Kashmir104's Couture PJ (p.1) & TR (p.28): WP/CR~1/3/09* 5/6: Highlights Video p.30

[allisonswonderland]

Courtney - I was going to tell you - many people use outside photographers at WDW weddings as you may have noticed a lot of us have used Randy Chapman including me. Now there can be a charge because they need an escort, but I think that since Randy does so many - I do not think that I was charged because he did not have an escort. So it is not a problem and dont feel like you are cheating on mickey - I had a problem with disney photography because when I asked to see samples they sent me to a site but I really wanted to see more and my pictures were really important to me so I wanted something I felt confident with and had reccomendations!

Thanks for sharing all of this! Carol is awesome she was my EM !

 

[Gina Loves Disney]

Your weddding sounds like it's going to be awesome. All of the Couture styles are gorgeous but well over my budget that's for sure.

I think I have heard of Maring Lifestyle Photographers before.... is their CT office in Wallingford? I am from CT as well, same area pretty much... I go to school in Hartford though.

 

[Kashmir104]

Subscribing...I'm enjoying reading about the wedding planning of your beautiful wedding!

I'm not familiar with the Disney Dream Wedding. Is this a Food Network special? Has it aired yet?

Hi LoveStitch!

Thanks for reading!! The Disney Dream wedding was a contest put on with DFTW and Brides Magazine. The winning couple had a dream $100K wedding in the Magic Kingdom... you can go here to see more info on it: http://www.brides.com/weddingstyle/realweddings/144099?offset=3&af=Theme:Destination+Weddings

Food Network also featured the wedding as one of three "Fantasy Weddings" in a special that aired the in beginning of May. It looks like the last one aired on May 6th. I'm sure they will air it again over the summer. I'll keep my eye open for it! The link to the show's description is here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_sp/episode/0,,FOOD_9994_50283,00.html

The reason my coordinator suggested I watch the show is because the same chef and team will be working on my food and the Disney Dream Wedding was planned by David Tutera as well. It also helps that the Dream wedding used similar orange shades like I would like to use!

Courtney - I was going to tell you - many people use outside photographers at WDW weddings as you may have noticed a lot of us have used Randy Chapman including me. Now there can be a charge because they need an escort, but I think that since Randy does so many - I do not think that I was charged because he did not have an escort. So it is not a problem and dont feel like you are cheating on mickey - I had a problem with disney photography because when I asked to see samples they sent me to a site but I really wanted to see more and my pictures were really important to me so I wanted something I felt confident with and had reccomendations!

Thanks for sharing all of this! Carol is awesome she was my EM !

Thanks Allison!!! I was so relieved to hear how welcomed some (key word!) outside photographers are. I'm also glad to hear that the Marings (and Randy) do not require escots. It's nice to know that Disney respects them that much, ya know?

Like I said before, Eric and I are THRILLED we have the same planner that you had! Judging by your wedding, she does great work!!!

Your weddding sounds like it's going to be awesome. All of the Couture styles are gorgeous but well over my budget that's for sure.

I think I have heard of Maring Lifestyle Photographers before.... is their CT office in Wallingford? I am from CT as well, same area pretty much... I go to school in Hartford though.

Hi Gina Loves Disney! Thanks so much for reading my planning journal!!! Maring Lifestyle Photographers are in fact in Wallingford. How funny! They are right on Center Street... I didn't even know they were there and I lived in Wally-World my entire life!

Are you also from Wallingford? If so, it's a very small world after all!!!

 

[Kashmir104]

Hi Everyone,

I'm sorry it has taken me a week to update you on our photography session... I've had a very busy last week! For Memorial Day weekend I flew and Eric drove down to meet up with some friends in San Diego. I've never been, but we had a BLAST!!! The new pic in my signature is the two of us at Sea World's beer tasting area sponsored by Anheuser-Busch. It was sooo nice to see Eric (it had been a little over a month) and especially to see our friends (I hadn't seen them since February!) We had so much fun that we're looking into planning another trip in August! I think my favorite part was the beach (despite the 50 billion skinny, beautiful, tan girls in bikinis that were running around... that made me feel badly about myself, but not bad enough to not enjoy some fantasticly unhealthy but insanely good tacos at Taco Surf!!) Here are some pictures from our trip:

