Kisses!

Head on over to Weddzilla to read about one of my possible DIY projects!

Unabridged Bride

Over the weekend, I gave my blog a little face lift.
Can you tell?
Do you like it?

Well, over on the right sidebar, I've also added a little button/badge.
"Are you an Unabridged Bride?"
Yes, ma'am, I am!!
Thanks to Liza Hippler of Maiden to Married and Marie McKinney-Oates of Nashville Marriage Studio.

At the workshop, we covered many things - both useful and fun!
The first night we talked about ourselves and the wedding.
It was definitely an eye opener and made me rethink a lot of things - but in a good way!
The second night we got down to it with a Kettlebell workout.
We also learned how to create a stylish wedding on a budget with CJ Dickson and talked photography with Mandy Whitley.
The last night we got to bring our fiances along.
We learned how to quickly resolve conflicts, why life insurance is important, to talk about everything [including finances!!], and to relax with reflexology [i.e. hand & foot massages].

We also had a bit of homework, which I love,love,loved doing!
I came up with who I wanted to be as I planned my wedding and what I wanted our wedding to be.
Mr. GrapeJuice and I talked about our expectations for ourselves and each other as husband and wife.
And, now, I will share them with you!

As a bride, I want to be intune with my relationship as we plan of our lives, and I want to be relaxed while enjoying the journey to wife.

I want my wedding to be personal as well as a celebration of all the love and family around us while having/enjoying a great party!

Mr. GrapeJuice's Expectations of himself as a husband and me as a wife:
Husband: support wife [includes financials as well], love wife, cherish wife, protect wife, reproduce with wife
Wife: carry children & care for husband and children, stay truthful to husband, work together to efficiently run a family, be like your mother

My Expectations of myself as a wife and him as a husband:
Wife: support husband in everything, help around the house, be cook and maid most of the time (expect him to help some too), do little things to help make our lives/his day easier/happier without complaint or expected praise
Husband: be the man, kill the bugs, take care of the lawn, stay by my side in good and bad, get up at 4am to get the baby or sick child, support my dreams and the realities

Musical Monday - Aaron Neville

This post is inspired by the GE commercial.
{If you haven't seen it yet, you need to!}
It came on TV one day, and Mr. GrapeJuice said he liked the song.


Here are the lyrics [song is originally sung by Aaron Neville]:
Look at this face,
I know the years are showing,
Look at this life,
I still don't know where it's going.

I don't know much,
But I know I love you,
And that may be all I need to know.

Look at these eyes,
They've never see what matter,
Look at these dreams,
So beaten and so battered.

I don't know much,
But I know I love you,
And that may be all I need to know.

So many questions still left unanswered,
So much I've never broken through,
And when I feel you near me,
Sometimes I see so clearly,
The only truth I've ever known,
Is me and you.

Look at this man,
So blessed with inspiration,
Look at this soul,
Still searching for salvation.

I don't know much,
But I know I love you,
And that may be all I need to know.

Letter and a Makeover

As you can see, today I did a little fall cleaning on my blog. I was getting a little blog-envy of everyone who had nice and clean looking blogs. I took it upon myself to try and spruce mine up today. {I mean, I have been up since 4:30am for no reason! What else was I supposed to do?}

The following blogs/people deserve credit for helping me update the look:

1. Blog Background Design - Aqua Poppy Designs
2. Sidebar/Post/Blog Title/Signature Font - Kevin & Amanda
3. Tutorial for Changing Sidebar & Post Font - Kevin & Amanda
4. New Twitter Button - Just Something I Made
5. Dingbats for Signature and Blog Title - FontSpace

And now, a letter...

Dear Girl in the Blue Dress,

When you woke up this morning, did you notice that it was raining? When you walked out to your car, did you notice then? Then, why did you insist on wearing a summery blue dress and flip flops? Why did you feel the need to literally run [with a disgusted look on your face] into Target? Do you not have an umbrella or raincoat? And, why did you need to run out of Target two minutes later without having purchased a thing - especially an umbrella? And, furthermore, do you realize that it is fall and your dress is no longer in season?

