One month count down!

Yes, 30 some days now! 

Yesterday I was having a slightly stressful day at work and in the mist of a stressful conversation … a beautiful bouquet of flowers were delivered to my desk from my friend, loyal blog reader and bridesmaid…Liz. It was a one-month count down present…much unexpected but very much appreciated!

Notice how it is strategically placed next to my New Kids on the Block button / frame.

Everyone has been so thoughtful and extremely generous recently with their time and support to help put on this event. I’m getting pretty excited to see things start to fall into place.

Ceremony programs

This week we are working on our ceremony program. The program will include a list of everyone involved in the ceremony along with the music, readings and a few specials messages from the two of us.  Now it’s up to Alex’s creative mind to design the program, similar to how he designed our Save-the-Date cards and Invitations. A few bridesmaids and I will then assemble next weekend.  Here are some ideas I found on online that I really like.

Seating chart software

Attention all brides-to-be!

If you are planning to assign tables numbers at your reception, I highly recommend using Perfert Table Plan.

I was planning to just use an Excel spread sheet or some other non-technical way to organize the reception seating, but this program does all the work for you. You simply enter in every guest (including spaces for dates of guests) and then you can “click and drag” the name to a table. You can also upload your invitation list as a .csv file to save time. Easy as that!

Let me know if you have any questions before purchasing this program!

Wedding inspiration

This is so elegant and beautiful! These images are not of our wedding decorations, but similar. Our wedding is black and white inspired, but with red accents. Our bridesmaids will be in black dresses and one of the cake designs was very similar to the one shown here. I guess you’ll just have to wait and see which one we go with! Check out more wedding mood boards at Style Me Pretty.com.

Mail makes my day

Thanks for all the RSVPs! It’s sweet to read all the little notes of congratulations. I didn’t realized when we designed the invitation, that we did not leave much space on the return card for a note…but most people have found a way to squeeze something on there. I love it!

Thanks for all your kind words and loving support!

Trumpeter confirmed!

That might sound like a silly statement to most of you reading this, but it actually means a lot to this bride.  I am super excited to know that a trumpeter will be playing Trumpet Voluntary as dad walks me down the aisle!

I haven’t heard a trumpeter at most of my friends weddings here in Cincinnati, as I don’t think it is as common. However, it one of those “standards”  back home in Minster (St Augustine Church)…it is one of those things everyone has in their wedding ceremony….it’s just what you do…and Larry Coppess always plays.  I almost asked if Larry could travel to Cincinnati for our wedding since I did not know another trumpeter. :o) Luckily our music director came through with one!

Although planning the wedding here in Cincnnati was much easier for Alex and I and we are still happy with our decision, I will feel “at home” when I hear the trumpeter play from the choir loft at “our” new church - St. Teresa.

Presidential Suite

The Prenger family would like to cordially invite our extended families and hotel guests to the Presidential Suite at the hotel…before the ceremony AND after the reception.  It’s a large hospitality room up on the top (14th) floor of the Sheraton… with a bar, kitchenette, living room space and a great view. (This photo does not do it justice - it is much bigger in person).

It’ll be a great place to visit, grab a refreshment and arrange carpools to the ceremony. Come on back after the reception for some adult beverages, snacks and good conversation.  (Since it is a private space, you are also welcome to bring in your own food and drink if you so wish…I know a few of you crave Skyline and White Castles around midnight!)

We are thinking the bridesmaids and I will gather there around noon to dress, and then open the suite up to family and groomsmen around 2:00 PM or so. Hotel check-in is at 3:00 PM for most hotel guests, which is about the same time the wedding party and I will be leaving the hotel for pre-ceremony photos.

If I run into a few of you at the hotel before the ceremony, that’s okay. I’d rather spend some quality time with family and friends who traveled such a distance…and talk to a few that haven’t seen in a long time!

Just a reminder, the hotel is located directly across the street from the reception hall (walking distance) but about a 25 minute drive to the church.

Logistics

Yes, that is this week’s agenda. Figuring out who needs to be where and when.

When and where should the flowers be delivered?
What time should the cake arrive?
When can I drop off reception centerpieces, placecards, etc.
Where and when should the bridal party meet?
Can we get an early check in at the hotel?
Where can I find a trumpeter at last minute?
When and where do we want photos (esp if it is windy/snowy)?
Most importantly…when will we find time to pack and finalize last minute details and still find time to eat some  turkey and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving!?

I’m also cutting in my holiday shopping schedule.
What was I thinking!?

Oh yeah…Getting married on our 10 year anniversary. That’s why! I guess that helps bring some perspective to all this. Yay us. Cheers!

Note to self

This is why I am getting married in a church.

Clumsy Best Man Ruins Wedding - Watch more free videos

Meet our wedding party

Silver sixpence in her shoe…

Today I came home to yet another sweet surprise in the mail from my brother’s friend Carol.  It was nicely wrapped silver sixpence coin and personal note.

A few months ago, I wrote a post about Something Old…Something New...and wrote about how there is a last line that says “and a silver sixpence in her shoe”.  Carol’s note stated that the “sixpence” must be worn in the left shoe as the bride goes down the aisle to insure wealth and prosperity in the marriage.