Beer tasting in Sea World (Eric, me, Michelle (Scott's girlfriend), and Joe):

On the left is Joe (one of our groomsmen) and on the right is Scott (Eric's best man, who is not normally as hairy!!! Thank goodness!!! hehehe- just get him some aviator sunglasses and he'll be perfect for the '70's!):

Eric and I checking out the clydesdale horses:

Joe and Eric (with Joe's sexy truck!!! I LOVE that machine!!)... notice the grill strapped to the back. This is what I get for hanging out with nerdy engineers. Their idea of a beach bbq was literally bringing the grill into the sand next to our blankets and chairs! I should've expected nothing less:

Joe, Michelle, me, and Eric outside Taco Surf in Pacific Beach... AWESOME tacos (especially the potato!):

The boys at Pacific Beach:

----------

In any case, last Thursday evening my mom, little sister (MOH), and I went to visit Maring Lifestyle Photographers in their Connecticut office. It was AWESOME!!!!! The session itself lasted almost 2 hours and was with Jennifer Manning (one of the 2 head photographers- they are a husband/wife team.) She did a great job explaining their style, which is PhotoExpressionism- photographs that tell stories that go beyond a mere record of history. Ones where the viewer can feel the emotion while viewing each photo. She showed us different wedding albums, including the albums of the ceremony and reception of the Disney Dream wedding that took place in the MK (BEAUTIFUL BTW!!!!!) and also other example photos and albums from previous brides. My favorite part was the photos they made into art. All their pictures are digital, which allows them to be edited and enhanced later on (for example colors and shading enhanced as well as shadowing to help get rid of blemishes or double chins in pictures- exactly what I will need!!) Jennifer was so nice and told me all about how her and David Tutera are such good friends (they even do a TV show together!) and that if Eric and I went to their NYC office she'd introduce us to David himself, which I thought was AWESOME!!! What I liked most about the Marings is that they realize the importance of both artistic/journalistic photos as well as posed group/family ones. That balance was exactly what I was thinking of.

Now the only hard part is the price... Eric and I have not said yes or no just yet, but we are more or less determined to make it work! I actually came home a bit discouraged after realizing they were a few thousand higher than our original budget (but their quote includes engagement shots, consultation, full day coverage, post event consultation, unlimited photographs, full set of previews bound in a book, internet proofing, album design consultation, expert planning for the day, and of course the wedding album as well as any other extras they can add in here and there.) We do in fact have a budget and really cannot afford to go over it because our wedding is costing soooo much. I was really bummed...

God must really be on our side for this... and again I'm taking this as a sign that it is all meant to be, but ironically (and out of no where!!) Eric got rather large pay raise at work (which he had wanted for the last 3 years.) So.... it looks like now we might be able to afford the Marings afterall! I will keep my fingers crossed! In the mean time, I'm going to schedule an appointment with them while Eric is here over the summer that way he could see all the samples and albums too... I think he will be sold!

Also, I received a phone call from Kristi Davis yesterday... we have a wedding planner!!! YAY!!!!! Her name is Carol Mikles (spelling?) and she seems sooo sweet! (She actually called me today at work and we chatted for a little bit.) I guess they are putting together a box they will ship out tomorrow that includes a signed copy of the agreement, more sample menus, more wedding info (I'm guessing the typical package they send brides?), and (best of all!) samples of our save the dates and invitations. They won't say our names on them, but they will be the real things. Kristi kept gushing over them saying how gorgeous they were... I can't wait to see!!!! I have to call her as soon as the box arrives. I'm really excited! Best of all, Eric will be flying East for business all next week, so he'll be visiting me in CT next weekend. I can't wait to share all the DFTW "goodies" we receive (and see him again!!!!)

Well that's all for now! I'll let you know what arrives when it does!!!

 

[LoveStitch]

Thanks for all the Dream Wedding info...I can't wait to get in to all of those links as soon as I get home from work tonight!

