Becoming His Mrs

New Blog Look: OW!

2010-07-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

Come on over and make sure you bring a friend!

A Dream Soiree

Ciao,

Ebonee Monique

Follow My New Blog!

2010-06-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. I still owe you guys a few recap pictures-not to mention a budget breakdown-from my wedding weekend! They're coming, I promise!

But in the meantime, I'd like all of my readers to begin follow me on my new blog!

(Click the picture below or click here)

So take a second out and visit {and follow me} on my new blog:

A Dream Soiree.

It's still a work in progress, but I'll be posting plenty of tips, ideas & wedding planning insight!

CIAO,

Ebonee Monique

Apologies & A Big Announcement! :)

2010-06-12T19:32:00.001-07:00

Well, well...I suck at blogging in the midst of work, work & did I mention married life?

Yeah, I'll place the blame on Mister Mr. and his *love* for me....but the reality is, I've been so busy.

What have you been busy with? You ask...

Well, there's this little thing, which is affecting my job, called the oil spill. Yes, THAT oil spill. Let's see...I work in tourism. In Florida. In the middle of a huge crisis that can affect the very livelihood my state (and part of my household) survives on. 'Chea...we've been working haaaaaard!

What else has been keeping me busy? Hmmm...*clears throat*...my business. Yes. I-your favorite absentee blogger-has a business. For close to 3 years, I've been planning and coordinating private & corporate events as an assistant and-at times-as the leader. After having 17 months to plan my wedding, and becoming so engulfed in the wedding world, I decided to make the jump into owning my own wedding & event business.

My company is called: "A Dream Soiree Weddings & Events"

Okay...roll your eyes...it's so cliche, right? The typical bride who just got married who now thinks she's cool/trendy/special enough to now plan weddings & events. Believe me...I had the exact same thoughts about myself, but you can't ignore passion & love, right? My business is my passion and my clients are reaping the benefits from that! In all my years of planning & coordinating, I never thought to get certified...well, now I'm well on my way! :) I've been blessed to have opportunities to prove myself and my business and have been staying consistently busy with weddings, showers, and even a birthday party. When they tell you that you have to LOVE what you do, in order to be a planner, believe you me...they were not lying!

So...I'll still post on this blog (maybe not 3x a week...but I'll try) but you should come on over to A Dream Soiree's blog to see what I'm up to! I recently wrapped up a beautiful wedding that was held at the exact venue I was married at 3 months ago! It was so gorgeous!

Thank you for being a part of my realization of my passion. Thanks doesn't seem like enough.

CIAO,

Ebonee Monique

Happy Anniversary T & T 5.24.2008

2010-05-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 2-year wedding anniversary for our dear friends Tashi & Tangy (of Posh Stems) we are so excited for the both of them and wish them nothing but the best!

Hopefully the two of you come back from your vacation with plenty of pictures, stories and tans!

Love y'all both!

M & E

P.S. Tangy, do you love how I stole your recap format?! LOL! ;p

{Wedding Recap} Reception 2.0

2010-05-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

After the dances we were immediately ushered to our sweetheart table where we said grace. Before I could say "Man, the food smells good!" Our caterer, Mrs. Judi Bunch, came to our table and personally brought our plates to us. I thought that was an amazingly sweet touch. She always made sure the two of us were good...

Ladies...when they tell you to eat on your wedding day...listen! I doubt we sat at our table longer than 5 minutes at any point during the reception-definitely not long enough to really enjoy the food. Every few minutes someone was stopping by to chat or take pictures, which was expected...but man...the food was calling us! LOL!

Our faces here say it all...

The food...for once, I'll be a woman of few words.

I'll let the photos do the talking.

The food was so good that our caterer got a standing ovation.
A. Standing. Ovation.
Yes...

Next we moved on to the cutting of the cake. I remember saying:

"You better not smear that on my face, boy!"

& a great shot of the grooms "Tigger" cake, which I heard was dee-lish-us!

Mister Mr. and I slipped to the bridal suite as I got dressed in my reception dress & he chatted it up with his guys/family in the hallway. My MOHs came and helped me as well, which was such a fun time! I was so excited!

Then it was time to "re-introduce" ourselves. We walked in to Jay-Z "PSA'
The first line says:
"Allow me to re-introduce myself!"

We immediately got busy...Mister Mr. is a great dancer so I just kind of went with the flow!

& then I called the bridal party on the dance floor!

Soon the dance floor was packed!

Our Flower girls showed OUT!

& so did Mister Mr.

Great dancing times! :)

My flip-flop baskets? A complete success. I went to get a pair and they were ALL gone!

More dancing...

My brothers-in-law acting crazy...

& me and my god"baby" (12 year old phenom!)

Then came the toasts....

MOH "K" got choked up (of course)!

More toasts...

Both of the Best Men toasted as well as my mother....then came the show-stopper: my mother-in-law!

From day one, my MIL has begged us to let her sing at the wedding. Mister Mr. has always said no...I, on the other hand, didn't mind. Mister Mr.'s mother is a phenomenal-and I think that's putting it lightly-singer; but Mister Mr. just didn't want it to be too over the top.

So during her toast she said "I know y'all didn't want me to sing but..."

& She broke out into a standing-ovation-worthy song.

& everyone was shouting! Whew! Go MIL!

Mister Mr., myself and our photographer, Ron, snuck out for a few intimate pics!

Then our guests lined up and prepared for our sparkler send-off!

Mister Mr. and I posed for a few more shots before heading back to our suite!

& just like that we were off to our suite!

Up Next: Day-After-BBQ!

Happy B'Day to me!

2010-05-24T05:20:00.000-07:00

Today is my born-day (I love saying that instead of birthday, don't know why)! Thanks to God for another year and another opportunity to make dreams into a reality!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE "The Office" (like, duh!) so this frame was fitting:

Since my b'day falls on a Monday, Mister Mr. decided to celebrate my birthday this past weekend. OMG! That man is FULL of surprises.

Saturday we woke up early and I got dressed. We went and had breakfast and as soon as we were done he pulls out this blindfold. My first thoughts "No! No! No!" You see, I hate blindfolds. But...for him I'd do anything so...I sucked it up and put the dang-on blindfold on.

Our first stop?

One of my favorite day spas in town for a one-hour massage.

Aaaaah!

After we left the day spa, seriously, I could've gone home and been a happy, relaxed camper...but Mister Mr. had more in store! :) He pulled out that dadgum blindfold (AGAIN) and I didn't fight it (too much) before putting it on.

Our next stop on the blindfold tour?

Fred Astaire Studio for one-on-one dancing lessons. Mister Mr. and I have always said we wanted to take professional dancing lessons-just as something different to do together-but we never got around to it! Honestly, I LOVED the dancing instructions...LOVED. It was so much fun and it really brought us closer...it was a great time.

Of course, the blindfold re-entered my life after we were done as we departed to our next location. The next stop?

One of my faaaaaavorite brunch spots in town: Chez Pierre. OMG! I had the Angus burger (don't judge me) with sweet potato fries...OH-EM-GEE! So delish.

After that we headed home and I assumed our evening was over, right? WRONG. We relaxed for a few minutes before Mister Mr. informed me that it was time to go.

"Go where?" I asked...

"Somewhere!" He replied

*sigh*

So I got back in the car and put the blindfold on for, what I hoped would be, the last time! We drove and drove and drove and drove and when the car stopped....guess where we were?

The most elite hotel in town, Hotel Duval! If you remember I took my boudoir pictures at this hotel and was flooooored by how gorgeous it was! When we walked in I assumed Mister Mr. got the regular rooms (which are somewhat small) but when I cracked the door open what was it?

The Presidential/Executive Suite!!!

I can't tell you how surprised I was by the whole day! Seriously. Mister Mr. went above & beyond and I was so touched! It was fun to have a stay-cation (if you will) right in our own town!

Later that evening we got dolled up and went to another one of my favorite eateries, Masa! Yummy in my tummy!

All in all? I had one of the BEST birthdays ever...thanks to my husband! :)

So here's to another excellent birthday and continued blessings!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

We've been blogged!

2010-05-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

I always love when people blog about weddings and I am so appreciative that our wonderfully fabulous florist, Posh Stems, did a post on us. Why am I just now reading/seeing it?! Where have I been?

Anywho, check it out...there were even pictures I hadn't seen! Plus you'll get to see how Posh Stems took our vision & made it into reality!

Click here to check it out!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Lookey what we sent...

2010-05-20T07:00:00.001-07:00

Finally...

Our "Thank You" Cards!

They are double-sided (printed from VISTA PRINT, of course), gloss postcards! We also included a handwritten thank you card on stationary. We had been putting it off (bad newlyweds, I tell ya!) but with my parents (thanks Daddy!) hounding us...we had to crack the whip!

Turns out most-if not all-of our guests received theirs yesterday! They all seemed to really love them! Yay us!

Design Courtesy of Frenchie and Flea

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Best Newlywed Advice...

2010-05-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

I saw this article over at WeddingBee and had to share! Very informative & dead-on!

Best Advice for Newlyweds from a Marriage Counselor

Communicate with one another.
“Talk, talk, talk,” says Eagan. Communication about everything from small things such as how you spent your day to big things such as how to spend your money is vital to a healthy marriage. It helps you get to know each other better, resolve issues, and stay connected to your spouse.

Break your routine.

Don’t get caught up in routines. That means you should avoid taking each other for granted by having date nights and taking romantic vacations when you can. Avoid just going to and from work and never focusing on each other or your relationship. When you are just going through the motions, you will feel less satisfied and less content. And that will rub off on your spouse, too. Marriage, after all, is a delicate balance between two people.

Wait to have children.
If you can, wait to have children. Putting off getting pregnant to give you and your spouse time to build a foundation for a family. Build your marriage so that it will be sturdy enough to support the weight of the family you’d like to create. That means getting closer, resolving serious issues, and finding your rhythm as a couple.

Save some money.
Avoid collecting debt. Money troubles put unnecessary stress on a marriage; in fact, it’s one of the major causes of arguments among married people. You can throw a nice wedding, make a home for the two of you, and live without breaking the bank as long as you don’t spend more than you have. You should also try to keep an eye to the future by always having something in savings. Your wallet and your relationship will pay the price if you don’t watch your pennies.

Look good for each other.
Keep up with hygiene and get dressed up every once in a while. “Don’t get sloppy in your relationship,” says Eagen. “Keep it special.” When you start paying less attention to your appearance, you send the message to your spouse that you just don’t care and you’re not really interested in maintaining the attraction between the two of you. You should be sending the signal that you’re still hot for your spouse – and you want to keep it that way!

