To have and to hold....

Tonight, Gordon and I worked on our vows. We are going to have a non demoninational ceremony and a friend's husband is going to marry us. He is a pastor and regardless of our church status he has faith in our love for each other. We are eternally grateful for his kindness and willingness to see over our union and put his trust and belief in our marriage.

Gordon and I have written our vows so that we repeat the same thing to each other. They are dear and personal words that I think we will hold to our hearts for the rest of our lives. Its so hard to put into words how much you care for someone or how they make you feel. Right now we are 900 miles appart, Gordon in Philadelphia and I in Chicago. I came home a few days sooner than Gordon to try and finish up all the little things that needed to be taken care of. This distance made it especally hard to write our vows, because it brought up all the memories of a long distance relationship we once had. Ten years later everything has come full circle and we find ourselves apart making decisions that will last us the rest of our lives.

I know that I am lucky to have spent so many great years with someone that loves me and that I love so dear. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my years with this same person because I know in my heart that our love and friendship will grow as we continue to age together.

5 1/2 Weeks to go!!!

Today was a very big day. We sat down and talked with our friend Dan who will be preforming our ceremony. We went over everything he would say and what we would say and how it would all go. He is so great and we are so thankful that he will be marrying us.



We also went ring shopping. It was so much fun to look at all the rings. We got everything picked out and I am having some family heirlooms sized so that I can wear them on the wedding day as well. Gordon's ring is 'indestructible' and had a lifetime guarantee so he is going to be stuck with me and that ring for the rest of his life. They will be ready in about 10 days. I don't want to wait that long; I want to wear it right away.

Everything is coming together really nicely. We are getting response cards in the mail every day and its exciting to see that everyone is looking forward to coming to the wedding. YAY!!

Tic tock goes the clock

Only 4 more months till we say 'I do'! We have accomplished a lot but there is still so much left to do. When I stop and write everything down it feels a little daunting. Why does it take so much to make a wedding?

The check list:

Venue- Check
Photographer- Check
Wedding Cake- I'm making it! Gordon keeps hinting for a tasting
Bride's Dress-Check (first fitting this week)
Groom's Tux-
Bridesmaids' Dresses- Checkish (they've been found and bought, still need fittings)
Groomsmen's Tuxes
DIY Projects- In the works, my sister and I are working on the little details that will make the day extra special
DJ- Check (I think... this is Gordon's job)
Welcome Bags- this is a process because we want to make them extra fun for our out of town guest that will be visiting Chicago for the first time.
Hotel Blocks- Check (we still need to book our room though)
Engagement Photos- Check, we are going to have them taken while we are home in June.
Guest book
Save the Dates- Check, they were sent out and look awesome
Photo Wall
Invitations- Check (part 1.. I bought them now we have to print and assemble them)
Registry- Check, this was a lot of fun I'm super excited to see what we get for our honeymoon and for our home.
Honeymoon- Check, the tickets were bought yesterday, we are going to London Baby!
Passports
Favors
Menu- Check, this is super secret, we are going to do our tasting in June and I'm so excited
Play list- this is one of Gordon's jobs, we need to choose our songs to walk and dance to plus the overall feel of the whole night's dance party
Decor for the space- this is a bit of a process as well, some will get chosen when we have our tasting and some is being done as diy projects I hope my vision comes true.
Officiant- Check, this was a huge relief when he said yes. Our wonderful friend Dan is going to do us the honor of marrying us.
Transportation
Rehearsal dinner
Open house
Gifts for Bridal Party
Flowers
Wedding Bands
Marriage License
Write our vows

We'll get through the list and it will be an awesome wedding. Because event though all these little things need to get done and I have no idea when I will have time to do most of it, but, at the end of the day Gordon and I will be married. I get butterflies in my tummy each time I say it out loud.