February 27, 2014

Our Engagement Photo Session ~

A couple weeks ago, Shaun and I had the pleasure of working with our wedding photographers on our engagement photo session. We had a great time and I couldn't be more excited to work with them not once, but twice more on my bridal shoot and the actual wedding.

As I mentioned, Aaron Nicholas Photography, is our photographer and they are a husband and wife team (Aaron & Jill.) I couldn't be happier with choosing them and if you are getting married in the Charleston area, I highly recommend them!

Here is a look at some of my favorites!












You can see the whole album, in it's entirety... HERE.

ps - Just realized that there are an awful lot of 'kissing' shots..oops!


February 25, 2014

Wedding Planning Update!

Hi friends! Yes, I know it has been a long time once again, but this wedding planning thing is no joke. Have I mentioned that I spend pretty much every free moment [at work] online whether it's creating the photo book for our guest book, searching for the perfect bridesmaids gifts, or shopping for shower & rehearsal dinner outfits?

On top of that, we have received our official paper orders to Hawaii AND have been pre-approved for a VA loan! We have been in contact with a realtor on Oahu and have also been busy reviewing the listings that she sends us each day. Craziness!

Luckily, there is quite a bit that I have been able to get done lately and I have updated my list below accordingly.

Months Four, Five, and Six....


Arrange for Families to Meet
Hire a wedding planner
Book Photographer - Aaron Nicholas Photography
Book Videographer - Dreampop Media
Book Officiant - Seacoast Church
Book reception DJ - Creative Sound
Purchase wedding dress
Choose bridesmaids dresses
Order flower girl's dresses
Book caterer - Cru Catering
Book florist - So Gorgeous Florals
Set-up wedding website
Choose groomsmen's attire
Place suit orders
Compile guest list 
Send save-the-dates
Order invitations
Choose wedding party
Book hotel room blocks
Get engagement ring appraised & insured
Book honeymoon - Figure that out once we get to Hawaii.

Three months....

Proof Invitations
Help mom with ordering bridal shower invitations
Set-up registries - Macy's, Pottery Barn, Kohl's
Book location for rehearsal dinner
Schedule food tasting
Schedule walk-through of ceremony/ reception sites
Hire ceremony musicians
Choose cake maker - Publix
Order veil and/or headpiece
Book day-of coordinator
Shop for wedding bands
Buy wedding bands
Choose rentals (glassware, dinnerware, linens, etc.)
Engagement photos
Compile list for showers
Meet with officiant to plan ceremony
Shop for bride/ groom rehearsal outfits
Shop for shower/ bachelorette dresses
First dress fitting
Buy shower hostess gifts
DIY rehearsal/welcome reception invitations
Pre-marital counseling - In process

Two months....

Stuff and mail invitations
Book hotel room for wedding night
Hire hair & makeup person - Ash & Co.
Buy gifts for wedding party
Research marriage license requirements
Buy undergarments, shoes, jewelry
Compile ceremony/ reception music
Draft schedule of events for wedding weekend
Order monogrammed cocktail napkins
Bridal portraits/ hair & makeup trial - March 3!
Bridal shower - March 9!
Book transportation from reception to hotel

4-6 weeks....

Gifts for out-of-town guests? koozies? (southern state of mind)
Create final schedule of events for all vendors
Final dress fitting - March 1!
DIY photo guestbook - process
Print programs/ menus?
Meet with photographer/ list of must-do photos
Meet with videographer/ list of must-do shots
Bachelorette party/ Girls' weekend - March 28-30!
DIY signs for reserved seating & seat yourself
DIY monograms for front door of venue
DIY signs for Rte 162 & Trexler Ave. DIY table signage (menu, etc.) 
Frame bridal portrait
Order sparklers for send off
Rehearsal dinner groom's cake
Final vendor payments
Music selections to band and ceremony artist
Order thank you notes

Last two weeks...

Thank you dinner @ Halls w/ parents & siblings
Manicures/ pedicures
Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner/ welcome reception
Organize tip envelopes for vendors
Get dress steamed
Walk down the aisle & say, "I do!" 



I'd like to think that I'm sticking to the schedule pretty well. Shaun still has to pick out suits for himself and the groomsmen. Hopefully we'll get that done soon.

Other than that, invitations are out, my dress is almost done at the seamstress and I'm really looking forward to my hair & makeup trial and bridal shoot next Monday! 

I think the next big thing is going to be buying our wedding bands. We know which ones we want, it's just a matter of going out and getting them.

Hope you all are doing well! More wedding updates soon!


 
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