From Ms. to Mrs. {{First Dance and Party!}}

You guys have gotten a good look at all the small details of the wedding, so here is the great big fun one- the PARTY! Immediately after our ceremony, we had our first dance. Gabriel picked out the song and you guys will never, ever guess what song was our first dance song.... Mirrors by Justin Timberlake. Yup. Mirrors by Justin Timberlake was our first dance song. We also didn't do a traditional first dance, were we had a solo dance for the entire song. 

Instead, we danced for little bit, then we had couples come out by how long they had been married. Gabriel's parents were out there (40+), my parents (30+), and more of Gabriel's family for almost the entire song!

My parents are trying to get some of their friends to come up and dance too. 

After asking couples to come dance, we opened up the floor to everyone for the end of the song. 

I had to take a photo with my sorority sisters who were there! I love how a few of them went into the sorority girl pose immediately! You just can't shake it. 

My besties from college! If only Jess lived closer now. 

My besties from college, Jen and Lucy! 

The candy bar was a huge success! 

I love this photo! It is such a cool shot of Gabriel and his family. 

Slide to the left! Left foot left stomp! 

 You'll notice you don't see Gabriel or myself in most of the dancing photos-- he was only 60 days out from his patellar reconstruction surgery so he could barely walk and I don't dance well, I just shake my booty!

Not to say I didn't shake my booty! Cuz I totes did! 

My Mom and her cousin-in-law. They were getting down on the dance floor. 

Turns out the way to get a bunch of white folks out on the dance floor is to turn on the Cha Cha Slide and the Cupid Shuffle. Then, errbody gets on the dance floor. 

Including the babies! Miss A was getting down with it! 

You know the most fun out of the entire night? Moving around the tables catching up with people. 

There were also lots... and lots... of photos taken. 

We didn't do a cake cutting, even though we did have a cake. Truthfully, we totally forgot about it and everyone was having fun. Everyone was getting down on those cupcakes though.  So, we took home the cake and ate a piece. It was delish! We also didn't do a big go away, since most of the guests went across the street to Dave's Stagecoach Inn to keep the party going. We got a ride back to the hotel and passed out! 

From Ms. to Mrs. {{Family Moments}}

One of my favorite moments from our wedding day is taking photos with our families. We did this prior to the ceremony itself, to make sure that they got taken. These are pictures that I will treasure forever.

My dad, Big T 

My mom, D

My family, minus my older brother 

G and his momma, P 

G's family, including his littler sister 

G and his dad, Big Poppa

My biggest fear was that our family photos would look like those awkward family photos you see on Buzzfeed. Thankfully, the came out beautifully. 

From Ms. to Mrs. {{the Ceremony}}

For our wedding, we had the ceremony and reception all in one room. All of the guests came into the ballroom and at 7:30pm the ceremony started. 

The ceremony itself was less than 10 minutes long and was in front of a backdrop that my parents made. It was perfect, very laid-back, relaxed and totally us. We didn't have a wedding party, ring bearers or flower girls. It was us, the officiant and all of our loved ones. For there being 100 plus people, it felt extremely intimate this way.

Gabriel walked in with Rebecca, our officiant. At the suggestion of our DJ, Derek, the song playing as we walked in was "Secrets" by One Republic. Ya'll if you haven't listened to this song, go do it now. Perfect song. Perfect. 

My dad and I stayed in the room off the entryway until the song played a symbol crash, about 40 seconds in. Then, the doors to the ballroom opened and we walked in. I have to admit, I did the ugly cry the moment I saw Gabriel. I just couldn't help myself. Then the music faded down. 

My dad gave me away, then walked to the back of the room with my super sparkly bouquet. When it was time to say our I do's, Gabriel said "A thousand times I do." Ya'll I broke down and did the ugly cry again. It was too much for me. Gabriel is not the most emotive person and for him to bare himself like that in front of all our loved ones did me in. 

Our first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. 

We spent a lot of the night laughing and having fun, starting with the ceremony itself. 

For our introduction, we had "Beautiful Day" by U2 playing. It was the perfect start to our reception. It was amazing to have all of our family and friends present to celebrate with us. 

