Tuesday, June 8, 2010

I’m Getting Married!!!!!!!

Hello!!  It’s been sooooo long!!!  I’ve missed so much- including my one year blogaversary!!!  Ahhh!!  I will have a giveaway for that soon- hopefully sometime this month, so stay tuned!!

It’s been crazy here and now you know why---  I’m finally getting married!!

piepie

Matt and I have been together since 04/05/06.  We met at work when I was terribly adverse to having a relationship, much less dating someone I worked with.  But it must have been the eyes….

We were engaged one morning, in bed, in January 2009.  Matt wore the ring on his pinky all night- lol :)

And now we have been blessed by my parents and are able to have an actual wedding!  My dad passed in 2001, but him and my mother set aside a wedding fund for me and my sister.  My mom turned 60- today actually- and had waited until she could access the fund to let me know.  So it really has been very recent since we found out we could have a wedding!

The reason we have to have a wedding next spring is because I am losing my job at the Research Institute on Addictions because my boss’ grant runs out.  So I will be without a job after next June or July.  And then we will probably have to move so I can have a *real* job- he he.  We didn’t want to have to come back to have the wedding if we had already moved…. soo…. time to rush!!

I’ve already picked out my dress!!

Y2711I hope I can lose all this weight so I can look like this in it!  lol!

 Style: "New  Balance 2-6-07" This is the back of it- I just fell in LOVE with the train!!!

I also picked out the bridesmaid dresses:

6034L-front-standard These look kind of white, but they are blue with a gold lace overlay!

And the tux:

monaco_defstnd1

Tomorrow I am going to put the deposit down on our ceremony and reception venue:  The Avanti Mansion

av This is the mansion, however, they are building an entirely new facility that opens in August of this year.  Inside will be a library and a ballroom.  We are planning on having the reception in the ballroom, which will be gorgeous with antique style furniture and faux marble floors and also a huuuuge staircase entering into the ballroom!  Plus, the bridal suite will be upstairs with a balcony overlooking the ballroom which I think is sooo cool! 

Unfortunately, we will not be able to go into the real mansion the day of the wedding (because another party will rent out the tent that has been in use for receptions all these years) or the gardens over there because it belongs with the reception tent, but I don’t think that will be too big a deal.  There will be a tiered ceremony site along a little creek on our side and we will also have a patio outside of the ballroom that our guests can use to dance under the stars!

And, we are going to have such a cool dinner service!!  They do a live grill there- so everything is made to order and you can eat as much as you want!  Plus, dinner is served to all guests in 10 minutes, so no waiting around for everyone to get their food and be able to eat!

I’m sooo excited! :)  Finding a reception venue has been very stressful, so I’m kind of glad that part is over.  On to funner stuff!!

Don’t you want to come?!?!  Lol :)  I am definitely inviting some of my blog friends- ones I’ve met in real life and ones I haven’t met yet- and I would just be in heaven if everyone could come!  So look out for your Save The Dates!  :)  Tomorrow I will be back with a Set-In-Stone-Date!  Have a wonderful week and thank you for sharing in my happiness!

nicciswedding

37 comments:

Charlene said...

Julie Anne, Congratulations! I didn't get to talk to you very much at Petticoats & Parasols but, wanted to visit all the Belles tonight. What wonderful news about your engagement. His eyes are beautiful!!!! I wish you all the luck in the world. Advise from an "old married woman"... date him all your life. It makes you both feel special. Charlene

Shell said...

Oh Sweetie, Congratulations! I am SO HAPPY for you!! And,,,I have missed your posts and comments SO,,,,I was starting to worry!

But the "Love Bug" has bitten and has kept you very BUSY!!

I have an offer,,,,,,if you'd like. Oh shoot Amada does cake Toppers too! I was going to offer one of mine custom made for your wedding,,,my treat! But If you get a better offer from Amada I'll make something for your shower,,,,just tell your friends to get in touch with me and let me know the Theme....But I'd do a Wedding Topper too,,,,,whatever!!!

So excited for you!!! You are such a dear and you deserve a lifetime of LOVE and Happiness with a Special guy! (ooooh he's a cutie patootie!) LOL

Hugs,Love and BIG CONGRATS!!!
Shell

Pam said...

Julie Ann, I am so excited for you!!! congratulations!!!! You will make a beautiful bride!!! Looking forward to reading about all your plans!Enjoy every minute of all of it!
Blessings and hugs!

