Weddingbee bios

(Source: www.hope-photo.com)

About Me (the Bride):

I'm really pretty simple. I love Jesus with all of my heart and would be nothing without Him. I was born in Oklahoma but grew up in Plano, Tx just outside of Dallas. I've been in East Tennessee for almost 11 years now and absolutely love it here! I would be content to live here for the rest of my lfe. Ever since I was a little girl I've always wanted to be a wife and mother. I am estatic about marrying the man of my dreams, becoming his wife and then down the road being able to start a family with him. I work full time as a receptionist/executive assistant for a local tourist attraction company and really enjoy my job. I am a Stained Glass Artist and love to be able to work on my craft. I am very excited to be planning our wedding and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with Charles!

About Him (the Groom, written by the groom):

Lets start with the basics…My name is Charles. I am a police communications officer in East Tennessee. I was born in South Carolina and raised in Virginia and Georgia before moving to Tennessee in 1998. I graduated with honors from Sevier County High School in 2004 and attended Maryville College for a short time. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. A perfect day for me would include hiking in the mountains or relaxing on the lake. I even enjoy camping as long as I can have a warm shower and a clean bathroom with running water. I enjoy playing airsoft and would consider myself an amateur gun enthusiast. I love police work and doing security part-time.

(Source: www.hope-photo.com)

Yes, it's true...we met because of myspace and the Lord of course! He does work in very mysterious ways you know. :)

My first contact with Charles was on July 9th, 2008. I received a message on myspace that said: "You have no clue who I am, and I have no clue who you are. I just want to tell you I'm astounded that you acknowledge Jesus on your profile. I don't even know you and it is comforting. By the way, my name is Charles."

I didn't respond. I had previously gotten messages along those same lines and when I would reply with a thank you I would then be sent a message saying something to the effect of "wanna hang out?", "wanna hookup?", "wanna meet me at ____?". So I decided not to reply because of that. The next morning when I got to work and got on myspace I was greeted with another message from him. For some reason I opened the message (I normally would have just deleted it because it was from some random guy I didn't know). But I opened it for some reason and this is what it said: "Hey you're friends with Lindsey? I think the world of her. I just happened to notice her on your profile."

Now to most people that wouldn't be significant at all. However to me it was. Lindsey is my best friend and has been for about ten years now. At the time she was my number 1 on my friends list. What made what he said significant? Lindsey's profile is private and her profile name wasn't her real name. So he HAD to know her in real life to know who she was. I decided to go take a look at his page and realized that he was listed as being right here in East Tennessee, I then began looking at his pictures. He had some pictures from his house that I recognized but I couldn't figure out why. I later put two and two together and realized the pics looked familiar because I pass his house everyday on my way to and from work! lol What are the chances of that!? I couldn't believe it. I also discovered that we have quite a few mutual friends.

So from there we began messaging back and forth about anything and everything. Then myspace messaging turned into text messaging and then into long phone calls. I couldn't believe how much we had in common, how similar our morals were, how our religious beliefs were the same, how easily the conversation flowed, etc. Eventually we both decided it was time to meet in person to see if we would get along as well as we had been on the phone.

Our first date was on July 26th, 2008. I met him at his house since it was centrally located to mine and to town. Then we went to dinner at Olive Garden, went bowling at the community center and then headed to Gatlinburg to walk around a bit and made our way to the new Wax Museum. It was an awesome night and I had a blast. After that night I had this feeling I couldn't shake that I would someday marry him. However, I kept that to myself. I wanted to make absolutely sure that it wasn't just my wanting to get married but was coming from the Lord before I shared it with anyone. Not to mention the fact that we had only been on one date so far!

August 5th was our second date and the first time we held hands. It was an amazing night. And then after we parted ways and we were texting we decided that we would now consider ourselves to be in a relationship. The next day we had our first kiss in his driveway. And the rest you could say is history.

My engagement ring. (photo by me)

It happened Thursday April 16th, around 10:45pm. Charles came by my house after he got off work. I didn’t know it was him though at first. Our dogs started barking like crazy as if someone was at our house, but my mom kept telling me no one was. I wasn’t all that worried about it though because I was busy rolling the silverware for my brother’s rehearsal dinner for Friday night. Next thing I know the door bell rings. When mom didn’t make a move to go see who it was, I had a really strong feeling it was him.

