Flower Girl, Junior Bridesmaid, and the guys need to look good too!

Now that the bridesmaid's dresses are picked (minus whatever Amy decides for her maid of honor dress), that makes picking everyone else's outfit A LOT easier.  You know what colors to base you decisions on, as well as the fabrics.

FLOWER GIRL: McLain Youngwood
McLain is an 8-year-old that's really tall.  Being we are going to have a junior bridesmaid not much older than her, we wanted something that would make her more juvenile.

Dress: David's Bridal H1227 in Ivory - tea length ball gown with straps.  She will be the only one with her legs showing, but the body of the dress will emphasize her young age.
Sash: David's Bridal S1158 in Lapis (shown) - the beadwork will add a nice touch and the sash will add color to her ivory dress.

Junior Bridesmaid: Kristan Misenheimer

Dustin's cousin has wanted to be in her favorite cousin's wedding from the second she was born, so we have to include her.  Being 10 years old, we felt she was a little old to be a flower girl, so we thought she could have a special role as a junior bridesmaid.

Dress: David's Bridal JB1335 in Lapis.  This is where we had to really focus on matching the bridesmaids.  Their dress is chiffon and floor length, so hers will be too.

Groomsmen: Ethan King, David King, Jon Churchill, Keith Marwitz & Kris Bence

This was Dustin's territory.  When it became his turn, he was so INDECISIVE!!!  However, I think he is pleased with what he decided on.

Tux: Men's Warehouse's Black Calvin Klein Two Button Suit with non-pleated pants.  The shirts are ivory point color.  The vest and matching euro tie is in a Bella Luna style in the color Lapis.  Cufflinks are black and silver, and the shoes are a round black toe.

Groom: Dustin King :D

We wanted him to be similar, but have something different to make him stand out.  He went back and forth with many ideas, and finally decided on having an ivory vest.

Tux: Men's Warehouse's Black Calvin Klein Two Button Suit with non-pleated pants.  The shirts are ivory point color.  The vest and matching euro tie is in a Bella Luna style in the color Ivory.  Cufflinks are black and silver, and the shoes are a round black toe.

So that's pretty much it for now!  Time to work on choosing accessories!

Picking a Bridesmaid Dress

Today was a big day - one that I have been waiting for.  Today I FINALLY decided on a dress for my lovely bridesmaids, junior bridesmaid, and flower girl.

Let me tell you, it's a HUGE relief.

Elise tried on several dresses that she had picked out from an earlier visit, and we added a couple that Dustin and I wanted to see her in.  She looked gorgeous in all of them, but we ended up choosing one that we both really like.

The dress on the left was the runner-up.  It looked nice and formal on her.  However, we were worried the sash would draw attention to the stomach area.  The one in the middle was Elise's favorite, and I had to make sure I saw it on her in person.  It was pretty, but not one of my favorites.  The third dress made Elise feel uncomfortable, but I still think she looked really pretty.

AND THE WINNER!

This dress is very re-wearable.  It will flatter all of my bridesmaids.  It will be in a lapis color (purple) and I'm really excited and happy!

Creating our Wedding Registry!

One fun aspect of getting married is getting presents! (Bad... I know, but it's true!)  And in order to get what you would like for your future married life, you need to register somewhere saying what you'd like to have.

Dustin and I decided that we wanted to register at two places - this way, we could have a place with more expensive gifts and an affordable place.  Doing that gives your guests options.  If they can't afford something expensive, they can get you something else.

We chose to register at Belk and Target.  Belk has this beautiful china pattern that we want, so that made choosing that simple.  Also, there is a Belk in my hometown making it easy for local guests.  And Target is a place that our college friends like to go to.

Unlike our parents, Dustin and I didn't get to use the registry gun at the store.  We did look at most things we wanted, but we created our registry from the comfort of his living room.  Registries are created online now.  You can add, remove and monitor items on your list daily.  It's great!

It's funny how easy this process was, and how Dustin allowed me to get most of what I wanted.  He got to a point where he didn't really care what we get.  Makes life simple!

Save-the-Dates

Save-the-dates seem to be almost required today for weddings.  It is a newer tradition (Dustin's mom had no idea what they are, and my mom kind of understood), but the idea of sending them out is very exciting.  It gives people a head up that this certain day will be your wedding so they won't plan something that day.

TYPES OF SAVE-THE-DATES: There are several different types of save-the dates.  There are formal ones that look like mini-invitations, as well as fun ones that include pictures.  