A Concerned Citizen :)

Wedding Fact Friday

I would not have wanted to carry one of these bouquets!

"For ancient Greeks and Romans, the bouquet was a pungent mix of garlic and herbs or grains. The garlic was supposed to ward off evil spirits and the herbs or grains were to insure a fruitful union. In ancient Poland, it was believed that sprinkling sugar on the bride's bouquet kept her temper sweet." (source)

A Little Note

I just want to say a little thank you to all my followers. :) You guys are awesome!
I'm sorry I don't have anything of importance to write about tonight.
Mr. GrapeJuice and I went out to dinner tonight and then went grocery shopping for some necessities.
Thus, the lack of a post.
However, I will leave you with a sweet video from Publix.



"I was AWESOME!!"

Quiz: What's Your Bridal Style??

I took this little quiz on The Knot today. I think it's important to know a concrete idea of what I want. It's easier to describe my style in a little quiz. :) I've been having a hard enough time trying to figure out what to call it. And, although styles change, I'm hoping that this one will stick and decide to hand around for awhile!

So, without further ado, I'm a...City Girl!!!

Here's what it says about this style...

From funky invitations to a knockout gown, you're sure to bring your sense of impeccable style to every aspect of your wedding. Our advice: Don't be a slave to your inner hipster. If there's something classic like a tiara -- or even the bouquet toss -- that you'd like to include in your day, go for it. Besides, if you're doing it, everyone else will think it's cool.

I like the sound of that. Don't you?

Prioritizing the Wedding

Sunday night, Mr. GrapeJuice and I sat down to prioritize our wedding. I've been meaning to do this and trying to convince him to do this for a while now! And, we finally did. The best part about it though is that I had gotten a Priority Scale from CJ Dickson of Williamson County Weddings and CJ's Off the Square while at the Unabridged Bride Workshop this week! It made it so much easier to do. I made a copy of it and handed it to Mr. GrapeJuice. We sat down and each filled one out.

Here are his results:
1. Wedding Ceremony - 10 [the most important; 1 is the least important]
2. Wedding Reception - 9
3. Floor Plan/Flow - 3
4. Atmosphere/Lighting - 4
5. Music - 7
6. Table Decorations - 3
7. Flowers - 4
8. Cake - 6
9. Food - 8
10. Dress - 8
11. Photography - 7
12. Invitations - 5

Here are my results:
1. Wedding Ceremony - 9
2. Wedding Reception - 9
3. Floor Plan/Flow - 3
4. Atmosphere/Lighting - 1
5. Music - 7
6. Table Decorations - 5
7. Flowers - 4
8. Cake - 9
9. Food - 10
10. Dress - 10
11. Photography - 10

12. Invitations - 8

We agreed on the following:
Wedding Reception
Floor Plan/Flow
Music
Flowers

After discussing our priorities and why we chose what we did, we decided to figure out what the top 5 important factors are! This is what we've decided on:

1. Reception
2. Attire
3. Photography
4. Cake
5. Invitation/Flowers

I think it was a very fantastic and productive Sunday night! :) Photo

Musical Monday - Love You I DO

From the movie version of Dreamgirls, Love You I Do sung by Jennifer Hudson.



Never met a man
Quite like you
Doing all he can
Making my dreams come true

You’re strong and you’re smart
You've taken my heart
And I give you the rest of me too

You’re the perfect man for me
I love you I do

Mm I love ya

Never ever felt
Quite like this
Good about myself
From our very first kiss
I’m here when you call
you’ve got it all
And confidence like I never knew

You’re the perfect man for me
I love you I do

You've got the charm
You simply disarm me every time
As long as you drive
I’m along for the ride
Your way
You said it before
There wont be a door
that’s closed to us
Putting all my trust in you
Cause you, you’ll always be true, Oh

I never could have known
This would be,
Oh you and you alone
All for me
I know you’re the best
You passed every test
Its almost too good to be true

You’re the perfect man for me
I love you I do

You’re the perfect man for me
I love you I do
(source)

Wedding Fact Friday

"According to English folklore, Saturday, the most popular American choice, is the unluckiest day to marry!" (source)

Who knew?

