This past weekend we headed to my parents house to celebrate our engagement with our families and members of the bridal party. My mom and I had been planning this party for several months and I was so excited that the date had arrived. When we planned the party, we knew it would have to be in the winter and that the weather could potentially be crap. Kentucky has had almost no snow this winter, but the week leading up to the party we got a ton of snow (10+ inches). The day of the party had the potential to be another huge snow storm, but it warmed up and rained a ton. So imagine 10 inches of snow on the ground and rain pouring on top of that. It wasn't pretty... Some of our guests couldn't make it to the party (due to the crazy weather), but we decided to go ahead and not reschedule since we had spent so much time planning.

We got our invitations from Minted and both my Mom and I were so impressed. Not only did the invitation come out perfect, we also used their free addressing option and saved tons of time.

Mom let me choose the decor and I loved how it all came together!

When life gives you snow, use it to chill your champagne.

We went with navy tablecloths and a little burlap runner. I knew I wanted bright spring flowers since it had been so yucky outside and our florist did a wonderful job! The little bunting above the bar and in the hutch had photos of us throughout our relationship (we also put extra photos on the tables). I had a fun time looking back through iPhoto at the thousands of pictures that I have from our college years. I also scattered Engagement MadLibs around on tables for people to fill out, which provided us with lots laughs when read aloud later.

After our guests arrived we allowed them to mingle and have a drink before my Dad gave a toast and we all had a glass of champagne (the perfect way to start the evening)! We then had dinner (that my mom had catered) and watched the Cats whoop Auburn. The bourbon continued to flow and as the night went on the boys got into some competitive rounds of ping pong. All in all it was a wonderful night. It allowed our families to get to know each other better and spend time in a relaxed environment. Now for (even more of) a photo dump :)

Lindy, Megan and I!

I'm gaining a lot of brothers-in-law and one sweet little sister-in-law!

Three of my five Maids!

Abe's little sister (Amanda) is going to be our flower girl!

Abe and I with his Mom

Abe and I with my Momma

My Dad and I

Abe and three of his five Groomsmen

On a totally unrelated note, we should get back our engagement photos by the middle of this week! I can't wait to see them!! 

On Valentine's Day Lindy, my Mom, and I went to La Grange, KY to visit The Couture Closet and look at wedding gowns! I can't say enough good things about The Couture Closet. It's a beautiful store in the quaint town of La Grange. Each appointment is set up so there will only be one bride there at a time. The dresses are displayed on the wall on wooden hangers instead of being put on a rack. By doing this each dress is really allowed to shine!

When we arrived, they had Valentine's Day cookies for us to munch on while looking around the store. I described what I liked to the assistant and she pulled the perfect dress. I was in love immediately! We chose a few other dresses and then went to the dressing room. I tried on the dress I was in love with first and I instantly knew that it was the one. I couldn't stop grinning as I walked out of the dressing room and to the couches where my Mom and Lindy were sitting. I couldn't take my eyes off of the dress. It was perfect and beautiful!!

I walked around the store looking at myself in each mirror (I really didn't want to take it off!). Just to make sure that it was The One, I tried on four more dresses. These dresses were all pretty, but none was better than the first dress. We decided that I should put back on the first dress and when I walked out and they put a veil on me I knew that it was what I had been looking for. I'm not an emotional person, but I almost shed a tear as I looked in the mirror. Everyone agreed that I was glowing and that it was perfect. We put down a deposit and it should be delivered to the store by May. After that I have 3 fittings scheduled to do any alterations and then it's all mine!

These were taken right after I'd been measured. Couldn't get the smile off my face!

After saying yes, getting measured and ordering my gown, we headed next door for a celebratory drink and some lunch!

It was such a wonderful day! I was so worried that I wouldn't find a dress, or that I wouldn't have the feeling you should get when you know it's the one. I was almost sure that I would have to settle for a dress that I liked but didn't love. Luckily we made the trek out to La Grange on a snowy, windy and cold Valentine's Day and found me the perfect dress!

Any Kentucky brides looking for a gown, GO to The Couture Closet. You won't be disappointed!!

aka around 240 DAYS!

