On my way to being a Brewer!

Our First Christmas on Montpelier!

2010-02-05T15:17:00.004-05:00

Our first Christmas in our first home was wonderful! We hung a wreath and decorated a tree.

Put out some holiday cheer that the dogs got to enjoy.

Went to a few parties.

Kissed under the miseltoe.

And spent Jesus birthday eating,

and eating,

until we all passed out.

Charlotte's First 2010 Snow

2010-02-05T14:18:00.008-05:00

It snowed in Charlotte. We were in Tampa. It was ice by Monday. But the dogs still played!

Wedding Hotel Block--Wedding Guest Please Read!

2010-01-26T13:47:00.003-05:00

Hello my lovely lovely guests! This is a quick reminder that if you will be staying with us at the Hyatt in Sarasota and would like the group rate, you will need to book your room no later than Monday, February 1st. Yes this upcoming Monday. Please follow the instructions below for booking how to! Can't wait to see you in March!

Step 1

Call the Hyatt Worldwide Reservation Center at 800-233-1234 and provide the Group Name- Walker Wedding and the dates of your stay to receive the $189/night group rate.

Step 2

Book online at http://www.sarasota.hyatt.com/ then simply enter the dates of your stay and the group code G-WLKR in the Group/Contract # field. This will ensure you receive the group rate.

Thanks!

Puppy Pics!

2010-01-04T21:13:00.004-05:00

It has been a while since I have updated the blog/posted pictures of the pups! So with my new camera in hand here are the Devil Dogs during the holidays:

Jackson sleeps while Peli parties!

Then they both slept....
We were fairly lazy this holiday.....but as far as puppies go they were pretty darn cute sleepy pups!

Road Tripping to USC

2009-12-04T10:06:00.003-05:00

Two weeks ago we drove down to Columbia, SC for the UF-USC game

where we tailgated with Chris's childhood friends

who unfortunately are South Carolina fans,

but no worries the Gators came to play!

And despite the angry stares from the fans around us
we watched a great game, an amazing Veterans Day half time show

a sweet fly over

and fireworks announcing the Gators win!
Well really they were for the veterans but the Gators deserved them too!

Halloween 2009

2009-12-03T10:51:00.003-05:00

Halloween 2009 came and went really really quickly. We had enough time for Chris and Jackson and I to carve a few pumpkins

And to go to a party as a Big Game Hunter and a Zebra!

Where we celebrated with old and new friends!

Our lovely hostess Anderea

Happy Belated Halloween!

Jackson Gets a Sister! (of the fur variety)

2009-11-19T14:20:00.005-05:00

This is Jackson. He is our first born fur child.

This is his new sister Peli.

She is an African Basenji. She is named for our first street (Montpelier) and for the Swahili term Pili which means second born! We rescued her.

Jackson and his sister like to play.

And wrestle.

And lay around.

Then they get tired....

and go to sleep!

Trendy Tuesdays

2009-11-10T16:58:00.001-05:00

Thank you J.Crew for doing the work for me and making this uber cute outfit!

Asparagus

2009-11-06T18:14:00.005-05:00

I learned a lot this week.

I learned on the internet that asparagus can be used as a centerpiece,

and in a cookbook that asparagus risotto is tasty,

and I learned from Chris that asparagus cures a hangover,

and in school I learned that asparagus, well asparagus makes your pee smell funky.

We bought a house!

2009-11-06T13:59:00.004-05:00

About a month ago Chris decided it was time we look into buying a house.

I mean why shouldn't we?

You get a tax credit if you are a first time home buyer and well since the markets good, we might as well just look.

And look we did. After touring oh 10 or so houses we made the CRAZY decision that this door is the door we want to see every day for the next 5 to forever years! And truth be told I love that door. It opens in to a living room that will be ours. A house that will be OURS!

And when you turn around and look out the front door you get a view of our cute neighborhood.

And when you walk through the living room you can go straight into the kitchen,

or right toward the guest bath and the bedrooms and the master bath.
And if you stay in the kitchen you can look out onto our BIG FENCED in backyard.
I can not even begin to tell you how happy Jackson is! Well no really we are the happy ones.
He can run wild whenever he wants!

And that makes me happy. Our home makes me happy.

So as they say on TV "Welcome home Brewer family. Welcome home!"

Pre-Hitched Pics!

2009-11-04T09:03:00.004-05:00

While we were in Tampa a few weeks ago we met with our fabulous wedding photgraphers for a little engagement shoot to a) Meet Erin and Chris and B) Get some gorgeous pictures!

