Music to my Ears

I love music. I have the "wedding march" set as my ringtone on my phone for when Rhett calls. People just laugh at me when they hear it go off. Whether I am in my car, kitchen, computer room, taking a walk  I am constantly listening to music. Always downloading new stuff onto my ipods. (I have 2) I'm obsessed with movies too lol but that's another subject. At thorncrown chapel where we are having the wedding their are 3 options

1.Bring your own music on cd or tape and they
have a person who will run the sound system.

2. they provide a singer/pianist

3. bring your own vocalist

I was planning on just taking my own music but when my Mom & I went to visit I actually got to meet the woman the chapel provides. She was so nice and she gave me her contact info in case I was interested. I googled her of course lol bc I google everything! Her name is Patricia Taylor and all the info looked great so I decided why not.....She has been singing for over 20 years and has a masters in music and doctoral studies in piano and has appeared on the 700 club. (I have no clue what that is) I did listen to some samples of her singing online as well. So next decision was what would I like her to sing. The prelude music before the wedding is her choice but 1-3 songs we choose can be sung during the ceremony. She sent a list of choices some christian/traditional and some secular love songs. Here is what I have decided on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR6okRuOLc8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhxIjRO6WjI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X8U6am5iX4


What can I say I'm a romantic!

I also had to decide on the processional & recessional music. That was a little harder to decide. But I think I am going with this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIiHwFF12-c&feature=related


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tDYMayp6Dk

Who knows I may change my mind on these 2 and go with something less traditional.


I am planning to take my ihome and ipod so we will have some music at our mini reception. For our big reception in RB the dj I got is CosmoT. He was highly recommended by many so I think it will be great. Now I love music but I am not much on dancing unless I have a few beers in me. If this dj gets me on the dance floor I know he is awesome! I have the list of important songs for our big reception picked out already except for father/daughter song and when the wedding party walks in. When I was trying to decide on the song for mother/son dance I called Rhett's mother and asked her if she had any suggestions. To my surprise she immediately said "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart. She said years ago she heard that song and it made her cry. I am hoping my mom or dad will pick out the father/daughter song then I won't have to decide but we will see!! (hint hint Mom I know you are reading this) That's a lot of music talk for one post so till next time!

 This is what my hubby to be & I will be dancing to for our 1st dance. ( He picked it)

The Big Guitar

I know I have mentioned many times that Rhett & I love Branson! One of the things we always do when we are there is eat at some of the same places. We try to do different things on each trip but we always go to the big guitar. I'm sure you are all thinking what in the heck is the big guitar.....Well it basically is just a little place to eat that has a pizza/salad/soup buffet. We love it!!!! It is located on the strip close to the Dixie Stampede. I can't even remember the first time we went but we've been going back ever since. When Rhett & I got together he hated pizza. You heard me right HATED pizza wouldn't eat any kind at all. What is wrong with this man I thought. Through the years he has gradually started to eat it and although very picky as to what kind he will eat it now. This place we go to is actually called Papa Grands Pizza but we gave it our name. 

Their is a huge banjo looking thing that is in the middle of the place and it sticks out through the top of the building. I guess we felt like it looked more like a big guitar hence the name. We are crazy lol

Plus it is super reasonable on prices. Rhett eats the same exact type of pizza every time. It is a bqe beef pizza (I personally don't like it) but he loves it. So when I went to Branson with my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and 2 nieces naturally we ate there. I got the bright idea to get a pizza to go so I could bring a little part of our tradition home to my man. I wish I could remember how it all played out when I got home from our week long vacation toting a huge pizza box for 5 hrs. I know Rhett was happy and surprised but it's been so long I don't remember the details. My Mom & I went to Branson back in October to do wedding planning so of course I brought back 2 pizzas from that trip. Rhett was in Canada on a hunting trip at the same time so I wrapped them suckers up in saran wrap/foil/bday paper and stuck them in the freezer. When I gave them to him once he was home I said "Happy Birthday". He said, "oh are these krispy kremes?" WTH lol why would you think they are doughnuts. Anyways..he was of course happy!! About a month ago Rhett's brother went to Branson with his fiance & kids so I took advantage of the opportunity. You guessed it I had them bring home 2 pizzas for me with my hubby to be's name on it!! You all probably think we are crazy gaga over a silly little pizza place.

