Lucky in Love
Meet the Greeter Gals!
Four beautiful ladies will be greeting everyone as they come to our wedding and we are so grateful for all of them.
To my two beautiful cousins who are like little sisters, Cheyanne and Codi – I love you both dearly and can’t imagine my life without you. From our days of the Barbie workout video to holding my hair back at a New Year’s Eve celebration and concerts. Time has flown by and I’ve watched you both grow from the cutest little chunky babes to incredibly beautiful grown women. I can’t wait to see all that life brings you and certainly can’t imagine my special day without you both in it.
To the master of cakes and love of my brother – Thank you for being a part of our family and making him smile. You have done so much for our boys and we love having you around. You are special to us and I’m glad you will be a part of our special day!
Meet the Flower Girls
Meet the Flower Girls!
We have a lot of precious littles in our life. It was really tough to pick out just one little boy and one little girl to represent all of our happiness. We just plain couldn’t.
So, we had to pick 3 precious angel boys and 3 angel girls. They aren’t always angels, but they sure are adorable!
First up is the little ladies….
Shailynn
As she will tell you, we are one in the same. And, we really truthfully are. I don’t know how my sister was blessed with me for 18 years and then me again for another 18. She is so lucky! (sarcasm. major sarcasm.)
She would also tell you that she is HEAD Flower Girl.
From the minute Shai was born I know we would be buddies. We are birthday buddies and lifelong buddies. She even has/had a shirt to prove it!
I love everything about this girl, even though we clash at times. Sometimes people who are eerily alike do that! She is smart. She is sassy. She is powerful and charming. I am proud of all the things she’s accomplished in her 8 little years and my pride grows daily when I think of the steps she has taken out of her comfort zone. She’s going to be one of those fierce women in about 10 years that you most certainly don’t want to mess with.
I’m so glad she will lead me down the aisle with flower petals. I wouldn’t have our special day any other way!
Kynsey
My dear sweet Kynsey Lee. The day you were born there was an instant buddy for Shailynn and another little pretend niece for me! I may not technically be your aunt but I certainly treat you like you are just one of our own. I enjoy our special time together. You’re a wonderful helper and an excellent baker. We can giggle to just about anything and I hope I haven’t taught you too many naughty things. Remember, “Don’t do as a I say or do. In fact….don’t pay attention to me at all!”
I can’t wait to see you, Shai, and Willow walk down the aisle looking so beautiful in your dresses. You’ll probably be stealing from the candy buffet and breaking moves on the dance floor all night long. I can’t wait! I feel so special that when someone asked you what your summer plans were, you responded with….”We have a wedding.” That’s right girlfriend…WE HAVE A WEDDING! Wahoo!
Willow
Oh little Willow. You have a light and life inside you the size of Texas. I knew my best friend would be blessed with a bountiful little bundle of joy as amazing as you! Some how I feel like your behaviors are a bit more like me and not as soft and precious as your momma. You make us all smile and we love your sweet little attitude. You have a great personality and loads of character. I have loved watching you grow up!
I can’t wait to see you walk down the aisle with the big girls in your pretty dress. The day will be so fun because you are a part of it!
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And look…..one flower girl feeding another! |
Can’t wait to see these precious girls lead the way as I take my steps down the aisle!
Next up is my sweet little men….
Meet the Groomsmen
Time to meet the groomsmen! I’m so fortunate to be marrying my best friend. Along with marrying my best friend I have gained more friendships with his best buds…and I have to admit…he has pretty great taste in friends.
Best Man – Dave
Best Man are perfect words to describe this guy for my guy. He is always there for him and even there past the time I’d like for Mike to be out. But, you’ll have that. Those two typically know how to get in trouble and from what I’ve heard….it’s been a long life of getting in trouble together.
Dave always makes me laugh and I love watching him grow and lead Michael in the right direction of a wonderful family man. 🙂 Hopefully he doesn’t lead him astray too often. I’ll try and forgive you for the night on the patio in Florida and the late night at the tavern. I’ll also try and forgive you for the many nights you and Michael conveniently don’t answer your phone and I’ll try and forgive you ahead of time for the bachelor party weekend you’re about to adventure on. Remember….he’s about to be my husband so soon you’ll have to answer me!
Joel
First, Joel was my cousin. Then, he became my boyfriends good friend. Now, he’s more like my fiances girlfriend because I swear those two talk and text more on the phone than any of my friends and I.
Sometimes I tease Michael that the only reason he is marrying me is so he can be related to Joel. So he can be closer to Joel. Hopefully, it’s not true!