I think my favorite part was the beach (despite the 50 billion skinny, beautiful, tan girls in bikinis that were running around... that made me feel badly about myself, but not bad enough to not enjoy some fantasticly unhealthy but insanely good tacos at Taco Surf!!)

Anyone who's already lost 24 pounds is doing pretty great in my book...that's really hard to do!!

 

[audisight]

Your wedding sounds like it's going to be beyond beautiful! I've loved reading about all your plans and really look forward to seeing more.

 

[Kashmir104]

Thanks for all the Dream Wedding info...I can't wait to get in to all of those links as soon as I get home from work tonight!


Anyone who's already lost 24 pounds is doing pretty great in my book...that's really hard to do!!

Haha, thanks LoveStitch! I'm trying soooo hard to lose weight. I started at the beg. of March, so i figure 24 lbs in like 3 months isn't too bad! Spending $$ on this wedding sure is motivating though! I know that if I pay for expensive photography, a fancy dress, and for this expensive wedding and I don't get my butt in gear that I'll just be disappointed in myself and won't enjoy my wedding. That in itself is big time motivation (but not enough just yet to stop me from having 2 skinny cow ice cream sandwiches for snack tonight... read the next post for more!)

Your wedding sounds like it's going to be beyond beautiful! I've loved reading about all your plans and really look forward to seeing more.

Thanks, audisight!! I hope to have more to share soon... I hope you will stay tuned!

 

[Kashmir104]

So on Monday I received an awesome email from Kristi Davis, my coordinator, telling me that she found out the designer and colors of the Bridesmaid Dresses for the Disney Dream Wedding, since I am going with similar colors. I asked if she could get a hold of that info for me. I just loved how the dresses shined, and even though I cannot use the same style because one of my bridesmaids has a large chest and another none at all (she'll be 12.5 at the time of my wedding), I still love the color! She confirmed that it is:

Bill Levkoff
Style #801
Burnt Orange #298
Tissue Taffeta

A HUGE thank you to pooh98378, who was right on the money in guessing the dress in my previous help thread!!! You rock!!!

In any case, Kristi also said they shipped a package (with a bunch of DFTW stuff including our sample save the dates and invitations) for Eric and I via priority mail and to expect it Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, but most likely Tuesday, and she informed me that someone would have to sign for it (which I can understand, but that's a pain because most likely no one will be home and I'll have to go rush to pick it up before the post office closes at 6. Did I mention my commute to and from work is an hour?) Plus, I don't usually get home until 7:30-8pm when i work out at the gym right after work (I've been working out 5-7 days a week.) Well I rushed home on Monday and skipped the gym, and of course no package or notice that they had attempted delivery. A little bummed that there was nothing there and that I skipped the gym for nothing, I was a bit cranky last night. So today I had the worst morning (I got stuck in traffic that took an hour to get out of, so i was an hour late to work!!) and then just a long day at work... as soon as my mom got home I called her every half hour to find out if there was any package in the mail... NOPE! UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH frustrated!!!!!!! I know priority means three day, and that's not counting Friday or the weekend, but SERIOUSLY! Florida to Connecticut should not take THAT long!!! So then I worked out some of my frustration in the gym, b*tched to Eric on my way home, and then got home and sulked a bit, ate my dinner.... and fed my USPS annoyance with 2 skinny cow ice cream sandwiches and some ritz crackers. I mean I know that I easily could've eaten 2 containers of Ben and Jerry's and at least I made a better choice, but I also recognized old bad habits coming back when I get stressed... I feel like I haven't eaten well since I came back from San Diego or gotten back into my workout routine... I'm just bummed about the package STILL not being here and disappointed in myself for not getting my act together and using all this as excuses!

I guess tomorrow is another day and I just need to start anew sticking to my diet and praying that the package comes! Hopefully I'll have something good to share with you tomorrow! Otherwise, who knows!??!?!

I know I'm being a big baby and that I should just have patience... especially with all the good luck we've had so far with our contract and all, but still... I'm TIRED OF WAITING FOR USPS TO DO THEIR JOB!! Technically the 3rd day was MONDAY! Ok, I need to stop. It's not fair to them. Its just that feeling badly about myself and falling off the diet wagon lately has brought me down and I was looking forward to using the stuff in this package as further motivation...