Nesting [...again]

Mr. GrapeJuice and I have been thinking about buying a house [once he gets a job and we have steady incomes]. We've talked about it a couple times, and I think it sounds like a marvelous idea! Because of this, I've been noticing houses more and more as I'm driving. Of course, I want a big house, but we can do that once we have kids and animals. For now, I want a small, ranch style house with a black door, black shutters, and pillars; much like the photo below!

Dear life,
Could you please start...soon?
I want a life with my future husband...
that...
doesn't involve me living at home!
Thanks!!

Photo

DIY Mission

Check out my post about my current mission on Weddzilla!
If you know of any good DIY projects [complete with tutorial], then please, please, please send them my way!!
The crafting bug is biting!
:)

New Hairstyle

While this is certainly not wedding related, I just have to share Kate Gosselin's new hairstyle that she sported on The View.

Like?
Dislike?

[This post brought to you by Mr. GrapeJuice. He's the one that pointed out the new 'do.]

Photo

Musical Monday - I Love You Because

A lot of times, I think we tend to tell our loved ones that we love them anyway - despite their odd traits and idiosyncrasies. That's why I chose today's song. It talks about loving the person because of their oddities, which is something that needs to be noted and accepted. :)

This song is from a musical called I Love You Because, which also happens to be the title of the song I chose as well.

Enjoy.

AUSTIN:
Marcie, look at you. you make decisions without thinking twice. In fact, barely once.

Marcie, look at you. you go see a show without checking the listings.
you join a new club each day and the next day change your mind

that once drove me crazy that thats who you are. but.. thats who you are

i love you because youre not the person i dreamed of at all.
i love you because you make me feel like a fool.
you don't do whats expected, you're handed a
rule and its simply rejected. and it's easy to say "i love you anyway" but i don't.
i love you, because

MARCIE:
Austin, look at you. with your big goofy smile, your freshly pressed shirt, and constant tie.

Austin, look at you. you want what is quiet and structured and normal.
i tried to say that's ok, but it all came out all wrong.

it would have gone better if only i'd said what you just said to me

i love you because you're not the person i dreamed of at all.
i love you because you have too many reasons behind your every move and decision.
you make up your mind with routine and precision.
and its easy to say, "i love you anyway" but i don't. i love you because.

AUSTIN:
people will call us insane. insane to love someone who's so clearly wrong.
but now it seems that wrong is the right way to go

MARCIE:
people will say that we're crazy, crazy to fall for each other but then again,
what do they know?

BOTH:
i pushed you away, you weren't at all the person i wanted to answer my call.
the things i used to question, im starting anew

MARCIE:
i wanted someone like me

AUSTIN:
who wouldnt ask hard questions

MARCIE:
who'd share all my thoughts

AUSTIN:
who'd share all my fears

BOTH:
now, all i want is to be here with you

BOTH:
i love you because you're not the person i dreamed of at all.
i love you because you pushed me in a direction that i thought was lost.
you're the answer to a question that i never posed.

and its easy to say "i love you anyway"
but i'll never say "i love you anyway" cause i don't.
i love you, because

Unexpected

I have something that I just HAVE to share with you.
Something very unique for a wedding!
Something you'll look at and say, "Wow. I never would have thought of that."

This California bride (Dandelion Blossom) @ Bridal Buds was having some serious cake decision problems. Her original idea was to do a collection of pies with stands decorated with barbed wire. {Also cool!} After much consideration and talking with family and friends, she decided that she might regret not having a cake after it was all said and done.

What does one do?

Her groom was also Southern - from Texas. And, you know what that means, ladies. A groom's cake!!

