city girl bride

First Dance

2012-02-08T07:52:00.000-06:00

What else are you going to call this post? The moment I've been dreaming of all my life? I've picked at least 5 songs for this specific moment in my entire lifetime? (Don't lie, you know you have.) When I was 6, planning to have a double wedding with my cousin at Wrigley Field where she was marrying Jordan Knight and I was marrying Joey McIntyre from the New Kids on the Block. At this time, I think my song was Please Don't Go Girl.

Then when I grew up, I chose the following song. Unfortunately, the man who asked me to marry him wasn't too fond of it. (sad face!)

Romantic, right? I came a long way from choosing old boy band songs. (Let's be honest though, if Joe and I were friends, he'd be singing *something* at the wedding!)

The song that we did end up choosing might be a little weird for some, but we like it. Whenever I hear it, I always think how Richard could have wrote those words exactly. We promised not to over play our song so we wouldn't get sick of it so neither of us have heard it since the wedding. (Ok, I heard it on the radio once and I immediately started screaming NOOOOOOOO and turned it off.)

Ok, enough rambling. Here's the song for you to listen to while you scroll through. :)

Ah, the dream comes alive. :) Happiness.

Until next time!

xoxo

Dinner & mingling

2012-01-25T09:23:00.000-06:00

I was so ready for dinner, I'm not going to lie. I really only had a couple bites of some corner bakery that Nicole picked up for me while I was getting ready and by that time, I was kind of starving. Good thing there was some yummy steak coming my way. :)

So while everyone was enjoying their dinner, we rushed through to take a few bites. Since we didn't have a receiving line, we wanted to go to every table and say hey and that we hoped everyone was having fun. Yeah...that took a lot longer than I had expected. (And don't worry, our food didn't go to waste! Our wonderful & nice personal waiter made sure our leftovers were wrapped up and sent to our room.)

We had the best intentions of heading around to everyone's table, greeting them all and then leaving in a timely fashion to the next table. I should have known though...people just want to talk to you on your wedding day. I wasn't ready for that, that's for sure. I still saw myself as just me and everyone else saw me as a bride...go figure! I'm definitely not the best conversationalist, nor am I good at getting out of conversations because I just don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Even though things were slow moving, we made it through absolutely everyone. We got to see everyone, hug practically everyone, talk to everyone and I wouldn't trade that for anything. Don't underestimate greeting everyone. After all, they came there to support you and your groom!

I love that last picture. My new husband is talking with his pals since childhood and I'm talking to one of his friends with my knee up on the chair as if I'm not wearing a wedding gown.

And while we were visiting with our guests, plates of cake and dessert trays went out to every table. I'm glad my mom had the idea of dessert trays. It added just a little something.

I'm glad that we got some candid pictures as well. It's like our photographer was in two places at once!

my cousin looks so cute!!

I'll leave you with one last one. Just because I think it's kind of romantic. :)

Until next time!

xoxo

Speech!

2012-01-11T11:32:00.000-06:00

Once we sat at our sweetheart table that was on a riser and spotlights on it (neither of those things were chosen by me, by the way), it was time for speeches to begin. I'll be honest. I was a little bit nervous. There were only boys speaking! How could they possibly get away with not saying anything completely embarrassing?

First up, was the best man...

It was very sweet and I know that George knows how to make the people laugh. I do remember him talking about how Richard took him in after he moved to America from India in the third grade. Isn't it amazing to have friends that you've been friends with forever, literally? I don't remember most of it, sadly but I do believe my groom has the paper that he is reading off of so we have that at least. Someone's speech that we don't have is this guy's:

Yeah, that would be my brother. His speech was also very nice but he opened with something I'll never forget. It was one of my favorite parts of our entire wedding day. "Now I know what they mean when they say, always a bridesmaid, never a bride."

That's my brother. Pulling the best things out of nowhere. He went on to say that I've always been more introverted, having him make phone calls to radio stations to hear my favorite songs but that once I let someone in, they're with me forever. Now my brother and I don't usually get mushy about the brother and sister stuff but he did wear that pink tie for me, got his pants hemmed the day of the wedding because he thought they were too long, froze outside, stepped into this role when things got messy with the person who originated the maid of honor roll and always smiled about it. I may have told my parents to take him back to the hospital because I wanted a sister but knowing what I know now, I'm glad they didn't. (Don't tell him that though, he'll never let me live it down.)

After the bro of honor speech, the groomsgirl read a prayer of grace before we ate.

Wait...did someone say something about food? I get to eat?! Bring it out, I'm starving!

Next time, I promise.

xoxo

Let's get this party started!

2012-01-04T09:33:00.000-06:00

As everyone cleared out to make their way to the reception, we just couldn't believe how quickly time was moving. How in the world was it time for the reception to start already?

So after everyone admired our cake and lovely set up (no, I'm not gonna be modest at all!) it was time for everyone to make their entrance!

It's time to cut the cake! I was so excited! What were we going to cut into??

I so don't remember what we cut into. I know it was chocolate!

Wanna know something funny? The piece of cake that was on my fork that I gave to my husband didn't go in his mouth. It went on my dress. I didn't know that until after I was sitting at our table. I remember saying to him "oh, there's cake on my dress." To which he responded that the piece of cake I fed him didn't make it to his mouth. Oops... I suppose if I had a stronger emotional attachment to my dress, I might have cared but I'm not certain I would have either way. I just got married, there were tons of people surrounding us who loved us, I just ate cake...what more could you ask for?

Coming up, how my bro of honor pulled his speech out of the sky...

xoxo

The Details, Part 2

2011-12-21T09:16:00.000-06:00

I know it's easy to get way too swept up in the details, especially ones that are "in" for the moment. I think the trick is to find ones that work for your wedding and not go overboard. People will tell you that no one notices everything, and that's so true. Not everyone sees every single detail. I don't know if most of our guests noticed much other than the books and signs at each of the tables. That's just my little piece of advice...on with the prettiness!

Just a few things to tie it together, you know? We had pictures of us growing up scattered throughout the 2 rooms. That amazing drink sign was made by the amazing baumbirdy. We saw them at Indie Wed literally a few weeks before our wedding and they made these up for us. As for those totally hip napkins, those were found in Walt Disney World in December 2010. My friend Laura got us a package when she went in April 2011 so they might still be available! I just thought it was an adorable tie to our love of Disney without being overboard. After all, you did invite your friends & family to be your guests! :)

And as this is the last post before Christmas... I hope your holiday is wonderful and full of happy memories, no matter what you celebrate!

xoxo

Time for cocktails!

2011-12-14T08:59:00.000-06:00

Cocktail hour was a weird experience for me. I don't know why, I still can't explain it but we ended up hanging out by the elevators for at least the first 20 minutes (or maybe a little more). Maybe I wasn't ready to admit this was all going by so quickly or maybe I felt bad for not having a receiving line, I don't know. I do know though that there were a lot of pictures taken of us in front of a Steven Tyler outfit.

We greeted a number of people as they came into cocktail hour. One of my favorites was seeing my friend since the fourth grade get off the elevator and scream something that no one does anymore: "JENNY!" After people were making their way to where we were standing from the party, I figured it was high time that we joined the party.

As we made our way in, I saw my co-workers gathered together and they insisted we get in one photo all together. That took a while but it was hilarious.

While we began to make our way through both rooms, Nicole came up to us, asking us if we needed something. Would you believe the only thing we drank at cocktail hour was water? And I finally took off my 4 and a half inch heels, not knowing how much pain I was in until they came off. Thank you Nicole for knowing those had to come off!!

I'll be the first to admit that because we didn't come in right when we got there, we didn't make it through the entire two rooms. In fact, we were very lucky that we made it to the second room at all. Then we got stopped to take a whole slew of pictures with different people in my family. At this point, I was beginning to feel like a Disney character. And I said so repeatedly. Luckily, I think our photographer sensed that so after a few pictures were taken, he made himself disappear into the crowd so a line wouldn't develop. I'm used to being the one behind the camera, not in front of it. It was strange to me that just because I was wearing a white dress all of these people wanted pictures of me or with me. I don't think I was having a 'zilla moment, I think I was just unprepared for how much attention we would be getting that day. (I know, how is that possible?)

all the way from Colorado!

