The Church of my Dreams

When I was a little girl I always envisioned walking down a long aisle on my daddy's arm to the man I loved at the end. It took a while....but I finally found that place.

Kevin and I have been through 3 churches before finally finding the one that brought tears to my eyes and the words "I wanna say "I do" here" out of my mouth.

My home church....while I love it and was confirmed in it.....looks like an Easter egg thru up in it. It teal, pink, yellow and white. Its just NOT pretty. Its also exceptionally tiny and close to the highway.

Our second church was more modern and they were able to accomodate an evening wedding, which was important to us. It was laid out in a T design, with no real center aisle. I was resigned to get married here, because they were able to accommodate us, but when they stopped returning my phone calls and informed me they were also hosting a Christmas Festival the same weekend....I knew it wasn't going to be the best fit.

I went to visit a friend in Kentucky for her wedding in April and while at her rehearsal, I texted Kevin and told him I refused to get married in the second church. He spent the entire weekend looking for alternatives. I called one church when I got home on Monday and the following weekend I dragged Kevin to mass on Saturday and the minute I walked in....I just knew I had found the church I would become a Mrs. in.

The church is gorgeous.....

Thank you Kevin for putting up with my ever changing desires as a bride....I know I am driving you insane.....less than 6 months and we'll be on our Honeymoon. :-)

I love you.

~Autumn



The Venue

I've always known that I wanted a fall wedding, so when Kevin and I got engaged we decided on the date immediately. He knew it was important to me to be married in the fall and we agreed that November 10th was the perfect date. My best friend was married November 17th and its kinda cool that our anniversaries are going to be only a week apart. (We actually had the date picked out before we got engaged....its engraved on my engagement ring).

Trying to find a venue to have our reception was not as hard as I thought it would be.

The first place we visited was Turf Valley in Ellicott City. I had read a lot of revues, both positive and negative. I would say my initial reaction was negative. I wasn't in love with the setting, but was willing to settle, because it was in our budget range and was able to accommodate us. What pushed me to not going with them was when I was emailed an initial outline of costs, it was NOTHING what we had discussed with the event coordinator (that we met with for 15 minutes) and that was extremely off putting. I'm sorry but if I am going to be paying you an exorbitant amount of money, than I am not just another person to you....I am a name and a face and you should treat me as such rather just someone writing a check. This place was promptly crossed from our list.

The second place we visited was The Historic Savage Mill Manor. Kevin actually found this place. When you drive up to the house, it looks like an old Victorian mansion. It was built in 1844. When you walked inside it had a huge staircase that was frankly gorgeous. We sat down with Bobby from Putting on the Ritz catering for almost two hours and discussed all aspects of what we were looking for. He went over our budget and incorporated everything. By the end of our meeting, I looked at Kevin and said.....

"I want to get married here." So on November 10, 2012, after saying I do at a Catholic church in the area (that post is to follow...believe me it was an adventure finding a church).....our reception will be at:

The Historic Savage Mill Manor House. I can't wait to party with my new hubby, friends and family!!!

Wedding Weight Loss

Pretty much any bride will tell you that trying on wedding dresses is shock factor x1000. I knew I needed to lose weight. What I didn't know was how awful I would look in a white wedding dress. Granted....I am my worst enemy when it comes to critiquing myself.

In December, Kevin and I went home to Florida for the holidays to visit my mom. My mother decided it was the perfect time for me to start trying on wedding dresses. I was game....I wanted to experience everything that being a bride had in store. My mom and I went to a little boutique in Sarasota. I tried on about 8-10 dresses and found one that I really did like.....full disclosure....I was a size 22. Yeah. That sucks....granted wedding dress makers....you all suck...cause that is not a real pant size for a woman....just FYI....it just succeeds in making a bride feel even fatter. Well my mom took pictures....I'm not even going to post them....lets just say that was when reality set in, my happy ass needed help.

Fast forward to February. (I had a minor medical issue in January....I had to get migraines under control). I joined a gym and got a personal trainer. Joey is EVIL in the best way possible. He makes me curse at him, sweat A LOT, burn a crap ton of calories and so far lose 25 pounds. I love him.

In April, my mother, aunt and best friend spent a weekend wedding dress shopping with me. 4th dress I tried on....tears ensued. It was the most gorgeous dress I have ever seen and I can't wait for Kevin to see my walking down the aisle in it. From December till now I have dropped from a size 22 to a 16. Yes. I said it.

22 to a 16

I am extremelly proud of that accomplishment. I still don't see a huge change in my appearance and Kevin has to remind me that he see's it. I guess when you see yourself daily, you just don't. One of the biggest difference's for me, was my face. (specifically my neck and chin). Its a constant work in progress and I am confidant that I will continue to kick butt and be the beautiful bride that I wish to be and Kevin should have.

I love you Kevin and thank you for all your support with my constant food changes. I know its tough not having the snack food in the house....but it means a lot to have your support. You are my rock.

~Autumn

It's been awhile....

Why hello Blog. Nice to see you.

It's been a long time since I've said hello to the blogosphere. Granted I read blogs everday, its just been a long time since I've felt like contributing.

A lot has happened in my world.

I met a boy. Well a man. A man/boy. What shall we call him??? How about the love of my life.

I met Kevin nearly 1 year ago. May 27, 2011 in fact. He just popped into my world....and has yet to disappear...even when I tried to disappear on him.

November 25, 2011 he asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes. :o)

Six months from today....I'll be his wife. Wow....what a word. I'll be someone's "wife, misses, other half". Weird.

On top of planning the wedding we got a puppy.... Koda. I love this dog. He is seriously the best puppy EVER. He is an aussiedoodle, which is an Australian Shepard/Poodle Mix. He is awesome.

I promise to update more soon....probably with stuff on the wedding and the stuff going on w/my weight loss as well as back to food posting (still LOVE to cook and I'm pretty sure that's how I hooked Kevin)...to date I've lost 25 lbs (its amazing what a sparkly piece of jewelry and a white dress will make you do!).

~Autumn