Postmark {ways to ask your bridesmaids}

I keep planning on sitting down to blog, but I've had the busiest couple of weeks!  A lot has happened and a lot of big decisions have been made!

So if you've been keeping up with our engagement, you know that I've asked four pretty girls to be my bridesmaids:  Haley, Lindsay, Katie and Mercedes.  My next friend I asked is an oldie but a goodie.  I met with my childhood friend, Courtney, on Saturday for lunch.  We were the best of friends growing up and have some of the funniest memories together.  So I wanted to incorporate something from many many years ago into my "proposal".  It was our 4th grade summer when Courtney and I were pen pals (we lived 8 minutes apart). We would write each other letters and send them in the mail (who does that?).  So what better way to ask her to be my bridesmaid than through a letter?!

Before I gave her the letter, I told her I had something for her, something to test her memory.  As soon as she opened it she knew right away, "Our 4th grade summer!"  She even reminded me that I gave her a dollar with one letter (lol, again, who does that?).  Courtney's expression says it all:

Matt and I were easily able to determine who we want to marry us!  He is the pastor of my parent's church, Roy Layman.  I'm so excited because Roy will add a personal touch to the ceremony.  Monday, Matt and I finalized our (my) decision on a photographer by mailing the signed contract along with the deposit!  So excited to have finally made up my mind (I can be so indecisive sometimes) and so thankful to have hired such an amazing photographer, Allison Davis.

I also decided on and hired the videographer - Spinning Leaf.  LeVan will do an amazing job making our story appropriate for the big screen :)  LeVan and Allison have actually worked together before so [hopefully] smooth sailing there...  This Friday my Aunt Bobbie, Mom and I are meeting with a local florist, Feté des flours (Thanks Ashlee for the recommendation!).  I spoke with the florist on the phone today, just to cover the basics, and so far he seems super nice and easy to work with.  And here's a plus:  He's done several weddings at our venue!  Next week I will meet with another florist, Avant Garden.  One other florist I want to interview is Bella Flora.  I can't wait to see all the flowers and compare quality and price, and personality and chemistry between florists.  I have a feeling it will be tough, but what's new?  Also next week, I will be meeting with a DJ who works with the notorious Andy Austin (I will not be hiring Andy Austin because he's $5000!).  Adam Wilmore, with LeForce Entertainment, has been the DJ at several weddings at our venue!  I love when the professionals I'm considering are familiar with our venue.  I actually think Matt wants to join me for the meeting with Adam.  'Bout time Matt participates ;)

Our sweet families are throwing us an engagement party!  Parties are definitely something I can't wait to start having ;)  Mom came into town last week in search of the perfect engagement party venue.  I wanted to help so I put together a list of places for us to check out.  We walked into the first place; it was too small, so we turned around and walked out.  Our next stop was at an awesome winery in Lakewood, which as of now, is the place!  We put our name down for the date to save it and now all they need is a deposit.  Mom and I left the winery to check out a couple more places down on Lamar.  I've only been south of downtown Dallas a couple times so I was nervous that we wouldn't find these venues.  Fortunately we were able to get to Lamar, but unfortunately, I kept driving... 'til we got back home...

Candid at the winery.

I got my ring sized this week.  It was just a little too big (not the diamond) ;).  After Matt proposed, it took me awhile to get used to wearing a ring on my finger all the time.  But as soon as I left it with the jeweler, I quickly realized I will now never be used to it not being on my finger.