Love them!
Mark Ryan Photography
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Favors
We also took advantage of my "bridesmaid sweat shop" to assemble the favors.
I bought the matchbooks on theknot.com while they were on sale. They were personalized with our names and wedding date, which were a great hit, but the actual matches were very poor quality. So, if you are just interested in the personalization for a great price, I would recommend ordering from theknot.com, but if you want quality matches, maybe not.
I bought TONS of sparklers from the local fireworks warehouse and bought the yellow raffia at Michaels.
I had the sparkers in a big basket by the entrance to the tent, but very few people actually notice them there. I think it would have worked better if I had put them on each quest table, one set at each seat.
Wedding Programs
The week before the wedding, my bridesmaids and I set up a little sweat shop to finish stuff for the wedding. I am so excited about how the programs turned out. I didn't have any photos to post, so I contacted my mom back in Missouri and she took these great photos. Shouldn't she get a job doing product presentation?
For the cover, I used 8.5 x 11 blazer blue cardstock, folded in half, and leftover yellow cardstock, leftover blue cardstock, and a printed graphic to create a layered "monogram." Once the inner page was put in, we wrapped the whole thing with yellow raffia.
The front of the inner paper.
The inside of the inner page, with all ceremony and bridal party info.
The back of the inner page, with family info and our address.
The front of the inner paper.
The inside of the inner page, with all ceremony and bridal party info.
The back of the inner page, with family info and our address.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
New Blog!
I have my newlywed blog set up!
The Ever Changing Life of a Military Wife
As of now, there are no posts. But you can see a NEW picture of Jake and me, with my "newlywed" haircut! Be sure to click to become a follower so you can keep up with our adventures in Italy!
The Ever Changing Life of a Military Wife
As of now, there are no posts. But you can see a NEW picture of Jake and me, with my "newlywed" haircut! Be sure to click to become a follower so you can keep up with our adventures in Italy!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Non-Pro Wedding Pics - Getting Ready
Our friend Katie used my camera on the day of the wedding to get some pictures. Here are some of my favorites. from before the wedding.
The groom and his groomsmen, all ready to go.
The girls getting ready.
Jake pinning the corsage on his mom.

