Learning the Language...

Not unlike vacationing in a foreign country or learning the lingo of a new career, being thrust into the midst of wedding planning comes with it's own language learning curve. I have to admit I LOVE the abbreviations of wedding-speak, but it definitely takes some exposure and experience to get a handle on it. Don't they usually say that the best way to learn the language is to immerse yourself in it? Well I lucked out because my sister got married last June and I was exposed! When my sister was planning her wedding and she referred to me as her MOH I was initially offended - thinking this was some sort of offensive term, and then felt this total acceptance into this secret world of code...a MOH...brilliant! I received an e-mail from my mom in which she referred to herself as the MOB and again, tickled, I began to take note. So here's how it goes...a translation for the novice wedding-speak speaker and a guideline for all of those men out there, these are not of my own creation but I am a big fan:

MOH - maid/matron (that's for you Cass) of honor

MOB - mother of the bride

maid - bridesmaid

DIY - do-it-yourself

DH - Darling Husband

E-ring - Engagement Ring

E-party - Engagement Party

FG - Flower Girl

FI - Fiance

FIL - Father-In-Law

FILs - Future In-Laws

BIL - Brother-In-Law

FIL - Father-In-Law

MIL - Mother-In-Law

SIL - Sister-In-Law

GF - Girlfriend

GM - Groomsmen

HM - Honeymoon

IHO - In Honor Of

ILS - In-laws

NH - New Husband

OOT - Out of town

PSA - Public Service Announcement

RB - Ring Bearer

RD - Rehearsal Dinner

Hahaha...so does that make the best man a BM?!?!

One little word to the wise though...as you embrace this new wedding-speak, do not make the same mistake that I did when I e-mailed my mom about my newly designed save the date cards and said: "Hey Mom, just waiting for the STD proof!"

YIPES!

Guilty Pleasures

Ladies - let's be honest - can you remember a moment when you were standing in the magazine aisle of a store, and all of a sudden your eyes are inexplicably drawn to a beautiful bride smiling at you from the cover of a bridal magazine. Can you remember reaching for it? Then smack! Mentally slapping your hand away...this magazine is not for you! Or how about this - sitting in a nail salon and there it is - a perfect wedding cake glossed onto the cover - and here, no one knows you - 'look inside,' it beckons, 'I'll never tell.' But what if someone sees...what if - gasp - your boyfriend sees...oh no, that will totally freak him out. Come on, admit it, we have all fought this private battle in our head at some point in our lives. So now image me 12 hours post engagement. Brazenly emboldened by the gorgeous diamond winking up at me from my left hand...it was time...I was legit! Lunch -break comes and I hit up CVS - I bought every single glossy paged temptress in the store! Way too many dollars later I was happily ensconced in my office flipping and ripping. I can honestly say the heady buzz a good bridal magazine gives me has not worn off to this day. My beautiful m.o.h, understanding this new found legitimacy, subscribed me to 3...count them 3 whole magazines. I am now the proud recipient of "Modern Bride," "Martha Stewart Weddings," and "Bridal Guide," and wouldn't you know I run to the mailbox every single day...just in case! What a brilliant gift idea!

The Perfect Proposal

Let me start by saying that I am preparing to marry the sweetest most understatedly romantic man ever! He could not have planned a more perfect proposal. Picture this...December 13, 2008, a clear crisp day, a winter chill in the air... OK so that's cheesy, but seriously, it was a beautiful December day, Tim asked me if I would like to go to Longwood Gardens. Longwood Gardens is a sprawling majestic plot of land just northeast of Kennet Square, PA, as rich in history as it is in beauty. The land that houses the gardens today was originally inhabited by the Lenni Lenape tribe. In 1700, a Quaker family (the Pierce family) purchased the property from William Penn, and established it as a working farm, they later began planting an arboretum. The farm was purchased in 1906 by Pierre du Pont so that he could preserve the trees, and between the years 1907 and 1930 he created most of what we enjoy today. The Gardens were turned over to a foundation set up by Mr. du Pont in 1946. He enjoyed the Gardens until his death in 1954, at which point a director was hired to continue to exemplify Mr. du Pont's vision. Every year at Christmastime, all of the trees in the Gardens are draped in lights, there is a figure skating show, hot cider can be purchased at outdoor stands, thethe fountains are filled with cranberries and poinsettias and a magical Christmas wonderland comes to life. Longwood Gardens at Christmas time can make any adult feel like a kid again. It truly is one of my very favorite places in the world. If you haven't been yet, I would highly recommend it. I will be forever partial to Christmas at the Gardens, but it won't let you down in any season!

http://www.longwoodgardens.com/

Tim and I excitedly prepared for our visit...we charged camera batteries and found our hats and gloves. Our visit began with a figure skating show on a frozen outdoor rink under the stars. We walked through the twinkle lights holding hands and listening to the music floating over the trees from the fountain show. Tim dragged me over to a particularly beautiful tree and asked me to take a picture:

I heard him call my name. I spun around and couldn't see him anywhere...he was down on one knee. (It still makes me tear just thinking about it). When I saw him I caught my breath, then he said those four little worlds that completely changed my future..."Will you marry me?" I can't even describe to you the joy I felt, my soul mate, my dream guy...wanted to marry me?!?! I think I managed to say "YES!!!" while tears streamed down my face and I jumped into his arms...a few moments later I heard him mumble into my shoulder..."don't you even want to look at the ring?" I did...and it was beautiful! Could life get any better?!?! Well...I'll tell ya, it didn't end there. Apparently my sweet fiance had been planning and composing something for over a year. We lost my Dad a few years ago, Tim knew how much we all adored and respected my father and it was important to Tim to reach out to my Dad in some way. Tim composed a letter asking my father for my hand in marriage. Knowing how much we all adore and respect my mother, Tim sent the letter to her in my father's place. I have read that letter so many times and yet it still brings tears to my eyes. Longwood Gardens the magical Christmas wonderland became the backdrop for the Perfect Proposal!! Let the planning begin!!!

Welcome

First things first...welcome to those of you that have found your way here. This will be a place to share with you the day to day and the exciting experiences of this amazing time in our lives! My own little corner of the web! I am looking forward to sharing, ever since I was little I was always able to process things by writing them down...therefore, you have a little stream of consciousness to look forward to as well as some (hopefully) well organized thoughts during this wedding planning extravaganza! Soo...kick back, relax, and enjoy the blog!