We said hi and hugged and kissed and I asked him what he was doing at the house. He said he had something to show me on his computer. It was a slide show movie that he had put together with pictures of us throughout our relationship, including our first date. It also included slides that said I would be getting dinner at Olive Garden, bowling at the Community Center and a trip to the Wax Museum in Gatlinburg (a recreation of our first date). At the end of the slideshow, some slides came up that said “will you marry me?”, he got down on one knee and pulled out my ring. OMG I was freaking out inside because it was so beautiful. Of course I said yes…..duh!

Is it the way I expected he would propose? Not at all. But it was perfect none the less. After he popped the question and I had my ring on my finger, I quickly learned he tried to propose many times before then. Every time he tried to ask me something happened that made him unable to pop the question.

Now for a little bit of a back story on how I came to get my ring......

Not too long after Charles and I started daing we knew that we would be together for the rest of our lives. We started to talk about marriage here and there. In late September, he asked me what I would want in an engagement ring. I sent him the link to the loose diamond center stone I had found and the engagement band I wanted (both from bluenile.com). Shortly thereafter, the loose diamond was listed as "no longer available" on the website. I was freaking out. I knew there was no way that Charles would have already purchased the stone. It was too soon, we'd only just discussed it. I was terrified that someone else bought the perfect diamond that I had fallen in love with. Eventually, he told me he bought it so I would stop freaking out. I was so relieved!

Even though I knew he had the diamond I had no way of knowing if he had also bought the engagement band. And let me tell you, he wouldn't tell me if he did or not. Much to my disappointment. haha But, I knew he had the diamond and for a very short period of time that was enough. I was so incredibly excited and couldn't believe he'd already bought the diamond!

Now the longggg wait began for me. It was torture. And let me tell you, he knew what he was doing to me. I sort of had some idea of when I would get it. Well, at least a date I would have it by. See, my little brother was getting married on April 18th (now married! yay Daniel & Jess!) and I told Charles I needed my ring before then. I was having a hard time dealing with the fact that my little bro was getting married before me (just being honest). And there were also some hard family things I was going to have to be forced to deal with come my brother's wedding. I asked Charles to please let me have my ring before my brother's wedding because I knew it would help me get through things. (And let me just say it did!) He agreed and my long wait ensued.

I waited and waited, and WAITED. He informed me that I would not receive my ring when I would expect it. So I could count out my birthday (Nov. 24th), Christmas, New Years and Valentines Day too. In early February, we made a trip to Saint Simon's Island, GA to visit his older sister and I thought for sure that he would pop the question then. But no. Before we left he informed me that there was a mishap with my ring when he went and got it out of the safety deposit box. I won't go into the details because I know he felt horrible about it but it was an accident and I have my ring now so no worries.

I will not lie, I probably wasn't the nicest person to him at times because the lust for my ring was becoming stronger and stronger with every day that passed without it on my finger (sorry baby!). I think that because I asked to have it before a certain date (even though he agreed my reasons were valid) that he tortured me even more and thus waited until the 11th hour before he proposed.

But I can honestly say that it was all PERFECT. Waiting on the timing of the Lord is so rewarding! So there you have it, a little glimpse into the journey of getting my ring!

Maid of Honor:

Lindsey and I have been friends for over 10 years now. We were both home schooled and attended the same Co-op classes until she went to public school for high school. Lindsey is truly the sister I never had. We have cried, laughed, and fought together. We spent a week in Cancun together...that was so amazing! I know I can count on her for love, support and encouragement whenever I need it and she can count on the same things from me. She now lives almost 400 miles away with her husband Jeremy. Even though the miles separate us, our friendship continues to grow and we try our best to talk as often as possible. I cannot imagine having anyone else be my Maid of Honor!

Lindsey and me at her wedding on 1/5/08

Bridesmaid:

Javiera (Javi to those close to her) and I have known each other for about 10 years. Growing up, we attended the same church and became fast friends. However, when her family left the church we lost touch for over 4 years. Thankfully, we got back in touch a number of years ago and were able to pick things up as if we'd never been apart. Now a days, we try and get together for dinner once a week for some quality girl time. I'm so thankful she's agreed to be my bridesmaid!

Javi and me at her wedding on 12/2/06.

Best Man:
John would undoubtedly be my longest friend. I have known him since I first moved to Tennessee in 1998. We went to school and church together. Over time, we became more like brothers instead of just friends. I would consider John the brother I never had. Several years ago, John married Ashley and they had a beautiful little girl, Maggie. Shortly before Maggie was born, John and Ashley asked me if I would be Maggie’s Godfather and I gladly accepted. Early in 2007, John, Ashley and Maggie moved to Valdosta, Georgia. Although they are nearly 500 miles away, I try to visit them at least twice a year. (Written by Charles.)

