Tuesday, January 22, 2013

He liked it, so he put a ring on it.

The ring that starts everything.























Tomorrow will mark one month since my boyfriend of three years, Patrick, drove me to a park on an unusually warm Sunday before Christmas, spread out a blanket, dropped to one knee, and pulled out a little black box. If he was nervous, he didn't show it; in fact, he'd been cracking goofy dad jokes all morning.

I wasn't nearly as smooth in my response - through some tears and shaking hands, I choked out a "Yes!" and collapsed into his arms.

It hasn't been an easy ride, folks. It hasn't been fairy tale-perfect, and the Lord knows we are far from your Disney prince and princess. But this is our story, and we're writing it a little sloppily, a little clumsily, but in our own hand and with an enthusiastic flourish after the exclamation point: "We're engaged!"

And so begins the wedding planning madness. I've seen nine friends get married since last May, but that still doesn't prepare me for the overwhelming amount of information and advice to consider when preparing to say "I do."

Over the next several months, I'll be writing about my wedding planning experience as it happens - everything from the dress to the desserts, the veil to the vows, the counseling to the caterer. I'll also be sharing some secrets and tips from the pros and from the bright brides who've walked down the aisle ahead of me.

I hope you'll join me in sharing your ideas and advice as I go. There's a lot to do, and I'd love to learn from the wisdom of wives before me. Or, maybe you're planning a wedding as well. I'd be excited to hear your special story and thoughts about preparing for your big day.

To get this show on the road, I think the time is ripe for a little inspiration:

Get a daily dose of gorgeous wedding ideas and photos.

In case you missed it last Monday, start here to get organized.

See how the stars have done it in the past. (I don't think I'll be going for Laetitia Casta's look, but maybe for the honeymoon?)

Find out who traditionally pays for what in a wedding, but I'd say just go with what works for you and your groom.

Follow Today's Woman on Pinterest for my wedding boards and pins.

Keep in touch and much love,

Jessica Smith, Assistant Editor/Designer


8 comments:

  1. A lovely picture and I do appreciate when a young couple is bound for a life together. My friends are getting married this year and I am happy for them... I'm still searching for Mr. Right though. Ironic as I plan weddings yet I'm not married. :)

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  2. Yeah, I certainly agree with wedding planning madness after wedding proposal! Wedding planning can be stressful but it’s really worth it! From dress to receptions, that’s a load of work. Well, it’s better to plan the wedding with your fiancĂ© and make decisions together.

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  3. I hear the wedding bells are ringing already!Congratulations to you and to your fiancee, I can't wait to hear an update regarding the wedding plans and the event itself. I know you two will be happy for the rest of your lives, good luck!

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  4. Never thought wedding planning is a major undertaking. Lots of support from friends and family is really needed. Or maybe a wedding planner.

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  5. No relationship is perfect. There would be a lot of hardship, every case varies, there are no guidelines that can make it perfect.

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  6. You deserve it! I wish both of you a happy married life. And oh by the way, your ring looks so elegant and precious congratulations.

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  7. I am excited to read about your wedding experience since I don’t know how a goofy type of boyfriend handles that kind of situation. My fiancĂ© and I are planning to get married in the next few months as well

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  8. Congratulations to you and your fiance! Your paths may have experienced a hard road but you managed to get it through the altar so hurray to you both! You guys are just about to start your journey together, I'm wishing you good luck. Oh and by the way, that ring is definitely gorgeous!

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