We started off on Bayshore with the two of us,

Then took a minute to focus on some orange lovelies!

And some sugary delights....

And finally some quality camera time with my one and only Jackson!

Thank you Erin and Chris for a great evening and beautiful pictures!

Trendy Tuesday

2009-11-03T12:13:00.003-05:00

Tunic can be found at Modcloth

Pants at Modcloth

Boots at Piperlime

Happy Halloweenie!

2009-10-30T16:03:00.001-04:00

Trendy Tuesdays

2009-10-27T15:41:00.004-04:00

Tuesdays will now be Trendy! Check-in for my favorite outfit(s) of the week! Dress can be found at Anthropologie.com and shoes Nordstroms.com

Road Tripping and Tail Gating!

2009-10-19T15:36:00.009-04:00

About a month ago we packed our bags and hitched a ride south....

And followed the Holy Grail back to the Promise Land.......
With the help of Caroline and Zach, Chris and I made it back to Mecca!
The land of dreams and victories.....
The one and only Gainesville, Florida!
Where families reunite and good times are had by all!

Where long lost friends find each other....

And puppies are as abundant as Bud Lights....

Where there are more tents than a campground....

And sweltering in the sun in a seat that would fit an infant is just about the greatest thing ever!

Where looking out at a blue sea doesn't mean water is involved
And where winning is the only option.

Oh Gainesville how I miss you.

Happy Anniversary Marissa and Michael!

2009-10-16T17:00:00.006-04:00

One year ago today they met at the alter.

Said "I Do" and "I Love You"

And lived Happily Ever After.

The End.

Mom Came to CLT and it took me 2 weeks to post....

2009-10-15T16:29:00.005-04:00

On October 1st my mom came to Charlotte for a little visit! She arrived on Thursday and immediately jumped into wedding planning. Magazines, bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen shoes and much much more was quickly unloaded from her bag to become the matchy matchy planning process. I really just wanted to sleep and wake up and go see my dress for the 1st fitting!

On Friday we drove over to Michele's house for my first dress fitting, actually my first look at my dress aside from early sketches! It was beautiful! A tad bit big, but it will be everything that I wanted and I could not be more thrilled by this. Pictures will not be posted to protect Chris's integrity (he will look).

We spent the rest of the day crafting, planning and blog reading. Below is a sample of our sample boutonniere!

Then bright and early on Saturday morning we headed over to the Great Grapes Wine Festival in Symphony Park where we taste lots and lots of tasty wines and hung out with a few great friends! Our favorite wine of the day was the Rose that came from Round Peak Vineyards in Yadkin Valley, NC. They had so many delicous wines but the Rose came out on top!

After a great day at the Wine Fest and then a delicious dinner at Caroline's we woke up early Sunday to take part in Nolan Sadlock's baby dedication. We were so honored to have Julie invite us to be apart of this day. Here are a few pictures of their beautiful family during the dedication.

After the dedication and church we headed back to the Sadlock's for an amazing meal prepared by the ever so talented Brian Sadlock and Nany Lyle!

We finished up Sunday with some house hunting and Monday with some radioactive eggs and 5 hours in the lab, but it was so much better with mom here.

Thanks for coming to see us Mom!

Who Knows Blue?

2009-09-30T15:55:00.000-04:00

Does anyone know what kind of flowers/berries these are?

Wednesday's Wonders!

2009-09-30T12:50:00.003-04:00

Just a few pictures that I'm loving now!

And my favorite song was on!

2009-09-28T16:06:00.003-04:00

While Miley is good, these guys are better. And if you click on the picture and watch this now your week will magically get better!

Today Jackson became a man.

2009-09-26T09:50:00.004-04:00

This morning at 7 our lovely son Jackson woke us up and that pretty much means we are up for the day. So instead of plopping down in front of the tv we decided to walk down to Starbucks in the misty overcast almost October weather. Jackson acted very much like a puppy and refused to walk, apparently we have only ever run with him....so after the 3 miles of walking he figured it out, but we felt he deserved a little run, so we swung by the tennis court when we got back to the complex.

Jackson did a little running and then he did something he has never done before. It was an amazing feat we never thought possible.

HE LIFTED HIS LEG AND PEED ON THE FENCE!

PS-He's been a girl up until now and squated to pee....this is big people, big.

PSS-I've been sick this week and so haven't done anything too exciting....so this was really awesome!

