12 DaYs AfTeR ThE NuPtUaLs!!

The wedding was amazing, despite the fact that I almost put Chris's ring on the wrong hand!! That acutally turned out to be quite comical, which I needed because I cried all the way up the isle! The flowers, dresses and men all were fantastic. Aruba was 10 x's as beautiful as I thought it would be. We had the most perfect honeymoon, and we REALLY needed it! Thank you guys, once again, for all the help and well wishes and patience with my craziness!!
Married life is fun! Now that we've actually gone to the grocery store (for the first time in a few weeks) and I've gotten some amazing cook books, I'm trying my hand at new recipes!! BEWARE IF YOU'RE COMING OVER FOR DINNER ANY TIME IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS- YOU MAY END UP BEING MY GUINEA PIG!!!

ONLY 4 MORE DAYS!!

OK- here's what we've done since the last time I posted...
Saturday night I had a great time with mom, Crys, Karen, Lisa, Christian, Akela, Lauren, Carrey and Matilda- JUST KIDDING MICHELLE! We went up to Rudino's and had some food and a few drinks. For some reason I ended up drinking too much- imagine that! Then I got up Sunday and helped mom and Karen decorate and arrange for the wonderful bridal shower! I got to see some people that I haven't seen in forever, and we got some good loot too! Chris's mom flew in from Texas Sunday and his dad will be here Wednesday. Yesterday (Monday) we met with the photographer and tied up loose ends. Now all we have to do is entertain all the guests from out of town... the stress has been hard, the planning has been tedious, the misunderstandings have been annoying- but I still love Chris more than ever!! It will all be over with on Saturday, when Chris and I get to have OUR day that we've been planning for, for over a year!! Then, off to Aruba, away from everyone and everything- US time...FINALLY!!

10 DAYS!!!

I never thought I'd see the day that I, Kelly Gaither, would settle down! And not only is that exactly what I'm doing, I actually love being the slight bit of domesticated that I've become! I love cooking, don't mind cleaning (as long as I don't have to mop because I'm horrible at it), I love laundry (don't tell Chris though) and I like the responsibility I've acquired as an adult in love! Call me silly, but even at our low and tough times, I'm still happier than I've ever been. Chris has become such a big part of my life, not only as my lifemate, but as a bestfriend. Everything in my life is falling together, piece by piece... as is the wedding that will take place is exactly 11 days and 30 minutes! My dress is complete, hanging up at my mom's house. My BM are wondeful ladies who have helped me as much as they possibly could and kept me from stressing at times when I simply needed to vent and gain a little bit of sanity! Brenda and Karen have both been super mom's helping with parties and decorations and invites. I'm just very pleased, at this point, how everything is falling together. Thank you to everyone who has played even the smallest role in this special event!
Aruba is looking more and more relaxing. We cannot wait to get there and lay out on the beach and drink fruity alcoholic beverages!!

16 DAYS AND I'M SUPER EXCITED!

I think it needs to be known to all that: I have wonderful friends who saved up all their pennies, kiddnapped me right when I got home from work last Friday, blindfolded me, drove for three hours, and ended up in Myrtle Beach!! I had a whole bachelorette weekend with my girls at the beach- Myrtle beach at that! Until then, I never got the full "Myrtle" expenrience. I had a wonderful time, didn't pay for a thing, got super trashed and stayed in the nicest condo/appartment thingy! Thank you ladies!
Now, on a more serious note... here's how things look:
This Friday mom and I go see Robin because she should be finishing up my dress!! Saturday I have a surprise thingy to go to, Sunday I'm having my bridal luncheon to thank my wonderful beeches! Next Friday Chris and I are going to get our marriage license (yay!), Saturday I'm hoping all the ladies can go out for drinks. Sunday is my bridal shower... then Friday we have rehearsal stuff and Saturday I get to marry the love of my life! How exciting!! Our registries are mostly complete: Bed Bath and Beyond, Williams and Sonoma and Macys!! That's about it! Love you all!