Get a life.
Hang onto your friends and family. Just because you’re married does not mean you should abandon everyone and everything that existed in your life before the wedding. You still need social outlets to re-energize yourself for your spouse. “Don’t expect your partner to be your everything,” warns Eagan. (*Ahem-Heidi Montag*)

Have good sex.
Sex is a vital part of the marriage relationship. You should make sure your sex life is satisfying for both of you. If there are physical problems affecting your performance, you should see a doctor and discuss the situation with him or her and your spouse.

Be ready for the after-the-wedding blues.
Realize you may experience post-nuptial depression, which refers to the state of depressed mood that newlyweds experience within the first three to six months of marriage. There’s a lot down after all the excitement of the wedding festivities and honeymoon are over. Although brides are more apt to talk about it than grooms, both pairs probably feel this to some extent. Eagan suggests refraining from talking about the wedding all the time and going out and doing things together. Understand that it takes time to re-orient your life and keep in mind that this is just the start of your great new life together.

Great {and 100% correct} advice! LOVES it!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

{Wedding Recap} Reception Introductions!

2010-05-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

Immediately after we finished our formal pictures we headed to the bridal suite and signed our marriage license with our MOHs, Best Men and Pastor. It was a great moment for all of us!

Afterwards, the bridal party lined up in the hallway and prepared for the introductions. I remember screaming "Be yourselves! Don't go out there all boring & stuff!"

Yep, I'm a classy lady & don't you ever forget! :)

Enjoy some of the pics!

See the goofs? The MC Hammer made a comeback!

And more goofs...

Then it was our turn to be introduced as Mr. & Mrs.

Funny story-after the fact, of course-the DJ played our introduction song as the Bridal Party introduction song and played the bridal party introduction song as ours. Ugh. I was P.O.d when I heard it but had to go with the flow...needless to say I was whispering the entire time to Mister Mr. "He played the wrong song! He played the wrong song!"

Mister Mr.'s reaction: "It's okay, babe!"

And it was...

Then it was time for the father-daughter dance. My daddy & I danced to "Always be your baby" by Natalie Grant! Oh how beautiful! :)

I started out good...but as the second verse neared...I was on the brink of tears.

Then it happened. I looked over at BM "L" and broke down. She was tearing up, I was tearing up...I mean, I LOVE my daddy. So...yeah, cried like a baby.

Then it was time for Mister Mr. and Mommy Mister Mr. to do their thing on the dance floor & boy did they show out! Mommy Mister Mr. is a firecracker and she was ON FIRE!!

Then we sat down and took it all in. This was our wedding day. Everything we'd saved, prayed and cried about for 17 months. It was just a few moments...but I remember looking around that room at all the faces & love staring back and was so happy!

They dimmed the lights...said a prayer over the food...and the reception was under-way!

Up Next: Dancing, Cake & Costume Changes!

{Wedding Recap Commercial} Cocktail Hour

2010-05-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

Don't consider this to be a part of the wedding recap fever...it's just a commercial...so you can get a taste (pun intended) of our wonderful cocktail hour.

Enjoy!

Ebonee Monique

{Wedding Recap} Formals!

2010-05-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

I give you all the permission to openly judge me for being so absent. What can I say? Married life is WONDERFULLY busy and occupying. That being said, I'm going to make a better effort to get on here at least 3 times a week to update you all. I definitely don't want to leave any of you hanging! :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, when we left off my DH and I were heading up the aisle with huge grins on our faces.

We immediately went into formal picture mode. Because of wedding started so late in the evening-and the fact that we started later than scheduled-we were losing light & had to take pictures quickly. If I had it all over to do again, I would've started my wedding an hour earlier than I did. But, nevertheless, we had a blast shooting the pictures & I can't believe how quickly an hour goes when you're having fun!

Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Of course, my fabulous makeup artist, Danielle, was there to freshen me up! :)

&& it began!

I LOVE my guys...each & every one of their crazy tails!

DH & the girls had fun...

I can guarantee BM "L" said something to crack DH up!

Orrr was it MOH "L"? No telling.

Our "not quite a jump" jump...*such an inside joke*

While we took pictures, our guests munched on food, took in the ambiance and found their names on our seating charts.

The Gang...

Then it was family time...

First up? DH's parents.

&& then my parents.

&& all of us together!

& of course we had to take the obligatory "Thank You" picture. Our guests stood around (which I wasn't happy about- I wanted them to see the picture first when they received their thank you cards) and watched...they kept saying "That's so unique! Ebonee's so creative!" All I could think was...Thanks Project Wedding/The Knot/BAB! LOL!

Next Up:

The Reception

{Wedding Recap} The Ceremony (PIC HEAVY)

2010-04-18T19:05:00.001-07:00

Be forewarned...this post is EXTREMELY picture heavy! :)

Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As we left it, Mister Mr. and his guys were waiting on the side of the porch and I was pacing the hallways waiting for my moment to walk down the aisle. Whew...I can still feel the butterflies!

All of our guests began arriving and I can only imagine the chatter going on in the crowd!

Mister Mr.'s handsome grandfather!

Every bride has a vision in their head of how they want their aisle to look. This was one of the things-during my planning-that I could close my eyes and see. I fell in love with the look in my head & was so blessed that my florist Posh Stems was able to recreate the EXACT look!

My godson and my little brother-in-law served as our ushers. They took their jobs so seriously & I was so proud of them! They looked SO amazing!

Being able to see all of my little details come to life was probably one of the greatest feelings I can remember. I worked hard for 17 months to make the wedding unique to US as a couple and I think all of our details helped accomplish that!

My MOHs and mother thought I was crazy lugging around two bags of lemons the day before and OF the wedding...but I had a plan and I had to make it come to life. Would you believe I calmly cut up all the lemons in my drink dispensers the morning of my wedding? Strangely enough, it calmed me down. The end results? Just like my vision!

And who can forget my last-minute petal toss cone DIY project?

& our programs.

Our Tears of Joy packets

& just like that, it was time for the ceremony to begin. Our ushers were scheduled to start walking the grandmothers down the aisle. Unfortunately my grandmother was not there yet-having left Alabama late-so we had to start without her. Nevertheless, Mister Mr.'s grandmother-who is a riot-made her way down the aisle!

& then it was time for our parents!

My godson walked my mother down the aisle while my father waited with me in the bridal suite! Isn't it funny how short my mother is? My godson is taller than her and he's 12!

Mommy was super excited!

Finally the guys made their way out-in such a cool GQ way- towards the altar.

I love this picture of Mister Mr. he looks so excited!

& then my bridal party began their walk down the aisle!

I think Super MOH, K, broke down mid-way...

& our precious flowergirls came down to plenty of "oohs" and "aahs"!

Finally...everyone was in place & I got the word that it was time. 17 months, plenty of tears and ideas later...I was bout to walk down the aisle to my man.

My song came on and I made daddy wait until I walked out to the exact part I always envisioned walking out to. Hey...you only get married once, right?

Mister Mr. told himself that he was not going to look at my while I walked down the aisle-so he wouldn't risk crying-but he says as soon as my uncle (who married us) said "Oh man" after seeing me, he had to look! I'm so glad he did because his reaction was priceless. Me, on the other hand, I wanted to take each & every moment in. I choked up a few times but it was a great feeling...

When Mister Mr. finally DID look my way...this was his reaction (the mild version)...

& he cried...it was touching and very unexpected.

Look how tightly I'm clutching my daddy...lol!

The funniest thing...one of the coordinators told my dad it was customary to respond "We do/Her mother & I do." to the question 'Who gives this woman away." Well...at the rehearsal he obliged and said "Her mother & I." But not without a little playful teasing! At the wedding we were all waiting to see what he'd say-which is why I'm looking the way I am. For those who care, he said "I do!". I *heart* my daddy!

& we started our wedding ceremony!

My mother-in-law did the first part of our hand ceremony.

& my mother did the second part of the hand ceremony.

My aunt recited the "Union" poem

I was so happy we decided to write our own vows. It was something Mister Mr. fought in the beginning but, after a while, he really got into it. To say that he did a great job would be an understatement. Seriously. He did SUCH a phenomenal job I can't even begin to describe it.

Then it was my turn...my hands were shaking!

My girls were cry babies...

Mister Mr.'s cousin recited a poem while we did our sand ceremony.

Before I knew it...my Uncle was saying "You may kiss your bride!" I hadn't even realized we were almost done! It flew by!

I had to help Mister Mr. out with the veil...lol!

Pronounced as man & wife...

OMG! Honestly, I forgot that I had the petal toss cones. It wasn't until a clump of rose petals hit my face-on the run back up the aisle-that I remembered. My faces are hysterical!

As we made our way back up the aisle, our guests started to enjoy the cocktail hour! I was so jealous we didn't even get a pinch of the food, but at least our guests enjoyed, right? :/ LOL!

All of us (the bridal party included) rushed outside to get some of our posed formal shots before we lost light. I don't think I've laughed so much in my LIFE! My friends seperately are hysterical but together...my goodness...a riot!

I remember looking over at Mister. Mr and saying "I'm your wife, babe!" and he smiled and said "Yep, and I'm your husband!" and we giggled. The moment is one I'll always remember!

Up Next: Formal Shots & Reception

Patience Young Grasshoppers!

2010-04-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

The recaps are coming. {I swear!}. A load of wonderful things have been happening (new job, new ventures, lots of creativity & freelancing) and, well, let's just say I barely have time to think about having extra time.

But it's a good thing.

I'll come back sometime this week with the ceremony recap!

Patience young grasshoppas!

CIAO

E.M.T.

{Wedding Recap} Pre-Ceremony

2010-04-05T07:03:00.001-07:00

So as my girls & I loaded up things and prepared to head over to the venue (where I would get dressed), the guys were already there preparing to take their pre-ceremony formal photos. The thing with our venue was I continuously had to shuffle the guys around in my timeline so that we'd all avoid bumping into each other. So when we'd be in the "bridal suite", they'd be in the reception area or on the front porch. It was time consuming, but that timeline LITERALLY saved us tons of stress & worry!

So the guys arrived to the venue and got ready for their formal photos!

DH was seriously excited, right?

Best Man "M" was tickled..

FI made the genius decision-two nights before the wedding-to purchase Aviator sunglasses for all of his guys for pictures. It's one part of the planning I wont (and can't) take credit for. I LOVED how these shots came out with the sunglasses! So GQ!

By the time we arrived to the venue, the guys were finishing up and were placed in the reception area to sit & wait it out. Before I left the "bridal suite" to take my formal photos, the guys moved from the reception area to the "bridal suite" so they couldn't see us at all.

As we arrived to the venue all of my girls really sprang into action & started unloading things super-quickly. So as I'm preparing to get dressed, BM "L" bursts in the door and has tears streaming down her face. No...seriously. Tears.Down.Her.Face.

