Engagment photos

This was taken up in Mt. Adams.

5th Priest meeting

Last night’s discussion focused on how to bring the Catholic faith into our married life. Topics ranged from raising a family and celebrating the seven sacraments, understanding each others beliefs, and learning to pray together (for each other and for others).

During our next meeting, we get to start planning the wedding ceremony, readings and music. I know we have at least one more meeting after that and then it’s rehearsal time! After that last meeting, we can start to design and layout the programs.

We also had the opportunity to pick up our engagment photos last night and they are amazing! Bryne did a really great job and I would recommend her to anyone looking for a photojournalism photograher. She gave us the CD with all the high res files so we can print, retouch, and change to black and white. We have over 175 photos! I’ll start to narrow them down and share the link with you soon!

Meet with our priest

Tonight we have another meeting with our priest at St. Teresa Church. I am not sure what our topic is centered around tonight but I can give an update tomorrow. Tonight I also get to pick up the CD of our engagement photos! Very exciting!

Who is Michelle Lee Weber?

She does not show up in Google results. She has no history. She doesn’t exist…well, yet. (insert smile).

However, when I Google “Michelle Prenger”….she has about 10 results show up, including her work history, volunteer, social activities and connections through online social communities (Facebook, Linked In, My Space, etc.). She exists! I know her.
I am her!

I know I’m not losing my identity and I’m actually excited about the whole process… but I just had to announce to the whole world that it is still a strange feeling to change your name! I guess it is just a part of the process of being a bride! I have always fully intended to take Alex’s last name…and our friends already refer to us as “The Webers”. I guess I need to start practicing my new signature! (I confess, I have been doodling it for years!)

What I do want to communicate is that I look forward to creating the story of “Michelle Weber” …so one day you can Google my name and learn all about the fabulous things I have accomplished in my career…and family life!

Ohio marriage license

Did you know… that in Ohio:

Both men and women must be at least 18 years old to obtain a marriage license (Alex and I are good there). With parental consent, the couple may be granted a license at 16 years old (scary!) A medical exam is not required (I always thought they were!?) There is a five-day waiting period for a license in Ohio, and once issued it is valid for 60 days. If I decide to change my name (which I will), we simply sign the marriage license with the new version, and it’s legal (seems too simple!).

When we receive our marriage license, we need to contact our local Social Security office and Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain new identification cards. The cost of a license varies from $20.00 - $40.00 and we can contact the Hamilton County Probate Court (513) 946-3600 for more information.

I agree that this is not my most exciting post to date but I certainly learned a lot today researching this process. I just need to figure out when I need to apply for the license. I think it is within 30 - 60 of our wedding date. If you have more to share on what we need to do to secure our marriage license, please leave a comment below! Thanks again!

Music requests

Got a song you’d love to hear at the reception? Here’s your chance to submit your request!

Can you think of a song that remind you of us? What about songs that you absolutely love …or hate?

We would love to hear from you, so leave a comment below! Thanks!

Day of rest

That’s right. A day without any wedding planning!

I had every intention to tackle my wedding to-do list tonight, but instead Alex and I went for an impromptu run at Fernbank Park with Archie. It was really nice for us to get a night away, not talk about wedding, and enjoy some quality time together with just the “three” of us. The only wedding related thing that came up tonight is that our photographer called to say our engagement photos were almost ready. (yeah!)

A night off from planning was exactly what we needed. I spent more time writing this blog entry than I didn thinking about wedding details, which was a nice change. I love how this website gives me the opportunity to talk wedding with those that want to hear about it…rather than blabbing about every last detail with Alex, who I’m sure could care less if I wear open toe or closed toe shoes on the wedding day. (insert smile!)

First tuxedo rented

Congrats to our groomsman & friend Brian for winning the “gold medal”, as he was the first to rent his tux (yes, we have all been watching too much Olympics). He ordered his at Mens Warehouse in Charlotte and will be picking up and dropping off here in Cincinnati. He said it only took him 10 minutes to place his order because Mens Warehouse already had his measurements in the system from a prior wedding.

One down and like 17 more tuxes to go!

101 days…and 197 things still to do

…that means an average two decisions a day!

The good thing is at least 103 decisions or tasks have already been completed and checked off the list of 300.

WOO-HOO!

Next on the list:
* Share invitation proof with family
* Work on reception slide show (team effort between the 2 of us)
* Confirm bridesmaids hair & make up appointments
* Book honeymoon (I received my passport already!)
* Purchase wedding bands (we have to get creative with my ring)
* Finalize time line for the day (photos, logistics & travel)
* Schedule final dress fittings…I think this is about when every bride vows to lose 15 pounds. Knowing my luck, I’ll gain four.

Things are certainly picking up!

Tuxedos ordered

Mens Warehouse was extremely helpful in picking out the best tuxedo option for our wedding party, especially since we needed to order 18 tuxedos! They even offer each groomsman a $20 rewards program discount along with a $25 gift certificate to use at your next visit.