Cocktail hour was quickly coming to a close. I couldn't believe how fast time was moving. Who hit the fast forward button that day? You need a talking to!

Next time, we'll talk details. I'll leave you with this:

Yummy!!!

xoxo

The newlyweds take Chicago

2011-12-06T15:44:00.001-06:00

After we dropped the freezing bridal party off at the Hard Rock, we headed over to the spot on the river where we spent some time the first time we met. I'm sure you're thinking "what?! isn't it colder by the water you crazy person?" The answer is yes, it is but it's also very worth it.

don't be afraid to be silly. and ask your new husband to fix your dress.

we didn't put this in our album because it's on everyone's walls. :)

silly kids.

We headed back to the hotel afterwards because we were getting close to cocktail hour. Time flies when you're having your picture taken! :) When we got to the hotel, I thrust my purse at someone and didn't see any lip gloss for the rest of the night. It was kinda sad...I live for my lip gloss. Before we went up stairs, we went back outside for a few shots in front of the hotel. (When I say a few, I mean a lot.)

romantical :)

So there we were, standing on Michigan Avenue with a few people walking past us. Would it surprise you to hear that not one of them said "congratulations" to us? Yep. Most of them just gave us weird looks. I guess we may have looked a little crazy posing for pictures outside in the cold. :) It was so fun though. I'm so grateful that we had this time together, just us. It really was kind of relaxing. It was also worth my hair looking like a mess afterwards.

Oh, and this post's advice is don't be afraid to be silly. There will come a point where you will think (or if you're me, say audibly) "people are still taking pictures of me?" It was weird to have a camera in my face all day, but we'll get to that later... Be silly. Pictures of you and your new husband being yourselves will be some of your favorites, I promise.

Next time, cocktail hour where we only drank water! :)

xoxo

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2011-11-30T09:00:00.000-06:00

Our first place to take pictures was Olive Park. We got out of the limo to be met by some fierce lake effect winds. If you're from Chicago, you're probably thinking I'm crazy. (Kinda...it's a great spot! But it definitely messed my hair up for the rest of the evening.)

Before I share those with you though, I'd like to show you one amazing photo:

yeah, if that is not the shot that wedding dreams are made of, I don't know what is.

Needless to say, we had to turn around because there was no way that we could get anything good at that location. Had we tried to make it to the gate, everyone would have been soaked by gigantic waves. :(

So we moved onto our next location, Cancer Survivor's Park. While everyone froze along with us in the wind, we still got some great shots.

Behold some of our parents favorite photos.

After that, we figured that we made our bridal party freeze enough so we dropped them off at the hotel. Really brides, if you can drop your party off along the way, you definitely should. There's no reason to make them freeze (or sweat) for hours for some pictures. There are only so many pictures that can fit on your wall and in your wedding album, I promise.

Next up, wedding photos where we spent some time the day we met. :)

xoxo

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow...

2011-11-23T09:00:00.000-06:00

It's been awhile, I know. I got sick for a couple of weeks and it's also National Novel Writing Month...I plan on being a winner again this year. Alright, enough with the excuses. On to the snow-I mean wedding-recap!

Since it was lightly snowing when we made our way to the church, I knew there was a good chance of it still snowing when we got out. This is Chicago, after all. I'm pretty stoked that it was, personally. Don't get me wrong, it was cold but the pictures look great! (And you'll notice that the junior bridesmaid is missing from these photos. The cold was a bit of a shock for her so she sat in the limo for these.)

That's me holding up my dress. While the following pictures were taken, Nicole was on the sidelines helping me bustle it up again. (What would I have done without her?!)

love this one, don't you?

I think I jumped for joy when I saw this image.

So following pictures of the boys, Jake took a few of me. I kinda love them. Ok, I do love them. I'm not ashamed to say it.

snow in my hair :)

cute with just a bit of a goofy air...yeah, that's me.

And with that, we made our way to the limo with the wedding party. Tune in next time for the last batch of wedding party photos! :)

xoxo

Breaking tradition

2011-11-02T09:18:00.001-05:00

Immediately after we walked down the aisle, we were in a little corner of the church where people couldn't stop and see us. Nope, we didn't get a send off. Our church didn't allow that. I was going to do ribbon wands just to break the rules but when it came down to it, I just didn't do it. I'm ok that we didn't have it. I knew people were happy for us.

And so the madness of pictures began. We did the traditional portraits in the church. While they weren't something that I needed personally, they turned out pretty well. Don't get me wrong, I wanted pictures with my family but I don't like the traditional kind of thing. I'm much more of a candid shot picture kind of girl.

While Richard was taking pictures either with his family or by himself, my mom said we should bustle my dress. Good idea. We tried to do so but my mom couldn't find the loop. Nicole took a look and we discovered that the loop had mysteriously disappeared. Thankfully, Nicole had a sewing kit on her so we were able to fix it!

After a few traditional pictures, we decided to get a little goofy & call out boy band poses...these are some of my favorites of the entire day.

punch!

point!

dance break.

things get serious...or confusing.

Good thing we did all that warming up because this is what we were going out into immediately afterward...

xoxo

This isn't a trick

2011-10-31T09:35:00.000-05:00

It's definitely a treat though!

I have all of these cute pictures of our flower girl & I wanted to share them but didn't really know where to put them, so I'm sharing a few today.

playing with the removable strap on my purse. trying to figure out how to use it as a jump rope, I'm sure.

no, I don't think I wanna go down that aisle.

That last one always makes me giggle. I think it also captures her spirit of curiosity. She may not have been the surest bet, especially since my aunt had to walk her down the aisle, but I'm glad she was a part of our wedding.

Stick with your decisions, brides. If you want a little one you're close to be a part of your wedding party, by all means you should. Don't let anyone talk you out of it. Do go into it with a laid back mindset though. If this little one does or doesn't make it down the aisle, it's not going to make or break your wedding. If anything, you'll get cute pictures out of it.

Until next time!

xoxo

PS...no one says your flower girl needs to wear a white dress. She very well could be wearing an Easter dress you found on sale at Target!

We're married!!

2011-10-26T14:51:00.000-05:00

Vows are a very important part of the ceremony. Obviously. From the very beginning, Richard told me he didn't want to repeat his vows, he wanted to say them from memory if he couldn't write his own. Since we couldn't write our own, we memorized them. I remember him walking around the apartment repeating them to himself. We even had a post it on our bedroom wall with them written down so every time we went to leave the room, we'd see them.

So first we stated our intentions. (aka, have babies & raise them to be Catholic. Kidding! That's only one part of it.) :)

Then comes the vows. Richard went first and he did it perfectly. Me? I had a problem.

After Richard, I whispered to Father Manny saying, I don't think I can remember all of that. So why are we all giggling in the photo above? Because once he got me started, I remembered it all! Also, it turns out that everybody heard me whisper that too. It's funny but I kind of wish that nobody did. Oh well.

After we exchanged vows, we gathered at the altar and prayed. If you look at the picture above, you'll see my brother holding my bouquet. Would you believe that I've looked at that picture quite a few times and didn't notice it until I included it in this post? Love that I'm still discovering the amazingness in our wedding photos!

Then we went to pray to the Virgin Mary. We decided to do this together instead of just me because two heads and prayers are better than one, right? When we were walking back to hug our moms, I looked at my brother who was supposed to hand off 2 daisies to us. He just looked at me and shook his head. Ok...so we don't have flowers to give our moms but we still have our hugs.

I thought it was cute that Richard's dad decided to get in on the hugging.

We took our places back at the kneeler that we didn't use and we were presented! St. Clement doesn't say "you may now kiss the bride." (Nor do they say "speak now or forever hold your piece"...which didn't calm my nightmares, unfortunately.) I don't remember what Father Manny said but I know we were excited about it.

Best first kiss ever, if I do say so myself. :)

And just like walking down the aisle, I don't remember seeing anyone as we were walking back up the aisle. There are pictures that I look at and I say to myself "wow, I didn't know that they were at the ceremony!" Really, nothing else existed but us. I'm so lucky that we got to have such a wonderful ceremony. For us, it was just perfect.

xoxo

Anything but typical

2011-10-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

Well, unless we're talking about the music. That was totally Catholic, totally typical. Believe me, I didn't want but in the end, I don't remember hearing any music at all during walking down the aisle or walking back up the aisle. So let's pretend there was a different song playing, the one that I had picked out since 2005: Finale B from Rent. I prefer the movie version but if you know it at all, you get a big hug from me!