She's gonna party like its her birthday yo!

2009-09-18T08:49:00.002-04:00

Kelley and Logan Got Married!

2009-09-14T12:50:00.011-04:00

Friday September 4th, 2009 kicked off Logan and Kelley's Wedding Weekend!

We started the weekend with a joint bachelor/bachelorette party at Kelley's Aunt's House....Please note that the champagne bottle never leaves her hand!

The Brewer boys enjoyed the party!

Saturday

Then on Saturday the girls spent the morning at Polished getting their nails done.

Then it was off to the Wyant's for the rehearsal dinner. Here you can see the Grooms Cake which perfectly captures life imitating art or is it art imitating life?!

Sunday-Wedding Day!

Sunday started out with a Brewer/Wyant Family brunch, Coronas and fishing...

Unfortunately the only thing caught was a sunburn...

After much anticipation it was wedding time!

The beautiful bride before the ceremony,

And the handsome groom....

Wyant/Brewer Family Photo

Next it was off to the reception where Logan and Kelley entered with a gorgeous choreographed Waltz....

Then it was cake cutting,

dancing,

And picture taking time!

The gorgeous bride Kelley-my almost sister-in-law

My other almost sister-in-law Amy

Chris and I with the Bride and Groom!

It was a beautiful weekend with beautiful people! Congrats Kelley and Logan!

PS-Please ignore the terrible picture quality...my camera hated me this weekend.

Panthers Pre-Season Football

2009-09-01T14:19:00.000-04:00

Visiting Baby Nolan

2009-08-28T13:42:00.001-04:00

Nolan!

Nolan's proud papa Brian

Nolan's beautiful parents, Brian and Julie

Nolan with his mama and grandma

Nolan and Chris

Can we Honeymoon now?!

2009-08-27T12:00:00.005-04:00

Get ready for this....I booked our honeymoon today!!!

I can not begin to tell you how excited I am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We will be going to Costa Rica for 7 days of ultimate beauty, fun and relaxation!

We will be visiting El Jobo, Costa Rica on the NorthWestern most point of Costa Rica.

While on our honeymoon we will even get the chance to go into Nicaragua for a day.

And for your viewing pleasure a few pictures on the beautiful sights at Recreo!

Our own private pool

Horseback riding on the beach

And gorgeous views on a secluded beach!

Can I go now?!?!?

Attempting to be the Kickball Champs!

2009-08-25T16:55:00.000-04:00

The weekend of Nolan's birth we also had the privilege of watching their oldest son Charlie!

As you can see from the pictures, Charlie was set to have a blast! As our kickball games quickly become something akin to the Humane Society...

Oh and this also happened to be the Championship game for our undefeated "Stimulate" season. As much fun as it would be to tell you we won....that would unfortunately be a lie....we lost....to our frenemies team "Le Dragons", who went on to win the title. Congrats "Le Dragons"!

Watching our season come to a sad sad close...

Me, Chris, Caroline and Zach watching "Le Dragons" take the title
Me and Caroline

Happy Birthday Baby Nolan!

2009-08-25T15:20:00.000-04:00

On Friday August 21st our amazing friends Julie and Brian Sadlock welcomed little Nolan Harold Sadlock into the world! He was a big baby coming in at right over 9 pounds, but those pounds did little more than make him cuter! Chris and I went to visit Julie, Brian and Nolan at the hospital on Saturday, August 22nd and here are a few shots!

For the love of shoes...

2009-08-21T15:16:00.001-04:00

Love them! And they are in our wedding colors!

China Pickin'

2009-08-19T16:00:00.005-04:00

I am in the process of registering and can NOT decide on dishes! Please take a look at these and let me know your thoughts! Thanks.

Kate Spade "June Lane" Dinnerware Noritake "Aegean Mist" Dinnerware
Mikasa "Platinum Links"

Kate Spade "Gardner Street Dream"

Martha Stewart Collection "Montmarte" Whiteware

Kayaking the Catawba with a girl named Bubba

2009-08-10T16:26:00.006-04:00

On Saturday Chris and I set out for the Fort Mill dam with his uncle's tandem kayak strapped to the top of his brother's Jeep. We had a picnic packed and Jackson in tow. Our goal was to paddle around for a few hours, enjoy our lunch and then paddle back to the put-in. Well turns out that plan was impossible to execute! Upon arriving at the dam we ran into two regulars and were told that when the dam isn't releasing water that the start of the Catawba is dry. So if we had tried to come back after our initial float down river we would have been walking over rocks back up.