23 days... Coming together

Bridal shoes are in and I'll be picking them up this weekend... I'll be taking them by aunt Robin's to try on with my dress on Monday so she can finish it up! The remainder BM present is on order and will be here by Wednesday. My bridal luncheon is this Saturday at 11:30 at the Olive Garden- then we're doing the wedding hair thing! Tonight mom, Chris and I are eating over at the ministers house. Shirley and Meg have done a wonderful job putting things in order and getting the ball rolling. Karen and mom put the bridal shower invitations together this past Monday and we should be sending the Rehersal dinner invitations out very soon! Everything is still falling into place and I'm very pleased with EVERYTHING! Chris still has to pick out and order his Groomsmen gifts and go for his final fitting at the tux place- leave it to a man to procrastinate!
We're getting more and more excited about the honeymoon, too! Mom said it might sound crazy but she was sure I'd start packing way before the month of July. She was right on two accounts- I did think she was crazy, but I HAVE already started packing!!! Aruba is going to be beautiful, relaxing and amazing! I'll make sure to take a ton of pictures!!

EXACTLY 1 MONTH!!

Hey guys! I'm getting super excited, anxious and a little nervous!! We've got exactly a month until the "big day"!! No one leaves comments on here anymore...I wonder if I should even keep posting if no one reads.. Anyway- my shoes should be in this weekend, meaning mom and I must go see Aunt Robin so she can start on my dress! This weekend I'm having lunch with mom, Meg and Shirley. Next Saturday is my bridal luncheon (11:30 at the Olive Garden). The NEXT Saturday I've got a surprise thinggy, and Timmy will be here! So, the wedding will be here before we know it! Mom and I have all of our attendant gifts and wedding favors ordered. Maybe I'll have another picture for ya'll soon. LEAVE LOVE PLEASE!

5 Weeks!!

The count down continues!
My extra fabric was picked up about a week ago and my lovely mother dropped my wedding dress and the fabric off at my aunt's shop so she can begin the alterations. Last weekend Mom and I found some wedding shoes for me- yay! We also bought the last of the bridesmaid gifts and wedding favors! Not a whole lot left to do!! That's about it for now.
P.S. Chris bought me a beautiful heart necklace for my birthday yesterday! I absolutely love it- and him.

1 Month & 21 days...

I'm actually starting to get nervous!! I know it's going to be the best day of my life and I know things will go as smoothly as permitted... but I'm still nervous! The meeting with Jennifer last night went really well. I'm thoroughly impressed with everything that the Cardinal Club has to offer/suggest! The invitations went out Monday, Mom did a wonderful job getting them stamped and mailed. I scooted over to the men's softball game last night after the meeting and got SEVERAL compliments on how gorgeous the calligraphy is! That made me feel really good! I'll keep you guys updated!

Less than 2 months!

Hey guys! I know, it's been awhile.... but the BM dresses are in now! I'm waiting on my fabric to ship and the man at Diamond's to call and say it's in. Mom and I have an appointment with Jennifer (the new Cardinal Club reception lady) today at 5:15! Other than that, there's really nothing new. My M-I-L will be here a week before the wedding to help organize/plan all the last minute mom stuff. It's getting exciting and I've been having weird wedding dreams- like forgetting my wedding dress, which turned out to be a bathing suite...?!

~Random thoughts~

Me and Chris, and Mom and David are going to dinner with our wedding director tonight! Yay! We're going to Tripps in Garner to see Crystal!
The new job is going spectacular- they're really keeping me on my toes! I think we love all of our co-workers.
The calligraphy is gorgeous and I cannot wait to start mailing them out. And don't worry, if everyone doesn't save the envelopes, I won't cry!
I can't wait to see all my inlaws in a couple of months!! It seems like forever since they were here and I know Chris misses them like crazy.
He has really been amazing and very easy going about everything- planning, organizing, arranging, meeting, you name it.
That's about it! I'll write it when I get it!
MuAh!