I said the other day just joking, "you know we have to go there on our wedding day. We will look like total weirdo's but just for a pic in front of the big guitar." LOL

The little things in life make us so happy!

It is a little blurry but here is a pic on our trip in October. Me in front of the big guitar!!

Little details

So I have learned very quickly that a wedding involves tons of little details. That I feel is what is going to make everything so special. First off this evening I got an email from my flower person which is Britney Biethman. She did my sister in law Meghan's flowers for her wedding and they were beautiful!! I was planning to do the flowers myself but....considering I have no artistic ability. Not to mention the fact I felt sick to my stomach everytime I thought about dealing with the flowers. I am going to leave it to the professionals on this one! I just love hydrangeas so they are def going to be part of my bouquet. I can't grow them worth a hoot but eventually I will have hydrangeas in my flowers around my house. (SOMEDAY) I scoured the internet a lot looking at flower ideas. I always went back to the white ones so white it is for me!! My bridesmaid's dresses are going to be dark purple so their flowers will be basically purple & pink. I had a few pics of exactly what I want but I don't have them on me anymore so...your imagination will have to do for now. Next up is the programs. I wasn't sure if I wanted to make them for the wedding & reception or just one or the other. After much debate I decided just to make for the wedding and I will prob have a few on display at the reception. I  wasn't sure since majority of our guests will be at just the reception but their is really no need to make 250+ programs. I found one on etsy that I loved!!!! $70 for 25 of them suckers and no they weren't made out of gold. So I emailed this pic to my lovely sister in law Erin & she is AMAZING!! She drew it up and texted it to me that day. Thank you Erin!! You will all have to wait for the big day to see the real thing!


I am planning to get my invitations from NCN. They have these huge books to choose from so wide variety plus you get a free subscription for 1 yr if you order from them. Who Hoo!! I know I am such a dork but I love reading the paper every week!

Lets see what else can I ramble on about....I already bought my shoes they are purple & flat. Lol I am not a heels girl def going for comfort.

I think I am going to wear pearls for my jewelry but not a 100% on that yet.

I have no clue how I am going to wear my hair...Any suggestions are welcome!

I bought the cutest mason jar glasses from pottery barn. They are for our wedding party instead of the traditional wine glasses. Now I just need to get them engraved!!!

Alright now that I have filled you in on these mindless details that are soooo important to me. I am going to call it a night!

Every engaged girls dream

So I have been sooo sick the last week. I am very rarely sick but when it happens watch out I am a big Baby with a capital B. An earache/sinus infection/cold is no fun but I am finally starting to feel better so time to catch up! I recently have gotten into PINTEREST. I heard about it through facebook and naturally was curious as to what it was. Once I started exploring it was clear that planning a wedding when you have no artistic or creative ability was going to be just a bit easier with the help of pinterest! Love it!! I am already an internet junkie so this is not helping my addiction to spending time on the computer daily. Here are a few ideas I have found......



I absolutely have to do this with one of my little babies. Rhett says we should use all 3 and have the signs say I love You. Fat chance lol getting all to sit pretty with a sign around their neck. This picture just makes me smile!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                                       I saw this picture and immediately thought cute card box. So I went into my basement dusted this sucker off and it will be our card box!! Plus it was free!!!!

Love this for behind the head table. Some version of this at least

Loved this centerpiece (on the left) so wanted to do something similar & I came up with this

Scroll to TopScroll to Top

Scroll to Top                                              Love the hydrangeas & mason jars!!
                                                                                        Using both!!


 Going to have to find some way to incorporate a cute little sign like this somewhere!


