Show Us Your Life - Wedding Dress, Party and Reception

My other blogging buddies have been participating in this OH-SO-FUN blog carnival from Kelly's Korner called "Show Us Your Life." I felt a little left out because I missed the first two weeks, but I wanted to be sure not to miss this last week of Show Us Your Wedding series!! SO, it hasn't been THAT long since my wedding, but I thought I would participate this final week anyway!

Week 1: Show Us Your WEDDING DRESS

I loved my wedding dress. It was simple, but elegant for an outside wedding. It took what seemed like FOREVER to find the right pattern, because my fantastic mom made it!! Yep, it was super special because she made my dress and veil. The lace on my veil was from my aunt Pam's veil that my Meme made back in 1969! I loved it all. It was very sentimental and special for me!! Here are some pics!






Week 2: Show Us Your WEDDING PARTY AND CEREMONY

We got married September 20, 2008 at the gorgeous Laurelwood Farms on Signal Mountain. It was really the best weekend ever (even with that one little hiccup of locking the keys in the getaway car)!!

My wedding party was made of my bestest 6 friends that I've been collecting since childhood. When it came to their dresses, I wanted them to have something they loved, looked good in, felt good in AND could wear again. So I purchased all of their fabric and each girl picked her own dress pattern (they just had to be knee length) and had it made!! Voila!! A beautiful bunch of ladies!

from left to right: Lamm, Christie, Melissa, me, Mere, Betsy, and Hilary

Matt threw tradition to the wind and chose his best friend Beth for his Best Maid along with his 5 bestest guy friends. She wore a black dress and stood with the boys; she even had a pin-on corsage to match the boys' boutonnieres!! Isn't she just adorable? I felt sorry for her having to hang out with boys all day.



So there you go, our wedding party.



For the music we had a harpist and a trumpet (which I LOVED).






















For the flowers I went bright to offset the rich chocolate brown of the dresses. It was fall, but early fall and still warm, so I really didn't want to stick to just yellow/orange that most people do with chocolate brown. Each flower had meaning (almost). The thornless red Jacqueminot Rose is the symbol of my sorority AOII. The yellow rose was my Papaw's favorite (and mine); I remember him giving Meme 3 yellow roses on their anniversary, one for each daughter. The purple iris was Meme's favorite; she planted a sea of purple irises on the bank outside their house. I can't see one without thinking of her. The mango calla lily just made for pretty boutonnieres!! See, I said almost!!



Matt and I had a wonderful time planning the different pieces of our ceremony, especially picking our scripture and planning the foot-washing. Yes, we had a foot-washing. The very first thing we did after exchanging vows and rings was wash each others feet. It was very special and moving, until I couldn't get Matt's sweaty sock off. Oh well, that's just how we roll!





















So that's pretty much a summary of our wedding!!

Week 3: Show Us Your WEDDING RECEPTION


Matt and I wanted to throw a hellova party for our reception. It was on the grounds at Laurelwood in their fantastic barn!! We danced the night away to our handpicked play list on the computer piped in through the speakers (GREAT way to save $$). We put together a "dinner music" playlist (lots of Sinatra on that one), a "first dance" playlist , and a "party" playlist ('nough said). I am fairly certain that folks had a blast, but heck you can see for yourself!










































THE CAKE was a bit of a fiasco (though no one knew it but us). I'm VERY picky about cakes because my UBER-talended mom used to make them for extra income. NEVER would a cake of mine be frozen before coming to my wedding. NO fondant icing allowed (yes it's beautiful but it tastes like cardboard). I wanted a chocolate cake with chocolate cream cheese icing for the bride's cake. We even made them do a sample cake for me to taste (I HAD to order it through the caterer, long story). The sample cake was perfect. What showed up at our wedding had about 1/3 the cream cheese in the icing that the sample cake did. But what do you do? It's there, you've cut it and they've screwed you. Not much you CAN do. Anyway, at least they got the decoration right (you can't really screw up putting flowers and cake toppers onto a cake).


My husband was mad because he thought that the groom's cake was supposed to be chocolate. Oh contraire bonjour. I wanted chocolate for MY cake, he had to pick something else! After several weeks of back and forth, I appeased Matt with the idea of a dessert table with all of his favorite pies. Our sweet friend Lara even made the centerpiece as part of our wedding gift, complete with a Buzz mascot!!!

(picture taken by Christie B. Griffin)

Mom kept bugging me about table decorations. I was trying to save money, so I said we didn't need any. She wouldn't leave well enough alone, so I told her she could spend $5 per table. This is what we came up with!


The sheaf of wheat is also a symbol of AOII, so after the wedding I packed them all up and shipped them to my sorority sisters at the Nu Beta house! They use them as center pieces for different events, so I'm told :) It also pays homage to my slight obsession/addiction to coffee!! Lamm loaned us the votive holders, so it cut costs even more!

YAY!! Time for Matt and Jill to leave!! WOOHOO!!!


