Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

I know that I have not posted in over two weeks but it has been crazy busy with house hunting, school, work, and of course the wedding! But, we are on the countdown and Wedding Week is officially here!!! 5 days until the big day! I will post more about our new home later but this post is about a wedding tradition that many brides do.

Thought I would share my special little bridal details! I recommend that brides do this tradition. It's fun and something that you will always remember and hopefully will be able to share and pass down.

Something old, something new

Something borrowed, something blue

And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

Something Old:We are still deciding but it will be something of my Moms.
Something New: Beaded Hair Comb
Something Borrowed: Garter
Something Blue: Wedding Date Stitched
Silver Six Pence In Her Shoe: From Nana & Mom

 Something New: My beaded hair comb.

Something Borrowed: This was the garter Zack's Mom wore when she married his dad! The lace is from her Grandmother's wedding dress!

Something Blue: My Grand is going to stitch our wedding date with blue thread at the bottom of my dress.

A silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents wealth and financial security. It may date back to a Scottish custom of a groom putting a silver coin under his foot for good luck. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be in the left shoe. My Nana actually has a six pence she received from her great aunt who went to England and brought it back for her. My Nana wore it in her shoe when she was married and my Mom also used the same six pence in her shoe when she married my dad!

I love this bridal tradition and am so happy with all of my something's! They are truly special and unique. :)

My Vintage Bridal Shower

Today was my bridal shower and I have to say it was one of the cutest, most thought of and creative decorated showers I have seen! My Aunt Tammy and Best Friend/Bridesmaid Lindsay threw my shower today and they put a lot of thought into it with "little details" which is me and I love. 

My shower was at Trinity Baptist Church's The Source on Main Street in Ada and I totally recommend them if you want to have a get-together, shower, etc. It's unique, decorated cute, and they are really great people to work with.

The Source: 730 E. Main

This was one of the tables! I LOVED the vintage decor!!!

 Aunt Tammy's tree she made!

 Lindsay and her Mom made this mail box and Aunt Tammy made "marriage advice notes" filled out by the guests! I loved this idea and will cherish these homemade gifts forever! 

 Bridal Shower Guests :)

Opening Gifts

This was from Zack's Mom! It was a quilt made by her Grandma when Zack was born with all the hands of her Mom, Her, Grandma's, Zack's Dad, Papa, and Zack's baby hands and feet! So special! :)

The Teapot is from Nana. Funny story behind this special gift is that when I was little, Nana and Papa went on a trip to England and brought this back from Canterbury because Nana collects teapots. I fell in love with it and put my name on a piece of paper inside of it and told Nana that if she ever passed this was the only thing I wanted and she gave it to me today! One of the most precious gifts and I absolutely love it, Nana!

Thank you Lindsay and Aunt Tammy! I ADORED my shower! :)

I absolutely loved all of our gifts we received from everyone and I appreciate all who came to celebrate with us! It meant the world to me and I can't wait to see all of you at our wedding!!! It's only 3 weeks away!!! :) xoxo

Shopping Trip to Texas: The Day We Found My Dress =)

This past weekend we went to look for my dress. Considering the wedding is only a few weeks away, you can only imagine how stressed I was at the beginning of this trip. My Nana, Mom, Maid of Honor Kolbie, and Bridesmaid Lindsay went to Texas and met Grand at this outlet in Denton. I was praying I didn't have to settle on the dresses there because they all weighed about 30 pounds and looked like the were from the 1800's. I did find one that I would have been happy with but we thought it would be wise to check David's Bridal just to make sure that they didn't have anything that I liked more. We got lost at least 10 times just trying to find this place and words to the wise: Don't try to use three different GPS systems at the same time. 


It must have been a God thing because when we got there the first thing we saw was the sign out front that had SALE on it. We looked throughout the store and finally got in to get a room. I picked out a few that I liked and started to get discouraged because nothing was fitting the way I liked and once again I hate dresses that weigh 50 pounds. I had my mind set on trying one more on and then we were going back to Denton to get the other gown. I tried it on and immediately it felt perfect and it was "The Dress." Once Grand zipped me up and looked at it she said that this was it. Everyone loved it and guess what? It didn't need altered and was on sale and cheaper than the other one!!! Best news we had heard all day! I tried on a few veils and found one that has the same bead work as my dress and I love it. I feel like a princess and the dress is me. Chiffon material, strapless, ivory in color, vintage overlay, and beading around the top with a small train. I got to ring this bell for finding the dress and got to take the dress home with me!!! :) I will have to wear heels during the ceremony but for the reception I am going to wear my silver glitter TOMS. It is perfect.


