How We Met

  We actually met on Yahoo Personals, when my friend Rachel suggested I go on there and look at the profile of a friend of hers she wanted me to go on a date with (she likes to play matchmaker).  Well he wasn't really my "type" but I kept the profile I had made on there "just for fun" and Brendon messaged me one day.  After talking for a month we met in person on Easter weekend, and the rest is history.  I think that you do "know" when that special person comes along.  I had always been rather hesitant about getting involved with anyone, but with him it was a serious relationship from the start.

The Proposal

 The proposal happened in April of 2007 after seeing "Blades of Glory" at the theater, which always puts a smile on my face haha.  I suggested we walk across the Crim Dell Bridge at William & Mary (the second-most romantic spot on a college campus according to none other than Playboy).  Legend has it if you kiss someone on the bridge, that's the person you'll spend the rest of your life with.  We hadn't ever walked across, but little did I know my suggestion came at a perfect time.  Halfway across the bridge we kissed and then he said he had to get a rock out of his shoe...I didn't think anything of it...until he pulled a box out of his pocket and asked me to marry him.  My response?  I laughed!  Not because it was funny, but I think that's just my response when I am surprised and over-emotional.  Then I hugged him and he reminded me that I hadn't said yes.  Don't worry, I did!  It isn't easy for Brendon to surprise me but he pulled this one off well.  His "story" was that the wheels were being aligned on his car.  He went to "drop the car off" but was really dropping the diamond off to have it put in the custom setting.  And later on he picked his car up....and along with it, my ring!  I didn't think twice about it!

My Ring:  Brendon got the diamond for my engagment ring in Dubai while he was deployed in 2006.  He then went to Jared and customized a setting for it.  It is perfect!  I love the diamonds down the side...it sparkles so much and is very feminine.  He also got the matching wedding ring.

Engagement Pictures:

AND NOW TO THE PLANNING!!

We are planning a casually elegant summer beach wedding with a reception to follow.

I'll be "re-marrying" my superman on July 5th, 2008--and I can't wait!

The Invitations

We're currently deciding between two styles.  The invitations will be very personal, because the picture featured on them is from our first wedding! 

(I love how the picture in the background is of us, but it's not blatantly obvious...special without being tacky...and it's from the day we were married officially, so it ties the two together.)

(RSVP Card and Information Card)

The Rehearsal Dinner

Since the majority of our family and friends have not met, and it's 4th of July, we decided to host a backyard BBQ instead of have the rehearsal dinner at a restaurant.  This way people can mingle more!

The Ceremony

Location: Fort Monroe, VA

http://www.monroe.army.mil/

Time: 6:30pm

I am the type of person who always buys the postcard with the city at sunset...so it only seemed appropriate that we get married right before sunset- and follow it up with pictures on the beach while the sun goes down.

(Brendon on the deck of Bay Breeze Community Center overlooking the ceremony site.)

(We're going to have something along these lines but probably darker bamboo and no plants.)

The Wedding Party

  We're excited to be surrounded by such great guys and gals!

The Lovely Ladies

Maid of Honor-

   Megan:

Megan is my fellow Army diva.  She and I met while in Army ROTC at William & Mary and we've been through thick and thin together.  When Brendon left on one of his numerous stints at sea I called Megan up crying and she said, "I'll be right there.", then picked me up and took me to her place for some chocolate cake and consoling.  Doesn't everyone need a friend like that?  Megan is also the member of the bridal party who has met Brendon the most--and has always been so supportive of us and happy for us (I think it's because he gave her dress advice at a store once, how many men do that?)  She's also traveling the furthest- from Alaska- for the wedding.    THANK YOU!  We're going to have a blast.

Bridesmaids-

   Rachel K.:

I've known Rachel the longest of any of my ladies...since elementary school.  I remember sneaking out of our fourth grade classes and meeting up in the bathroom to chit-chat.  Although we don't see each other nearly as much as we would like, whenever we do get together we pick up right where we left off.  You can always be just who you are around Rachel, and that's something I've always appreciated.  I'm so glad to have someone standing by me who has been standing by me since I was a little girl!