From there, we went and signed all the necessary paperwork, with our father's acting as our witnesses. Rebecca, our officiant, made everything so much fun, was so easy to work with, and made sure that we LOVED every second of our ceremony. 

Fall Goals Recap

bahaha so I was late to getting my Fall goals together and then I decided that I would go until the Winter Solstice so that I could give this my best effort. In case you weren't aware, the Winter Solstice was December 21st. Suck on that, it gave me an extra few weeks to meet my Fall goals! I also have to say thank you to Kathy, formerly of Vodka and Soda, for giving me some REALLY great organization advice! Thanks, boo! 

• Get Organized and Down Size: I have a lot of stuff. I like to keep things forever and I know that I don't need to. I put these two things together, because I feel like they go hand in hand. 
• Clean out Closets--- keep things I ACTUALLY wear and that fit. 
• Hall (winter boots and scarves) Got rid of a pair of boots and 6 scarves. 
• Guest Room (craft supplies, coats, and STUFF) Haven't even touched this closet besides coats/jackets, so I have plans to get it down over Christmas Break. The craft supplies are going to work with me. 
• Bedroom (clothes and shoes, including under bed storage containers) I filled the guest room bed with clothes to donate and decided to try and re-sell a few nicer pieces. 
• Clean Desk 
• Start filing system (we have all our paperwork shoved into a drawer) Half Way started- got the filing system put together and started moving things over 
• Clean Out Kitchen Cabinets

Overall Get Organized and Down Size Grade: B+ I got rid of a ton of stuff and am still in the process of finishing this goal, but it will be done by Jan 1. Also related, we cleaned out the garage and got rid of a TON of stuff there too AND I organized my office at work, getting rid of stuff to make room for my craft/art items to be moved there-- so I factored those into my grade as extra credit. 

• Sell Said Stuff (or donate): Not only do I need to decide to get rid of stuff, I need to actually do it. Why do I need to keep the shirt someone gave me for Christmas 2 years ago that I've never worn?  

Overall Sell Said Stuff (or donate) Grade: B+ In the middle of doing this. It will be done by December 31st for tax purposes :) 

• Stick to My Routine and WRITE It Down: I am thinking of starting a calendar in the kitchen that is there for both of us to see. Gabriel doesn't like surprises and I try to do a weekly run-down, but we both have a lot going on and can forget. We tried sharing iPhone calendars--- worst idea ever!  Didn't start a shared calendar-- am looking for a cute one on clearance now. 
• Workout- I love to walk when it is this time of the year, but I need to do more than that. Didn't really do much with this goal truthfully. I stuck to what I usually do, which is inconsistent. 
• Cleaning (including the dreaded laundry) because the house gets NASTY during the wet months with the dogs. We did a big deep clean, I have been keeping up with the laundry weekly, am doing kitchen clean up 3x/week. 
• Cooking- I would like to eat out one less meal. We have been eating out 1 weeknight, Friday night, Saturday morning and night. I meal plan, so that keeps us within a set budget and gives us a weekly menu. We started eating in on Sundays nights and weekend one breakfast about a year ago, so this has been a slow work in progress. This has been better. It wasn't perfect, but definitely better. The extra meal in per week fluctuated between being a Friday night or weeknight depending.  If a weeknight, it was usually a frozen pizza. But, that frozen pizza was planned and on the meal prep menu, which now hangs on the side of the fridge. 

Overall Stick to My Routine and WRITE It Down Grade: C- I didn't do so hot with changing my workout routine, didn't start a mutual calendar, but did do really well with keeping the house clean during this nasty weather and with meal prep. I have a goal of finding a cute chalkboard or something like that to use as a weekly calendar for us and have talked to G about putting it by the garage door where he can see it as he enters/leaves. This wouldn't be such a big thing, but I teach night classes throughout the semester, take classes sporadically, have parent/teacher nights intermittently at my schools, etc. and he frequently forgets when I verbally tell him on Sundays.... So a communication board is a must! 

I loved hearing how you all organized your life, so if you have any more tips SHARE! 