So we left off where my mom was handed kleenex from Nicole as she started crying. Somehow, she got it together as we walked through the doors.

Let's be honest here. All I saw was smiling heads. I didn't know who exactly they were while looking at them but I knew they were smiling at me. Close to about halfway down the aisle, I thought omg, look at Richard! When I did, I didn't see any one of those smiling heads but him. All I saw was him. Mom, Dad...can we walk a little faster?

Here's a fun point in our ceremony. You know how the bride and groom hug her parents? I hugged my dad first, then my mom. And my mom wouldn't let go.

It's not because she didn't want me to get married or anything, she just said she didn't know what was happening to her, she was just overcome with emotion. When she did let go and we made our way up to the kneeler (that we did not use, thanks to Richard!) our priest said "Welcome and thanks Mom for letting go."

I handed my bouquet off to my little brother who placed it on the pew. He wasn't going to hold that thing. :)

Our friends Tracy and Jillian read the readings and Fr. Manny read the gospel. Before he began his homily, he waved us over to the pew in front of my parents.

As for his homily, I've never heard one so personal. I still haven't. During our last meeting with him, he asked us to write him a letter about why and how we knew the other was meant for us. He referenced those and read out some of the things we said. I don't remember much of it and I'm glad that it came from those letters that we still have. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

It's a really good thing when people are talking about your ceremony, people. Among the comments I heard were that they loved our priest, how personal it was and that they were so happy to know that love like ours existed. Those are pretty high compliments, don't you think? Words cannot express how grateful I am that we had Fr. Manny as our officiant.

Coming up next...vows are exchanged & everyone hears me whisper something. :)

xoxo

The Details, Part 1

2011-09-28T10:30:00.000-05:00

Before we get into the ceremony, I decided to show a little love to the details that were shot in the beginning of the day. We all love the little details, right? Good, me too. (It also means I get to show some of the pictures that I absolutely loved to no end but didn't fit anywhere in our wedding album. Boo!)

Oh my gosh, our photographer Jake took outside pictures before he even came up & still arrived on time. That's dedication.

you had to take this special elevator to get to me on the 34th floor! :)

I'm still in awe of this ring.

thank you Marc Jacobs for making the best wedding perfume. Don't discontinue it!

A girl needs her shoes! :) I'd also like to point out here that I didn't have the whole something borrowed, blue, old & new. Obviously I had the blue shoes and a new dress (amongst a whole slew of new things) but nothing old or borrowed. I'm a little sad that I didn't but worse things could have happened. Besides, I'm not really superstitious to begin with. We're doing fine so far! :)

And a few details of my best friend that started it all...

Do you remember when Carrie Bradshaw referred to NY as her boyfriend? "If you can only have one great love, then the city just may be mine. And I don't want nobody talkin' shit about my boyfriend." That's how I feel about Chicago.

Ceremony recap up next! Get excited because it's one of the best Catholic ceremonies I've ever been to and it was ours! :)

xoxo!

In this case, we do need to turn around.

2011-09-21T10:59:00.000-05:00

We all pile into the limo and we're ready to go. With me are my parents, my brother Joe (aka, bro of honor), my cousins jr bridesmaid and flower girl and Jake. We pull away from the hotel and I play with the radio station, as my dad is talking up a storm to Jake. Jr bridesmaid is looking out the window and flower girl is taking in the sights of her first limo.

this is such a cool picture. I saw it, loved it and knew that Jake got us.

I look at my mom who is sitting next to me and I ask "you have the rings, right?" Can you guess her answer?

She gasps like a deer just ran out in front of her while she was driving and her hands fly up over her face. Everyone snaps their heads in her direction. Joe fills them in and the adults are shocked. As for me, I'm perfectly fine. I don't think I could be that calm on a normal day but nothing could really freak me out that day. We tell the driver to turn around and I text Richard to tell him my mom forgot the rings. I still have his response: "Yikes. Ok no worries. It'll all start on time."

Joe says he fufilled his duties as bro of honor by running up to the hotel room to get the rings. He was just as calm as me, but he usually is anyway.

We made it to the church in time, thankfully. We were the ones with the programs, flowers...and the bride!

We gathered in the bride's room where we met with our priest a couple times. MIL & SIL were already in the room when we got there. Our florist Patty was there as well to give flower girl her flower basket. Snag #2...she wanted a bouquet and literally threw the basket down with all the force she could muster. My dad, standing next to me said, I told you that you shouldn't have involved her. My only bridezilla moment was when I looked at him and told him that it was my decision and he needs to stay out of it. Glad Jake was taking pictures of the church at this time.

A few minutes later, the woman making sure our ceremony came in the room and said it was time. Everyone lined up and I was about to make my way through a doorway from the rectory to the church but someone said the name Richard and I immediately backed up and hid behind a tall set of filing cabinets. When we were given the all clear, we lined up by the door. I was arm in arm with my parents already, watching everyone walk down the aisle. Nicole was standing there next to us and she saw my mom starting to get emotional. She handed her a little package of tissues so she had something to cry into when she reached the pew. That girl thought of everything. I was in awe of her all day.

I couldn't wait to walk down that aisle to my groom.

xoxo

Getting ready!

2011-09-14T08:49:00.002-05:00

I woke up a few minutes before my alarm that morning and I could not wipe the smile off my face. Very good sign. :)

Looking back, I'm kind of glad that I stayed in that suite alone the night before. I was able to just relax and be alone with my thoughts. (That big bathtub in the morning wasn't too bad either!) I was cool, calm, collected and ready to get the show on the road!

Our hair and makeup team was supposed to get to the room at around quarter to nine, so my junior bridesmaid & flower girl joined me in the room pretty early. We had some cereal together like it was a normal day (again, a good thing) and then they went off to the bedroom to watch some of the Disney channel...or sleep.

flower girl sleeping.

And then the day started. I elected not to have our photog come until after the whole getting ready thing was over. (Well, when I thought it would be over.) I only took a few pictures myself but I think there would be a few people who would kill me if I posted them. :) Groomsgirl and my mom went first on hair and makeup. I think groomsgirl was the first to be done. Then when I started on hair with Renee, she kept commenting on how calm I was. I don't know why, but that really took me by surprise. I guess looking back, it is a little weird for a bride to be calm when it's snowing on her wedding day when she didn't expect it. I asked if that was uncommon, to have a calm bride. She and Wendy filled me in on some pretty crazy stories.

Unfortunately, we hit a snag at that point. The flower girl was refusing to come into the living area and have her hair done. Our junior bridesmaid and the flower girl's older sister went while we let her be alone for a while to get it out.

Oh, fun fact of the morning: every girl in the wedding party but our flower girl got their bangs cut. Groomsgirl just had a little cut so it was just a longer side swipe, mine were lightened and jr bridesmaid got bangs for the first time ever!

yay for bangs!

The morning went pretty smoothly. Major thanks to Nicole for urging me to eat that day and going out to get something for me. I definitely would not have been so calm if it weren't for her, my family and a few of our awesome vendors.

Speaking of awesome vendors, Renee closed herself in the bedroom with our flower girl and just talked to her about her favorite princesses. By doing so, she coaxed her into letting her do her hair so she could look just like Cinderella, her favorite for the day. Talk about going above and beyond.

her cuteness is definitely her saving grace.

So, what about the bride, you're wondering? Well, I was pretty shocked when I looked at myself in the mirror. We had my friend Hilary on hand for a few of those photos of everyone getting the finishing touches. She insisted that there should be at least something from that moment in the day and you know what? She was right.

can you hear me saying holy crap, I'm a bride?

I thought the day started a bit too early but soon it was after two, Jake our photographer for the day was in the room and no one but my mom was dressed! There was the five minute period in the entire day when I got freaked out. I just sort of paced a little bit and then when I got into my dress, I was totally fine.

Can you believe I didn't open my wedding present from my to be husband until we were almost out the door? And in case you were wondering, what I'm holding is a framed copy of the rare first Hanson cd. :)

And with that we were out the door! I was so ready to be out the door and on my way to the church but there's a story that involves turning around that I will fill you in on next time. :)

this is one of my favorites!

xoxo!

