Wife Chop

Remember back in June when I was desperate for a haircut?

Well, I should be careful what I wish for.

Seven inches later, this is the look I'm sporting now...

ironically, it wasn't until I just looked at these pictures that I realized I am wearing the same top and earrings as in my profile pictures-- and I don't wear them that often. Hmm.



I'm not sure how I feel about it. On one hand my hairdresser, Tara, did an amazing job with the actual cut. It feels light and oh-so-healthy (farewell dead ends!).

On the other hand it's short. Really short. Like so short, I don't even know how to style it yet. I can't pull it back in a ponytail, and when I finally do, there are so many bobby pins it would be an airport security nightmare.

My long hair made me feel sexy and fabulous. I felt powerful. I walked taller.

This kind of makes me feel very... married. With three kids. And mom jeans. Keds anyone?

I think if I give it a little more time, I will get used to it, but the sudden change of 7 inches takes some getting used to. In the meantime I'm seriously contemplating a wig. Or maybe I should bust out my white girl weave again.

Always & Forever,

ME

Our Furry Bundle of Joy

Ladies and Gents, I am please to introduce you to the newest member of our family, Layla.

Standing at a mere 7 inches tall and weighting in under a pound, her hobbies include purring, sleeping, scoping out the internet with her daddy JEGs and sipping drinks with her momma Lizzie.

momma's little wino. so proud

So this is the sitch- I has a couple hours to kill before work so I decided to scope out a yard sale my cousin was having. She's got some killer purses, and I was hoping to snatch up something cute for the fall.

When I pulled up, I saw a crate of three kittens and a sign that said "Free to a good home."

Well, I've got a good home, and I like free things. Fate? I think so.

JEGs and I have been talking about getting a pet for a while now. Ever since we had Murphy put down last September, we've both been jonsing for that extra companionship. After a couple questions I found out the were a friend of my cousins' 12-week old kittens that they just wanted to get rid of. When I approached the crate, I figured holding one of them wouldn't hurt, right?

Wrong. I fell in love.

I called JEGs and asked if we could give this kitten a good home. He said if they were willing to hold her overnight, we would go back the next morning (a Saturday) and pick her up. When the owner said it was ok, I was elated!

The next morning on our way to pick up our new pet, we tossed around some names. It wasn't until the ride home that JEGs said "We should name her Layla" that the name clicked.

The entire weekend was spent playing with our new little baby, and we are so excited to have her in our life. Just a warning for the future, there are probably going to be a lot of "ZOMG, Layla did the CUTEST thing the other day" posts. Just sayin'.

Always & Forever,

ME

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Update:

I originally wrote this post on Monday August 16th, with the intent on posting it later in the week. That afternoon I took Layla to the vet to be checked out. After finding out she was only 4 or 5 weeks old, severely malnourished and had worms, JEGs and I felt as though we had saved her from a dire situation. In our minds, we were heroes.

When I arrived home from work on Tuesday August 17th, I found Layla laying on her bed, not moving and barely breathing. I rushed her to the vet where they began working on her quickly. After stabalizing her the best he could, the doctor informed me he believed she had panleukopenia- a viral infection known to attack the gastrointestinal system. He said the best thing we could do was take her to a vet hospital for around the clock care. This would have cost us thousands of dollars, and because of her young age and weight, there was a 90% chance she wouldn't make it.

JEGs left work early and joined me at the vet's office. After much thought (and many tears), we made the painful decision to have Layla euthanized.

Our hearts are truly broken. Even thought we only had Layla for three short days, we had fallen head over heels for her. Even with her small stature, she was able to fill the hole in my heart caused by Murphy's passing.

My intent was to delete this post and not to speak of her at all, but that was not what this blog is about. I started this blog as a way to document my life lessons and personal growth. Although this lesson has been particularly tough, I feel as though it was an important one.

From this experience I have learned that JEGs and I have so much more love to give- whether it be cat, dog, or *gasp* eventual baby. However, just because we have the love to give, it doesn't mean it is the right time.

We will eventually get another pet, but not for a while. Right now we are going to keep on loving each other and building our future.

Wedding Fashion

Let's talk about the most important part of a wedding: the fashion.
More importantly, my dress.
I wore an Alfred Angelo dress, Style 1807.





