Shower, Bachelorette Party, Veil

I have been horrible at keeping updated! I can't believe just how busy I've been! A couple weeks ago, my future mother in law threw me a bridal shower. It was so much fun, and we got a lot of exciting things! We aren't going to use anything until after we're married, but I did have to break out the crock pot, which was quite possibly my favorite present of the entire shower. We received some amazing wooden bowls, I can't describe them, but they are awesome. We also got a toaster oven, coffee maker, wine rack (fun), mandoline slicer (another exciting gift), lamps, napkin holder, pitchers, glasses, cutting board, and so many more that I can't even think of them all. It was really nice seeing my family again too. I haven't seen my cousins for years! There were only two of them there (out of my eight, and then all of their kids), but it was nice to see them.My momma and me

The girls in the wedding, plus one of my friends

Me, my mom, my aunt, two of my cousins, and my sister - Geez, I am TOWERING!

Friends for 20 years!

Two of Matt's aunts, myself, Matt's niece, Matt's mom, Matt's grandma, and Matt's little sister.

Myself and my Maid of Honor, Mo - she is amazing and also my graphic designer.

Last weekend, I went to Chicago for my bachelorette party. It was such a blast! We started off at the nail salon for mani's and pedi's. It was a byob place, so we brought champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Very relaxing!! Not all of the girls could make it, but it was ok, it was still a lot of fun! Then we went to a dueling piano bar called Howl at The Moon. Matt and I had been there once before when we first started dating, and it was such a memorable time, I definitely wanted to go for my b-party! It was crowded, but so much fun. I wish I could go back to last weekend!
Lauren (bridesmaid), myself, Mo (MOH), and Kelly (groomswoman) at the nail salon

Myself and other bachelorette's participating in a dance at Howl at the Moon - not enough drinks in me yet to not be embarrassed!!!

Some of the girls!

Everyone at Howl

Then, on the way home from Chicago, Matt's grandma contacted me to pick up my veil. I had purchased the supplies, and she made it for me. I was a bit worried that it wouldn't be what I had wanted, but it was so perfect! I wish I could have better pictures, but these will have to do until the wedding pictures!!!

Cathedral length, cascade cut with Turquoise satin trim.

Upclose of turquoise trim


Then I wanted to add this picture of Addi boo and Harper dog. She is getting SO big!!!

I can't believe just 5 months ago she looked like this:

It's all Coming together!!!

Matt and I got a ton of wedding stuff done in just a few days. We went back home to my parents' place to "research" a/k/a eat at different restaurants for our rehearsal dinner. We discussed a couple of places, and I think we may have found a winner. We're just waiting for contact back from the manager so we can (hopefully) reserve the night for the rehearsal dinner! Yay! I'm excited to get something started for this!

Also, Matt booked our honeymoon! We're going to [drum roll, please]... Punta Cana, Dominican Republic! I'm so excited! I've heard nothing but great things about the D.R. A girl I work with said that it was the best vacation she ever went on! I think we're staying 7 days, so such a nice, long, relaxing time that I feel like I will totally deserve after dealing with all of these plans, and projects! I can't wait for blue water, and hot sand!

Yesterday, we went to Mens Warehouse Tux, and ordered tuxes. Matt is getting one that's a little nicer than the other guys, but they are both notch lapel tuxes. Matt is going to wear white, the best man and man of honor will wear turquoise vests and euroties, the groomsman and the usher will wear the chartreuse color, and our dad's will be in ivory. It seems like it's all starting to come together!

Then, while we were already at the mall, I thought I'd show Matt an idea that I had for the boys' gifts. They were personalized beer mugs. He really liked it, and decided to get them right then and there! They are glass, but spray painted with a gun metal finish. We won't be able to pick them up until about 2 today, but I will put up pictures when we get them.