Fortunately our new guides Bubba and Merve offered to drive us and our kayak back to the put-in point once we finished the 6.5 mile float downriver. We had a great time getting to know our new friends, Merve swam for the Netherlands in the '96 Atlanta Olympics! Jackson loved it too! And despite Chris's ferocious sunburn it was an awesome day!

When you give a Jackson a cookie....

2009-08-10T16:13:00.002-04:00

When you give a Jackson a cookie, he A)eats it or B)runs to a random corner of the house and hides it.

Here he is in action:

Mama to Be Julie!

2009-08-10T16:10:00.000-04:00

Last week we went out to dinner with our adorably pregnant friend Julie. We joined her and her husband Brian at The Penguin, where we had the most amazing burgers, fried pickles and onion rings!! Delicious!

On another note we can not wait for Nolan to arrive!

Jackson gets a Hair Cut!

2009-08-10T16:04:00.003-04:00

6 Ingredient Sugar Cookies

2009-07-31T13:47:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday night after getting back from my run I had the biggest craving for crunchy sugar, and with no treats in sight I googled "easy sugar cookies" and up popped this easy peasy 6 ingredient recipe! Mixed, baked and eaten in under 30 minutes! Delicious!

Pet Sitting Jackson

2009-07-31T11:55:00.010-04:00

Last weekend we foolishly volunteered to watch a friends 10 week old retriever puppy named Jackson. I say foolishly, not because Jackson wasn't a sweetheart (because he was), but because 2 boy puppies act like 2 boy toddlers. They wrestle and fight and cause mayhem, which is funny and cute and can easily drive anyone CRAZY!

So on Friday night we did the only smart thing we could think of and took them to the dog park. This is our adventure at the park, the ride home and the wrestling match that followed in our living room:

(Oh and in case you were wondering, having 2 puppies named Jackson was very confusing! So white Jackson was quickly deemed Fatboy for his rapid intake of food.)

Our Jackson played and played and played

Fat Jackson hid under a bench...

Then the boys washed off in the kiddy pool and settled in the backseat for the ride home.

After they appeared to be exhausted and ready for a nap we brought them inside and they did this:

Rinse and Repeat and that was our weekend :)

Dressing our maids and men....

2009-07-21T14:53:00.005-04:00

While out in LA last weekend, Marissa (matron of honor) and I did some bridesmaid dress searching and settled on these beauties! They are the silk chiffon Juliet dress in Vintage Blue by JCrew, seen below in another wedding (ours will be without cowboy boots!)

ourlaboroflove; j.crew

And we have also chosen suits for the groom and groomsmen! They will be wearing this dashing 2-button Poplin suit by Joseph A. Banks in Oyster.

JosABank

Attention Marissa Moss Hyman-I hate you because

2009-07-08T17:39:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday America!

2009-07-05T14:38:00.004-04:00

On the 3rd of July, Chris and I met up with friends to listen to the Charlotte Symphony play some patriotic tunes and watch fireworks light up the CLT night sky.

During the concert we got to see this beautiful sunset that backlight our American Flag!

Amazing fireworks!

Jackson goes to Camp!

2009-07-01T14:32:00.001-04:00

Dropping Jackson off at his first day of Doggy Day Camp!

Fabulous weekend in June!

2009-06-30T18:52:00.000-04:00

June 26-28th was a busy little weekend on our calendars, but was looking up to be a good one! Friday was a nice relaxing evening with a few glasses of wine and dinner.
~~

Saturday morning set off the festivities. I had a baby shower to attend for our good friend Julie Sadlock. Julie was a neighbor of Chris's 3 moves ago and her and her husband Brian remained close friends of Chris's and were one of the first couples I met in Charlotte. Around Christmas we went to a party at their house and despite Julie's silence I knew she had that glow! Out of everyone I know Julie deserves a little one and will also be the most amazing mother!

So back to Saturday, several of Julie's childhood friends hosted a lovely shower for the mother to be!

This would be the beautiful Julie Sadlock opening her presents for her baby boy Nolan!

One of Julie's friends made these adorable cookies with Nolan's initials: N.H.S.

After the party Chris and I headed South to Keowee, SC for the evening. Keowee is located South of Greenville, SC on Lake Keowee. Lake Keowee is a HUGE man made lake that is connected to two other man made lakes that are separated by dams that supply power to the entire state of SC! Chris's grandparents have a place there, so Chris, I and his parents had accomodations for the night!

