{saying our vows} an honesty post.

So, we have 115 days until the wedding.  115!  It seems both a really long time from now, and it also feels like it's tomorrow.  It's possibly my brain will explode once we get under 100 days.  It's been a long (mostly) fun journey so far, but I'll be honest, at this point, I'm just ready to be his wife.  I haven't talked about the drama that has gone on "behind the scenes" but as I'm sure any bride will tell you- there is no wedding without drama.  Some friendships have been forever lost, and some have been reinforced but I could not do this without the 7 amazing ladies who will be standing beside me- and a couple extra women (especially my mom and future mother-in-law).  I could not ask for a better group of girls than these and I couldn't be happier that THEY are the ones standing with me as I start this next chapter.  I cannot believe the amount of support that they give me- it's almost too much since I tend to be a "let's let other's shine" kind of person.  All this attention on me is a bit overwhelming but to know that I have these women every step of the way is pretty amazing.

To these women......
(Gina, Amy, Allison, Lauren, Jen)

.... And these ones too.
(Liz, Sarah)

And my Mama... 

.... And my almost Mama too.

And let's not forget about The Fiance.  This guy deserves a medal.  He's listened to all the aforementioned drama, he's stood by me and given me advice, he's been angry on my behalf, and yet he still wants to marry me.  Aside from all of the nonsense that involves other people, we've actually had a great time planning this wedding together.  I'm sure most brides have their bridesmaids and moms more involved, but from the beginning this has always been about Me and Him.  Our Wedding.  Together.  And I couldn't imagine it any other way.  He has been involved in every decision that has been made (except of course about my dress) and it feels good to have him, my best friend, doing it all with me.  I never wanted this wedding to be about me, the bride.  I wanted it to be about our lives together.  And that's exactly what it has been.  It's our marriage, not mine.  {And I'm sorry to all the women in my lives who have been dying to help with planning but have been told that I only need them to show up, feel beautiful, and smile for us on our big day.}

So here is where we are:

-- 80% of my DIY projects have been completed.  I'm in the process of printing things (such as the programs and hotel packets I've created) and cutting.  Paper cutters are a godsend.

-- Our vows have been decided on and we've planned the entire ceremony.  This was one of the most emotional parts of this journey so far.

-- Our invitations have been delivered to us and are just waiting to be sent out.  Have I mentioned how much I LOVE them?

-- Flowers have been chosen as well as centerpieces.

-- Arrangements for our honeymoon to Italy have been completely reserved.  Now we just need to figure out what we want to do in each of the five cities while we're there.

-- Ceremony music has been chosen.  Next up is choosing reception music.  One thing we do know?  THERE WILL BE NO COUNTRY MUSIC.  Can I get an Amen?!

-- Our last thing that we still need to plan is our cake.  We've had to cancel our cake tasting appointment (the one thing we've really been looking forward to) twice now.  But on August 11th, rain or shine, we will be there choosing our cake.

-- My sister/Matron of Honor is coming to visit me this weekend and we'll be stuffing gift bags, checking out spots for my bachelorette party in Pittsburgh and shoe shopping.  Plus a few extra DIY projects that I can't reveal just yet.

-- Also within the next few weeks we'll be going to buy our wedding bands.  Because my engagement ring is an antique from 1929, we are having a custom made band done to match exactly with my engagement ring band.

I feel like I'm right on track for all of this (and The Knot tells me I am too).  But then when I think about the fact that my bridal shower invitations will be going out in less than a month?  Well, that makes me start to panic a little, because when those things start happening, that makes it all real.  But it's ok, because I'm ready to be

Mrs. Sarah Hartley.


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