Not only did this bride have to come up with a cake for herself but for her groom as well. Miss Dandelion Blossom knew what she wanted. Meet her beautiful, classic cake inspiration.
But...what to do for the groom?? Something non-traditional that still managed to represent the groom. It led her to wood grain cakes. Meet the woodsy, non-traditional cake inspiration.
Now, take a moment. Think about what this could possibly mean. [...] It could mean a LOT of things!! Two cakes {one for each}. Chocolate on the inside; beautiful white, clean decorations. Multi-layered cake {one white and pretty; one chocolate and wood-grainy}.

But...

Would you expect this??

Meet the love child of the two cakes!

Was that what you pictured?

No?

Well, get this!

The round, white cake was CARVED from the square cake right next to it.

If that doesn't blow your mind, then I don't know what will! It completely took me by surprise. :)

Photos at Bridal Buds

Silvery Wonders

I went to Belk's tonight with my family and found shoes!!!
I love shoes, as all girls do. :)
I slipped on a pair of shoes and immediately felt comfortable.
Like, my feet and these shoes were destined to meet somewhere along my life journey!
I told Mr. GrapeJuice they would make great wedding shoes.
{{anything to justify a purchase!}}

And...
if I happen to wear them before that...
on...
oh...
say...
the cruise in February...
then so be it!!
:)

Kenneth Cole Shoes
sale: $45.86//original: $79.00

Wedding Fact Friday

This seems somewhat scandalous to me!!

What do you think??

"Prior to the 20th century, Egyptian men preferred not to deflower their brides personally. Instead, they hired a servant to undertake the chore."
(source)

p.s. Check out my Whack-a-Mole post on Weddzilla. :)

The First of Many

::I apologize for my lack of post yesterday. I was caught up in the world of GLEE.::

Last night, I dreamed about my wedding. Do I remember what I dreamed? Of course not!! But, I did. And, it was my first wedding dream. {But I'm pretty sure it won't be the last...} I can say that it was a pleasant dream though! :) I just hope all my wedding dreams are pleasant, and that I don't have nightmares about someone not showing up or the cake being ruined. Knowing me though, I will probably have those dreams too!

And, in other fun news, I'm heading out to aLoft Hotel in Cool Springs tonight for Night One of the Unabridged Bride Series! :)

Don't worry...I'll tell you all about it!

(source)

All About the Bride and Groom

I found this questionnaire over at one of my regular reads - A Classy, Classic, Southern Bride.

♥ What are your middle names? Nicole & Patrick
♥ How long have you been together? 1 year, 6 months, 25 days
♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating? 2 weeks
♥ Who asked whom out? He did.
♥ How old are each of you? Me - 22; Him - 21
♥ Whose siblings do/did you see the most? My sister & brother
♥ Do you have any children together? No
♥ What about pets? None yet but we definitely plan on it
♥ Did you go to the same school? Same college for 2 years; he transferred in.
♥ Who is the smartest? Book smart - me; street smart - him
♥ Who is more sensitive? Definitely me
♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple? McDonald's, if anything at all
♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? NC to NY & NY to TN
♥ Who has the craziest exes? Probably him; I only have one.
♥ Who has the worst temper? I get annoyed quickly but he stews; it's pretty even though.
♥ Who does the cooking? Me
♥ Who is more social? Him
♥ Who is the neat-freak? Me
♥ Who is more stubborn? Both; we have our different areas of stubbornness
♥ Who wakes up earlier? Me
♥ Where was your first date? February 14th, 2008 at Chili's
♥ Who has the bigger family? We're both Catholic {i.e. big families}
♥ Do you get flowers often? Often enough to keep me happy
♥ How do you spend the holidays? Last year, we had Thanksgiving with my family and Christmas with his. I think we'll switch it every year to be fair.
♥ Who is more jealous? If I had to choose, me, but we really aren't a jealous couple.
♥ How long did it take to get serious? 3 months
♥ Who eats more? He does!
♥ Who does/did the laundry? Me
♥ Who’s better with the computer? We're evenly matched.
♥ Who drives when you are together? We switch because neither of us like to drive all that much.