It's crazy how quickly the months go by when you're counting down to a specific date.

Find and meet caterers and then book one*

Take engagement photos* (DONE TODAY!!)

Block out hotel rooms*

Find a florist* and book one

Finalize our guest list*

Save more photos of cakes, flowers and hairstyles*

Find band/DJ* and book one 

Try on more dresses* and then BUY one (WHAT?!)

Find cake bakers and book one

Order Save the Dates and send them

Choose bridesmaids dresses

Find ceremony musicians

Decide on honeymoon location

(* = These are all from last month, oops)

Clearly I'm behind and have a TON to do this month (but I also think the Knot is a bit crazy when it comes to what we are expected to do each month). The main thing I'm concerned with getting done this month is booking a caterer. I've contacted a few and have set up some meetings which is a step in the right direction! 

Today we met with our photographer and took our engagement photos. I was quite fun and far less awkward than we thought! Josh made us feel at ease and comfortable while he snapped away. Now we just have to wait 3 weeks for him to get the film back. Until then we will be anxiously waiting to see how they turned out!

I think Olive secretly wanted to participate in our engagement photos!

This past weekend I went with my Mom and MOH to a bridal shop called Bridal Warehouse. Unlike our experience at Twirl, Bridal Warehouse was a very large room with tons of dresses everywhere. Being a Saturday there were a lot of other brides there and it was kind of difficult to get our appointment started. However, after we met my consultant we felt much more at ease. She was around and helpful without being overbearing. She worked with several other brides in addition to our group, however I never felt like she was abandoning us to work with others. My goal at this appointment was to try on a lot of dresses and narrow down a style I liked.

My Mom loaded down with potential dresses

I tried on about 15 dresses with the help of my MOH, Lindy!

Most of the dresses I put on were immediate no's. I did try on one mermaid dress that made me look amazing. I had no idea my waist could look that teeny tiny until I put that dress on! I also tried on one ballgown that Lindy chose. It was probably the biggest dress I've ever put on my body. The tulle skirt was totally beautiful but the beaded bodice? Not so much.

Me in the biggest ballgown ever...and Lindy cracking up at my face.

After so many dresses, I was finally determining that I really liked natural waisted dresses, especially if they had a corset on the inside. I liked a little poof, but not too much. I was also starting to like lace. The consultant brought another round of dresses and I vetoed many of them. Then we saw one that Lindy said I should just try on (you never know until you put it on your body). When Lindy zipped me up and I turned around she instantly smiled. I walked out and my mom started to tear up. I rushed over to the mirror to see what they were seeing but all I saw was a pretty, very bridal dress. I couldn't see why they were getting so emotional! I liked the dress but wasn't totally in love. I strutted around the shop checking myself out in every mirror, but I still wasn't feeling the emotional connection. They put a veil on me and more tears ensued. I knew I wouldn't say yes unless I really loved something. I wanted to try on dresses and sleep on any decision before putting down a deposit...so we left. I didn't want to try on any more gowns. I wanted to keep that memory of seeing my Mom and Lindy cry and that feeling of "this could be something" in my mind. I came home and sat on my couch and felt guilty about not totally loving the dress.

I know it's important for ME to love the dress, since I'll be wearing it. So I've made another appointment with a bridal shop called The Couture Closet. I have a strong feeling that I'll find THE dress there, but you never know!

So this past week I've had the stomach bug from hell. I've had plenty of time to think about all things wedding, but I'm feeling unmotivated. Do I want to think about catering and how much it costs to feed 200 people? No. Contemplate renting chairs for said 200 people? NO. Do I want to watch a million hours of Friends on Netflix? Yes. Look at wedding dresses in magazines? YES (especially since I have another appointment to try some on this coming Saturday). I've determined that I'm all about deciding on the fun things for the wedding, the serious, scary expensive things...not so much. But alas, I'm about to get the "8 Months to the Big Day" email from The Knot, so it's definitely time to get down to business.