Since we were there waiting, I had Kolbie and Lindsay try on some bridesmaids dresses and they found one they liked! Strapless, knee length, satin, and it came in champagne!!! We got those ordered and it was a complete stress relief! They are adorable and I also got my gown preservation box there as well. All in all it was a great day and since I bought my dress from there, we were able to get $20 off of each bridesmaids dress! BARGINS!!! 


After the whole dress experience we had some lunch at Outback and then decided it was a good idea to go into Pier 1 and look for some decorations. We bought some vases with stands, red candles, red lanterns, red berries to go in the twig decorations, and some other things I can't even remember. Get Nana & Grand together and they can tear up a Pier 1 Imports. After packing the car as full as we thought we could get it, we went to Hobby Lobby and spent atleast two hours in there buying things for the wedding! And they had sales too! It was definitely the day to shop for the wedding! I got our unity sand set for half off, bought a roll of burlap for table runners, got some more vases & lanterns for 40% off, and a few other things we had gathered up for 40% off as well! We knocked a lot of our to-do list out that day and it felt good! 


After Hobby Lobby, we try to get back to Denton, find a Chick-Fil-A, and get gas and that was probably the most difficult thing we had to do all day. Yes, we got lost......again. Grand got to laughing so hard she couldn't even tell us where we were at. It was one of the funnest days of wedding preparation I've had. We made it home around 12:30 or 1:00 and Linds and I were pooped! I had a blast and I am so thankful I had Grand, Mom, Nana, Linds, and Kolbs with me! I will never forget it! :)

Engagement Pictures

Her are our engagement pictures we took in October! I LOVE THEM and my Photographer, Courtney Folsom! Click here to view her website and amazing work! I recommend her to anyone! Courtney is one of the most energetic, fun, and positive people you will meet! Her and her husband, Matt, are adopting a baby from Ghana! They have an inspiring story and you can read up on it here. We are also on her photography blog so click here to check us out. :)


We had the funnest time taking pictures, especially trying to get Bear to pose. (Courtney had to make bird noises) I am so excited that she will be able to photograph our wedding. I first saw her wedding work when our friends, Tyler & Kacie Pogue, got married. I fell in love! Here are a few of them. XOXO =)

Cinderella for a Night

I actually get to live like Cinderella for the rest of my life, (after she marries Prince Charming of course) but this post is not about the dress or mice turning into horses, its our pumpkin into a carriage! Bill will be chauffeuring us away when we leave in this awesome Carriage!

I am so excited! We are going to put big red bows and lights on it and the pretty blonde horses! Best way to leave don't you think? If only I can get Bill to wear a Santa suit I think it will be very fitting. ;) We will see how that goes. Does anyone know where we can buy battery powered twinkle lights?

We Are Registered At.....

Zack and I have registered at:


Walmart
The Corner Market (On Main Street in Ada)
Miss Match (On Main Street in Ada)
The Mix (On Main Street in Ada)
Bed Bath & Beyond


If I could register at Anthropologie.....well I wouldn't bother with anywhere else. That's how much I heart this store. But here are a few things that I absolutely want for our home.

 I love the whole gray and yellow color scheme.

 And these sheets.

And towels.

The wedding will be here in 32 days! Happy as a clam! :)

Getting Things Accomplished! YAHOO!

Thank Heaven's for my mother and fiance'. Although we still have a to-do list about a mile long, we did get things checked off yesterday and will be working on it tonight! We made a Sunday afternoon trip to Norman yesterday (I know, Norman....blah.) Just kidding Sooner friends, kind of. :) Anyways, we attacked Sam's and found our clear cups, plates, and forks for super cheap! We got over 200 plates and cups for only $16 dollars! If you plan on any event and will be serving food, check out Sam's first!