Joel is a great friend to Mike and a wonderful part of our family. We’re lucky to have Joel and Kelli in our lives. We are SO lucky that Kelli decided to introduce Mike and I back in August 2010 at the tractor pull. She was right on when she said she had found the phone for me! Thank you Kelli!
Cody
Our old neighbor and dear friend, Cody. We spent many nights on your porch or ours. We spent many nights at the shop hanging out. We’ve even driven on a snowmobile in a blizzard to see you! I love your little family, and especially your wife. You two put smiles on everyone’s face and we were so blessed to be there for your special day. I’m glad you can stand next to Mike for our special day. Thank you for being a wonderful friend to him!
David
My soon to be brother. Although we only get to see you once or twice a year, I always look forward to our time together. Or, hearing updates from Mikey after you two get off of one of your super long phone calls on a Sunday afternoon. You are excellent in the kitchen and some day I will visit the kitchen you master in Idaho! Thank you for being a part of our special day. We wouldn’t have it any other way!
Joshy my brother
From purchasing my first ever stuffed animal at the hospital, to helping me on the bus for my first day of school, a few parties together in college, a short stint of living together when I needed you the most, and today being a wonderful big brother and still tormenting me with your amazing abilities.
I love you dearly Joshua. I still have the letter you wrote me when I went to college. I’ve read it often. You were so honest and I was so clueless. I wish I had listened to you a little bit more. We’ve been through hell and back as a family. I admire you for being an amazing dad the minute you had to be. You’re caring and hardworking and despite the fact you drive me nuts sometimes (because that’s what brothers do) I wouldn’t trade you for the world. I know I can come to you for anything and not too many sisters can say that. Thank you for being a part of our day. I can’t imagine taking the next step in life without you by our side.
Teddy
I’m also fortunate that my best friend is allowing my other best friend to stand up with him. I’ve been through a lot with this guy….birthday parties, graduation parties, dates with friends, secret parties from our parents, college nights, etc. I can’t imagine my childhood and teenage years without Ted. Although time and growing up have certainly spread us apart a little bit, I can pick right back up with him where we left off. I adore his girlfriend. I’m proud of his work ethic and time dedicated to his family. He’s a true friend, one that would and will always be a part of our lives as we grow old.
I hope someday our babies can have parties together and sneak off and make crazy mistakes just like we did. We had a lot of fun growing up and I’m sure they will too! Thank you for being a part of our special day Ted. I always said I’d ask you be on my side and wear a dress, but I’m really glad Mike said it was a better idea for you to stand up with him. I’m also glad that the pact we made about getting married at 30 changed to 40. My forever asked me a week later and I’m pretty sure you’ve found the one too. As long as she can put up with you! Thank you for being a part of our day. Can’t wait until July 19th to celebrate!
A growing list
I had no idea when I was begging for the idea of an engagement ring and marriage that there would be this much stuff to do.
It seems like as soon as I cross something off the list of wedding to do’s I add about ten more things. It’s never ending!
Not to mention the fact that we (me) are trying to pull this thing off in around 5 months. Whoever thought that was a good idea (me) should be shot. Okay, maybe not shot but seriously taught a lesson.
Besides the fact that I’m overly stressed to the point of neck pain and multiple doses of anxiety medications, everything seems to be going totally fine.
We really do have the major stuff under control and at this point working on all the small details. However, there are so many stinking small details! They really seem like medium size details.
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I went with this one. Hoping it looks good! |
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Tasting complete. Bellies full. |
Decisions = Exhaustion
This explains our day…
Said yes to the dress
I found the dress at David’s and NO I am not telling you what it looks like, showing you a picture, nothing. You’ll have to wait for wedding day pictures!
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Getting ready to make the big purchase! |
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Feeling the love as I make some serious game day decisions. |
They fail to mention to you the things they are going to throw in and charge you for.
Kind of like buying a new car.
A slip for this much, a preservation kit for this much, a garment bag that you must have, blah blah blah.
Nerves got the best of me and I bought it all. Figured it was easier than second guessing and wishing I had bought it all! Probably not necessary but in the grand scheme of things I’m not going to worry about it too much.
One little bit of advice for future brides: Do NOT go on a Saturday to David’s Bridal. They were friendly and helpful and did the best they could but that place is freaking nuts. Ridiculous nuts. Almost not fun nuts. I would highly suggest going on a week night if you can!
Our next trip for bridesmaids dresses is on a week night to avoid that madness.
Photographer is booked.
DJ is booked.
Photobooth booked.
Tasting scheduled for a couple weeks.
Decorations are left to decide.
And all those minor little things.
And our website on The Knot…. http://www.theknot.com/wedding/Plank-and-Schenck
Oh yah…..and a honey moon too.