The girls still getting ready.
The girls still getting ready.
More Party!
The week before the wedding, we threw a baby shower for my sister. It was lots of fun and she got lots of great stuff!
Two of our nieces and the beautiful mom to be!
Opening presents
Me, Susie, Mom, Alex, & Hilary, and Rylee & Andie in front
Me, Susie, Mom, Alex, & Hilary, and Rylee & Andie in front
Friday, July 17, 2009
Party!
I loved my bachelorette party! It was a week before the wedding, so almost a month ago, but I'm finally getting around to posting the pictures!
opening presents
my sister and me
opening presents
my sister and me
It's been awhile!
It's been a LONG time since I updated the blog! A LOT has happened in that time! I got married and I moved to Italy! Two HUGE life changes within a week of each other. I have to say, I LOVE both changes!
Married life is the best! BEST! (I know I'm using a lot of caps, but I'm just very happy and excited to share it!) I think Jake is even happier than I am. Everytime he goes to Missouri to visit, he dreads coming back to Italy. Not only does he have to sit on a plane for 10+ hours, but he has to go home to an empty apartment. Well, this time I came back to Italy with him. He doesn't really wear his heart on his sleeve, but I can tell he is really happy to have me here with him. Wow that sounds kind of conceited, but it's true. I feel the same way though. I'm so happy to wake up next to him, and even just to get to see him everyday!!
I just realized I'm getting way to deep into the whole newlywed feelings and this is technically a "wedding blog" I do plan to make a "newlywed blog" to start sharing some of my (I mean our!) adventures. I just don't want to create it until I think of a really cute title for my newlywed blog. Any ideas? Nothing I come up with is quite creative enough!
I will still post on this blog, until I get rid of all of the wedding planning photos I still have stored in my camera. And of course, expect some actual wedding photos as well! But when I create my newlywed blog, I'll post that link on here.
Married life is the best! BEST! (I know I'm using a lot of caps, but I'm just very happy and excited to share it!) I think Jake is even happier than I am. Everytime he goes to Missouri to visit, he dreads coming back to Italy. Not only does he have to sit on a plane for 10+ hours, but he has to go home to an empty apartment. Well, this time I came back to Italy with him. He doesn't really wear his heart on his sleeve, but I can tell he is really happy to have me here with him. Wow that sounds kind of conceited, but it's true. I feel the same way though. I'm so happy to wake up next to him, and even just to get to see him everyday!!
I just realized I'm getting way to deep into the whole newlywed feelings and this is technically a "wedding blog" I do plan to make a "newlywed blog" to start sharing some of my (I mean our!) adventures. I just don't want to create it until I think of a really cute title for my newlywed blog. Any ideas? Nothing I come up with is quite creative enough!
I will still post on this blog, until I get rid of all of the wedding planning photos I still have stored in my camera. And of course, expect some actual wedding photos as well! But when I create my newlywed blog, I'll post that link on here.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
I'm back!
Yes, I've been MIA. My internet was turned off on the Friday before Jake got home, I guess it was the 19th. I've moved out of the apartment and am now staying with my parents, so I'll have access to the computer again. Hopefully, if I'm not overwhelmed with wedding projects, I'll finally have a chance to put some updates on here!
As for me, I don't think it has quite hit me yet that my wedding is in 4 days!
Everyone asks me if I'm nervous. Yes, I'm nervous about standing in front of a hundred people, but no, I'm not nervous about the marriage. I wish I could just jump to 2:00 on Saturday, have a great time, then move on. The wedding planning is starting to get old.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Shred Level 3
I HATE Level 2 of the Shred. I was going to do each level for about 15 days, but I hate level 2 so much, that I moved on the Level 3 today. It is so much better! Still hard, but it doesn't make me sick. I did almost all of the exercises with the modifications because my leg has been aching lately. I broke my fibula in a cheerleading stunt gone wrong while I was in college, and it hurts after I do a lot of high impact moves. So I do the modified versions for less impact, but I figure at least I'm still moving!
From my experience, it seems like Level 1 really worked my thighs, Level 2 really worked my biceps, and Level 3 really worked my abs. I like the extra ab workout, but I miss how firm my legs would be at the end of doing Level 1. I'm considering doing Level 1 first thing each morning, then doing Level 3 in the afternoons. It sounds a little crazy, but Level 1 should be a breeze for me now, I just want that extra leg work so my thighs won't be so jiggly. Too much information?
From my experience, it seems like Level 1 really worked my thighs, Level 2 really worked my biceps, and Level 3 really worked my abs. I like the extra ab workout, but I miss how firm my legs would be at the end of doing Level 1. I'm considering doing Level 1 first thing each morning, then doing Level 3 in the afternoons. It sounds a little crazy, but Level 1 should be a breeze for me now, I just want that extra leg work so my thighs won't be so jiggly. Too much information?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
'Tie' the Knot
Sweet Treat
Lots of Random Checks!
I got quite a few random wedding checks done this week!
- Ordered the port-a-potties: 1 regular and 1 handicapped for $225
- Finished a mockup of the program cover and bought all of the cardstock needed: <$30
- Dropped off program monogram and cardstock at my printer to be printed and cut: should be done on Monday
- Bought sparklers for favors: <$25
- Bought fireworks for reception: $101, but I bought them at the fireworks stand where I used to work, so the owner threw in a bunch of extras, so I probably ended up with $200 worth of stuff!
- Reserved kegs for the reception: a 1/2 barrel of Bud Light, and a 1/4 keg of Coors Light for Jake!
- Bought all supplies needed for photo guest book: <$20
- Ordered the port-a-potties: 1 regular and 1 handicapped for $225
- Finished a mockup of the program cover and bought all of the cardstock needed: <$30
- Dropped off program monogram and cardstock at my printer to be printed and cut: should be done on Monday
- Bought sparklers for favors: <$25
- Bought fireworks for reception: $101, but I bought them at the fireworks stand where I used to work, so the owner threw in a bunch of extras, so I probably ended up with $200 worth of stuff!
- Reserved kegs for the reception: a 1/2 barrel of Bud Light, and a 1/4 keg of Coors Light for Jake!
- Bought all supplies needed for photo guest book: <$20
Friday, June 12, 2009
Memory Frame
I wanted some way to honor Jake's dad at the wedding. I saw this in a magazine and thought it would be perfect to use as my inspiration to DIY.

I found a nice wooden frame at Micheal's already with a mat for two 4x6 openings. It was $29.99, a little more than I wanted to spend, but I figured we could display this in our home after the wedding, so I decided it was worth it, but when I went to the checkout, it turns out it was on sale for $16.99! I know the color is off, but I had to turn of the flash so the glass wouldn't have a glare.
A little closer.
The right side says :
In Loving Memory
'his military rank'
'his full name'
Retired US Air Force
Those we LOVE are never far,
they are with us always
in our HEARTS.
I'm thinking I might display this by the guest book at the ceremony and reception.

