The Save-the-Dates

The Save-the-Dates all went out a week or two ago. (Time blurs for me now.) By now everyone should have received theirs, so I feel like I'm safe posting the image.

Here is the front:

And here is the back:

The quote on the back is something my mom found. I've tried searching for its origin on the internet, but everyone attributes it to "Anonymous." It definitely fits our theme, though.

Again, I want to apologize for my atrocious handwriting on the envelopes. They needed to get done fast, and I was the only one willing to do it on a short notice. The invitations will look much nicer, I promise!

The Gown!

On May 10th, I went with my mother, my cousin, my aunt, and my grandmother to David's Bridal in Rensselaer, NY. I didn't go in with any specific style in mind, but I knew what I didn't like. I don't like lace or tulle, and I was nervous about something without straps or sleeves, because I've never had any luck keeping a halter top up!

When we first walked in, I checked in, and the manager could not find me even though I had registered. I suspect this was due to the wedding being over a year out, and maybe their system doesn't go that far. So they weren't able to find any dress I had marked as a 'favorite' on their website. No matter, I was introduced to Patty, and she brought us back to a dressing room. She asked a few questions about where and when the wedding was, looked at me, asked my height, and went to the back to pick some dresses. 

While waiting for Patty to come back, I was frantically trying to connect with my other grandmother via Skype on my phone. She lives in Florida, and was unable to be with us. After some technical glitches and phone calls we got through to each other, and she was able to enjoy the day with us.

I tried on four dresses that day, and the fourth was The One. The first was much like the fourth, but slightly different in color and threading. Here are pictures of gowns 2 and 3, which I ultimately decided against:

 

 

I really liked the back on this one, but apparently it was a real pain to tie - and snap. It had snaps!

 

Ultimately, the one I chose wasn't in a style like any of these. When I tried the fourth one on, we knew. Patty knew. She came back with shoes with a 5-inch heel so I could see what the dress looked like at the proper length (I couldn't walk in them at all, and after a while standing hurt!), a tiara and a veil. Everyone cried. I cried. My mom cried. Even my grandma on Skype cried. (I'm told even my grandpa, whom I didn't know was watching, also shed a tear.)

When I had made my decision, they made me make a wish, and ring a bell, and then everyone clapped. I felt a little silly, but whatever. I'm sure it's just to let other salespeople know that Patty made a sale. :p

Is it a little early to be looking at gowns? All the wedding websites say 6 months out, and here it was, more than 12 months out and we're looking at gowns. Turns out, that 6 months doesn't cut it anymore! It now takes them 5 months to order the dress in the right size, and then another month or two for alterations, so we went in at quite the right time.
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Well, I'm glad that's out of the way! Next step: bridesmaids' gowns in July.

The One-Year Mark

The wedding will be one year from today. Exactly. We didn't do anything special today because Jeff had to get some car repair work done, but yesterday we went to PF Chang's and then saw Godzilla, so I'll say that counts.

Happy negative one anniversary, Jeff! <3

That's it. Just wanted to make a post marking one year. :)

The Last Few Months

I know, I've been slacking in keeping up this blog, and I apologize. Here's what's been going on the last few months. Keep in mind there's not a lot I can say while still keeping the element of surprise alive.

The Song:
The song is a song I picked years ago when Jeff and I first started dating. We were listening to the specific soundtrack in the car, and we both enjoyed the song. I said "Wouldn't this make a nice first dance song?" and he agreed. Since I won't reveal what the song is, I will instead reveal what it is not.

Our song is not:

• My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion
• Love Shack by the B52s
• White Wedding by Billy Idol
• Can You Feel the Love Tonight by Elton John
• Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
• The Rains of Castamere from A Song of Ice and Fire

Jeff says: If I hear Rains of Castamere at any point during the evening, I am bolting for the exits.

Sarah adds: Bolting? Bolton? Pun?

The Dance:
Luckily it was pretty easy to find a dance type for this song, and after a few months of practice, we have our dance! It's not very difficult and it's pretty easy to remember. We still need to polish it up and continue practicing during the next year, but it's nice that we've already gotten this taken care of.

Our dance is not:

Or:

Or:

In fact this last one is banned from the wedding. No one is allowed to ask the DJ for this song. :p

Jeff says: Wait... it's not the Macarena? I've been practicing the wrong dance!

The Shoes:
I have my shoes! They're a little strappier than I expected, and the heel isn't as high as I expected, but I think they'll be perfect for a May evening. :)

Here are some of the shoes that I was considering, but decided against. (Serious this time, no jokes.)

The Save-the-Dates:

We ordered our Save-the-Dates from Vistaprint, and I love them. They are perfect for the theme! They came in a few weeks ago. Finally, yesterday, I was able to gather everyone's address, so these will be going out sometime next week. 

I will post a picture of the Save-the-Dates once they've gone out. Don't want to ruin the surprise now, do we?

Additionally, I want to apologize for my terrible handwriting on the envelopes. The invitations will be either professionally written or printed. -_-