wedding day part I

photos by ariel amaro

wedding day 8.5.12

it was the best day and after 2 months I still love to look at the pictures for hours 

the night before I was a ball of nerves(who isn't) so instead of sleeping I was running around the house crafting last minute things that had to be at the wedding
against my sisters wishes, I stayed up until about 1:00am when I was originally supposed to go to sleep at 11:00pm hah whoops, what can I say I was a bride freaking out just a tad...
when I had finally finished and went to bed it really set in that I was getting married the next day
that I wouldn't sleep in my bed at home anymore
it wasn't an unnerving feeling at all, for my mom on the other hand, yes it was unnerving
I was so excited to get to the wedding day, and kinda of just to get it over with (sorry)
But I wanted to get it over with in the meaning I was sooo done being stressed out and worrying about every little thing
I was so ready to say I do.
and finally the day had come, my maid of honor picked me at 10:00am, which I just realized the night before that I needed her to pick me up to get to my own wedding because I wasn't driving myself and leaving my car at the venue....glad that was figured out last minute.
And after we had all made it down there I think that's where everything gets fuzzy
it went by so fast as soon as everyone started to arrive, make-up and hair, photographer, my aunt with my dress
all I was thinking was okay lets get this show on the road
my bridesmaids did notice I started to get quiet, I was doing a mental check of everything we needed...
the one thing I forgot to remember ...oh ya the communion bread and juice HAH !
of course, but luckily in my moment of panic one of Cory's groomsmen told me they already got it
saved by the boys, they totally shocked me with how on top of things they were
everything was going as it should and now looking back I didn't even realize nothing had gone wrong which was very comforting
I had done all the "wedding checklists" I had prepared lists and time schedules and it all paid off even things I was worried about had actually surprised me and been on point.

  flowers came on time !

checking....everything at least 5 times :) 

that morning was a great, wonderful morning with my awesome bridesmaids that kept me together and didn't let my mind wander too much, even my hair and make-up ladies were such great gals that made me feel comfortable 

And it was so funny to have help from the unexpected like Cory's groomsmen, pictured above, who kept checking up on me and keeping me updated on the decorations being set-up, it was such a kind reassurance that I was so blessed by, so very sweet.

things like that made the day so nice, I am beyond blessed by how it all came together

I got to see that I have a great circle of friends and family surrounding me that I love dearly 

and that was only the first half of the day!

the second half.....the actually wedding ! hello that was awesome and so perfect :) 

Married

 

Officially a Mrs. 

Words can't describe how wonderful it is to be married 

A lot has happened since last I posted about a month and half ago 

Can't you tell it has been a little crazy?

please forgive me 

Anyway, there is more to come and I can't wait to share :)

Let me say that my wedding day was everything I hoped it would be and more 

It most definitely went by way too fast and I can't wait to receive our wedding pictures so I can relive the day over and over again. 

More to come.

-the wife 

33 days

 

hair and make up trial 

check 

DIY cupcake stand fail 

check 

marriage certificate 

check 

bridal shower 

check

phew words can't even describe the roller coaster Cory and I have been on 

we have about 5 4 more weekends to get things done

and is it jam packed !

and did I mention we are throwing in my birthday on the 22nd in there too?

oh ya .....that. 

ha. ha. 

----------

I do know for certain that I have amazing friends and family

we have had so much support from our closest friends 

I get teary eyed every time I think about them

Cory and I are truly blessed by the most wonderful people

and the hardest part is we have no idea how to thank them properly 

there is just so much they have done 

we just feel nothing we could get or say would tell them how thankful we are 

so blessed. 

 

33 days

33! 

we have a very full July

everyday now Cory and I tell each other 

We are getting married

like it's for reals happening

we still can't believe it 

but we are so very excited !

update

 

can you say craziness !?

that's how its been for me lately

 

wedding planning is in full swing

and I thought I had less time when I was in school 

oh no planning a wedding takes the cake 

we have accomplished a lot 

we did our cake tasting 

and got our wedding bands 

planned out our ceremony with our pastor marrying us

and tomorrow setting the rehearsal dinner and going over decor at the venue 

insane. 

the big kicker was planning how the ceremony is going to go 

things got. real. 