I found a nice wooden frame at Micheal's already with a mat for two 4x6 openings. It was $29.99, a little more than I wanted to spend, but I figured we could display this in our home after the wedding, so I decided it was worth it, but when I went to the checkout, it turns out it was on sale for $16.99! I know the color is off, but I had to turn of the flash so the glass wouldn't have a glare.

A little closer.
The right side says :In Loving Memory
'his military rank'
'his full name'
Retired US Air Force
Those we LOVE are never far,
they are with us always
in our HEARTS.
I'm thinking I might display this by the guest book at the ceremony and reception.
No excuses for getting lost now!
I made some big, bold signs for the reception. Now no one will have an excuse for getting lost!
I used white foam core board from Walmart, and blue cardstock cut with a cricut cutting machine. It belongs to my mom's friend, and I'm just borrowing it before the wedding, but I SO want one!
Right on the highway, I'll put the biggest sign. This one is about 2'x3' Big enough that no one should miss it!
Then, once they get off the highway, there are a couple of forks in the road, so I have these smaller signs to put at both of those spots. Each one will be about 1'x2' As you can see I have room to make one more, so I guess I'll put one at the bottom of the driveway also.
I used white foam core board from Walmart, and blue cardstock cut with a cricut cutting machine. It belongs to my mom's friend, and I'm just borrowing it before the wedding, but I SO want one!
Right on the highway, I'll put the biggest sign. This one is about 2'x3' Big enough that no one should miss it!

Then, once they get off the highway, there are a couple of forks in the road, so I have these smaller signs to put at both of those spots. Each one will be about 1'x2' As you can see I have room to make one more, so I guess I'll put one at the bottom of the driveway also.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Don't rest your head on this pillow!
Mom and I made the ring bearer pillow today. As she says, we make a good team. I come up with the ideas, and she makes them.
Here was my original inspiration, taken from Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine. Just a plain pillow with a handkerchief wrapped around so that all 4 corners meet in the middle of the top.
We started out with a lace hanky
and some navy blue silk fabric (yes it has a weird "sea creature" print, but once the lace covers it, it looks fine)
Mama doing her thing. I'll admit, all I did was iron the hanky.
And the final product. I love the contrast of the navy and white!
Here was my original inspiration, taken from Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine. Just a plain pillow with a handkerchief wrapped around so that all 4 corners meet in the middle of the top.
We started out with a lace hanky BLAH!
The Shred Level 2 makes me sick. Literally. I just finished day 4 of Level 2, and I feel like I'm going to throw up. Maybe that's how people lose so much weight doing the DVD. Blah.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Weight Loss Day 17
I just finished my third day of Level 2. It is still very hard, but not as hard as it was on Monday! The strength in Level 2 is a lot harder on my arms. There's one part in the DVD when Jillian says, "your arms should be burning" and I yell at the TV, "THEY ARE!"
I don't feel like my midsection is getting any smaller (but I guess that can be blamed on my poor diet) but my legs are so much stronger! I'm excited I'm wearing a knee length dress for the reception, so I can show off my buff calves! My arms feel strong, but I don't think they are getting any smaller. I just have to keep telling myself, I'm not even halfway through. I have 23 more workouts before the wedding day, and those can make a lot of difference!
Still no soda, and I've cut down on the iced tea also (honestly, I ran out and just haven't made anymore yet!) I've been drinking about 3 bottles of water each day and a big glass of milk with dinner. I know I still should drink more water, but I just drink when I'm thirsty. I've been having healthy snacks, like carrots and sherbet (instead of ice cream), but my meals are not the most healthy. I like pizza.
I weigh and measure again on Saturday, so maybe I'll have a few salads between now and then.
I don't feel like my midsection is getting any smaller (but I guess that can be blamed on my poor diet) but my legs are so much stronger! I'm excited I'm wearing a knee length dress for the reception, so I can show off my buff calves! My arms feel strong, but I don't think they are getting any smaller. I just have to keep telling myself, I'm not even halfway through. I have 23 more workouts before the wedding day, and those can make a lot of difference!
Still no soda, and I've cut down on the iced tea also (honestly, I ran out and just haven't made anymore yet!) I've been drinking about 3 bottles of water each day and a big glass of milk with dinner. I know I still should drink more water, but I just drink when I'm thirsty. I've been having healthy snacks, like carrots and sherbet (instead of ice cream), but my meals are not the most healthy. I like pizza.
I weigh and measure again on Saturday, so maybe I'll have a few salads between now and then.
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