I modified in two ways: first, we cut all the silk out of the train to create a more dramatic contrast for the chiffon against the grass, as well as to eliminate some of the weight (and lordy, did that help). Also, after falling in love with Anna Kendrick's Oscar Gown, my seamstress made detatchable straps that I used to mimic her soft, romantic look. I later took them off for the reception.

A lot of cussing went into this bustle the day of the wedding. It was so beautiful and very intricate. There were seven areas that needed to be tied together with "invisible string" as my maid of honor called them. She got a little frustrated, but I think it was worth it.



When it came to my accessories, I tried to stick with the "something old, something new..." theme.

My wore a new pair of tear drop pearl earrings along side of a pearl necklace that was given to me as a bridesmaid's gift about 15 years ago. My something blue was my fabulous shoes

My something borrowed was a white beaded clutch I borrowed from my mother. I believe this originally was owned by my great-aunt and purchased circa 1954. I also carried a hankie of my grandmothers who passed away in 1991.

Instead of going to a "wedding day" stylist I stuck with my hairdresser, Tara, who knows my hair, and did an amazing job. She curled my hair and pinned it back at the base of my neck to create a very textured look, while still keeping me cool on that hot July day! I also incorporated my 100% free DIY Hair Flower

When it came time to pick a dress for my bridesmaids, I originally set out for a short dress. I figured since we were having an outdoor wedding in July, I wouldn't kill my three favorite ladies by making them wear a long dress. However, once I saw this little number from Jasmine's B2 collection, I was smitten.

Luckily, it was made of a very light chiffon, which made them a little more comfortable in the summer sun. We ordered them in the Caymen Blue, and I love the way the orange flowers popped against the beautiful dresses.

The men wore black, three button suits with navy ties. JEGs' tie was navy with a light blue stripe. They all looked very hansome.

I think altogether, we looked preeeetty damn good.



Always&Forever,
ME

Reception

Psst... wanna catch up real quick on the rehearsal, the preparations, and the ceremony?

I have to confess, JEGs and I didn't really get a chance to enjoy the reception. Between getting my picture taken a hundred thousand times, cake cutting and other stuff, the reception flew by! This post is going to serve more as "This Is What I Vaguely Remember About the Reception"

Right after the ceremony, we were whisked away for formal portraits around the grounds

of the venue. Since we had chosen not to see each other before the ceremony, we missed the entire cocktail hour. We had just enough time to run up to the bridal suite so I could chug dainty sip some champagne while my bridesmaids bustled my dress.

We headed straight down stairs and lined up for the introductions.

Our first dance was to Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight".

We picked this song because when JEGs and I first started dating, he would softly sing me to sleep with this song. That's right my friends- not only can he reach stuff on the top shelf and fix my carburetor, but the man can sing too! I soooo won the boyfriend lottery.

I digress. Back to the wedding.

My father and I danced to Paul Simon's "Fathers and Daughters" while JEGs and Momma G danced to "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack.

We sat down to eat, but I was so excited about everything I only ate a few bites of my Caesar salad. When dinner was served, we were pulled out for more professional pictures and by the time we returned, my steak was cold. I ate a few bites of it, but had to leave it to greet our guests at their tables. When we were finished it was time for the cake cutting.

Our cake was so perfect. I had found two pictures of cakes that I like and handed them over to the people at Normandy Farm with blind faith that they understood what I liked.

I loved the overall look of the cake on the left, but fell in love with how the swirls matched our invitations and escort cards. I asked them if they could combine these two looks, and they did!

I was madly in love with this cake!

When it was time, we started to cut the cake...

ready... aim... BAM!

 

But like a good hubby, he helped clean me up.

The rest of the night was spent dancing, and my sister-in-law, Bryn, got some great shots of my brother getting his groove on

JEGs and I got in a little dancing too

The flip flop basket was a huge success!





All in all it was the most amazing night ever. If I could do it all over again (and I want to) I wouldn't change a thing. Everything came out exactly the way I envisioned it! The best part is at the end of the day I was married to my very best friend in the whole world :)
Next week I will have a full vendor review with more details, so stay tuned.
Always& Forever,ME



The Ceremony

Psst... wanna catch up real quick on the rehearsal, the preparations?

At 4:50 pm the bridal party was lined up and ready to go. I was on my father's arm and feeling way calmer then I ever thought I would.

I was totally calm, until we made the turn to walk down the aisle. My nerves kicked in and my thoughts started to race.