Dustin and I loved our engagement pictures and we wanted to do a simple photo card from Walmart.  I used them for graduation announcements before and I have friends who used them for their weddings.  Also doing them this way helped cut down on the cost.  They turned out great!

WHO TO SEND THEM TO: Before we got them printed, we had to figure who to send them to.  You don't have to send them to everyone on your list, however once you send it, it is required you send them an invitation to the wedding.  

First we sent them to everyone involved in our wedding - wedding party, immediate family and vendors who are family friends.  Then we sent them to our extended families - I had one person on this list, and Dustin had like a million!  Next we mailed some to family friends who deserve to have one. Finally, we mailed them to our friends who are really out of town.

We did leave out some friends, however the point of save-the-dates are to let your out of town guests have time to prepare their travel arrangements.  That's why experts say to send them out about 6 months ahead of time.  People understand.  

It's so exciting to start spreading the news about our wedding and to have people tell you they are planning on attending!  The wedding is really coming along, and it's great!

Learning to Compromise

I've been in a planning rut, so I thought I would share some insight as to something that Dustin and I have worked on throughout the process so far - the art of compromising.

Please don't throw up when you read this next part...

Dustin and I had never had a fight before wedding planning.  For two years if we disagreed on something, we communicated our feelings perfectly.  We still communicate well, however there were things that we should have communicated better.

Right after the engagement, stress began.  One, it was hard to read what our parents really wanted from us and two, people will tell you to do what you want, but complain afterwards.  Number two really affected our relationship.  Even before becoming engaged, we discussed it and the options for a while.  We just talk out things before deciding them.  But then we would receive calls from people asking if we have thought things through, and the stress would build.

Eventually stress got to the best of us.  I had worked for hours getting ideas together, and Dustin felt as though I wasn't including him.  And I felt as though he would just tune me out.  Now we didn't yell at each other, but we had to seriously talk (I cried because I wear my emotions on my sleeve).  But we figured it out and so I would only be allowed to discuss one main planning matter a day, and I would make sure I worded it to where I was asking instead of telling.

Also, I have had to learn how to let him have his things, and me mine.  I'm terrified of being a bridezilla, but I can be very particular about how I like things.  I need to include him where he wants to be, and let him have things that he likes.  Sounds so simple, but it's not.

Even though there is stress, the best moment in planning a wedding is when you decide something.  It's those moments when you realize how much you love the other person.  It's like you fall even more in love.

So all in all, learn to compromise.  Communicate your feelings every day without the blame game.  Finally decide things and fall in love all over again.

Wedding Rings - I MADE OFF LIKE A BANDIT!!!

When you plan a wedding, one of the goals to accomplish later in the planning process is buying your wedding rings.  Well, being that I work at the fine jewelry department at JCPenney's, I know when the best sales are - BLACK FRIDAY!

We have this black friday pre-sale, which on the rings we wanted meant 40% off plus an additional 25% off that price.  I opened a JCPenney account AND work there so I got 10% off that price, and an additional 20% off that price.

All in all, I paid 32% of the original price of the rings and saved almost $800.  Not bad right!?!

Dustin wanted a nicer ring.  Although I cringed at the price-tag of his good taste, I knew that he spent sooo much money on me, and the least I can do is buy the ring he wanted.

However, we had to also fork out the cost of resizing because he wears a size 8 ring.  They don't make men's rings in a size 8!!! So to fix this, the lifetime care plan equalled the cost of the resizing so his ring will be perfect for a lifetime!

For me, I tried on every type out there, and chose something a little bit different than traditional.  I also was more cost conscious.  There's no need for two expensive rings on my left had finger!



So here are my recommendations for ring shopping:

• Find something that fits your personalities.
• Don't be afraid to choose something different.
• If you are on a budget, plan ahead!  
• Pay attention to jewelry-heavy holidays.  You can get a good sale here and there.
• SHOP AROUND!

Engagement pictures are in!

Below are Dustin & my engagement pictures!  They are courtesy of Susan Fowler of Fowler Photo.

Making the Memories Last - Tips on Choosing a Photographer & Videographer

There are some wedding photographers and videographers who really rake it in.  Not saying they don't deserve to make so much, but professionals in this field can easily bring in $1500+.  

