Note to self

This is why I am getting married in a church.

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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.

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!

Welcome!

Many of you may be new to the site, so feel free to browse around and stay for awhile. All the important “day of” details are listed in the upper right hand corner (Church, Reception, Hotel, etc.) and the rest of the site is simply our online diary of the wedding plans dating back to last November.  From time to time I post wedding updates, thoughts, inspiration, seek advice and very rarely…obstacles we encounter.

Feel free to leave us a message (comment) as we love hearing from family and friends. We look forward to seeing many of you in a couple months!

Bronze metal goes to…

…my brother Kevin - the one that lives down in Tennessee! He has rented both his tux and hotel room. Man, you guys are on a roll. I’m running out of awards. Thanks for being on top of everything!

Online deals

If you do a lot of online shopping, you’ll notice when checking out that the order form usually includes a space for “promotional code or coupon”.  Chances are, if you Google for the promotional code, you’ll find it online. I saved us a substantial amount of money this week simply by doing this extra step. These same discounts might come in handy for a few of you!

(Example: Google “Shoes.com coupon” or “Shoes.com promotional code”)

Shoes.com What woman doesn’t need another pair of shoes?!
Coupon Code: ENTSHOES09 for 20% off and free shipping. (Spend $100)
Coupon Code: ENTERTAINMENT for $10 and / or free shipping.

Stamps.com For Custom Photo Stamps
Coupon Code: “tenoff” for 10% off your order
Coupon Code: “gen1″ for free shipping

Shutterfly Photo Book
Coupon Code: VS09-VISA for 15% off your order

Candles For Less.com Great for bulk floating or votive candles
Coupon Code: MC1907 for 10% off $100 order Expires 09.22.08

Sources for the Coupon Codes:
MyCoupons.com
MomsView.com
RetailMeNot.com
XPBargain.com
Hope this helps at least one person. Let me know what deals you find!

Oh how I love online shopping!

I am an old fashion - gotta touch what I buy type of girl..who can never make a decision. However, in the past week,  I ordered my shoes, photo guest book, special stamps, and candles for the reception all online!  I’m about to place another order for the favors, however I  should probably run that by Alex first…and then check my bank account. :o) What else can I order online to save time? It’s been fun shopping from my desk!

Bachelorette party

Over the weekend, I received my invite to attend my last big night out as a “Miss” and celebrate becoming a “Mrs”.  I am really look forward to a girls night out and seeing everyone again! Thanks ladies for planning this!

Please bear with me

…as this site goes through some design changes over the next couple of weeks. This blog started out as a work project that I eventually rolled out to all of you. My goal is to match the design colors to our wedding and personalize the site theme a little more. I’m getting there…but there are still a few things I plan to tweak (font sizes, image size, navigation, etc.).

More photos

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!

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!

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!

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.