Monday, September 24, 2012

What makes a southern wedding "Southern"

Several weeks ago, on episode of Say Yes to the Dress - Atlanta,  I watched a bride, originally from the North, try several dresses on in pursuit of a perfect Southern bride look.  Now I guess growing up in the Deep South where everything I ever touched was considered most definitely Southern, I never considered what exactly makes a Southern wedding or a bride a Southern bride?

I forgot about my musings until a few days ago I told someone our wedding reception theme and the response was an enthusiastic, "Ooooooh that is so Southern."  I liked that I had mistakenly picked a Southern wedding theme so I quickly started telling others that we were having a true Southern wedding. Truthfully I had no idea what an all white wedding theme had to do with being Southern but everyone seem to agree that it was indeed Southern.  And why doubt me? After all, I am the Modern Day Southern Belle!

Well even this Southern Belle needs to do a little research from time to time. Therefore, I turned to the highly scientific search method of Google and entered the search terms "Southern Weddings."   The first result to pop up was Southern Weddings Magazine.  I was a little dismayed that I have never even heard of this magazine and I try to call myself an expert on all things Southern!  Seriously, I now know where I will be finding even more inspiration.  So for all you girls out there, Yankee or Southern, who want to have a true Southern affair you need to go to this website.  No, they did not pay me to advertise (although that would be nice), I simply found a great link that I will be using in the future and think it might be a great resource to others.  Now if I could only send it to that Yankee bride on Say Yes to the Dress!  Does anybody know her? 

Real Weddings pinterest
Southern Weddings

Friday, September 21, 2012

Always Try New Things

I work with college age students helping them determine what their career path is as well as how to pursue it.  One common problem among this group is the fear that the fun in life ends when they graduate.  Some struggle with sadness due to the belief that these are the last years before they have to become a "boring" adult.

I understand. I went through a slight depression or quarter life crisis when I was around 26.  At that age, you have gone through so many of life's exciting milestones that you are left being an adult without really feeling ready to be one and wondering what is next. I am fortunate that I went through that time period so I can relate. I was also very blessed to have had a few role models already in their 30s who could relate to what I was going through.  These people were positive role models who let me know that it only gets better.  I entered my 30s excited and they were right - my 30s have been far better than my late 20s.  I feel younger and happier. I try to communicate this same message to my students through not only my story but various examples in class and in sessions. However, not everyone is like me.  Unfortunately some adults do turn out to be just boring adults.  But maybe they were boring kids too.

I read an article this week that made me think of staying young. Jamie Lee Curtis was interviewed in Good Housekeeping about life in general but there was one of her philosophies that really stood out.  She recently wrote a children's book about an exciting year of firsts. Writing this book made her think about how as adults we tend to not try new things as eagerly as we did as children.  She is right. Many of us as children enrolled in a variety of after school classes, learned new hobbies, and were eager to meet new friends. Somewhere along the way to adulthood, a lot of us stop enrolling in new classes and trying new things.  We simply get caught up in the responsibilities of being an adult.  Maybe that is why 20 somethings get the idea adulthood is boring.  With this insight, Curtis decided to try new things.  She started out with a 5k because running scared her as a child. Then after successfully completing the 5k she moved to working her way through a cookbook series that she loved.

This article excited me. I am fortunate enough to work on a college campus where I am constantly exposed to new ideas and activities but it made me want to do more.  As mentioned in a previous blog, I am attempting to learn calligraphy so I can personally address our wedding invitations. In addition to the calligraphy, I like Curtis's idea about working her way through a cookbook.  I am going to start on a Southern Living cookbook that I have been staring at for over a year.  Time to try new recipes!

What are some new things you want to try? I would love to hear your ideas!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Marry Me Monday: Special Touches

My cousin Kimbrell  attached my grandmother's brooch to her bouquet.

   
Christy, mother of the bride, wore the bracelet from the brooch/bracelet set.
My cousin Christy inspired me to make sure the little details are meaningful details by wearing our grandmother's bracelet and attaching the brooch to Kimbrell's bouquet.  Our grandmother, Mama Chris, is recovering from back surgery so she could not be there but her presence was definitely recognized by these special pieces that she purchased in the 1940s. 

If I can successfully create one, I am going to use a few family brooches on my bouquet.  Even if I can't make a whole bouquet of them work, I will attach a few meaningful ones.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Marry Me Monday: The Dress

I found my dress!  Last Sunday, I started what I assumed would be a lengthy process of going to numerous stores and trying on a few dozen dresses but the process came to an end on just dress number three. I am not much for cliches but in this case" the third try is the charm" truly fits.

After being a faithful watcher of "Say Yes to the Dress" I knew how I wanted the dress shopping experience to go.  Starting with I did not want an entourage for the initial shopping.  While I am not one to shy away from being the center of attention, I have watched to many horror scenarios play out with way too many hateful opinions.  Not that I felt that the ladies I would choose to accompany me would ever be like that, I knew I needed only one person to assist me with a decision that should be carefully deliberated.  So the one person I chose to share this special experience was, of course, my mother.   Wedding planning is filled with so many meaningful moments and I am so happy that I shared this special moment with the woman that originally taught me about fashion.