John ans his wife Ashley.

Groomsman:
Chris has been my other close friend. We met in 2001 at Camp Smoky located just outside of Gatlinburg. Chris is not only an amazing friend, but a humongous Christian influence in my life. Whenever either of us are struggling, the other quickly helps his friend out. A few years ago, Chris married his now wife Amber. They currently live in Knoxville, TN. (Written by Charles.)

Chris and his wife Amber.

Leonce B. Crump, Jr. is my former pastor and mentor. He is such an amazing man! He has blessed not only me, but also my mom and brother with unconditional love, encouragement, wisdom, truth, friendship, support and so much more. Rather than my Pastor, he's like the older brother I never had. I am so incredibly thankful that the Lord brought him, his beautiful wife Breanna, their precious daughter Eden and soon to be baby #2 (due in November) into our lives. I cannot imagine my life without their love and support! Leonce and Breanna now reside in Atlanta after a move last September. It was incredibly hard to see them go because they are truly more like family members. However, I know they are there to further the Lord's Kingdom! I can honestly say that there is no one else I can see marrying us.

Leonce, his wife Breanna and daughter Eden

Eden Marie is the beautiful daughter of Leonce and Breanna. She is so gorgeous, smart and funny! I miss not seeing her (and her parents) every week. She has grown so much since they moved in September! She will turn two years old come October....hard to believe! I cannot wait to have this precious little girl in our wedding! I foresee many adorable pictures featuring Miss. Eden!

Me and Eden 9/08

Maggie Anne is the oh so adorable daughter of John and Ashley, she is also Charles Goddaughter. She is so full of life and is a joy to be around. She is so smart and is such a ham for attention! She is a 30 year old woman locked in a toddlers body! I also see tons of cute pictures of Miss. Maggie from the wedding!

Maggie driving with attitude....already!

My dress is called Vienna.

(All photos taken by my mom.)

My bracelet. (photo by me)

My earrings (photo by me)

My headpiece. Handmade by myself. DIY info here. (photo by me)

The brooch for my bouquet.

 

My engagement ring (photo by me).

My wedding band.

The complete look of my rings.

Charles wedding band.

(Source)

My reception Shoes (photo by me)

This is the inspiration for my bouquet!

Dark Purple Lisianthus Bouquet. (Source)

Believe it or not, I've already started working on the centerpieces for the reception tables! Yes I suppose I am crazy since the wedding is over 9 months! But since I have the time and the materials I'd be a fool not to get what I can done now rather than wait. I'll have my hands full closer to the wedding. My mom's running joke is that I'll have everything done and planned out two months before the wedding and will then have nothing to do! lol And honestly, she's probably right or at least close. When I have things I'm working on for a big project they eat at me till I can get them accomplished. You have no idea how hard it is not to get the invitations done now! haha But I'll wait on those as hard as it is. Anyways on to the centerpieces!

I originally wanted to do submerged centerpieces. I love the look of them! Plus, they make a big statement without having to use tons of flowers...which is ever so helpful on the budget. Here's a picture of a submerged centerpiece I love.

(Source: unknown)

As much as I love the look of submerged centerpieces it soon became clear to me that I wouldn't be able to incorporate them. Why? Because of budget reasons, time and labor. My mom is doing all my floral decor including the bouquets. I read on a florists blog that submerged centerpieces have to be put together the day of the wedding at the wedding location to avoid messing them up. This picture got my attention and I instantly fell in love with the look.

(Source)

But how on earth would I recreate something even close to that!? There's no way I can afford orchids...as much as I'd love to be able to. While browsing Save-on-crafts.com my vision came into being with my mom's help. Here is my completed vision:

(photo by me)

What do you think? I absolutely LOVE them!!!!! I am so glad that what mom and I had envisioned in our heads really worked and looks so amazing, stunning, beautiful, and expensive!

So now I bring you the materials list and step by step instructions on how I made my centerpieces.

(photos by me)

Materials Needed:

A) Clear Glass Cylinder Vase 10 1/4" tall and 3 1/2" in diameter.

B) Natural Curly Willow Branches 27 to 30" long.

C) Purple & White Preserved Orchid Blooms 2 1/2" wide (3 blooms per vase).

