Tag Archives: engagement

PROGRESS!!! Bridesmaid Dresses and Save the Dates

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I bought my wedding dress at the end of May (which oh my GOSH I keep getting the urge to show everyone i know my dress. But I really want everyone attending to be surprised… so girls, if any of you want to have serious girl talk over wedding dress photos, my email is NeitzelC at Gmail ;) ) but my girls and I have been utterly stuck on the bridesmaids dresses. Trying to find a dress that we all liked, and was in our budget/color scheme proved to be a lot more difficult than anticipated. One thing I was certain of, almost immediately after attending a friend of the husb-to-be’s wedding, was that I did NOT want mismatched dresses. Yes, it can be done very well — but with my luck my girls would end up with 3 different shades of grey and yellow and it just wouldn’t look well. (I swear this is the only time during wedding planning I’ve been remotely picky)

Finally, after what felt like thousands of scavenger hunts across the internet, we found the PERFECT dresses on sale. To me is totally expensive for a dress (What, I’m cheap!) But, apparently in bridesmaid dress land it’s hella cheap.

But, come on.. Get to the Dress porn, right? Okay okay… (cue drum roll…)

It’s the best of all worlds, really. It’s “tea” length, it has both grey and yellow in there. Although the grey is a bit lighter than I originally had in mind… A lighter grey rather than a charcoal isn’t the end of the world (and makes shopping for table covers that much easier. Charcoal tablecloths. Google it. It’s friggin impossible to find a cheap-o one!) Anyways, rambling… The girls can wear it as is, add a sweater or jacket, we can even add sleeves — whatever they want. I don’t want them to all look like little picture cut outs. They can totally jazz it up to look like themselves and feel comfortable! My favorite part is the pockets though… Can I have those installed into my wedding dress? haha

That’s not it though!!! We also received a proof of our Save The Date design and PLACED OUR ORDER!!! They should be here within about 6 weeks. Giving just enough time to address them all (by myself because Zack’s hand writing is worse than chicken scratch) and get them in the mail just before the holiday season! :D

I wasn’t going to do a sneak peek of the save the dates, but I JUST CAN’T HELP MYSELF. I’m awful at keeping this wedding stuff a secret. I’m just too darn excited. Besides, the only people who will see this is both of our parents, who have already seen a picture of the proof! ;)

I really love our save the dates. We went with magnets. I immediately thought of magnets for STDs when we started really talking wedding. They stick on your fridge, and you can’t help but look at them every time you go to open it. Also, Do you know how easily I lose mail? I lose paper like its my job. It gets lost in the sea of papers in our very disorganized desk drawer. I’m sure we can’t be alone in that. So — MAGNETS! Stick them one place, they never move. ;)

The design is completely 100% perfect. There really isn’t a ‘theme’ to our wedding, but if there was — it would be MUSIC. We are both music junkies. Addicts. Can’t breathe without music. Our wedding playlist has more and more ADD every single day. We love it all. :)

Wedding Music Wednesday; Rock It Out

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Wedding Music Wednesdays is going to be a new feature on my blog where I showcase music we are having at our wedding.

This weeks theme; ROCK IT OUT. A few songs on our playlist that fit the rock category (in one way or another)

1) “First Date” by Blink 182 - Not exactly your typical wedding song, but we both love old school blink and this song is kind of perfect for US as a couple. We’re both pretty awkward, ridiculous, and ever so slightly over the top… Besides, “lets make this last forever” perfect wedding lyrics, if you ask me. ;)

I’m also taking a moment to bask in the immaturity of Blink 182 videos. They’re so fabulous. Like mini-movies almost.

2) “Reptilla” by The Strokes - We just love this song. Well, okay — The strokes, period more or less. All of their songs have such a nice beat. The “tap your foot and bob your head without realizing it” type of beat. Reptilla is no different. GREAT upbeat song for the dance floor.

There’s your peek into our music for this week..

Wedding Music Wednesdays

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I realize it’s Thursday, but yesterday I was going a bilion miles per minute & didn’t have a chance to pound out the post I meant to.