The next morning Chris, his step-dad Gregg, Jackson and I set out on the jet-skis! (Yes, Jackson did too! And I have to mention that he has never swam before!) We rode around Lake Keowee, taught Jackson to swim and managed to squeeze in a little cliff jumping of our own.

Above you can see how Jackson's day went~ Look at the water, test the water, board the jet-ski, float on mom, learn to swim, play on the beach, run, relax, climb and survey the scene....Quite the adventure dog if I do say so myself!

Jackson Swims!

And then Chris and I jumped off the cliff!

On Sunday afternoon we left Keowee, SC and headed across town to Six Mile, SC for Chris's step-brother's wedding shower hosted by Chris's father's family. It was a great day with good food, better company and a lot of sun.

After the party we headed back to Charlotte to join a few friends for POPS in the Park, the Charlotte Symphony's outdoor summer concert series. It was pretty amazing how many people came out for the event, apparently people show up at 8 am for a 8 pm concert to set down their blankets and secure their spot for the evening. We were lucky to have Anderea Dock as our designated space saver!

And had a beautiful view of a Charlotte sunset!

Cheers for Beers!

2009-06-23T16:43:00.006-04:00

Last Friday Chris and I swang by Oceanaire (my old bartender stomping grounds) for a happy hour beverage and to chat with my favorite bartender Tiffany! During our conversation Tiffany mentioned that there was a beer dinner taking place that night. Much like a wine dinner there would be 5 courses with 5 beers to compliment each course. Needless to say this sounded awesome to us so we headed on over to a table to partake in the most delicious and creative meal I have ever had at the Oceanaire!

The Oceanaire Charlotte, NC

Chris and I had a blast with the beers, the food and the staff.....the best line of the night came when Chris looked at the manager and said "Rob, we aren't here to taste" and from that point on we received bottles instead of taste.

Thanks again Oceanaire for a fantastic evening and to Chef Wade for preparing mouthwatering goodness!

When Chris goes out of town....

2009-06-23T14:09:00.010-04:00

I redecorate the apartment!

Chris went out of town last week for work training in Oklahoma City, a.k.a. the Hottest Place on Earth (according to Chris) and while he was gone I caught up on my crafting and decorating! I also enjoyed a girls only dinner out and unlimited Food Network Television programming!

Now for the big reveal....

This is our living room. I recently (as you may recall) bought these lamps and while Chris was out added the pillows to the couch (pillow cases compliments of Mama Walker) and printed, framed and hung the pictures on the wall. The pictures were taken on safari in Africa last summer.

While he was out I added the photo collage on the wall, which was a much needed addition since we previously had only 1 printed picture of the two of us, and also purchased and hung the mirror at the head of the dining room table.

Before After

Next I tackled the bedroom....Chris has had this "lovely" dark furniture and bedding since college graduation and I was dying for an upgrade! So I found this great comforter set and lamp and I quote "lightened up Chris's life".

PS-Chris loved it and Jackson did too!

Whitney and Chris meet their venue...

2009-06-15T17:03:00.009-04:00

Chris, my mom and I went to visit the Selby on June 5th while we were in town for Carlee and Will's wedding.

Although we have had the Selby booked for over a month now this was Chris and I's first visit!

Our first project was to pick a ceremony site. After much debate, a chat with our photographer and a few "test" shots we picked this gorgeous location in front of the gazebo!

Then we headed over to the "Mansion", our reception site, to see what we had to work with.

From RtoL: The "photo booth", the porch/dance floor, one of the inside dining rooms, a space for a bar, and the view from the porch.

This will be the backyard space that the majority of our tables will go.

A quick stop along the way for my fiance to carve our initials in bamboo....

And last but not least we scoped out a few prime places for our wedding pictures...We can not wait for the wedding or for the amazing pictures we will get on this day!

Carlee and Will Got Married!!

2009-06-15T16:14:00.011-04:00

On Saturday June 6th, 2009 Carlee Cone and Will Bowdin got married!!! I went to high school with these two love birds and Chris and I spent a crazy wedding evening with them last June. (Table 19 represent!)

We had a wonderful evening celebrating this beautiful occasion. Carlee and Will congratulations! You two deserve all the love in the world! And Carlee what a fantastic party!!!

These would be the decorations for the party.

6 foot tall trees, watermelon carvings, a stadium replica grooms cake, a 7 foot tall carnation pineapple, an Auburn girl in a table!, and glowing flowers.....

