I have a winner!

Just in case Andy stumbles over here, I can't post my dress. I absolutely love it though. I found the dress that feels like what I want to get married in. I'm wearing it with a yellow cardigan to make it feel really, REALLY me.

It's this one from J. Crew

Apparel!

So... I'm officially the pickiest bride ever. But I think I'm doing a really good job of not being an off-the-handle Bridezilla. I just can't find anything that remotely resembles what I think I want to wear on my wedding day. Ugh. I'm not giving up. I'm glad I still have a few months.

However... Andrew, the lucky little punk, picked out his suit without even trying it on. Then he put it on and looks like the most suave, handsome, groom ever. Thank you Calvin Klein.

Andy's Suit.

We also bought all the ties for the groomsmen and our dad's. So at least the guys will have clothes...

the REAL plans....

As of a 9 days ago, we're honest to goodness officially engaged. April 11, 2009 is our big day. and the Army isn't taking him away until August. the plans are getting started.

Andy wants me to blog a bit more frequently, so I'm going to try to remember to update what I do each day (or so). I'll try to include pictures and links whenever possible.

so far...
1) I've been researching photographers. Finding one whose style I like as well as who fits into my budget will be a challenge but luckily there are a LOT of options here in San Diego.

2) I've elected to have the same videographer as all of my siblings since he's a close friend of the family and my brother's brother-in-law. we have yet to talk details, and once it's in stone. I'll post.

3) I'm meeting with a wedding planner later this week to see if she can take care of making details happen. Once I move up to WA, it'll be really nice to know someone here is helping me out. I don't want to put pressure on my mom or sister. They're busy enough as it is.

4) I've gone dress shopping. I haven't found "The One" yet. I forgot my camera. When I go tomorrow, I'll remember to have my mom take some pictures.

5) I'm online shopping for bridesmaid and flower girl options. My favorites are from Shabby Apple. They just went on sale, so I'm going to have to jump on it.

Bridesmaids.Flower Girls.

6) My colors are Yellow, Green, and Grey (possibly with punches of Orange and Red). The theme or style I want to encorporate is quirky, chic, modern with a little retro kitsch... think London in the 60s since he's obsessed with the Beatles, and I, London.

changes of plans...

The Army loves Andy. It loves Andy so much it's sending him to do some very important work in Iraq... for a year, starting in April, as in 6 months from now. After the shock wore off and I stopped crying, I decided it was time to act. Why am I living here at home without a job when the love of my life is in Washington? I love Washington. I'd love to live there! So... I'm moving. Aah!

I love thinking about moving for the fun aspects of it. Obviously getting to see Andy everyday will be amazing. Getting to know a new town, making some new friends, starting a new job and most importantly... getting a new apartment to call my own!

I've never lived in my own place but I've always wanted to and Tacoma is surprisingly affordable. I'm going to try to live in the neighborhood where they filmed 10 Things I Hate About You. How cool is that? I'm excited to stretch my creativity and meager budget to make my little place in the world adorable and inviting.

On the whole marriage front, we aren't sure what to do about timing. I'd like to wait until he's back from Iraq and discharged from the Army and doesn't have to leave me ever again. He'd like to get going ASAP. We'll see how we feel after living in the same place for a little bit. :)

*squee*

Jim and Pam get a big deep sigh from me...
perfect proposal (for them)

Perfect getaway dress...

So perfect for the end of wedding exit...

J.Crew

My Ring!

... well, maybe.

Still not engaged. Heck, the ring isn't even purchased yet. BUT we did go shopping at Shane Co. while I was up in Washington this last weekend and picked my perfect diamond and setting and luckily for Andy, I came in under budget.

It's a beautiful Oval Diamond with a pretty White Gold and Pave Diamond band. I love how it sparkles. I thought I wanted just a plain solitaire, but when I tried it on I felt like it was just THE ONE. Just like I feel about Andy. Aww....

163... :(

My desk job has made me fat. I am so excited to quit and move. I am exactly 3 weeks shy of my last day at the American Lung Association and living in Utah. 3 weeks and 1 day away from Encinitas. California here I come, right back where I started from... CALIFORNIA!

can't. stop. drooling.

Priscilla of Boston STYLE 4011

please? just add a little sleeve and we're in business. seriously, what's $4,000 above my budget?

going at it backwards...

I started my little lame blog as I was bored at work one day as a way to collect my ideas from my jaunts about the internet. I should be a professional Googler.

As a rule, I get excited about my love life and get way ahead of myself. Such is the case these days. I'm not engaged, but I have an amazing boyfriend. We aren't getting married yet, but we both feel like we have found the person we want to be married to. I'm attempting to become an event planner and thus the idea of planning my wedding really excites me and I've started early in gathering ideas, likes and dislikes.

Wedding blogs are the best things ever.

LOVE ring

Andy got me a necklace with this LOVE logo but didn't think I'd like it. I do. I think I'd like this ring even more.
vintage jewelry

felt buttons

reprodepot

I want to sew a cluster of these onto something for my niece to wear. In her hair maybe?

bicycle basket

this adorable bicycle basket makes me want to live in London. I'd carry it as I walked down Portobello Road buying flowers. it'd be like living in a fantasy! I'd have to resist skipping and whistling along the way.
relish