PS, thank you to my family, Richard, Nicole, Hilary and Jake! I wouldn't have kept my cool without you!

Let the recapping begin!

2011-08-24T08:50:00.010-05:00

But where in the world to start?? I guess we will begin with the rehearsal if that's ok with you. :)
(Also, this is a picture heavy post...which I suppose is what recaps really are, right?)

We were very lucky to have a short rehearsal at the church. It wasn't completely drama free though. We had some car trouble after the rehearsal (in the rain, no less) but we got to Portillo's eventually to have a great time with everyone.

I knew from the beginning that I wanted our rehearsal dinner at Portillo's. Not only because Richard & I go there any chance we get but because it holds a special place in his family's hearts. I'm still so grateful that we were able to have our rehearsal dinner there with our nearest and dearest. We were also lucky to get some pretty good pictures of the party from my friend Hilary of Hope Photography as well.

speaking of Hilary, here she is with her husband and us. We both married engineers! :)

In this next picture, you will see a person who was a huge, gigantic help to us during the days leading up to and day of our wedding. I'm 150% sure that things would have gone wrong and I would have had a breakdown if not for Nicole from Niche White! :) (and of course, her husband who was awesome too!) She kept me in check when I needed to be reeled back in, she made sure that everything went smoothly...she did everything she could for us and I think she is an amazing person.

it's amazing what twitter can do. :)

bride & groom

best shot of me with my bffs ever.

the groom with his future in laws. I adore this picture because I can feel the love.

Richard made a really good speech. (for real, everyone said aw a lot and even his best man said "I need to use that!")

After Richard spoke about how grateful we were that everyone was there with us, we passed out some presents to our bridal party.

I always wrap my brother's gifts with VS bags

I got her books too but...I'm so glad we have this picture. :)

Of course, we took a moment to practice and take some family pictures as well.

bro of honor, bride & parents of the bride

groomsgirl, fog, bride, groom & mog

It was a really fun time, as you can tell by now I'm sure. After the party, Richard & I hung out in my hotel suite, in amazement that the day was almost here. We talked and at about 11:58pm, he left to go to our apartment. I'll be honest with you...I totally cried when he left.

He called when he got home and we talked for a while. We decided after one that we should try to get at least some sleep. We happened to sleep pretty well that night, luckily. I think that's a good sign, don't you?? :)

xoxo

Recapping?

2011-08-17T09:01:00.005-05:00

So I'm definitely playing with the idea of recapping right now. I mean, the wedding happened only five months ago. Even if the only person who reads it is my husband, I think that would be worth it, wouldn't it? :)

I don't know when the official recapping will begin, but keep your eyes peeled! Until then...

room with a view!

You thought I was going to leave you with a nice, professional wedding shot? Nope! Not my style. :)

What do you think? Would you like to see more of the Peachy wedding?

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2011-04-05T08:41:00.001-05:00

These shoes need no introduction.

perfect

See, I told ya. Oscar is amazing. I definitely need these. Need. Those gemstones and color are killer.

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2011-03-31T09:26:00.001-05:00

If it's spring, where is the nice weather? I'll admit it was a sunny 45 yesterday but come on...I have a new spring coat Mother Nature! I want to use it. Ok, on to purse prettiness...

cute, cheap and yellow!

How great would this cute bag go with those shoes from this Tuesday shoesday? Ah themes...bride brain through and through. :)

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2011-03-29T08:49:00.001-05:00

You know my things. I like bows, sparkle, weddings...do you know that I have a thing for stripes too? I totally do.

mmm Kate Spade stripes...

Aren't they perfect? And the heel isn't crazy high either!! Yes, please! Oh Kate, can you just send me a pair? I wear a seven and a half. Thanks!

xoxo

Honeymoon! Part 2

2011-03-23T08:17:00.003-05:00

I know you wanna see a few more from the honeymoon. We just had that much fun!

playing catch by Petco Park

couldn't resist!

dream car :)

first trip to Disneyland!

we're cute. ;)

love the train

world of color...you get me.

smaller but still awesome!

did you know you go to hell on this ride? Wild Mr. Toad...wild.

last dinner in SD on Coronado Island

I loved our honeymoon. We ate well, we did fun things and we had a bathtub in our room that had jets! I'm so glad we picked somewhere sunny and warm. I was beginning to think that warmth was a figment of my imagination! What a great way to begin our married life. :)

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2011-03-22T08:18:00.001-05:00

Don't tell my husband this but since we are going to all kinds of weddings this year, this girl is going to need new dresses...and shoes! He knows about the dresses but not the shoes. Oh well...boy can dream. :)

perfect for a summer wedding

These would go so great with a dress that I found on ideeli. It's navy with white polka dots. I was going to stay away from white completely but I guess that's being a little extreme, right? I think it's time to convince Richard I need these shoes to go with it.

What do you say, husband?

xoxo

Honeymoon!

2011-03-21T09:46:00.000-05:00

Oh San Diego you are so much fun!

Our original plan was to relax, eat and just do a few things (go to the zoo and Disneyland). Yeah, that didn't happen. We did chill the first two days and got back to the hotel relatively early every evening. It was such a great time and they have such great food!!! Let's get to some pictures...

Richard visits with the blues brothers in Midway airport

Little Italy...yummy!

check out that view

the koala is awake!

we were so close we could pet him!

his grandparents stayed at this hotel!

love this car!

so pretty. I love orcas.

this is where Wizard of Oz was written

on the USS Midway

can you tell I'm a Navy kinda girl?

I loved San Diego. There was so much to do, so much to eat. Our hotel room even had a huge tub..with jets! After walking around the zoo, I definitely needed those jets. We had a lot of fun, as you can see. So much fun that there is even more to come! :)

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2011-03-17T08:26:00.004-05:00

I'm not usually a huge Dooney & Bourke fan but this I thought was really perfect and pretty for spring.

not your grandma's floral

Hey spring...I'm ready and waiting with a new bag!

xoxo

Wedding Shot

2011-03-16T08:27:00.005-05:00

Here's just a small sneak peek of the wedding.. :)

There we are. Stating our intentions. Doesn't he look handsome? That's *my* dress, by the way. You'll see more of it later.

xoxo :)

Tuesday Shoesday

2011-03-15T08:21:00.003-05:00

Hey y'all! This is my first Tuesday shoesday as a Mrs! :) I can't wait to show you pics of the wedding and honeymoon but first we need to celebrate shoes!

Blahnik you can really do no wrong

I don't think I'm going to be wearing heels again anytime soon after the wedding day but I may be persuaded with such a fun pair.

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2011-03-03T08:48:00.001-06:00

Thursday Purseday! 2 days before :)

cute and sweet

How fun, right? I could definitely see myself carrying this original purse around.

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2011-03-01T08:12:00.000-06:00

Tuesday Shoesday the week of the wedding! :) I just wanted to have fun.

girls got to have sparkly shoes

lovely lace

Now back to work... :)

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2011-02-24T08:16:00.001-06:00

Oh happy day, it's Thursday!

yes please

Coach, take a note from Burberry. Modern does not equal tween. It needed to be said, right? I just love the color, design and how it just doesn't compromise what Burberry is.

xoxo

Ten Days

2011-02-23T10:32:00.003-06:00

Programs are printed and they look amazing, thanks to my super talented fiance who worked so hard on them. Almost every RSVP has been sent back to us and we even got a card from the Obama's! Bachelorette party this weekend. Meetings with photog, dj and florist have been taken care of. Thank you cards came in a matter of days. There is finally a hair and makeup person to take care of us. We are scoring a pretty sweet deal at our reception site and the words "I want to honor what you were told" have been said. I have to count my blessings because we do have a lot to be really thankful for.

Here I am ten days away and still no dress. My family must have a problem with dresses because my mom's dress got snagged as well when they were hemming the bottom. She's waiting on her dress to come in as well. My dress was supposed to come in yesterday but Richard was called and told "maybe tomorrow". You just don't say that to a person who's getting married next weekend. I know I'm being told it's on it's way but that nagging feeling won't go away. So I've decided if it doesn't come in today, I'm not messing around anymore. I need to find a dress that can at least serve as a back up.