I went silent when we were going over the order of how things should go

it's so soon and I can't believe I'm getting married

after a year of being engaged and in just 50 days I'm married 

that word marriage 

has taken on so much more meaning then I could have imagined

more to come on that topic

actually a lot

but as for now I'm just trying to get everything in order 

and cross my fingers and hope for the best !

 

50 days.

check it. 

I had a whole thing typed about how it's been so hard to get excited while planning my wedding

and you know what 

I think it's time to stop complaining

so I deleted it and I'm starting fresh

Yes, I've had my lows of this planning

and there may be so more low points

but right now it's time to get excited about it

let's get real here I'm gettin marrrrrieddd 

I'm so happy to marry the greatest the man on that planet and to enjoy myself with all my family and friends and with Cory's side too ! 

I'm excited to put on a wonderful dress 

To walk down the aisle 

to say 'I do'

to take some wonderful pictures with an amazing friend as my photographer 

to take some photos with my wedding party, family, CORY, and my new family

I'm so excited for my bridal shower 

bachelorette party 

ahem 

for my decorations that are going to be phenomenal because of Cory's wonderful family

I'm so thankful for my mom and all she has done to help me find all the perfect things for our wedding

I'm so excited to dance all night; to eat some yummy food and to make the best of memories 

I can't wait to get married ! 

Share my life with Cory, move into our own place

I'm excited to call Cory my husband 

I'm so very excited for our trip to Kauai 

hollaaa  

Here's to the next chapter of my life 

Here's to this summer being the best summer of my life 

Here's to the joys and excitement of getting married 

YES!

apartment "shopping"

Cory and I got the chance to go look around at some apartments this past weekend
and you know what it was actually fun.
We went to see about 6 different apartments and each one was completely different from the other.
I just assumed they all had the same general lay out and there wouldn't be much difference.
Come to find out each one was just as different as the other.
And for the area we live in, I had no idea the apartments could vary so much.
One place in particular.... oh my goodness it was so so tiny, like crazy tiny.
And then another place was huge and had plenty of room.
Each place was unique, each having their pros and cons
We have our top 2 and now it's kinda of figuring out what is going to work best for us.
I'm so excited to finally have a place of our own for when we get married
And I love that Cory really knows me and knows deep down I didn't want to move too far from family.
We'll either be 5 minutes from my house or 2 minutes from mine  :)
yes a little closer than we had originally planned, but it just worked so well for us we couldn't ignore it just because we want some space from our families.
Overall apartment shopping was great for us and got us even that more excited to get married.
I think we were both pretty nervous to do this together, because we know that talking about the financial sides of things kinda of draws out some tension between couples... and a young married couple, oh ya you better believe it's difficult.
Luckily we had a great time... and Cory ...he let me decide on what would be best..
Say what ?!
Greatest feeling ever to know that I got to decide
I can't wait for August when we really get to get down to business and move into our new place and of course
decorate
holllaaaa 

a good weekend for me !

 

 Well this weekend was full of love, new adventures and Mommy :)

I got to see my wonderful small group leader and my niece 

and got to have lunch with one of my bridesmaid before she left for Mexico 

yeah, she left me in the madness of wedding planning 

how dare she leave me to go Glorify God 

the nerve. 

anyway,

It was a wonderful time to just touch base with one another and to remind each other how much we love and appreciate one another

and to dream about when my leader comes to live back up in the OC and I get to see my little niece grow up right before me 

come June ! can't wait! 

And my sister moves back in June too!

my heart is full and I'm so happy to have some very precious ladies come back to do life together with again.

   

And something else got done this weekend 

:) 

I just busted out oooh I dunno 100 invitations, NBD 

you may ask why would you ever do those by yourself?

good question 

I literally sat on the carpet floor and just started doing some and said to myself I'll do a few

and then all of the sudden I was on a roll, even Cory asked to help and like a crazy person I said no.

But I enjoyed getting them all done, it was nice to focus on them and make them look pretty.

There is light at the end of this dark tunnel that I've been in with this whole wedding planning.

I'm actually getting excited, what a thing huh ...

