Spending the Day with the Mother(s) of the Bride

Today was another great day in wedding planning. With my mom and adoptive mom in tow, we went to check out bridesmaids dresses. I have learned that going to a bridal shop on a Saturday is not a good idea. Especially, if you are going with Janee and Sherry who insist on doing the "bump" in every dress. It was difficult to enjoy the show (and let me tell you, it is a show) when you couldn't find a seat or move without bumping into someone or a baby stroller. However, we were successful in picking out a dress for my mom. The dress is colorful, youthful, and sassy. I can't wait to see her looking ever so amazing in her dress! Another special treat was having my "adoptive" mother join us for the day. I have known Renee Hall (Janee and Sherry's mom) for almost 11 years. Her daughters get their sassiness from her, so you can only imagine how fun she is. And, I won't mention how good she is at the game categories ;-) We ended the day with high tea at the Secret Garden Tea House in Sumner. A cozy, traditional Victorian tea room (built in 1984 according to Janee – aka 1890) with beautiful architecture and great staff. Two hours of endless scones, finger sandwiches, mini cheesecakes, exotic tea served in fine china, and a secret surprise…no better way to end a great day!

Find out more about the Secret Garden Tea House
http://www.sgtea.com/

Photographer - Shelley Marie Mauss

Every now and then you have the opportunity to meet someone who "rocks your socks." There are no words to describe the "uber fabulous" Shelley Marie Mauss. She is an amazingly talented natural light photographer. Using her favorite “Canny” she captures moments with such precise emotions that you feel present in them. Besides being an amazing photographer, Shelley is a woman that I whole-heartily admire. She is an amazing friend, advocate for the Catholic youth and cancer awareness - a true sister in Christ. She has taught me so much with her faith in the Lord and her faith in others. I don’t know how she manages to do it all but she does. When I grow up, I want to be more like Shelley Mauss. Once you meet her you will know what I mean.
Make sure to check her website and see my favorite photo (baby’s foot with parents’ wedding rings) I can't wait for the opportunity to reminisce my special day through her eyes. Thank you Shelley for capturing our day!

http://www.bludomain6.com/mauss/index2.php

Invitations are Ready!!

They are finally ready to print. Muchas gracias to Janee and Sherry for providing their input. It has been a fun and interesting process to get input and approval from 4 people. Who ever knew there was so many shades of red, different fonts, and monograms. Thankfully, we all have great taste which made the process easier!

The invitation is white with a pearl border adorned with a apple red ribbon. The invitation and monogram is in chopin script.

You can expect to receive your invitation sometime in the next few months.

Cantor - Candice Wolfe

I first met Candice while I was volunteering as a youth leader in at St Vincent Catholic Church. We instantly developed a fun and wild friendship. We have shared lots of laughs and a mutual love for musician Matt Maher, drinks with umbrellas in them, and the color black. I have great memories of our vacation trips to sunny Arizona. Only she can fully understand the joy of laying on a lounge chair by a wave pool in the hot sun with a pina coloda in one hand listening to Matt Maher live in concert. Good times! I am so excited that she has agreed to be the cantor at the wedding. I just love her rocker chick voice!

Musical Soloist - Amy

I love music and admire those that are musically gift. Sadly, I do not count myself among that group. But lucky for me, Amy is. I met Amy when I joined the "girls group" also known by some of our male friends as "estrogen militia." The girls group consist of 10 of the best Catholic girls you can find in the Puget Sound area. We travel from Bellingham down to Tacoma and as far east as Ellensburg. For the last 3 years, I have spent my time in fellowship and fun with these fantastic ladies. For me Amy always stood out for humility, compassion, and gift of song. Two years ago, Amy and I chaperoned a group of teenagers on trip to Europe and World Youth Day. During this trip, I cherished Amy's presence so much. It was such a blessing to be able to talk to her about our faith and have life-giving experiences of pure holiness while visiting the Vatican City, Scala Sancta (holy stairs), Assisi and attending a Papal Mass. Not to forget, climbing all the way up to the top of St. Peter's Basilica. I will forever feel connect to her. I asked Amy to sing the processional song, "Ave Maria". I know that I will be in tears at that moment. One reason for the pure joy that I will feel entering the sacrament of marriage. The second reason...Amy's voice. More often than not, I find myself in tears when I hear her sing. She sings with such passion and worship. I can't wait. Thank you, Amy!