Wedding Music Wednesdays is going to be a new feature on my blog where I showcase music we are having at our wedding. We recently decided on a Music theme for our wedding, since Zack is an incredibly talented DJ and musician, and I have always, my entire life, had an insane passion for music. We are 100% creating our playlists for the ceremony, reception, AND bbq. The ADD of the playlist right now is pretty unreal, but we have a plan to make it so its not just all over the place. (though what’s wrong with that, right?! ;) )

So every Wednesday I’m going to allow you guys a sneak peek at our music selections.

Today’s post is dedicated to the music, that even though our wedding is practically a year away, make me cry EVERY time I listen to them since choosing them as part of our wedding, because I go into “picturing the day” mode & just tear up (out of pure happiness and excitement)

1) THE FIRST DAY OF MY LIFE – By Bright Eyes

2) HOME – by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros 

3) THE BOOK OF LOVE – by Peter Gabriel (aka the SERIES FINALE SONG FROM SCRUBS. oh yea. we’re huge scrubs nerds over here y’all. JD is like, my imaginary best friend, more or less)

Project Wedding: Let’s Talk About the Last Name Bit

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I personally am somewhat torn on this whole last name thing, right now. I very much like the idea of having a shared family name with my partner, but I’m also pretty darn attached to my birth name. I’m a blogger and writer, a working professional, and have lived several places, so it’s also my identity. It’s important for employers, readers, friends scattered around the world, or potential ‘clients’ to find me, by last name.

Until Zack and I really started getting into “we’re getting married, for real” mode. You know what I mean… I had always, every single day of my life, assumed I would keep my name. But he really changed every opinion I had, when it came to the marriage and kids department. Not forcefully — just my love for him and the growth of our relationship with time changed the way I viewed marriage and unions.

Zack really wants me to change my name. He doesn’t mind hyphenating. I can’t say “Charlotte Fowler” sounds bad by any means. I love the sound of it… I could combine names. “Charlotte Neitzel Fowler” but holy crapsticks that’s a mouth full!

So, I haven’t yet decided what to do. The feminist part of me is all “No way will I change my name”, but some part of me likes the idea of a name change as a way of defining a new chapter in my life. As being a team. Not to mention the agonizing pain our kids would have to deal with being “Neitzel-Fowlers” oh gosh. That’s an ugly name.

My mom kept her last name, but when my parents had kids we got our dad’s name. My mom gave my brother, Matthew her last name for his middle name. It worked really well. “Matthew Howard Neitzel” …. No matter what name you put in front of “Neitzel Fowler” it’s going to sound ridonkulous. Yea, I went there. It will sound so badly it needs over used words like RIDONKULOUS!

The other night I got to thinking about this a lot and started looking up the things I would need to change, legally, if I change my name.

Car Registration
Car Insurance
Social Security
Drivers License
Payroll
Taxes
Bank Account/Card
Email since mine is literally LAST NAME, FIRST INITIAL @ yadda yadda
Work Information
Phone
Rental Agreement (though this wont really matter much since we’re moving shortly after)
All Utilities including, Water, Electricity, Internet
Post-Office
Passport
Voters Registration

HOLY SMOKES Y’ALL THAT’S A LOT OF FREAKING STUFF! Plus, Don’t you literally have to PAY to change your name? I’m exhausted just looking at all of this stuff. Jeebus.

Ooooof.

Those of you who are married, did you change your name? why or why not?
If you aren’t married — do you plan to if/when you do get married?  

Texas Weekend Getaway; I BOUGHT MY WEDDING DRESS

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This weekend was exactly what I needed. 2012 has been rough, and although I have some pretty thick skin, I was at my tipping point. The getaway could not have been more perfect timing! Truly.

Bright & early, Friday morning Zack & I were off to visit my dad’s new home in New Braunfels, Texas. They’ve been building the house for awhile so I was really excited to see the finished product. I had simply no idea what it was going to look like.

