Jordan

For those of you who may not know...my cousin was killed in a tragic car accident a year ago this Sunday. Jordan was an amazing person that would do anything for anyone. He was loving and had a heart of gold. I can't even count how many times I picked up the phone because I needed his help and he would be right there. Even before he could drive I would go pick him up and he would help me do stuff around the house. Jordan actually came with my parents and grandparents to help move me to Savannah. My dad had his gallbladder removed and couldn't do much lifting, so Jordan of course offered to help, and a big help he was. By the end of the weekend he had unloaded the truck, poured concrete to fix the broken driveway (issues with the moving truck...long and sorta funny story), landscaped the front yard, unpacked my kitchen (putting stuff on shelves he knew I couldn't reach...just to give me a hard time), and painted a piece of my wall (which he did with my pastry brush from the kitchen lol). It was a wonderful weekend and one I will never forget!

I tell Derek I think Jordan sent him to me! Derek and I actually started talking a week after Jordan passed. It was a very hard for me, being so far away from my family and friends during this time. I like to think that he was trying to help me get through it a little easier all while falling in love with my soul mate.

I think of Jordan everyday and miss him so very much. Many people don't have that kind of relationship with their cousins, but I cherish everyone of mine and am grateful to have such amazing family members in my life.

I know if Jordan was here right now he would be so happy for me. He would also be going on and on about how he should be in the wedding because he would be the best looking guy there. As I look ahead at our wedding day, I know he will be there with us. I know he will be looking down on us with that big goofy smile of his. He will also be close to my heart on that day as well...

This charm will be attached to my bouquet. 

So when I walk down the aisle 7 months from tomorrow, Jordan will be right there every step of the way! 

Will you be my...

So since I live so far away from most of my close friends and family, I wanted to do something different a cute to ask them to be part of my big day. I looked online and found tons of ideas, but I finally decided to do my own thing. I can now share it with you guys because they have all received them...and loved them :)

I made each girl a card with a sweet message on the inside asking them to be part of the big day. Before I mailed the card I included a ring pop so it was like I was asking them with a ring..."will you be my..."

Of course I couldn't leave out my little attendants... I sent a very colorful sign that said Will You Be My Flower Girl to each of my sweet nieces. I also included a magic towel (Little Mermaid for one and Dora for the other), coloring book with stickers, and Minnie Mouse lip balm. I just wanted to do something cute so they felt included. For my little ring bearer I also sent him a sign, squishy cars, and a squishy Cars book for the bath tub.

I heard from all my great friends and my sister today, they all loved their gifts. The little girls were very excited and said they would love to be in the wedding (too cute). The little man loves his cars and his book too.

YAY!! Mission Accomplished!!

Finding THE DRESS!!

This weekend we went home to visit my family in Athens. Since we have set the wedding date for June 2, 2012, I figured it might not be a bad idea to go dress shopping sooner than later. They say that you should go dress shopping at least 4-6 months before the wedding because it can sometimes take that long for the dress to come in. I really wanted my mom, grandmother, and sister to be there with me for this special moment so it only made since to do the shopping while in Athens. Because of the holidays it came down to either shopping this weekend or waiting until the end of February. I figured that it might be a bad idea to wait in case I had a hard time finding the right dress.

We made an appointment on Saturday at Davids Bridal. I wanted to start there since I have had good luck with their dresses for prom when I was in high school. The ladies there were so nice and very helpful. I had already gone online and found a couple dresses that I wanted to try on first. When we arrived they pulled those dresses along with a few of their picks for me to try on as well. I did not like the first dress, it was one of my picks but it looked much better in the picture than on me. The second dress was one of their picks, it was BEAUTIFUL! I loved the way the dress fit and the way it made me feel so beautiful. I continued to try on more dresses so I could get the experience, but I just compared every dress to the 2nd dress. I put back on the 2nd dress and just knew it was THE ONE! Everyone agreed it was the perfect dress.

I decided against a veil from the beginning because the wedding is going to be outdoors. I didn't want to have to worry about a veil blowing in the wind. I really liked the flower in the hair look since I want my hair to be half up and half down. They had a beautiful big flower at DB that looked great in my hair and with the dress so I got it as well!

I am so excited that I found the perfect dress for my big day! I can't wait to walk down the aisle to Derek wearing this beautiful dress. I know he will love it!

He Asked... I Said Yes

Derek and I got engaged on Wednesday, October 12, 2011! The week had been so crazy at work and I had been so worried about my Papa who had fallen and broken his hip on Monday. Wednesday night at dinner, Derek mentioned that we should go to the beach to get out of the house and get my mind off everything. I really had not thought much of it because I always LOVE going to the beach at night and it really had been a crazy week.

Later that night we drove out to the beach. Derek wanted to go walk on the pier and look at the beautiful full moon. It was so peaceful and beautiful out. I was just loving every minute of being out there. We just held hands and looked at the ocean and the sky. Derek then asked me the big question. He was so sweet, and I was shaking like crazy. Of course I said yes and we continued to enjoy the beach by walking in the sand and sitting in the swing. It was really a special night that I will always remember.

We have set the date...June 2, 2012 on Tybee Island