   Rachel R.:

We're not certain yet whether or not this Rachel will make it, due to the baby boy that's on its way (yay!) but with any luck she will be.  Rachel has always been the planner of the group- without her I don't know if we would all have gotten together as much as we have over the years with our crazy schedules and not being in one place at the same time.  She's the person you cozy up with a cup of cocoa with and chat for hours...and her husband Justin is always kind enough to let us go on our girl tangents!  I don't know how to describe it exactly but being with Rachel is like getting a big hug!

   Tina:

Tina actually electrocuted me freshman year of high school in biology class (just minor sparks, no ER visits)...but nonetheless we remained lab partners and close friends.  I love how down-to-earth and "real" Tina is.  Tina is also possibly one of the most determined people I know.  Her ambition inspires me.  She always tells it like it is, and is a great source of advice.  Her laugh is infectious, and I know we'll be dancing up a storm at the reception.   

   Kindra:

Kindra is my wonderful sister-in-law.  I think she and Brendon should win an award for best looking brother and sister, but I'm probably biased.  She needs to be working in the public relations field with her talent at charming a room...as soon as I met her I knew we were going to get along very well, and she never fails to make me smile.  This is why I know she's going to get the party started at the wedding!

The Gentlemen

Best Man-

   Chad:

Brendon met Chad through the "Velocity Racing" car club in Indianapolis in 2001, shortly before he joined the Navy.  The two became roommates and the friendship has endured despite the difficulty of actually getting together!  Chad has always made an effort to stay in touch and to see how Brendon's doing, whether he's out at sea or here in Virginia.  Brendon says of Chad, "he tells it like it is", a quality that is much appreciated.  Additionally, he's keeping the streets safe in Richmond, IN...and getting some free coffee for it, too.

(Chad loves having his picture taken, can you tell?)

Groomsmen-

   Gordon:

Gordon and Brendon met on the USS Enterprise--their "home" and workplace.  Both share a passion for cars, and Gordon can often be found in the garage tinkering (when he's not watching foreign films and eating Krispy Kremes).  Brendon says of Gordon, "he has always been there for me and it's nice having someone who shares many of the same interests. " Except for shopping, because Gordon can spend a LONG time in Banana Republic and Brendon goes glassy-eyed after about two minutes. 

   Evan:

Brendon also met Evan aboard the Enterprise and he has since become one of Brendon's best friends.  They are both avid paintballers and military history buffs.  You know it must be a good friendship if they're able to last through football season (Evan is a die-hard Patriots fan and Brendon is loyal to his Colts).  Brendon says of Evan, "It seems like we always know what the other is thinking, and even if I'm having a bad day he always knows how to make me feel better."

   Justin:

Brendon met Justin in Charleston, SC while they were in "Power School" (training for Navy nuclear machinist mates)...but the two actually grew up in the same city!  Brendon says of Justin, "he's like a brother."  And I add on that Justin always notices the little things (which most men don't-no offense) and tells you.  It's always nice to receive a compliment from him! 

The Bridesmaid Attire:  I wanted to make sure the bridesmaid dresses made everyone happy, and that it was something that they would potentially wear again.  We settled on a jade charmeuse dress from David's Bridal.  It has since been discontinued, which means not many maids will be wearing them this summer!

The Groom/Groomsmen Attire:  We settled on a black tux (no tail) that looks more like a nice black suit to me.  I debated about doing vests and ties that matched the bridesmaid dresses but Brendon was afraid it would not be masculine enough to wear teal, so silver it is!

http://www.menswearhouse.com/tuxedos/tuxedo_builder.jsp?style=1862CK|8857HBPLT|eurotie|5770|4304|8800SS

(this link will bring you to the tux I built online)

My "Ensemble":  I still haven't quite made up my mind between the two, yes two, dresses that I have right now.  But the first one I fell in love with is an ivory Galina gown by David's Bridal, style 7V9178.  It is a georgette slim gown with beaded and embroidered illusion back and ruffle.  I knew I didn't want something with too much poof...I tried on a couple that were fuller but I just didn't feel like me in them.  Besides, the wedding's on the beach!  This struck the perfect balance.  It's simple, yet elegant...and the lace, buttons, and ruffle in the back add that little extra.

