Wedding countdown!

August 14, 2016

Only three weeks to go!

I can't believe it's almost here.

Lots of last-minute preparations happening around here. I keep crossing things off my to-do list, but it keeps getting bigger, as I continue to include more and more details that I don't want to forget. 

We just finished putting together the welcome bags for the out-of-town guests . . . 




We've included a walking map of our downtown. I have a couple of bags of individually wrapped chocolate that will be divvied up and added at the last minute. Two reasons for this. I want it kept stored where it will stay cool in this heat. Also, I don't want to open up that chocolate yet because yours truly might decide to do some sampling while she's filling the bags!


Just printed a sample copy of the ceremony program to proof before taking it to the printers. Found two names misspelled. Ack. Now I'm afraid to get it printed. Hope there's no more errors lurking anywhere.



I wish I could show you a picture of the bride in her dress! I went with her to her fitting a couple weeks ago. She's going to be beautiful!

We won't talk about my "fitting." I tried on the dress I had ordered back in January and had a meltdown when I discovered it was too tight. Those 30 pounds I lost in 2015? Well, some have crept back on. Not all, thankfully, but enough. So I had to order another size up, and then decided to try another style, etc. So after three Nordstrom deliveries and returns, I think I'm good.


I had some rhinestone and pearl earrings I was going to wear, but they didn't seem to go with this dress. Plus, I don't need any more bling going on! So I found these. Not sure they were quite my style, but I really like them. And can wear them for every day, too.



We still have a couple dozen (a couple dozen!! People!) guests who haven't RSVP'd that we're trying to contact, and then I can get the seating chart together. That's a little tricky trying to plan. Who knew?

We will have 14 of us staying at our house over the long wedding weekend. So I've been putting lasagne, shredded chicken and beef for tacos, sloppy joe's , etc., in the freezer, and washing up the sheets and making beds. We actually went out and bought a twin-sized bed (which did come in handy for my recent book club sleepover) so my mom won't have to sleep on an air mattress. (Just kidding, mom!!)

The bridesmaids are all coming over here the morning of the wedding for hair and makeup. We have several stylists coming from a local salon, plus the photographer, so I am going to feed them all brunch. I have a coffee cake and muffins in the freezer, and my husband just got home from a Costco run and brought several quiches for me to put in there as well.

Okay . . . what's left?

Final meetings with the reception site manager, florist, photographer, and DJ. Final calls to the bakeries, limo service, violinist, and pianist. Remind Mr. Beautiful, the father of the bride, to pick up his tux and practice speech. Pedicures. 

 It's been going so smoothly. Which makes me wonder -- WHAT AM I FORGETTING?!

*******

ps . . . I've thought often of my grandparents this year as we've been planning this wedding. They got married during the Depression, at home, on a Wednesday night, with just a few family in attendance. Cake and coffee were served. They drove to New York for their three-day honeymoon, during which my grandfather spent a grand total of $19 and some cents on the whole thing. My mom still has the back of the envelope where he recorded all the expenses, including an ice cream for each of them. 

Linking with No Place Like Home.

26 comments

  1. Oh friend, what a blessed time for all of you. I can't help but get excited for your dear daughter and her soon-to-be husband. Marriage is such a precious gift from the Lord. After looking at the wedding ceremony {the songs and Sctipture} it's quite obvious they are honoring the Lord and that is truly an astounding testimony. May the Lord richly bless this couple as they endeavor to serve Him together.

    Your dress is so beautiful, my friend, and I know you will look stunning {{smiles}} And I think those earrings are fabulous.

    Enjoy these last three weeks as they will fly by. Praying for all of you. Love and hugs!

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  2. Exciting times for you and your family!
    Our daughter eloped last month with her Kiwi fiancee.
    I totally understand your meltdown about the dress...I am sure that you will look amazing in your new ensemble.
    I have put on 10 pounds after losing 30 two years ago...so i am starting a fitness and eating regime to shed the weight as I do not want my blood pressure spiking again.
    Enjoy this special day and best wishes to the happy couple!