The flight from Tampa to San Antonio was smelly. Luckily I passed out pretty early into the 2 hour flight ;)

Even though I have seen the property multiple times… To see the new house sitting on top of what was before just land, and to stand in the back yard and loook out over the hills of Canyon Lake. Unreal. So beautiful. I can not begin to describe the jealousy I feel that they get to have that view every single day for the rest of their lives. Ufff. Seriously gives me “OMG LETS MOVE BACK TO TEXAS” pangs. Austin or San Antonio… I’d move there in a heart beat.

Oh, the beautiful Hill Country of Texas <;3

That night, before my sister and niece’s flight got in we went to one of my favorite spots!!! GRUENE HALL!! The oldest dance hall in Texas. You simply can not pay justice to the place. It has old wooden floors, live country music every day, strings of lights outside, rustic Texas charm like no other. It is the greatest. I’m not even a country fan, but this place brings the Texas out of me EVERY time. All of the country greats have played there.

Wear your cowboy boots and get ready to Texas 2 step.

Gruene, Texas Y’all.

After we returned home little baby girl (my niece) Haylie Lynne arrived. I know I’m biased but I also truly believe I have the cutest niece in the entire universe. Seriously.

Little princess

Excuse me while I overdose you in cute baby

Can you BELIEVE she just had a baby 7 weeks ago? DANG!

Anyways – Onward to Saturday… We decided almost immediately we were going to tube the Guadalupe River. Something I hadn’t done in YEARS but has always been a favorite childhood past time. I was excited to do it the “right” way with booze this time ;) It was truly the perfect weather. We had an absolute blast. Drinking sangria and mikes hard lemonade, which eventually became a mixture of Sangria and Mike’s hard that was absolutely TO DIE FOR in that hot Texas sun. Delicious. The time flew by with the rapids.

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This sign was in the shuttle bus that took you from where the river lets you off, back to the Rock n R Parking lot. Basically the best sign ever, right? (it was a weekend for good signs) we also saw someone with car window paint that said “honk if you love pooping” us all being slightly immature when it comes to our humor laughed and honked. Too bad I couldn’t snag a picture of it

Texas brings out my natural spirals. LOVE my TX hair. (probably the only person who says that)

As you can see I am white as a ghost. I glowed, I was so pasty… I burnt up like a lobster, despite the sunblock I used.

ouch.

Saturday evening consisted of many adult beverages, Texas Rangers, grilling out, and loving on the sweetest baby girl.

Be still my Heart. He is going to make the best father (SOMEDAY)

The sun completely drained all of us, and we were all in bed by 9 o’clock. For the first time in MONTHS, I completely slept through the night. I didn’t wake up one single time until Haylie started crying around 6am. Even she was exhausted. (Rough life, being loved by 6 different adults 24/7 ;) )

The next morning, was a morning I have been looking forward to for AGES. As a lot of you know, I found my wedding dress a month or two ago. But, I was waiting to purchase it until this trip. I wanted opinions and since my dad was so generously paying for it, I wanted him to see it.

Well, I found the dress I was considering getting for a bit cheaper at Nordstrom. So we went there. My consultant also decided to pull a few others she was dying to see me in after I sent her a picture of myself.

SPOILER ALERT: I ditched my original dress. Almost immediately. The woman is a genius. Randi of Nordstrom La Cantara, is great at her job – THAT is for sure. Which is amazing since when she was asking me what I was looking for I was all “um well, uhhh” I knew I wanted a drop waist or a sheath. Nothing poofy or as she says “cupcakey”

This is the dress I was previously planning on purchasing; from when I tried it on at DB in Bowie.

The dress was simple. But had a little bit of flare to it on the one shoulder thing goin on. I really liked it. I should have known that it wasn’t the one though. Like, is not the feeling you want for your wedding gown.

Then I tried this dress on…. This is the dress that made me realize I was NOT getting that other dress. I had fallen in love. It was my number 1 choice until I did find THE one.

is this not breath taking?! — NOT MY DRESS THOUGH ;)

I might be hiding something behind those flowers ;) ;) I mean I can’t SHOW you my dress.

Note to all bride to be’s… Do not go dress shopping with hideous sun burn lines. Multiple of them. Please note the bikini line. The tank top line. and the T shirt line. (Runner Probz?)

