Invitations: The Reveal

I know I've rambled on and on about all the paper choices we've made and how hard it was to come to each and every decision. But listening [or reading in this case] to all of my babble is going to pay off. Why? Because with the RSVP deadline looming [Friday for all you slackers out there!], I figured everyone has seen what they look like.

As I mentioned before, Mr. Yankee and I went through the online dealer fourth and folded. Chelsea was an absolute dream to work with and responded to my multitude of emails with grace and efficiency. I am not joking when I say I have some of the best vendors in town. They really do rock my socks.

..Okay so enough yammering, right?! I present to you our invitations!

I gave her my ring, she gave me a piece of paper! [The Sequel]

Since there seems to be a trend in sequels in Hollywood these days [I mean really, did the Chipmunks need a 'squeakquel'?], I thought it fitting to share my wedding related sequel. No, my ring did not break again. Though I did have to fork over my engagement ring for the second time in exchange for a piece of paper it had nothing to do with being broken. It had to be re sized. Apparently, when you have an engagement ring and a wedding ring, they both should be a bit larger than normal so your fingers don't get all puffy and nasty. Who knew?!

As the nice saleslady was filling out my paperwork she asked me the estimated value of my engagement ring. Ergh... Awkward?! I have no idea! I never asked Mr. Yankee how much he spent on the ring [I only made sure he didn't over extend himself] and I could only guesstimate on its value based on the specs he gave me. But seriously- do other brides to be out there know the exactly dollar amount their fiances spent on a ring?! I guess I should know for insurance purposes, but I always felt that ring shopping, purchasing and presenting were all a part of the guys preparation for marriage.. Why spoil it by requesting a blow by blow account of the purchase?!

After I gave her my estimate she very nonchalantly said they request the information because they cannot control UPS and they need to make sure they have the right dollar amount in case it needs to be replaced. I tried to laugh it off like an impossibility when she looked at me and said "It's happened before."
WHAT?! Why, why would you tell that to a customer?! Especially a bride to be! For all she knew I could have been one walking hissy fit waiting to happen. It made me nervous, but I decided to let it go and keep my fingers crossed that it doesn't happen to me and mine.

So there you have it, folks. I gave some lady my ring[s] and received a piece of a paper and a cautionary tale that the UPS has lost their packages before. Yay!

Any other brides out there have to give up their ring multiple times?!

Bachelorette Party Cometh!

In t-minus ten days I will be on my way to my bachelorette party... in DISNEYLAND! I find myself constantly surprised that it is coming up so soon. But that doesn't mean I am any less excited! These pre-wedding events keep reminding me just exactly how close we really are to wedding day. Eek!

The current plan is to drive to down to one of my maid of honor's friends' house Friday night and sleep over. Early Saturday morning me, maid of honor yankee and two of my three bridesmaids are all hopping on a flight down to Orange county. As soon as we land we will head over to Paradise Pier, drop off our bags and trek over to the most magical, special, joy filled place ever! DISNEYLAND! [Can you tell I'm a little excited?]

So while Mr. Yankee jumps off a building, shoots guns and drinks himself silly, I will be sitting through Haunted Mansion Holiday, eating at Rancho del Zocalo and making my friends wait for ridiculously long periods to watch World of Color with me.

I have no idea what else is in store, but I am sure we will have a great time. I know the girls hope to get me smashed while in Southern California, but I am hoping to save the drunk fest for when we return and can have more participants. And I hope my bridesmaids will look at this time as a mini vacation rather than a "bachelorette" party. It will be nice to hang out, recharge and experience the awesomeness that is Disneyland together.

SOURCE

Name change debate... Not so much of a debate.

I read wedding blogs all the time. I utilize the sites for ideas of what to do and things to avoid and to make sure I am staying on task. One of the major themes in the wedding blog community is the idea of changing your name. I have read countless [at least a dozen] posts arguing back and forth as to why or how or in what manner a name change should take place. I've read stories of brides who get rid of their middle name, hyphen their last name and the ever amusing combo of both last names for both the bride and the groom.

When it came time to fill out our marriage license I wrote it without even thinking. I wrote my middle name and Mr. Yankee's last name. That was it. There was no fuss, no inner turmoil or angst. I was going to take his name- and there was really anything anyone could do about it.