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  3. How exciting pretty lady! You are looking at every detail and it sounds like it gonna be perfection!
    I'm loving your entire attire idea. That dress is lovely, I would probably have chose that style too. You're gonna be a beauty !
    Much blessings for the new couple and for their families that are preparing such amazing memories of a wedding for your children.
    Love,
    FABBY

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  4. It was only a year ago I was going through this and yet it seems like much longer, too.

    I am so excited for you, sweet friend! Jessica is going to be such a beautiful bride! and I truly love your new dress - it's going to make your natural hair color sparkle and be so pretty! Honestly I cannot believe all the extra stuff you have taken on. Wow. Well it will be fun, but whew - that's so much extra work and worry for you. I am sending up prayers and will continue to do so as you inch nearer to this special day. And an extra bit about the weather, as it has been so awful this summer.

    My daughter got married Aug 29th and her weather was perfect. I got married September 20th and OUR weather was perfect. So I am holding out for perfect weather for your daughter, too.

    Big hugs for you. God bless! ♥♥♥

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  5. Oh Deborah, the time is going to fly by, but it seems you have everything so well planned for all the guests. The program looks wonderful and it's good to be such a lovely, blessed event. Your dress is stunning and I can just picture you in it! Much love and happiness is sent to you for these final days of preparations. xo

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  6. Exciting times, three weeks will fly by but you certainly seem to have everything organized. Love the dress, such a shame you had to change it, I too have put back on a few pounds after doing so well losing it. Congratulations in advance to the happy couple.

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  7. I think you are very organized, I so admire that. The gift bags are such a sweet and thoughtful idea. I adore your dress. I've have three hanging my closet...yes three of my kids have tied that knot, one more to go. You have the added craziness with having guests! I get a little stressed out over that even without a wedding in the mix! The morning of the wedding will be so fun with the girls getting ready together. We did that with my daughter and it was so nice that the photographer came early to take some pictures.

    You are going to look like a million bucks, everything will come together and the next day you can all chat about a grand day!!! I'm so excited for all of you!

    Jane

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  8. Such excitement! It's going to be a beautiful wedding and you will not have forgotten a thing. Will be keeping you and this blessed day in prayer! (Thank you for sharing that cute story about your grandparents. I loved reading that.)

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  9. I haven't visited you in awhile...how exciting to read of all the wedding plans! You've been a busy lady but it all looks and sounds just lovely. Your dress is beautiful and the earrings are perfect.

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  10. It's so exciting to read how everything's coming together! Can't wait to see the wedding photos!

    I can totally relate to the dress situation. A few years ago, I was a bridesmaid and my dress wouldn't zip up when I tried it on just a couple of days before the ceremony. I barely ate anything the day before the wedding so I was able to squeeze myself into the bridesmaid dress on the big day. Phew!

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  11. Your dress and jewelry are lovely. I can't wait for you to share photos of this blessed event. I know your daughter will be gorgeous. Sounds like you are well prepared and I pray everything goes smoothly and most of all, that you all enjoy every minute.

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  12. Thanks for giving us a few glimpses of wedding preparations. What fun and I'm glad you've got your dress sorted. It's lovely and glamorous!

    Wishing you grace for each day and joy in the midst of it all. I don't know how it happens but it always comes together and the last thing on the list gets checked off.

    Happy days...
    Brenda
    xox

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  13. The dress is stunning! You will look amazing and have a wonderful time. All the work before-hand is worth it. I know you'll enjoy every second.
    What a sweet memory of your grandparents. I think that this generation has taken weddings to a new level - lots of fun, but no more meaningful to the bride and groom than a simple celebration in the 1930's or 40's.

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  14. Hi Deborah, the next 3 weeks will fly by. You are so organized. I love the welcome bags. Such a great idea. Your dress is gorgeous and you are going to be a beautiful mother of the bride!!
    It is such an exciting time for your family. Loved reading about your grandparents and the wonderful wedding they had during the depression. Blessings and much love to you all as you approach the big beautiful day!! xo

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  15. Wow, you've got so much done and ready-great job. I can't believe how many people will be staying at your house-that will certainly add to the wedding morning chaos. When my oldest daughter got married(she had about 200 people invited), I couldn't believe that close friends decided at the last minute not to go-which meant we paid for them to be there. It was so rude. Hope you get answers from your guests who haven't responded. Hang in there, it will be over soon.
    Your dress is beautiful!
    Hugs,
    Noreen

