The Florist

Yippee! I booked our Florist! We are going with Modesto Exotic Flowers. I swear I have walked into probably 10 florists over the past year and every time I get freaked out. I dont know what it is but the vibe and the feel has just never been quite right. When I walked into Modesto Exotic Flowers I felt an overwhelming sense of calm. It was all very appealing to me. I loved it. They had a large section of bridal examples and lots of plants and stuff. I met with the man at the store and he asked if I had been looking at other florists, I was honest, as usual, and said yes. He said "ok then you know what the prices are lets see if we can work something out to what you like". He was a middle eastern man mid life and he was super nice. We sat at the little 2 top table and reviewed my needs. Leading the way he went on to ask what I wanted in the bouquets, for the guys and for the alter. It actually went pretty fast. He knows his stuff. I was very confident in him though, not nervous. When he showed me the price I was blown away. He beat EVERY single florist I had talked to. Once we went over the cost BUT BEFORE I said yes, he said "ok so congratulations you have flowers!" and went to shake my hand. I booked him then and there! I feel so much more comfortable going with a reputable florist that has a whole shop at his beck and call in case he needs anything last minute. On my way out he shook my hand again and then gave me a hug! He said "you dont have to worry anymore. You are in good hands, I will make it beautiful." I smiled with a confidence that I know could only come from a Heaven sent feeling.

96 Days

WOW!
Less than a hundred days to our wedding! I couldn't be any happier. This is something that we have waited so long for. The days ahead will most likely start to blur so I want to start blogging more to capture the emotional side of everything. I picked up my dress last week. She is beautiful. I love her. I can't wait to wear her. Walking down the isle to Luca. Its almost funny how giddy that phrase makes me. But its true!

Geez... I was just joking! "???????

I was joking!’ is never a good defense, as intent is immaterial when it comes to wounded feelings.
I love this statement from an article by Margaret Berry at http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/opinions/dont_be_rude_part_ii_relationships.php


Perhaps I am too sensitive but that is me. For better or worse. Thought should always precede speech.

Greys Premier

Well tonight was the Premier of Season 5 Greys Anatomy! The show was a hit! I really liked the way the events rolled out in this premier. It was a 2 hour special and it was worth watching every minute! I laughed... I cried... I enjoyed. I sat in a room with 7 of my favorite people and enjoyed good food, sweet treats and gifts to celebrate my birthday. All in all it can be considered a wonderful night. I am a little bummed that the next new one isn't for 2 weeks, but I can wait. A little practice in patience will be ok with me. On another note, the wedding plans are coming right along. I am still deciding on a florist and baker for our cake. Luca was asking me the other day about centerpieces. If I had everything I needed... it was so cute because I know he can't really be that interested in the cutesy details but he knows it is important to me and therefor important to him. This is one of the many things I love about this man. My husband to be! We sure have been through a lot of hard times to get here. The one thing I love the most about Luca is his consistency. He is always there... he is always the same...he is patient and kind and I love it!My family celebrated my birthday on Sunday. I actually had a jam packed birthday this year. The girls and I went to a Bridal Fair to get Sarah acclimated to engaged life... It is really fun to get to be a Bride to Be with a best friend! Anyways... we went to this bridal fair and then the girls surprised me with lunch at Fuzios and then another surprise meeting my mom and Tiff at the movies to watch The Women (which I highly recommend seeing)!! It was a great morning and afternoon! Then I got to my house just intime for my grandparents and other close friends and family to start showing up for a beautifully prepared Italian dinner. My parents and mother in law had set up a lot of yummy food and it was a wonderful evening. The little girls loved pointing out that this was my last birthday before I am a married woman and I hadn't even thought aboutit but once I did I clung to that. What an exciting day. Then Luca took me to dinner and a UB40 concert at the Gallo center on Tuesday. It was supposed to be a surprise but silly Shanna can't stay away from the web like the spider that I am ... and I found out that UB40 was in town and I just knew that was the surprise and I was RIGHT!!! It was such a great concert. We were so close to the stage and they played alot of new songs but also the loved faves that I know by heart. We had a wonderful dinner at Appetez and yummy chocolate lava cake from Tresettis. I had a lovely Pinot Noir and Luca tried a new beer, Red Stripe. It was such an enjoyable evening I told Luca I wish we could repeat it every single night... of course I know we can't and won't but that just makes it all the more significant when we do! Chao!

Less than 6 months...

Well here we are. Less than 6 months to the BIG DAY. The planning is mostly done. I bought my dress!!! That was a huge step. I can't mention much more than that in case Luca gets word of it. =) Also the bridesmaids have their final approval from me on a dress so they can get that ordered. McKenzie found her dress and she loves it. She looks so grown up. It's so fun. The time is really flying by and I know it will continue to do so until the wedding. I am trying so hard to stay relaxed and enjoy every moment. I know I won't ever do this again. I got some of our E-pics and they are so fun to look at in person! I look at magazines every night. I pour over articles and ideas. There is so much out there to make your wedding special. Its nice. Noone wants a cookie cutter wedding and these days I think it would be nearly impossible to even have such a thing. The details are so different every time I turn around. It's great. So that every Bride can have her own day.

Sister in FLorida =(

Sharise and Michael moved to Florida for those of you who may not know. I am completely missing her! I cannot even think about buying my dress until she is here to giver the Sisterly Seal of Approval. The good news is that she is coming to visit! YAY! So thankfully I will get to see her in a few weeks! This palnning stuff just isnt the same without her. I have to say thank you to my wonderful WPP who always make sure to call her and keep her in the loop completely. She appreciates it and so do I.

Additions

Oh boy! Wedding planning is soooooooooooooooo exciting. We have booked the big things, the church, the venue, the dj, the photographer. I am still working on the cake and flowers. It is hard for me because I feel that the cake is just going to be eaten and the flowers will wilt and die so .... It is hard for me to committ to anything just yet. I recently added a flower girl and that is exciting. McKenzie said she was too big to be a flower girl, plus she has done 2 tours of duty in that rank so she wanted to be promoted to Jr. Bridesmaid. I feel that this day is as much for her as it is for us in a very special way so I want her to be super happy and I have titled her Jr. Bridesmaid / Maid of Honor since Sharise is my Matron of Honor since she is a married woman, Mrs. Captain Michael Beasley to be exact! That is so cool! Anyways things are going really well and I am having the time of my life planning this affair. I meet with our wedding planner tomorrow! I am so excited and thrilled to have a friend taking care of my special day. I made our Save the Date cards and have them ready to go out. I also made us some tshirts! They are so cool! Luca even likes his!