Musical Monday - Maroon 5

When Mr. GrapeJuice came home this week, he informed me that he really likes the song "The Way You Look Tonight."
I think he may want it to be our first dance song.
I'm not really sure.
It'd be fine by me though!

Here's the Maroon 5 version...

Some day, when I'm awfully low,
When the world is cold,
I will feel a glow just thinking of you...
And the way you look tonight.

Yes you're lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft,
There is nothing for me but to love you,
And the way you look tonight.

With each word your tenderness grows,
Tearing my fear apart...
And that laugh that wrinkles your nose,
It touches my foolish heart.

Lovely ... Never, ever change.
Keep that breathless charm.
Won't you please arrange it ?
'Cause I love you ... Just the way you look tonight.

Mm, Mm, Mm, Mm,
Just the way you look tonight.

Also, check out my Weddzilla post about my fears for the Wedding Day.

Wedding Fact Friday

The reasoning behind your "something blue!!"

"In the rhyme 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue', "blue" is symbolic of the blood of royalty, since both the bride and the groom were once considered to be "royal" on their wedding day." (source)

Why I Love Fall

Being that it is September, I thought I'd post a little about why I love the fall.
There are the obvious, of course...
1. Cooler Temperatures
2. Pretty Trees (courtesy of the changing leaves)
3. Crunchy Leaves
But my other reason for loving fall that doesn't involve the outside is
4. Television Season Premieres.

Here's what I'm looking forward to this Fall on Television:
Season 5 Premiere September 17th {8/7c}
Series Premiere September 9th {9/8c}
Season 2 Premiere September28th {9/8c}
Season 2 Premiere September 21st {10/9c}
Series Premiere September 24th {8/7c}
Season 7 Premiere September 27th {10/9c}
Season 5 Premiere September 23rd {9/8c}
Season 2 Premiere September 24th {10/9c}
Season 7 Premiere September 22nd {8/7c}
Series Premiere September 22nd {9/8c}

If I Could...

This is where I'd get married!
...but it's 30 minutes from the reception site we are seriously considering...
Is it okay to ask our out of town guests to travel the distance??

Mr. GrapeJuice is HOME!

If you haven't noticed, I'm really, really excited that Mr. GrapeJuice is back in my life!! He's been gone since mid-July, and I missed him. He brought me a surprise last night too! {Sadly, it was not a cute puppy or kitten though...} What he brought me was flowers!! And, he thought about it the color scheme too. He brought me a purple-themed bouquet instead of a yellow one because it was more fall. Isn't he thoughtful?!?!?!
Also, check out my Weddzilla post on my Wedding Nook!!

A ::BUDGET:: Bridal Show

Sunday night, I was stalking my way through the internet, as I am apt to do on my lazy weekends. I was on Twitter and was going on a following frenzy. I was pretty much following anyone I could get my hands on!! :) Suddenly, an idea popped into my head. I wondered if the reception venue we are seriously thinking about contracting had a Twitter account. {Sadly, they do not.} But, they do have Facebook! Of course, I friended them. As I did so, a link caught my eye for a Budget Bridal Show. Curiously, I clicked on it and am sooooooooo glad I did. It has opened my eyes to vendors that I didn't know were out there!

Here are some details about the upcoming show!!

Budget Bridal Show
Date: October 10, 2009
Time: 9am - 2pm
Location: Old Hickory Contry Club
{1904 Hadley Avenue}
{Old Hickory, TN 37138}
Cost: FREE!

Here is a list of Participating Vendors [so far]:
[Beauty//Hair and Makeup]
Liza Jeane's
[Decorations]
Balloon Celebrations
[Event Planner]
Paint the Town Events LLC
[Photographers]
Crystal Bowron Photography
Michelle Hines Photography
Lori Quarles Photography
[Registries]
Pampered Chef
[Venues]
Old Hickory Country Club
[Wedding Planners]
Weddings by Shelly
I DO Weddings
Your Day of Fairytales
Childress Wedding Events

You can also be a fan of their page on Facebook!!