Scroll to TopScroll to Top

Thank You Pinterest for all the great ideas!! I know once I am done wedding planning I will spend endless hours searching for recipes, fun ideas for future kiddos, & any/everything else you could possibly think of.

Home away from Home

I have probably said this before but Rhett & I love Branson! That is part of the reason we I wanted to get married near there. I know he is ok with it but regardless of how he truely feels I know he wants me to be happy! He would be ok with going to the courthouse. When we go to Branson for vacation we stay at the BlueGreen Resort which is a timeshare his parents are part of. In the beginning though back in the day....we stayed at a lovely bed & breakfast called The Bradford House. I think it was the very first year we were even together the entire Simpson family & I mean a lot of Simpsons went to Branson for a little getaway near Christmas time. The entire B&B was rented out to just our fam that is how many people we had. Years later when Rhett & I decided to vacation in Branson just the 2 of us we went back to stay there. The people who own it are so nice and have a beautiful family. Each room has a special name. Also in each room is a little journal so you can document about your time at the B&B. Every time we have gone back I always roam from room to room reading past writings looking for what I wrote years before. It is quite fun reading about other people's special memories also. I can't wait to write about our wedding when we stay there on our wedding night! Its location is also great because its not right smack dab in the middle of everything. It is kinda nestled back in the woods which is perfect! The funny thing is it actually sits right behind the BlueGreen resort. When we would stay there Rhett & I would always comment on how comfortable the beds were. We loved the beds! We just wanted a mattress for at home just like on vacation. Now maybe it is because we were on vacation or maybe bc we used to have a sucky mattress regardless lol we loved the bed! Now everyone don't be thinking dirty things here! They make breakfast in the morning of course in the big huge kitchen. Everything is very personable there. That is where we first had the best french toast ever!!! Thick pieces of bread with cream cheese, jelly, powdered sugar on top with peaches!!! Yummy! I have made it at home but its just not the same. The price of staying there is reasonable as well. I would def reccomend staying at The Bradford House to anyone going to Branson!! Can't wait to revisit our little home away from home!!   https://staybradford.globat.com/?p=1

                                                                                          

Meet the People

So today I am going to introduce you to everyone in the wedding party! I immediately knew that my sister would be the maid of honor. She is the best sister in the world!! Didn't even think twice about that decision. I told her I planned on being a huge bridezilla but I actually think I am doing pretty good in that department. She is 3 1/2 yrs younger than me & lives 3 hrs away. (totally sucks) But what are you gonna do she moved away for a great job opportunity so no judgement. Once I start having babies though she is going to have to move back home! We were very close growing up and rarely fought. Unless it had to do with wearing each others clothes or cleaning our messy room. LOL She is def going to be a great maid of honor! Here are some pics for a blast from the past. Aren't we cute!!

My bridesmaids are my 2 sister in laws Erin & Meghan & my cousin Kim. My cousin Kim & I are very close in age she is a bit older though. She is so sweet & I am so happy she said yes to be in my wedding! We have all kinds of fun stories from our childhood together! Our families got together all the time so we became good friends & cousins! We don't spend as much time together now that we are older but I am hoping all this wedding planning changes that!

Next is my sister in law Meghan!! She just got married in October 2011 & I was in her wedding. It was so much fun to go through all the planning with her! I always can call her for advice or silly questions or when I need help with anything. She is wonderful! I am so blessed to have great in-laws. I have heard some pretty good horror stories from people. Here she is on her BIG Day!

                      My sister in law Erin is seriously the sweetest person you will ever meet!! When Rhett & I got together way  back when in 2001 he lived with her. That is part of the reason I am so close with my 2 nieces Brook & Madison & Erin. She would do anything for you! I am so happy to have her a part of my life. Here she is with 2 of her kiddos!

My 2 nieces Brooke & Madison are also in the wedding. I am not really sure what their title is....jr bridesmaids i guess. Doesn't really matter what you call them but I knew they would be a part of it. They are the cutest little chickies around and so sweet just like their momma. I love them so much! I could literally post 1000 pics of them on here but I will have to narrow it down to a few.