**Note: They gave me a bustier to try on underneath it, which is why you see the line in the front and the white in the back.  It won't look like that on our wedding day! **

Dress #2, but it's ivory...and I don't have pictures of it on me yet. It's a Cara Mia "Bellissima" design made out of Italian satin.  The beading all over it is gorgeous!

 The Shoes:

These got great reviews on the David's Bridal website as being comfortable, and I think I'll dye them black after the wedding so I can re-wear them.  I love the vintage-y look of them and they match very well with Dress #1.  I also got a good deal on these since another bride changed her mind about her dress and couldn't wear these anymore.

David's Bridal "Marissa"

I plan on wearing a birdcage veil- I don't want anything to cover up the back of the dress since it's so unique, and I like the old Hollywood glamour feel of birdcage veils.

My bridal jewelry was given to me by Brendon as my Christmas present this year.  He purchased it in Dubai on his last deployment.   It is a beautiful set of pearl necklace and earrings, accented with diamonds and topaz (my birthstone).

My something blue!  London Blue Topaz Ring (Topaz is also my birthstone)

Hair/Makeup:  I want a very soft, natural and romantic look. 

I hadn't originally planned on having a makeup artist but I worked with Kim Thompson at a photo shoot (her husband is a photographer) and she did a great job.  I decided since this isn't one of my talents, it'd be a good idea- I don't want to be shiny in pictures!  But she's keeping it very natural.

(This wasn't a makeup trial for the wedding, but what she did for the shoot.)

Special Touches:  One of the things that makes our wedding so special is the involvement of our loved ones.  People that we care about greatly are sharing their talents throughout the ceremony and reception.  We are so grateful to them and know it will make the wedding both unique and even more touching.  I don't want to ruin any surprises--but be prepared!

Reception

Location: Bay Breeze Community Center (also at Ft. Monroe)                     This reception hall is located on the beach right behind our ceremony location.  I love how one whole wall of the hall is floor to ceiling windows and doors that lead out to a deck and overlook the water.

Menu:  We will be having a sit-down dinner with a choice of three entrees-      Chicken Marsala, Filet Mignon, and Tuna Steak

   **note, there is also a vegetarian option available **

Cake: 

(I have always liked to have my cake and eat it, too!)

I really lucked out with this one!  I posted an advertisement on Craigslist looking for someone to do the cake for our wedding and John Rossi responded, saying that he had been a pastry chef before joining the Navy and was getting back into it and starting up a wedding planning business.  We got a great deal and he is both extremely kind and a perfectionist all the way.  When we went for a tasting, he had made a small cake for us with my design in mind.  I was pleasantly surprised- thinking we'd just be tasting cake and not SEEING our "vision." 

The cake will be very similar to the picture (which is the one he made) but with teal ribbon instead of black, and mango colored callas instead of cream.  We're still debating whether or not to put a crystal monogram "H" on top or not.  The bottom layer will be chocolate, because apparently that's the crowd pleaser, the middle layer will be a nod to summer with lemon cake and cream cheese filling, and the top layer (my favorite) will be a white chocolate almond with raspberry filling.  Yumm!  The frosting is buttercream (I'm not a huge fan of fondant)- but he still managed to get it very smooth and do the detailing on it.  I'm impressed!

His website is:  www.yellowroseonline.com

Flowers:  I was so happy with John that he is now doing our flowers and decor as well.  I wanted a tropical feel to the arrangements, and prefer not to have too many colors competing at once.  We have decided on mango calla lilies, with green roses, green mini hydrangea, and green berries for mine.  (Similar to the picture below but minus peonies and different colors)

The maid of honor bouquet will be a smaller version of that, and I think we'll just have mango callas for the bridesmaids. 