 

 
And then we had Mother's Day
Cory and I both got to spend time with our mommies and let them know how much we love them.
It was a special time
And I even got to see baby pictures of Cory and let me tell ya he was a cutie pie !
more to come... back to studying...finals week ! 3 more days then summer is here !

 

Its been lookin' a lot like this lately 

college life. 

finals are right around the corner 

{8 more days left}

I can't wait to be done and to just focus on one thing 

the wedding.

it's coming up so fast and I feel very unprepared for all that needs to get done.

it's becoming really real that it's only 3 short months away 

I'm on an emotional roller coaster right now and so many things are going through my head daily.

any emotion you could possibly think of ...I'm feeling at least once during the day. 

literally.

I keep thinking that you only get one shot to have a wedding you know?

it's not like a class you take in school, if you mess up you at least know that you can try again if you really have to. 

but a wedding....one shot 

and it's not like I'm a professional wedding planner and this is my job

I work with 5 year old kids....that hardly prepares you on how to plan a wedding

and EVERYONE has an opinion on EVERYTHING you do. 

I know I'm supposed to say I'm going to do it my way ....but still you want to make people happy and some people actually make good suggestions 

it's just harder than I thought it would be 

and don't get me wrong I'm beyond excited to marry the love of my life 

but all this other madness and stress ...I could kinda of deal with out

30 people witnessing your marriage on the beach....sounds good right about now 

----------

And sometimes I just need to stop, relax and enjoy this time 

take it all in 

because it's only going to happen once 

 

 what I tell ya ...emotional roller coaster 

back to studying

 

can't wait for it to be May 17th 

can't wait for it to be August 5, 2012 

:) 

weekend recap

 

date night with the fiance ! 

( weird smirk) hah

we went and had some delicious sushi and planned out our May schedules 

yeah...we have to do that 

grown up stuff 

yet we enjoyed it because we were organized AND *communicating* 

outfit: jacket:vintage store 

top: I think Kohl's 

pants: wide leg -gap

got curly with the hair with a curling iron my mom got me for 1$ its the best!

 

A time with the lacrosse ladies 

I got the Spirit Award

aka. Miss Congeniality Award, obviously 

my mom was proud ;)

it was a great time with some great girls

and the picture on the right corner

my lovely friend of 3 years 

this year was her last

I'm going to miss her so much ! 

we were the 2 that stuck with the team and have seen the up's, the downs 

and all those great times for 3 years 

the bright side of college...making those friends you'll keep forever

love you ladies !

  

every time I have to study...this happens ...she needs to check her facebook 

obviously.

or write my papers for me... that would be nice 

 

and this will be going on for the next 2 weeks 

mayhem. 

2 more weeks and then I'm burying myself in everything wedding

I seriously can't wait for that.

  

oh...and I'm going to try this....

I still haven't done the first one....

hahaha 

bye ! 

busy.

 

I'm way busy with homework and random projects

and a random portfolio that is super confusing 

professors rock 

meh. 

22 more days 

so in my crazy world right now I leave you with a picture of true love 

Cory 

trying to throw me in the ocean during our engagement shoot

match made in heaven 

burying my head in papers,books,online research, and flashcards 

see ya !

monday

I am going to try to blog more !
I think a lot of people say that ...
but seriously
I guess I had a hard time deciding on what was "interesting" to read and what was important to actually take note with my life happenings
And I decided that I can write about anything I choose, because in the end it is for me and I want to look back and see the little things too, not just the big happenings! (but that's still important too ;) ) 
so here "we" are on Monday night  lounging on the couch... I should be doing my excessive amount of homework, but who really does their homework at 7pm?
Anyway,
school is over in 24 days ....
Summer is coming.
ThankyouJesus.
And I finally get to start on all the fun stuff that is wedding planning, I'm going to be up to my eye balls in wedding. 
I'm excited to actually have time to get stuff done
YAY!
bring on the little details.... that I'm going to make a really really BIG  deal because I'm an over analyzer, control freak :)
Cory knows what he signed up for me, trust me.
And so do my bridesmaids ... one of them told me she's my personal slave when school ends.... I don't think she knows that I'm taking her very seriously. haha sorry love ! :)
24 days
hurrrrrry up
in other news,
doing well in life, trusting in my God to carry me through those difficult times ....like hearing of mean things, or some of my friends getting upset with another friend and not being able to help.... it seriously kills me and scares me to death, but I am on this journey with God and it isn't all about me and what I can do but what God can do and have Him work through those times, I can't do anything, it's all Him.
and I think that's all for now ... more to come later in the week .... only if Jesus doesn't come, because I'm really not sticking around to blog if that happens ;)
bye !