Again, I'm sorry for having to vent... it's just one of those weeks!!

 

[princessdisneybelle]

So on Monday I received an awesome email from Kristi Davis, my coordinator, telling me that she found out the designer and colors of the Bridesmaid Dresses for the Disney Dream Wedding, since I am going with similar colors. I asked if she could get a hold of that info for me. I just loved how the dresses shined, and even though I cannot use the same style because one of my bridesmaids has a large chest and another none at all (she'll be 12.5 at the time of my wedding), I still love the color! She confirmed that it is:

Bill Levkoff
Style #801
Burnt Orange #298
Tissue Taffeta

A HUGE thank you to pooh98378, who was right on the money in guessing the dress in my previous help thread!!! You rock!!!

In any case, Kristi also said they shipped a package (with a bunch of DFTW stuff including our sample save the dates and invitations) for Eric and I via priority mail and to expect it Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, but most likely Tuesday, and she informed me that someone would have to sign for it (which I can understand, but that's a pain because most likely no one will be home and I'll have to go rush to pick it up before the post office closes at 6. Did I mention my commute to and from work is an hour?) Plus, I don't usually get home until 7:30-8pm when i work out at the gym right after work (I've been working out 5-7 days a week.) Well I rushed home on Monday and skipped the gym, and of course no package or notice that they had attempted delivery. A little bummed that there was nothing there and that I skipped the gym for nothing, I was a bit cranky last night. So today I had the worst morning (I got stuck in traffic that took an hour to get out of, so i was an hour late to work!!) and then just a long day at work... as soon as my mom got home I called her every half hour to find out if there was any package in the mail... NOPE! UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH frustrated!!!!!!! I know priority means three day, and that's not counting Friday or the weekend, but SERIOUSLY! Florida to Connecticut should not take THAT long!!! So then I worked out some of my frustration in the gym, b*tched to Eric on my way home, and then got home and sulked a bit, ate my dinner.... and fed my USPS annoyance with 2 skinny cow ice cream sandwiches and some ritz crackers. I mean I know that I easily could've eaten 2 containers of Ben and Jerry's and at least I made a better choice, but I also recognized old bad habits coming back when I get stressed... I feel like I haven't eaten well since I came back from San Diego or gotten back into my workout routine... I'm just bummed about the package STILL not being here and disappointed in myself for not getting my act together and using all this as excuses!

I guess tomorrow is another day and I just need to start anew sticking to my diet and praying that the package comes! Hopefully I'll have something good to share with you tomorrow! Otherwise, who knows!??!?!

I know I'm being a big baby and that I should just have patience... especially with all the good luck we've had so far with our contract and all, but still... I'm TIRED OF WAITING FOR USPS TO DO THEIR JOB!! Technically the 3rd day was MONDAY! Ok, I need to stop. It's not fair to them. Its just that feeling badly about myself and falling off the diet wagon lately has brought me down and I was looking forward to using the stuff in this package as further motivation...

Again, I'm sorry for having to vent... it's just one of those weeks!!

No worries vent away. We all have good and bad days. Don't be to hard on yourself you have plenty of time to lose the weight. You will be a stunning bride. Can't wait to see what fun things you get in the mail.

 

[Shyvioletisme]

wow. subscribing here. Dh and I were not able to have a DFTW, but I love reading about and seeing them...It seems like your wedding is going to be absolutely beautiful...I'm so excited to keep seeing and hearing more about it...

 

[pooh98378]

A HUGE thank you to pooh98378, who was right on the money in guessing the dress in my previous help thread!!! You rock!!!

I'm glad I could help!!

Feel free to vent away - that's what we're here for! I'm sure it will all work out!

 

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Congratulations on being assigned your wedding planner! And for losing so much weight! That's really fantastic in 3 months, and I daresay you're an inspiration!! You look awesome in your holidays snaps, and I'm sure you will look fantastic in your wedding dress! Don't worry about it - everyone has slip ups xx

 

[allie_to_you]

Wow, it sounds like your wedding plans are coming together nicely and I can't wait to here more and more as you get closer to the big day. It seems so far away but the time will fly.