My reaction?

I was thinking (and saying out loud) "WTF is wrong?"

BM "L", who is an AVID reader of my blog, told me that she'd gone into the reception area and saw everything put together and just lost it. She kept saying "Everything is so beautiful. It's just so beautiful..." Most people think that no one cares about your wedding the way you do, my girls, family & friends were SUPER into my wedding as evidenced by BM "L". That will be one memory that will forever stick in my mind! :)

Luckily, my Make-up Artist Danielle was there to hook her back up!

I only wanted my MOHs and my mom in the room with me dressing, so the rest of the girls primped in the bathroom & waited in the hallway until I was done.

After I finished dressing, I headed to the restroom where every one of my girls was doing last minute touch-ups! Of course, I had to join in! :)

Then it was time to head out to take our formal photos.

While we were photo'd the guys relaxed in the "bridal suite"!

& just like that our formal photos were done (I'll post more later, I'm being super lazy today). Here's the funny/aggravating part...as we were headed back to the "bridal suite" the guys were being ushered back to the reception area to sit & wait. As we rounded the corner to the back entrance of the "bridal suite" who do we see? None other than a group of DH's family members. I know, I know...I shouldn't care about them seeing me before the ceremony but I did. My girls were asking them to "MOVE!" at first and they stood still like Deers in headlights. So it got a little more aggressive to "Y'all gotta MOVE now!" but the people just stood still. Finally the coordinators came and wrangled them and moved them to their seats. It was SO funny because my MOHs both took off their pashmina scarves and held them over me (like the celebrities do when they don't want to be seen) and we tried scrambling to the suite. Sadly, by the time we got to the stairs the group of people were leaving & the scarves were flowing in the wind (and not on me)! Fun times, though!

We made it back into the suite safely and sat & waited...

& Prayed...

The guys waited in the reception area for their cue. These clowns definitely had a good time!

Even though my grandmother had still not arrived at 5:00pm, I was ready to start. I was getting super anxious and just wanted to stick to our schedule. DH, the Best Men and the pastor (my Uncle!!) waited on the side of the porch-out of view from our guests-while I stayed in the bridal suite.

Sorry for the boobage shot, clearly losing weight (unintentionally) a week before the wedding sucked!

I watched as my girls lined up and finally I heard their music...my daddy came back and sat with me and I couldn't sit still. The time was finally here. I was getting married.

And all I could think was "Crap, I've got to pee & I know my daddy isn't going to hold my dress up!" LMAO! Needless to say, I ended up pacing the hallways until I heard someone say

"It's time!"

Up Next: The Ceremony

Happy Anniversary, Babe!

2010-04-05T05:35:00.000-07:00

One month ago I married the man God made for me.

It seems like yesterday we started dating and now I have his last name.

So in honor of today, enjoy one of my favorite pictures from our wedding!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Wedding Items For Sale!

2010-04-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

I've finally reached my breaking point! I want all of this wedding clutter out of my house!

Please help me {bats eyes}!!

Visit my Wedding Items 4 U Site & see if anything catches your eye!

I will be adding items daily!

http://weddingitems4u.weebly.com/

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

{Wedding Recap} Day of Guys Prep

2010-04-02T07:52:00.001-07:00

Of course, I was not in attendance while the guys got ready but from talking to DH...they had an absolute blast. He told me later that day that his cheeks were hurting from laughing so much. EVERY single one of his groomsmen and best men are nuts, so I knew he wasn't exaggerating!

Here's a quick recap w/ non-pro pictures of what they did that morning!

Of course, the guys got ready:

DH rub-a-dub-dubbed (don't ask, 'cause I don't know)

The Best Men got him right...

& The guys sat around & waited...

Now...let's pick up where we left off! :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BM "L" headed over to the guys hotel to deliver DH his wedding day gifts from me. Yes, I said GIFTS (plural). It wasn't that I was trying to spend tons of money but I wanted to make sure DH received things he wanted but would never, ever splurge on for himself: authentic Ralph Lauren gear (not things you can get in the store!).

I told BM "L" that there was a specific order everything had to go in (Type A) and I'm so glad she listened!

First, there was the card. I L-O-V-E-D the card I gave him & hoped he would too.

Yep. I think he liked it. The front of the card was a picture of President & First Lady Obama dancing on the night of the Inauguration. I believe the front said something like "Together, we can change the world." Regardless what your political beliefs are, there's no denying how empowering & beautiful the President & The First Lady's relationship is. I loved how symbolic it was in so many ways.

I'm a writer. Don't judge me on my long paragraph, yo!

The funniest thing ever...my mestie (male bestie) "S" is a riot. He's one of the biggest DJs in our area and has appeared on BET's "Rap City" and is something like a big deal. With all of his accolades, you'd think he was some snooty guy. Pssshhh....anything but the truth. "S" was the clown of the entire day, from what I hear. He appointed himself as DH's personal "wipe-me-down" person (in case of tears or sweat). LMAO! The guys all had bets on how long it'd take before DH cried...so they kept poking fun at him!

S saying: "Don't cry, Marv!"

After my mestie wiped his "tears" it was ready for gift #1. I wonder what it is...

Somebody saw Ralph Lauren & had a moment (DH LOVES Ralph Lauren)...

Mestie "S" acting as the "wipe-me-down" person. Gooooof balls!

Next it was time for gift #2. Wonder what it is...

Think he liked it?

Like a kid in a candy store...

Then it was time for the grand finale...gift #3. The Boudoir Pics.

DH's facial expressions are priceless.

See that guy behind DH with his back turned? That's my brother. He told me later how awkward it was to be standing over DH while he looked at those pictures. Yep, that's why his back is turned. Hilarious!

It's pretty safe to say DH liked all of his gifts. After the wedding he told me his favorite gift "by far" was the b-pics. Swwweeeeet! :)

After they were done looking through gifts, DH and the guys posed for a few pictures.

DH and his three brothers. I love them!

All the guys...

Then it was off to the venue. My timeline had the guys going to take their formal pictures first, so they had to scurry out there & get that done. While they were on their way to the venue, I was getting myself ready to make the trip out there.

I could not wait to see my man!

Up Next: Pre-Ceremony Formals

{Wedding Recap} Girls Day of Prep

2010-03-30T07:16:00.001-07:00

The morning of the wedding I woke up at 7AM and had breakfast with my parents. It was an added bonus that we could stumble out of bed-with slob, ugg boots and our PJs-and enjoy a very filling breakfast right in our own hotel. SCORE!

After we finished eating mom & I raced to the venue to do some last minute straightening up (i.e. Type A personality crap that my soul thrives on). I shouldn't have enjoyed it but I honestly did enjoy chopping up lemons for my pre-ceremony drinks and dumping them in their containers. Mom saw it and said "That's so cute!" SCORE X 2.

After we left the venue we headed over to Tasty Pastry Bakery (say that 3x fast, yo!) and picked up DH's groom cake. I refused to pay $30 to have someone deliver a cake 10 minutes away; since we had a huge fridge in our suite I decided to store it there before we left for the ceremony. It actually worked out perfect.

My girls had call times starting at 8:00AM to start getting their make-up done and my MOHs were supervising it all (they rocked)! By the time I returned around 10:00AM 3 girls had already been done. A few minutes before I walked back into the suite I got an email from my videographer telling me that she wasn't sure if she'd be there the day of the wedding.

Yes. The day of. HOURS before the start of my wedding.

I took it like any Type-A bride would take it & started freaking out. All my planning, all my coordination & this is what it got me. The videographer, who had a sick son, was supposed be arriving in Tallahassee only hours later and she was still in Tampa (4 hours away) with a sick son. Back & forth calls & emails were exchanged and it did NOT get pretty...but after a few minutes I realized "God's got it" and stressing would get me nowhere. Still, I cringed on the inside realizing I wouldn't have my prized wedding video. The videographer offered to send a local videographer but I didn't know him or his work & was reluctant...but what did I have to lose? I put on a brave face & didn't even let my girls know there was an issue.

My photographer, Ron Ranew, showed up early and starting taking detailed shots of our dresses.

I was so glad I'd purchased those "pretty" hangers. A $10 investment that was totally worth it.

My DIY hoodie in effect! Woot! Woot!

My make-up artist, Danielle, was-without a doubt-the BEST! She went above & beyond what any make-up artist would've done. She was genuinely involved in our wedding & did a fabulous job making my girls over! I was so glad Ron captured this time...

Some people enjoyed the make-up more than others...case in point? BM "L". She's a loon.

FG Kendyll watched as everyone got dutied up!

We had plenty (and I mean plenty) of bottles poppin'. I gave my girls these mini bottles of champagne in their BM gift bags & darn it if we didn't pop them immediately! They were delish!

Before I knew it, it was time to start on my hair. If there's one person I trust with my hair, it's my aunt Kaye. Nope, I didn't have a trial with her, we simply ran with it on the day of the wedding & my hair turned out better than I envisioned! Simplified Chic!

With BM "J" there's no telling what that face was about...

See that tattoo on my wrist? Yes, it's the only one I have and it's in honor of my deceased first-cousin Jamie (remember I did memory bouquet charms for him to be used on my bouquet?). My cousin and bridesmaid "N" is Jamie's sister & as my something "borrowed"' she gave me her necklace, with an engraved picture of her and Jamie on it, to wear on the wedding. The cool things is "N" wore this same necklace on her own wedding day (stuffed in her bra) so it was super sentimental.

BM "L" got my Aunt Kaye to curl her hair as I rushed to shower.

Before I knew it all the girls were screaming that Best Man "M" was there with a gift for me. I threw my clothes back on and giddily rushed out!

It's no telling what I asked him probably "What's in here...boy?"

I sat down as everyone gathered around and began reading the card. It was VERY emotional and touching & I def. got choked up.

DH got me a two part gift. One was a glass filled with my favorite candy-Starburst-that had my new last initial on it. The second was a brand new digital camera! Sweeeeet!

Then it was time for a food run. BMs "L" and "F" were gracious enough to pick it up & MOH "T" picked up the tab! Wooo & the subs, chips & wine hit the S-P-O-T!

Finally, it was time for Danielle to work her magic on me!

Make-up time didn't stop me from handling business via my trusty Blackberry.

I heart a squeal at the door and looked to see my mom tearing up & grinning widely! Who was that?

My {favorite} Auntie Sue!

As our 2:30 pull out time approached to leave the hotel for the venue (where I would be getting dressed) my girls scurried off to get ready in their suites & BM "L" gathered all of DH's gifts and began her journey to his hotel (which was 2 seconds away-walking distance) to give them to him & get his reaction!