We also got some things to make our own mints from Michael's as well as looked for Bridesmaid dresses but still no such luck. Mom found her outfit for the wedding from Dillards and what do you know, it was the first dress she tried on! I picked one out but apparently, to her, it looked like her grandmother's drapes. (MOM PRACTICE WALKING IN YOUR HEELS!!!) :)


I have ordered the sparklers (instead of rice we chose the more dangerous of a send off ) :) and also am ordering my Bridal Shower invitations tonight! :) Can't wait to look for my dress this weekend! (Lookout Texas! Crazy women coming your way)  Well that's about all I have on the checking off of our to-do list for the past two days but we are on a roll!


Does anyone know where I can purchase or rent curly willow branches?

Much love! xoxo

Let Them Eat Cake

Zack and I went to put our deposit on the cake last Saturday and I am so excited. Zack however doesn't eat cake but he is getting a "cookie" cake for his grooms cake made by Nana (Snickerdoodle....imagine that.) We decided to go with Classic Cakes on Broadway in Ada. My Mom always bought my birthday cakes from there and we have never been displeased with one yet as well as being extremely reasonable on pricing.

This was my 16th birthday cake made by classic cakes.

You know how there are some cakes that are beautiful  but they taste really dry? Then there are some that taste amazing but they're not very pretty? Well, Classic Cakes provides us with the best of both worlds. Our only problem is that we are still trying decide on a flavor, filling, and icing. I like vanilla with a filling and a buttercreme icing but then I also like Italian Creme. As for the cake design, This is what I have in mind.

 Picture pearls or diamonds on this cake as well.

So here is where your help comes in. I need some opinions (comments) on your favorite flavors, fillings, and icings to help me decide what more people would like to eat since I like all flavors. Thank you! :) xoxo

The Venue, Theme/Decoration Sneak Peeks

We literally have 39 days until the big day and my brain is in a whirlwind. I am super excited though! :) We will be having our wedding and reception at Zack's (also mine now) church: Calvary Way in Prague, Oklahoma. I am so happy we are doing it here and it is really special to Zack and I. The church has recently been building the new building for the youth and church families and our reception will take place there! 

As for the theme we decided on a vintage, wintery, woodsy theme. We will be using twigs, lanterns, burlap, twinkle lights, chalkboards, and many ideas that I have gathered on Pinterest. 

I love the things that we have chosen and we have been on track budget wise and have found everything at discount prices! The burlap we are able to by in bulk cheap at hobby lobby and since I can (food preserve), I already have TONS of mason jars to use. My Aunt Lacy has also been a huge help these past few weeks and I am super thankful for her help even though she has tons on her plate everyday. She's helped me with ideas, flower girl dresses, programs, bridesmaids gifts, the chalk boards, and so much more! Without her I would be going crazy right now. THANK YOU AUNT LACY! :)

Another thank you goes out to my MOM who has helped me plan and come up with ideas, pick out picture packages, cakes, and is helping me with the addresses and invites at the moment. This process seems like it has taken forever but she's stuck with me and we are trying to get it finished ASAP! :)

Another thing Zack and I are super stoked about is the amazing idea his Mom came up with: (Sorry I'm not going to tell you everything but it's warm and tastes good and will be enjoyed at the reception.) You will LOVE it! :) 

We are so excited for this big event and can't wait to celebrate with you all! Again, if you receive a message from us please send your address if you have not already so we can get our invitations sent out and PLEASE send back the reply cards with the number you plan to attend with! Much love. xoxo

Needing Addresses

Family and Friends: We are needing your addresses as soon as possible! We are in the process of ordering invitations and will be sending them out very soon! Please get back with us via email, facebook, blog, or phone. Thank you! xoxo

We Have a Date!

So we have finally settled on a date! With school situations we have decided to get married before a new semester (with our parent's blessing of course)! The big day will be December 17, 2011! We are so excited and hope that all of our friends and family will be able to come and celebrate with us. We will be sending out save-the-dates and invitations soon but this is your heads up! Hope everyone has a blessed day! xoxo

An Affair of the Heart

This past weekend my Nana Cinda, bridesmaid Shayla, and I ventured to OKC to shop our hearts out and find some unique things or ideas at Affair of the Heart. If you have never been nor heard of this place let me give you a little heads up: it is this HUGE craft and gift fair that has about EVERYTHING you could want for your home, children, yourself, outdoors, your husband, and so on. I seriously think it should sponsor Pinterest. (if you haven't discovered Pinterest, go now, well after you read my blog but prepare to be on this site for hours.) It is completely overwhelming and there are thousands of people everywhere. I literally felt like I was going to have a mini heart attack. I was ran over countless times by buggies, strollers, feet, children, you name it. It was so much fun though, I just recommend you do not go on a Saturday. p.s. the next one will be here February 10, 11, & 12! My Birthday is the 12th.....Hint Hint. :) (MOM, Heather, Nana, Grand, Aunties: Shopping Trip!!!) Everything there is pretty reasonable depending upon the booths you go to. I didn't buy very much there but I did find ideas that I could make for lesser money.