If this isn't Carlee Cone Bowdin I don't know what is!

And of course we got to spend time with great friends! The newlyweds and a PHS c/o '03 reunion!

New Addition! to the apartment....

2009-06-03T16:35:00.004-04:00

When my mama came to Charlotte to visit a month ago, she was left alone, in my apartment, for the better part of a day. With that being said things were obviously "rearranged". I came home from work to find my chair moved, the couch pulled out and an imaginary table put in place. And it looked great! One to the major issues with our living room was the lack of light. It was really dark in there. So now that we had a place to stick a table behind the couch it in turn gave us a place to stick lamps!

On Monday of her visit she went antiquing with a friend and found a fantastic buffet table to fit behind our couch! And then the task of finding lamps fell on me.....I talk a big game but my shopping abilities are pretty slack. So one day I made Chris drop me off at TJ Maxx, with in 2 minutes I had pulled him in the store with me to approve the beauts I found! Welcome home new lamps, welcome home!

PS-I LOVE THEM! and they were a steal!

Jackson the Mountain Dog!

2009-05-27T11:23:00.005-04:00

On Sunday of Memorial Day weekend we took Jackson on a hike with us to Crowder's Mountain in Gastonia. Little did we know that we would tire out before Jackson on our 3 hour tour. He blew us away by climbing rocks and staying focused on the trail, no sniffing for him. He even made a few friends along the way.

Here are a few shots of his hiking adventure!

Modern Trousseau Trunk Show

2009-05-25T11:47:00.007-04:00

On Saturday I went back to my favorite bridal salon, Hayden Olivia, for the Modern Trousseau Trunk Show. While I didn't find "the dress" I still had an amazing time!

Callie, the owner, creator and designer for Modern Trousseau was at the store helping brides find their dream dress. So not only did I get to try on works of art, but I had the actual designer, the one who hand sewed on all the flowers, the own who came up with the creation I was wearing, helping me into the dress. It was incredible to hear her describe the design and creation process and also to hear a bit about her background and growth in the bridal gown business. She was so flattering with her compliments, but also accepting of my rejections of her pieces. Thank you again Callie! And for the dress that stole my heart yesterday morning.....

Meet Willow

Modern Trousseau

Willow is a silk chiffon number with handmade/hand sewn chiffon flowers on the bodice. I loved the flowers and their feathery appearance. It was amazing!

But still not the one.

For more information on Willow, Modern Trousseau or other fantastic couture dress designers contact Hayden Olivia, uptown Charlotte's classiest, friendliest and well stocked boutique!

Let Them Eat (cup)Cake!

2009-05-21T16:25:00.008-04:00

Source

I LOVE CUPCAKES!

And I want towers of them! In a multitude of flavors!

In reality I just want to taste test them because you know I can't eat all those delicious yummies on my wedding day and still fit into the dress, but I want to! Because I LOVE CUPCAKES!!!!

But I don't know how to arrange them or what flavors to have. Please comment with your favorite flavor or shoot me a recipe for yummy cupcake goodness!

Source

PS-If you have never eatten a Pane Rustica cupcake with granulated sugar, go immediately and get one. They are heaven and I could eat them for days and days and days and weigh 500lbs and never care at all.

I made a monogram!

2009-05-20T15:49:00.008-04:00

This all started in February. Chris put a ring on my finger and all I've wanted to do is craft and create and DIY all day long! Today I was thinking about our monogram. I was hoping to have to use for return address labels or thank you cards something along those lines and low and behold it is really easy to create!

All it takes is a few easy steps, MS word and some Googling for a border of your choice!

Step One:

Open Microsoft Word

2. From the DRAWING toolbar, click the “text box” button.
3. Type your initial in the text box you just created.
4. Do this for each initial of your monogram. (For example, if you're monogram is WBC, you’ll need three boxes.)
5. Format your text boxes to feature NO FILL and NO LINE.

6. Format each text with layout "tight"
7. Now click on each text box and drag it to the placement and spacing that suits you.
8. To make all letters one object, hold ctrl while you select all text boxes. Then right click and select group. This will make all the text boxes into one.

(Now your monogram is created!)

To add a border:

9. Find a border you like on Google.

10. Copy and paste it into word.

11. In layout make the format "behind text"

12. Make your monograms layout "in front of text"

13. Then align!

Oh the places we will go....

