I go to A LOT of weddings. It’s kind of my thing. I’m guessing it has something to do with either my killer good looks or mayhaps my insatiable appetite to “move it! move it!” Either way, I love it.
So, it’s no surprise that this weekend, I’ll be venturing out to get my groove on at yet another “I do” destination celebration. This time, the setting is none other than good ‘ole Osgood, Indiana. Don’t know where Osgood is? Well, you wouldn’t be the first; so, no worries there. Just know that it is part of Southern Indiana’s FINEST, and I couldn’t be more pumped to party it up there!
The wedding will take place this Saturday evening, May 21st and is in celebration of the beautiful Ms. Anna Comer (one of my famed and former college roomies) and her beau-to-be, Sir Brian Lane.
You may be thinking to yourself, “Self, what does any of this have to do with me?”
Well, ladies, I’m so glad you asked. Because as of 1:59pm this afternoon, this was the weather forecast for Osgood:
Eeesh. I know. I know. Not pretty, right? Especially when you consider they’re getting married… outdoors (dun dun dun!!)… in her parent’s backyard (dun! dun! dun!)… with nowhere to run from the rain! Ahh!
So, you see ladies, this is where you come in. We need lots of sunny and warm wishes sent her way! Because A) I love her, B) she’s awesome C) my hair really doesn’t hold up well in hurricanes and D) every bride deserves the best! Thanks to all and cheers to many, MANY years of wedded bliss :)
It’s funny, but I’m not much of a jewelry gal. I know, I know. Feel free to gasp and guffaw accordingly :) Even though all my girlfriends tell me it’s un-female to not love any and all trinkets that dazzle, I’ve always argued that I sparkle enough :)
However, all this played a role into the whole engagement process. My dear, sweet husband wanted to surprise me but had no idea what my ring finger size was, and sorry to report, I didn’t have a clue either. Thus the process for “finding the perfect fit” began.
Of course, every girl will be different – not only in size – but also in comfort. Some girls like the tight, almost-too-snug fit because it gives them a greater sense of security. Others, prefer it a little looser because the “spin factor” helps remind them it’s there. Still others are concerned with climate. If they’re in a hot, humid area where fingers can swell up like sausages, they may be more mindful and bump up their size .25″ or so… whereas ladies-in-waiting living in the artic may size down a bit to ensure the rock stays put when snow’s flying… but alas, as always, the choice it up to you.
So, for all you ladies out there looking to find your perfect fit, the World Wide Web offers are several ways to go about it:
For instance, there is the String Test. This is where you cut a small piece of string, wrap it around your finger, measure it accordingly and compare with jewelry store measurements.
Also, there is the Paper Test. Several online dealers will have versions of this for you to use. They simply provide a perforated guide that you can cut out, wrap around your finger and see where you land. You can even try using Google Images; just be sure the scaled measurements are accurate when printed.
Finally, there is the “Secret” Test. Again, if you look online, most retail jewelry stores will have a ring scale you can use for accuracy. This is where you align a ring which you want to mimic the fit of on top of a chart to see which size will fit best. This is the one guys can use “behind the backs” of their ladies when purchasing a ring so she won’t know about; hence, why it’s the “secret” test. :) Of course, please, please, please note, this is the one my Mister tried – tried being the operative word - for me. Unfortunately, he chose a ring from my childhood (yes, CHILDhood) that would’ve been perfect… if this were the 16th century and I was betrothed at the ripe old age of eight, haha. So, make sure if your man is one who would do this, that you leave out only appropriate sized rings :)
Click here for a free PDF from Zales.com that has all three versions readily available.
Now, while it’s always best to get a feel for the ring fit yourself, there are many obvious reasons why this can’t always happen. So, if your actual ring can’t be there for you, BlueNile.com offers a Free Ring Sizer that will deliver plastic ring sizer to your house within 5-7 business days of your request. SUPER handy for the girlfriend DYING to get engaged who’s looking to drop some hints or just a girl looking to buy herself some bling ;)
In lieu that today is St. Patrick’s Day (happy St. Patty’s Splat, friends!) and I am oh so proud of my *Erin Go Bragh* heritage, I would like to pass on one of my favorite blessings to all my brides out there – past, present and future. May you all be filled with lots of love and luck today, tomorrow and always.