Here is Shayla and I on our first day of shopping!

I bought our first Christmas decoration for our home! Isn't it adorable? :)

I also found small heart hangers that you use mini clothes pins to pin pictures of Zack and I onto and then tie a ribbon and hang in a tree! They were too adorable and a great price!

So you take the hanger (add ribbon of course) and some mini clothes pins...

Then find a picture (this is one of Zack's Sr. pictures, isn't he cute?)...

Pin it on the hanger and it is ready to hang in a tree or where ever! :) Love it!

 

I found a chalkboard that was framed that I absolutely loved but was not about to pay $40 for. So later that evening we went to Basket Market and I found a black frame on sale for $7 and then went to Michales and got a chalk board for $10 and WA-LA! We have a framed chalkboard for over half the price! I may do some distressing to it but I think it will be adorable to write stuff on and  set out at the wedding! 

The last things I bought are the adorable lanterns we saw at Hobby Lobby! Cute for outdoors or indoors and we had 40% off coupons for them! Do not ever pay full price for anything you buy at Hobby Lobby! They always have sales and you can get more for your money. Also if you are a big Hobby Lobby shopper, go to their webpage and sign up for their weekly coupon emails! My Nana told me about them and they are free so take advantage!

So much money goes into a wedding that I had not the slighest clue! I want a vintage type wedding using odd things that look cute, furniture, etc. because we will be able to re-use them in our home and we wont be just stuck with things that we paid all of this money for, for only one night. I stress before going to any store to shop that you get on their website and see if there are any coupons avaliable to print out. USE THEM! Well that's all I have for today! Homecoming is this weekend and I'm getting ready for my family (and Bear) to come up tomorrow night. :) Hope everyone has a great day and don't forget to cheer on the COWBOYS as they take on the Baylor Bears! xoxo

Our Wedding Party

So I thought that I should post on who will be in the wedding! We are so excited to announce....

Maid of Honor: Kolbie Bailey

Bridesmaid: Lindsay Johnson

Bridesmaid: Shayla Snider

Bridesmaid: Ashton Johnson

Bridesmaid: Kate Sprague

Best Man: Matthew Dougherty

Groomsman: Wyatt Ashcraft

Groomsman: Dalton Gillespe

Groomsman: Michael Hale

Groomsman: Brady Jennings

Flower Girl: Kenadi Hause

Flower Girl: Jadyn Chandler

Ring Bearer: Zane Hause

Ring "Bear"er: Bear (My dog) =)

Usher: Andrew Johnson

Usher: Tyler Duncan

Usher: Jadyn Nolan

Usher: Kenneth White

Program Hander-Outers: Jace Chandler & Timber Bailey

Sparkler Boys: Fisher Bailey, Brayden Bailey, & Austin Bailey

Guest Book Girls: Kayla Johnson & Lily Sestak

Cake/Sweets Girls: Hannah Hackney, Halleigh Hackney, & Heather C. Layman

Gift Table Girls: Nikki Layman & Shani Cassel

We are still working on setting a date! As soon as we finalize living situations, school, work, etc. we will post the date of our big day on the blog! Still planning away...hope everyone has a blessed week! Affair of the Heart finds will be posted soon! xoxo

A Wedding Blog

I had this bright idea that while attending school, keeping a job, and planning a wedding as well as somewhat still making time for everything else, that I would start a Wedding "Planning" Blog. I will be writing about the decorating, the shopping, the DIYing, the unique ideas we come up with, the good times, as well as keeping this whole shin-dig on a budget. I want to keep everyone up-to-date about all the wedding bliss and also ask for advice that anyone may be willing to give! I can't wait to share this experience with you all but more importantly work up to the day I get to marry my best friend and become Mrs. Zack Ashcraft! Happy reading. Oh, I also LOVE comments! :)