This is an area that you should take time in choosing who will be capturing your memories.  Some people out there will go with the most expensive, and that's fine.  Others will just strictly go with their friends. (Remember that your friends are not always professional.  As much as you love them, the result may not be what you desired).  If you are like me and are on a budget where you have to pick and choose, then these tips may help you.

What to look for in a photographer:

Our Photographer - Susan Fowler of Fowler Photo

Photography Package - Basic Wedding Package

We chose to go with enough hours to take pictures of me getting dress and most formal portraits ahead of time.  I'll have Susan for 6 hours (3 p.m. - 9 pm.) and receive 75 prints.  If we want to purchase more, we will!

• Style of Photographs - What do you want your pictures to look like?  Do you want the traditional portraits, black & white photos, more candid shots, or all of the above?  When researching photographers in the area, look at their portfolios.  Find what appeals to you.  If you can't afford the ones that appeal to you, ask photographers you can afford if they can take pictures like what you want.  Chances are yes.
• D&K - We wanted all of the above.  However we loved the candid/artistic photos, and that is what our photographer will bring to us
• Experience - It's helpful to have someone who has shot a wedding before.  Timing is of the essence.  However, more experienced photographers may be pricier.  It may help to take a risk on a newer photographer and communicate exactly what you want.
• D&K - Our photographer is newer, but has shot a wedding before.  However she has shoots every week and constantly improves.  Our engagement pictures are perfect and I am confident our wedding shots will be too!
• Like-ability - Make sure you like the photographer's personality and that you can work with them.
• D&K - I've known Susan for years!
• Negotiate your details up front and know what is included and what is an additional expense.

What to look for in a videographer:

Our Videographer - Preston Prince

This is an area that we just wanted to have it taped and look nice.  Preston is giving us two camera angles for an unlimited amount of time, & five DVDs.  He'll even have shots of me getting ready if requested and will edit it all together.  All for $250 - the perfect price for what I want.

• Date and time specifics - Know the total amount of hours including breaks
• Know a detailed description of fees, expenses, and other costs including taxes
• Staff included and attire, as well as accommodations (i.e. meals)
• Policies regarding negatives, digital files and raw footage
• References - Talk to other customers and see if they were happy with services provided

Hope this helps in things to look for.  This can apply to more that just weddings!  One last thing...

GET CONTRACTS!!!

So I can't eat now, right?

One thing people tell bride-to-bes is that a wedding is a perfect reason to get in shape.  Now I don't agree with that, but in college I had become a lot healthier and slimmer.  So in my mind, I didn't need to starve myself because I was perfectly fine.

I WAS WRONG!

Since graduation, I've let myself go.  Now I haven't gained too much weight (most of my clothes were fitting me fine) but I have put on a couple pounds.  Lately my pants are getting tighter and I just don't feel as confident.

So it's time to start the pre-wedding diet.  Thank God Dustin is going to do this with me.  No more soda.  No more sweets.  Time to start taking care of ourselves.  We are going to do this the healthy way.  We aren't starving ourselves.  I don't care what I loose, I just want to feel comfortable and happier with the way I look.

Here is my diet pledge to you.

• Eating out no more than 2x a week (try to limit it to one)
• No soft drink at all (did it once, I can do it again)
• Work out 4x a week
• Grilled, not fried
• Stop buying chocolate
• More fruits and veggies
• Stop munching when I'm not hungry

I won't be able to do this instantly.  It will take some work (I sound like a drug addict!) but I will do my best to have a healthier, slightly smaller but confident.  :D

Say Yes to the Dress - Tips from my Experience

Last Friday, I went to David's Bridal to try on wedding dresses.  Let me tell you, it took a LONG time.  But after a little more than 2 hours, I bought a wedding dress!

Before I continue, I must apologize.  I can't show you pictures of the dress, or tell you what it looks like.  Honestly I don't even have a picture of me in it.  There's too much risk in Dustin seeing this.  However I will say this: Looking online, I would never think to try on this dress, but I love the way I look in it.

Now that is out of the way, I have some suggestions for all of you bride-to-bes out there.

