Fits like a Glove!

Yesterday my Dad, his friend Patty, Rylee and I went to Duluth for my first dress fitting. I was relieved when it fit...and that it wasn't blue! It needed minimum alterations, so I will go back the 9th for my last fitting. It took my breath away when I put it on again (partially from getting laced up, DANG that's some hard work!) It is so.....perfect. It is a little of everything I liked about other dresses I tried on. They say the dress you pick is always one of the first 3 you try on...in this case it was one of the first 3 TIMES I tried on dresses, but it was so worth it. I couldn't have asked for a better moment then to see my Dad's eyes twinkle and krinkle up when he saw me in it. It was SO important to me that he was there. Rylee was such a sweetheart when the streamstress was pinning up my hem. Rylee brushed my dress with her hands and twirled her fingers over parts of the dress and told me how beautiful I was going to be. She told me over and over how much she loved me all day. We picked out her wedding shoes, and I dropped off my rings to be sautered (spelling!) together. So I felt like we got a lot accomplished.

It couldn't have been a more perfect day!!

36 Days!!!

Yahoo, sending the last bit of invites out! Thank you for all the wonderful compliments we've been getting!!

So the nightmares have been starting...you know...the ones that you wake up and it's the day of your wedding and you forgot to order something for the centerpieces...you don't have your dress yet...etc, etc. So I ordered the things that I need for the centerpieces and checked on the dress! Whew! Maybe those nightmares are just "reminders"???? Well anyway, they are working for me! The dress should be here mid next week, I'm SO excited to put it on!!

Our big things left to check off the list? Planning out the ceremony and finding someone to video the night. Any takers??? We're hoping to keep it cheap so if you know of anyone or want to volunteer, please comment or email me: tarakay2@yahoo.com

Soooo Thankful!

For the first time ever, I feel like I'm on top of things...what a GREAT feeling! My invites couldn't have turned out any more PERFECT! MAJOR props to our photographer: Jessica Moen-Baker with One Swift Click. She has been AmAzInG in this WHOLE process, I can't even begin to thank her! She has made us feel so comfortable and has been so easy to talk to I feel like I've known her for years. (Well, it has been about a year and a half that we've dragged the poor thing through our many dates and destinations, what a trooper!!) I can hardly wait to send them all out to you!

On Tuesday, Brad's mom and I went to plan our "design" I think you call it (??) for our wedding cake. Jan's good friend Nikki is creating the masterpiece that will be our wedding cake. Again, another AMAZING person to get to work with and so TALENTED! (Not to mention putting up with my mind changing a million times....I'm starting to see a pattern here...) She gave such great advice and we went from a boring white cake to something that is going to be so beautiful I can HARDLY wait to see it!

Yesterday Brad and I went to the Grand Ely Lodge to do our food tasting. (Not telling the food options, you have to be a LITTLE surprised, right?!) Once again, we had the sweetest person help us through all this. Not to mention she is my co-worker. :) But seriously, Barb is so PERSONABLE and genuine and makes you feel like you are the ONLY Bride and Groom in THE WORLD.

I called David's Bridal today and my bridesmaids' dresses are in--hooray!! (Oh and I got their gifts in the mail the other day!)

And tomorrow I leave for the cities for my first Bridal Shower being put on by my mom's side of the family. We are SO THANKFUL for ALL these people and MANY more! And to ALL of YOU that have been thinking of us and helping us and encouraging us. I could just well up with tears because our friends and family have been the BEST during this whole process. We are SO EXCITED to spend this day with all of you!!

Getting EXCITED!!

All of a sudden I'm really getting butterflys in my stomach at the thought of how close this thing is and the excitement can probably be seen from miles away. Things are slowly falling into place and I have a sense of relaxtion knowing that I'm probably running right on track for how these things are planned. I took the next 3 days off for a girl's weekend that I won't be able to attend for a couple of reasons. So since I can't make it I'm instead going to send Rylee to day care and get a few more little things checked off my list. Then I think I will pamper myself a little, because hey, I deserve it! :)

P.S. The tuxes have been ordered! whoo hoo! One more big thing checked off the list!!!!

The FINAL COUNTDOWN!

WOW! Only 3 months til the big day! I'm feeling alot more ready now days but wondering if I'm going to survive the busy summer with work, planning a wedding and raising a 3 year old!

So here's a few things that have been going on:

1. Last Saturday I met with the florist to pick out bouquets and centerpieces. (Check, check!)

2. Brad found a pastor but told him the wrong time of the ceremony! (Ha! but we'll get that fixed. Check!)

3. The girls, Brad's mom and I went and picked out the girl's bridesmaids dresses and they are ordered and should be here by July. (We went with "fern green" at David's Bridal if you're curious! Check!)

4. I have the bridesmaids gifts picked out and just need to be ordered. (Can't tell, it's a secret! check!)

5. Engagement pictures are done, and we are working on the invites! (whoo hoo! Check!)

6. Group block is set up and rooms are being booked. (Check! Don't forget to book your room!!)

7. Hair appointments are made! (Check!)

So as you can see, I'm feeling pretty good and not so far behind! :) There are a few more things we need to check off our list and I'm sure more will be added.

If you can think of anything we're forgeting, let me know!!

Room Information

Our Group Block is set up! It is under the Larsen/Akemann Wedding Block at the Grand Ely Lodge. For reservations, call (218) 365-6565. Or you can book online at www.grandelylodge.com

1. Go to the "Reservations" Tab on the left hand side

2. Enter in the desired date (reminder the wedding is Sat. Aug. 21! )

3. In the "Group ID" field, enter our ID #103567 (See picture below)

In the screen below, select the desired room type and select "Continue" to go to the next screen which will ask for your name, address, cc info, etc.

We look forward to spending this special day with you!! :)

Engagement Pictures!

This last Saturday we did our Engagement Pictures (I know, a little late!) on Lake Superior with the wonderful, talented Jessica Moen-Baker, who will be also be doing our Wedding Photos. They turned out GREAT! Kudos to her! Enjoy!

">Brad and Tara-Engagement Pictures