D) PVC Grass Onion Bush 24" tall.

E) Glass Nuggets of your color choice (mine came from Michael's but they no longer carry this purple color).

F) Natural Sheet Moss 1.5 oz. bag (make sure you get natural and not artificial).

G) Mini Glue Gun and glue sticks (not pictured).

H) Scissors (not pictured).

I) 7" Round Centerpiece Mirror (not pictured).

(photos by me)

Instructions:

A) Cut curly willow branch to just under the height of the vase (9.5 - 10 inches).

B) Cut two pieces of grass from the bush.

C) Curl the grass using scissors (keep them closed), just like you would curl curling ribbon.

D) Place enough glass nuggets in the bottom of the vase to cover the bottom and allow for the willow branch to stick down in them.

E) Using a mini hot glue gun glue an orchid bloom into place on the willow branch. You decide on where and at what angle to glue the bloom, it's entirely up to you. Start either at the base or top of the branch though when placing the first bloom.

F) Let the glue set for a few seconds and then place a small pinch of the sheet moss over the glue. Make sure you can see no hot glue and be careful not to burn your fingers! Tweezers can be used to aid in this process.

G) Repeat steps E and F two more times placing the remaining blooms on the willow branch. Again, it's up to you to decide on where to place them, how to angle them and how much space to leave between each bloom. (My centerpieces will be going on round tables at the reception so I tried very hard to make it so each of the blooms faced a different direction. This allows every guest to see a bloom no matter where they're seated at around the table. In picture "G", I rotated the branch three times to show this.)

(photos by me)

Once you've followed the above instructions, you can do the next step in whatever order you find to be easiest.

A) Place your willow branch with the blooms inside the vase and insert (on at a time) the curled grass. You decide on how you want it to look. (I chose to stick the end of the grass into the glass nuggets and then let it curve around the inside of the vase. I tried to get one piece of grass to start from the base on both the left and right side.)

B) Then repeat with the other piece of curled grass.This part can be a little frustrating and tricky because there isn't room to get your hand into the vase once the willow branch is in place. You may find it easier to put the grass in first and then put the willow branch in.

C) Sit back and admire your work!!!Note: I prefer that the top orchid bloom not stick out above the top of the vase so if yours does just cut off a little more from the bottom of the willow branch to shorten it. *If you have any questions about the DIY process feel free to leave me a comment or send me an e-mail!

When I placed my order with Save-on-crafts, I was initially worried about how fragile the orchid blooms would be. However, they stand up pretty well when working with them. I didn't have any break while putting them together. I will say though that you need to order a lot more blooms than you really need because through shipping, some of them get the tips broken off.

COST BREAKDOWN FOR ONE CENTERPIECE:

1) Cylinder Vase $3.99

2) 7" Centerpiece Mirror $1.12

3) Glass Nuggets $0.50

4) Curly Willow Branch $0.33 (it's actually less than that because you don't use the whole branch for one centerpiece)

5) 3 Preserved Orchid Blooms $1.26 ($0.42 per bloom)

6) 2 Pieces PVC Grass $0.0093124 ($0.0046562 each piece of grass, $1.49 a bush w/ 320 blades of grass)

7) Natural Moss $0.12 ($2.99 for a 1.5oz bag-I'm making 24 centerpieces so I divided 2.99 by 24 to get the price.)

GRAND TOTAL PER CENTERPIECE:$7.33!Note: I already had the hot glue gun and glue sticks on hand so I didn't incur a cost for those.

I cannot believe I was able to use real orchid blooms (although they aren't fresh they're real!) in the centerpieces. I absolutely love how they turned out and I'm so glad I was able to make them myself! And the best things about them....the cost was low, they can be made in advance and I can give them to special people as gifts if I so choose, sell them or use them to decorate! LOVE THEM!! :)

So let me know what you think...Do you like how they turned out? And can you believe I made each one for under 8 bucks!?

Gremmy's Garden Bed & Breakfast

(All photos taken by me.)

(Source)

Our incredible Photographers....Wes & Danielle Hope of Hope Photography

Our awesome Photogs Wes & Danielle! (Source)

Some of our favorite wedding shots. (Source)

Some of our favorite engagement shots. (Source)

After a longggg search for a beautiful purple and yet affordable clutch, I stumbled on HK Department Store on eBay. I highly recommend them! They have lots of colors and designs and the prices are incredible!

All images source here.