2009-05-20T11:03:00.006-04:00

The countdown has begun....297 days until our wedding....That is less than a year, which terrifies me and seems like an eternity all at the same time. From personal experience I know that a year can last for a long time and that a lot can be accomplished. Just to remind you of what can be accomplished in a year let's recap the past year:

April 2008-Met Chris during training at Kforce. Moved apartments in Tampa.
May 2008-Flew to Philly to visit Chris. Fell in love with his silly pumpkin head.
June 2008-Quit my job at Kforce. Chris got laid off from Kforce. Moved Chris from Philly back down to Charlotte, NC into his parents house. Went to the beach with his WHOLE family. Celebrated Erin Lashbrook's wedding.
July 2008-Moved to Charlotte, NC into Chris's parents house. Went to Africa. Chris got a job at Hunter Hollis staffing. Worked a temp position with Akima. Got a new car. Celebrated Meredith Skutta's wedding.
August 2008-Moved Chris into a house with friends from Greenville, SC. Worked a temp position at Salsaritas. Moved into an apartment with a girl I found on Craigslist.
September 2008-Worked a temp position at Charlotte Center City Partners. Interviewed. Celebrated Dan Redding's wedding.
October 2008-Got a job bartending at Oceanaire! Celebrated Marissa's wedding!
November 2008-Celebrated Kristen's wedding! Worked a temp position at Accounting Principals. Interviewed. Moved Chris into a different house with the friends from Greenville.
December 2008-Adopted our baby puppy Jackson!! Celebrated Christmas!
January 2009-Happy New Year!
February 2009-Moved into an apartment together! Worked a temp at FIG marketing. Interviewed. Went to Park City, Utah. Didn't die snowboarding. GOT ENGAGED!!
March 2009-Got a real job at PCI Group! Chris got laid-off. Chris got a new job at Paycom! Started planning our wedding.
April 2009-Work, work, work-out, wedding plan, breath, work, work-out, wedding plan, breath!
May 2009-Repeat April.

1 year. 8 moves. Over 40,000 miles traveled. Over 10 companies have employed us. We have watch 5 couples tie the knot and double that get engaged. We have known 10 babies that have entered this world and lost loved ones as well. While a year goes quickly there is a lot that can be accomplished in one as well. So for the sake of all of us lets hope I can accomplish the same amount in the next year which I know will no doubt be as exciting as last.

Thank you Chris for being by my side through it all! 1000 miles an hour and no reason to slow down!

Pretty Pretty Dresses

2009-05-09T19:56:00.020-04:00

Dresses Dresses and more Dresses! So, the dress process hasn't gone as easily and quickly as I would have thought. As most of you know I am usually fairly decisive when it comes to clothes, but low and behold the wedding dress has been a chore to find. I have tried on lots and lots and lots of dresses and have started to narrow down the field. Below are a few of the ones I have tried on and liked enough to photograph. Take a look and let me know what you think!
Chris: Go away!

These first few lovelies can be found at Hayden Olivia.

Alvina Valenta

This was a Priscilla of Boston number...

Cute but, watch out cone boobs!

Melissa Sweet Vineyard Collection Maeve

Modern Trousseau Kiera

J.Crew Fontaine Gown
Dressing Room a.k.a. my living room!

J.Crew Tulle Cascade Wedding Gown

J.Crew Genevieve Silk Radzimir Gown

Found at Bella Bridesmaid

Queue Collection-Flutter-Sofia

(I would have the top made into a sweetheart neckline and the skirt would be smaller)

Simple Silhouettes

And the Amsale Spring 2010 gown that I love!

My First Inspiration Board!

2009-05-08T16:13:00.004-04:00

Photographers-So many to choose from!

2009-05-08T10:39:00.011-04:00

Ok so I am having a very hard time deciding on a photographer for our wedding. I love several and need some help narrowing them down! Below are the websites for my top choices. Please take a look and comment with your favorites or others that you have seen and like!

Thank you!!

www.schanevillephotography.com
www.aflyphoto.com
www.pezzphoto.com
www.erinchris.com
www.audreysnowphotography.com
www.studio222photography.com
www.WeddingsByRobert.com
www.scottwatt.com
http://www.kristinmizophoto.com/

We have a venue! And a date!!

2009-04-17T10:34:00.007-04:00

So after many hours of internet searching and help from my fantastic mother, Matron of Honor and her amazing mom we have a venue and a date! We will be getting married March 13, 2010 at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida!

This will be our ceremony site under the beautiful Banyan trees!