Good luck with the FIL's. I hope they get a better attitude toward the whole thing and its easier to tell yourself that you won't let it get you down, but when it's family or even future family, that is easier said than done. No matter what, I wish you luck and happiness.

 

[stitchfan18]

I don't know how I've missed your planning journal so far, but i'm glad I found it. Everything looks great so far, and I loved the pictures of the Disney Dream wedding so I'm sure your wedding is going to be gorgeous!
I understand how frustrating the USPS can be. I ordered a diet book off Amazon early last week and got conformation that it was shipped on wednesday and I still haven't received it. Hang in there, i'm sure both our packages will come today

 

[Swmhc]

Don't shoot the messenger, but let me share my "USPS Priority Service" issue with you. Mine just happened to be with our DFTW contract ! As you know, the contract is supposed to be sign and the originals returned within "x" number of days, I believe mine was 20. Anyway.... my DF and I lived in separate towns, so getting together and signing it had to wait until the weekend, already eating into our 20-day time frame. We got ours signed and I chose to send it priority mail, with signature, to assure it arrived in time so as not to lose our date.

Two days came...and went...three days came...and went, then four, five... and so on. I kept checking my tracking number online and the only information it had was that it was accepted at my local post office (well, duh...I know...I took it there to mail it...I know they accepted it !). So finally, after several frantic calls to the postal service with no one giving me information and my 20th day running close, I asked to speak to a supervisor. Online tracking still hadn't shown that it had ever left my post office. With UPS and Fed Ex, I know that every time it passes through a center it is scanned and you can tell every truck it is on right up to the point you sign for it at your door.

So, I am talking with the supervisor and explain that a VERY important, time-sensitive contract is in that envelope and that I was told it would reach Orlando in 2-3 days (I asked when I mailed it). She very curtly told me that "Priority mail is not guaranteed to arrive in 2-3 days, that that time frame is an estimate." I explain that it has now been well over a week and that my time is running out to get it to it's destination. I ask if she can tell me "where" it is. She looks it up and gives me the same information I found online...that it was received at my local post office...nothing more !

By now, I am having what I guess might be called a bridezilla moment as she further informs me that they can do nothing to "trace" it until 14 days have passed. By then, of course, my 20 days to return it to Disney are long gone.

So the next morning I call my WC (Juliana) and explain my dilema to her to see what I need to do to hold our date as the postal service can't tell me where my contract even is. Juliana looks in our file... and guess what is in there ???? Our contract. Apparently it DID arrive in time, but the postal service had NO record of it ever leaving Iowa !!

I was SO ticked off (okay, I chose a "nice" word to put there), that I vowed to NEVER send anything of value or time-sensitive material through the USPS ever again. Not only was I misled with delivery time-frames, but they couldn't even tell me "where" my package was. Not to mention the poor customer service !

So, in short, don't hold your breath on the 2-3 day time frame...it's only an estimate....

 

[AbbyPan]

HEY THERE!

You poor thing. In the course of a year you will fall off the band wagon more than once- it just happens because you are trying to plan this event. the good news is that the event is so wonderful (and you have the Disboards) that you will always jump right back on.

I've started my diet about 4 times now (and there may be more after this week's food fiasco )

Also, my dftw info was sent to the post office because no one was home to sign for it. Which was fine, all I had to do was plan to leave early one day and pick it up. My commute is sometimes over an hour so i know what you mean.

No worries, you are ahead of schedule. keep us posted!

 

[Kashmir104]

No worries vent away. We all have good and bad days. Don't be to hard on yourself you have plenty of time to lose the weight. You will be a stunning bride. Can't wait to see what fun things you get in the mail.

aww thanks, Laura!! My gosh your wedding is less than a month away and yet you still have time to be here for all the rest of us. You're a blessing!!!

wow. subscribing here. Dh and I were not able to have a DFTW, but I love reading about and seeing them...It seems like your wedding is going to be absolutely beautiful...I'm so excited to keep seeing and hearing more about it...

Hi Shyvioletisme! I will definitely keep you posted!

I'm glad I could help!!

Feel free to vent away - that's what we're here for! I'm sure it will all work out!