Wedding Dress Shopping Tips:

• Take advantage of your wedding dress consultant - These people consult 4 to 5 women on a weekday and 10 to 15 on a Saturday.  They know what they are doing.  If they have an idea of something to try on, listen to them! 
• Come in with an open mind - While it's nice to know what dresses you like beforehand, don't have a particular one in mind.  If you try it on and it doesn't look as nice as you expected, you become disappointed.
• Try on every style dress possible - You are not going to look like the models in the pictures, so it's important to understand how a style looks on you.  This helps eliminate options and lets your consultant narrow down what dresses to pull for you to try on.
• Remember you are in charge - Your friends, your family and people walking around the store are going to comment about the way you look in the dress.  Even if they tell you that you are beautiful in a dress, if you aren't confident in it, don't get it.
• Don't settle - Keep on trying on until you find the perfect dress.  Trust me, you know when you try it on.  If you have an open mind, it'll be okay if you try on 10, 15, 20+ dresses.
• HAVE FUN!

I'm Going Wedding Dress Shopping!!!

Tomorrow is a very exciting day!  My mom and I have an appointment at 4 o'clock at David's Bridal in Asheville with my lovely SAI sister Jessica Sigmon.  (She says she already knows some dresses for me to try on!)

When it comes to looking at wedding dresses, I'm being very cautious.  So far with everything I have had my heart set on, I have been disappointed in.  Which is fine, because I am really happy with the direction the wedding is going, but I don't want to go and try on a dress and I thought I would love and become heartbroken.  So I've just been looking at dresses online, but I have been keeping an open mind.

All I know is I want a dress that is fun and makes me feel beautiful.

This leads me to the point of this blog.  I have some questions for those brides and brides-to-be out there.

1. Where did you get your wedding dress?
2. What were you looking for in your dress?
3. What did the winning dress look like?
4. How did you know you wanted that dress?
5. Any tips or suggestions?

I hope to have an update on this soon for you!

Just an Update

This past week was really busy for me, in every aspect of my life EXCEPT wedding planning.  However, this coming week is sure to bring a lot of excitement!

My mom is the main person working with the vendors (mainly because she is in Waynesville, and I'm in Columbia!).  So other than researching things and sending her random thoughts and pictures, I'm not responsible for much in that area.  But there are some things I am working on.

ADDRESSES!  I have started to go address crazy!  I'm messaging friends and family, as well as making Dustin contact his friends and family, to get addresses into our database on the knot.  (I highly recommend this to anyone getting married!)  From that, we will copy it into our notebook to have two copies of the list.  (I like to obsess over details).

DRESS SHOPPING!  On Friday, October 22 I am going to meet my mom at David's Bridal in Asheville to go wedding dress shopping.  My lovely SAI sister, Jessica Sigmon, works there and says she already has dresses in mind for me to try on.  And of course I have my own list ready. :D

ENGAGEMENT PICTURES!  Sunday, October 24 we are meeting Susan Fowler in downtown Greenville and Falls Park to take our engagement pictures.  This will help us with our save-the-dates.

There are soooooo many things to decide, but I still feel like I'm making some progress.  I just get nervous when Dustin's mom asks me what color I want her to wear, and I thought that she got to pick what she wears.  AH!

More to come later this week... :D

Fashion Crisis: Engagement Pictures

What to wear; what to wear!  

Dustin and I scheduled our engagement pictures for Sunday, October 24.  We are taking them in downtown Greenville and are hoping for a "fall" look.  The photographer we are hiring Susan Fowler with Fowler Photo to do the pictures for the wedding as well as the engagement pictures.

We are really, really excited for our pictures.  Our problem is we have no idea what to wear!

I've been to the mall.  Of course I bought new jeans so they will look nice, but other than that, what do you wear?  Some people say that you need to choose simple outfits so the clothes won't go out of style: others say choose clothes that represent you as a person.  Is it okay to wear flip flops?  Should our pictures be formal?  These are just a couple questions that go through our minds (okay... mainly mine :D).

What did you wear for your engagement pictures?  If you aren't to that point yet, what do you think?

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Party

One thing that all of my friends agreed on, throughout the years, was that if you were to ask us at any moment, we could tell you who all of our bridesmaids would be if we were to get married.  Now certain people that remain fixed in your wedding party (i.e. siblings), however as the dynamics of your friendships change, so does your perfect wedding party.

Ashley Joyner Davis Wedding Party

When Dustin and I called our friends telling them the big news, we also proudly told them their role in our ceremony.  There was little controversy (minus a father/brother best man battle), and we knew exactly who we wanted to include.

BUT!  What do you do with your beloved friends that were once in your mental wedding party?  Do you just leave them out?  That could hurt a lot of feelings.  