Claireabelle said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
xx

Undaunted said...

WOW, fantastic news!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! Your plans sound amazing!! I wish you both every happiness in the world! :D

Sherri Auld said...

What great news! Congratulations, I know you will be just beautiful in the dress you have picked. It is perfect for you!

Anonymous said...

Hi Julie,
EEEKKKK!!!! I am so super excited for you. Sorry I haven't responded to your email yet, my sister had to have emergency gal bladder surgery over the weekend and I have been helping out at her house all week. I am so far behind here but I just had to come by and say CONGRATULATIONS! And what a blessing to have your mom be able to throw you that wedding. I will respond to your email this week when I really have time to read it. LOVE the location by the way and the dresses. You know Tim and I will be there. And of course my offer for the cake topper stands!

I am so excited sweetie. Miss you so much - Oh, BTW your sweetie is a hunk!

Hugs,
Amada

PeggyLovesVintage said...

Congratulations Julie, how exciting! Sounds like you're well on the way to planning a fantastic wedding! I love the dresses you've selected and the venue looks awesome! Have fun and try not to stress out too much!

natalea said...

oh crap- I just left a comment...did you get it? I don't think it went through!
Anyway I was saying CONGRATS! so happy for you and that he's quite the hottie! The dress is incredibly gorgeous and the Avanti Mansion is awesome- right in my neck of the woods! Have fun planning and take it all in!
xo natalea

Diann said...

I'm so very happy for you and Matt! I can just hear the happiness and excitement in your voice....you go girl! Diann

Elyse said...

oh! how exciting! i love the photo of you both at the bottom of this post. what an exciting time.

congratulations, sweetie!

xo
elyse

Kathy L said...

big time congratualtions! Sounds like you ae well on your way to a dream wedding!

Anonymous said...

Oh Julie..I am so excited for you...congratulations....the dress is gorgeous and I can't wait to see you in it....you will make a beautiful bride...hugs....

Rella said...

HOW EXCITING!!!!!! Oh, wedding are so special..congratulation, my dear..this is going to be a whirlwind for you.

xox Rella

Unknown said...

Hi Julie Ann! Thanks for the congrats on being an Auntie again! Congratulations to you on your engagement! Isn't it funny how we sometimes find our soul mates when we're not looking?! My man hooked me in with his blue eyes too. I love the dress you chose too! Where do you live cause I would love to go to a blogger's wedding..hee,hee!

Sandy xox

Cathy said...

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!! IT'S AWESOME, IT'S WONDERFUL, IT'S AMAZING AND YES! IT'S DEFINITELY THE GORGEOUS EYES ON HIS STUNNING FACE. HOW COULD YOU NOT FALL IN LOVE WITH THAT SWEET SWEET MAN.

I AM BEYOND THRILLED FOR YOU MY SWEET FRIEND AND I WISH YOU A MILLION YEARS OF HAPPINESS.

LET'S JUST SAY "I'M TICKLED PINK" FOR YOU JULIE ANN. AND BEYOND EXCITED.

LOVE YOUR GOWN AND THE BRIDESMAID DRESSES. REMEMBER IF YOU GET TOO STRESSED OUT YOU CAN'T LOSE WEIGHT! DON'T PUT TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON YOURSELF. WEIGHT WATCHERS IS AWESOME. YOU LOSE AT LEAST 1 LB. A WEEK WITHOUT EXERCISE, BUT IT DOES COMES OFF.

I WISH I WAS THERE SO I COULD HUG YOU RIGHT NOW. SO FROM ME TO YOU SWEET PEA, A GREAT BIG GIANT HUG!

LOVE YOU!

XO CATHY

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

Congrats!! I am so excited for you!! Such beautiful details you have already planned out!

Anonymous said...

Julie! Comngrats!

I don't know what happened but I thought I already followed your blog and I was wondering why you didn't blog anymore! Ha- ha!! Well, here I am again! ♥

Bumpkin Hill said...

Oh huge congratulations, SO exciting. I love your dress, it is fabulous and your location is out of this world - what a truly special day you will have. I am sure that your Dad will be looking down on you and will be immensely proud of you. Enjoy all the preparations. Big Hugs, Catherine x

ittybittybirdy said...

ahhh blogger hates me today.... let's hope this one works

SO CONGRATS! That is fantastic! I'm so happy for you! Weddings are so fun to plan and I love all your ideas thus far. Just remember to be flexible or you will drive yourself mad.