All that drama aside though, I'm getting pretty freaking excited. I'm getting married and I can't wait! The things I'm most excited for is exchanging vows, dancing and getting to San Diego. I cannot wait to get to San Diego, people. With my new husband!!!!!!!!!! :) Love it.

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2011-02-22T08:33:00.003-06:00

It's snowy today in Chicago and as much as I want spring to be here, it's still winter. What says winter better than silver shoes that will make you fall straight on your ass from slipping on ice?

sparkly goodness...love

bows and sparkle

So I think that groundhog was wrong, don't you? Oh well...at least we still have pretty shoes!

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2011-02-17T08:02:00.003-06:00

Inspired by the cream colored purse I received last night...

so not the poppy collection

love the embellishment

Oh Coach...you still get me.

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2011-02-15T08:16:00.000-06:00

These shoes just make me feel happy. Don't you just love when that happens?

polka dots and bows just make me smile.

perfect for a spring wedding

You know, I really need to get myself a pair of Kate Spade shoes. They're just so gorgeous and classic.

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2011-02-10T08:30:00.004-06:00

There are no words for this bag.

marc, you get me every time.

xoxo

Well, this is a surprise.

2011-02-09T09:49:00.004-06:00

24 days.

I don't have a wedding dress.

Yes, I'm freaking out. I'm actually doing a lot better than I was yesterday though. I was at work ready to have an anxiety attack.

Let me tell you the short version.

I called the shop, they said the dress was in. Thanks for calling and telling me that. So I made an appointment. Monday, I go in to try the dress on in all it's glory. After waiting with a friend for a few minutes, I know something is wrong. The manager comes back and says my dress isn't here, there was a snag in it so they had to send it back (to China) and I'm getting a new one. At that point, I'm speechless. My friend starts talking for me. The woman promises it will be here in time, we'll work with the fastest seamstress they have. Then she tells me this: "We just didn't want you to worry and freak out."

It's three weeks before my wedding. I don't have a dress. You didn't want to freak me out?! Well, I am now!!

When it gets down to it, none of us believe that the dress was there to begin with. The place that the dress is made is closed for Chinese New Year and they don't know when it will open again. My dress will be in the next shipment, whenever that may be. Let's just say we're calling everyday now.

So, I may be on the hunt for a new dress. My mom is going to the shop on Saturday which I think is just wasting time but she wants to do it in person in the middle of the store so people know what they're dealing with. She said she will be talking nicely and calmly but if she needs to go momzilla on them, she will. Her goal is to either walk out with the sample, a sample of any other dress I want in the store or money to buy me a sample somewhere else.

I'm trying to stay positive. Whatever happens, at the end of the day I'm marrying Richard and that is all that matters.

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2011-02-08T08:31:00.004-06:00

I need some pretty shoes. I really need to win the lottery. :)

Want.Right.Now.

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2011-02-03T07:55:00.004-06:00

I've been waiting for Thursday in a week like this. A bag just like this would be perfect right now. :)

classic, pretty, expensive :)

Oh Mr. Louboutin...you always make my heart skip a beat.

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2011-02-01T08:18:00.003-06:00

For some reason today, I thought that I needed to find the perfect blush shoes. Maybe it's because there is some crazy snow supposed to hit my neck of the woods when I'm just waiting for spring but I found some pretties. :)

sweet ballerina heels

and cute flats to change into

Oh spring...where are you?? Come my way around the beginning of March.

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2011-01-27T07:57:00.001-06:00

We finally purchased handbags for the bridal party girls! After months of searching for the perfect clutch for our groomsgirl (aka my future sister in law), I threw up my hands and gave the project to Richard because I just couldn't handle the pressure anymore. Want to see what he ended up buying? Ok!!!

um hello cute!!

And an extra just because it's Thursday... :)

gorgeous!

So now with that problem out of the way, I can rest easy.

Wait.

I'm getting married in almost a month???!!!!!!!!!!!

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2011-01-25T08:32:00.003-06:00

It still surprises me that people look at me with shocked faces when I tell them that my shoes are my something blue. So in celebration of something blue, here are some pretty shoes!

ah, bows... :)

and sparkle!

So you know what my something blue is...what was/is yours??

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2011-01-20T08:41:00.001-06:00

I won't lie. This post is inspired by what I'd really like to get for my birthday. :) It's only fair since I found out that the new Glee the week of my birthday will be a Justin Bieber episode. How is that for luck?

hearts, like bows, are a weakness of mine

so are polka dots...

and anything black and white...

as well as ruffles and betsey johnson.

Richard told me a couple of days ago that I already have a purse when I told him that's what I wanted for my birthday. Boys.

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday: Bows!

2011-01-18T08:06:00.002-06:00

This Tuesday, I'm going to celebrate something I love: bows! It really dresses up the traditional white shoes.

cute and sweet

bows and sparkles=yay!

dreamy pretty

oh, I am in love

So I guess not all white shoes have to look completely traditional. I think these have a bit of spunky personality to them. Which one is your favorite?

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2011-01-13T08:53:00.005-06:00

Today is just a mish mash of prettiness. :) Enjoy!

cute for a night out with the bffs

hello beautiful

oh the things we could do

Oh, I cannot wait until I can spend money on handbags again. (Don't tell Richard, ok?)

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2011-01-11T08:21:00.000-06:00

Ready for some killer shoes with an even better price? I know I am! :)

can't say no to a bow

wouldn't these make great wedding day shoes?

always had a soft spot for ankle straps

i love you.

Um, Forever 21...you hit it out of the park. I really need to get more shoes from you.

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2011-01-06T07:55:00.004-06:00

Let's get right into the prettiness, shall we?

always say yes to sequins

new goal: own something Vivienne Westwood

and this clutch...omj!

I'd just like to mention here that my birthday is in almost a month. :)

xoxo

Here's the thing...about garters

2011-01-05T08:41:00.000-06:00

I'm not doing the garter toss...much to my mother's dismay. For some reason she and my father both think it's just wrong that I want to skip this. "It's tradition," they exclaim. That's nice but I'd really rather not 1. have every guest, especially my parents and future in laws watch as Richard sticks his head up my dress and 2. corral the guys together and toss them something that's been on my leg that I'd rather give to my future husband, thanks. So if you haven't already guessed, there will be no bouquet toss either. Hey, I'll use any excuse to play Single Ladies, but I'd rather just play it with no embarrassment attached.

Not only that...who's really going to go for it? I can think of literally 2 guys who are considered single. Every other is married or to be married. Seriously, 2011 is the year of weddings. There are 6 that we are being invited to so far.

So I am breaking that tradition. I am giving my garter, not throwing it, to Richard. Which of course means I'm on etsy looking for the perfect one constantly. Turns out that in terms of garters, I tend to favor ones that are a little more traditional. Surprise!

sweet and simple

just a touch of lace

hello sexy

Of course, there's nothing wrong with being sexy and all either. :)

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2011-01-04T08:07:00.002-06:00

We're going on a shoe hunt, ladies. The shoe in question?

rsvp vista

Now, silly me decided these shoes would go awesome with my new rehearsal dress before I checked to make sure they were in my size. So if you happen to see them anywhere in a 7.5, please let me know.

xoxo

Blog inspiration

2011-01-03T08:47:00.005-06:00

I guess it's really no secret that I'm into photography so when I saw this post on Nicole's (aka @nichewhite) blog, I knew I wanted to do that myself. (Sorry, no ring on a ledge shots this time.)

Too much fun. Thanks for the idea, Nicole!! :)

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2010-12-30T08:14:00.001-06:00

And here is the last ThursdayPurseday of 2010. I still can't believe the year is coming to an end!

marc jacobs is becoming a fave of mine...

sequins, sequins and more sequins please

betsey and lace

It just wouldn't have been complete without some Betsey. :)

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2010-12-28T08:09:00.005-06:00

The last TuesdayShoesday of 2010. Can you believe it?? Let's look at something pretty now and not think about how old we're getting.

party shoes

kate spade cuteness

kiss kiss

Well, goodbye 2010. You were a good year. Here's hoping that 2011 brings happiness and love to everyone!

xoxo

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T09:16:00.006-06:00

Soooo many things happened over these last few days. I want to remember it, so why not document it right here on the blog, right?