That's when the lovely filler positions come in handy.  Instead of not including them, let them help with guest registry or programs.  Any way to involve them is great.  ALSO!  Don't forget to invite them to engagement and bachelorette parties, as well as wedding showers.  These are your friends to remember!

So with all of that being said, I would like to announce the wedding party of Kristen Cooper & Dustin King.

Bride - Kristen Cooper

Groom - Dustin King

Maid of Honor - Amy Cooper

Bridesmaids - Elise King, Alyssa Pierce, Kelly Litfin and Kristin Beesley

Junior Bridesmaid - Kristan Misenheimer

Flower Girl - McLain Youngwood

Best Men - Ethan King and David King

Groomsmen - Jonathan Churchill, Keith Marwitz and Kris Bence

Ring Bearer - TBA (We don't know anyone in the appropriate age range!)

Guest Book - Megan Misenheimer (and hopefully Liz Luedeman!)

Programs & Favors - Nathan and Dylan Misenheimer

We are so thankful for all of our friends and family, and are excited for our big day!

What a productive week!!!

I just want to say that I love my mom.  She is making planning a wedding so much easier.  I think that she is enjoying obsessing over all of the wedding plans more than I am, and with her being in Waynesville, it just makes life easier.

So that being said... This was a productive week! 


Last Saturday, Dustin and I made pro/con lists and finally decided our location. CHECK!

We submitted our preferred date to the church, and it was voted on in staff meeting and now is reserved on the exact day I wanted. CHECK!

Wedding party informed of duties.  CHECK!

Now it's time to start looking at vendors.  This is where my mom went crazy!  According to my lovely wedding-planning book, I need to have my vendors chosen early on.  I decided to have this done by December.  We'll need a planner (optional), officiant, caterer, musicians for the ceremony, music for reception. photographer, videographer, florist/designer, and a stationer.  (I'm sure there are more, but this is what I'll probably need.

I emailed the officiant, should have the final word soon.  CHECK!

Preferred ceremony musician contacted.  CHECK!

Photographer chosen AND engagement pictures scheduled.  CHECK!

Videographer chosen.  CHECK!

And if we go with a certain caterer we are interviewing, Dustin and I chose the menu.

Maybe we are just getting excited - but this is starting to get fun!!!

Drum Roll Please....

After a day full of touring locations and weeks of serious discussions, we finally did it!  We officially have a date and location for our wedding.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...


We are getting married June, 4 2011 at First Baptist Church in Waynesville!!!

On Saturday the 25th, Dustin and I met my parents at Homewood to get the tour.  It was a pretty place and the guy in charge really knew his stuff.  However, I was a little disappointed.  Maybe I set my expectations too high.

Then he took us to Coleman Place.  It was modern and cool, and we really liked it.  The only problem was timing.  And it is weird to me to have the ceremony and reception in the same room (no matter how fast they could change it).

So that night, we made a pro/cons list and it just became more apparent that us getting married at FBC Waynesville was the best option.  And it will make the guest list sooooo much easier.  Now anyone who would want to come is invited!

SO.... SAVE THE DATE!!!

What do I need to know again???

On Saturday, Dustin and I (with a little help from my mom) are going to be touring locations to decide where we are going to celebrate our wedding.  Here's a subject where I know I'm going to need some help from you guys.

What do I need to ask them?

My amazing book has a good list of questions we need for guidelines in getting our estimate request.

CEREMONY LOCATION:

• Are our preferred date and time available?
• Does the space accommodate our number of guests?
• Do you provide an officiant?
• Are chairs or pews provided?
• Is ceremony music included?
• What time can we set up our ceremony?
• If outdoors, is there a Plan B in case of inclement weather?
• What staff will be on-site on the wedding day?
• Is there a place fore the bridal party to get dressed? To wait before the service begins?
• Are there decor or other restrictions?
• Can we see photos of previous ceremonies?
• Can unwanted decor be removed? 
• Can we have a written contract?

RECEPTION LOCATION (not listed above):

• How many events might take place here at the same time?
• Do you provide the food and beverages? Service and staff?
• If not. can we choose whomever we prefer?
• Are elevators necessary?
• Do you provide parking services and a coat check?
• Can we have a written list of any restrictions or regulations?
• Do you have exclusive vendors, such as florists, or may we choose our own?
• Could we see photos of the space set up for a reception?
• Is the room lighting adjustable?
• Can we move furniture or other items if we want to?
• Could we see a sample contract?

Any addition tips and questions would be grateful!