Sure- I have my undergraduate degree in my maiden name and it's going to be a PITA to change everything over. But I am a traditionalist in the realist sense- Mr. Yankee is the man that I am going to spend the rest of my life with. If, I repeat IF we have children they will most certainly carry his last name. So why would I NOT choose his last name? I have no real bond to my last name. It carries no special meaning or weight with me. My mom doesn't have it.

This isn't to say that women shouldn't keep their maiden name. I am sure for every woman it is very different. And I am confident that for many women it is an intensely personal decision, racked with emotion, confusion and a sense of mandated loyalty. But for me- it was about joining my life with Mr. Yankee. To me it signifies the change from us being a dedicated couple who live together to a married couple. A family. Nothing else will really change after we get married- except for my name. And I couldn't ask for a better symbol of unity and family. To share the name of my hubby.

Any brides out there making the switch?! Was it an easy decision for you to make?!

We're Licensed!

PERSONAL PHOTO- HE LOOKS SO EXCITED, NO?

It is official! Mr. Yankee and I can actually, legally and truly get married. I am so excited, giddy, nervous, humbled and honored that we are almost at the close of this process. It really hit home for me that this is it- we are in the home stretch.
I was also thinking of the history involved in Mr. Yankee and I obtaining our marriage license. The fact that we can run down to the Civic Center, write a check and obtain permission to get married is a blessing [and a quandary] onto itself. Being a history graduate, I can't help but think of all the inter racial couples who came before us who did not have the right to marry. It's sickening to think California banned the miscegenation of Asians and Whites until a 1948 court case overturned it. I am amazed that the government felt [and still feels in the case of homosexual couples] it has the right to stipulate who can get married and who cannot. How can a government entity dictate who we love?! How we love?! It's no one's business.
So while I am thankful for the ability to be able to marry the sweetest, most beautiful person I know, I also keep close to my heart all of those who do not share in the same privilege.

Loved!

That is the best way I can describe the feeling I had on Sunday. Absolutely, positively, whole heartedly loved. I was so grateful for everything that everyone did for me and I thank each and every one of you who made the journey to the party- I hope you had a great time.

JUST SOME OF THE FABULOUS WOMEN WHO ATTENDED

The day started with my hair and make up trial - done by the FABULOUS Lindsay - and I felt so absolutely pampered. She is utterly flawless in her make up and hair; Lindsay has a real eye for what looks good and her hands just seem to sculpt you into a fabulous creation.

Then the ladies started to arrive and we enjoyed good conversation, great food and beautiful weather. I was so happy that everyone was able to make it and enjoy themselves. And again- so grateful to the wonderful women who threw the shower for me.

I loved the shower. It was a time for the women in my life to come together and bond. And I liked that it was just that- women coming together and bonding. It was relaxing and made this whole wedding thing real. I had to keep repeating to myself "This is a bridal shower. For me. I'm a bride. What the hell?" I fought back a lot of tears of joy [but couldn't fight them all] and really spent the day taking in the company of these wonderful women.

So, again I say Thank You!! I felt love like I've never felt before and am so excited about October. Thank you!!!

Wedding Induced Obsession: Shoes

Before this whole wedding planning thing started, I was pretty low maintenance. I hardly wore make up, had two pairs of jeans that I alternated between and wore the same tennis shoes pretty much every day I wasn't working. Since then?! Yeah- I've turned into a girl. Big time. The biggest change?! I am now in love with shoes!


During my outfit planning (for the shower, the rehearsal and of course the big day!), I scoured the internet for hours looking for the perfect shoes. I wanted my feet to look cute, sexy and playful- what better way to accomplish that then by getting fabulous shoes?! Some of my favorites?! Oh well just scroll down and take a gander...

Disobey - Steve Madden

JESSICA SIMPSON- ASTOR

 NINA SHOES- ELGA

Ahh.. shoes! I bought two out of the three I showed you- the Elga's I've written about before. And the Jessica Simpson Astor's?! Oh- perfection. My feet look tiny, they are comfortable and sexy as hell! I am telling you- I am a changed woman. I recently went into the city with my mom and was so excited to help her pick out shoes for the wedding. Of course, I was picking beautiful platform, peep toe heels- not exactly what she was looking for- but even my mom was looking at me with a funny look. After the wedding I hope to expand my shoe collection. It's official- this wedding is making me into a girly girl.

Any other ladies out there with a shoe obsession?