Chelsea Ann

P.S. I lost you address? grrr so could you send it to me again? redchelseann@gmail[dot]com

Little Pink Studio said...

Congrats Julie Ann!! How exciting! I can "hear" the happiness and excitement through your words! It is such an exciting time!
Your venue looks beautiful and romantic, and that dress is stunning.
I wish you much happiness always!!
Cerri xoxo

Gloria said...

Julie---Oh wow--I have missed you---but Congratulations...Everything sounds so fairytale and the dress and stuff looks like fit for a fairytale princess(((you))). You will awesome....I am so happy for you Sweetie....

Lori said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Oh my to say I love the gown is an understatement! It's totally enchanting!! You'll be gorgeous!! Love to ya, Lori

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Hey wait a cotton pickin' minute...
THAT'S MY BOYFRIEND!

hahaha
(dang I wish)

Girl, his eyes are gorgeous...you are a lucky LUCKY girl! :)

Your Father will be so proud from Heaven when he sees you in that beatuiful wedding dress...(I'm starting to tear up here)

Congratulations sweetie...you will make the most beautiful bride :)))

Love you!

Natasha Burns said...

Congratulations Julie Ann!
Your venue looks amazing, your bridesmaid dresses are super cute, the tux is great, your gown is divine {I hope Matt doesn't look at your blog?} and I know you are going to be the most beautiful bride!!!
Your future hubby is such a cutie, I hear you when you say it's the eyes. That's what I noticed first about my hubby, the blue eyes :)
I'm working on your cuff and fan this week xo

Retro Cafe' Art Gallery said...

CONGRATS!!! Sounds like it will be a BEAUTIFUL wedding!
xoxo,
Kristin

Lori said...

Julie Ann!!! what wonderful news...i am SO happy for you...you sound so happy and excited...your husband to be is a cutie, and yes...his eyes are stunning...no wonder he turned your head...i hope your wedding is everything you want it to be and more:) congratulations!!!

Sylvia Cruz Smith said...

Congratualtions Julie Ann!We met at petticoats, I love your blog. Sylvia

Christina Lytle said...

Julie the dress is beautiful, and you will be gorgeous in it! Congratulations and I can't wait to see pictures....
Hugs, Christina

Anonymous said...

Julie.....I'm behind the times girl....CONGRATULATIONS on getting the firm go ahead on your wedding!! I'm SO excited for you...you will be a GORGEOUS bride!! Your dress you've chosen is SO beautiful!!!!! The mansion is amazing!!!!! I pray you all have a wedding to always remember and cherish and a lifetime of happiness!!!!!

Cassandra said...

Oh my goodness! How very exciting! WOW! The dress it lovely, and you will be just stunning in it! Everything looks so wonderful I am so very happy for you! Sending big hugs! xo Cassandra

Karen said...

Julie Ann!
How exciting! Congratulations!
How fun! And you look like you really are organized and know what you want. The dress is DIVINE, and I love the bridesmaids dresses. And the reception! The ballroom would be grand!
I'm so excited for you!
Keep us posted!
And again, Congratulations {{BIG HUGS AND GIGGLES}}}
Karen ~ Some days are diamonds

Jan Thomason said...

hi, little girl!!
i'm proud as can be of you and who you are - you know that.
and, now that i've seen matt, oh, my. his eyes. ah-mazing.
i wish i had blue eyes:)

you know i'll be there to see you in all of your beauty and to have that talk with matt about what would happen if he ever disappointed you. LOL

still out of town. will write or call later.

love you, sweetie.

The French Bear said...

Julie Ann, for some reason I thought I had left a comment, way back...hmmm...anyway, congratulations!!!! You will look stunning in that dress, oh my goodness, I am sure you will be a hundred times more beautiful then that model!!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

sandy said...

Congratulation! The plans sound wonderful! Your wedding dress is beautiful! Can't wait to hear all about it! : ) Sandy

Annie Jeffries said...

Congratulations, Julie. Many happy wishes for the two of you.

Merci-Notes said...

An end and a BEGINNING!
Congratulations Matt!
Julie an I wish you the very very best :)
Such gifts are right under our noses!

xo, mary