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  16. Thank you for sharing this very special time in your life. You are so organized and I know it will all go well. When one of our daughters got married a few years ago we had 4 people staying at our house and I thought that was crowd (it turns out the extra hands were greatly appreciated because we hosted a wedding breakfast after the wedding day and help with the tent and serving dishes, etc. was really needed!). Remember, IF there are any snags, they generally make for some funny stories and memories after the event takes place! Best to you during this wonderful time. Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

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  17. Oh Deborah, such beauty in all your preparations as you look ahead to every detail on behalf of your precious daughter. As mother's, that special time of gracing our daughters with a wedding she will remember for the rest of her life is such a blessing. It is a special gift from the Lord.
    May you enjoy these next three weeks as they will go by quickly and there is so much to enjoy and appreciate while she is still your little girl at heart, for once she is married it is a new chapter in the lives of everyone, and a beautiful new chapter by the way.
    You have chosen a gorgeous dress and I know you will be a beautiful mother of the bride both inside and out.
    May you and your husband enjoy the wedding day to its fullest as it will be a day you will never forget.
    I'm so happy for all of you and praying for that couple as they honor their God in their marriage.

    Much love to you, lovely lady~~

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  18. Oh, you are a busy bee these days, Deborah! Your dress is lovely and you will look fabulous in it. I never had a daughter so I didn't get to plan anything like a wedding for her. The parties leading up to and after my sons' weddings were enough for me. ;-) What a happy and blessed occasion you have to look forward to. Lots of lovely memories are being made as well. We can't wait to see pictures. Thank you for sharing these exciting moments with us, my friend.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  19. Great planning, Deborah, and your dress is really pretty. You'll look amazing. And good luck with getting those people to RSVP - what is wrong with people these days, really?? That still bugs me when I think of my daughter's wedding in 2013. People need to be more considerate of what all goes into event planning. Best wishes for smooth sailing!
    Rita

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  20. Your outfit looks fantastic and I think those earrings will be perfect .... Especially with the style of your hair ...... Which by the way looks fabulous! I'm in the process of going into the natural phases of silver/grey hair and have also just had about 6inches cut from it to give me slightly longer than shoulder length hair....... Anyhow, enough of me, enjoy the wedding which will come all too soon.........

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  21. Dearest Deborah,
    Oh what an exiting time this is for you and your relatives!
    Hope nothing will be forgotten and that the guests will respond timely. Don't you hate people being so lax? One absolutely cannot start planning without knowing the exact number of guests...
    You will shine in your special outfit; no doubt!
    As for the very modest comparison between nowadays weddings and your grandparents' that is such a sweet, sweet touch. They proved that even with coffee and cake and a very modest honeymoon, they lived out their LOVE.
    Blessings to you and yours and hope all goes very well.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  22. This was such a fun post to read. You are quite organized, the bags and your dress are lovely...what a comparison of this wedding and your grandparents!! :)


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  23. I hope you saved some of that Advil for you--heavens to Betsy, Deborah, 14 people staying with you for The Day? Bridesmaids and stylists there too for beautifying? You're a better woman than I, my dear.

    All kidding aside, and despite there probably being some midnight thoughts about your grandparents wedding, this is going to be fabulous and a memory that will delight the bride and groom, their families and friends forever.

    I loved your post!

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  24. Hi dear Deboraht ,, que linda espera de esa boda ,, espero que sea todo un éxito ,, espero que tengas un bendecido fin de semana
    Cariños

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  25. Deborah this is so exciting! What a lot of work and planning you have done in preparation for the wedding. Beautiful themes and colours and I love your dress! Wishing you all the best for the final preparations-Alison xx

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  26. Hi Deborah, it's been a while since I've been blogging, but I'm so glad I caught this post! Wow, these preparations sound amazing, and the fact that you have it all sorted and running smoothly is wonderful. I love your description of your grandparents' wedding ... the icecream notation was so sweet ;)
    Wendy
    ps I love your new header (although I always liked that bee!) and you look amazing in your profile pic!!

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