ya know

 

because blogging sounds so much better than doing homework 

:) 

things are crazy up in here

no, I don't talk like that

weird

anyway, school has been crazy busy with projects, papers and tests up the wahzoo 

but it feels good to be getting stuff done, I'm feeling like an actual college kid who going after their degree and knows where they're going 

it's pretty nice 

------

in the wedding department things are going smoothly

we decided on the food we will have at the reception and cocktail hour

it's going to be such a blast ! 

and I've ordered a bridesmaid dress and hopefully soon to follow there will be 4 more ordered by my bridesmaids 

my next task to tackle is the formal invites...I need to get on those, like yesterday 

and also I need to decide what's going to go on with my hair and make-up 

Pinterest will bring on the inspiration I'm sure

so a lot is going on, but the major parts are covered for the most part so I am in good spirits !

I can't believe its only about 3 months away THREE! 

crazy how fast its coming 

I had a classmate who just got married and she said you can't even grasp what's going on on that day

and it goes by soooo fast 

crazy is the only word I got when I think about how soon I get to marry the greatest guy in the world 

3 months 

time to get this ball rollin'

----------

recap of the weekend

 

I had a lacrosse game in Santa Barbara this past weekend

we won. 

As you can see in the pictures there is no sight of anything lacrosse

I was too focused on the fact my fiance made the drive with me at 4:30am

and we were going to have the whole day to spend in SB

gah.

And enjoy the day we did. 

 

after our nap on the beach

we headed out for lunch to a place that was recommended to us 

C'est Cheese 

just a little off of State Street in downtown SB

it had a cute wooden screen door that I loved

and small table outside with cute vases filled with daisies 

simple.love. 

we went in and you got to try any cheese you wanted...for free

I ventured and actually tried quite a few 

and I was not disappointed.

We then ordered their signature grilled cheese sandwiches 

it was delicious ! 

I want another one already !

  

and naturally we had to get dessert

in another place on State Street called the Anderson's I believe

it was a nice authentic Italian place that Cory loved 

He loved seeing legit Italian families 

God father status 

he was hypnotized 

 

And the drive home was lovely.

It was a very long day

but so great to spend time with my love 

we got to just enjoy the beautiful day, take our time, explore a new place

and be with each other with nothing else on our minds but to have fun !

just one of those days where we fall even more in love with each other :) 

just makin the memories !

and I just found out we made championships for my lacrosse team

championships are in Santa Barbara.

2 weeks. 

here we go again !

------------------------

Easter 

  

wanted to do an "outfit" post-ish. hah. 

I am obsessed with this dress

got it a store that was going out of business, La Diva 

perfect for Easter Sunday ! 

we went to church

and then headed down to Carlsbad to visit my family

Cory's family was kinda of all over the place for Easter so we just stuck with mine.

I think Cory felt kinda of weird to not be with his family on Easter, but I know him and I know he put on a brave face for me.

I see you babe, I know and thank you for doing so much just to see me smile.

 

We enjoyed the family, hung out, sat with the grandparents and heard old stories 

and had time to just be with the family.

I also, tried on my wedding dress... for fun

I missed it. 

and it became "a moment"in a blink of an eye

I got to show my grandpa my dress and that was very important and very special to me

a moment I won't forget 

the look on his face and the words utter out of his mouth telling me how gorgeous I looked

and the chance for my grandpa to see me in my wedding dress is 

indescribable

I'm very very thankful for that special moment

 

it was a long weekend but

full of memories that I will hold onto forever. 

new chapter

 

 New beginnings.

marriage is hard.

and I'm not even there yet.

breathe. 

the engagement time has been nothing like I thought it would be

Everyone said "enjoy it" "it's the best time of your lives"

nahhh. 

it has been hard, frustrating, painful, exhausting, scary 

lame. 

the transition to go to a new church for me has been the hardest thing

ever.

my family, my home leaving it has been so hard especially to hear of so many changes already.