"Where is JEGs? I should look for him. There's Connie. Oo, look how pretty the flowers are! There is Connie. Where is JEGs? Connie again. Is my mom here? I can't believe the sun is shining. Where is JEGs? Oh, there he is!"

As my father gave me away to my future husband, he whispered in my ear, "You Go Girl" (an inside joke), kissed my cheek, and handed me over.


As JEGs and I looked at each other, we could not stop smiling.

The ceremony was simply sweet and short. The sun ducked in and out of the clouds and a soft breeze blew through to cool off our guest


..it also made my veil take flight


Our pastor asked JEGs if he took Amber to be his wife. (Still trying to figure out who Amber is, 'cause it sure as hell ain't me.)


Who is this "Amber" hoe?
My friend Erin began to tear up while reading "Union" by Robert Fulgham.



At some other point in the ceremony, the pastor referred to JEGs as "Jastin" (Justin? Jason? Are we at the right ceremony?)

During the sand ceremony, JEGs made me giggle when he thought he saw a cigarette butt in the sand.


In rehearsal we were told that after the vows we would do the whole kissing of the bride and then we would turn to our guests. At this point, he would announce us as Mr. and Mrs.

Welll... it didn't quite happen that way.

We did the vows and he had us turn to everyone. He said, "The wedding is now over and the marriage has begun. I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Ginseng."

I'm sorry... who? Who are the Ginsengs?

Let the confusion begin

JEGs leans over to correct him, and he kept repeating Ginseng over and over again. After three tries, he finally got it right, at which point JEGs' aunt screams "KISS THE BRIDE ALREADY!!!!". The pastor looks at her and said "I'm getting to that point."

Silence.

Sooo... can we kiss the bride, or not?

At some point we finally kissed and walked back down the aisle and the new Mrs. and Mrs. Ginseng JEGs.

Getting Ready

If you want to get caught up on my wedding posts, you can check out the rehearsal first.


Saturday morning I woke up and didn't know where I was. Then it hit me.

I was at my parents house.

and I was getting married today.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :p

Since my parents live in a caffeine-free world (I know-- insane right?), I headed out in search of a Dunkin Donuts. While I was out, I remembered that I never picked up sparklers for this AMAZING must have picture that I really really wanted. I called JEGs, wished my groom a happy wedding day, and promptly asked him where I could find sparklers (no point in beating around the bush, right? We are on limited time). I ran to two Targets and a Walmart in search of sparklers while JEGs searched a Party City and other stores. No luck. Until he made a call into his groomsman who just happened to have 10 boxes.

::cue me jumping and squealing:::

At 10 am I met up with my bridesmaids at the salon to get our hair done.

My cousins, Allie and Tara

The ladies hair




my fab hairdresser, Tara, and I

When we were finished getting beautified, we all dumped into my Jeep and drove up to the venue, where my make-up artist, Kim, was waiting. I immediately jumped in the seat and she did her magic.

For the rest of the afternoon the magic time was 4:50pm-- that's when the day of coordinator wanted us to line up for the ceremony. It felt like time was creeping by so slowly and I had an enormous amount of energy. I think I was driving everyone crazy with my constant motion.

When 2:30 rolled around, we decided it was time for me to get dressed. With the help of my bridesmaids, I slipped into my beautiful wedding dress

Three o'clock came and it was time to head over to the bridal suite. I knew JEGs was on the property, so I made my bridesmaids head in for a little "Groom Location" reconnaissance. As soon as I got the all-clear, we headed upstairs.

..is it 4:50 yet?

The bridal suite had a huge window overlooking the parking lot so I could stalk my guests as they arrived. I was also able to get a couple glimpses of my handsome hubs-to-be as he and his groomsman took some pre-ceremony shots.

...still waiting for 4:50.

Soon afterwards my mother and father joined me, as did my flower girl, Abigail. She wanted to meet the ring bearer, so we had his parents bring him up so the two could meet. Connie had made them little baskets of toys and candy, so they promptly sat on the floor together and hunted through their new treasures.

Because of the heat that day, the venue decided to gather everyone in the cocktail area beforehand, and then escort them to the ceremony site at 4:45. From my perch in the bridal suite, I could see everyone make the move to the next location. I knew it was almost time.

We gathered our things and headed downstairs. My father handed me my bouquet, took my arm and said "Are you ready to do this?"

I nodded enthusiastically, and asked him what time it was.

4:50 pm.

Let's do this.