Here’s a bulleted list of things that have gotten done – I wish I had time to write details on every one, maybe I will later

*7/19/09 We started our first registry at Bed Bath & Beyond! Super fun, but we were kind of rushed, cuz the same day we:

*Had a cake tasting with Swank Cake Designs for wedding cake Basically went there and they sketched out a prelim cake design and sent us home with cake to taste.  We did that with the parents, and that was an event in itself! really fun stuff though!

*Weekend of 7/25/09 was my bachelorette party! woohoo! the bridesmaids and I went to North Myrtle beach (thank you Shroffs, for your hospitality!)  We had a lot of fun thanks girls for everything!

*8/1/09 Had a cake design consultation with Blue Moon Bakery. She gave us cake to take home, another quite fun event

*Also that day we met with Wayne, the music director for the ceremony at the church, and got to pick out music for the ceremony! that was REALLY exciting. He played the organ for us inside the church and it was the first time me and Jim felt like “woah! this is really happening!” it made it very real for us

*8/3/09 MY DRESS CAME IN! it came into Raleigh, and I picked it up the following Sunday. That entire week was spent looking for shoes for the dress! I looked online, some shops in New Bern, and then finally on Saturday I hit the mall in Raleigh and found just what I needed It was tax free wknd and I had a coupon, that made the deal all the more sweeter!   So I took those shoes and tried em on with the dress on Sunday 8/9/09. I took Elaine with me and she snapped a few pics. It was AWESOME to see the dress in my size and fit me so well   The tailor, Anna was very knowledgeable and super nice, and she said we just need to take up the hem a bit. I’ll go back for a 2nd fitting on Sept 5. This was another milestone that made it feel real

*8/7/09 We took engagement pics with Kristin and Aaron! That was so fun and we can’t wait to see the pics! We went out to dinner with them afterward too, it was nice to hang out. Kristin told me pics should be up next Tues (9/1/09) yay!

*Week of Aug 10-14 I spent researching DJs and trying to find the “perfect one”. It’s hard to get someone me and Jim trust to do a good job with the American side of things (traditional wedding-ey music- no hip/hop) and satisfy my parent’s needs for Indian music. Probably one of the more stressful decisions.

*Wknd of Aug 15th, 2009 was spent doing invitations wording and design online. I literally spent all weekend doing this. It was tedious but I hope it turns out well…I know they are ridiculously late :-\  ..I also started registries at shopworldkitchen.com and Amazon.com

*Wknd of Aug 22, back in Raleigh, Jim and I and mom went to CE Rental to pick out linens for the reception. I think we’re all satisfied with our decisions, and hopefully everything will be really elegant   I think this was the sinking in moment for mom. hehe.

*Sunday 8/23/09 we met with Deacon George at the church (first in a series of 3 meetings) in order to get married there. Pretty much like “counseling” but I think its nice and useful…and somewhat fun too.  We’re both elated to be getting *married*. I say Married deliberately – I’m excited to be married, not have a wedding. It’s gonna be great!  </end mushy stuff>

*this past week I’ve just been tying up the lose ends to all these decisions and trying to move on. Still lots to do – more to come soon

We’re doing lots and lots of stuff, and I’m forgetting to write here!
Last weekend Jim and I took the Mike and William to Men’s Wearhouse in Cary to pick out tuxes (and fittings if they so chose) for the wedding! It was fun to do and really not that hard since I had already picked out colors for the girls’ dresses. Just picking out styles here and there and it was done. A LOT easier than dealing with my outfit or even the bridesmaids’.

This past week we were able to schedule (long overdue) Engagement Pics with Kristin Byrum and I also made an appointment to get my makeup done from Jenny the same day. So one more item to check off our list! (I just have to figure out what to wear!)

This morning, mom and I went to check out a florist, and we got the flower color schemes picked out. Mel of Dogwood Tree Floral Designs was really helpful, and he is going to send me a quote early next week.  We’ll probably tweak it a little bit and see if its reasonable, and go from there. Again, nice to check something else off the list!

This morning Jim and I went to meet with the wedding coordinator at the Renaissance Hotel for the reception. She was very nice, and quite knowledgeable and experienced! We are both happy with her, and look forward to working with her. She helped us outline decisions to be made and assured us she could take care of things once we made decisions. Overall, a great meeting and I’m feeling a bit better / less stressed.

This afternoon I had my make-up trial with Jenny Raele. Veera (sister) and I went out to her place and she taught us a lot about make up and did a trial run on me. It was a good experience, just a few changes to be made here and there and I think we should be set.

Now I need to figure out something for hair, jewelry, & shoes. (Outfit: close to complete) =)

Talked to all the girls today, and a bachelorette weekend is in the making should be great fun to get all the girls together again! can’t wait! I love my bridesmaids!! <3
Also most of them have ordered their dresses, and they all seem to like them, so I'm happy about that!
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I got my Veil in the mail today! It's the first piece of the bridal outfit to come in. (Feels like it's finally sinking in, We're getting married!) The veil is kind of crisp and wrinkled.. anyone know how to care for/clean a veil? I imagine there's some process you have to do to make it 'flowy' and unwrinkled..
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In other news, I'm making appointments to talk to hotel wedding coordinator, music people at the church, getting a make-up trial… keeping busy!

Today was our 1 year engagement anniversary! I can’t believe it’s already been a year! YAY!
See: Her Story

I got a call today saying the Veil I ordered from Sestra (in VA) has come into their store. The lady said they will ship it to me and I should get it within the week!

I just checked on the status of my dress.. nothing’s changed, so it looks like we are looking at it being shipped from the manufacturer Aug 3rd, +/- 3 days, via UPS Ground.. +/- 3 to 7 days. So it should get to the Raleigh store by Aug 10th -ish? They said they would call me as soon as it comes in!
Exciting stuff!

Last night I had a dream that it was the day before the wedding and I didn’t have a cake or flowers! I was going all around Raleigh/Cary to find someone who could do those things last minute. That was terrible.
I think it’s time to get organized…

In case there is someone out there who put it past us (or for those who are wondering the significance of Oct. 24th), yes, it is the bye week for NC State football. So you don’t have to bring your pocket radios to the wedding

2009 Football Schedule

GO PACK!

I had a blast with (3 of) the girls on June 6, 2009 choosing bridesmaid dresses! We went out to David’s Bridal and tried on a few styles I knew I liked.. we all seemed to agree on one, so hopefully that should work! We raided the shoe area too and all tried on shoes.. I still need some too! That was fun, all of us trying on shoes looking for something comfy
I had the lady put all the details on my account, so any bridesmaid can go to any DB store and find out what they need to order. Pretty convenient!
After that, Jamie looked at a few dresses for herself YAY! and then we all went to Maggiano’s for lunch. It was awesome Italian food! All 4 of us split a giganto tiramisu…that’s how big it was! Anyone new to the RDU area (or if you’ve never been there) should def check the restaurant out!

Till Next Time!