Me? Well...I was in the room with my make-up artist, my Blackberry, my thoughts & a glass of wine. Time was winding down and I was getting anxious.

I wondered to myself what DH and his guys had been up to and if he was feeling the same anxiousness as me!

Up Next: Guys Day of Prep

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

{Wedding Recap} The Day Before...

2010-03-26T08:01:00.001-07:00

How can I explain how much fun I had during our entire wedding weekend? Honestly, I don't think I can put it into words. I had all of my best gals & guys there and some of the BEST laughter ever! The funny thing with my family/friends is we can make just about ANYTHING funny/fun/hysterical, so I knew we'd have a great time...I just didn't know how MUCH of a great time!

Our entire weekend-with the exception of the wedding day-I stressed for everyone to be

C-H-I-L-L. What's the fun in everyone being gussied up (grandma's word, not mine) and feeling uncomfortable? So our rehearsal & rehearsal dinner were totally laid-back...just like us! :)

Enjoy the recap!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The day before the wedding I scheduled a pampering session for me and my girls. Only 6 of them could make it, but we had a BLAST. The girls enjoyed pedicures (chocolate pedi's, at that!) and manicures while others got the trendy MINX nails! The best part? Champagne/Wine/Mixed Drinks on the house! Yesssss!

Wanna hear something funny? I had a job interview on the day before my wedding. YES! I sprinted from the nail salon to my job interview. I was one tired diva by the end of the day but with my girls screaming out "You'll do great" and "Good Luck!" I had all the energy I needed!

After my interview, I called BM "L" and found out that they were at Forever 21 and there was a big sale going on so what do I do? I ran to the mall to join them and try on cutesy clothes! The rehearsal was due to start at 3pm and I had to also pick up our rentals at 2pm. I had time to spare and boy was it time well spent! I picked up the cutest little skirt that I can't wait to wear on date night with DH...but I digress.

When all of us (read: my girls & I) arrived to the venue at 3:00, the guys were nowhere to be found. So we did a LOT of this:

And this:

To the guys: "Where are y'all?!"

Finally...30 minutes AFTER we were supposed to start, people started arriving. I was NOT a happy camper with everyone being late but...eh...what can you do? I had my family/girls there to keep cracking jokes & keep my mind occupied. When people started rolling in, my coordinators immediately started the rehearsal!

I LOVE my little brother-in-law & was sooo happy to see him!

Getting everyone in order wasn't too hard since I'd already decided who would be paired with whom...so everyone started their journey down the aisle!

My best-friend Jason & BM "E"

BIL Javaris & BM "F"

My MESTIE Sean & BM "L"

My little BIL (standing in for Groomsman Xavier) & BM "J"

My brother Council & BM "N"

We called MOH "K" "Super MOH" all weekend. She was trying to hijack all the MOH responsibilities from MOH "T". LOL! Sooo cute!

Super MOH "K" and Best-Man Melton

MOH "T" and BIL/Best Man "E"

While we rehearsed, the mothers practiced their parts in the ceremony.

I know some people (including my mother) think it's bad luck to have the bride walk during her rehearsal, but I don't really believe or participate in superstitions. Eh...just not my thing. So I actually walked down the aisle during my rehearsal...sue me! It was fun & really calmed my nerves on what to expect.

Yep, I was sticking my tongue out at DH. Hehehehe!

Our shades were that HOTNESS!

So were BM "F"'s!!

During the rehearsal-when they weren't needed-a couple of the bridal party members tossed around the football! My dad being a retired NFL player couldn't resist & neither could our Flower Girl, Kendyll & my godson/usher Tay!

A few more candids from the rehearsal!

LOVE this shot!

See that folder in my hand? Yes, it kept me UTTERLY and AMAZINGLY organized all weekend. It had just about every possible thing related to my wedding stuffed in it. Agendas? Yep. Itineraries? Yep. Vendor contact information? Yep. Receipts? Yep. Vows? You betcha. I was on top of everything because of that folder.

After the rehearsal my MOHs and Best Men stayed and helped us get the venue partially ready for tomorrow. We really just set up tables and helped out coordinators figure out where everything would go. The MOHs were ironing runners & tablecloths & the Best Men were using their muscles to set up tables! They were SUPERB & I couldn't have asked for a better team!

After setting things up we all rushed back to the hotel to get ready. The rehearsal dinner started at 7 and-Yep- it was ALREADY after 7 (and I hate being late). I was (again) not too happy that everyone was running late but everything ran according to schedule and worked out! Let's just say that visits to CVS were strictly prohibited by BM "L" because of BM "E". LOL!

Our rehearsal dinner was in a historic mansion and I loved all the antique detailing. My mother prepared a pasta bar-with crab shala, chicken alfredo, turkey marinara and beef marinara sauces to choose from-with garlic bread, salad and MIL brought a key lime cake from Atlanta.

I gave my girls their gifts & DH did the same to his guys! My girls LOVED their bags & I even caught them carrying them for the remainder of the weekend- how cool!

Super MOH "K" got teary-eyed!

Cutie-Patootie Flower Girl Taeler was such a doll!

My mom cried when I gave her, her shirt and handkerchief!

And yes...we ate good! Nope! I did not starve myself the night before! In hindsight I should've eaten more!!! Lol!

After the dinner was over DH and I parted ways; he started getting teary-eyed. This coming from the guy who said he would "definitely" not cry at the wedding. Riiight. It was emotional-in a way I can't explain-but I was more anxious than anything to get to the hotel and go to bed! As soon as we got to the hotel, I showered, watched a little TV, blogged and closed my eyes and prepared to dream about my wedding day.

What a dream!

Up Next: The Wedding Preparations!

{Recap 1} Pre Pre Wedding Day...

2010-03-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally decided to leave the cave and start my recaps.

*sigh*

I will start slow & then bombard you with thousands or pictures, mkay? Well...it started on Tuesday (2 days before the wedding). Mister Mr. and I moved everything from our "wedding room" into the living room. Whew. Talk about a freakin' workout. I also finished up some last minute tid-bits & made sure all of my DIY projects were lined up and in their appropriate bins (Type A, anyone) before retreating to bed. Luckily, I had taken off Wednesday because, honestly, I have no idea how I would've made it without having 2 days off before the wedding.

Wednesday morning I headed over to my hairdresser's to get my extensions installed. I'll tell you this I paid premium $$ for my extensions & was extremely happy with how natural it looked. The one thing I didn't want to happen was my hair to look like "baby doll" hair.

Here I am shortly after leaving the salon

Believe it or not, the few hours I spent in the salon was just the relaxation I needed because it seemed as soon as I left, everyone started calling.

I rushed to our host hotels (we had 3) and dropped the OOT bags off to all of them. I was kind of sad to see them go but...like proud parent...I had to let them go! LOL! Mister Mr. and I also checked into his hotel room and checked it out! We stayed at different hotels (though right next door) so it was nice to see where he'd be getting ready.

My MOH "K" came into town that afternoon & so I met up with her for a quick lunch-where we went over a few details & things that still needed to be done-and then ran to Sam's (for rehearsal dinner needs) and then to Party City where we met up with Mister Mr. and Best Man "M". If you can believe it...it was DARK by that time and I was wondering where the {flip} the time had gone.

"K" and I headed back to the house while Mister Mr. and "M" tailed us. The guys did a trial run on the cupcake stand while we looked on and laughed! Finally, my parents came into town and MOH "K" and I had to rush to the other side of town to greet them. My mom and godson needed to go to Wal-Mart so we made the trip out there and aimlessly walked the aisles. Finally, I retreated back home to find Mister Mr. and "M" had successfully put together the cupcake stand and Mister Mr. was quietly sleep on the couch. *awwwww*

Because I would be checking into the hotel the next afternoon-and would have a crap-load of things to do-I packed my suitcase up with my pre-wedding and wedding-day needs. I couldn't believe my day was right around the corner. I was SO geeked!

Before I went to bed that night I said my prayers & closed my eyes; but I couldn't really sleep. I was too focused on tomorrow & Friday...

Next Up: Pre-Wedding Day/Rehearsal

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Back to life...

2010-03-16T07:13:00.001-07:00

I miss Jamaica, Mon. :(

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

The PROS are in!

2010-03-13T15:08:00.001-08:00

Thank the bridal gods for speedy/wonderful vendors...in this case photographers.

I can't stress just how much I LOVED our photographer, Ron Ranew...he was on time (in fact, early), stayed until the very end and he captured just about every shot I'd wanted! Did I also mention that he was VERY, VERY reasonable (under $1k, yo!) , added on a 2nd shooter for us at no additional charge AND had all of our pros done within a WEEK?! I would highly recommend Ron to ANY bride who wants their day captured right! :) But...enough of that I'll be doing a FULL vendor review later!

*sigh*

So happy I can finally start doing a proper recap...but in the meantime, enjoy these teasers! We had over 3000 pictures so...yeah, it'll take time to go through!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

{A LOT} more Non-Pros!!

2010-03-10T18:50:00.001-08:00

Yes, Yes...we're on our honeymoon & I'm still blogging. Eh...blame technology! :)

My brothers-in-law & friends have all come through with some banging pictures & I just had to share! We should have our pictures by Saturday {can you believe the quick turn-around?!} so I'll post the Pros soon!

Enjoy!

My hubby & his guys! :) Don't they look great?!?!

My unbelievable bouquet...courtesy of Posh Stems. By far, they were my favorite & most hardworking vendors. They served as my florist & coordinators (although they don't coordinate on a regular basis due to their focus being on the floral side) and they were PHENOMENAL! I gave the owners, Tashi & Tangy free reign over the bouquet...as long as it was full & white! I loved it!

The seating chart that kept me up MANY 'a night!

Our high centerpieces...LOVED them! :)

& our low centerpieces...a vision realized!

My youngest brother-in-law walking guests in!

My girls...

My daddy & I walking out...I think I was watching my feet so I wouldn't trip & my daddy was asking a question! Lol!

My daddy & I again...believe it or not I didn't cry like a baby...it was more of a "holding back of tears".

Being introduced as Mr. & Mrs.

That's all for now, folks...hold tight; there's more where that came from! :)

As the Jamaicans say (where we're honeymooning) yah, mon...no worries!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

A few {NON-PRO} teasers...

2010-03-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

Just a little something to tide us all over...thanks to my Black Butterfly Bridesmaid, "L" for coming through with pics so quickly!!!!

CIAO

Mrs. Thompson {EEEEHHH!!!}

This is a bride in the aftermath...

2010-03-07T08:53:00.000-08:00

I'm MARRIED & officially Mrs. Thompson!

WOOOO-HOOO!!!

Now excuse me while I become aquainted with my pillow. I'm SO exhausted but extremely blessed to have as many family & friends as I do here surrounding me and my husband {!!!!}!