An Old Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; The rains fall soft upon your fields, & until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Oh! And may you all your March Madness Brackets be victorious :) Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh — that’s Happy St. Patrick’s Day in Irish… see, this blog isn’t just about fun… we’re about education too! Hehe :)
In lieu of reports from the Washington Post that Prince William is suspected to wear a “custom-made, ceremonial military uniform, as his father Prince Charles did when he wed Lady Diana Spencer in 1981,” I can’t help but <sigh> at the sheer thought of it.
Like any other, red blooded, American woman, it’s no surprise that I find the notion of a groom in uniform, especially a Royal one, finger-licking lovely. (I ask in advance that you forgive any offense or vulgarity that may slip through my lips and into my keyboard, because ladies, I simply can’t help myself… Also, Tanner, I love you – hehe!)
For serious, is there anything more attractive than a man in uniform? I think not. I don’t care if a sport’s jersey, striped socks, fire proof pants or policeman pleats; there is just something about a man in uniform that easily turns this refined, young lady into this howling character…
photo courtesy of dir.yahoo.com
Oy vey.
But alas, I digress. Because while a slick uniform can turn any male up from a 6 to a 10, there is no kind of uniform that does this quite as well as the military. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard… you name it; I love it. So, even though Veteran’s Day has already come and gone, I would still like to salute all the military grooms and the lucky photographers who got to capture ‘em on film :)
photos courtesy of artfuljoy.com
photo courtesy of unitedwithlove.com
photo courtesy of atlasweddingphotography.com
photos courtesy of jessicafreyphotographyblog.com
photo courtesy of davidettinger.photoshelter.com
photo courtesy of lanierstar.com
photo courtesy of allantuan.info
photos courtesy of catiesphotography.com
photo courtesy of swuchererphotography.blogspot.com
My unmistakable friend, Kimmi, on her wedding day! (photos courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
This past weekend, the Mister and I had the distinct privilege of witnessing one of my favorite people in the whole world say “I do” to the man of her dreams, and if it’s alright with all of you, I’d like to share their fairytale now…
I first met my dear friend, Kimberly Marie Kessel (now Mrs. Witchger!), freshman year of college during our four year stint at the greatest place on earth… IU Bloomington (siiiiighhhh). And after nearly nine years of friendship, I can honestly say, she was and still is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever been granted on my journey.
An endearingly quirky and sincerely loyal friend to the core, Kimmi has been my greatest teacher in the meaning of unconditional friendship. She has an innate way of making everyone around her feel appreciated and needed without the lull of motive or expectation. Her giving nature knows no limits, and her selfless demeanor and unbound caring, have provided some of my life’s truest blessings.
There wasn’t a single other person on the planet that I would’ve rather spent my “No Class Fridays” with – be it on a hung-over trip to the Wendy’s drive thru, an inevitably regretful trip to the tanning bed or a simple trip to our living room couches to watch Lifetime Movies (yeah, I said it) and anxiously await the return of our other roommates from class.
Kimmi’s the kind of girl everyone could use in their life, which is why I couldn’t have been happier when I first met her match, Billiam (pronounced Bill-lum because Kimmi already had a William and Liam in her life – haha!). It was two Halloweens ago, and if seeing them paired as Harry and Lloyd from Dumb & Dumber didn’t scream “meant to be,” I don’t know what could! **That would be them on the outside, surrounding Kim’s sister, brother-in-law and nephew. (story cont’d below)
hahahaha!
Now, my dear Kimmi has always been a creature of habit and doesn’t necessarily stray far from her comfort zone or unorthodox guidelines created, written and followed by hers truly. While some may regard the reckless abandonment of proper etiquette and rules as discomforting, I should make it perfectly clear, Kimmi and her infectious personality are the ideal exceptions that prove this very rule… she’s simply too lovable to be considered anything less. So, you can imagine all our surprise – after Billiam had been sent half way across the world to start a branch of his company in the South of China – that Kimmi was still willing to give it a go.
We all knew after Billiam popped the Q, that there was a possibility for her to move; so, as time neared their December 18th wedding, the writing became clearer and clearer and was even spotlighted during the traditional Father of the Bride speech. Mike Kessel – the ahhhmazing papa of Kimmi – laid claim to the fact that his family of four – he, his wife, Sandi and their two daughters, Dani and Kimmi – were pioneers.
While they had family all across the US, they were the first four to venture into Indiana, which transitioned beautifully into the news that Kimmi and Billiam would be using the same pioneering skills for their move to South China… China… I just keep saying it, but it still seems unreal that our little Kimmi will be 7,200 miles away!!