I really couldn’t imagine finding a more beautiful or perfect dress. I was dead set on this. But then I locked eyes on THE one. I saw it, and knew it was going to be it. I tried it on and NEVER wanted to take it off. We bought it!!! When I go down in November for RnR San Antonio, I’ll have my first fitting!!!!! I can not believe it. I truly truly can not believe I bought my wedding dress. The dress I will be getting married in. :D :D :D Now if the next 12 months could just zoom by, thank you. (Which, I’m sure they will)

After dress shopping we were all famished. We wandered on down to the Yardhouse for cocktails and lunch. DELICIOUS. They have something like 90 beers on tap. Then we spent our last night in town by the pool, grilling steaks, and having MANY many adult beverages. ;)

It was the perfect end to a perfect weekend.

I could easily call this home

I am so thankful. Thankful for everything. I am 100% refreshed today, and can not describe my gratitude. So much about the weekend was just what I needed. Time with family, playing with my baby niece, buying the dress that will mark the next chapter in our lives…

I nearly cried when we pulled up to SAT this morning. I just did not want to come home. Back to reality.. With a whole new attitude :)

How was your Memorial Day weekend?
Did you make sure to thank those who have and are serving to protect our freedom?

Maybe Happily Ever After CAN Exist?

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There are so many exciting things happening over in my little corner of the world, recently! I had full intentions of doing a Project Wedding update with all of the exciting progress we’ve made in that department, but instead I have SO MUCH MORE to share with you all.

It all began yesterday morning with an out of state phone call that I didn’t recognize. “ORANGE COUNTY” it read under the number, and a light bulb went off! Could it be? No no no. It can’t. It’s just a coincidence. I let it roll to voicemail. As soon as my phone vibrated I snatched it off the table and listened eagerly!

It was.
(CLICK ME) ;)

During the months of March and April Oakley put on a contest called “Perform Beautifully” 10 women would win a spot on the Oakley Women’s Ambassador team, as well as a trip to Napa Valley, California in June to attend a Women’s Fitness Retreat. I WON A SPOT. Me. Charlotte. The no name girl who grew up in Jamestown. JAMESTOWN! Me. I was selected out of over 650 applicants. Incredible, inspirational, tear-inducing bios from all over the country, and they chose ME!

I am honored. I am in shock. I am so flipping excited I can hardly think straight. Oakley is a brand that I truly believe in! From their ski goggles, to their sunglasses and jackets – they have never let me down. Skiing, running, swimming, just hanging out in the sun, I have been able to rely on Oakley multiple times throughout my life. I am so honored to be a part of their family this year! The anticipation might just kill me ;)

In OTHER news, we have made some actual, legitimate progress in our wedding planning. We realized that Chautauqua County is well, TINY. Good talent is hard to come by and will get snatched up that much sooner. We decided that all of the dates the planning books said, we want to be several months/weeks ahead of the recommendations. Boy am I glad we made that decision!!!

My sister pointed out to me the other day that our old band teacher (yeah, I was a band geek. ;) ) left the teaching world and opened a photography studio. I was immediately intrigued, & was immediately certain he was the photographer we wanted as soon as Z & I went to his website. His work was gorgeous. So artistic, so personal. I could feel the story of these weddings while looking through his portfolio. So we contacted him. I was all “i know its so far away but blablabla” and he responded that our wedding date was actually the only saturday in July of 2013 he had left. WOAH. (insert slight panic that I’m going to end up with crappy vendors because everything is booked here)

So we jumped on it! We filled out the contract and sent it off in the mail. Now I just have to cross my fingers, toes, and pray to the universe that the date remains open until the mail gets from Maryland to New York (OMG PLEASE!).

On top of that we chose the important songs of our wedding! We decided on our processional song, our recessional, as well as our first dance. But – I won’t be giving away THAT surprise. I want people in attendance to be surprised by SOMETHING at our wedding since I seem to be blabbing about so much of it. oops ;)

We also discovered both of our passports are expired. Which means that if we did decide on Ireland for our honeymoon, we would have to worry about updating those ($$$$) and with our big move coming shortly after our wedding, we just don’t know if that’s something we should spend the money on. Nothing is ruled out yet, but we are considering a multi-Island adventure honeymoon package in Hawaii instead. We didn’t want to lounge on a beach on our entire honeymoon. We are adventure seeking, culture exploring people – but Hawaii would definitely be the best of both worlds. Beach, Scenery, Exploring, Adventures galore….

