For my bridal set, I chose pearls because they are classic, simple, and elegant. I love the added rhinestones to the pearls as well. I thought that this set would be a perfect match to go alongside my gown and bring out the beading.  

As my gift to the bridal party, they too will be wearing pearls.

The earrings are going to be worn by the Matron of Honor, Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids, and Flower Girls.

I had pictures up, but they got erased. :(

 These are my shoes!! I purchased the light ivory ones (2nd photo- top right hand corner) to match my beautiful gown. I knew these shoes were it the moment I laid my eyes on them. They are very pricey, so I did look for alternatives. However, my MIL was not trying to hear that so she gave me half of the money so I could purchase the shoes that I had my heart set on. She said I only get one day and if I didn't take the money she would be offended. :)

I am pleased to announce that I ordered my shoes today and they will be arriving by next week!!

You know what makes me mad?

When I have to come across old timers that are infatuated with the 18th century and its laws. Here we are in 2009 and I still feel like as an engaged couple, we have to get the "approval" from elders. I'm so tired of being asked how old I am... or why do i want to get married... or my favorite.. you're too young to get married. Who the hell made you in charge? How can you judge and question us about OUR lives? Was I there all up in your face when you decided to get married? I mean, to us, there is no "perfect" age to get married or even fall in love. No one knows our life story except me and him because we live it.

Let me say that I do not need a man to validate or take care of me. I work and go to school full time. I have my own morals, values, and opinions. Hell, if I want to voice any concerns, best believe I will!! I have everything I have because I work for them. ME.

I am getting married because I WANT to. Not because I'm pregnant, need health insurance, or because I want to be part of the "in" crowd. But because I'm in love with him. Because I can't see myself without him.  

So for all of you haters out there- please mind your business and keep your pety comments to yourself. You have never walked a day in my shoes and you never will. My life experiences have led me up to getting married and one day to have children. I am proud to wear my ring, but most of all I am proud that I can stand tall next to my man not only as his wife-to-be but as his EQUAL. So if you're so concerned as to why I want to get married.. Here's your answer.

Thanks guys for letting me vent.

Yummy!! This is the cake that we decided on.

We will add one more tier to the bottom of the cake so that we have a total of 4 tiers. It will be chocolate devil's food flavored with amaretto liqueur mousse.

We wanted to have everything coordinate. Our wedding flowers are calla lilies and roses.

My fiance thinks that we are having a canoli flavored cake. LOL. I want to surprise him with a groom's cake so SHHHH. His cake will be canoli flavored.

We are having our reception at Tashua Knolls in Trumbull, CT. We are going to be celebrating from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

I added some pictures for a general idea.

They have an outdoor setup for those who want to get married on site and not have to worry about the hassle of getting everyone at a seperate location. My fiance and I were pleased to hear this option, but because we are getting married in the Fall, it tends to get dark very early. Since the reception starts at 6:30 p.m we would have had to have our ceremony at 6:00 p.m. By that time it is already dark. Plus, we wouldn't have many pictures. So, we decided to have our ceremony at my church at 2 p.m. The bridal party will leave immediately after to take our pictures at Booth Memorial Park in Stratford, CT. Unfortunately, there will be a gap in between the time of the ceremony and reception, but we figure this will give our selected guests time to relax, mingle, change their clothes if they want, and drop the kids off with the sitter. It is an adult only reception with the exception of those in the wedding party.

We are very excited!!

These pictures are really small, but the site would not let me copy the pictures with a bigger size and actual color.

We are getting married in November and like any other Autumn wedding, we are incorporating the harvest colors in our wedding. Our main colors are ivory and bordeaux.. It is a deep wine color. We are also playing off of plums, pinks, oranges, golds, and reds.

This is my mother's dress. She is the Matron of Honor. Her dress color will be merlot.

This is my sister's dress. She is the Maid of Honor. Her dress is two-toned. The top will be colored in blush and the bottom will be in ruby.

These are the Bridesmaid's dresses. There are 4 in total. Each dress will be in bordeaux, but the sash colors are different. Each girl chose a sash color out of dusty rose, burnt orange, harvest gold, and tangelo.

These are my niece's dresses. There are the 2 Flower Girls. Their dresses will be in ivory.  

Thanks to all those who have accepted me as a friend and those who have requested me as well!! I'm very excited to be here.

So today my mother and I were emailing each other getting up to date and familiar with new updates with the wedding. My mom had stopped emailing me for a good 3 hours and I'm sitting at my desk wondering what was going on. I know my mom can get busy sometimes, so I finally brushed it off. At around 3:45 pm, I received an email saying, "Are you still there?" So I simply responded and told my mom yes I was and asked where were you. She told me that she had to take care of some business and now that the business was complete, would I like to know what she did for me? At this point, I'm confused, yet excited because I had no idea what she could have done. She responded to me saying, "ok here we go and don't start crying."

I have purchased for you:

your cake knife set(engraved)

guest book(engraved)

guest book pen set, ring bearer pillow, and 2 flower girl baskets

gold heart stickers for the thank you envelopes

She paid IN FULL both of the flower girls' dresses, her dress (she's the matron of honor), and my wedding gown!!

she also put $100 deposit on my sister's dress (the maid of honor)

Not to mention, my mom also purchased my garter set, she is giving us $500 to go to the cost of the reception, and she is buying the bridal party's flowers.

You have to know that as soon as I read her email that I was in tears. She even knew that I would be, so she called me and I couldn't even form the words to thank her. I am beyond thankful for everything that she is doing for us. My fiance and I have been saving every penny we can so that this day can be special for us. It's hard saving all of this money on your own, not having anyone help you, and seeing a list of things that still need to be bought not knowing where any of this money is going to come from. Because of my mom, all we need to worry about now is saving the balance of the reception and photographer and buying the ceremony decorations. It's still very unreal to me. I am so appreciative.

Thank you momma. I love you.