My favorite line from her note was…”Michelle, when I found this, I thought of you and hope it brings you and Alex lots of wealth in your marriage…What the heck, it already is creating wealth in your marriage because the sixpence is no longer minted therefore it can only go up in value. he he
Hugs,
Carol

Very thoughtful..and witty. Thanks Carol.

Something Old

This past Tuesday, Alex and I received a very special gift from Alex’s grandparents. It was a delicate, white lace handkerchief with a hand written note that said:

For all the future Backscheider brides to borrow for Something Old. This handkerchief belonged to Grandma Catherine (Lipps) Backscheider who carried it on her wedding day, which was June 20, 1931.

The handkerchief was still in its original box! I don’t believe we have many family heirlooms from the Prenger / Rodeheffer side of the family, so this gift is extremely sentimental for us.

I look forward to seeing Alex’s younger sisters and cousins carry on this tradition …as Something Old “must be something which has belonged to a happily married woman. The wearing of such an item insures a lucky transfer of happiness to the new bride and signifies a series of  continuity, tradition and represents the link to the brides old life and her family”.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Backscheider.

Bachelorette Party

A couple weeks ago I enjoyed a night out with my best gal pals here in Cincinnati. Roughly 25 lovely ladies met up at Justine’s downtown apartment for appetizers and drinks, and then we headed out on a “Tour de Mitch” bus pub crawl …strategically going to areas of town that have significant meaning to Alex and me.

Examples include:
* Clifton (University of Cincinnati’s campus)
* Mt. Adams (where I used to live)
* Newport (where Alex always makes me go)
* and the “Lodge Bar” because my first house at UC was called “The Lodge” because it had a wood cabin feel to it. “The Lodge” (house) is not only where I met Alex, but also where I met most of the girls in my wedding party…a little over 10 years ago.  How thoughtful!

Throughout the night the bridesmaids continued on with cute games and presented me with very creative, thoughtful and personal gifts. All of our friends even wore feather boas…as they know that is my favorite party accessory!

Thanks Team Bridesmaid!
(pictured above)

Last priest meeting

We finally had a chance to sit down with Father Bolte and talk through the rehearsal and ceremony details. There are lots of little details to complete and/or bring with us to the rehearsal…church donations, server gifts, marriage license, our written petitions, aisle runner, flowers for sign of peace & Mary, unity candles, confirm readers, offertory and communion distributors…and attend confession within two weeks of our wedding date. I’m sure I’ll think of a few more…

Now that both the music and readings have been finalized, we can also start to create our ceremony programs.

Lots to do!

Family visit

Last night my Dad and brother David made an impromptu drive to Cincinnati to check out the hotel, reception hall and get fitted for their tuxedo. I was fortunate enough to be able to meet up with them and show them around the area and get their opinions on a few things. They are also trying to help organize some sort of central meeting space at the hotel for Saturday afternoon and post reception. We are exploring a few options and will inform those staying in the hotel where they can gather for refreshments. Should be a good time!

Ceremony meeting

Tomorrow we meet with Father Bolte to finalize our vows, ceremony time line, music, and readings.  Alex and I still have a lot to read and talk through tonight before our meeting but we are pretty much in agreement of what we want, so that is good.

There are a lot of decisions to make!

Girl bonding

This weekend I received a much needed break from wedding planning. I was whisked away to Chicago to see the New Kids on the Block reunion concert. So, while Alex was out of town for his bachelor party, I was in Chicago reliving my pre-teen years with 5 of the cutest boys I have ever met (well…until I met Alex of course!). We had a blast!

Over the past month, I have throrougly enjoyed “my girl time” with some amazing ladies. The bridesmaids threw me a very thoughtful and creative home organization/home improvement bridal shower in July, an over the top bachelorette party last weekend, and four of us traveled to Chicago for a girls weekend.  Even though I’m getting married, my friends will always be an important part of my life and I “vow” to still make time for them. I know Alex feels the same way about his “dudes”. We both value our friendships and respect each others time apart…and I think that I key to our relationship and what keeps us strong.

Photo guest book

Yes, once again, I’m breaking the rules. Instead of a traditional guest book with lines where guests sign their names, I created a “photo book” using our engagement photos. This book serves as both our engagement album…and our guest book. Guests can sign between the photos in the “white space” and blank pages.  Yes, guests can write on the pages of the book. :o)  Not only can they sign their name, but they can also leave us a message if they so chose. Love it!

And…since I’m so excited with how it turned out, I want to share it with you now instead of waiting until the wedding.  (For the few brides-to-be that have been following my blog, I used Shutterfly.com and highly recommend this service! I simply uploaded my photos, created the page layouts and received it in about a week).

Click to view book.

We have candles

…and lots of them! I came home today to two large boxes containing 144 white round floating candles on my porch. So, what is the first thing I did? Tested to make sure they floated!  Well, they passed!

I was extremely nervous about ordering these online but I must say that I am pleased with my decision. Our reception will now be completely illuminated as I had envisioned.