From Ms. to Mrs. {{Getting Ready & Photos}}

The day of the wedding, I got up and worked out, loaded my car (cough, Jen's car I didn't have a car, cough) full of food in coolers, and off we went to the venue to help set up and decorate. Mostly, I just did what my Mom told me to do. It's safer that way. I was so incredibly lucky that many of my parent's good friends, my family and my two good friends came to help with all this. At 2pm, Jen, Kala, and I went to the hotel to get ready.

This is the only photo from the hotel time. We didn't have a photographer during this time and I got ready with Jen and Kala.  Leslie from Classically Chic Designs did our hair and makeup. My mom also came and got her hair done after a bit. The girls and I ordered pizza, listened to guilty pleasure music and had fun! My goal was to have big, bouncy hair with lots of volume, so I totally used clip in extensions. I also wanted to make sure my eyes popped and my makeup stayed on all day, so I had air brushed makeup done and lashes applied. You guys, if you ever are on the fence about extensions, air brush makeup, or false lashes JUST DO IT! They are all totally worth it and make a huge difference. 

At 5pm, Gabriel showed up so that we could go take photos with Barbara Danielle. 

My bouquet is something I will keep forever. I made it. Blood, sweat, and a whole lot of hot glue later I had a bouquet that I love. 

Our bling. This is also one of my favorite photos. Gabriel did such a good job picking out my rings. For his, he chose a brushed platinum band. 

I really loved the time that Gabriel and I had taking photos, we just walked around Westport and it was really easy going. We didn't have any specific shots that we wanted, so much as we wanted pictures of each other having fun. 

(Kissing is fun, right?!)

This was a candid shot as I was doing touchups. It is such a great picture because that's my dad standing in the reflection of the mirror. How cool is that?! 

What's your favorite wedding photo?

Weekend in Review: Birthday Edition

Another year has come and gone. Saturday was my for real birthday. I am now almost 30. I have a feeling that this post next year will be considerably more self-relfective. Right now, I am where I want to be, give or take a few things. I have worked hard this past year, had some ups and downs, but overall 28 was a great year. I got married, bought a new car, fixed up my first home.

To celebrate, I decided to be extremely low key. I originally thought Japanese Steakhouse with friends, then decided to do a me and boo night. We went to the Melting Pot, which is one of my favorite romantic night out spots. Unfortunately, it was not the romantic experience that we are used to, but no worries. We can play kiss face anywhere. We went for the Cheddar cheese fondue, which has lots of sharp, bold flavors. Then, the wedge salad, our go to at most places. Next, we had the Fondue Fusion, which is a little bit of everything (duck, stack, chicken, lobster) cooked in the red wine. Last, but certainly not least, our chocolate was the Dark and Dulce, a dark chocolate laced with sea slated caramel. DELISH! I have to admit, at that point we were both so full and the food so rich, we didn't even finish the plate of goodies.

Sunday, my parents came over and gave me the best gift ever. A scrapbook of the Royals season this year, specifically the Post Season. I will have to take some pictures to show you all. It is too amazing. I also got a little Salvador Perez, catcher for the Royals,  lego man to put with my Royals collection. 

Friday Favorites {{12.12.14}}

It's Friday again! Does anyone else get up every day and just wish it was Friday afternoon already? No? I'm the only one who loves that joyous feeling of leaving work, taking off your id badge, and going yeessss two blissful days of freedom. That's one of my favorite moments every week. Here are some of my other favorites for your enjoyment. 

Favorite Quick Workout

If you are looking for something calm and gentle to do, because you are feeling sorta bloated from the holiday feasting this is the video for you. It is from one of my all time fave sites, POPSUGAR. 

Favorite DIY 

This super cute initial is the perfect alternative to the expected wreath. I have been dying to make my own in winter colors, but haven't made it to the store to buy my letter yet. It's on the to-do list. Super easy and I already have most of the supplies. Meaning the twine and hot glue. 

Twine Initial 

Favorite Recipe

I made my version of this recipe this month, with homemade noodles I might add, and G and I both loved it. It was the perfect comfort food when we were feeling down and it was dreary outside. 

Iowa Girl Eats 

Favorite Funnies 

I'm linking up with Amanda for Friday Favorites