Last weekend, pre stomach bug, my Mom and I got together to register at Target. Target is one of our favorite stores. In fact, when I was in college and feeling particularly stressed, I would head to Target and walk around the store. Just being there brings a feeling of calm to my crazy life. Our engagement party date has been set (February 21) and we have gotten a lot of questions from guests about gifts. No, it's not necessary to bring a gift. Abe and I are excited to have our bridal party and both families start to mingle! Would we turn away a gift if you brought it? Nope.

Abe decided to skip this registering adventure and instead check our list online and add/remove from there. Most wished for thing from this registry? This GoPro camera! If we go somewhere tropical for our honeymoon (we are currently thinking Belize) then the GoPro will be awesome to have with us. I've been to Belize before and the reef is absolutely breathtaking. The crystal clear ocean water isn't too bad either (see below)!

So now I just need to start deciding on the hard things and get the ball moving again! Who knows, maybe hiring a caterer will be less stressful (and more fun) than I think!

For these chair banners from BHLDN

Get them here!

For this sweet little cake topper from J. Crew (by Alexis Mattox Design)

Find it here!

For THIS flower girl dress from J. Crew (it has an adorable bow on the back)

Find it here!

Here is an update on the wedding checklist that I compiled a few months ago!

1. Announce engagement
2. Pick a date
3. Set a budget
4. Decide on a venue
5. Choose bridal party
6. Collect pictures of dresses I like
7. Create guest list
8. Decide on wedding style/colors
9. Contract photographer
10. Order engagement party invites
11. Plan engagement party (working on)
12. Hire caterer
13. Figure out alcohol situation
14. Book party rentals (tent, tables/chairs, etc..)
15. Select officiant
16. Choose florist/meet with to determine vision
17. Select musicians for ceremony and reception
18. Engagement photos
19. Throw engagement party in Cynthiana
20. Decide on dress/veil and purchase
21. Decide on shoes and purchase
22. Choose bridesmaids dresses and order them
23. Look for honeymoon destinations
24. Compile list of names and addresses for invitations
25. Register for gifts
26. Launch wedding website
27. Send save the dates
28. Find hotel for out of town guests/block rooms
29. Choose attire for Abe and groomsmen
30. Book honeymoon
31. Choose transportation for wedding day
32. Figure out where bridal party will get ready day of
33. Cake tasting/select cake
34. Finalize guest list
35. Choose all invitations, thank you notes, etc and order them
36. Order return address stamp from Etsy
37. Plan rehearsal dinner/ book venue
38. Plan bridesmaids luncheon with Mom
39. Find info on marriage licenses
40. Meet with officiant and review vows
41. Choose any poems/music that will happen during the ceremony 
42. Make a list of people giving toasts 
43. Meet with photographer and discuss shots and locations
44. Purchase gifts for attendants
45. Purchase gift for Abe
46. Guestbook (?)
47. Verify accommodations for out of town guests
48. Order wedding favors
49. Select wedding bands
50. Purchase any accessories for wedding day (yay statement necklaces!) 
• Something old
• Something new
• Something borrowed
• Something blue
• Something monogrammed
51. Send invitations (two months prior to date)
52. Complete menu with caterer
53. Make appointment for trial of wedding day hair
54. Send wedding announcement to local newspapers
55. Schedule alterations for me and bridal party
56. Schedule appointments for hair treatments 
57. Confirm all orders with each vendor
58. Schedule final gown fitting
59. Make welcome baskets for out of town guests
60. Gather up gratuities for vendors 
61. Make wedding day emergency kit
62. Start breaking in shoes
63. Print menu cards/table cards/programs
64. Bachelorette party!
65. Have showers
66. Bury the bourbon (1 month prior to the date/time of wedding)
67. Bridesmaids luncheon/get mani/pedis
68. Distribute timeline/contacts to family/vendors
69. GET MARRIED! 

Yay for getting things done!

In other news, I attended a friends first bridal shower yesterday! I used to work with Jess and have been friends with her for several years. We played lots of fun games and ate some yummy food, then Jess opened her awesome gifts (not gonna lie, Lindy and I got some pretty good ideas for my own shower that will happen later this year)! I can't wait to see her and Taylor get married in July!

The beautiful Bride to be!

Kendall, Lindy and I in the diy photo booth!