Ok, this should be the last of the blog updates... And it will cover all the drama surrounding my move to CT as well as all the wedding stuff I've been working on (well, most of it... there's been a lot lately!)
So as I mentioned in the last post, I am still in the great state of Tennessee as of right now. If the original plan had, well, gone according to plan, I would already be living in a sublease in New Haven, CT. Unfortunately, the girl whose place I was going to sublet backed out at the last second, which made a mess out of everything. Though I was definitely upset by the change in plans, it has turned out to be somewhat of a blessing for many reasons - I have been able to accomplish a lot for the wedding, I can be here with my dad as he recovers from his heart attack, and now Collin gets to come down for the family reunion next weekend in Knoxville and (finally) meet my extended family.
After the family reunion, I will drive up to CT with Collin (and Molly!) for a month-long visit, during which I will attempt to find a job and, of course, work on wedding stuff. Then I will come back down to Nashville two weeks before the wedding, and it will be an absolute marathon of last-minute preparations! So excited for all of it, though. :)
Since I didn't get to move up with Collin last weekend, he decided to fly down for a SURPRISE visit instead! It was the best surprise I've ever gotten... I was completely shocked, and I'm hard to surprise! I was going to see a movie with Erin Friday night, and I was actually on the phone with Collin as I drove to the theater (and as Erin picked him up from the airport). Then I called Erin to let her know I was pulling in, and she told me she had a surprise for me... When I got out of the car, Collin appeared out of the blue, and I literally couldn't believe my eyes. I refused to accept that it was him, because I couldn't see him too well and I was so afraid of being disappointed! Haha. I was absolutely floored! Apparently my parents knew about his visit (which also shocked me), so the guest room was ready for Collin by the time we got home from the movie. :) We had a wonderful weekend that (for once) was not entirely filled up with wedding appointments. We hung out with my parents, played with the dogs, and even saw fireworks together on the 4th! I'm so blessed to have such an incredible guy!! He's sneaky... but he's fantastic. ;)
Here are a couple photos from our weekend:
For a quick update on wedding plans, here is a list of things I've accomplished as of late:
- sent out Save the Dates
- booked our honeymoon in Mexico!!
- completed the registries (Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond)
- finished pre-marital counseling!
- got my dress sewn and shipped to L.A. for Caitlin to finish!
- booked the florist (Always in Bloom) and decided on flowers for the ceremony and reception
- ordered the cake from Publix
- went to a food tasting at Old Natchez and set the menu (it's going to be delicious!)
- decided on linens, centerpieces, and other reception decor
- decided on a design for escort cards and bought supplies to make them
- set photography schedule for the wedding day
- booked videographer and made a contract for him
- booked hair appointments prior to and on the wedding day
- reserved a block of hotel rooms for guests at the Hyatt Place (call to book one!)
- updated wedding website
- picked out our wedding bands :) (not purchased yet, though)
- worked on invitation designs with Caitlin (decision will be made within the week!)
- researched card stock, envelopes, and printing for invitations (decisions will be made within the week!)
I think that's it... Most of these have happened within the last couple of weeks, so needless to say I've kept busy here! Everything's coming along, but we still have a long way to go. Please pray that I will stay sane these next two months... I'll need it. I've already started freaking out a little about all the stuff I have to do, and it's going to get increasingly more stressful.
I want to enjoy this process, and most of the time I do, but sometimes I only feel anxious and scared about not finishing everything AND not making the most of my engagement period. I'm sure these are all normal emotions for a bride - especially one whose big day is quickly approaching - but just because it's typical doesn't mean it's acceptable. I'm trying really hard to maintain a positive attitude, but I definitely can't make it through all this craziness without the support of my fiance, family and friends. I know I have support, though, so I'm confident everything will work out. And regardless of all the stress, I know without a doubt that I want to marry Collin, and I WILL marry him on September 4th - come rain or shine! It will be a beautiful wedding, even if it isn't perfect. I just have to keep telling myself that.... ;)
Wish me luck, and please keep both Collin and me in your prayers these next two months. Thanks again to all our loved ones who continue to support us every step of the way. We are so grateful for you!
Love,
C & A
