Wedding Wednesday: Updates

It's been a few weeks since I've done a "Wedding Wednesday" post. I've been so busy with work and just life in general, that I haven't had the time to do it! So... today I'm updating on what's new. *Warning* Lots of pictures to follow.

I've scheduled my alterations and bridesmaid dress shopping appointment for November, when I'll be back in Indiana for a week. Here are a few bridesmaid's dresses that I like:    

I've been looking at groom/groomsmen options for the wedding (other than suit & tie). Because we're going for a more casual setting (and cheaper is always better), I just think that suit & tie might be too formal. Nothing has been decided yet, but I really like this concept; dark jeans and no jacket:

We've I've decided to put my DIY skills to the test and make our invitations, stuffers, save the dates, and programs. Not only will it be fun, but I'll be saving so much money in the process. I ordered all the supplied for everything yesterday, and I can't wait for it to get here and get started! Here are some of the invitations that made it to the final five (I can't show you the one we picked quite yet; but I will as soon as possible!):

 

I've decided to go with a red bouquet and have my girls hold white ones. I think this will look great since I'll have the white dress and they'll have red!

And last but certainly not least, I told asked my dad if he could put something together for an entrance. Because our ceremony will be outside I wanted something to kind of hide myself from everyone until it's time to walk down the isle. I sent him this:

Fingers crossed he can accomplish something like this! I hope everyone has a fantastic Wednesday!

xoxo

Life Isn't Fair

Today would have been my best friend, Megan's 26th birthday. She probably would have been here in Vegas visiting me as we celebrate together like we did 3 years ago. (My birthday is 5 days after her's) Little did we know that our 23rd birthdays would be her last...

Read about her tragic murder here: Part 1 & Part 2

Megan and I basically grew up together. We lived in the same small town and went to the same school from Kindergarten thru High School, but we didn't really click and become inseparable until Junior year. When we became close, it was like finding my other half. She was me in a different body. We did everything together. When I lost her, I lost a piece of myself.

After I moved away to Arizona, we still talked or texted every day. When I'd visit Indiana, most of my time was spent with her and she'd come to Arizona to see me. Her trips to Arizona were always the best and those memories will stay with me forever.

She was the kind of girl I wished I could be. Outspoken, fearless, a not-a-worry-in-the-world kinda gal. She never judged and was always there when I had a crisis; no matter how many miles were between us. I admired her, returned the favor, and loved her so much.

This time of year is always bittersweet. Birthdays are supposed to be fun, but mine just reminds me of the last birthday we celebrated together and that we'll never be able to do it again. I turn into an emotional ball of sadness and joy all thrown together.

Losing your best friend isn't something you ever get over. It's just something that becomes a part of who you are and you learn to live with it. Some days are easier than others. You just have to keep reminding yourself to put one foot in front of the other and keep your head held high.

xoxo

Five on Friday: Accomplishments

I've been so busy lately with getting back from Indiana, just to turn around and go to Arizona for work. Then I've been getting back into the grove of life back home. It's been a crazy month!

Anyway, let's talk recent accomplishments!

ONE. I finally got around to cleaning out my closet and getting rid of a TON of clothes I haven't worn in ages. Some even still had tags on them! I'm sending everything to my older sister (yes, my older sister gets my hand-me-downs; it's sad) and my nieces.

TWO. I survived work this week. Lately, this has become an every day struggle because work has gotten so busy! It's a great thing, but makes for long, tiring days. #AccountantLife

THREE. I bought my garter and undergarments for the wedding! Another thing checked off the list. (And my mom picked up my dress yesterday! Happy dance.)

FOUR. I've dropped 4 pounds so far!! Only 10 more to go. #SheddingForTheWedding

FIVE. I've discovered the wonderful world of Ebay and I even won my first auction yesterday. I'm pretty excited about that!

Even small accomplishments are good accomplishments. What have you accomplished lately??

xoxo

And He's Off...

This past Thursday, my little brother made it to Guam. I can't believe how grown up he is. I am so thankful I was able to spend time with him while I was in Indiana a few weeks ago. He has matured so much since before he left for boot camp. I hope to visit him sometime in the next 3 years that he'll be over there, but tickets are pretty pricey so we'll see how that goes. I'm also really hoping that he'll be able to come home for the wedding in April. I would absolutely LOVE for him to be there. Here are a few pictures from our time in Indiana:

My cousin, Jared, me and Eli (they got the tall gene)

My older sister, Stacy, Eli and me (brotherly love)

Eli and my sister's youngest, Jet

Our family minus my older brother, Drew.

xoxo

4th Of July Weekend

     I really enjoyed my four day, 4th of July weekend and luckily KC was off for three of the days as well. We needed the extra day to catch up and spend time together after I was gone the entire week before (and I left again Monday night).

     Friday, we went shopping, then rented some movies and relaxed at home (good quality "us" time). We love checking out the local thrift shops every so often. Saturday, we had a wedding to attend. A friend of KC's got married at a little chapel on the Strip. It was short, but sweet and absolutely beautiful. The groom cried during his vows and KC teared up. He told me he's going to be a wreck at ours. It was super cute. We went to their reception for a little bit until it was time to go watch some fireworks. They were great.

     Sunday after church, I went and got my hair cut. My long hair was way too hot for this summer heat. We also attempted to go to bed early Sunday night, because KC started working at 5:30am Monday. It's going to be tough. Thankfully, I had Monday off, so I was able to go back to sleep after he left at 5:15am. Later, I got up, cleaned the house, and finally went through all the clothes in my closet and got rid of a bunch I never wear. It's felt good.

     This weekend was amazing. I was sad to see it end and I wasn't looking forward to returning to work today, but I had to go back eventually, right?? I said goodbye to KC again last night and off I went to Arizona. I hope this week goes by fast so I can get back home to him!

xoxo

Oh Hey, Friday: TV Shows

These five shows I absolutely CANNOT get enough of:

ONE. Friends

TWO. Full House

THREE. How I Met Your Mother

FOUR. Grey's Anatomy

FIVE. Army Wives

What are your favorite TV shows??

xoxo

Wedding Wednesday: The Dress

Last Thursday was our 2 month engagement-versary and the day I went to find "the dress". My mom, best friend/MOH, and two oldest nieces joined me. We left early in the morning, picked everyone up and headed to David's Bridal. I was a little excited, but more nervous than anything because I didn't know what to expect. Turns out, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

When I first walked in and started looking at the racks of dresses, I was completely overwhelmed. They all looked the exact same and I couldn't find any I liked. Thankfully, my stylist was amazing. She was super nice and great with knowing what I was looking for and what would look best on me. I just let her go get dresses for me (less stressful that way!). Seeing myself in a wedding dress was so surreal. I guess I still haven't completely wrapped my mind around the fact that I'm getting married! I tried on about eight dresses and the one I finally decided on was the sixth dress I put on. I can't show you the one I got yet, because KC occasionally looks at my blog. However, here are a few I tried on:

 Getting to ring the bell and make my wish was a lot of fun, but I wish my sister could have came with us. I'm not going to lie though, I'm glad this part is over and I can check it off the list! After placing my order, we went to Applebee's to celebrate!

Alterations will be in November. So now I have to decide if I want to keep the zipper back that comes on it, or add the corset back like the picture below. Decisions, decisions. Does anyone have any advice here??

xoxo