29 Days and Counting

Day 29: He Let's Me Lead

Chris is definitely the leader in our relationship. The Bible says that the man will lead the wife and I am more than happy to let him do so. As the leader of our relationship he often times will choose to let me make the decisions. I can't remember a time when Chris didn't ask me what I wanted to do before he made a decision. Whether it is deciding what movie to see or what financial planning; he seeks out, listens to and trusts in my opinions. One of his favorite phrases is,"Whatever is best for you is best for me." There are times when my decisions have cost me or both of us in some way, yet he never holds it over my head. He continues to encourage me and build my confidence in my abilities to make the right choices. With him I can be the strong woman I need to be and the wise wife I want to be.

Centerpieces: The Simpler the Better and Cheaper

I went for my final dress fitting with my Maid of Honor today. We will be picking it up a 6pm tonight! Woo-hoo! On the way back we stopped at one of my favorite stores for florals in NYC. They honestly have the best artificial flowers I have ever seen. They are even better than real ones and I am not a fake flower person, but this place is beyond! While there I showed her the centerpiece I want to use at the wedding. It is simple, but stunning at the same time. when she saw it she loved it! She even said that with my venue anything else would look junkie and busy. The ceiling at our venue are carved, gold plated and have huge chandeliers. So what she said made sense to me.

In this process I have gained a love for the more natural or un-arranged flower arrangements...if you know what I mean. I like flowers in a vase with water. I know that is not what most florist or wedding industry people would recommend, but our. wedding is not an "industry" event. Its my wedding. I actually have rebelled from all the usual wedding protocols and it has been a quite freeing experience.

*image via InStyle Weddings
A great way to make it simple and savvy is to display a few flowers in a dramatic way. Just a simple vase and water will do here.

*image via The Hatchett Book Group

Preston Bailey got it right when he designed this place card centerpiece. Just peonies in a trumpet vase. While peonies are extremely costly and fickle to certain seasons any bushy flower would work for this. Try a few hydrangea or roses. Large head carnations could even pull this off!

An orchid spray also looks good, but can cost up to $30 a stem. A cheaper yet elegant alternative is below.

*image via Sharon Gassard Designs

This is a favorite of mine: White blossoming stems in a glass vase. You would be surprised at the drama this look can bring to a room when used in abundance.

Day 33 and Counting

Day 33: He Let's Me Be Myself


So Over the long weekend I skipped a few days of blogging. So I thought I would write a really good one for today.

I have always been a very creative and free spirit. I like all types of music, movies, food, clothes and activities. I generally like to try, see and do everything at least once. With that said I can be a whirlwind once you get to know me. One day I am focused on that thing and the next it could be on this thing. There is no rhyme or pattern to the hours I work and sleep. There is no set agenda for my days. Now juxtapose that to Chris. He is very disciplined, lives on a timed pattern and doesn't like surprises to much. He plans, makes a plan for a plan, and then plans some more. He is conservative in his thinking and likes to follow the rules. While you may catch him an a polo shirt and dockers; I'll be in ripped up jeans or a 1950's halter dress. We are very different in many ways, but it is the greatest thing that could have happened to us. Chris accepts me unconditionally. He never tries to put me in his box. He lets me color outside the lines and sometimes helps! I have never felt pressure to be anyone other than myself when I am with him.

With Chris I feel no judgment or criticism. That is not to say he doesn't offer suggestions or help me incorporate new things. Of course he does. But, it's done in such a gentle manner that I usually feel inspired by it rather than offended. I am so blessed to be with someone who makes me feel like a better me...if that even makes sense.

Day 37 and Counting

Day 37: He Inspires Me


Chris is the most hardworking, diligent, disciplined and intelligent person I know. If you know him then you can understand what I mean. I have always been such a creative and go with the flow type of person. Never really planning things out or very disciplined. While both of us have our strengths, he makes me want his. To see how brilliant his mind is, the kindness he bestows on everyone and his ability to see the positive in every situation is like none other. He is naturally a great human being in every way. I have always been content with who I was and didn't feel the need to change. But somehow, when I spent enough time, I found myself gravitating and yearning for all the wonderful qualities that make him so great.

Day 38 and Counting

Day 38: He Makes Me Feel Safe (My Warm Blanket)

I remember years ago when I first moved to New York. I was a young college aged girl who despite her great job struggled to constantly make ends meet and. I was scared, lonely, and not sure of what I was really doing. While I knew my parents always had my back I felt so insecure about just day to day living. I knew God wouldn't let me fall, but I just never felt secure. I got lost almost every week on the subway, barely had any friends, and just felt miserable sometimes. Fast forward to today and things couldn't be more opposite. Chris has become a physical representation of the security that Christ gives me. With him I don't worry about even small things that used to get to me. It's safety that you can't get from money, career, education, status or people. It truly comes from Christ shining from this man onto me.

My Bridal Trunk

While I was shopping in the Home Goods store recently, yes...it's my guilty pleasure, I came across the cutest thing. A stack of vintage looking trunks. Each came in different colors, but all had butterflies on them. If you know anything about this wedding I have been using butterflies on just about everything from the Save-the-Dates to the invites. So when I saw the pink one I just knew I had to have it. Everything inside me wanted to throw it in my cart, head to the cashier, and never look at the price. It was pretty with its leather trimming, brass grommets and red velvet interior.

Hmmm...what was a girl to do? It had to cost more that what I wanted to spend. It just had to. It was right at that moment I thought of Chris and all the sacrificing he has done to make the wedding special for me. I knew I couldn't just sneak some expensive item. So, I decided to leave it.

But wait...before I go...let me just entertain myself and look at the price. Here we go...$29.99!!!! What is this shouldn't it be $299.99. Do my eyes deceive? Did some random stock person put the wrong tag on. I double checked all of them and sure enough it was the price. Well, I don't think I need to explain what happened next. I am so happy I bought it.

I wanted something to keep all of my stuff in over the wedding weekend. My shoes, accessories, and other bridal items will go inside. I can't wait to make it a keepsake to show my children and grandchildren down the road. If I hadn't come across it I may have never even thought to get a gorgeous box to keepsake my bridal memories.

Here is a shot on the tissues that will be placed on guest seat at the ceremony...more on that later.

39 Days and Counting

Day 39: He Is a Leader

I have seen Chris walk into a room and command the respect and attention of everyone in there just by being his presence. People naturally gravitate towards him and want to follow in his footsteps. He is a gentle yet firm leader that does not coerce or manipulate. Rather he is straightforward and honest. I respect this quality the most, because it requires humility, strength, and wisdom. It gives me assurance that I can follow this man anywhere, because I know he will lead me on the right path. I fully trust his decision making abilities and never worry if he will make decisions that will harm me or our family. Like Joshua, he seeks God first for guidance and seeks what is best for those around him before he makes a choice. I am so fortunate to have such a strong and confident man.