And our reception will be held in and around the Mansion!

Please visit www.Selby.org for more pictures about the beautiful gardens.

Will you be my Bridesmaid?

2009-03-20T09:49:00.010-04:00

The bridesmaid selection process started long ago when I met Kristen Anne Dunkel Conner at the age of 2. She was my best friend, my worst enemy, my biggest cheerleader, strongest sounding board and very like minded to me! We spent all the time together as kids, so much so that I gave her and her brother the chicken pox! Well after 21 years of friendship and standing by her side during her nuptials last November I knew that she would be a bridesmaid!

Next came Tiffanie, also known as little Tiff. Sorority sister, partner in crime and fierce leader wrapped in one. Tiff got me through college, so I know she can get me through a wedding.
Then Caroline Hampton Gibson who I knew before she left the womb. I was 10 when they named me as one of Caroline's Godmothers. Now that she is "grown" she will be my bridesmaid at the ripe old age of 14!
And then it got tricky. I had a best friend. Marissa Moss Hyman who has amazing crafting ability, creativity and an eye for style and also had me as her maid of honor. So she generously stepped into the same role for me, except as my Matron of Honor.
And to round out the party I have my fantastic twin sisters who will be twin maids of honor and incredible helps during the planning and DIY process!!

Well I couldn't just ask these amazing girls to be my bridesmaids any old way. I had to do something "cute" and "crafty" and "clever". So I made a card! With cutouts of their beautiful faces and selections of the most "fabulous" bridesmaid gowns I created my wedding party!

On the inside it asked each maid individually if they would be my bridesmaid, maid of honor/matron of honor. I made one copy and got the rest printed on cardstock at FedEx/Kinkos and called it a day. The MOB and MOG also got one with even better MOB dresses on!

I enjoyed making them and think that it got the crafting off on the right foot. Thanks girls for being apart of our big day!

The Proposal Story

2009-03-01T14:25:00.007-05:00

In Februrary Chris and I were on vacation in Park City, UT having an amazing time. Flew in on Saturday, stayed in an out of this world condo by the slopes (thank you Hyman family!), snowboarded on Sunday (didn't die) and relaxed in the hot top with good wine and even better company.

On our 3rd day we went on a snowmobile tour up in the gorgeous mountains.
While I thought this was a perfect time for him to ask I was fairly sure he didn't have the ring and there was another couple on the tour and since I knew he wanted it to be private I didn't think this would be the time.
So when we got to the top of the mountain we got off the snowmobiles to look around and take pictures. Chris and I walked over to the edge of the mountain and he goes "I have something to ask you." After several "no, seriously's!" He got down on one knee/sank in the snow and asked me to marry him! I said yes immediately, saw my beautiful custom made ring and was introduced to my photographers!! The other couple were professional photogs from Salt Lake! They were a huge treat to have documenting the whole day! Take a look at their studios http://www.retrospectstudios.com/.

Our first family photo after we got engaged!

PC, Utah Engagement

2009-02-25T21:10:00.033-05:00

On the day we got engaged Chris had secretly brought along two photographers-Tim and Heidi. Tim and Heidi are a fantastic married couple who live in Salt Lake City and work as a team to photograph amazing delicious wedding, engagement and fashion photography! The following is from their blog:

An Honor To Witness:
Chris and Whitney So, on Monday Heidi and I had the privilege of photographing a proposal. These are such rare moments for us, because normally brides are hiring photographers after they’ve already been proposed to. I had the chance to work with Chris and help him develop his proposal plans, going back nearly two months. The result was amazing. We were shooting from a distance because getting too close would blow the surprise. We couldn’t hear anything, all we could do was quietly observe the body language. When Chris dropped to one knee, we both felt an awesome rush. Moments later when they were kissing and hugging each other in the snow we felt inspired and alive. It reminded us of our relationship and how we fell in love. A huge thanks to Chris for allowing us to be a part of one the defining moments of your life. It was an honor to witness, and inspiring to photograph.

Chris got down on one knee (while sinking into the snow)......

And asked me to marry him! Obviously I said yes!

Checking out my amazing ring while Chris celebrates!

Could not have asked for a more spectacular view

Showing off the ice....

First officially ring picture via camera phone to announce our engagement!

Can't wait to start our lives!

Love you Chris!!

2009-02-23T23:52:00.002-05:00

We got engaged today 2/23/09 in Park City, Utah! Love my ring, love my fiance!!