Thanks, pooh98378! That's what I love about DISBoards... everyone is there for one another throughout this crazy and stressful process!

Congratulations on being assigned your wedding planner! And for losing so much weight! That's really fantastic in 3 months, and I daresay you're an inspiration!! You look awesome in your holidays snaps, and I'm sure you will look fantastic in your wedding dress! Don't worry about it - everyone has slip ups xx

Hi Hayley!!

You're soooo sweet! Thank you so much for your support!!! I just have to keep at it, even when I mess up. It's funny because I had not seen a picture of myself since a Holiday I had in the beginning of February, so when I saw those I just took I couldn't believe that even I could see a difference!!! Crazy! In any case, thank you again for everything! You are definitely a sweetheart!!!

Wow, it sounds like your wedding plans are coming together nicely and I can't wait to here more and more as you get closer to the big day. It seems so far away but the time will fly.

Good luck with the FIL's. I hope they get a better attitude toward the whole thing and its easier to tell yourself that you won't let it get you down, but when it's family or even future family, that is easier said than done. No matter what, I wish you luck and happiness.

Allie_to_you: Thanks for the well wishes, especially with the inlaws! Who knows how that will go... I completely agree that when it comes to family/future family it's difficult. It's especially hard because I already feel like I'm doing a lot moving from Connecticut (and leaving all my family) to California for DF so he can keep working at his parent's company.

I don't know how I've missed your planning journal so far, but i'm glad I found it. Everything looks great so far, and I loved the pictures of the Disney Dream wedding so I'm sure your wedding is going to be gorgeous!
I understand how frustrating the USPS can be. I ordered a diet book off Amazon early last week and got conformation that it was shipped on wednesday and I still haven't received it. Hang in there, i'm sure both our packages will come today

Thanks for reading, Stitchfan18! Your wedding is just a few months before mine, so I'm excited to be able to follow yours as well!

I love those Disney Dream wedding pics too... sometimes I worry that I'm by taking bits and pieces as inspiration that I'm more like copying them, but I'm going to do my best to use those ideas and make them my own!

I hope USPS did their job and your book arrived today! What diet book did you get, if you don't mind me asking? I thought Bob Green's new book "The Best Life Diet" is really good!

Don't shoot the messenger, but let me share my "USPS Priority Service" issue with you. Mine just happened to be with our DFTW contract ! As you know, the contract is supposed to be sign and the originals returned within "x" number of days, I believe mine was 20. Anyway.... my DF and I lived in separate towns, so getting together and signing it had to wait until the weekend, already eating into our 20-day time frame. We got ours signed and I chose to send it priority mail, with signature, to assure it arrived in time so as not to lose our date.

Two days came...and went...three days came...and went, then four, five... and so on. I kept checking my tracking number online and the only information it had was that it was accepted at my local post office (well, duh...I know...I took it there to mail it...I know they accepted it !). So finally, after several frantic calls to the postal service with no one giving me information and my 20th day running close, I asked to speak to a supervisor. Online tracking still hadn't shown that it had ever left my post office. With UPS and Fed Ex, I know that every time it passes through a center it is scanned and you can tell every truck it is on right up to the point you sign for it at your door.

So, I am talking with the supervisor and explain that a VERY important, time-sensitive contract is in that envelope and that I was told it would reach Orlando in 2-3 days (I asked when I mailed it). She very curtly told me that "Priority mail is not guaranteed to arrive in 2-3 days, that that time frame is an estimate." I explain that it has now been well over a week and that my time is running out to get it to it's destination. I ask if she can tell me "where" it is. She looks it up and gives me the same information I found online...that it was received at my local post office...nothing more !

By now, I am having what I guess might be called a bridezilla moment as she further informs me that they can do nothing to "trace" it until 14 days have passed. By then, of course, my 20 days to return it to Disney are long gone.

So the next morning I call my WC (Juliana) and explain my dilema to her to see what I need to do to hold our date as the postal service can't tell me where my contract even is. Juliana looks in our file... and guess what is in there ???? Our contract. Apparently it DID arrive in time, but the postal service had NO record of it ever leaving Iowa !!

