Gone in a flash!

So I am now officially, and legally, Kristin Kelly.

I have to say a few things: I need to apologize for being the world's most terrible blogger over the last few weeks. Really, over the last few months. I think my last post was a month and a half ago. Shameful! And the sad thing is, I really don't have much of an excuse. We all just got so consumed with the wedding and those final details. Yes, I was one of those brides who, despite my best intentions, ended up working down til the final minute to make sure things were finished. Hot mess! But with a lot of help, I got through the day and was able to really enjoy that night. (Even though I was fashionably late to my own rehearsal...HAHA!)

But I wanted to drop a quick note to tell you that I plan to re-cap the day's events and the little details that made it our special day.

Despite my obvious biasness, I have to say, that the wedding (by wedding, I mean the rehearsal/dinner/ceremony/reception) was absolutely perfect. I loved every minute of that weekend! Seriously. I was sad it was over!

After the last year and a half of planning and the last five and a half years of dating, it all culminated into one sweet moment in the chapel over at Southland. Well 20 something minutes to be more exact. And every part of it was perfect. I will never forget that for the rest of my life.

Married life has been a blast so far! Jacob is so amazing. And we are having a really fun time unpacking everything in our house and getting things cleaned up. It is so great waking up next to him every morning and coming home to him every night.

Unlike the planning of the wedding, the whole planning of our life together is something that is (and will continue to be) an ongoing process. And that is what makes it fun!

Anyway, that is my update for today. Look for the re-cap (and honeymoon photos) soon!

And now, a taste of our wedding, fresh from Mary Lashbrook's blog:

A Perfect Ten

My wedding gown fits like a glove. There is no other way to describe this. It hugs me in all of the right places and feels like it was made just for me... Pretty amazing considering how much money some brides have to spend on dress alterations. I have to admit that I am thrilled to not have to pay a dime for alterations. Not a dime!

I have to say that I would wait eight long months for the custom cutting again. What a lifeline! Those extra three inches cut off the bottom of the dress were perfect and my adorable kitten heel shoes are the exact height they need to be. A HUGE thanks to Diane and Ruth's Bridal! And Maggie Sottero! (I am a fan for life.)

With the dress in and ready to go, my wedding day look is complete. Although, I do not have anything old or borrowed...guess I should start thinking about that. Any ideas??

Wish I could post a picture or two from yesterday, but cannot risk Jacob seeing it. :) All in due time!

Details Details Details

I have been one heck of a terrible blogger lately. I hate to place blame some where...but I have to admit, I have been working an ungodly number of hours the last several weeks. In addition to my regular 40 hour/week at minimum job, I have stepped up my game at my part-time job at Kroger. (Pushing my usual 4-8 hour/week to a 13-20 hour/week.) Needless to say, it has been an exhausting ride. Luckily, it will be winding down here at the end of August when I take a much needed leave of absence from Bellerive.

Not only that, but wedding planning has honestly taken a backseat to more exciting things going on right now (namely painting a few of the rooms in our house, unpacking boxes from my apartment and getting things straightened out for a seamless transition).

I have reached that point in our engagement where I am ready to get the show on the road. Planning a wedding is such a headache! Never realized how much drama and stress would be involved...but here we are...inching ever closer to the one month mark. It will be here before we know it!

Since I have last written, we have taken care of so many details: ordered and picked up Jacob's wedding band. My dress came in (first fitting after work today!). Finalizing our menu for the reception. Moved rehearsal dinner venues over to Malone's/chose a menu/making arrangements. Completed and sent our invitations. Received several RSVPs and wedding presents. Had my second shower (thrown by Debbie's fabulous friends). Bought an exit dress. Finalized tuxedo rentals. Working on additional crafting projects. Another IKEA run.

Despite everything going on around me, I will make better attempts at writing over the last month of our 18-month engagement. So many things to share!

One thing to share now: my latest craft project for the wedding. I have been told over and over how we need to have some sort of box to hold cards from people at the wedding reception, on the gift table. I have seen people use all sorts of things, most particularly bird cages. Not a fan of this decor item. Nothing wrong with it, just not in my taste. So, in an effort to make it more creative, I am making my own. Here are two images I have come across that I am using as my inspiration:

I bought supplies from Hobby Lobby last night to begin creating my own version...although I am only making a single layer box (not wanting to go for the wedding cake-inspired look). I bought a silky gray/silver color fabric that I am covering my box in; thick orange ribbon to wrap around it, and thin white ribbon to tie a pretty bow around it. On top of the box, I cut a slit to slide the cards in and I am placing wooden letters (painted in an emerald green) to spell out CARDS. Will hopefully get some time to work on it this weekend. Excited!

While I am at it, I really need to finish my bridesmaids' bouquet charms.

Anyway, happy Thursday!