Next week when we’re in Texas visiting my family I’ll be showing my dad, step mom, and sister my wedding dress AND PURCHASING IT!

It’s crazy. It is so crazy how happy I feel every time we cross something off the planning list. It fills my stomach with butterflies and my heart with warmth. We are that much closer to being husband and wife <3

I am living on a rainbow right now and I can’t think straight. haha.
ALL I know right now, is that it’s all thanks to my will to DREAM. I DARED TO DREAM. I dreamed big, I reached for it, I achieved it. & this is life showing me that everything pays off. Maybe Happily Ever After CAN exist after all? Maybe it’s not just for the Disney Movies….

You can accomplish anything you set your dreams to.
SO DREAM AS BIG AS YOU CAN 

Wedding Party & Minimal Running Shoes

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This weekend, we put the finishing touches on our wedding party! Everybody has been asked, including our officiant!!! It’s a really exciting step in our wedding planning!

One of the very first things we decided about our wedding, after becoming engaged – was that we didn’t want some overly religious and drawn out ceremony by an officiant who means nothing to us. The problem was, who? Getting ordained is simple enough these days, what with the Internet and what not…

At first we considered my dad, he’s pretty funny and a great public speaker, Z’s dad would definitely have everyone laughing until they cried – but we have something very special already planned for our parents….
This weekend we were in Virginia with our good friends Ryan and Sherwood (TJ is his real name. But to us he’ll always be Sherwood) for the kick off of the spring Notixx tour (so proud of my baby!) and as we were waiting at the bar for drinks it just came to us. It was as if we had the exact same thought at the exact same time! We both looked at each other, he pointed to Sherwood as I was spitting out the words “OMG lets ask Sherwood to be our officiant”

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He was so honored! It was awesome! :D I’m so excited to get the ball rolling more in the planning stages now that the wedding party has been taken care of!

My wedding party is my best friend kanisha, my other bestie (since KINDERGARTEN) Beth, and my brides-man as I call him – Bob! Yep I sure am having a guy up there with me! Anyone who knows me, knows that growing up I was always a Tom boy hanging’ with the dudes. :P

Z’s is his cousin Andrew, his old roommate and good friend Neil, and our friend Ryan! :)

Simple and small wedding party. Just like our simple and small wedding. Squee!!!!

Now onto an entirely different note – I ordered my first pair of minimal running shoes! When it comes to anything that goes on my feet – less is more.
I would be barefoot all the time if it was socially acceptable! This is why I love my connects. They are SO light weight.

Growing up I spent 6 days a week at my gymnastics practice gym between the ages o 6-17. So, 90% of my running and sprint drills were barefoot in that place. Wearing shoes while running was actually a bit if an adjustment when it became track season in school.. So I really think I’ll transition well.

Over the weekend I went to Charm City Run and tried on a few different minimal options. I knew I didn’t want the 5 finger design. After trying a few options I really liked the Saucony Hattori the most. After browsing around online, weighing “expert” opinions and a lot of debating – I ordered a pair!

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Yeeeeeey! I can’t wait until they get here! I’m not going to try to break them in until after my half marathon and after my knee feels better – but I’m still so excited! (I’m such a new gear snob. I get so overwhelmingly excited for new running gear)

They didn’t have purple in stock but they were nice enough to not roll their eyes at me, and order me in a pair! :P haha

Would you ever run in minimal shoes? If so what shoe would you try (or have already)

Project Wedding – We’ve Made Actual Progress

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Not even kidding, we are legit thinking about doing this... You love us. ;)

(Source)

Everything feels a little bit more real now. After a some-what very stressful few weeks of back & forth conversations, waiting for the mail to deliver (when you need it to be timely, it never is) our down payment, & the “stealing” of our first pick date –. Oh, & of course it was also about to be the weekend of the Warren Bridal show, where the venue would be showcased…. We received confirmation that our date & venue have been secured & payment was received! EEEEEEP!