About 5 seconds after this picture was taken, Matt said "Where are the keys?"...

Well, the photo album looks like it was a perfect day ;) Our photographer even offered us a ride home! Instead, we rode 1 hour down the mountain in the back seat of Lisa and Bill's car (Matt's mom and step-dad). We drove back up the mountain the day after the wedding to get Matt's car, and all of our belongings and IDs. Luckily, we didn't leave for Jamaica until Wednesday!!

So there you have it! More than you ever wanted to know about our wedding!

**picture credit for this entire blog post (except where noted) goes to the FABULOUS Melody Hood of Innamorata Photography**

It's our Anni!!! 6 whole months of married life!

It's our anni! That's what Matt calls it because it's half of an anniversary; I call it our 6-monthiversary. Matt and I have been married 6 months today, and our wedding day is still such a clear memory. I always heard people say that their wedding day is a blur, but mine isn't. I feel fortunate to have been able to really savor and enjoy each part of the day.

One of my favorite memories of our wedding day was being alone that morning. I had banished all visitors from the premisis on Friday so that I could have the evening and morning to myself at home (I'm such a smart cookie). I actually had a horrible headache for much of the day and night on Friday, I hope I hid it well. After the rehearsal dinner I went home, took my headache meds, and went to sleep - I think I got 9 hours! It was wonderful. I woke up on Saturday morning, pulled out my Bible and read about Jesus visiting a wedding in Cana (Luke Ch4, where He performed His first miracle), and also about the disciples traveling on the road to Emmaus with a "stranger" (Luke 24:13-35). I had some quiet time, did some yoga, took a long hot shower, and then the phone started ringing... the end of my perfect, peaceful wedding morning.

Matt and I have talked a lot about "how are we doing at this newlywed thing?" and we agree that it's going well. Getting used to living with and sharing a home that you've occupied alone (for the most part) with someone else was difficult for me. The shared banking took a while for both of us to get used to. But all in all, I am so happy to have him with me all the time and to go to bed next to him everynight. I think he likes me too ;) although, he does blame the fact that I "cook from scratch" on his weight gain! I'm sorry, Hot Pockets and canned soup are not grown-up meals! Anyone who knows me knows that I make healthy food!

Anyway, since September 20, 2008, we have been to Jamaica, did the fall thing, elected a new President, started our own family traditions, celebrated the holidays, added to our pet family, and considered starting a cottage industry business. WHEW, I'm exhausted just thinking about it! It's been the best 6 months of my life and we are truly happy!!! We pray that it only gets better from here!

Pretty picture

I thought I would post a picture of the newest addition to our home, a beautiful 24x30 canvas from our wedding hanging on our wall! I love our photographer Melody Hood!!!

We Are Back!!!!

Hello everyone!! Matt and I are back from the honeymoon in NEGRIL, JAMAICA and back at work, ugh. We had an AMAZING time during our wedding weekend and a FABULOUS honeymoon. We are basically looking for a reason to go back ASAP.

First, for all of you brides out there: if you want to get all of the bad jou jou out of the way before your big day, just back into your fiance's car 3 days before the wedding. It works like a charm!! I wrecked both of our cars in a matter of seconds, but all the wedding weekend events went off without a hitch, until the end (but we'll get to that).

Second, make sure that you have some amazing friends taking pictures for you all weekend. Pick a couple of folks, and let them know that you want pictures of everything. I had a couple of bridesmaids with great eyes and great cameras. I am so grateful b/c neither Mom nor I had to take ANY pictures all weekend.

Third, hire Melody Hood to shoot your wedding. There is no explanation needed after you see the pictures of the wedding and my bridals.

Below are some of my favorite pictures from many different cameras for the whole weekend!! I promise I will get Jamaica pics up soon. Enjoy!

8 days left... I'm putting Martha aside

We have 8 days until our wedding day, 8 DAYS! It's so hard to believe that a little over 9 months ago was the night we got engaged. It seems like 2 months ago. Time has gone by so fast.

Our wedding day is upon us. Everything is planned. Everyone who is helping, or standing with us, or vending has their schedules, driving directions, and checklists. I realize that I've returned to my OCD tendancies the past few months, but I've enjoyed it. I will go back to reformed, laid-back Jill (who showed up in my mid-20's after much reflection and work) after the honeymoon. It's how I deal with stress; leave me alone, I'm in my OCD comfort zone! Hehehehe.

As things are winding down, I'm putting Martha aside, and trying to be Mary (Luke 10:38-42). It's so funny that during all of the wedding planning madness, my small group studied the wonderful book, "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World." Fitting. I've definitely been Martha lately, and Martha extreme in recent weeks, "worried about many things."

I took time last night to begin writing notes to my friends for the wedding. I got sentimental, shed a few tears, and thanked God for blessing me with so many AMAZING women in my life. The women in my life have shaped who I have become, starting with my mother, and I am so grateful for them. One woman, my Meme, won't physically be with me on my wedding day, but she will be there in many ways. My Something Old, my Something Borrowed, and even the flowers I will carry, help her be there. Women come strong, and strong-willed, in our family. I wouldn't have it any other way; Matt might, but I wouldn't!

