I’ve been working my tush off at work while also wrapping up the final details for the wedding. I can’t wait to share with you alllll the many wonderful details!  I’ll have our engagement photos, perfect details for bridesmaid gifts and more.  So bare with me and I promise I’ll be back soon with lots of eye candy!!!!

You all rock!

Blissfully Yours~

Heidi

I’m home alone for the week since Jonnathan is being a sweetie and helping his Mom with her yard remodel..the house is quiet…a nice summer breeze is cooling off the house and the dogs are sleeping at my feet.  Wow, it’s the first real silence I’ve had in a long time.  Even when it’s quiet when Jonnathan is home, it’s different when you are actually alone by yourself, you know what I mean?  I miss him terribly, but am finding this quiet time to be something that I really needed. It’s allowing me to reflect on what this time is all about, how much I adore Jonnathan, and how truly blessed and happy I am. Life has been more than hectic lately.  I started a brand new job, Jonnathan graduated from college, had my bridal shower, did our engagement photos and are wrapping up the final plans for our wedding. To say a world wind, doesn’t even touch on how busy it has been.  So, this quiet day has truly been a gift.  You’ll laugh when you hear that  I think getting up early, driving to a couple of different stores, clothes shopping, picking up dog food, watering all the plants and cleaning the windows and kitchen is a quiet day for me, but it really has been.

It’s nice to slow down tonight and just be still.  As a Type A Personality Bride I get easily caught up in alllllll the many details, the to-do lists, the plan A, plan B, the what if’s, the worries…all of it.  It’s a catch 22, on one hand it’s a awesome to be planning an event and be a person who thinks of the details, however on the other it can be very overwhelming if it’s your own wedding you’re planning.  I’m thinking of all the hours spent focused on the details wondering if the day will be what I hope it to be.  Is it normal for me to wonder if I’m going to be let down?  Is it normal if I want it all to slow down even though it hasn’t even begun? I hope I can take it all in. I hope that the entire day I will be focused on what it’s all about – Jonnathan.  All those hours spent planning our wedding, yes was partially because of the little girl in me loving the dreamy wedding, but mostly because I wanted to do all I could to create a day that best represented Jonnathan and my relationship and our love.  As a man who often doesn’t want the focus on himself, I want him to feel more love and more joy than he has ever felt in his entire life. I want to put the biggest smile on his face and the most joy in his heart.  That is my number one goal for our wedding.  If I can do that, then that’s all that really matters in the end.

Since things have been so crazy busy lately I found myself getting to a point where I was just so emotional.  I didn’t know what was going on and went to Jonnathan and told him I needed a hug and that I just felt sad.  I didn’t know why or what had caused it, but I just did.  He of course wrapped his arms around me with all the love in the world and brought me immediate comfort.  He too was feeling a little sad and we realized that part of the problem was that while we are both running around with our crazy schedules, that we were missing one another. Stopping and realizing that we had lost focus of making sure that we were connecting and getting the time we needed with one another – thank God we realized this now!  So, we have made a pact that come wedding week and wedding day that we will make sure we get the time we need with one another.  I have written into the schedule just the two of us on our wedding day in the morning alone and away from all the hustle and bustle to enjoy morning coffee and one another. I think it’s important to do what you can to slow things down and focus on what really matters.

Did any of you brides go through a roller coaster of emotions leading up to your wedding?  How did you deal with that?

I LOVE the Z Gallerie for both Home Decor and Wedding Decor! Check out their chic designs!

Backyard Party Decor Perfect For Any Special Occasion!

Stephanie, one of my childhood best friends, has a fabulous decor blog offering incredible ideas on affordable home design!  She recently put herself to work planning her younger sister’s graduation party and transformed her back yard into a gorgeous chic lounge. I LOVE how it turned out!  Brides – this would be fabulous inspiration for bridal showers and reception decor!

Be sure to visit Stephanie’s blog for more fabulous decor inspiration at YouPaidMoreThanMe.blogspot.com

Tell us how you came up with the design?

I’ve always decorated this way, very airy, relaxed feel. I love clean whites and people feel chic when they are around this type of feel. This design was comfortable for all ages, and for this event, we had people from age 2, to 82, and it was a success.

How did you do those gorgeous drapes!?

The drapes are an old trick I’ve used before, it’s very simple. Cut the top “ends” off of a sheet (where the fold is, I used queen size) and slip a pole through the top. Gather to your liking!

And those adorable lounges for your guests to relax and chat the night away?

The lounges cost $35 to build, and $20 for a vinyl mattress. My husband whipped up the plan and went to work.

Any tips on ways to save money when it comes to decorating a space?

Look at the big picture. Dont focus on the detail right away. Make big statements with the simplest of things. Leave the details at the end, because you may find you dont NEED all the small things you thought, and this is where you save the cash. You may not need those small votive holders, you may already have jars or something to perch them on. It’s when you do the BIG pieces, that people will notice.

What’s your favorite part of the design?

Favorite part about design, is seeing the vision through. I’ve become an expert on hearing what you want, and applying it to your space. Some people have great ideas, but are hesitant or unsure how to execute it. Some people have no clue what they are doing, I deal with both types, and enjoy it thoroughly.

What is your biggest tip/advice for designing an outdoor lounge area?

Choose a color palette FIRST. You’ll find things fall into place much easier. If you start thinking about it as more of a living space, instead of outdoors, you’ll automatically start choosing things that are livable and inviting. Rugs, side tables, revamped wicker, old ladders, mismatched chairs, dining tables are all things that look very chic outside. Dont go buy a huge set of outdoor furniture, I dare you to mismatch something.

Thank you Steph for today’s Inspiration!!!