Biggest Box Ever

Our favors came in the mail yesterday! They turned out fantastic, and I can't wait to hear what our guests have to say about them.

We got a GIGANTIC box in the mail today. Don't worry... We didn't open it, but I have to show a picture (with Chance as a size reference). Any guesses on what's inside... or anyone who wants to admit they sent it?! ;)

I've received a couple questions on if we've finalized the baker. Well, we're TRYING! I sent the 2nd baker (the one who's not been easy to work with but who has great-tasting cake) an email on Monday with my ideas for the cake & cupcakes. I asked for a quote and to make sure that she could carry out our ideas. I haven't heard back. She's been given a few chances so far, and if we still haven't heard by the time we get back from Cleveland, that'll be strike three & she'll be "O-U-D-T" = out.


The invitations are ready to go... complete with "L&P" stickers to help seal the envelopes. Knowing they're ready to be put in the mail makes me feel like this is really happening! Once they go out, it's REAL.

That makes me think back and get a little bit cheesy... Before I met Patrick, I always hoped - but also doubted - that I'd find the right guy for me. There are so many variables that have to work together for both people in couple, and I had no idea how it could match up perfectly. After going out with guys who didn't even get close to living up to the ideal guy I hoped I'd find, I often questioned if I was too independent and was meant to be single. That changed with my tall redhead. Since our first date, Patrick & my relationship has amazed me at how easy it has been. That might sound strange if you know the last few years for us. Don't get me wrong; we've definitely been through some of the toughest times I could imagine, but we've stood strong together and have been there for each other whenever we've needed. I'm so excited for that to continue and to see what our future holds...

-Lisa

Playing Dress-up With Makeup

After work today, I headed to the mall with the intention to get some new makeup. Even though I know my cousin Katie said she'd try out some different looks when I go to St. Louis (in two and a half weeks), I couldn't wait! I had a girl at MAC give me some suggestions and try out some colors... This was my favorite:

I wound up getting a couple of the colors and plan on bringing them back to St. Louis in two and a half weeks to have Katie play around with them (and potentially other colors, too). Since I liked the way the MAC girl did the makeup, I'm looking forward to seeing what it'll look like once Katie does it and once we put on false eyelashes - should be even prettier! She may even have some better ideas. I still need to figure out what to do with my lips... I'll be the first to admit that they're thin, so I want them to stand out without drawing much attention. No dark lipstick for me. Hopefully Katie and my Aunt Connie will have some suggestions (if they're reading this: hint, hint)... ;)

- Lisa

Cleveland Wedding Shower

While I'm on the subject of the shower, I have to show how cute the invitations are for the Cleveland wedding shower (with the address/phone number edited out)... LOVE them:

Crazy to think that we'll be leaving next Friday for Ohio!

-Lisa

We Got Our First Registry Gifts in the Mail!

About an hour ago, I was finishing decorating the invitation envelopes when we got a knock on the door. My new best friend, the FedEx guy, had dropped off a huge box from Bed Bath and Beyond. It took me a couple of seconds of staring at the box to figure it out, but it was our first present from our registry!

He was as excited as I was!

 
Patrick and I weren't sure if we should open the box, but after a quick discussion, we decided to go for it! I give total props (and thanks!) to Patrick's Aunt Marie and cousins Candice, Kerri and Jackie... Their shower gifts TOTALLY made my day/week! Now I think I can officially become excited to come home and see if there are any new packages waiting at the front door... So. freaking. exciting!

-Lisa

Favors, Programs & Invitations

There are a few main things I've been focusing on the last couple days, and some big updates come along with that focus:

FAVORS
Over the last few months, Patrick and I have known what we want our favors for the reception to be, but we've been waiting to find the right vendor and the right design... We finally found both! I ordered those today, but you'll have to wait until the reception to find out what the favors are. I'm thinking they should be finished and delivered in the next couple weeks and am really excited to see them.

PROGRAMS
The layout is completely put together. I'm just waiting to finalize the ceremony order so that can be updated, and there are a couple details I'm still playing around with.

INVITATIONS
All the invitations have been made and assembled. I printed out new envelopes for people whose addresses have changed in the last couple months. You can see in the picture that there are four envelopes that aren't sealed (b/c those addresses are still needing to be updated), but the rest of them have been double/triple-checked to make sure the names are correct.

Once we get the stamps, I'll pull Patrick in to help me. He doesn't know yet, but he'll find that out soon (wink, wink). We get to mail them in the next few weeks, but it's going to be hard for me to wait to send them once they're ready to go. Any bets on when they'll hit the mail?

-Lisa

Red Solo Cup

I was watching Say Yes to the Dress tonight, and one of the brides went back to the store to select a different gown. She had second thoughts and decided that the dress she originally chose wasn't what she wanted. Watching that, I have to admit that I can absolutely understand how she was feeling: I had the same feeling of questioning/doubting my decision. I would see details on another dress and think "I should have chosen a dress with that." I've looked at the pictures from the day I found my dress MANY times, and that's helped to make me feel more confident. When the dress came in and I tried it on, and especially at the first fitting appointment, I knew that I made the right decision. I love it already and can't tell you how excited I am to try it on again - with the changes we've requested!

We had a fun day yesterday participating in the Idiotarod, a spin off of the Iditarod for charity. Our team dressed as red solo cups, and our theme song (and inspiration) was Toby Keith's 'Red Solo Cup.' We didn't win any prizes, but check out how well our costumes turned out:

 We definitely have fun friends!

-Lisa

We Ordered Our Sectional

We've made some progress in house updates lately. We finally had someone buy Patrick's couch from craigslist, and it was even sold for our asking price! Banks got the really comfortable couch that was in my loft, and we've moved my sofa/loveseat set into Patrick's living room. On Sunday, we wandered into Ashley Furniture... and we walked out a couple hours later - having purchased the sectional we had been looking at.

They said it would arrive in 4-6 weeks, but it will probably be quicker than that. Once we hear a more accurate update of when it will arrive, we'll focus on selling the microfiber set on craigslist.

We're also keeping an eye out for a recliner that would match the type of chocolate-colored Durablend leather of the couch. We tried to find a matching recliner from Ashley furniture, but unbelievable enough, they don't make a recliner that would fit Patrick in that same material! His long legs make it necessary to have a sturdy footrest that won't fall when he rests his legs on it. Combine that with wanting to find one that's comfortable, and that doesn't come easy!

I realized that the next few weekends are going to be crazy for us. This weekend is the Idiotarod (a goofy race in downtown Phoenix) and the Superbowl. Next weekend, Banks is having a housewarming party & we're going to see Star Wars in 3d (Patrick is VERY excited). The weekend after that, we're headed to Cleveland. Then, we run our half-marathon (my foot is finally feeling better!), and the weekend after that is our trip to St. Louis. I'm tired just typing all of that out. ;)

Our cake topper arrived in the mail yesterday, and it looks just like I had hoped. We'll be in touch with our chosen baker in the next day or so, and then the cake/cupcakes will be checked off the list.

We're headed out now to get supplies for our costumes for Saturday; pictures will quite possibly be posted soon after... Start getting excited!

-Lisa