So on Sunday we made our way to what I thought would be just the first stop - David's Bridal.    It is funny in wedding planning that everybody seems to have an opinion.  I have noticed several women have issues with David's Bridal - it is much too chain for these ladies and not boutique enough.  I say whatever! A great dress is a great dress no matter where you go.  And if the price is good then even better! 

I was greeted by the sweetest sales staff who made me feel just as special as the brides featured in the wedding shows.  I knew what style I wanted and had my budget in mind.  I also knew that realistically everything I wanted (and the list was quite long) may not be all met within my budget.  Yes, those shows have made me an expert in wedding dresses.  Or so I thought....because I was wrong.

My mom and I selected about eight dresses to start. The first one was one that I had picked out prior to coming and new would be my favorite.  Wrong!  I have never put something on my 5'2 frame that weighed more than I do!  The dress was so heavy that in order to walk I had to heave it up with both hands. There was no way that I was floating gracefully down the aisle in this one.  If I chose this one, my groom would have to walk to me! 

I looked fine in it and then a slight fear struck me - what if I looked just fine in all of them?  If any of them could work, the decision would be difficult with no stand out.  But that fear disappeared as my mother helped me in to my second choice. Much lighter, this dress was gorgeous!  I was so excited because it had many of my wants.  The sales staff knew from the look on my face that I had found the one and rushed to put a selection of headpieces on me so that I could see myself as a bride. I was done.  I knew this was the one I wanted.  Little girls that were trying on their flower girl dresses were oohhing. But what if?

I looked at my mom and knew I really wanted to try the next ones on to make sure.  The sales staff put the top pick aside for me and in the dressing room I went.  Out I came in a dress that had every element I wanted.  I did not want it to be my favorite as I turned to look at myself because it was the most expensive in the bunch but as I saw my reflection I realized this was the dress.  The sales staff mentioned the back was what the guests would see and all of a sudden I had chills. An odd sensation of cold and hot came over me as I could really see myself at the front of the church with Ed. I never gave much credit to that feeling they say you will get but it is true.  Not only did I feel it but my mom did as well.  And the flower girls were seriously oooohing over this one.  Out came the headpieces and I knew that even if I kept looking no other dress would compare.  This is the dress I get to marry the man of my dreams in!

The sales rep put up the second dress because the third was now my favorite. However, given that the third trumped the second I knew I had to try on the remaining dresses just in case.   I stepped out in the 4th dress and one of the flower girls had taken her seat to see what I had on next.  She oohed but not as enthusiastically as on the third. It was beautiful  but not my dress. I asked the little fashionista what she thought and she gave me the blunt but polite opinion of a 9-year-old Southern girl.  She liked the 4th one but the third one was so much better. 

The next 4 dresses were a white, fluffy blur.  My mom and I were moving quickly.  Each time I stepped out, it was an instant no. None of them compared to my dress.  Lastly, I put my dress back on to make sure.  The headpieces came out and pictures were made.  I confirmed this was my dress.  The store then made the moment even more special by following their tradition of announcing it on the loudspeaker and giving me a golden bell to ring.  My mom said her heart fluttered as she took one of many special pictures that will be captured in my dress.


Monday, September 3, 2012

Marry Me Monday: Kimbrell and Rich's Wedding



My sweet cousin was married in Gulf Shores on August 25th.  Her wedding weekend was a family reunion for many.  The ceremony was beautiful and moving. I rarely cry at weddings but this one was the exception because the tears were hard to hold back.  The pictures do a much better job describing the beauty of this moment.


Private beach at the wedding site

Sweet mother daughter moment

Beautiful

Here she comes!

Love her dress! Look at all that sparkle!

Mother of the Bride with son

Serious flower girl work



Gorgeous Matron of Honor in stunning dress....I love sparkle!

The grand entrance










Saturday, September 1, 2012

Summer 2012

Wow! What a summer!  Five beach trips, another amazing 4th of July party, first spa massage visit, boat time, a family wedding, a friend's wedding, my mom turned 60, and just in case you forgot - I got ENGAGED! So add wedding planning to all the festivities and it has been a whirlwind of a fun summer!  With this weekend being the official end of summer and the sounds of football filling the air,  here is a look back on some of the moments of the summer of 2012.




Beth and Ryan's wedding....Beth you still owe me Ya Ya's!


Mom enjoying our favorite vacay spot - The Beau Rivage.  We really enjoyed the Beau spa for the first time this year!

Gulf Coast Sunrise

Love the Beau (aka "The Mother ship")

The MS Gulf Coast....toes in the water!

Gulf Coast time

Gulf Coast time



YES!


YES!

LOVE!


These aren't just my cousins...they are my siblings! ;o)

Love my family...but watch out - we will go "Lu lu's" on you! 

Love my family!

Having fun at Orange Beach

Dancing

One of many deep conversations

One of many gorgeous Orange Beach sunsets!

Love the view from Jubilee Landing!
I pulled off a surprise party for my mom's 60th!!!

Happy Birthday Sassy Susie

The Girls at Boure for my mom's 60th Birthday Party!

One of the many wedding planning to do items. Picture of the back of the reception site and potential dance floor!


Ed's Birthday- 38!

Another gorgeous Orange Beach view


My sweet cousins....what little girls dream of... :)

Congratulations Kimbrell and Rich!



Great summer! I am so blessed. Now on to an equally great Fall!