Wedding Wednesday - Bridesmaids Dresses!

Finding my bridesmaid dresses was no easy feat; I spent countless hours perusing the internet for the perfect spring dress for my ladies.  After at least thirty emails, a spreadsheet of likes and dislikes, and a few “what were we thinking” selections we had decided on 3-4 styles for Jenny and I to check out during her summer trip to Denver.  Two dress shops, one ice cream break and three hours later I had decided on a style I hadn’t even considered before. (I know my sisters and Jenny were pleased that our hours of online shopping were essentially useless in the end.)

So how did we did we pick a completely unknown dress? Well… After a much needed mani/pedi we headed over to the bridal shop and immediately upon walking up the stairs I saw it, a beautiful flowing chiffon blush pink gown. I stopped and said, “that’s it, I want it.” It was perfect and I knew it was meant to be. :) (And yes, I had her pull it off the mannequin and no, I don’t feel about her schlepping the thing across the store and struggling to get it down.) After talking it out with my sister and Jenny we decided we couldn’t pick just one style (one wanted straps, one wanted sweetheart, one wanted one shoulder, and one wanted them all…) so each lady is picking their own style. I also secretly wanted to get my own, I mean I can wear that to the rehearsal dinner, no?

I am so relieved to have these picked out; I think we were all sick of the email chains and fruitless searches! They are Amsale in Blush Pink Chiffon and are absolutely stunning. I am so happy to know that each of my ladies will be standing next to me looking like goddesses in these dresses!! Here’s a peak of one: 

 (Photo from Amsale website)

Life As We Know It

Summer, summer, summer - what a trying time you have been. After a very stressful and overwhelming winter and spring I looked forward to more low key and enjoyable summer, little did I know what was in store for me... So what has happened these past few months and why did I drop off the side of the planet? Well let me catch you up:

1. By some miracle I finally managed to get caught up at work. The transition from my old position to my new one was less than smooth and by the end of June I nearly had a breakdown from the fact that I was basically working two jobs. However, I have finally found my balance at work and managed to catch my stride. (But I have to admit I depended a bit too much on iced coffee, Evernote, and the occasional wedding blog mini-break to get through the day.)

2. Although I was not seeking new life lessons I learned that no matter how healthy you try to be, how many days you work out, how many vitamins you take, and how strong of SPF you put on that you can't escape God's plan. I had a cold hard slap in the face and once again saw that one should never take good health for granted. After much prayer and reflection I found that once you stop asking "why?" you will be shown the answer. You are never given a battle too big to fight, the Lord only gives you struggles he knows you can handle and learn from. And while it may have taken me some time to get to a more accepting place, I now understand and am at peace with my new journey. Friends, don't take your health for granted. Yes, we are young but you never know what is in store for you. And wear your sunscreen, a tan will never be more important than your life.

3. Violet the Volvo is also having a few health problems of her own and it seems that every time I start her up another part goes to crap. I mean, I have taken great care of her and she still seems to get fussy. Why does she have to be such a fussy brat? Furthermore, Violet the Volvo is an expensive girlfriend. If I wanted to drop a couple of grand on something nice, I would be buying Manolos and extra sparkles for the wedding NOT fixing the laundry list of items that decided to come up over the past two months... If anyone knows a good foreign mechanic in Denver, please enlighten me because I have banished Violet from making an appearance at the dealership until I win the lottery.

4. Buckley got pink eye from day care. Last time I checked I do not have a dirty 7 year old boy who got sick at school, I have a spoiled dog who gets pampered at doggie day care - pink eye should NOT be my problem yet.

5. It's amazing to watch how people react and support you in times of need and struggle. People - stand by your friends and family in times of need. Call them often, remind them how much you mean to them, always say I love you, and never take them for granted. Just because you think someone can handle it, doesn't mean they can. People who honestly love and support you will not quit until they have helped, would never overshadow your struggles with their own, and they do not question being by your side rather practically annoy you with attention. I really learned who truly belonged in my inner circle this summer and I was shocked to see who did, and did not, stand by my side. And on that note I saw this on Pinterest (I die for Pinterest) and felt it that really summed up much of what I went through this summer:

6. As the wedding approaches (7 months!!) I realized I am far behind on my wedding plans. While I have an amazing planner who would never let anything slip through the cracks, I am determined to get my butt in gear and get going with this thing! :) Planning this wedding has been my dream since I was a child, I'll be damned if I sit back and let another moment of bridal goodness slip by!