I Did It....

So yes I did it...I SPLURGED and bought the Haute Bride headpiece from Priscilla's. I knew I wasn't going to find anything that even compared to it so I figured I would indulge. And trust me, it is COMPLETELY worth it! Couldn't be happier!

So it is on order and should be in mid-May! Since my hair trial is this Saturday, Priscilla's was sooo awesome and is going to let me borrow their sample one! This is yet another reason why Priscilla of Boston is THE place to get all your bridal needs!

Stay tuned on how the hair & makeup trial goes...I still have NO idea how I want my hair..eekkk.

~ My Bridal Shower ~

April 17th was my Bridal Shower. And let me just start by saying it was the most amazing Bridal Shower, the most amazing day, and the most amazing memory I will always have to cherish. So I will also forewarn you all that this post is probably going to be really long!

Friday night all my Bridesmaids and I headed north to my house! It was so nice to have all my favorites in my home. However, at the same time they were so secretive, whispering, going into the other room to ‘talk’ etc, I was starting to feel a bit left out! But I knew that it was all for a good reason! Mrs. Bender & Jeff's grandmother also arrived Friday night. It was so nice of them to drive all the way from NJ to be at my bridal shower. It was also a little weird at the same time having them there and not Jeff, it just made me miss him that much more.

Saturday, I spent the morning with my Dad! The girls needed to get me out of the house so they could set up and decorate- so my Dad took me out and while we were out we bought Jeff’s wedding gift! When I arrived back home all the guests had already arrived and it was such a nice atmosphere to walk into. I quickly changed into my ‘Bridal Shower outfit’ and was presented with a gorgeous corsage, which my sorority big pinned on me which I thought was really special.

The house was gorgeous- everything was pink! My bridesmaids and my Mom did an amazing job, the set-up was absolutely perfect. Every detail was well thought-out and it was better then I ever imagined. The tables were gorgeous- they were adorned with pink and green linens, beautiful flowers as the center pieces, made by Charri! And at each place setting was a ‘Jessica’s Bridal Shower’ packet and the most adorable favor. The favors were a measuring spoon set with adorable sayings like a “pinch of love.” They were perfect considering I love to cook. Every detail really reflected my personality. That just goes to show I chose the perfect bridesmaids because they know me so well! Tina made the most adorable chocolate covered pretzels and the most amazing punch with a frozen fruit ring! The food was catered by Willy, a local favorite caterer and friend! His food is always amazing, and all the guests seemed to enjoy. The cake was so beautiful, and out of this world good! I felt like I was in my own personal heaven! Emily gave a really short but sweet speech, which made me tear-up, I have no idea how I'm going to get through the toasts at the wedding!

The bridesmaids also did an amazing job with the game portion of the party. In the ‘packets’ was 3 games. The first game was “Guess how old Jess is,” where there was a poster of 10 pictures of me at all different ages. The second game was 20 questions of Jess & Jeff trivia, which was adorable! And the third game was of course bridal bingo.

When it came time to open the gifts, I was quite overwhelmed. When I had arrived Friday night the pile of gifts was already hugeeeee, from everyone that couldn't make it. That pile obviously grew as guests arrived and it took over my living room. I’ve neverrrr seen a pile of gifts that huge! I was worried it was going to take hoursss opening all the gifts, so like I said I was quite overwhelmed. However, my bridesmaids had it under control. They were so organized, they made it fun, and the whole opening gifts went very smoothly and no one died of boredom! They had fun games during it which really kept it going.

I can not express the generosity of my family and my friends. I was blown away, and still am. Not only did I receive some amazingggg gifts for Jeff’s and my future home, we also received some very special and sentimental ones. My sorority little & bridesmaid, Amanda, made me the most amazing quilt. It was pictures of Jeff & I throughout the years and in the middle was “To have & to hold from this day forward, Jeff & Jess, June 5th, 2010” I was speechless, and obviously it brought me to tears. It was one of the most amazing and thoughtful gifts I have ever received. My Mom also made me a beautiful cross-stitch with Jeff’s and my names and our wedding date. My Mom apparently had been working on it ever since Jeff & I got engaged. So that gift obviously brought me to tears too. When we finally got to the last gift, I was already so emotional, exhausted, and overwhelmed, my bridesmaids hand me a bag from all of them, and I knew it was going to be another tear-jerker present. I was right; they had made me a scrapbook. Each had a page filled with pictures, notes, and memories. I couldn’t look at it so I saved it to look at it when everyone left. What made it even more special was because for Jeff’s graduation present I made him a scrapbook of EVERY single event he had during his college career and all our special moments, and wherever he went he would always have those memories with him. So they made my scrapbook to match Jeff’s, so I would have one too wherever I went.

As guests started leaving they all commented on how lovely the shower was, how lucky I was to have such a great group of friends, and they could not wait for the wedding. Coming from a small town we pride ourselves on having that 'small-town feeling and closeness.' I think my close family and friends from Vermont were so happy to see that I found that after I left Bethel. I truly am so lucky and blessed to have such an amazing support system in my life.

When everyone had left, I literally just stood there and didn't know what to do with myself. I was just filled with so much emotion. I was speechless. I decided I had to show my gratitude immediately so I proceeded to stay up until 2:45am writing all my thank you notes (64 of them!). I then looked at my scrapbook, and of course cried through the entire thing. You of course always have memories stored in your head, but to see them laid out in a book is quite overwhelming and emotional. So yes I'm a very emotional bride, not a bitchy one! Just overwhelmed with happiness and joy. I mean how can you not when you have family and friends like mine. I couldn't wait for Jeff to get back from the field to tell him everything. We both realized that we are truly one of the luckiest couples ever <3

So another HUGE thank you to my bridesmaids, my Mom, my family, my friends, and everyone that was able to make it.