July 20, 2013 I will become Mrs. Charlotte Fowler.
The Red-House - Cassadaga, NY

We got really lucky! We found this gorgeous 19th Century Red mansion that has been restored into a wedding venue that lays on 6 acres of land with a gorgeous wood barn. (Fun Fact: It used to be part of the Underground Rail Road!) We fell in love as soon as we pulled up to the place. It’s absolutely breath-taking! Not to mention there are so many options. The very first time Zack & I talked about weddings in any sense, during our relationship — was about how we both wanted a beach wedding. Obviously, that’s not possible with our budget, or without missing out on great friends & family attending. So, next best thing is an outdoor wedding in the beautiful nature that exists in Western, New York. (As much as we all have whined growing up there, it has gorgeous areas!) However, if it rains — no worries! No tents. No wind interfering. If the weather stinks we can just set up on the first floor of the barn! SO MANY OPTIONS!!!!!

THIS is where we'll be spending one of the most important days of our lives

(Source)

Not only is this place GORGEOUS, but all of their profit goes to Development for the youth! I’m so excited to have a date & location! I’m also so relieved the ceremony & reception will be at ONE location. wohoo for no commute! That’s not all though!!! We also decided on
our color scheme! Yellow & Grey!

I kind of want to carry sunflowers in my bouquet… But, we’ll see about all that. We have a loooongggg time to plan this amazing day! (Thank goodness! I can’t imagine trying to rush to get everything done! I’d die from stress.. Planning a wedding for a city you DON’T live in & can’t just scoot on over to check out venues, is um… fun ;) ) :D

Project Wedding: The Infamous Gown Traditions

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first: I would like to announce the winner of the Road ID & ‘Run Like a Girl’ Giveaway. I am absolutely astonished at the turn out of entries. I know people love free stuff, but I am still amazed at how many people visited my blog & entered. I wish I was a millionaire so I could give one to every person who entered. However, Random.org chose #13 which was Miss Jennie from Running Jennie. I will be mailing out her goodies on my way to work tomorrow morning! :D (Hopefully it doesn’t take too long. But, keep in mind it’s coming from USA to Canada)

Non Traditional Gowns are kind of Gorgeous

Second: There are some wedding traditions that have always just made me giggle and/or roll my eyes. I just don’t get all of them. It’s funny though, how quickly some of those opinions change when you’re planning your own wedding… Lately I have been focusing on one tradition in particular…. The idea that if the groom sees the bride’s wedding dress the marriage is doomed. I have never been superstitious, I have never bought into beliefs like this and don’t understand how people who think they are ready for marriage can truly believe that one simple glimpse at a dress can destroy the bond you have with one another. If it’s that easily broken, maybe you’re not ready… (Just my two cents. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion) We are both very much trying for a modern wedding, old, ancient customs are old and ancient for a reason. Some things become out dated as society progresses…

I’m so torn now that I’m actually getting married. No, not because I think if Zack sees my dress our marriage will fall down the toilet, but more so because this is OUR day. This is one day that we get to celebrate the joining of our families with all of the people we love. So, I want it to represent US as much as possible. I want both of us to be 100% content with the way things pan out for the wedding. So, with that being said — I want a dress that makes Z’s jaw drop. A dress that makes it absolutely impossible for him to take his eyes off of me. This is where me being torn comes into play. It’s HIS evening as well as mine.

I would love to KNOW that Zack thinks my dress is perfect. Having him help me pick it out would ease a lot of nerves about ‘omg is he going to like this‘ (Even though, Zack loves me in sweat pants and a raggy pony-tale, so he will love me in any dress I choose) but at the same time I would love to surprise him. To see that shocked look on his face when I dance down the isle.

Tid Bits:

  • Did you know that in most cultures, the color white represents DEATH?
  • Veils were designed to hide the face of the wife, because it was believed to prevent men from backing out if they didn’t like what they saw
Married in white, you will have chosen right.
Married in grey, you will go far away.
Married in black, you will wish yourself back.
Married in red, you wish yourself dead.
Married in green, ashamed to be seen.
Married in blue, you will always be true.
Married in pearl, you will live in a whirl.
Married in yellow, ashamed of your fellow.
Married in brown, you will live out of town.
Married in pink, your fortune will sink.