I sent out an email to the dress shop a day or two before Christmas eve, asking when my dress would be in. I got an email on the day after Christmas which surprised me and it said that my dress hasn't hit the 6 month order mark yet but it should be here in February (here come the caps lock) "PLEASE DON'T WORRY YOUR DRESS WILL BE HERE IN TIME." In time for what? The actual day of when I may not even fit into the dress? Yeah...that doesn't make me nervous at all.

Richard and I got absolutely spoiled this Christmas. In fact, I would say the most used phrase of the evening at his grandparent's house was "you don't get married every year". We got the rest of our pots as an early wedding gift from his grandparents, as well as some other kitchen goodies.

yes, our kitchen is Disney theme

super cute

I also got this Betsey Johnson watch...yay!

from mom and dad

By Mom and Dad, I don't mean the people who made me. I mean, Richard's parents. Whoa. There is Richard's 16 year old cousin handing out gifts saying "To Jen, From Mom and Dad". Wait, my parents sent me a gift here? Oh.... I've only had one person in his family tell me, don't call me Mrs. whatever and that was his aunt. This would really be a lot easier for me if you just told me to call you Mom and Dad. Though, I think my mom did the same thing to Richard...

We also spent part of Christmas eve with my grandparents and family. We ate dinner at about 9pm and only watched the best of tv: Criminal Minds and some other shows where people got murdered left and right. Needless to say that when I was left in the apartment alone while Richard went to look for a parking spot, all the lights were turned on and I ended up calling him to make sure that nothing happened to either of us.

Christmas day was celebrated by watching Disney's Christmas parade, as it has in my life since whenever it started back in the 80's. Then I got a call from my brother telling me to get to my parents house because my mom was not letting him open anything until I got there. (For those of you wondering, yes my mom is awesome and still gives us Santa gifts.) So of course, I watched some more parade and then got out the door. It was a nice day. We went around the table telling stories about those who are no longer with us and ate a lot of food. My aunt gave me an old Disney mug that we once bought for my grandma. It's a nice thing to have.

Richard and I kept our tradition of exchanging gifts at 11:45 pm on Christmas day. It's a way to still keep Christmas going and have our own time together on that day. It was pretty lovely. Some of the things we bought weren't here yet so we showed each other things on our phones. His collection of Cowboy BeBop is complete and my collection of Felicity is just starting. :) I also got some pretty flats that were featured on a tuesday shoesday post and an awesome necklace from etsy. Yeah, I'm a lucky girl.

Today I'm planning to buy some after Christmas stuff on sale and make the most of our shower money and gift cards. Exciting stuff, right? :) I hope Santa was good to you too!!

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2010-12-23T08:22:00.000-06:00

So I'm thinking damn...I still don't have a gift for anyone. For the wedding, that is. :) I'm on the hunt for a little clutch for groomsgirl and jr bridesmaid.

love the color and design

love this. a lot.

together forever...how cute!

tutus work too :)

I'm starting to think that I should be getting jr bridesmaid something more grown up...what do you think? What are your favorites?

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2010-12-21T08:05:00.002-06:00

While hitting up Old Navy in search for some shirts for my jr bridesmaid and flower girl's Christmas presents, I found these lovelies.

ooh, pretty gems

I get sidetracked when I can't find anything I like. Now, considering I'm wearing heels that are 4 inches for about 6 hours, I think these would be nice to change into. I do, however, have to wear the heels for our first dance though. Richard is a foot taller than me!

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2010-12-16T09:26:00.003-06:00

Of course, a new Betsey Johnson purse is on my Christmas list again this year and here's the one I'd like. Santa, are you ready?

please? it's on sale!

Happy Thursday Purseday to all and to all a good night.

xoxo

Accessories...hair edition

2010-12-14T09:16:00.006-06:00

We interrupt your normally scheduled TuesdayShoesday with real life wedding inspiration.

Yesterday, I did some marathon Christmas shopping. Meaning I was sitting at a computer pretty much all day looking for gifts for the people that made the cut this year. (We are paying for a wedding after all...) Anywho, I ended up looking for some Taylor Swift stuff for my junior bridesmaid because it's now my goal to keep her away from all things Miley. That's right Katelyn, write mean songs about boys...don't touch that bong!

While hunting around, I found that she is selling headbands from ban.do! Um...hello...I'm so looking for a headband for the wedding!

so sweet and simple

reception look

Can't I have both?? The thing that makes me nervous is I really just want to wear my hair down. Can I still do that with a headband?

Oh, the things brides think of...

xoxo

Thursday Purseday: Navy

2010-12-09T08:11:00.005-06:00

In the spirit of having a bag that can last you all winter long and not just the holidays, I give you...navy. :)

this is just fun

a coach purse all grown up ladies can agree on

you know I can't say no to sequins

You know how Sophia Petrillo carried around that wicker bag everywhere she went? That's going to be me, except my little bag is going to be covered in sequins. Let's hope that I'm just as funny as her and that all of my stories begin with "picture it, Chicago..." :)

xoxo

Wedding Party...Dressed!

2010-12-08T08:39:00.005-06:00

So it's official, everyone in the wedding party is dressed! The groomsgirl has a dress, as does the junior bridesmaid, the boys have suits, I have a dress...the only one who doesn't have something to wear is the groom. Don't worry, we're on it. Big fan of Kenneth Cole. :)

So the 2 girls aren't completely uniform but I think they'll fit well together. Wanna see? Let's give you a refresher on what the groomsgirl is wearing...

and it fits her perfectly :) no alterations needed!

super cute and age appropriate

So the thing about the jr bridesmaid dress? Yeah, it's not going to be in until a few weeks before the wedding and we're hoping it's going to fit her well since she's growing. (In more ways than one! The 9 year old wants a cell phone for Christmas!)

And let's remind you what the boys are wearing...

sharp and snazzy

Oh man...our wedding party is going to look so good.

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2010-12-07T07:54:00.000-06:00

I should be looking for a holiday outfit and shoes since I'm going to be spending the holiday for the first time ever with someone else's family. I'm thinking red is the way to go...

i love ankle straps

i'm thinking candy cane

sparkly shoes+holiday=perfection

thought these were fun, don't you?

There's just something life changing about red shoes. Maybe that's why Dorothy could pull it all off. :)

xoxo

NaNoWriMo

2010-11-28T13:04:00.003-06:00

I'm not going to write a lot because I just wrote a NOVEL but... I am a bonafied winner according to National Novel Writing Month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Omg...I just wrote a novel! Complete with a beginning, middle and end!

Thank you for all your support along the way. It meant so much to me and literally kept me going when all I wanted was to give up.

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2010-11-23T08:04:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was walking through the shoe section at Marshall Field's (yes, I am one of those who refuse to call it anything else) downtown and I saw these stunners. I actually turned around and walked back to admire them.

navy and bling...yes please!

These would be a great option for brides looking for their something blue. Even if you're not they're available in different colors as well so...New Year's Eve? :)

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday: Manolo Blahnik

2010-11-16T08:08:00.001-06:00

Today's word of the day is Lovely which is brought to you by Sarah Jessica Parker. I just love her, don't you? She has the greatest taste in shoes. Ok, Patricia Field does too. On with pretty shoes!

this convinced me that not all tweed is created equal.

these would definitely make a hot something blue

no post featuring Blahnik is complete without Carrie's wedding shoes

Even if they are in a different color! :) I actually like these more, what do you think?

xoxo

Thursday Purseday: Clutches

2010-11-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

So I have my mind on what kind of purse I'm going to be carrying on my wedding day lately. Is it weird that I still want my cell phone on me when pretty much everyone I know will (hopefully) be at the wedding? Ah, the times we live in. :) Anywho, here is some pretty inspiration.

i love you navy blue

amazing color

hello sequins!

As you can see, I'm not really looking for anything white but I just may shock myself and wind up carrying one in white. You never know! When Richard saw that last one he said "ooh I like it...it's like disco themed" which made me think of my little brother who used to hole himself up in his room listening to the soundtrack of Saturday Night Fever. Seriously though, Etsy is the best thing since sliced bread. No question. I love supporting people's creativity.