I mean, heck, this is the girl who would never let us say “goodbye,” because she didn’t like the permanent tone of it. Instead, we had to replace all of our goodbyes with “just one second please’s;” as to soften the blow of the time we’d spend apart. And now that our darling girl has married her Prince Charming, we’ll be provided with our lengthiest “just one second please” ever! But funnily enough, I’m not worried in the least, because after seeing the two of them grow in love, there’s not a shadow of doubt in my mind that Kimmi and Billiam would be the best, most lovesick pioneers for journeying so far away!
Their day was marked by epic moments of firework displays, confetti explosions, influential nods to their Asian Sensation future, regally assembled peacock accents and an insanely popular photo booth (propped by me!), and if it’s any premise to their future, we can all look forward to a truly beautiful love story! See what I mean… how freakin’ cute are those killer kimono bridesmaid gifts?? (story cont’d below)
All the pretty ladies getting ready! (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Getting ready for their official entrance as Mr. & Mrs.! (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Caught in the act heading up the elevator! (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Such a happy couple - makes me smile! (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Confetti explosion during the First Dance - GARG! (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Warmed up with love! (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Ha! Cutest! (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Photo booths are genius :) (photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Good luck to the wonderful Witchgers! May your journey be filled with more smiles, few tears and all the love and happiness you can handle! Billiam, I know there’s no man who could possibly love our Kimmi better than you, and as Dani – Kimmi’s sister and Maid of Honor – said when she ended her toast:
As you sit side by side through the roller coaster of life, remember to scream at the peaks, hold hands through the dips, laugh through the loops and enjoy every twist and turn… We love you, and cheers to many, MANY years of happiness :)
Because everyone deserves their own Christmas miracle…
photo courtesy of mywedding.com
It’s time for all of us to put that infectious holiday spirit to work, ladies and gents in hopes that Christmas comes early for one Floridian family! When my Google Alert for “wedding news” fed me this story from NorthEscambia.com, I couldn’t help but feel the all too familiar twinge of sympathetic fear run down my spine.
Kari Doyle, a Floridian wife and mother of two, went out Christmas tree shopping this past Saturday with her two daughters, Emma 4 and Olivia 2, at the local Home Depot off Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. Much to her dismay, the joy of picking out their family tree was quickly replaced by gut wrenching panic when she looked down at her hand and realized her wedding ring was gone!
I feel comfortable using terms like “gut wrenching panic” because unfortunately, this nightmare was my reality this time last year. Not even 24 hours after the Mister and I said “I do,” we were transporting gifts back to our home from my parents, when all of a sudden, I looked down at my hand and painstakingly realized <GULP> my wedding ring was gone!!
To this day, that sinking feeling still remains, and as if reading from the pages of a classic novel, I can still remember the exact text that played through my head…
Where did I drop it? Was it outside? Inside? When was the last time I had it? Here? At my parents? In the car? Did it fall off because it was cold? I knew I should’ve worn gloves! How could I have been so careless? How did I not notice? Good grief… what am I gonna tell Tanner? (Eyes widen even further) What will he say? Is this a sign? Ugh. It could be anywhere? Where do I even begin…
Believe me, this is not a good feeling. So, my hope is… that if enough people read this and enough of us hope for it… Kari Doyle will know the joy that sooooo humbly graced me when my Mister – Sir Tanner, lord protector of wedding bands and finder of all things sacred – hollered, “FOUND IT!!!” from underneath our Christmas tree!!! Haha! That’s right… somehow my ring slid off my finger, miraculously found it’s way underneath our Christmas tree and back onto my finger again!
That was my Christmas miracle; so, Kari, here’s to yours…
***sending holiday spirit, cheer, love and prayers***
Let’s hope you get yours too!
NortheEscambia.com reports: A reward is being offered for the return of Kari Doyle’s wedding rings. If you find the rings, call (850) 572-8817.
It’s so simple and so true, and even though John Lennon and Paul McCartney originally wrote and performed the song, it was Joe Cocker – and his unforgettably raspy voice – that captivated so many more with its brilliance…
Because Lord knows “With A Little Help From My Friends,” I have been able to accomplish great things, and with a little help from their friends, brides the world over have been able to accomplish the same. For it is the love of a bridesmaid that truly displays the most exemplary, self-giving form of friendship… and that, my dear friends, can’t be substituted, exchanged or refunded for anything else.