In short...we had a BEAUTIFUL, UNBELIEVABLY PERFECT day & I couldn't have asked for more. Ladies...stay true to your vision & your budget and anything is possible. My wedding was WELL under $10K but I was told by practically every guest that it was one of THE best weddings they'd ever attended because it had our stamp & originality on it!

Mister Mr. says "Hello" to everyone :)

I'll be back shortly with a recap and plenty of pictures!!!

Ciao

Ebonee Thompson {!!!}

TODAY IS MY WEDDING DAY!!!

2010-03-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? Seriously? We began planning for our wedding 17 months, a lay-off, various drama & countless tears ago. But through God, faith, prayer & support we're here...I'm sitting in my hotel room anxiously awaiting for the sun to come up so I can begin the festivities! We are going to PAAAAARRRRRTTTAAAAY! I'm so excited for our guests to see the blood, sweat and tears of our personalized (anti-cookie-cutter) wedding!

Can I just tell you all how absolutely fabulous {most of} my bridal party has been? And Tangy & Tashi at Posh Stems? I am beyond blessed.

The videographer & photographer will begin shooting in the morning, the make-up artist will be here extra early and the caterer will be on-site tomorrow morning/afternoon as well.

*sigh* I need to force myself to sleep...

Think happy thoughts gals! :)

I'll be a Mrs. next time you read a blog!!! Yay!

Night, night!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

OMG! Free Beer!

2010-03-01T13:06:00.001-08:00

I'm SO geeked!

FI and I were planning on getting a keg for the wedding-easy to use & our bartender is great with them, plus it's cheap. FI planned on picking one up Thursday evening and cooling it at our venue overnight.

Fast-forward to today...my office recently had a swanky event where they over purchased beer. Today I walked into the executive assistants office to ask a question, where I spot the beer. Offhandedly I ask "What are y'all going to do with all that beer?"

She says "Take it! Take it all, if you want it!"

WHAT?!!!! Seriously?

So I have 3 boxes full of beer bottles waiting to go home and be used at our wedding. I'm not a big beer person so I've never tasted this kind but...hey...it's FREE! I've learned from some of my bride buddies that this beer is VERY expensive & a great score (SWWEEEET!)!

Here's the beer!

That's one LESS expense!

AMAZING!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

7 Days!

2010-02-26T12:31:00.001-08:00

Until I'm a Mrs.!

CIAO

E.M.

Meet my Girls...

2010-02-24T11:30:00.000-08:00

I don't think I've ever properly introduced you to my bridal party, have I?

I'm sooooo rude! Now, I'd like to introduce you to my girls, my posse, my crew...my entourage!

***Maids of Honor***

"K"

K & I met in undergrad in college & became quick friends/sisters/BFFs! She is totally awesome at seeing the positive in everything & I love her innocent side...(notice I said side, right? Lol!).

"L"

L & I met in high school (sophomore year, I believe) and we automatically clicked. L has been one of the most consistent friends I've had since high school & is an honorary member of my family. Yes, my parents call her their "daughter" as well. lol!

***Bridesmaids***

"L"

Bridesmaid "L" and I met through our community service organization; while we weren't immediate sister-girls, a few years later our paths crossed & everything just fell into place. She is my realist & my dose of hysterical laughter.

"N"

"N" is my older cousin, who I always looked up to. Growing up she had the cool car, clothes & boyfriends & I totally wanted to be her when I grew up! Now she's a wonderful educator, wife & mother!

"F"

"F" and I met through MOH "K". Initially, we were only friends because of "K", but pretty soon I began to see how "down" she was for all of her friends & what an awesome woman she was! "F" will always give it to you "straight w/ no chaser"!

"J"

I met "J" when she auditioned to be on a radio station I was managing. She had spunk, sarcasm & was very loyal...all three of those things allowed us to click. We've gone through our rough patches but she's always stayed loyal to our friendship!

"E"-

Growing up, you couldn't see me without her or her without me. We were THAT inseparable. Seriously. She's a very laid-back, funny young woman with dreams bigger than you can imagine. She is a dancer, actress, singer, model...everything- she's going to conquer it!

***Flower Girls***

Kendyll-

My baby cousin (bridesmaid "N" is her mother) whom I adore & love dearly. She actually thinks she's marrying Mister Mr., so interesting times are definitely to be had!

Taeler-

Mister Mr.s baby cousin, who is a riot! I had a chance to spend time with her a few months ago and fell in LOVE! She is a hoot & and I can't wait to see her and Kendyll in action!

***Hostess***

"A"

"A" and I became friends after she started dating my BFF, Jason (he's a groomsman). Initially I didn't like her...even though I had never met her! Lol! She and I finally realized that we both love Jason & had to be civilized for him. That led to a very, very close friendship that I wouldn't trade for ANYTHING. I am so glad to made a great friend!

So there's my gals...Can't wait to share a recap with pictures of them in their dresses! :)

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Dude, Wear my shirt...

2010-02-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

I got the *bright* idea a few months ago to get the ladies in my bridal party shirts to wear on the day of the wedding, while everyone is getting ready.

I wasn't going to pay $10, $15 or $20+ for 1 shirt. No way, jose.

I love my girls, but I love my sanity a *tad* bit more.

So, I set out to find some iron-on graphics that was perfect for each gal. I got them in earlier this week & immediately got to ironing! Fun stuff!

{side note: I don't think I'll ever be able to thank "Friends", "The Office" and 'The Game" for keeping me company during countless DIY projects!}

Here are the finished shirts:

My Bridal Party...yep, Imma rockstar!

I don't think I've ever introduced you to my lovely, sweetie-pie, {favorite person} hostess, "A", have I? Well, feast your eyes on this beauty!

{Side story: I LOVE "A". She & I started out on bad terms & quickly became great girlfriends...}

Here's her shirt:

And the mothers:

And the smallest divas of the day: the flower girls!

I'm going to include their shirts inside of their gift bags...and I can't wait to see them with them on!

The best part of it all? For everything I spent well under $30.00 (for 12 shirts & iron-ons).

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Lemme see you toss it up...

2010-02-24T06:33:00.000-08:00

Petals, that is.

With Mister Mr. and I having an outdoor wedding, the possibility of having petal toss cones had always been in the back of my mind. Why, oh why, couldn't it have stayed at the back or {at least} come to the front eh...3 months ago?

Nevertheless, I buckled down and created 40 petal toss cones. My rationale behind the number? Well, there are men, children, women who don't like to throw petals and elderly who probably won't know what to do with them...so 40 felt like a safe number.

These were my inspiration:

I refused to pay big $$$ for petal toss cones (in anyway) so buying expensive cardstock was a negative for me and paying someone to do what I can do myself was another-you got it-negative!

So I do what I do best...I DIY'd them and found a way around the price-tag! :)

I started with a 10" pack of doilies from Michael's. They were out of 8" (what I would've preferred) so I settled on this. These were $1.99 a pack for 10. I purchased 7 (in case I messed up).

I laid a single doily out and folded it over.

Since I didn't want the bigger cones, I cut them down (you can always keep them bigger) by cutting the doily in half.

Then, I rolled the doily up and closed the front part with a "Love" sticker I found on clearance at Michael's.

And voila! I have my petal toss cones!

While I was in Michael's I also picked up some garden-like boxes they had on sale. I figured these would be really cute to house the petal toss cones & boy was I right!

I spray painted the boxes black and created a sign. I love keeping the signs all consistent!

Check it out:

Overall I'm very pleased with this project & how easy it was! Besides the ease of it, the entire project cost me UNDER $20 (including the garden boxes, doilies, stickers. Everything else I had at home!)!

I have one more DIY {planned} project left. I'm hoping I don't see any more inspirations...lol!

Are you having petal toss cones?

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

We're Licensed to Wed, Yo!

2010-02-24T05:45:00.000-08:00

9 More days.

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Getaway Vehicle: Booked!

2010-02-22T13:48:00.000-08:00

No, No...not the private plane...the Suburban. If I was baaalllliiin like that-to have a private plane as our getaway-would I reallllly not? :)

In order to conserve our budget we decided on a Black 2008 Suburban as our getaway vehicle versus the ULTRA expensive Rolls Royce. I think it looks really nice & reminds me of presidential vehicles!

Budget tip: If you're only looking to get a getaway vehicle, see about renting by the hour.

By renting by the hour, we're able to have a nice getaway vehicle and stay under $115.

Some people don't see the need in a getaway vehicle-heck, I was one of those people-but we wanted our ride to the hotel to be memorable and exciting & riding in a chauffeured vehicle is very out of the ordinary for us! We will have treated our guests to a great evening, why not treat ourselves to a great ride?

Are you having a getaway vehicle? If so, what is it?

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

A Glimpse inside our OOT bags!

2010-02-19T07:15:00.000-08:00

Last night Mister Mr., Sophie & I finished up our OOT bags.

Yes, Sophie-my loving yorkie-poo-helped complete the daunting {hahaha} task.

I honestly love our OOT bags. It was a small labor of love, but I'm sure our guests will *love* them! :)

Check them out:

Inside each we had:

1 packet T.G.I Friday's chips

2 Zephyrhills water bottles (made in FLA!)

1 packet of homemade Southern {virgin} brittle

1 "Welcome to Tallahassee" brochure

1 Tallahassee visitors guide

1 welcome poem

I decided not to do custom water bottle labels for a few reasons:

#1 because Zephyrhills water is sourced in Florida (one of the springs is less than 30 min. away). What better way to show off one of Florida's greatest qualities than to actually show it off?

#2 I didn't feel like making any labels.

*shrugs*

Our "Welcome to Tallahassee" label/bag closers.

Love, us!

Our welcome poem!

It reads:

"We've made a welcome bag, completely full of treats! We're both saying "Thank God It's Friday (March 5th)" so enjoy some chips from one of our favorite restaurants: T.G.I Friday's! If you're in the mood for something sweet, munch on homemade Southern virgin brittle (no nuts) for a treat. When your mouth gets dry and you need something to quench your thirst, reach for your bottles of water first! Lastly, be sure to venture out and see all that Tallahassee has & be sure to take your maps! It's just a small token full of love, hugs & kisses to thank you for the trip you've made to see the new Mr. & Mrs.

Love,

Marvin & Ebonee"

Our homemade Southern virgin brittle!

Yep, yep...we made it! And guess what? It cost NEXT TO NOTHING & we made it in our microwave. Can I tell you how delicious it is?!

I'll post the recipe later! :)

And Miss Sophie posing with the bags after they're all closed up & ready to go to the guests!

I'm very proud of the bags...because I've had people ask how much it costs to make OOT bags, I'll do my cost breakdown for everything!

