March Update

We've stayed fairly busy this month so I thought I would just do one big post about the things we have been up to.

First, we were finally able to catch up with some friends. It was so nice to go out and just have a good time with Marcie, Ben and Michael. They are great people and we really enjoy hanging out with them. And we got to practice our dart game, as we were a little rusty!
Then Brian and I hosted my Dad's birthday dinner at my house. We decided to make it a potluck and it turned out really well. I designed and ordered the invitations through VistaPrint and ordered matching envelopes. Since my dad has everything he needs and is so hard to buy for, Brian and I did a "Bucket of Beer" for him. I went to Total Wine and picked out all different kinds of beer for him to try. He loved it. Zach and Taylor got him new fishing shirts, which he did need. We love you, Dad.
Brian hung the floating shelves in the dining room that I had purchased from Ikea. They add so much to the room and I love them. I have received several compliments on them from family and friends. They were only $9.99 each and made a huge impact.
I found this little guy at TJ Maxx for only $4.99 and three pretty sofa pillows for $9.99 each. Too good to pass up! My mom got me a Happy Easter sign and it is on display in the living room in between two white FÄRM vases from Ikea and pretty carnations.
Last but not least, I designed and ordered invitations with matching envelopes from VistaPrint for my best friend, Colleen's, bachlorette weekend at the beach! It's going to be a blast!
So needless to say, we stayed fairly busy during March and the craziness is only going to increase through the year. I can't wait! I'm excited.

Vote Earth

On Saturday, March 28 from 8:30pm-9:30pm take action and turn off your lights.

From Earth Hour:
In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.

Watch and Learn:

Giveaway

This giveaway is being brought to you by Abbie from A Glimpse of the Girl Next Door.

What do you win?

A tungsten band up to $120 from Superior Wedding Rings.

How to Enter:

Click over the Abbie's Blog... Click this Link and see the rules. It's really simple. Check out the site, pick your favorite ring, leave Abbie a comment and you will be entered to win.

Great giveaway, huh! And Happy almost 400 Abbie!!!

Inspiration Board #2

I found Chrissy from The Perfect Palette via another blog (which I can't recall at this time). Needless to say, when I saw her blog, I was loving it. Chrissy creates custom inspiration boards for brides to be. You email her your colors and include as little or as much information about your big day that you wish and in no time, she has your custom inspiration board ready for your viewing.

Here is the board she created for Brian and I:
And to see the post that accompanies this gorgeous inspiration board, go here.

If you aren't tech - savvy, just email Chrissy and you too could have your own inspiration board!

Thanks Chrissy! You are the best!

Doggie Easter

Looking for something to do this weekend with the pups? Check out the Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by AARF of Winston-Salem. The $10 donation benefits a good cause! O'Malley, Deacon and Little Lady (yes, we still have her) might be in for a treat Saturday!

Our Save the Dates

Since most of our guest have already received their save the dates, it is now safe to blog about them. Thanks to the super speedy postal service, most received theirs one day after I mailed them out. I was impressed! Good job Mr. post man!


I left the Save the Dates up to Brian in terms of what we did for them. He wanted to go the magnet route so I agreed and went to work. I googled and searched until I found a site that I knew I could trust and would be happy with the quality of their work. That site was Magnet Street Weddings. We originally wanted to find something that was close to the blue we are incorporating into our wedding. We laid our eyes upon this one..
Although it turned out to be more green then blue, we were still pleased with it. Our friend Dawn agreed to play photographer for our "save the date" shoot. The three of us headed to a nearby park and she went to town. Since our engagement session with our photographer isn't until spring, we had to make this work and I think it turned out great. Here are the 3 we choose to use on the magnet:

We also used a coupon code online that saved us 15%. I love deals!

We decided that we liked the look of the black and white pictures so I used Picasa to enhance and edit the pictures a bit. And here are some of the others that we took as well during our shoot.

I also wanted a more personal feel to the save the dates than just your standard magnet. After seeing this used by others on their blogs, I decided to incorporate it into ours. Sorry its so blurry. But it says "she's 5'9, he's 6'4. he loves to play golf, she prefers anything but. she's a duke fan, he's a wake fan. since they began dating, differences become opportunities. she convinced him to try sushi, he taught her how to play Rook. they love sports. they love their dogs. they love each other. one evening in December, he got down on one knee, and she said yes."

We printed them in chocolate brown, honey script font on white card stock. Brian went to town with the paper cutter...

Then we used white ribbon to hold the magnet and the card together...We printed the labels in the same font and color and used the white envelopes that came with the magnets. Then we went to stuffing, sealing , stamping (we used the red heart stamp)and addressing all 160+ save the dates.
I can't tell you how many people have called, emailed or told us in person how much they loved our save the dates. They loved the personal touch we put on them and we are so pleased that everyone enjoyed them!

Happy Birthday Sarah!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH!

Sarah and I met when we were little tots. From elementary school to Burger King birthday parties to Twin City Soccer to Appalachian State Soccer and coaching soccer, we have had our share of good memories. She knows me so well and has always been by my side. Too many to recall but just to name a few.... Express Soccer, Soccer injuries, shopping in hickory with the wheelchair, Blind date bowling event, "camping", "he's too little to be a cop", Cletus and Wheatus. It was only appropriate to have her as part of my wedding day! Sarah is going to be our guestbook attendant and her oldest daughter, Harper, is going to be one of our flower girls! We are so honored to have them both as part of our big day! Harper, who will be 3 in Oct, loves to play Bob the Builder with Brian. It's the cutest thing ever! Sarah is one of those friends that always lifts you up when you need it and always knows the right thing to say at the right time. She is an amazing friend and an amazing mother. Love you and miss you dearly, Cletus!

A look down memory lane...
After a long day of traveling.. notice Harper peeking around the corner

Happy Birthday Marcie!

I told you March was a busy birthday month!

Happy Birthday Marcie!

Marcie and I met through a mutual friend the summer of 07 and we haven't stopped having fun since! Marcie is one of the sweetest girls you will ever meet. Over the short time we have known each other, we have shared a lot of fun memories. Darts, West End, Tee Time, karaoke, beach Olympics, 80's night, Rascal Flatts concert, Panthers game, hiking... it's all been a blast! Love you girl and hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Some of our fun times...

Happy Birthday Jen and Jess!

14.5 years ago, a set of twins befriended me my freshmen year of high school. I was new to the school, going from public middle school to private high school. I only knew 2 people in the whole school, one being my brother. Jennifer and Jessica invited me to the Dixie Classic Fair that year and from then on we became inseparable. They became my true best friends. We went everywhere together and played sports together. We spent more time together than I can recall. At one point, they lived at my house while their parents were on vacation in Korea. I became known as the "third twin". Drs. Jai and Jackie Ryu, God rest their souls, became my second parents. After high school, the three of us embarked on a new part of our lives… college. Jessica in Michigan, Jennifer in Chapel Hill and me in Boone. But our bond never grew weak, instead it strengthened. We saw each other through tough times, through happy times and through everyday life. I have been a bridesmaid in both of their weddings and they will stand by my side on October 3 when I become a Mrs. To this day, all three of us haven't lived in the same city since graduating from high school but that's okay. It's okay because no matter the distance, we will always be sisters. We are sisters in heart and in soul. I am so lucky to be surrounded by two of the best girls in the world. I couldn't ask for a better set of best friends. I love you both!

"A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love and encourages you with hope."

Happy Birthday Jennifer and Jessica!

A look back at the years....

1998 Senior Year Retreat in High School

10 years later at our high school reunion.. please ignore my hair!