Recently, I received a card in the mail, and because giving and receiving personal stationery is one of my life’s simplest pleasures, I ripped into it with great excitement… which only turned into greater excitement when I saw what the card contained.
Inside the hand addressed envelope was a very well executed card which had Kimmi, my beautiful cousin’s, signature style written all over it. (You may remember Kim from the previous post All Because Two People Fell in Love: The Engagement of Ms. Kimberly Lynn.) My amazing cousin had taken her time and “with a little help” from her Mac created a fabulous card, covered externally with pictures of her and I and the date “October 15, 2011″ and internally with photo ops of her and her love and a hand written note - first asking me to be a bridesmaid; then, giving her explanation of why it would mean so much.
The card was simple and understated – just like my amazing cousin, and it was the perfect way for her to ask. It absolutely made my day, and because we’ll be spending the next year making sure it’s her day, I’m even more excited that she took the time to do something original.
Of course I said YES – duh! and can’t even wait to be a part of her (no doubt!) unbelievable day!
Many things in this world tug at my heart strings… babies laughing, a friend crying, a person eating alone, my parent’s house at Christmas, hearing my two year old nephew say, “I love you, Aunt Mary,” watching The Notebook, reading The Notebook, puppies, wedding vows, etc. I mean this list could go on and on, but nothing – and I mean NOTHING! – could possibly tug at my heart strings harder than two old people in love. (Siiighhhh)
There’s just something about an elderly couple, late-in-their-years-but-young-in-their-love, holding hands while walking down a street or through a mall or leaving church after Sunday service that makes my heart melt into pieces. Seriously, is there anything cuter than this…
photo courtesy of debidrecksler.blogspot.com
OR this…
photo courtesy of eternallymine.wordpress.com
OR this…
photo courtesy of thedatingpapers.com
I rest my case :)
Partly because of all the history their hands have together; partly because of the old school rules they use to love each other, and partly because I will never forget how my Grandpa Kennedy’s voice cracks every time he calls Grandma the “love of my life,” but regardless of what the overlying reason is… one thing is for certain, couples married 50+ years sure could teach all us soon-to-be/newly-weds a thing or two about love.
Because isn’t that the end goal we all want for ourselves when planning our wedding day? To grow old with the person we say “I do” to, rocking on a porch swing, drinking chocolate milk? At least that’s what I like to think every couple wants, which is exactly why when I came across this story on Tbo.com, I knew I had to share it.
Married for 62 years, Tampa residents, Cesario and Lucy Corrales knew what it took to make a marriage work. After years of living and working in the same town, getting married, settling down, having children and growing older and wiser together, Cesario and Lucy never lost the love they had for one another.
“They were married 62 years, and they could not be without each other,” said daughter Lisa San Martin. “He was her right hand. She was his right hand.” (Tbo.com)
And while lots of people use the sentiment “can’t live without you” as a means to personify their love for another, the Corrales lived it. Shortly after celebrating her anniversary to her husband on September 5, Lucy Corrales, 82, suffered a heart attack and died three days later at Tampa General Hospital.
Upon hearing the news, San Martin recounts her father’s reaction:
At first he just shook his head, almost in disbelief. Then, he broke down. ‘I should have gone first,’ he told her. (San Martin, Tbo.com)
<Gulp, swallowing back the tears>
And while Cesario didn’t go first, he certainly didn’t wait long to find his love again. Because 43 hours after she passed, Cesario Corrales, 87, suffering from a broken heart, died at the same hospital just a couple floors away from where he last held his sweetheart’s hand.
The funeral home that handled the arrangements collected Lucy and Cesario Corrales from the hospital. “They arrived together,” San Martin said. “And they left together.” (Tbo.com)
… Seriously, cutest :) Rest in peace, love birds, and cheers to all the years of happiness!
Lucy and Cesario on their wedding day, September 5, 1948 (photo courtesy of Tbo.com)
Me and my cousin being thebomb.com bridesmaids at a friend's wedding.
As many of you are aware, when it comes to weddings, this ain’t my first rodeo. The Mister and I have been to more ceremonies, rocked out at more receptions and gotten our swerve on at more “no longer single” soirees in 4.5 years than most couples will experience in a lifetime.
And I have to admit… it’s been one, incredible journey. It truly is an honor to be included on someone’s big day, because to me, it’s not just another wedding I have to attend; it’s someone special’s celebration I get to be a part of.