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2010-11-09T08:17:00.000-06:00

I'm back for Tuesday shoesday after not posting last week. I didn't know that NaNoWriMo was going to kick my butt that hard in the beginning. I'd like to say I have it under control now but I really don't feel like jinxing myself. Let's get to the shoes though, shall we?

bows and sparkle...yes.

love stars (and jimmy choo for that matter)

Couldn't you just see a bride starting out in the samba shoe and then dancing the night away in the western? I am in love. Knowing RP though he'll go to the links and start laughing at the price he sees. That's ok though. I laugh at the prices of things he wants too. :) I think we're going to work out just fine.

xoxo

Thursday Purseday: Juicy Couture

2010-11-04T08:07:00.001-05:00

I am currently going crazy trying to write a novel for national novel writing month but it's purse day. It's one of my favorite days of the week so I had to post some prettiness for the blog.

love polka dots

hello ruffled

ruffles and a bow?? Christmas!

ruffles...I love you

Now, I've never been a fan of Juicy Couture. It always symbolized "Juicy" written across someone's behind. Thanks...but no. Seeing these bags though just may have changed my opinion about Juicy now...

xoxo

Street Signs

2010-11-01T08:49:00.008-05:00

It's been a while since I posted something about my actual wedding. I'd say I would love to get back into that but November is National Novel Writing Month and I have signed up to write 50,000 words by the end of the month so...let's just say I'm going to try my hardest.

Richard and I knew our "theme" early on. I guess it's not really a theme but a lot of our little details are going to be related to one thing and that is Chicago. It's where I grew up and always wanted to get back to once my parents moved me out to the suburbs. It's where I came back to and fell in love. His parents and grandparents are always telling us that they are amazed at how much we do in the city while we really don't notice it but I suppose looking back it's true.

here we are skating on Wrigley Field...at 8am.

Museum of Science and Industry...which I thought was boring prior to this moment.

at the Lincoln Park Zoo visiting the beavers.

So that gives you a little taste of our Chicago lives. Now this idea I came up with before I was even dating Richard. (Don't deny you thought of wedding ideas too when you had no intentions of marrying any time soon. It's ok. We all do it.) I didn't like the regular numbers for tables. I mean, it's not something that bothers me at other weddings, I just didn't want it for mine. I wanted street names instead of numbers for the tables.

table names that look like street signs...thank you etsy!

We used streets that mean something to us in our relationship as well as the streets that my parents, his grandpa and my grandparents lived on. Jackson Blvd for instance...that's the street where we met. :)

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2010-10-28T08:20:00.005-05:00

Do you remember once upon a time when I said "I hate that new line of Coach bags...it takes away from the classic vision that is Coach"?? Yeah, neither do I.

Just a few days ago though I fawned over this bag at work. Most women that come into my work carry Coach but this one caught my eye. Ladies, this is the only exception for me in the Poppy line of Coach.

I immediately thought of that song which made me think...wait, I don't like paramore so much. Then I remembered there's a Glee version. Oh Glee...you make things so much better. Anyway...

Here she is:

you are the only exception, doodle glam

It's fun, right? I don't think I'd feel like I was carrying around a purse meant for a 12 year old. Why can't all of the Poppy collection be this fun but aimed at the modern woman...not the tween?

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2010-10-26T08:51:00.002-05:00

I'm definitely falling more and more in love with Burberry. So classic.

cute and classic? sign me up!

love these buckles

I'm really digging these shoes. What do you think of the classic plaid?

xoxo

Thursday Purseday: Color and the Unexpected

2010-10-21T08:32:00.001-05:00

I really like color...and unexpected things, apparently. Which is why I think Gwen and Marc are the perfect candidates for this post.

hey Gwen...let's be friends

same bag, different price!

a little over the top but it's called jennifer :)

That Marc Jacobs bag is a bit much, I know but it's seriously one of the only times I've actually liked my name. What do you think of it?

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday: Flats

2010-10-19T08:06:00.005-05:00

I'm a pretty short girl (5'4) so I used to live in heels. After a while, I needed to stop hurting my feet almost everyday so I was wearing my black chucks every.single.day. I just recently hopped on the flats train and these shoes could definitely added to my collection.

these are needed, not wanted

wanna stand out?

chic and fun!

I don't know about you, but I'm seriously trying to figure out a way to make all of these shoes mine. (Christmas is coming though...) :)

xoxo

Suits for the bridal party!

2010-10-18T08:54:00.006-05:00

We found the suits for the boys (best man, groomsman and bro of honor) this weekend. I am so excited!!! Originally I had planned on a darker grey for all of the boys but when we saw this and my brother put on the coat...I knew we had to have it.

so sharp

So, my inspiration for the groom?

ooh, kenneth cole

mmm, so gorgeous

a darker option

Richard wants to stand out from the party and I think it's a good idea. I'm a little nervous about going a completely different shade of grey but we will see. I'm sure whatever we pick will definitely be awesome. I really want to show off his personality and style.

See, tuxedo lady? Suits are freakin' hot.

xoxo

Thursday Purseday Etsy Edition

2010-10-14T14:22:00.005-05:00

Etsy is one of my best friends. Seriously, I can't even admit how much time I spend on Etsy everyday... :)

this pleated number is in the running for the groomgirl's gift :)

this cute clutch is called today is my wedding

you know how I am with ruffles

See why I love Etsy? I love finding such amazing stuff and knowing that it supports people that are doing what they really love. :) Yay!

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2010-10-14T08:49:00.001-05:00

It's that time again ladies! Fun prettiness for Thursday!

Burberry...I love you.

Usually Burberry is so clean cut and this one is really anything but. Well played, Burberry. Way to stay classic but be funky.

xoxo

PS...look out for a bonus post later!! :)

Tuesday Shoesday

2010-10-12T08:03:00.007-05:00

Secretly, we've all had a moment that we've wanted to be Carrie Bradshaw. Who wouldn't want to raid her closet full of beautiful clothes...and shoes?! I'm not sure she would have all of these listed but I do know she'd appreciate all of their beauty. :)

beautiful!!

the bow makes me love the shoe more

sequined flats

these shoes are sure to get tons of compliments

Definitely want to go shoe shopping now.

xoxo!

Thursday Purseday: Kate Spade

2010-10-07T08:22:00.002-05:00

It's Thursday ladies which means there are purses galore! :) Sounds like a good day, doesn't it??

pretty metallic...thank you Kate

reminds me of winter

sequins+bows= love

I'm not usually a fan of Kate Spade. I haven't followed her fashion line much at all but these bags may have made me a fan. What do you think? Do you like??

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday: Louboutin edition

2010-10-05T08:51:00.007-05:00

Louboutin edition! Caution: Pretty, lovely, amazing and expensive shoes ahead!

oh you red soles get me every single time.

I love the sparkles

sexy

oh lace and red soles? love!

did you know that Louboutin made heels this low??

These shoes are just a necessity of life, aren't they? So gorgeous. I'm sorry that all of these will break the bank but they're just so pretty, I couldn't help myself.

xoxo

Wedding Rings

2010-10-01T10:20:00.006-05:00

Last night we went to see The Lion King at the Cadillac Palace. It was so amazing. I have seen it before, but it's been years. Make fun all you want but it's always been one of my favorite movies. I will admit that when I was younger, I was absolutely obsessed with it because at the time I was convinced that I was going to marry Jonathan Taylor Thomas. (Come on, you know you only watched Home Improvement for JTT too.) Now that I'm all grown up, I'm still a Disney girl. The music is one of the most moving in all of the movies. Now in my adult life, I find the person I'm going to spend the rest of my life with. Luckily, he was obsessed with the Lion King too. Thankfully, JTT had no power over him but the music did. It was a fun thing to share together. It also makes me very excited to see the Lion King show in Animal Kingdom in December.

So, moving on to what this post is really about. Wedding bands. As you know, we have found Richard's on etsy.

you just couldn't find this in a store

Just a little background...Richard's favorite animal has always been beavers. He likes how hard working they are. They always need something to do and it's just their life's purpose to work. I just think they're cute. :) So imagine my delight when I found a ring that looks like it's been gnawed by a beaver! I didn't think he'd want it but he was very excited so we are in the process of ordering it. Thanks, Etsy!