Bags....$10.00 from Michael's (w/ a coupon)

Brochure....$0 (made/printed at home)

Tallahassee Visitors Guide.....$0 (FREEBIE!)

Brittle....$5.00 (for all ingredients)

Bags for Brittle....$0 (had at home)

T.G.I. Friday's Chips... $7.00 from Sam's Club (for 50)

"Welcome to Tallahassee" labels/bag closers....$0.00 (made/printed at home)

"Welcome" poem....$0.00 (made/printed at home)

Grand total.......$22.00 (for all 40 bags)

I think that's pretty {darn} good if I say so, myself! :)

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

A few pics from Shower #2

2010-02-17T05:45:00.000-08:00

Of course {as I mentioned yesterday} this was my office bridal shower. I had an absolute blast with the ladies and was so touched at their advice/wisdom AND their {lovely} gifts!

Check it out:

The layout of finger sandwiches, bean salad, chips & a cake! yummmy!

They served Red Velvet cake! OMG! My fave!

And they made me wear a tiara (gag!) but I was glad they didn't have a veil for me to wear, so I wore it in stride!

I have not laughed so hard in a while! Some of the advice the ladies gave me was priceless: For example, "always pee after sex, you'll never get a bladder infection!" LMAO!

They had delicious chutney and cheese, shrimp and cheese and mayo and cheese sandwiches, and a ridiculous bean salad that I couldn't stop munching on! But my favorite part? You guessed it...the wine! :)

The sweet woman who hosted it will send me more pictures later...these were all taken from my trusty {new} BlackBerry!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Tablecloths: The Silent Frustration!

2010-02-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

I tell you what...it's EASY to get confused when it comes to ordering linens for your wedding. Figuring out the size that's just right can drive any bride-to-be nutso.

Well, a friend of mine passed this information on to me when I started researching linen information and, as I prepare to make one last linen purchase, I pulled it out and figured I'd share!

{Note: The sizes reflect lengths that touch the ground (although some brides prefer shorter) to cover table legs.}

60" round table {8 people} - 120" round

72" round table {10 people} - 132" round

6 foot rectangular table - 90" x 132"

8 foot rectangular table - 90"x 156"

4 person low top or cafe table- 96" round

high top or high boy - 120" round to touch the ground

132" round if you're planning on tying a bow in the middle like this:

Hopefully this helps someone out!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Today: Shower #2

2010-02-16T05:34:00.000-08:00

I love this picture. I'm not sure why...but I think it's just too darn cute.

Today is my shower #2, being thrown by the ladies in my office. How sweeeeet, right? Honestly, I wasn't expecting an office shower but it's definitely always fun to have cake & gifts!

One of the kinder older women is "hosting" it, in our HUGE conference room and all of the ladies in the office are coming. Please ask me why I have butterflies in my tummy! I can stand being the center of attention among my close friends...but when it comes to work friends...well, I get a little "butterflies-in-the-tummy"-like.

*sigh*

I'll let you know how it goes today! ;)

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

{Sale Alert!} Haute Bride SAMPLE SALE!

2010-02-15T10:37:00.001-08:00

If you stalk Haute Bride like I do...then you'll need to jump on this sale {like} NOW!

For those who are unfamiliar with a sample sale, it's where you receive deeply discounted rates on products that were featured in magazines, ads and even bridal shows. A vast majority of the things have been worn {lightly} but not damaged! They have prices as low as 75% off some items. Yep...I'm eyeing a bracelet!

Click HERE to visit the sale site!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

My Wedding {Inspiration} Hair!

2010-02-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

I can picture it now...

{it's the day of the wedding and I'm running around trying to look calm amidst a flurry of questions and cameras flashing. I have a mountain of curls on top of my head and none of them have passed the memo to the other curl that they're supposed to be uniform. After 20 minutes of sweating profusely, the curls decided they'd much rather be frizz than curls and promptly unite to form a "Don King"-like do on top of my head. Due to timing, I'm forced to walk down the aisle with my best "come hither" face to Mister with my "Don King"-do scaring all of my guests away.}

Is that REALLY how I want my hair to be on the wedding? Heeeccck no.

Because I {can} sweat a lot when nervous (thanks, Dad!), I've been searching for styles that would hold up IF {and I'm stressing the "If"} I started to sweat on the wedding day.

My final decision? A cutie-pie look from recent newlywed The Game/Sister, Sister actress

Tia Mowry-Hardict.

Check it out:

Look! She even wore a drop-veil like mine! :)

It's simple & elegant and with the right earrings, it's *perfect*! Besides that, it looks like *me* (no, not Tia or Tamera....the hairstyle) and, above all else, I want to look like myself on the wedding {not like I'm playing dress-up}.

How are you wearing your hair on your wedding day?

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

FAMU couple wins "dream" wedding...

2010-02-15T06:33:00.001-08:00

I love my school! Congratulations to the happy couple!

FAMU alumnus Jasmine Harris and her fiancé Gabriel Sheffield, an Alabama A&M University graduate, are the winners of Essence Magazine’s “Will You Marry Me?” contest for 2010.

The couple met at an after work party. The two work in different divisions of Lockheed Martin’s Manasas Park, Virginia offices. They eventually became a couple and she soon accepted his engagement ring in front of Essence Magazine’s cameras in Destin, Fla.

According to Essence, Jasmine and Gabriel “will receive a wedding gown from My Fair Wedding's David Tutera's own line, $10,000 dollars to spend on their dream wedding, cakes courtesy of Amazing Wedding Cakes, wedding consultations with Diann Valentine, and an amazing honeymoon in Maui!”

For those of you NOT familiar, Essence magazine is one of THE largest and most popular magazines geared towards African-Americans. This is a HUGE contest and I'm so glad to have assisted with getting a couple their "dream" wedding (clearly I voted!)!

Thanks to Rattler Nation for the update!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

B-pic {teasers)!!

2010-02-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

Just a little something to share with my girlies!

Here are teasers from my b-pic session.

*Sigh*

I love them.

Special shout out to Studio Heart Photography for their FANTASTIC work!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

100 Yo!

2010-02-10T06:11:00.000-08:00

Shout out to all my ::faithful:: followers!

If you know anything about me, while following this blog, my goal was NEVER to have a gang of followers and be ::in:: with the {cool} wedding kids! :) I started blogging simply out of necessity...I needed to remember the things I loved/liked/hated and blogging was the best way for me to do that. Whodathunk that months later I'd have 100 people following me?

I {genuinely} appreciate you following my journey to the altar!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

P.S. Thanks to Bridesmaid "L" for calling me {late} last night to tell me I'd reached 100 followers. I guess I actually have 101 followers, since she reads daily but doesn't subscribe, eh? *ehem*

I'm here...sigh...

2010-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday and it's my first post of the week.

Sorry guys...I could say "The dog ate my computer" or "I *totally* forgot" but the real reason for the slow posts is, well, I'm just cranking projects out EH-VER-EE-DAY!

*It gets hard out here for a bride-to-be*

Any who, yesterday I finally got around to purchasing some bags for our OOT guest bags. Yeah, I put that sucker off until the last minute. I decided it would be waaaay cheaper for me to throw a color scheme to the wind & just pick up inexpensive bags at Michael's and call it a day. So instead of trying to find the perfect shade of turquoise, black or white, I settled on all pastel colors.

*shrugs*

They were on sale (with my coupon) and were the perfect size.

The bags below, posted by a Wedding Be e a while back are the EXACT bags I have!

I've already designed the label that will close the bags, I just need to get my roota-toota up and print them.

Check out what this bride packed in her OOT bags!

We'll stuff ours with:

Pamphlets about Tallahassee and Florida (thank goodness I worked in tourism and can get my hands on soooo many!)
Individual bags of pretzels
Southern peanut brittle from one of our favorite local shops
"Southern Comfort" coffee
2 mini bottles of water

Of course, we're doing 1 per room (to cut costs) and will only make bags for people who have booked rooms at our host hotels.

I'm going this weekend to purchase the water bottles and pretzels! I just cannot wait until these bad-boys are sealed like this:

Photos courtesy of Wedding Bee

Are you doing OOT bags? What are you putting in yours?

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Words to live by...

2010-02-05T06:54:00.000-08:00

Paid in Full {For the most part}

2010-02-05T06:38:00.000-08:00

Our wedding is paid.

Pagado.

Paye.

支払われます.

Pagato.

You get the picture, right? The wedding is P-A-I-D off!

Yesterday we paid off our florist/coordinator

Today our venue

Last month our photographer

Our DJ

Our Bartender

Our Videographer

Our rehearsal dinner venue

Now...we still owe on elements of the wedding but NONE of them are vendors! :)

I'm so excited I can't sit still! To think we went from freaking out about costs to being UNDER $400 left

(in rentals) is beyond a blessing.

Just had to share!

*Cue the Happy Dancing*

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

1 Month Countdown...

2010-02-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

Nope. It does NOT seems real that in 1 month exactly, I will be marrying my best-friend.

Yes. 1 {freaking} month.

Now I guess I should be following the sign above and freaking out but...honestly...I'm calm as all get-out. Why? I'm guessing it's because, well, I just don't feel like stressing out. I've done all the planning to the best of my ability and I think everything will fall in to place. Wait...don't think that I'm *done* planning or doing things, I'm just not AS on edge now. My mom & I have agreed that I need to get everything done by the end of February so I have nothing {at all} to do the week of the wedding; I like that.

So since I have 1 month until the big day here are my To-Do's left!

1. Work on seating chart

2. Finalize programs

3. Finish DIY sand ceremony frame

4. Clean up ceremony script

5. Prepare favor bags

6. Figure out grooms cake

7. Schedule Hair appointment

8. Order extensions (!)

9. Print seating signs (Mr. & Mrs.)

10. Order 5 Blue mason jars (!)

11. Re-string mason jars

12. Wrap bridal party/flower girls/hostess/parents gifts

13. Give music list to DJ/have final walk-thru with DJ

14. Order sparklers (maybe?)

15. Have 2nd dress fitting

16. Order get-away vehicle

17. Order 2nd b-pic book

18. Wrap Grooms gift

19. Type up vows

20. Do "I Do" vow cards

21. GET MARRIED!!!!

Time has flown like no body's business and while I try to stay calm, amidst all these minor {and not so minor} stresses, I'm remembering to breathe in & breathe out! :)

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Bag Lady...

2010-02-04T11:59:00.001-08:00

When I went home for lunch there was a {not so} mysterious package lurking on my door step (do you like how I set that up? Yeah, I've got skiiilllls. Lol!). I {not so} gently tore it open & was soooooo geeked when I saw it was my bridal party personalized bags.

First...let me rewind...I had planned on DIY the bags myself and had even completed them; but when I went to wash the bags (as another bride told me I should) the bags were ruined.