(I don’t know where that originally came from. Every time I google wedding traditions I find it though)

I find the rhyme to be nothing but comical. That being said I am planning to wear white, only because I know if I wear another color I will look back in 10 years and regret not having white wedding gown photos. White is an elegant color. It compliments nearly everything. (Just don’t give me any food or drink all day. It will end up a tie-dye dress…) However, I may either get a dress that has a splash of color somewhere, or add a colorful accessory.
What wedding traditions do you think are silly?
Would you allow/want your fiance to see your wedding gown before the ceremony?

Her Heart Grew 3 Sizes That Day

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WE’RE ENGAGED!!!!!

A lot of you already know, but we have officially made the grand announcement & started planning (eeeeeeep!)

It’s so strange to be sitting here writing this story. My entire life I have done a wonderful job of running away from love & ensuring an independent life. This is what I believed I wanted for the longest time. I literally ran (across states) when my relationship with an ex progressed to the stage where we were going to move in together. I prevented the following ex from getting remotely close. He finally walked away with his tails between his legs…

It wasn’t until meeting Zack that I truly realized that marriage does not equal weakness, that as modern women we definitely & completely can ‘have our cake & eat it too’! I most certainly can spend the rest of my life with my soulmate & have a highly successful, kick-ass career! (We’re pretty spoiled, us modern women ;) )

I know so many say it, I know I always thought it was a bunch of bull — but, I knew almost immediately we would end up getting married! Honest! I remember when he went back to college after our first Spring Break together. It was as if the life force was sucked out of me. Not a feeling I was familiar nor comfortable with. I told my BFF Kanisha that weekend he went back, that he was the one. She said “he melted the ice princess….. her heart grew 3 sizes that day” :)

The Deets:
Not many of you know this, but I was planning to propose. I had asked a few of you for your input on it — & I was over the moon with all the positive feedback. I started looking at rings & planning how I was going to do it. I decided I was going to propose on Christmas. His grandfather (who was more like a father than a grandfather) passed 3 days after Christmas in 2007, so it is always a sad time of year for him. I wanted to not only make this time of year happy again, but also honor his grandfather and their relationship. He always tells me how happy his grandpa would be to know me and how happy Zack is with me.

However that didn’t work out. The night after Thanksgiving we got into a lengthy conversation about our future. (certainly not the first) this conversation was different from the rest. Maybe it was because I had been planning this in my head. But all I knew after that conversation was that it was time. So, I asked him. I sobbed like a fool, and stumbled over every word. I didn’t yet have the ring (I was anticipating a month more’s time..)

Instead of saying yes, he took my hands and asked me. At first I was so confused, then I was all “OMG ahhhhhhhhh eeeeeeee” eventually forming the words “duh of course!!”

We now have rings:

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I know it’s not traditional for men to wear an engagement ring, but –
Come on. Nothing about us is traditional. Nothing about the proposal was, either. (& I wouldn’t have it any other way :D )

I can’t begin to express my gratitude for all the support & love we have been receiving! You guys are so amazing!! We love & appreciate you all!!!

What we know:
– We aren’t getting married until Summer 2013.
– We are thinking July but nothing is final
– We will be getting married Back ‘home’ in NY. Even though we’ve both lived several places, with family ALL OVER, it makes the most sense.
– We have a TON of family between the 2 of us…. Like a ton a ton….
– Simplicity is key. also a very modern ceremony.

The rest is to be determined. Tons of ideas && excitement. I can’t stop staring at my hand!!!!

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Summer 2013 I will be Mrs. Charlotte Fowler or Mrs Charlotte Neitzel-Fowler (I really hate how the hyphenated name sounds, but I’m not sure if I want to lose my family name. We both strongly believe that the wedding is a celebration about bringing two families together. (friends are certainly family to us as well)

I am officially rambling but I’m so excited!! Is a year and a half tooooo soon to start knocking out details?? Lol

:D <3