I was SO ticked off (okay, I chose a "nice" word to put there), that I vowed to NEVER send anything of value or time-sensitive material through the USPS ever again. Not only was I misled with delivery time-frames, but they couldn't even tell me "where" my package was. Not to mention the poor customer service !

So, in short, don't hold your breath on the 2-3 day time frame...it's only an estimate....

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!! Swmhc, that is a NIGHTMARE!!!!! Crazy!!! I'm sooo glad it had a positive end, but nonetheless that is just terrible behavior!! I had the same sort of experience when I used USPS to send my college applications overnight... I even got the door slammed and locked in my face when I arrived at 5:57pm to send something and they closed at 6pm. Have they never heard of customer service?! I don't think so!!!

I am happy to say that they did their job today and the package arrived in one piece! YAY!!!!

HEY THERE!

You poor thing. In the course of a year you will fall off the band wagon more than once- it just happens because you are trying to plan this event. the good news is that the event is so wonderful (and you have the Disboards) that you will always jump right back on.

I've started my diet about 4 times now (and there may be more after this week's food fiasco )

Also, my dftw info was sent to the post office because no one was home to sign for it. Which was fine, all I had to do was plan to leave early one day and pick it up. My commute is sometimes over an hour so i know what you mean.

No worries, you are ahead of schedule. keep us posted!

Hi AbbyPan!

It's so nice to vent to others who are going through the same struggle! It's comforting to know that you're not alone, ya know?

I came home early again today (so I didn't hit the gym right after work), but I'm proud to say that I did go on a 2 mile jog once I did get home when I found out my dad picked up my package for me. At first I totally didn't want to, but once it was done it wasn't that bad. It's just the initial push. It still didn't stop me from trying one of the chocolate chip cookies my mom baked for my sister's school tomorrow, but it was just one cookie, so no harm done! I can't deprive myself either, otherwise I'd go insane!!!!

I realize now how silly it was to panic and be impatient, especially since my wedding is 18 months away, but if impatience is my only (hopefully!) bridezilla quality, then I think I'll generally be ok!

I've been reading your PJ too and I LOVE LOVE LOVE your dress. OMG it's stunning!!! And I love a beach theme... that's what we would've done if we didn't decide on doing one of the Tutera themes. Growing up in CT, I spent my summers vacationing on Cape Cod, so the beach and the sea always has a special place in my heart (just ask DF! I think I've been driving him crazy decorating his (soon to be ours!) bedroom in a beachy theme. Poor guy!)

 

[jodeeluvsdisney]

Courtney, I am so glad your package arrived...finally! You are doing soo good with your weight loss! I can see a difference just from your engagement pics to the most recent pic you posted! Congrats! And, coming from very personal experience, I know how hard it is to lose weight! I have yo-yo'd my entire life from the time I was 7 (the year my parents divorced) until now, at 33. Not that I started dieting until high school, but man my weight has always been an issue. I've been a size 4 all the way to a 16.

Maybe you'll be motivation for me! I need to lose about 25-30 pounds, where I was two years ago! I need to go back to Weight Watchers I guess. That worked for me. Are you following a specific plan, or just watching what you eat and exercising??

Thanks for venting, it shows you're normal!! We are here for you! GL! You are too cute anyway! Isn't it sad we can't just all love our bodies the way they are and try to live a healthy, active lifestyle??

 

[jodeeluvsdisney]

Oh, yeah, I also have almost an hour commute each way every day to work, so i can understand your long, tiring schedule on the weekdays. It makes it harder to come right home and exercise! I am hungry by the time I get home around 6pm (assuming I come right home!) So good for you for heading to the gym right after work!

 

[Gina Loves Disney]

Hi Gina Loves Disney! Thanks so much for reading my planning journal!!! Maring Lifestyle Photographers are in fact in Wallingford. How funny! They are right on Center Street... I didn't even know they were there and I lived in Wally-World my entire life!

Are you also from Wallingford? If so, it's a very small world after all!!!

It is a small world. I knew I'd heard of them before. I am not from Wallingford but nearby. I went to Southern CT for undergrad so I've been around that way a lot in the last few years.

I love all your plans so far... I still need to catch up with the journal though, I don't come on here enough!