PreCana Marriage Prep Weekend has Come and Gone

I'm really excited to say that Addison and I went through our pre-Cana wedding prep this past weekend… I have to admit there was a part of me that was really nervous about this weekend. I had no idea what Addison would think about it seeing how I didn't even know what to expect. I was concerned that because Addison is not a practicing Catholic if a lot of the topics covered were predominantly Catholic I was concerned that it would just turn him off. He's such an amazing man though… When I expressed these concerns with him he told me to not feel that way that he was looking forward to it and that no matter what he would find the good in it.

I'm happy to say… That throughout the weekend he said multiple times how grateful he was for the opportunity to participate in this weekend with me. When I ask for him to share a little bit on why he loved the weekend so much he said mainly it allowed him to focus on the importance of marriage and to understand in a concrete way what exactly we were signing up for. And he said it just reinforced more and more how excited he was that I am to be his bride… That we would be entering into a lifetime together as partners. It was even interesting that today he said to me that never in his life did he think his priorities would be what they are becoming… Saying never did he think family would be this important to him and that it would serve such a prominent place in his mind and heart. I have to say he is such an amazing man and I feel blessed and honored that I get to enter into this life with him. I have no question that God really knew what he was doing when he brought us into each others lives and now bringing us into this next stage of forever together!

One of the best things I got out of the weekend was probably  thinking more and more about how we can and should integrate prayer more constantly into our relationship. There were several times that I reflected on the fact that we truly do have a blessed relationship and that if we were to more regularly ask God to enter into it with us what amazing amazing things He will do in and through us. I'm grateful that as I expressed these thoughts with him he agreed and is excited for us to start thinking through more on how we will work on more intentionally bringing him into our daily life...

I think I found my florist!

Met with a florist today. And, though it was only my first consultation, I'm pretty sure I'll end up going with her--Jami Dale of True Lei Floral (thanks for the referral, Ariadne!).  From our very first interaction, she was as sweet and flexible as can be AND she seems to be rather competitively priced (which I love).  Luckily, I've done my fair share of Pinteresting so have a pretty good feel of what I'm looking for and, to make it easier I've been set on succulents well before my Pinterest days, so they were a given. 

We landed on this bouquet with purple and white anemones.  I've asked her to integrate a few succulents into it as well. All the guys will have simple succulent boutonnières, and I'm hoping she'll be able to make these sweet succulent bracelets for some special ladies in the party (crossing my fingers).

All in all, I feel really good. One less decision left to be made...

Heaven, here they come!

So sweet indeed the mission of our spouses. Had to share this beautiful quote... To Megan and Addison and the beautiful sacrament of marriage that awaits them. It truly is the gateway to heaven.

I love you, Megan Rose. So excited to start the planning for this very special day!

Let me start by saying how excited I am that my little sister is getting married. Marriage is the best thing that ever happened to me. The day I said "I do" my life changed forever. I now had a partner to walk with. Someone to help me, and hold me during all the unexpected bumps in life. Most of all I had someone that brought me joy. Joseph has been a gift in my life that I could never describe. All I can do is thank The Lord for him.
Megan is one of my closest friends. I'm blessed to call her my sister and friend. I am beyond happy for her to start this new journey in her life. Addison is her partner. She has in him what I have had in Joseph. This is all I've hoped for her. my little butterfly of a sister.
My, not so secret, hobby is planning parties. I have been pinning back and forth with her for months. It is nice to know what she is picturing. A New Year's Eve celebration! How exciting. Personally I picture elegant tapered candles in tall golden Candelabras. Clocks. Crystals on branches. I know however she designs the reception it will be beautiful. I know I can't wait to be by her side on that day. I also can't wait to meet each of you!

We're getting married!!

I can't believe the time has finally come...Addison and I are getting married! Over the last several weeks, we've made some great progress on planning.
First, as you all know, we landed on a date--New Year's Eve this year! And, we've secured the church St. Francis Xavier in the heart of midtown on the St. Louis University campus. At this point we're still working on finding the priest but hope that will come together in the next week or so... And over the next couple weeks I'll be meeting with possible florists and photographers and have some ideas  for food and design…  But probably most importantly I've chosen each of you to be at my side as I prepare to enter into this exciting stage of my life... Each of you hold such a special place in my heart and I couldn't imagine doing this without you. Thank you for saying yes... yes to supporting me, to sharing you creative ideas, and for helping me stay focused on the fact that it is fun and exciting to plan a wedding--my wedding at that!