I highly recommend Mens Warehouse if you have a few guys that live out of town, as they have locations in almost every major city. For example, my brother Kevin will get measured at the Knoxville location, can pick it up either in Knoxville or Cincinnati, and then can drop it off here in Cincinnati if he so chooses. Thats a great option if you ask me. For those in Minster, you can also have a local tailor call in your sizes and pick up here in Cincinnati. The store is located very close to the hotel.

Groomsmen/ushers/fathers: I will be in touch with all the details regarding your tuxedo. Basically, all you need to do is get fitted by November 1st. Another benefit is that MW has an online tracking system and I can log in to see who and who has not ordered their tux! :o) Oh, the powers of a bride!

Engagement photos tonight

So, my car is stuffed with half of my wardrobe, five pairs of shoes and all of my hair products…for a one hour, maybe two outfit photo session with our photographer Bryn Weller. :o) Alex hasn’t thought twice about what he is wearing…so I suggested one black shirt, one white shirt and dark jeans. Done and done. Gotta love it! We are taking the photos up in Mt. Adams in both Eden Park, as well as the downtown entertainment district. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Real as it gets…

I promised to myself that this blog would be used to log both the joys and challenges along our engagement. Over the past few months, I have been challenged with the notion that my only sister might not be able to stand by my side on my wedding day.

My sister is truly an amazing woman, and is 100% dedicated to everything she does. Brenda, who is not only a loving wife, nurturing mother of two young boys and managing a full time job, but is also set to graduate from college this December (weeks after my wedding)! We are sooo excited for her!

However, with that said, she feels as if she can’t give 100% to being an active member of the bridal party… and has decided the best thing for her and her family was to take one item off her plate. Together, we decided that it would be best for her not to worry about the wedding planning and step down as co-matron of honor, so she can focus more time on her husband, boys and getting that degree this winter. How can I compete with that!?

She is still my sis, the person who helped transform me into a young woman, and has always been my rock - the one I lean on in times in need. She will still be an active part of my wedding day and will play many other “worker bee” roles. I wouldn’t want anything else for her than to be happy and feel less stressed, and for the first time in a long time, I saw her smile.

So, for those brides-to-be (as a few brides have found my blog online), please know that if someone needs to pull out of your wedding party for whatever reason, please know its what is best for them, and they can still play an important role in your wedding - just being there is all that matters.

Strawberry Tuxedo

So, you know how I was asking for black, white and red decoration ideas? Well, my friend Jen shared a very cute idea with me…strawberry tuxedos! How adorable!

Best bridesmaids ever!

Yes. That’s all I have to say. You ladies are doing soooo much to make this an extra special time in my life. From throwing showers and hand making invitations, to giving out hugs when I get overwhelmed with making decisions, you have always been there for me. I just want to express a sincere thank you for everything.

Meet these lovely ladies by checking out the wedding party photos.

Honeymoon options

Ah, the fun part…
planning a vacation!

Right now we are exploring a few options in Mexico and the Caribbean and looking for recommendations from you! Specifically, I’m looking for resort referrals, suggestions on what to see and do near the resort and places to avoid.

Most people are recommending deluxe resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya but feel free to send other ideas our way!

Family reunion

I’ve had the pleasure to attend the past two Weber family reunions, last year in Indianapolis, IN and most recently, Cherry Valley Lodge. Alex’s Grandfather, Justin Weber founded the family business Batesville Products Inc., and the Weber family plans an reunion surrounding the annual BPI shareholder meeting.

Located slightly east of Columbus, Cherry Valley is an excellent location for meetings and conferences, with accommodations, bike trails, restaurants and even a spa located right on site. We even saw a beautiful wedding take place outside in the garden, so for any of those brides-to-be, you might want to consider this location for your wedding! More photos.

This was the 15th anniversary of the Weber reunion, which falls on the weekend of Grandma Rita and Grandpa Justin’s wedding anniversary. Before Saturday night’s dinner, Alex’s father proposed a toast in honor of marriage:
to Rita and Justin’s marriage,
to married couples among us and
to couples planning to get married.
Needless to say, it was very touching!

My immediate family started doing a similar reunion trip and we call it Prengerfest. Since our family reunion normally takes place in early November, we are post-poning this year’s event due to the wedding. I feel guilty we are doing that but I hope we continue our annual reunions in the future. As my siblings and I get older, we truly value our limited time together and look forward to these weekend get aways!

I have to admit, I’ve been a little spoiled the past month to attend two Weber vacations! Thanks again for welcoming me into the family!

Latest invitation trend

I’m by no means a designer, but I have noticed the latest trend in wedding invitations is POCKETS! The pockets (or folders) contain all of the enclosures, such as directions, hotel information and additional details for out of town guests. Below are some that are truly inspiring! Love them!

To see more and learn how to order pocket invitations, check out the following sites.
MyGatspy Princess Invitations Divine Ink