Step 1: Location & Date

Okay.  So before you can hire a photographer, florist, caterer, officiant, musician, videographer - I think you get the idea - you need to know two very important pieces of information.
       1. Where are you having the wedding?
       2. When are you having the wedding?

This information is vital when it comes to planning your wedding because everything revolves around it.  It'll determine themes, decorations, who can or can't attend, if the bridesmaid dresses are cocktail or full length - just everything.  So... let's start with the easier of the two: when?

WHEN: Late spring & early summer vacation.
One thing that we have always agreed on was we want to get married in the spring/summer months.  It has always seemed nicer to us.  We also need to plan around Dustin's school schedule (as well as his sister's).  We are trying to be a little flexible because what if your ideal date does not work with your ideal location?  You're out of luck.  So our dates that we are looking at are May 21, June 4 & June 11.

WHERE:  Who really knows???
We like the idea of historic places.  They just have this nice atmosphere and look about them.  The problem is we will have to limit guests.  Also, we are thinking of having the wedding in the mountains (mainly because my family is paying for it so I have a bigger say in this).  So here are just a few of the places we have been considering.

1. Biltmore: Don't get too excited because there is a 99.9% chance this is not going to happen.  If it did, it'll be only the ceremony.  There's this location on the property called Lioncrest and it is gorgeous!  But just to let you know, Biltmore is WAY EXPENSIVE!!!

2. Homewood: I absolutely LOVE the pictures of this location.  It is amazing!  It has a historic charm without the huge price tag.  They have three locations on the property and I am more than excited to see this in person.

I think I've been rooting for Homewood all along.

BACK UP PLAN!!!

3.  FBC Waynesville:  If everywhere is too expensive, there's always good ol' First Baptist Church in Waynesville, NC.  I don't really want to get married at a church, but as I have started the process, this sounds better.  

Why?  1. It's free to me.  2. I can invite ALL of the guests I want.  Which means... 3. More presents!  Bad I know.  But can't a girl get excited. :D

So long story short.  Dustin and I are going up to Asheville September 25 to look at locations.  Hopefully we'll know the first two pieces of information soon. 

Um... what do I do next???

So you're engaged now.  Everyone's excited for you.  And even though you've been secretly planning your big day your entire life, you have no idea where to start.

It's not just that I don't really know what I'm doing.  Maybe I just get intimidated when everyone asks me all of the little details about my wedding.  Fact of the matter is I've only been engaged a week and there's not much I can do until I have a date and a location set.

I'm working on that... I promise!

However, I do have a little help.  I bought the most amazing book at Barnes and Noble.  It's called the Simple Stunning Wedding Organizer.  This binder/book includes checklists for everything, what to ask all of the vendors, a timeline, a final contact list for the wedding party, master guest list, and pockets for everything.  It's AMAZING!

To those people who are out there, what did you do (or would you do) for your wedding?  Did you go to a wedding coordinator, use websites like the knot, or did you simply do it all yourself?  If you have any suggestions, let me know!

Congratulations! You're Getting Married!!!

The day you have been waiting for - dreaming of - since you were a little girl has finally arrived: the day when the guy you are crazy about gets down on one and asks you one very important question.

"Will you marry me?"

When Dustin proposed to me, it wasn't a complete surprise.  We did everything backwards when it came to this.  In June, while in Cozumel, we went to look at rings.  I picked it out, and he bought it.  Not many girls get to know the exact ring that will one day be on her finger for the rest of her life.

After the trip, we continued our long distance relationship.  I have a job in Greenville, and Dustin started grad school at the University of South Carolina in Columbia in August.  However, we've been apart since graduation.  By July we couldn't stand it anymore, and quickly began planning our lives together.  Which led to the events of September 4.

How did he propose?  Everyone always asks that question.

On September 4, Dustin took me to the nicest restaurant.  It's called Rio Grille, and is a Brazilian steakhouse located in downtown Greenville.  We gorged ourselves, and then we went to Falls Park.  After walking around we settled on a bench in a semi-private area.  There were a million kids around, but after they left he asked me.  No big speech.  However, it was perfect.

This is my first blog... ever.  So please hang with me.   Over the next several months I will be blogging about the wedding planning process - all of the ups and downs that go along with it.

With this blog, I am looking for feedback.  Any tips, pointers, and suggestions as to what I can do to make my wedding memorable.  Please help me make my dreams from childhood a reality.

- Kristen