Yeah...seriously...ruined. I stared at the bags for about 30 minutes trying to figure how I could make the shredded, unread-able, smeared ink look work with my gals.

Nah, I knew that was a no-go.

Was I mad? Sure. Upset? You bet {I was on the brink of tears after working my butt off on the O.G. bags}. But the next day I realized I either needed to re-DIY the bags or find someone who could do {affordably} do them for me. Keeping in mind that I have 7 girls in my party and a teeeny-tiny budget (in comparison to most) I knew finding something decent and affordable would be a task. But...guess what? I found someone! {squeal}

Monogrammed Bags 'N More

is an eBay seller that lets you pick your own colors, font and style aaaannnnd she's inexpensive as all get out. I definitely recommend her if you're in the market for inexpensive {yet chic} bags for your girls.

Here is one bag {all of the girls' bags are different}:

And know what's cool? They're REALLY sturdy (something my cheap O.G. bags weren't) and very roomy. For all 7 bags I paid UNDER $50.00 (incl. shipping)!

After pouring my blood {not really}, sweat {eh...not so much} and tears {ding! That's true} into the gifts for the girls, I hope they like/appreciate them! :)

Visit Monogrammed Bags 'N More store to check out her awesome bags!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Everybody loves honeymoon shopping {HUH}!

2010-02-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

Yeah...that {HUH} didn't really translate when I went to type it. Believe me...I was singing the song loudly and then {womp, womp} it didn't have the BAM! effect I wanted! :/

So with the wedding about a month out (on Friday it will officially be 28 days until the big day! Eek!) I've started getting all of my honeymoon attire together.

*SIGH* I love honeymoon shopping. Seriously, I do.

(*As a reminder...we will be spending 6 days in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in a Villa {with a Butler, at that} and I cannnnnoooot wait!)

Last week I purchased 4 summer maxi dresses, 1 baby doll short dress and 1 semi-dressy dress from Ross for a grand total of....{drum-roll} $70.00 Yeah, I rock.

Take a look (of course, mine are in different colors):

And I HAD to have some comfortable flat sandals.

(Ebay)

I will probably only take 2-3 pairs of flat sandals, 1 pair of tennis shoes and 1 all-purpose heel.

And I couldn't go on my honeymoon without some *banging* swimsuits, right? And even though I'm curvy-licious, I don't think I should be confined to swimsuits that were designed to HIDE and NOT flatter me.

So here are my swimsuits I purchased this week:

Avenue

Old Navy

And the swimsuit that stole my heart...and my breath...and will steal my $$ on Friday.

Monifc

I have so much lingerie from home & the bridal shower...that I may buy a few pieces but I'm not dropping big dough on anything. :)

I'm VERY pleased with my purchases and the deals I've found! I can't wait to wear all my outfits on the honeymoon! When {or If} I have a moment I'll take a picture of myself in everything!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Rehearsal Dress: PURCHASED!!!

2010-02-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

After looking high & low...I've finally purchased my wedding rehearsal dress!

Yay me!

I wish the model would stand up straight but...nevermind...it's gorgeous & it was on clearance!

Can anyone say $40 miracle?

SCORE!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Drink {In Style}!

2010-02-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

You know how excited I get when I *finally* purchase something I've had my eye on...yep! One of those days! :)

As you know I am having an outdoor wedding. In Florida. Yeah, bring on the thirst.

Because of this {among other reasons} I decided to serve our guests lemonade & iced tea during the pre-ceremony hoopla. I will set up a table where cups, the drink dispensers with the lemonade & iced tea and probably some plain napkins.

Up until a few weeks ago a former bride had promised me her Pottery Barn acrylic dispensers; however, that fell through and I quickly scrambled to find some replacement dispensers!

::Enter Bed Bath & Beyond::

Using a 20% coupon and gift cards, I was able to get a dispenser that's normally

$32 (w/tax) a piece down to a mere $10.00 a piece. Now that's what I call savings!

So in all...I spent $20.00 on TWO beautiful dispensers! I say when God removes someone/something out of the picture, he gives you something 10 times better! :)

Now, instead of borrowing someone else's dispenser, I have my OWN!

Here are pictures of the dispenser!

And in the store...

I will make a cute sign to go around each to let people know what type of drink it is {as if they couldn't tell by looking- but still....details, details, details}!

I *love* them dearly and can't wait to use them for the wedding & beyond!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

My Gocco napkins are IN!!

2010-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

My GOCCO napkins are in!!!

Yipeeee!

I worked with {FABULOUS} ETSY seller The Paper Hat (Molly) and could not recommend her any higher. By far, she is one of the best sellers I've encountered on ETSY. Very attentive, she actually listens to what you want and will do whatever it takes to make you happy! I love sellers like this!

So here they are! I decided on the black napkins with turquoise ink!

Check them out:

We have 6 fun facts and 400 napkins! (Woot!) I don't want to spoil all of the fun facts (because, believe it or not some of my bridesmaids/MOHs/guests actually read this blog) so I've only given you 1!

Mister Mr. and I adore these little gems.

If you're interested in Gocco napkins (or other Gocco items) and don't want to to bother with purchasing the machine {and ink and bulbs and...} then definitely visit The Paper Hat!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Guess What I did?

2010-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

I *finally* had my boudoir shoot!

*sigh*

I had been waiting on the right photographer, to have the right price at the right location. Late Friday night I received an email from a photographer to let me know they had 2 open slots in an upcoming boudoir marathon! I was SUPER geeked because the price was extremely low and reasonable, the photographers are one of my local *wish list* photographers and the hotel was one I had been stalking since it opened.

So Sunday afternoon I headed over to my wedding make-up artist, Danielle, (who, by the way, has become a great friend) and had her make me up to look like a....wait for it...black barbie doll. When she was finished I looked AMAZING!

This was after my lipstick was clearly off... :)

I should be getting the pictures back next week and as soon as I do I'll share {some of} them!

But to tide you over, let feast your eyes on the hotel I was privileged to shoot my boudoir pictures in!

Hotel Duval has only been opened a few months...so having the shoot done here was a DREAM!

Can't wait to show a teaser or two {or three} off...

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

It's DIY-licious!

2010-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Last night, while Mister Mr. and I watched {more like cackled at} American Idol, I worked on a few small DIY projects. You know, as I watch a co-worker of mine prepare to get married (the day after me no-less), I'm thankful that I've had 17 months to plan and DIY versus 3 months for her. Whew! I'd probably be crazy!

Anywho, I worked on our flower girl bags! I LOVE them! I purchased them on clearance from 'Things Remembered" for $5.00 each (woot!) and purchased an iron-on letter for $1.00 (each). Grand total for each bag? $6.00! LOVE it!

Check it out:

Then, after I was finished ironing and things, I pulled out my glassine bags and started on our favor mock-ups. When FI and I talked we really didn't want anything too too big or over the top (seeing how we're having a cupcake tower, free food, wine & dancing) so I found a way to stay "cutesy" and on budget!

Meet our {mini} favors:

Yes, they fit in the palm of your hand, they're delicious aaaannnnnd cute! :)

The bakery didn't have any {southern} sugar cookies, so I had to go for Chewy Chunky Raisin cookies. *hmph* Oh well, they were the perfect size AND the perfect price!

We will place one cookie at each place-setting (on top of their folded napkins) along with the photo-sharing cards! We're VERY, VERY excited!

What do you think?

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Great {Budget} Details...

2010-01-25T10:45:00.000-08:00

I've been a busy little beaver this past weekend. One of my BMs "L" was in town for her make-up trial with my {lovely} make-up artist, Danielle, and while she was here I decided to put her to work!

Yesterday we started working on the "Tears of Joy" packets. I'll be honest, I was NOT into doing "Tears of Joy" packets. I just felt "ugh, here's another project I don't NEED to do." But, alas, I did it and it rocked. Know what was better? The fact that it cost $5 for my entire

"Tears of Joy" packets project (see breakdown below)!

Take a look at our finished product:

And here they are in their comfortable basket home.

And 'cause I love making signs {*sarcastic grin*} I made one for my "Tears of Joy" packets.

It reads:

"Tears of Joy

Tears of Laughter

Tears of Happily Ever After"

Corny...but it works! :)

Then I finished working on our "reserved seating" signs for our parents! I love how they came out!

Mister Mr. said to give the fathers black ribbon so they would seem more "manly" and-surprisingly- I love the contrast.

Can you believe my "Tears of Joy" packets only cost me $5 to make?

Here's the cost breakdown:

Glassline bags.........already had at home (purchased 1000 for $12 a while ago)

Tissue.............$2 (for 20 packs of tissue)

Mailing labels.............$3.00

Grand Total........$5.00

Great projects & even better to cross things off of my list!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Rehearsal Dress Shopping!

2010-01-22T12:40:00.000-08:00

I never thought I'd say I was tired of shopping. Wellll....my thoughts were right! :)

Our rehearsal dinner will be nice & elegant, while still being low-key & anti-froo-froo. That being said, it's kind of hard to walk into a store, give that description to the salesperson and come out with anything worthwhile.

Here are a few choices for rehearsal dinner dresses!

What do you think?

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

I cry because I'm happy (and anxious)...

2010-01-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Feel free to judge me. {This is your one free pass}

Thursdays are my *absolute* favorite day of the week. Why? Well...

* It's one day before Friday

*"The Office" comes on

Hands-down, with no doubt in my mind, "The Office" is my favorite show on Earth. I've seen every episode, know every line & every, single {useless} facts about the characters.

I can watch & re-watch ANY episode and still feel like it's the first time.

Last night I was having a "The Office" crave and decided to look up one of my favorite episodes, when Jim & Pam got married. I knew that they'd taken the concept from a real wedding, but I'd never seen the actual video...last night I did!

Check it out:

And "The Office" version:

I *heart* John Krasinski. *le sigh*

Last night I got emotional watching "The Office" version. Maybe it's because we're almost a month out, maybe it's because I'm anxious or...maybe it's just because I love that show?

Feel free to judge.

Enjoy a piece of my heart ("The Office")!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Tomorrow is P.M.C. day!

2010-01-22T08:28:00.001-08:00

P.M.C. meaning "Pre-Marital Counseling"

(duh!)

Mister Mr. are spending all afternoon tomorrow at a pre-marital counseling workshop! My uncle is marrying us and giving us pre-marital counseling as well, but this workshop seems like so much fun, too!

It's called "Start Smart" and it's a local organization that puts it on. It's $25 per couple but you're fed breakfast AND lunch AND {wait for it} you receive a $31 discount off of your marriage license fees! Woot! Woot! There is a 50+ page booklet that each of us receives and-can you believe-Mister Mr. read his within a day of me giving it to him? LMAO! I have to read mine tonight! :(

We'll be getting the marriage license at the beginning of February, so we wanted to make sure we took advantage of the class and the discount!