My nephew Max (Rhett's godchild) is also in the wedding as a little jr groomsman. He will prob walk up with the girls! He is a cutie! I think he is going to turn into a little hunter just like his Uncle Rhett!

Last but not least are the little flower girl & ring bearer. My niece & nephew Claire & Jake. If you want to spend some time with some cute, smart, funny kids come hang out with these two for a day. They are hilarious. Love love love them to bits. They are going to be so cute together walking down the aisle. Jake loved his snow balls I got him for Christmas! If you can't tell he is chowing down on them. Oh yah guess I forgot about the guys. Well Rhett has only asked his good friend Derek to be the best man. That is it so far. Men are so unconcerned with wedding planning. I keep telling him he needs to ask his other guys but whatever...We will see how long it takes him to take care of it.

Double the Fun!

I guess I haven't mentioned it yet but we are planning to have a big reception back in Red Bud 3 weeks after our wedding. It's just not possible to invite everyone to our wedding since it is in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Rhett & I both have large families so their are a lot of people we want to share our special day with. We will have approx 40 people at our wedding and around 350 will be invited to our reception in RB. It is going to be held at the good ol red bud catholic school gym. Since Rhett went to grade school there it will be a little bit cheaper to rent. I did not want to have it at hecker and the shooting complex was too expensive so after my mom suggested I call about the catholic school gym it worked out perfectly. Our wedding is October 6th and the reception is the 27th so I will get a nice little break between the 2 big days. I think it will actually be nice to have them separately.  I can hopefully enjoy myself and not have to stress as much with that extra time in between. Also the fun part with having 2 different days to celebrate is Double the Fun!! I get to wear my dress twice, have multiple wedding cakes, get pictures taken with 2 different photographers. Now that also means dble the money but I try not to think about that. After the wedding ceremony we are having a little mini reception at Inn of the Oarks hotel in Eureka Springs. Here is a link to check it out: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inn-of-the-Ozarks-Receptions/134664136556775?ref=ts  If you are ever bored look through all the grooms cakes in the pics. Their are some crazy ones!!

When my Mom & I went to do wedding planning in October we spent one whole day looking for a place to gather after the wedding with our family. I didn't really want a "reception" since we are having the bigger one weeks later but it became clear that finding a place to just eat with a large amount of people at a specific time wasn't going to be easy or cheap or kid friendly. I have 11 nieces/nephews and they will all be at my wedding so I wanted to go somewhere that accomodated all of them. Eureka Springs is a cute little town but every where we looked just wasn't going to work. We rode the trolley around town searching for the perfect place to eat our post wedding meal. At the end of the day feeling kinda bummed we decided to stop at the hotel Best Western Inn of the Ozarks. Someone had mentioned it at one point during the day so why not check it out. I explained what we were looking for and two nice ladies showed me a little banquet room downstairs. It was just ok but looking better than what we had planned so far which was..nothing. Another woman said oh honey you don't want to have it down here you need to see the convention center. She sent us around back to meet with a woman by the name of Cathy. She proceeded to give us info on what they could offer in the form of a mini reception. She took us to the convention center directly behind the hotel and showed us the "Red Bud room". It was fate OMG the red bud room this was looking better by the second. It sounds silly but it felt just right with the name. Its actually 3 rooms that can be condensed or kept open in 1 large room. The three rooms together are called the woods. Their is a balcony off the back that we can go out on during our reception as well. The menu for food has a wide variety to choose from and is cost friendly too so that helps. We found ourselves the perfect place! I plan to take my ihome and ipod and that will be our music. We don't need anything extremely fancy. They hotel also directs you to different vendors if you choose to use them such as cake, dj, decorator, florist...I am planning to get a cake through Robyn Capps and this is what it will look like
Obviously with our initals though! It is fun and non traditional and since I get another cake at our big reception I'm going for it. I have heard good things about her cakes so I am putting faith in what I have heard from others.