Best Man - Mike Schalansky

Mike refuses to have his photo taken so I have resorted to a portrait. I have great skills, right? That's Mike with a Jack and Coke in one hand and a Harley Davidson cap on his head (yes, he does wear clothes) He is strong-willed, fiercely independent and loyal. Mike and Mark have been friends since they were both 8 years old. They both grew up in the same neighborhood and spent many years causing trouble. When I first met Mike, I didn't know what to think. Mike looks intimidating and tough. You never know what he is going to say or do and he likes it that way. Under the rough exterior is a guy with a great heart and has countless stories of Mark growing up. Mike cooks a mean prime rib and knows how to make this apple drinks that I just love so much! Oh, and I would fail if I forget to mention how great he is with Bailey (my dog). Bailey is a good judge of character and Mike is his favorite. Although, I don't know why since Mike is always playing rough and torturing him. That's Mike for you... you can't help but like him. Especially, when he cooperates and participates in wedding photos.

Best Man - Nate Bennet

Nate and Mark have been friends for over 10 years and I can see why! Nate is one of the nicest guys I have ever met. Polite, patient, and kind are just a few words to describe him. Nate is the kind of guy that you want your husband to be friends with. He has been with Mark through the bad and the ugly. He was a great support system to Mark and the kids when they needed him the most. Nate has made such an impact on the kids that Malachite decided to name his Build-a-Bear after him. Now that is love! And I know I would get in trouble if I forgot to mention that he is a great video game player, too!

Groomsmen - Bud Gilmore

When I asked Mark to start thinking about who he would like to have as groomsmen he instantly said, "Mike, Nate, Bud, and Tom." Bud and Mark have known each other over 10 years. Many of those years spent playing video games and talking about martial arts. I got to meet Bud for the first time at our engagement party. I was happily surprised on how friendly and geninue he was. He came in with a huge smile and had handshakes/hugs for everyone. I am excited to have him be a part of the wedding and I am looking forward to getting to know him better. Watch out ladies, he is single and ready to mingle.

Ring Bearer - Malachite Bonagofski

He says that he has the easiest job in the whole wedding. Although, he did ask me what would happen if he just "happened to, by mistake, kinda lost the rings." Having seen and heard many stories about losing the rings, I was well prepared for this scenario. Feeling a bit relieved to not have the actual rings he did wonder what the purpose was for him going down the aisle. When I explained it was for Emerald to know where to walk and stand, he seemed quite proud of himself. That's Malachite for you, always trying to please and do things right. He is like his dad in that area. Both of them perfectionists and both so good at loving those around them. Malachite is a special boy, sweet in nature and chatty (just like me). He has a kind heart and full of imagination. I can't wait to see who he becomes as he grows up. What a blessing to be a part of it! I am a very proud "mamos" (that's what he calls me)

Flower Girl - Emerald Bonagofski

What can I say about my future stepdaughter and flower girl? She is so amazing smart that it frightens me. She has a memory of elephant and will easily quote things you said to her months ago. Hence, why it took lots of bribes to get her to agree to this dress. Apparently, I told her that she could pick any dress she wanted. And what did she want? A mini-version of my wedding dress! Picking out a dress was one of my favorite moments of wedding planning. How much fun is it to have a lil' girl try on over 30 dresses and have her jump, twirl and curtsy in each and everyone. Having her rate the dress from a 1-10 was not very helpful when the categories she would rate them by were: twirl, jump and curtsy! Everyone at the store got a kick out of watching her dance Swan Lake around the store in each dress. After a few twirls and jumps, Emerald approved with this dress. Could it be that Janee (maid of honor and the sassiest girl ever - according to Emerald) and I were cheering for this one? It is a perfect match with the bridesmaids dresses and the lil' bow really captured Emerald's childlike beauty. Loved it! I can't wait to see her all dressed up with hair in curls and flowers in her hair dancing and twirling. Oh, and yes, she did manage to get me to say that she could wear lip gloss. And knowing her, she will keep me to my word.