A Family Affair

Here we are, just under a year till the big day!  It sounds like a lot of time, but I'm thinking that it's gonna fly by!!!  According to a countdown/checklist from Brides magazine (yes, yes, I'm reading them....), I'm right on target!  Yay!  At 12 months before the wedding, I should decide on a budget, think about the big picture (style, size, date, and site), reserve the ceremony and reception venues, and start looking at dresses in magazines and on websites.  I really think it's funny that some of these are laid out this way... really?  Who WOULDN'T be looking at dresses in magazines already??!! 

So, here's the scoop so far.  Date is set!  The ceremony and reception venues are set!  Outdoor arena, check.  Barn, check.  The style has been selected and really was sort of the default setting for both Monte and I; Rustic Country.  Style, check.  The food has been decided for the most part.  West Texas style BBQ, check.  Looking for dresses, check!!  The big dress-shopping bonanza has been specifically reserved for my dear Mom and I to do together!  I'm super excited, and I think she is too.  In fact, she mentioned a few days ago that we should just "find a designer!"  Whaaaa?!??!  I had to then remind myself of my dress budget!  Ha!  Either way, I know we'll find something just perfect. 

Other things are beginning to come together as well.  I have just been so blessed!  Both of our families have really wanted to be a part of the whole thing, and have offered so much!  My mom is working on burlap curtains for the barn door entrance, and they are going to be fabulous!  I'm super excited about that!  Monte and Buster are going to build an arch for the ceremony out of horseshoes!  How awesome is that??!!  The main dish of the meal is going to be prepared on site for us by the family too!  My soon-to-be (STB) sister-in-law, Cammy, is going to do our flowers, with the help of one of my STB Mothers!!  They just as excited as I am, and I know they're going to be absolutely beautiful!  My other STB sister-in-law, Lacy, is helping me with ideas and details for everything, and has had some mighty good ones too!  It seems as though she's pretty darn good at the logistical piece; knowing what will work well and what won't.  I certainly need that, since I'm not on site!  My STB Mother-in-law is also helping with logistics and ideas, and has been checking things out for us since the day she found out we were engaged!   In fact, I'm going to see them this weekend, and I'm sure we'll be doing lots and lots of planning!

We're moving right along!!!  Thank God for wonderful family all around!!!  I love you all!!!

Hugs!