Note:My brain is kind of in a million places right now.
So this post may seem a little random at times.
Things are starting to pick up! With Lucas now here and Jessica starting to get a hang of the whole Mommy role, we've been able to start to focus on Landon's mission prep. and my wedding plans. With everything happening in such a short amount of time, I've just had to focus on taking one day at a time in order to not go insane. It's working so far.
About a month ago, My mom, Zac and I went to look at a Reception center I was really interested in. A lot of people said it was really pretty and they liked it. They were right - it was very pretty. However, all of us didn't get a good feeling about the people who ran the place. It almost seemed like they were hiding something. Not necessarily from us, but in general. We also didn't really feel like they were very excited to work with us, and it wasn't a very good experience. So we decided not to schedule with them. Then there was New Years, and Lucas came, so wedding plans went on the back burner.
Last week, we started to pick up plans again. While I was in Vegas visiting Jess and the baby, I looked up a TON of different reception centers around the valley. I decided I really liked a place in Sandy, and decided to call and check out the place when we got back. However, when I called to check if the date (March 18th) was available, it had already been booked. But the 19th and 20th were still open.
ok this is my little Paragraph to kind of vent. We are getting married the weekend right before spring break. Meaning.... every other college student who is engaged is getting married the SAME WEEKEND!!!! We decided to get married on the 18th because it's a Thursday. Friday and Saturday are going to be ridiculous. So... calling and trying to schedule a day in the weekend when the Friday and Saturday would generally be booked first, and they're NOT... but they day you want IS?! UGH..... RIDICULOUS!!!! Ok. I'm done venting.
Anyway, I decided to check on another place that I was slightly interested in, and the 18th was still available! We checked it out last Wednesday, and WOW... the difference in the feel we got at this place was almost tangible. The ladies were VERY welcoming and made sure all our questions were answered. They were more than willing to accommodate our large family needs, and weren't too pushy. At the same time, they weren't hesitant about answering any of our questions. They were strait forward, and all together very easy to work with. And their rates are good too!
So we booked it! The place is called Arbor Manor. They give you the option of having them take care of everything, or you can bring in food, flowers, cake etc. too. So basically, we just have to decide what they're doing, and what we're doing.


At this point, we're planning on having them do all the decorating (backdrop, table settings, centerpieces, chair covers, etc.), and the cake. We might bring in our own catering and flowers. That's still open for debate. But having finally found a reception center that we like has taken a lot of stress off our shoulders, and we're starting to get really excited!
Another update:
My mom and my best friend, Shayla Bentley, went Dress shopping with me today, and we found a dress I love! We first went to a place called Sweethearts bridal, where we found my sister's dress. A lot of them were very pretty, but I liked the last one the most. We put in on hold for a week, and decided to check out Allyse's Bridal down the street just to see if we found anything else I liked. I wasn't expecting to find anything better, and I definitely wasn't planning on getting anything there because they tend to run more expensive.
We tried on dress after dress after dress, and I just wasn't very impressed with what I was seeing. But then the last dress I was going to try on (of course) was gorgeous! I fell in love with it immediately. It was very slimming and flattering, and It literally was everything I had imagined in my wedding dress. So, even though it was more than I was really anticipating spending on my wedding dress, it was still within my dress budget. So we got it! It has to be altered because I'm so short and the shoulders don't fit right. AH!!!!! I'm getting so excited! I can't go into too much detail, or post pictures because my fiance does occasionally check this blog ;). But I'll be sure to post pictures of the wedding later and you'll see. Basically, I've never felt more pretty in a dress before.... ever!
So pretty much the only thing left we have to figure out is announcements, engagement pictures, and bridals. I have an awesome cousin who is going to take our engagements next weekend, so we're well on our way to figuring things out.
This time has been stressful, but so exciting as I anticipate starting a life with the man that I love. I feel so blessed that things are falling into place, and I'm somehow finding time to squeeze everything in. Life is wonderful.
Love, Ash