Another thing that I did very early on after getting engaged was order the grooms cake for our big reception. It is coming from Patty Cakes in Highland. They have been featured on ultimate cake off on TLC.  
 http://www.pat-t-cakes.com/index.html   I have heard that their cakes are delicious so I just had to get something from them. When I called the lady prob thought I was crazy since it was only 1 year & 2 months before my wedding date. What can I say I like to plan ahead! It is a mallard duck which is my fav type of duck. I think they are so pretty so that is why I chose it & Rhett loves waterfowl hunting so it fits. I wish I had a pic in color but they no longer have it on the website & I previously printed it off in b/w. You basically get the gist of it


Our big cake at reception is going to be made by Becky Cowell. Her cakes are awesome & I have always said that when I get married she would make my cake. I am planning for it to look like this:


So there you have it 3 cakes all rustic like of course. I'm hoping they all turn out and taste delicious! Now I am sure you are all hungry for cake so I will apologize in advance. Sorry!!

Happy 2012!!

It's 2012 Jan 1st and you know what that means....exactly 10 months 5 days till the big day! I have most of all the big things done for the wedding planning including getting my dress. I really wasn't planning to even dress shop until after the new year but for some reason I just had a change of heart & decided to go. I also kept saying that I didn't even want to look at David's Bridal but lo and behold I did go there and it was wonderful!! The first day my Mom, sister, & I went shopping it was to Elegant Brides in Edwardsville. I had heard nice things about the place so decided to go there first. I was extremely nervous about dress shopping especially since I'm not the skinniest minny on the block. My boobs are huge and thats not always the most pleasant thing when trying on clothes at the store. My first dress shopping experience was just ok. They had hardly any dresses in my size so that sucked. Everything was more expensive than I really wanted to spend. It was so busy the lady supposed to be helping me was really not that helpful. Every single dress was strapless. Seriously whats up with that....not everyone likes strapless dresses. Especially us chickies with huge boobs. Their was one dress I really liked. It was def overpriced but it was soo pretty and princess like. My Mom & sister felt like I should def keep my options open and do some more shopping. I called David's Bridal while we ate supper and made an appt for the following day. I also invited a lot more people to go. My whole wedding party of girls to be exact.
I was hoping that having all the extra people would make it a lot of fun and helpful with all those opinions. LOL I know people say only take 1 or 2 people with you but what the hell. It was just fine. From the moment I walked into David's Bridal everyone was so nice. The experience was wonderful. I had printed out several pictures of dresses I wanted to try on which I had also done the day before and that worked well. The lady assigned to me was so helpful. They had tons of dresses in my size & had a nice sale going on. My sister had also picked out several dresses she thought would work. I had shown them to my mother in law right before we left to shop and she picked out her favorite. I tried on prob about 7 or 8 dresses. It is so much better when they are actually your size. Some I knew right away were a no and others got put into the maybe pile. One particular dress everyone kept saying ohh ahhh it looks so good. Yuck is what I was thinking lol & so was Jaimee (she told me after the fact). I kept kinda going back to one particular dress and it was the front runner so far. I don't really even remember now what it looked like except for it was strapless and similar to the one I liked the day before. All the dresses I tried on were similar sweetheart neckline, pretty design on the bodice, strapless. The 2nd to last dress I put on was one my sister picked out in a bridal magazine she bought for me. It was also the fav my mother in law picked out from the pictures I had printed. It was different than the others. Not only in the way it looked but once I put it on I just kept smiling. It was PERFECT! It just felt right and comfortable and NOT strapless which is what I wanted. My sister in law Erin said, "I never thought I would say this but it is rustic." That is what I was looking for, that is what its all about. A dress that fits the whole theme of our wedding & reception and us!! Yay for me!! It was actually pretty easy dress shopping and fun. I'm so glad I invited my mom sister, 2 sister in laws, 2 nieces, & cousin to experience it with me. Here is the winner. The back is my favorite part! So bring on the new year & all the eating healthier & working out so I can feel & look good in this baby!!!