Hopefully the man decides or asks real soon if he can take some time off following the wedding.
Otherwise, this chic is going on a honeymoon alone!
Kidding…
Or, am I?
Booked!
We booked it! It’s official!
Working on checking things off the list one at a time! Hoping to stay calm and anxiety free….ya right!
Engaged
I have a fiance and for the first time today I had to say that out loud….and I gotta tell you it was crazy weird!
Not weird in a bad way….just weird in a different way! Like the weird that I’ve been waiting on my whole life!
So here’s the story…..
Friday was Valentine’s Day and he always said he would never propose on a holiday so I was most definitely not expecting it.
Friday morning I set out a cute little scavenger hunt for him which led him to a card, couple of Rockstars, and some gift cards. He loved it.
Friday night we had dinner reservations at the restaurant where we had our first date, Stone Creek Dining Company. I kind of wondered if maybe he would pop the question at dinner but it was never discussed and I reminded myself he would never use a holiday to propose.
We came home from dinner and my usual is to go upstairs and change into “comfy pants” as we call them round here. I didn’t head upstairs because I still hadn’t received a card or gift and kind of thought maybe if I hung around long enough on the couch something would magically appear.
Low and behold it did. I opened the card. A sweet card with a sweet message. That man always writes love notes and never just signs his name. Love that about him.
Then I pulled out the tissue paper of the red sparkly bag with heart on it and it was a mouse. A computer mouse. A wireless freaking computer mouse. My response……”Ummm….thanks” with sincere disgust.
I huffed and puffed and pouted on the couch for a bit and he decided to head upstairs to put on his comfy pants. Not long after I decided to head up as well. As I was putting on my pajamas he came around by my side of the bed. I thought he was going to grab some pants or underwear from the dresser but instead he GOT DOWN ON ONE KNEE and I about passed out.
He stunned me.
He shocked me.
He said, “I love you….will you marry me?” and opened a ring box to behold this GORGEOUS and FABULOUS ring….
10 Habits
Recently I read an article via Facebook entitled “10 Habits of Happy Couples” from Psychology Today.
I read it and thought…..wow….this is so true.
I also thought….wow….we have some things to work on!
You can find the article here.
I knew instantly I had to share it with my guy by the first line….”It starts by going to bed at the same time.”
Anyone else have this trouble? Sometimes turns into an argument? The “you don’t love me anymore because you fall asleep in your chair” argument? No, just me? I’m dramatic, you say? Hmmm…that’s what he says too.
1. Go to bed at the same time. We seem to do this about once in a blue moon. I get up early…he doesn’t. I like to read before bed….he doesn’t. I need lots of beauty sleep….he’s naturally good looking. It’s hard…we need to put forth more effort. I guess either I need to stay up later or he needs to go to bed early. At least start with once or twice a week and maybe work up to every day. 2
2. Cultivate common interests. My guy is really good about this…I’m lucky. We are always trying to find things to do together…even if it means a trip to the grocery.
3. Walk hand in hand or side by side. Love holding hands.
4. Make trust and forgiveness your default mode. Trust and forgive. These two are complicated tasks for a stubborn gal like myself. My stubbornness comes naturally and inherited from my sweet family. These two things I certainly can stand to work on at times.
5. Focus more on what your partner does right than what he or she does wrong. It would do me some good to look for the positives. Stop worrying about what isn’t. Just be happy. Someone once told me that.
6. Hug each other as soon as you see each other after work. I use to associate hugs with the painful day of my mother’s funeral viewing. Hug after hug after hug. For hours. Hugs would make me go back there and remember that day and how much I despised the sympathy implied with those hugs…sympathy I didn’t want….because I didn’t want to wake up and realize she was really gone. My guy gives the best hugs. I’m getting a lot better at appreciating his hugs because they are so wonderful. He can always give me that feeling that everything will be okay.
7. Say “I love you” and “Have a good day” every morning. I love hearing those words. The day just doesn’t seem right without them.
8. Say “Good night” every night, regardless of how you feel. There’s no feeling worse than a night without these words. Just seems unsettling. And for a worry wart like me I just can’t sleep. I’m so glad they are hardly ever.
9. Do a “weather” check during the day. Always nice to check in with him. Sometimes it can’t happen until lunch, but just to check in and make sure he’s doing okay.
10. Be proud to be seen with your partner. We belong together and everyone should know it.
After reading this, I realize how incredibly fortunate I am to have this man in my life. Sure there are days he drives me nuts….but honestly I don’t know what I’d do without those moments. Even when he is driving me nuts, he is always putting a smile on my face.
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He is so special. |