The gentlemen will have mini callas (also mang0) with sea grass twisted about it artistically! (Similar to the picture but with green berries instead)

Photography:  I am a lucky girl to have a wonderful friend, Nathan Allison, who will be photographing the wedding and reception for us.  Our engagement pictures were also done by him.  We met in 2006 when I did a photo shoot with him (he was a photography student looking to expand his portfolio...and I have always been interested in photography).    Sinc e then we've gotten together on numerous occasions and he always manages to make me look my best on film--which is what we all want on our wedding day!  Also, no surprises--I know him and know he won't drive anyone crazy on the day, and will manage to be unobtrusive while capturing the special moments.  He has a great photojournalistic style and most importantly, makes me laugh!

(This is Nate having a bright idea.)

Picture Ideas:  I have heard advice that providing your photographer with an exhaustive list of "must-have" shots is not the way to go, and completely understand.  That being said, there are a few pictures I have seen from other weddings that serve as inspiration...

(Brendon's "baby" is his Nissan 350Z, and I think that having a wedding picture involving his car would be a nice touch...of course it'll be more difficult since his is not a convertible...but thankfully it is also not yellow-no offense!)

(I know the "jump" picture has been done, and possibly overdone, but I don't care...I love it!)

Photo Locations at Fort Monroe

(We might break tradition and take these before the wedding since we will be pressed for time afterwards...since we're already technically married I think we're safe in terms of "bad luck.")

Okay, so we won't be jogging in PT uniforms...but a picture in front of the moat is a must-have!

...and in front of Ft. Monroe's "Old Point Comfort Lighthouse"

Isn't this place cool?!

The gazebo is another popular ceremony spot but we're just taking pictures there.

the old Chamberlain Hotel

I think every bride needs a picture with heavy artillery.

DJ:  The DJ for our wedding is J.W. Seay (aka "Big Dawg" DJ Services).  He is very personable and I know he will get people in the party mood, without going over the top!  He is very reasonable price-wise and flexible in terms of what you're looking for (for example he also does karaoke).  Since we have special performances throughout the ceremony and reception we needed to make sure he had wireless microphones and an amplifier...he assured us it would all be taken care of!

Reception Decor:

Centerpieces:

We're thinking of doing something along these lines for the centerpieces, but with curly bamboo (and less of it), flowers that match our ceremony flowers, and on top of a round mirror with sand and white votives on it (see picture below--but without the lanterns).

 I also really like the look below...I'm torn!

Tables:  The tables will be dressed with white linens, white chair covers, and teal sashes on the chairs.

Table Numbers:  I am excited about this one because Brendon came up with the idea.  He loves cars, I love cars, and both of our families know this...we're naming each table after a classic car and placing a picture of the car (probably in B&W) in a silver frame.  There will still be table numbers as well so people aren't wandering around trying to find their table for ages! 

Ferrari table, anyone?  It will say "Table 8" (for example) in the white border at the top, and "Ferrari" in the white border at the bottom.

Placecards:  We're going to tie a piece of cardstock to a sanddollar with ribbon that coordinates with our wedding colors.  I like that it incorporates the beach theme without being too "kitchy."

Favors:  In lieu of favors we are making a donation to a non-profit organization devoted to supporting the families of wounded or fallen servicemembers.  Being that Brendon just got out of the Navy, and I'm in the Army- it seemed an appropriate choice.  Also, most people are flying to the wedding.  We felt that the money was better spent on a good cause versus something people might not want to put in their suitcase! 

Picture Upload Cards:  I am so glad that I saw this in someone else's wedding bio online.  It's such a great idea for everyone to upload their digital pictures to a central account on www.shutterfly.com and I got free cards through www.vistaprint.com (just paid shipping).

Non- Wedding Related Goodies (aka "Our Life Now): 

We're so happy to be starting our life together after so much time apart.  One year in Germany (for me)  and two deployments later (for him)...Brendon's out of the Navy and we're living in a house with our friend Gordon and our puppy Patton (he is spoiled rotten but that's not a surprise).  We don't take it for granted that we are able to see one another every day now and try to spend as much quality time as possible at the park, cooking, and lounging!  Brendon's currently working at Northrup Grumman and I am attending law school at William & Mary.  This summer in addition to preparing for the wedding I'll be interning as a legal advocate at a women's shelter.

(The "Family"-minus Gordon-outside the house.)

(General Patton-you'd spoil him, too!)