For more pictures visit Katelyn's album! http://picasaweb.google.com/kmderamo/JessBridalShower#

T-50 DAYS!!!!!

p.s. Getting SOOO incredibly excited for my bridal shower tomorrow!!!

The PERFECTTTT shoes!!

So my quest to find the perfect bridal shoes has ended! Woohoo!

I was started to get a little worried I wouldn't find my perfect shoes! I wanted something that obviously complimented my dress, was comfortable, was at least a 3.5" heel, white, open-toed, open-heeled, and sparkly! I also strongly preferred a designer shoe because my wedding photographers, Mike & Kate, like to take pictures of the shoes, so I obviously wanted to have nice shoes they could photograph!! Ha..lame excuse I know! But no really...I wanted nice shoes, I feel like I would be disrespecting my Priscilla of Boston dress if I didn't!

A couple weekends ago, I had to quickly run into Lord & Taylor to exchange my sister's prom dress, while I was there I decided to just browse the shoe department ;) I was looking for some cute new strappy spring sandals, but however...a white, high heeled, open-toed, open-heeled, sparkly, Calvin Klein shoe caught my attention! It was like a light from heaven shown down on it. The one on display was a size 7, a full size too big for me. Usually they display the smallest size they have in stock, but I decided to ask anyways...low and behold- they only had two pairs left, the 7 ANDDDD a 6!! My size, it was fate. I obviously snagged them!

So excited!

One Last Weekend :(

This past weekend Jeff & I were able to see each other one last time before a week before the wedding...

I flew out to Kentucky Thursday evening, and had to come back Sunday night because of Jeff's training schedule :( Short trip but well worth it! I always have so much fun when I go to Kentucky, I don't know if it's because I love the South, or because of the company :) (obviously the company!)

This trip we were able to make it to the Mammoth Caves in Western Kentucky. The first time I went out to Kentucky we attempted to go, however a huge accident on the interstate, and sitting in stand-still traffic for 4 hours, made us miss our tour....but anyways. It was kind of a long drive, and we crossed into the Central timezone, but it was a beautiful day, and it was nice to see more of the state! Kentucky really has some beautiful sights. Anyways, back to Mammoth Caves. Mammoth Caves is part of Mammoth National Park, home of the 'longest' caverns known in the world. We both had really wanted to go and see it, and with the excitement, I guess I didn't really think about what it really entailed...walking down into the cold atmosphere I became a little frightened....but all in all it was amazing to see, and I'm so glad I got to see it with Jeff <3>

The rest of the weekend was perfect. It was so nice to go out on dates with Jeff. It's funny how little things like 'going on a date to the movies' seemed so routine and we used to take it for granted, but now its a very special occasion! Since we have limited time together, we really appreciate every second we have together and don't take anything for granted. Like they always say, "distance makes the heart grow fonder." I can definitely say from experience our love has become more intense from this past year, if that was even possible.

I really don't think that anyone can comprehend how excited I am for June 5th...it's not that normal excitement that everyyy bride gets before her big day, this excitement is much much more. Words can not express the thought of June 5th coming, and all that is to come!

A Touch of Vermont Sweetness

One of the first (and easiest!) decisions I've made during this whole wedding planning process was my guest favors! Actually, as I start to write this post, I'm hesitant to ruin the surprise for the guests...hmm....oh well! I knew I wanted to incorporate VT somehow, so it quickly dawned on me, maple syrup! VT is known for their pure maple syrup. All those impostors such as Aunt Jermina or those other store brands are a disgrace to Vermonters! Plus, I have no idea how people are able to eat that, it's disgusting!
In the beginning of March I went home because it was Matthew's Birthday! If you are a Vermonter then you know that when the end of winter comes, not only does it bring Spring (aka mud season) it also brings sugaring season! Matthew is now a 'sugarer' himself! Since we needed a larger quantity then what he produces, we asked our friends the Aldrighetti's, who are experts, and part of 'Gilead Gold' to make ours!

Andrew, Morgan, and I were able to visit Gilead Gold's sugaring shack and watch them boil their first batch. I've seen maple syrup made a few times, but every time is as cool as the first. It's suchhh a process! I'm so excited to see them all done!

We're having Carey, from Lasso'd Moon create cute little tags for them!

I'm so excited that all my guests will be able to bring home part of Vermont's sweetness <3

It's Official!

Invitations went out yesterday!!! YAYY!!!!

Pink Champagne & Cookie Recipe Party!

This past weekend was not only Easter but it was also a Pink Champagne & Cookie Recipe party for me!!

Mary-Jeanne, a.k.a. my other mother, my Mom's best friend, AND reader at my wedding, had the most adorable idea of throwing me a little party in honor of my engagement and my upcoming wedding! She unfortunately is most likely unable to attend my shower, so it was the perfect opportunity!

She sent out cute invites requesting people to come with their favorite cookie recipe and perhaps a sample! And boy did people bring samples! There had to be over 10-15 types of cookies, all delicious! I will admit I indulged :) All the recipes were put in this cute little clutch, which was soo me :) Overall it was a great afternoon!

It was so nice to be surrounded by hometown friends & family. With my shower being a big mix of people, it was special to have something with just us, with the people I grew up with and those who watched me grow up.

Mary-Jeanne, thank you sooo, so, so much again! You always know how to make me feel so special!

Two Months!!!

T-TWO MONTHS!!!!!!!!!!!


More posts to follow soon :)