CoRReCtiOn

This is one of many pictures I've taken at the Cardinal Club, where we're having the reception...
I was under the impression that we'd get our dresses and fabric in on April 11th... However, they will ship May 11th. It looks like we'll have to wait just a few weeks longer. I got my passport in the mail Friday- yay! Chris's should be here in the next couple of weeks. All of my BM and flower girl presents are here and paid for- another yay! Now, it's just a few weeks of waiting- something I'm horrible at!! All of the Groomsmen should be fitted for their tuxes by now... I'll write more when I get more!

tHrEE MoNtHs!!

Well, it's exactly three months till the wedding! Yay!! Mom and I went to see Carrie, the calligrapher, and picked up our envelopes- they look awesome. I cannot wait to send them out. We also went last weekend to take pictures of the chapel- maybe I'll include one.
Our BM dresses are supposed to be in by April 11th. As soon as those come in I can pick up my extra material and have my fabulous aunt Robin get to finishing my dress up!
That's about it!

La Musica

I've been slacking- sorry guys! Well, today I figured out who/what I want so far as music for the ceremony. The Capital String Ensemble will be our vendor, the rest is a secret!! Know this: mom and I are super excited, everything has fallen into place!
The BM dresses should be here in a couple more weeks, my passport should also be here very soon. After the dresses get here with my extra fabric I'll have to go see Mrs. Robin (my aunt and wonderful seamstress) and have her tie up the loose ends on my dress. Then, we're on cruise controll until June!!
I just want to thank everyone for all of their help and suggestions! I have some of the most wonderful friends and family! Talk to you soon!
Muah!
3 months, 2 weeks and 1 day! woo hoo!

FlOwErS!!!!

Well, mom and I drove all the way out to Wendell to meet with the florist. He's amazing and made everything so much fun!! I'm not to give everything away because some things must remain a suprise- but there will be lots of roses, a few lilies and some greenery!
It was amazing- we brought the picture of the bouquet I like for me and Mike had it in one of his books. It was EXACTLY the same thing!!
Mrs. Barnowski and myself will be going down to the Meredith Chapel on March 30th before we go drop the invitations off with the calligrapher. Other than that, we only have to find an organist or violinist!! Once that's done, we're on cruise control until late June!!!
I haven't spoken to some of my brides maids in awhile, I hope everyone's getting along, being adults and having fun!! Love you guys!

Invitations!!!

Word on the streets is that our invitations are in!! I'm so excited and I'm not showing them to anyone before-hand (except maybe Chris). Not sure if I told everyone but mom and I are meeting with the flower guy next Thursday. So all we really have left to do is find someone to play some music for us- violinist or organist?! We'll discuss it and let you guys know!
Thanks for supporting me and my blog and thank you so much for the comments. Aside from one rude one, I've enjoyed what everyone has to say!
Chris goes today to get his passport applied for and sent off. I'm guessing mine should be in by the end of this month.
I'm really feeling a sense of accomplishment- we're 4 months out and have everything but the flowers and music settled on. The flowers, hopefully, won't be too bad- I have an idea of what I like.
Any hoo, that's about it for now- hi S.H.!!

PrOgReSSiOn

OK, I know, it's been awhile! I've been busy though!
Last weekend Mom and I (impatiently) sat at Party City for a couple of hours deciding on the invitation layout, coloring, wording and script. It was a pain in my rear!! But they're on order and should be here in two weeks! Then we have the appointment with the calligrapher on the 30th of this month. I think we'll be sending the invitations out mid to late April.
Chris goes this week to get his passport applied for! Woo hoo! Hm... I think it's been about a month since I applied for mine- how long does it take?!
Next Thursday Mom and I have an appointment with Mike out in Wendell for flowers. Yes, I said Wendell. Don't ask me why, accept that that's the way it is. I don't like answering rude or second guessing questions. However, any suggestions or positive reinforcement is greatly appreciated!!
July is right around the corner (4 months and 1 day to be exact!) and I can't wait to see the in-laws and all those family members that I haven't seen in awhile! It's been awhile since I've given you guys a picture, and those you all seem to enjoy... so how about the wedding cake I picked out... All the places that there's white decoration, it'll be green on mine. And there will only be one single "G" at the bottom in green. Not for Gaither, but for Gholson! AND NO FLOWERS AT THE TOP-EW!