Last week, while on vacation in Mexico, my cousin, Ms. Kimberly Lynn and her beau, Sir Brian got engaged while sitting on the moonlit balcony of their Me-hee-co hotel room (swoooon!), and even though it went down early Monday evening in a totally different country, by late Monday night, pretty much everyone and their mom knew. (I suppose Toby Keith has social networking and Web 2.0 to thank for dispelling the rumors of “what happens down in Mexico, stays in Mexico.”)
While the news travelled at super hero speed, it wasn’t until after she returned from her “Oh-my-goodness-I’m-going-to-a-Mrs.!” vacation that I FINALLY got to hear the story straight from the horse’s mouth (yes, Kim, I’m calling you a horse), and I got to say, I couldn’t be happier her.
You see, Kim is my cousin, which basically means she’s not only a favorite friend, but the oldest, nearest and dearest friend I’ve ever had. Born four months apart, we spent the majority of our childhoods being toted around by our moms. *Shown here setting a mature example of mojito pitcher drinking and little girl giggling…
My mom (left) and Kim's mom losing it :)
…while our dads – brothers 3 and 4, in the long line of 12… shown here representing the poignant moves of Papa dancin’…
My dad (left) and Kim's dad stayin' alive!
…were off saving the world – or as some like to call it simply working their jobs to bring home the bacon :) Haha! In a word, my childhood was ahhhhmazing, and I have Kim to thank for a lot of it, which is exactly why I’d like to spend today’s post reminding everyone why being involved in someone’s wedding day is such an awesome thing. I’m not a gamblin’ girl, but if I had to bet, I’m sure at one moment or another you thought to yourself, “ugh, another wedding?” But why? It’s not just another wedding; it’s THEIR wedding, and you were obviously invited because you mean something to them, and they mean something to you :)
So, Kimberly, in case I’ve never told you, this is why you mean something to me: You were the first friend I ever had, and even though you were only half my size growing up, you never made me feel out of place. You were involved in all my primary sleepovers, up all nighters and “oh no he/she didn’ts.” You were there the first time I ever saw a scary movie – Aunt Julie’s: Friday the 13th, and the last one who waited up all night with me for sunrise to fall asleep. You’re both family and friend. There hasn’t been a single birthday, holiday, celebration, moment really, that went by without you in it.
You were my locker buddy for four years, a roommate for three and a p.i.c (partner in crime) for twenty-six. You’ve been there for all my epic fail, fashion mistakes - permed bangs and fanny packs, eek!, and somehow you still love me.
Kim and I in our Sunday best!
Over the years, you’ve remained a hand to hold during all my most desperate, disastrous moments, which looking back now only seem significant – not because of what they were - but because of the loyalty and love you displayed throughout. We’ve been lucky enough to have the kind of friendship where we would honestly do anything for each other… even if that meant illegally stalking your first crush (shout out to Jamin Wernke!)… and breaking the law at the ripe age of 8… while on a banana seat bike… discreetly snapping photos of Mr. Wonderful during a “no hands!” ride by… donning a hot pink camera… idiots.
Yes, it’s true, Kimmi; you were there for me on my big day, and I can’t wait to be there for you on yours! (I’m singing, right?! Haha!) So, here’s to you, my dear cousin and Brian, your wonderful hubs-to-be! And cheers to many, MANY years of happiness!
She said yes!
Oh! And go ahead and cross wedding prep dance lessons off your list, ’cause let’s get real… we’ve already got the moves! HIIIIIIIIIT IT!
Alright, my little chick-a-dees, I’m just gonna lay it all out there. While those of us living the dream at Marilyn’s Keepsakes know how awesome we are, we’re starting to feel like the smelly kid in class. Yeah, I said it :)
As your favorite personalized wedding accessories and gift store, we started our very own, super amazing Facebook Page and have been a reckoning force on there for quite some time now… however (and this is a big however), I’m saddened to mention that our lack of fanship / friendship is starting to give us a complex. Waaauuuhhhn, waaaaauuuhhhhn.
I mean, what do we gotta do? Become more awesome? Is that even possible? Can you even make awesome, more awesomer?? And if you could, would that make us the awesomenest? Awesome-est? Most awesomest? Does this even make sense? Is anyone listening to me? (Haha, just thought of the Billy Madison quote, “Do horses have socks? Is anybody listening to me?”) If so…
Be a dear and like us, won’t you? Nobody wants to be a social (network) outcast. Help us be more user-friendly & become our Facebook fan… please <insert giant smile here>!