I've heard nothing but great things about the program from a few of my engaged/newly married friends in town, so I can't wait!

If you're in Tallahassee and interested visit:

www.livethelife.org

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Tears of a Clown Pt. 2

2010-01-21T09:30:00.000-08:00

I received my handkerchief gifts, for my parents & Mister Mr.'s mother, in the mail last week! SO excited to show them off! (excuse the wedding DIY mess in the back)

I worked with seller A Bit of Alexandria by Frosty August and was VERY pleased with her!

My dad's says:

"Daddy,

Today I become Marvin's wife but I will always be your little girl."

Love, Ebonee 3.5.10

My mom's says:

"Mom,

Today I'm a bride, tomorrow a wife, forever a daughter."

Love, Ebonee 3.5.10

FMIL's says:

"Mama V,

Thank you for raising your son to be my prince charming."

Love, Ebonee 3.5.10

Mister Mr. said I'm being a "suck-up" and then sighed as he said "Man...I've gotta step my gift-game up, huh?"

*Uh...duh!* Lol

I can't wait to share these with my parents and FMIL! I know they'll be big hits!

The best part? I got all 3 hankies for UNDER $20.00. Yep, I love bargains!

Visit A Bit of Alexandria

for handkerchiefs and other great presents!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

We've booked: Our rehearsal dinner spot!

2010-01-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

Oh...it's love.

Meet the Brokaw-McDougall House, a Tallahassee historic building with plenty of southern charm and detail to last you a lifetime!

I LOVE historic buildings & the Brokaw-McDougall house has plenty...

"One of the finest remaining antebellum homes in Tallahassee is the Brokaw-McDougall House. When first built in or around 1856, it was on the outskirts of town. Members of the Brokaw and McDougall families lived in the house until it was sold to the State of Florida in 1973. The state made the house available for conferences, receptions, meeting space and special events. It also served as the headquarters of the Historic Tallahassee Preservation Board until May 1997. January 1998 the City of Tallahassee leased the house from the State of Florida for $1 a year and began operations and management of the facility. It continues to be used as a popular conference and event site.

Architecturally, the house is an outstanding Classical Revival building with strong Italianate influences. The formal gardens were laid out in the early 1850's prior to the construction of the main house. They were restored as a Bicentennial project of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs."

Mister Mr. and I are pretty confident that this is where we'll have our rehearsal dinner...SO excited!

Take a look at a few pictures of the beauty:

****Update: We've booked it for our rehearsal dinner! Woot! Woot!****

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

His one request...

2010-01-19T10:51:00.000-08:00

Mister Mr. has made very few requests in the wedding process. Don't get me wrong he has input, opinions & feedback, but there are very few things that he's said:

"This HAS to happen on the wedding day." about

(well, besides his Tigger Grooms cake-smh).

Except one thing. My wedding day scent.

When Mister Mr. and I first started dating in March 2006, I wore a particular perfume.

Mister Mr. & I 3 months into our relationship! :)

I bought the perfume on a whim & quickly it became my staple!! It was a cheap little brand but I think Mister Mr. must've gotten used to it because when I stopped using it

(I'm a Gemini...*eh*) he made simple hints that he wanted it back in rotation. For whatever reason, I just never purchased another bottle of the perfume.

Shortly after we were engaged, Mister Mr. turned to me and said:

Him: "Babe, you know what I want for the wedding?

Me: (side-eye)

Him: "Well, yeah but...that's not what I meant. You remember that perfume you used to wear when we first started dating?"

Me: "Yeaaaaahhhh...."

Him: "I want you to be wearing that on our wedding day. I want you to smell just like you did when we fell in love."

Oh I could've pounced on him right then & there. It's one thing for him to remember my perfume (and he knows it by name) but it's another thing for him to put the emotional aspect in there.

So, last week, I went to the mall and purchased a bottle of Charlotte Russe's "Refuge" perfume.

I have so many expensive perfumes...it would've been easy to use one of them; but to grant my groom this request was my pleasure!

Wedding day perfume = $11.00

Look on Mister Mr's face when he smells my wedding day scent = priceless

What is your wedding day scent?

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

I heart circular seating...

2010-01-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

I really, really do.

For as long back as I can remember being obsessed with wedding stuff (ugh..that would be October 2008) I've always loved circular and semi-circular seating. It's something about circular seating that tugs on my heart strings; I think it has a lot to do with feeling enveloped with love from family & friends. Another part of me loves it because (as a guest) I've always hated having to stare at the bride & groom's back. I want our guests to be able to see us in full effect. That's why they're there, right?

Any who, Mister Mr. and I love this idea & will definitely try our darndest (providing we don't run out of steam, focus or patience) to incorporate it in our ceremony.

Here are some darling examples:

What type of seating are you having?

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

I've been awarded: SUPER Cute!

2010-01-19T06:35:00.000-08:00

A special thanks to my Weddzilla sister, Ashley, for awarding me the "Your blog is Super Cute!" award!

Awwww...I love getting these awards!

Now, the rules for this award is: Pass the award to 10 other bloggers and leave them a message to let them know!

Here are my 10 "super cute" fabulous bloggers!

Make sure you check out at least ONE of these fabulous blogs!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Mission Accomplished: Wine Run!

2010-01-16T14:43:00.001-08:00

Mission Accomplished.

Today, BM "L" and I headed to Trader Joe's for a fun, fun shopping excursion.

Okay, maybe it wasn't "fun, fun" but it was a needed wine run & we had fun doing it! :)

Here are some pictures from our TJ's trip:

BM "L" striking a pose with her shopping cart full of wine!

And the car is strapped down with 7 cases of the best wine you'll ever taste!

I decided to only get 7 cases of wine. 3 blush, 3 white & 1 red. After talking it over with Mister Mr., we knew there wouldn't be too many people drinking red wine with their meal; so our rationale was..."once it's gone, it's gone!"

All in all...the wine came in at...{get this} ONLY $250!!! With our budget being $500 for alcohol, we're well on our way to being under!

Yes, I rock...I know, I know. I love saving $$!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Guess where I'm going this weekend?

2010-01-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

I'll give you one {not so} small clue...

'Kay, so maybe it wasn't so small. {Told ya so!}

That's right I'm visiting Trader Joes (or TJs) this weekend in Atlanta to make my {all so necessary} wine run for the wedding! Woot! Woot!

That means I'll feast my eyes on this aisle:

::drool::

Then I'll glance over & see this section:

'Kay...maybe not, since it's not summer. But stay with me...

I.Cannot.Wait. I *heart* TJs & checking off the purchase of all of our wine is another great accomplishment! Heading back with 8 cases of wine should be interesting... :)

In case you didn't know, Two-Buck-Chuck ROCKS my socks off!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

Calling all N.Florida/S.Georgia Brides!

2010-01-13T21:00:00.001-08:00

Don't say I've never given you anything, okay?

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

My {DIY} hoodie is in!

2010-01-13T19:30:00.000-08:00

Remember when I blogged last week about partially DIYing my bridal hoodie?

Need a reminder? Here's the front, which I did on my own! :)

I took my hoodie to a local monogramming company and had the back embroidered to include my new last name and our wedding date!

Check it out:

No, I haven't the slightest idea why I decided to pose like a quarterback.The embroidery actually hits the middle of my back but-for pictures sake-I hiked it up!

The best part? The embroidery only cost $12.90.

Grand total of my bridal hoodie? $13.90

It IS possible to save $$ by DIY yourself (or having someone local help you achieve it) versus buying it from an online store! I can't wait to wear this on the wedding day!

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

My attitude today: Frustrated

2010-01-13T12:30:00.001-08:00

That is all.

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

My brain is fried...HELP...

2010-01-12T16:20:00.000-08:00

Riddle me this, Batman: Which looks better and is easier to read (disregard the words on the napkin-lol)?

Black napkins with turquoise ink?

White napkins with turquoise ink?

I'm on wedding over-load and need some opinions! :)

CIAO

Ebonee Monique

P.S. As if you couldn't tell, we're getting GOCCO napkins! Woot! Woot!

Becoming His Mrs

New Blog Look: OW!

Follow My New Blog!

Apologies & A Big Announcement! :)

Happy Anniversary T & T 5.24.2008

{Wedding Recap} Reception 2.0

Happy B'Day to me!

We've been blogged!

Lookey what we sent...

Best Newlywed Advice...

{Wedding Recap} Reception Introductions!

{Wedding Recap Commercial} Cocktail Hour

{Wedding Recap} Formals!

{Wedding Recap} The Ceremony (PIC HEAVY)

Patience Young Grasshoppers!

{Wedding Recap} Pre-Ceremony

Happy Anniversary, Babe!

Wedding Items For Sale!

{Wedding Recap} Day of Guys Prep

{Wedding Recap} Girls Day of Prep

{Wedding Recap} The Day Before...

{Recap 1} Pre Pre Wedding Day...

Back to life...

The PROS are in!

{A LOT} more Non-Pros!!

A few {NON-PRO} teasers...

This is a bride in the aftermath...

TODAY IS MY WEDDING DAY!!!

OMG! Free Beer!

7 Days!

Meet my Girls...

Dude, Wear my shirt...

Lemme see you toss it up...

We're Licensed to Wed, Yo!

Getaway Vehicle: Booked!

A Glimpse inside our OOT bags!

A few pics from Shower #2

Tablecloths: The Silent Frustration!

Today: Shower #2

{Sale Alert!} Haute Bride SAMPLE SALE!

My Wedding {Inspiration} Hair!

FAMU couple wins "dream" wedding...

B-pic {teasers)!!

**100** Yo!

I'm here...*sigh*...

Words to live by...

Paid in Full {For the most part}

1 Month Countdown...

Bag Lady...

Everybody loves honeymoon shopping {HUH}!

Rehearsal Dress: PURCHASED!!!

Drink {In Style}!

My Gocco napkins are IN!!

Guess What I did?

It's DIY-licious!

Great {Budget} Details...

Rehearsal Dress Shopping!

I cry because I'm happy (and anxious)...

Tomorrow is P.M.C. day!

Tears of a Clown Pt. 2

We've booked: Our rehearsal dinner spot!

His one request...

I *heart* circular seating...

I've been awarded: SUPER Cute!

Mission Accomplished: Wine Run!

Guess where I'm going this weekend?

Calling all N.Florida/S.Georgia Brides!

My {DIY} hoodie is in!

My attitude today: Frustrated

My brain is fried...HELP...

100 Yo!

I'm here...sigh...

I heart circular seating...