I pray that in the next 8 days, I will have a Mary spirit, reflecting on the journey and the people who have brought me to this place. And that I will continuously look to God for guidance, and maintain a peaceful spirit, not worrying about anything. I am truly blessed most of all by the wonderful husband that waits for me at the end of that isle. I pray we will both keep Christ in the center of our marriage, and speak the truth in love to one another always.

12 weeks...

So Matt and I realized that this past Saturday was the 12 week mark. We are getting married in 12 weeks!!! YAY!! Matt and I have decided that this wedding is taking way too long to get here, but we also want to enjoy our engagement (which has been relatively smooth).

We also attended the wedding of our friends Joe and Alana. It was definitely a celebration. We started discussing the details of our own ceremony. I think we are really going to enjoy planning this part. I mean, it IS the reason for the party (that's already planned). Matt was under the impression that we didn't get a say in what happened because every wedding he's ever been to has been the same. He was glad to learn that we did have a say, and quickly got into the idea of helping.

We are both excited about this weekend. We are traveling to New Albany, Indiana, where Matt was born. We will visit with Matt's dad and stepmother, Donnie and Betty, for a couple of days. While we are with them, we will attend a 4th celebration at his uncle Randy's house. Then Matt's Aunts and Uncles are throwing us a "Honey-Do" shower and old fashioned picnic on Saturday. Sunday is Matt's 26th birthday!! Busy weekend!! I will definitely post pictures of all the festivities.

We pray everyone has a blessed and safe holiday weekend!!

Beginnings...

I thought this was the most appropriate title for our new blog. Matt and I are beginning something new. Of course, we have been together for what will be two years in July, but we are beginning our lives together as a married couple soon. Soon we will celebrate a new anniversary.

We are in full wedding swing. The contracts are signed. We have a venue, a caterer, a photographer, musicians, a florist, the dress is under construction, and all is well. Lately, Matt and I have taken on more tasks as if we were married, for practice. Take this weekend for example, Matt and I worked on getting my house (soon to be OUR house) organized. Matt worked in the yard removing some bushes that were in the way of the garage and walkway, mowed the grass, and spread the flea and tick killer in the yard. Then he came inside to patch a hole where we believe our little visitors have been coming in, and by visitors I do mean MICE. We got a lot of things on the list accomplished together, and it felt really great. Then on Monday we worked on cleaning up Matt's apartment together. We felt like a team! I've been waiting for a while for Matt to take a little more ownership in the house that we will share, and this weekend just gave me the warm fuzzies!!!!

On a totally separate note, we will be shooting our engagement photos next Tuesday. I have been so excited about working with Melody since the day we hired her!!! I can't wait to see all of the wonderful images she captures of us. Matt and I went shopping on Monday for the clothes we will wear in our pictures. He needed a couple of new shirts that fit because he is getting all buff from triathlon training.

And I needed new jeans because I am FINALLY back in a SIZE 6!!!! WOOHOO!!! I realize that this is a picture of JUST the jeans, but we will call it operator error!! I asked Matt to take a picture of me in my new jeans, and he really focused on the jeans!!

Beginning a new chapter of life as a happily engaged woman wearing size 6 jeans again, life is GOOD!!

211 days to: "I DO"

The countdown says 211 days until the big day, and I can’t wait!!! As each detail comes together, and I check more and more off of my list of to-dos, I get more excited. Really, it’s not about the flowers (though I am getting a STEAL on them), or the fabulous printing that Lamm is working hard on, or even the dress Mom is making (it is going to rock, BTW). It’s about the fact that after September 20, 2008, I will be married to the love of my life.

I swear Matt is the most perfect match for me imaginable. He has just the right amount of sensitivity, just the right amount of humor, just the right amount of thoughtfulness, just the right amount of strength, just the right amount of ambition, just the right amount of love. I tell him all the time, “You know how to handle me. I’ve never met anyone who could handle me the way you do.” Matt knows just what to do for me if I’m sad, or insecure, or discouraged. He knows when to come by my house when I need him, without me asking him to. He knows when to give me a hug to make me feel better. He knows how to love me the way I need him to.

I know you’re reading this and thinking “BARF” right? I don’t care!!! Hahahaha! I waited a long time for this kind of love. I’ve got a couple of friends that I would look at and think, “I want THAT kind of marriage, that kind of love.” I feel that God has blessed me so much, because I got my wish. I don’t have exactly what they have (because you can’t have EXACTLY what someone else has), but I have my own great love. I thank God everyday for this blessing, for my Matt. And I’m so excited to be his wife!!!

So I will go on planning our wedding day, with fervor and mad organization, but what I’m really excited about is the rest of my life.

Jill ~the bride