Now my ring... :) I've been searching all over the internets, trying to find that one ring that jumped out at me like my engagement ring does. I knew I wanted diamonds on the band but I wanted color too. There have been a few but they were outside the budget. So we went to the jeweler where he bought my engagement ring. They pulled out tons of rings for me to look at and try on at will. That's dangerous, people. It came down to 3 for me. Sapphires, rubies or a green gemstone. Here's what I chose:

do you like our cookie jar?

I chose the rubies, obvs. It's beautiful, unique and fun. I get to wear it in almost 5 months when I say I do to the wonderful RP. :) I'm excited!!

xoxo

Thursday Purseday Neon Edition

2010-09-30T13:36:00.004-05:00

I'm a baby of the 80's. I've always had a thing for neon. Always. Whether it's "in" or not, I like thinking in terms of bold color.

love is lime green

so Gwen, right?

And that LAMB bag ladies...is the one currently going for under 60 dollars on Ebay. My birthday is in February if anyone would like to go ahead and bid on it for me. :)

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday Flower girl Edition

2010-09-28T09:03:00.001-05:00

Did you know that Jessica Simpson's line makes little girl shoes? I didn't either! These are just so cute and I think they'd go with someone's flower girl dress! :)

hello cuteness!

wow, jessica...you have cute baby shoes.

It only seems fair to show you the cute little face that could be wearing these adorable shoes. (Don't be fooled by the cute face though, trust me. The girl is...fiery.)

Couldn't help but including that last one. It's too cute not to!

xoxo

Thinking about Rehearsing...dressing up!

2010-09-24T09:38:00.006-05:00

The past few days I've been discussing the rehearsal dinner with my fmil...which of course makes me think of what I should wear to the rehearsal dinner.

Should I dress up even though I'm going to be dressed up all day the next day? I like the idea of taking advantage of wearing white. :)

ooh pretty pretty

you know I love ruffles

this style is adorable

There are so many options which is amazing but also very, very confusing!

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2010-09-23T08:15:00.001-05:00

If I won the lottery I'd go on a shopping spree for shoes and purses. These purses would be coming out of the store with me for sure.

sequins are my weakness

the name says it all: sequin disco bag

it wouldn't be complete without a bow

Yay for sequins and the pretty purses that they cover! Seriously, I need that sequin disco bag. Now. Please?

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2010-09-21T08:26:00.001-05:00

I know I'm probably the only one who will like these shoes on this Tuesday, but I had to share. They're so structurally gorgeous.

structured lace is awesome

I know you're probably thinking something along the lines of wtf... They're pretty. They're structured. They're Valentinos. They're almost 5000 which means of course I want them. I kept telling RP how I have to live with the love I have for these shoes knowing I can't have them and how can I go on knowing that? It's kind of fun when he thinks I'm crazy over fashion.

xoxo

Thursday Purseday

2010-09-16T08:05:00.004-05:00

Bags are just fun, aren't they? I love them. There's a possibility that you may see one of the 2 girls in my wedding party or myself carrying one of these.

Team Edward! (Please don't think I'm a crazy obsessed Twilight girl...I'm totally not.) Anyway, on with the purses... :)

cute ruffles, right?!

ooh, me likey

are you thinking bridal because I am

Oh girls...I love ruffles, clutches, Thursdays and the ladies of Twitter! :) Can't wait to see what you have picked out!!

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday Boot Edition

2010-09-14T08:16:00.000-05:00

I don't like boots...I especially don't like the bootie trend. These booties though...whoa. I'd actually consider wearing them.

you get me every time, Betsey.

Gorgeous, right? Love the lace and design. :)

xoxo

At your request...

2010-09-10T10:45:00.003-05:00

Nicole (@nichewhite) asked me to post a pic of the purse when I got it so...

The product of Thursday Purseday. If only every Thursday would bring me a new purse. :)

(PS, ignore the mess everywhere in the background. Thanks!)

xoxo

Welcome to Thursday Purseday!

2010-09-09T08:09:00.004-05:00

For my first purseday post I'm going to show you the purse I was encouraged to buy yesterday by my wonderful fiance. :)

fall needs bright colors too

I just found out that the purse is now on back order so I'm going to be calling stores to make sure I get my hands on it.

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2010-09-07T08:25:00.002-05:00

Fun shoes make my heart swell.

sign me up for bows and two toned shoes.

This Tuesday Shoesday thing has really solidified my love for shoes.

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2010-08-31T10:04:00.000-05:00

Up for round two...

grown up Dorothy shoes? yes please!

I actually have a pair of grown up Dorothy shoes..they don't look like this but they are still very fun! They actually look like my wedding shoes but with red sparklies (obvs) and a satin red bow. Too bad they're like 4 years old now... :(

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday: Groom/Groomsmen/Bridesman edition

2010-08-31T08:32:00.002-05:00

So way back when we started planning this wedding, Richard said he liked the idea of grey suits and yellow converse shoes. (This was, of course, after I said I wanted converse shoes instead of dress shoes.) I don't know if I dig the yellow with the darker grey that we're going to look at but here's a possibility...

cute, right? Thanks, I designed them. :)

As you can see the heel stripe is a different color, navy. I'm not sure if I dig that. Then again, I'm not sure the guys will dig buying yellow converse shoes. That's ok. They'll do it for their good pal Richard. (If they don't, bridezilla might have to make an appearence. Nice bridezilla, though.) :)

xoxo

Emmys 2010

2010-08-30T08:45:00.009-05:00

So while all the crazy skinny girls were walking down the red carpet I was eating a not healthy dinner with my awesome fiance. Yay!

Wow..looks gorgeous.

people didn't like the length but I think it's interesting

she's so cute and I'm loving the bangs.

I loved how thick and flowy this dress was

I don't usually dig lace but this is really elegant

It's obvious I'm an absolute gleek, isn't it? Ok. I'm fine with that. I totally am.

So do you think my future in-laws could afford Lea's Oscar de la Renta dress? I think it would look really great in the wedding party. :)

xoxo

Last names

2010-08-27T10:11:00.005-05:00

It's hard to imagine that I'll be a part of a new family. A family I'm creating with Richard. It's all so new and exciting.

When it comes to changing my name...I'm not so excited. I can't pretend that I'm not the person I've always been with the last name I've had my entire life. I know it's just a last name but to me it's so much more. It's a representation of me. It's who I am, it's who I've always been...it's who I'll always be. It's in loving memory of the people who aren't here anymore who gave that name to me, my grandparents. I just don't want to give that up.

Luckily, I have a modern and forward-thinking fiance who understands the way I feel about this. Not only does he accept this, he wants to add my last name to his as well. He's becoming a part of my family too, after all. I'll be adding his last name and he'll be adding mine. (Also, in case you're wondering, it will be the same last name for both of us. Mine will come first, his will be second.) There will be no hyphen. I just don't agree with the hyphen...it totally rubs me the wrong way every time I see it.

Not many know about this. I tried to explain it to my mom but she just looked at me weird and started talking about how I was the family's Gloria Steinem. (That's a compliment.) Can't wait to try to explain it to his side of the family...

Marriage is starting a new family out of love. No one needs to change to be in that family. We bring different things to the table and that's the way love goes.

chicago-detroits :)

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday...round two

2010-08-24T09:17:00.006-05:00

Enough with the neutral shoes for right now...

um...whoa. (Also, these shoes are called Jonas. Woo!)

these shoes have ruffles! Love.

Is it a dead give away that I really, really like pink?

xoxo

Tuesday Shoesday

2010-08-24T08:55:00.005-05:00

I cannot believe that I used to be a girl who didn't understand the art and love of shoes.

hello, you beautiful Valentinos...

the studs make these flats killer!

Oh groomsgirl...if only you knew how hard I was working to find you a pair of shoes.

xoxo

First round

2010-08-23T09:53:00.009-05:00

We took our first set of engagement pictures waaayyyy back in February. (I think it was February, anyway.) My lovely friend took these for us. Just a few memories... :)

pj shot...remembering the proposal. :)

yep, we're cute.

feet shot. oh yeah.

my favorite. I know it's far but that sign...

go wings! :)

They are fun, aren't they? I love my friend, Hilary. Check her out here. She's so cute and talented.

xoxo