too hot yet.  I took some photos of the venue in January when I took my mom and sis to see it and then went back in April and took photos of the same areas.  I couldn't believe the difference in the greenery and flowers and trees.  It's going to be gorgeous...the perfect combination of an outdoor event but with indoor possibilities.  Can't wait to share more with you.

So tell me about your venues.  Did you get your dream location?  Was there something you really wanted and just couldn't make it work?  What do you LOVE about your venue?

Diamonds are a man's best friend?

We started shopping for Mr. Fix It's ring about 3 weeks ago.  He was all over the place on this one.  We knew he wanted something different and not just a plain band.  And since he's in construction, he can't really wear his wedding ring all the time...not to work at all - it could end up costing him his finger if it got caught on something :(

So when we started hitting the local mall and some jewelry marts we saw price ranges from $100 to $1500 - of course.  I had budgeted a certain 'high' amount but it wasn't what I expected to pay because Mr. Fix It was leaning towards Titanium which is a little less expensive, durable and had some unique options.

The one thing I wasn't prepared for was the fact that he wanted diamonds in his ring!  At first I thought he was joking, but once he showed me some styles, I knew he was dead serious...and I didn't mind because I actually kind of liked some of them.

The search was on and these are some of the contenders:

   

We narrowed it down to two rings, this one:

And this one, which is actually my favorite! 

It's hard to tell from the photo but it has a two toned yellow gold tint to the 'elevated' part in the middle but we are going to have the entire thing made in white gold and then have the lower outside portion polished with a high gloss and the wider part of the band will be in a more satin finish so there is a contrast.  What I love about it is that it has 2 princess cut diamonds in it - the same kind of diamonds that are on either side of my own wedding ring :)  So we almost kind of match.  The good news is that we got the quote 3 weeks ago and had the owner write down the price on a business card.  I don't know if you follow the markets, but gold just shot up this week and so we are probably getting it for a steal right now.  We should be purchasing it this Saturday and get it in within 2 weeks!  Another thing to check off the to-do list!

Have you bought your groom's rings yet?  What was the experience like?  Did he go for classic and traditional band or for something blinged out?