Oh THE Dress

Last weekend, after much encouragement from my mom that we get THE dress bought early, Ali, my mom and I set out on THE dress adventure. I planned to go to two or three stores - each with a big selection of temple ready dresses. (This was key so that I didn't fall in love with a dress that had to have a lot of alterations.)

At the first store, Latter Day Bride, I tried on probably 15-20 dresses. I lost count in the madness of tulle, chiffon, and satin.

So after two hours we narrowed it down to my favorite 3 dresses:

We decided to go to lunch (at CPK...delicious!) and talk it over because I was overwhelmed by this point. Well after trying on these three again and again I decided on this one.

We didn't order the dress right there because I was feeling unsure...I didn't have the "oh my gosh THIS IS THE DRESS moment."

We had to take Ali back to Provo and my mom and I wanted to go to another bridal store. Abella Bridal in the Riverwoods has always seemed like the cutest bridal shop to me...however, when I picked out the dresses the consultant told me her sample sizes were 8s! Seriously 8! (By the way I totally have a bone to pick with dress designers choosing sizes that are 2 sizes bigger than your normal size...you wedding dress should be smaller than your normal size!)

I tried on two dresses at Abella and was so frustrated we left. We drove to the mall to Alyssa's bridal and I have to say that I was more than pleasantly surprised. They had such a big selection, the consultant was sooooo nice and helpful, and everything went smoothly. Only problem...I tried on about 10 dresses and only 2 were an absolute NO. I did by a dress that night but I want you all to see me in it on February 12! (112 days!!!!!)

Finding a Good Photog

Photog (its short for photographer)...remember that summer that Aubrey started to abrieviate everything??? Well I'm reverting back because I'm sick of typing the word.

So I have been looking for photogs for a couple weeks now. Ali (my matron/maid of honor) started out by looking through featured photogs on the Utah Bride Blog (which has become my daily sweet indulgence). We narrowed the list down to three:

Michael Lloyd
http://www.michaellloydphotography.com/

Kelli Stephens
http://www.atouchofgreyphotography.com/

Tom and Alicia Garzand
http://www.garzandphotography.com/

Well I met with each of them last week. I wasn't really sure what to look for in a photog - I had a budget but that was about it. All of their pictures are AMAZING. My mom was really looking for a photog that would put together great albums. So that became a big deciding factor for us. I also was looking for a more vintage look in the photos - not really modern elements...

To make a long-story short, I was so excited when I met with the last option, the Garzands. They are so excited about their work and I liked the team approach they had. They gave me TONS of ideas for shoots and we have planned three shoots before the wedding. Like my mom said..."When you meet with them, you'll know."

So here is the schedule:
Engagements - November
Bridals/Groomals (I want cute pics of my hubby-to-be alone as well) - January
Formals (pre-wedding shoot at the temple so our faces won't hurt on our big day) - February

They also make AMAZING albums. Check out their website and look at their designs.

The Proposal

It couldn't have been more perfect.

Jeff and I were with a couple friends from Pleasanton (Jon and Angelica) playing in Vegas for the weekend. On Saturday night we got up from our nap and decided to go ride the rides on top of the Stratosphere. Only Insanity (the one that spins around out over the edge) and XScream (the one that shoots over the edge) were open. I HATE heights so I've never been able to do all the rides because I am usually hyperventalating after the first ride. But Jeff made me do both!!!

After the rides I was completely overwhelmed...sweaty palms and feet. The hyperventalating happened mid-ride on the second ride and everyone laughed at me. Jeff suggested we go inside and look at the lights on the Strip. We walked around and I sat down on the bench because I was tired. I noticed Jon and Gel acting really weird and could see in the reflection of the glass that they were trying to take a picture of the back of me. I swung around and gave some smart remark...danced a little...and made them take a picture of me and Angelica. (Video soon to be posted).

When I turned back around this is what I saw.

I heard him say..."Will you marry me?" And before I saw the ring, the only thing in my mind was if this was a joke its TOTALLY NOT FUNNY. When he opened the box I screamed/squealed.

I'm not exactly sure what noise came out of me at that point but it was definitely a good noise. I immediately started to cry. I got up and hugged him and put on the ring.

We hugged and kissed and took tons of pictures. Jon and Gel left us alone for a few minutes and as we started to walk away...I looked at Jeff and said, "I didn't say anything huh?" He just still looked nervous and shook his head as a No. I turned around and jumped into his arms and said (or rather yelled), "YES, of course I'll marry you!!!"

And we lived happily ever after.