Update...

OK- so, first of all, I think the comment about the caligraphy being a waste of money and time was rude. People do whatever they want for THEIR weddings, this is mine and I believe if we want to spend a small amount on beautiful writing we should be able to! And we will!
Now, I spent about 3 hours over at Grandmothers on Saturday and desperately needed a nap afterwards (yes, I ate too much!). Needless to say we didn't get a chance to go order invitations, but we WILL get it done this coming weekend. Chris and I reserved the party room over at Casa Cabone on Glenwood Ave for the rehersal dinner! And I called and left the organist a voicemail and am waiting to hear back from him (is an organist OK with everyone?!).
That's about it for now!!

****GeTTiNg ClOsEr*******

I can't help but get excited [like a high school girl at prom] about our wedding!! Tomorrow I'm going to my Grandmother's 89th birthday party, then mom and I are going to [patiently] look and decide and order the wedding invitations. I plan on calling the organist and a couple more florists this weekend.
As most of you know I went last week to get my passport application taken care of. I didn't know that they send your actual birth certificate off and MAIL it back to you. I guess I should have questioned that, but was too excited about getting things done that I didn't think about it! Chris asked me to make an appointment for him to get his, so he'll be going in two weeks. It's amazing how booked up they get.
Dad and Derek P are the only two who have been fitted for their tux (other than Chris, of course).
Does anyone have any suggestions on where we should have the rehersal dinner?! There will be about 28 people. Nothing like the Angus Barn, we're paying for it and are trying to save most of our money for the honeymoon!!!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Formal Invitations

OK- I'm back for the second day in a row in a week- woo hoo! We've got an apointment with the calligrapher at 5:30 on March 30th to drop off the envelopes and our list. I hope every one is checking their email incase I have any questions!! I have to know full names and addresses. Chris has been amazing and extremely helpful through this whole process. He doesn't second guess me nor is he reluctant to help with anything. I knew there was a reson we chose eachother :)
Any hoo, you guys better start leaving comments on here- I've made it so that anyone can make comments without having an account on "gmail".
That's about it for now... Here's a picture of the wedding bouquet I'm in love with.

4 months and 15 days

As I continue getting excited and making wedding appointments, I find my memory burning out!! I just remembered today to schedule an appointment with the calligrapher and that we need to go ahead and order the invitations. Mom and I will be doing the ordering this weekend. I'm waiting to hear back from Carrie, the calligrapher we chose. She's got wonderful examples online of what she can do: http://www.calligraphybycarrie.com/styles.html. So, I'll leave it to you guys to guess at which one I chose!!
I realized I claimed that we'd be meeting with florists last weekend- that sort of fell through. But we plan on getting back on the ball this coming weekend. My mom and Chris's mom have both already ordered their dresses.... Susie went with Alfred Angelo and mom went with Bill Levkoff.
Thanks for visiting, please comment- I LOVE CHRIS!!

MoH Dress...

And this is a picture of the MoH seperates Bri will be wearing! Of course, in the glass green!! All of the dresses were ordered yesterday and we're looking to receive them between April 19th and May 19th. This is great because my extra fabric will be here and my Aunt Robin can continue working on my wedding dress!!! I'm super excited. I emailed Tia (at the Cardinal Club) with the picture of the cake we want. Things are falling into place. Thanks to all of you wonderful people helping and attending!!

BM Dresses!

All but one of my maids have their dresses ordered!! July's getting closer and the waiting time is 12 weeks- ugh! I never thought it would take so long to get dresses in. One of the designer's that I work with saw a picture of the dresses and suggested, after the wedding of course, that my ladies cut a few inches off the bottom of the dress and use them as tea length dresses. I think it's a great idea- but where would you wear a tea length dress? To a tea party?! Any hoo, that's all I have for today!!
We go see some florists this weekend...wish us luck!