Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
Aloha, Hive! Sparks and I are sitting here enjoying our last Hawaiian sunset for now, and I just had to pop in and say hello. As sad as I am to leave this place (It.Is.Un.REAL.), I’m REALLY excited to start my recaps, finish my bachelorette post (I didn’t forget!!! ) and get caught up on everything you’ve been up to. A big “WELCOME!” to all the new bees, I can’t wait to officially “meet” all of you.
The LOST tour was a huuuuuge highlight of our trip so far!
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
Ed. note: This post didn’t land in my inbox until yesterday night! Miss Sparkler is off and married, but wanted to say one last hello to the hive…here it is as she wrote it on Saturday!
~~~
I’m getting married… TODAY. Wow, wow, wow. I’m a bundle of nerves and my brain is going a mile a minute, but I’m ready.
Sparks, I can’t wait to see you at the end of that aisle. Can you believe it’s finally here? After 8 years???? Let’s do this!
A little sneak peek for you before I start getting ready… the red dress in action:
A little blurry, but it was a hit at the welcome party last night!
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
How can even describe my bachelorette party? Amazing? Hilarious? Best weekend ever? All of those things wrapped into one?
I mean, how could you not have a good time when you’re at the…
That’s right. We hit up J-Shore for my last weekend as a single Sparkler. And if I haven’t mentioned it before, I have THE GREATEST FRIENDS EVER. Seriously. A HUGE “thank you” to all of you who made this weekend so special and fun. I wish I could relive it again and again
I arrived at the Shore on Friday evening after a 2 hour plane ride, a 3 hour car ride, and a bag of pizza-flavored combos. I was excited. Read more…
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
Hi… remember me? Yep, Miss Sparkler is alive. Hard to believe, I know. I’m sure you thought I’d been swept away into a black hole of wedding insanity since I’ve been horribly MIA these past few days.
Ahhhh! Sparkler black hole! (Space image via ZME Science)
I guess (in a way) I really did get swept away into wedding planning. All of a sudden, things have to be done NOW. As in, “Maybe we should have done this yesterday.” It’s pretty stressful, but I’m surviving it because of one amazing decision I made a looooong time ago. Back when wedding planning consisted of matching pretty colors together in my mind. What decision could be big enough that it’s single-handedly keeping me from going crazy?
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
Alright, hive. Right now, I’m about 3 shades tanner than I usually am, my laundry is smelling super fresh, and I worked out for the first time in 2 weeks. Why all the fuss, you ask?
IT’S MY BACHELORETTE WEEKEND!!!
Wohooo! I’m a little excited (can you tell?). Mostly because I get to spend the whole weekend with these girls:
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
So I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the Sparklers are pretty much 45 days out from our wedding.
45. Days.
I have no idea how this happened. Yes, everyone told me, “Oh just wait. Time will go by sooo fast at the end.” And every time someone said it, I would roll my eyes and think, “Please. I know about time, people. I understand how it works. I went to grad school, okay?”
(Okay… so this isn’t the degree I actually received)
Well, whoever is messing with the world clock should chill out.
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
Now that the Sparkler invites are officially on their way to our lovely guests, it’s time to reveal them to you all!
I love our invitations so much I could explode… but they where a PROJECT. Sparks and I spent many nights huddled over our kitchen table assembling, posting, and reprinting until 1AM. The day we dropped them all in the mailbox, I vowed never again to step foot in PaperSource (come on… like that’s gonna happen!) and to always pay someone to address my envelopes in the future (again, probably not gonna happen!). But I am so, SO, happy with the way they turned out! I feel like they represent Sparks and I so well and that they completely match the look and feel we want for our wedding.
I’m going to shut up now and show you the pretty pictures. Without further ado… the Sparkler invites!!!
I totally forgot to put stamps on your invite, Hive! Anyway, don’t worry… the stamps we used are pretty awesome: Read more…
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
…everything we wanted. That’s what our cake tasting was made of.
Sparks and I just had a really big planning weekend. Our parents were in town and the big items on our “To-Do” list were the menu and cake tastings. Not a bad list to tackle. So on Friday afternoon, my mom and I hurried over to Amy Beck Cake Design and met Sparks and his dad for a little sugar-fest.
Sparkler Mom and FIL Sparkler patiently waiting for Sparks
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
I’m slowly getting closer to completing my bridal ensemble, hive. Over the past few weeks, I’ve purchased pretty much everything I need. The only things left to buy are the shoes. But let’s save the shoe drama for another day… this post is about the veil. Yep, I finally bit the bullet and ordered a gorgeous, flowing, simple veil.
Remember the topper I was searching for? Well, that idea transformed the moment I saw a drop veil in one of my crazy Google image searches. It was perfect! Drop veils are super simple, when pulled back they are two tiers, and they come in a variety of lengths. I was sold.
Monique Lhuillier Lyric gown and veil / Image via Project Wedding
GORGEOUS. You can see why they’re called drop veils. They are literally just dropped right on top of your noggin’. Usually held in place with a hat pin.
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
This past weekend was a big one for the Sparklers (though it seems like, lately, ALL of our weekends are pretty big). We hit the official 2-months-to-go mark, and we made it (almost) official with a big purchase:
Our wedding bands!
FYI: That “1900″ scribble in the background is NOT the price of our rings. No, no.
Much like Mrs. Trail Mix and Mrs. Panther, I decided to go with a rose gold band. Even though my engagement ring is white gold, I love the contrast and subtle difference of the two metals. Plus, I’ll be wearing my wedding band on its own a lot, and I love how rose gold looks with my skin tone.
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
When I last left you, I was eagerly awaiting my shower guests… and I didn’t have to wait long! I grabbed a mimosa, pulled up a chair, and suddenly everyone began to arrive! It was so nice outside that we decided to sit in the backyard and enjoy the sun.
Once everyone showed up and I said my hellos, we jumped into some fun shower games. First up: bridal shower Mad Libs! (Sparks and I have a serious love of Mad Libs.) Read more…
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
This is a most appropriate title for this post, because my bridal shower was colorful.
See?
There’s nothing I love more than bright, vibrant colors… and that’s exactly what I got when I walked through the doors of my shower last Saturday. I was in love.
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
The wedding packages just keep on coming! Yesterday all of my (MUCH anticipated) bridal jewelry arrived! I’m pretty excited about all of it, so I’m going to stop blabbing and just show you the pictures.
If you remember… these are the earrings I wanted so badly:
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
I’m in the middle of recapping my AMAZING bridal shower (seriously, my family made the day so special… I don’t even know how to begin to thank them), but I wanted I had to share a quick pic with you all!
Sister Sparkler’s MOH dress came in! I’m so happy with how the gray and lavender look together!
Hmmm, what could be in that giant white garment bag behind them?
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
Miss Sparkler is off and married, but wanted to say one last hello to the hive…here it is as she wrote it on Saturday!
Unique Wedding Favors