I was angry with God, straight up 

it was hard enough and then I had more fuel added to the fire 

so done, so confused, so lost. 

 -

it is still hard, but God is truly and forever faithful 

He has been bringing people into my life that have encouraged me, as well as, Cory

God has also revealed to me that He truly has me where I'm supposed to be.

The men that Cory has pouring into his life is absolutely crucial for us and our marriage 

and to have a chance to hear from the wives of these men has been beneficial to me

because I get to see that I'm not all that crazy or alone in my feelings. 

So right now I'm in a place that is a little shakey, but being faithful to God 

without knowing what the future holds 

is okay. 

He will provide, He will protect me and Cory and He will bless us greatly as long as we hold onto Him and He is at the forefront of our minds.

So this Bible holds a lot more meaning than just a new Bible

it's a new journey

a milestone 

a new season of life 

a changing time 

a growing time 

and a time to be faithful to God.

break

 

Spring break came and went

good thing I get 2 spring breaks...

I work at a school

score ! 

Anyway, I got some goodies from my mom's friend

again 

and it was only the best banners ever ! 

find here: CM handmade

so happy :)

 

I had 1 day of freedom and I got to drive down the coast to visit my sweet friend Alyce and got to hang with my niece Lila Noel 

 

Happy time 

 

It was such a blessing to be with my friend/leader/role model/encourager 

you name it 

that's her. 

I had a wonderful girls days 

it was much needed and I am so grateful 

the time spent was great for me because I got to just talk and be a girl, no pressure, nothing 

just time to tell everything and to get poured into by my leader 

and a big breath got to be let out 

aaahhhh nice :) 

weekend

 this past week:

I had a date with my fiance and a gun.

a registry gun 

woohoo !

 let me just say Martha Stewart

is awesome.

she was the only one that I saw that had color ! 

for goodness sake !

Cory and I found it too funny, every section we went into for appliances 

it was Martha Stewart we liked most.

Cory freaked

there's nothing manly about Martha

sorry hun :)

  

He did enjoy the gun though

and shining the red light in my face 

thanks. 

It was a good experience and totally awesome to know Cory would let me express myself with our home with bright colors

He agreed 90% of the time with me

can I say this man is meant for me?

ya I can say that.

win.

 

another date night 

score ! 

this time we got my car washed 

we're such party animals 

we also enjoyed a nice double date dinner with a couple from our church 

it was so nice to hear from a married couple about real life experiences 

and to just see their love for one another 

I love the examples we have for our marriage 

there is so much support, encouragement and love

 

just a bomb lunch with Cory after Sunday church on a rainy day.

talking about Jesus

looking at the rain, running through the rain and walking through Target

perfect day. 

 

some sweet awesome goodies from a friend of my moms

whose known me since before I was born 

she is sooo sweet, she has been searching for things for me for my wedding 

and anything that she knows I would like 

Uhm, amazing right? 

So blessed and I feel so loved ! 

a productive, loved filled weekend 

update

a sweet friend made me feel loved :)

So Wednesday night was hard.  

crying the whole time hard. 

yeah... one of those moments when you realize things are changing.

It's not a bad thing...just hard.

So it's going to be a long journey and I'm still emotional about it 

so this will be revisited 

all I know is I need my Jesus, Cory, and my friends to get me through this

please.thankyou.

--------------------------------------------------

in other news, my past weekend was awesome

I went to Vegas for a lacrosse tournament with 16 crazy girls :)

spray painted some shirts on a sketchy parking lot structure.

enter creepy man

Enter Courtney doing a little prayer and sending creepy man on his way.

Protective Mama status 

Missed my two best friends Birthday on St. Patricks day 

so bummed !

but rocked some spirit of the day for the 3 games we had 

1st game: enter: extremely mean referee yelling at one of our players in.the.face.

yo, not cool dude.

enter Courtney: told ref that is not okay to yell at women like that and he needs to work on his anger issues...stat. 

ref apologized

Protective Mama ...again :)

  

 our wonderful drive home :)  

 laughs, frustrations, sketchy moments, lots of eating, fun, cuddling, lacrosse, freezing our booties off.

girl time. much appreciated.