How We Met -

I met Chris while bartending at a Lonestar Steakhouse back in late 2005. He was friends with some of the girls I worked with and as he became a regular, I dubbed him "The Lonestar Stalker." Time passed and we started talking more and more and we even had met up a couple times with friends at a club down the street  when I had gotten out of work. The new year came and went and soon I was hearing rumors that he had a crush on me, which I didn't believe at first, but then a call from his friend Ken confirmed it. Chris finally officially asked me out some time in March of '06 and I remember looking into his eyes and the both of us just sharing and laughing so much. I knew in that instant I was going to fall in love with him. 

Our First Home

We house hunted for a little while and stumbled across a gem of a house in Danvers that we fell in love with. In fact, as we looked at it I noticed there was a TEXAS license plate above the front door. I took this as a sign since he lived in Katy, TX, and I spent much of my younger years visiting Austin and Dallas, not to mention the fact that we met at Lonestar. Needless to say, we bought the house and upon hearing the story, the sellers left the plate for us. 

The Engagement

Christmas eve, 2007, we were celebrating our first Christmas in our new home. I was pouring some wine and Chris lit the lights and turned on the holiday music. We exchanged gifts and towards the end Chris gets up because he forgot one. He come back in and stands in front of me with a plush red box (pictured above). I get up and take it from him, open it and look inside. There was a black velvet ring box! I reach in to take it while my knees turn to jello. My hands shook so much I couldn't get the box open! Chris laughed as he took it from me and opened it. I looked up at him after looking at the ring to see he was getting on one knee. I was so speechless all I could manage to say was "oh, oh, babylove!" Of course I accepted and I have the pleasure of becoming his wife on November 1st, 2008!

Let The Planning Begin!
Soon after we were engaged we started discussing our wishes. First thing we agreed on - the color scheme. Red, Black and White. Once that was out of the way were looking at possible venues. Constantly keeping our friends and family in mind, we decided on doing the ceremony and reception at the same place, less chance of people getting lost, less moving around for grandmothers and overall, just a more relaxing atmosphere for everyone.

It didn't take long to love the Hilltop. The local was close to both families, I had worked there as a server once upon a time, they had just renovated their function rooms and they were gorgeous, their packages weer wonderful too. So before we knew it we were signing our names to the contract! Hilltop Steakhouse  Included in the package was the food, DJ and limo, cake, table centerpieces, bridal suite, and of course the room for 6 hours. The cake is from D'Amici's Bakery and their cakes are gorgeou and from what I hear, delicious. We picked the Forever Yours (below) but opted for red accents like the one beside it.  

Next, I went out shopping for my dress at David's Bridal and ended up with the frist dress I saw that I didn't even want to try on. Goes to show you. I love the dress and can't wait to wear it! I will not post pictures here because I'm extermely supersticious. Sorry. You'll have to wait for the post.

The shoes just came to me as if in a dream. Oh yeah baby, ruby slippers, just like the ones in the movie! I've worn them a few times around the house to try and break them in a little bit, but am a smidge nervous as they're covered in sequins.

The Wedding Party!
We had thought about who to have up there with us and it's hard to pick who to have with you when you have so many friends and loved ones that you want to share it with. However, I put together my list and promptly let the girls know.

MOH - Sister Amanda.

We've shared so much over the years, including a room. Scary buisness.

Both my sisters way back when:

BM - Sister Alie.

Though we're miles apart, I think of her everyday and miss her so much - So happy she can share my happy day!

 BM - Cousin Stacy.

Best friend, ex-roomate and one of Fitchburg's finest!

BM - Cousin Kim

Bestie, real american hero and all around fun chick.

BM - Katelin

Bestie, partner in crime and fellow ex-Lonestar bartnder.

On with the planning...still.

Flowers

After that it was off to the florist to check out what they were going to be doing for the centerpieces (came with the Hilltop package as well) which will be these, only in reds Gerbera daisies and such. We also get a head table spray in reds as well. Woo!

My bouquet will be white gerberas with red centers with smaller all-red gerbera daisies. The girls will have a tall gebera daisy bouquet (red) and the boys, well, Chris will have red and white gerbera and the rest, just one red. Can you guess what my favorite flower is? Hmm. I can't wait to see how they come out. The woman there was awesome and made sure I was getting exactly what I wanted.

Hair/Makeup

I will be getting my hair done at Nicolo Salon in Melrose (sorry, no link, but they're awesome, trust me!) I am not really sure how I want my hair other than wanting a curly half-updo.

As far as hair acessories go, I have so many pictures in my mind as to what I like, something like a sparkly star flower or maybe even a white antique looking flower. I know for certain that I do NOT want a tiara and I'll definately need something.

Messing around wth hair and makeup at my MOH's:

Makeup!

I have some looks I like. Given that it's an evening wedding with such dark colors, I'm thinking some more dramatic makeup might work really well, My sister (MOH) messed around using browns and greens and it made my hazel eyes look much we greener. We also decided to go with false lashes...nothing nuts, but definately need something.

 Assessories I think I need to have...

Some of the pretty little things I love so.

 Start Spreadin the News!

We got the ideas to make magnetic STDs since that seems to be the trend AND because I know my family and pals would like the convience of sticking it to the fridge rather than having it get lost amonst the bills and junkmail. Chris got to choose the picture we used. He chose the picture of us kissing at the annual Pink or Kink party, yes, I'm wearing a feaher boa, and yes, he's wearing a tie on his head. Classic.

I wanted to make the invitations a little more sophisticated so picked up a printable kit and got working on them. I tied in the STD design to the directions and menu card though. These bad larrys are being mailed 8/27!