I'm going to burst!

Wedding preparations – real, live wedding preparations, not just daydreaming or sort of, kind of planning like I've been doing for well over a year now – have taken over my life.

Suddenly, I'm a little kid at Christmastime. I feel like the big day just needs to get here already because I might just BURST with anticipation and excitement before too long.

Yesterday I had my hair and makeup trial at Neroli Salon and Spa downtown, which was the final step in the long process of being able to picture how I'll look on October 28. First it was the dress, then the shoes, then the jewelry. Now that I've seen the hairdo and the makeup, I have the vision in my head. And I love it!

The experience didn't start out too well, though …

My mom came from Burlington to come with me on my appointments and we left the house by about 10:30 to make a quick stop at Starbucks and then be down to the Third Ward by 11:00. We jetted in and out of Starbucks with plenty of time to spare and were on our way when suddenly we had to come to a complete halt: Al's Run was going on, and hundreds and hundreds of runners were making their way through downtown.

No matter which street I turned onto, I couldn't get through. 11:00 rolled around and we were nowhere near our destination, so I just lost it. I started to cry and couldn't stop. In the meantime, Mom was dialing information to get Neroli's number, and she told them we'd be late.

After quite a few hysterics and a lot of winding through downtown, we arrived around 11:20. We walked in and told them I had an appointment with so-and-so. Well then I was told that, no, a different girl would be doing my hair and – oh yes – a different girl would be in charge of my makeup, too. A 10-minute discussion ensued over whether I should reschedule my trial with the original girl at a later date, or just do it now with the other girl in a quick half an hour.

No matter what my option, I was unhappy – either reschedule or cut it way short. I'd been looking forward to this day for weeks and weeks! And so I cried yet again, this time in front of four Neroli workers. Blame the bridal hormones!

We finally decided that we'd do it now as best we could. I calmed down and had my hair done, and after just 40 minutes, my hair was fabulous. Exactly what I was hoping for. Completely gorgeous. I then got my makeup done with another girl and that turned out awesome, too.

All's well that ends well, right?

Mom and I went to lunch, and then she took some pictures. I wish I could post them because I was so freakin happy with how I turned out, but I have to keep Dave in the dark about what his bride will look like!

Today we had some "engagement" pictures taken in Lake Park with one of our photographers. They weren't exactly engagement pictures, though, since we're so close to the wedding – it was more a chance to get a feel for our photographer, and to get a few nice shots to display at the reception. We had a blast, and I'll definitely post some of them once we get them back in about a week.

Before our photographer showed up, we goofed around a bit around the lighthouse in the park. It was pretty hot and sticky out, but we still enjoyed what was sure to be one of the last nice days of the year.

We discussed the timeline for our day, and our photographer gave us different tips for our day. I had to do all I could not to jump up and down right there in the park and squeal "I can't wait!!!!" It all just seems so real all of the sudden. It's so close, it's really happening. I'm so unbelievably happy.

This week, we have our final meeting with our DJ on Wednesday and our final meeting at our reception site on Thursday. Then Saturday is my big family bridal shower. I'm really excited to see everyone and – I won't lie – get all kinds of presents!

Seriously, I think this all the time: not ONLY are we lucky enough to find the person of our dreams to spend our whole life with, but then we get a huge party and a fabulous trip and a whole LOT of presents on top of it! It's insane!!

Amidst all the craziness, we will still get out and do some non-wedding stuff, too, I promise. The new Biedermeier exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum is on our list, and next Sunday, we'll be heading out to the Sharon Lynn Wilson Center for the Arts for the Hidden River Arts Festival.

Finally, it's been a whole year already since we went skydiving. I was thinking today about where I was a year ago and where I am now. Life goes by so quickly, and so much can happen in a year. On that note, let's reminisce, shall we?

Have a great week! 

Comments

[Carmi]

Hi Erin. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading this entry. The excitement in your writer's voice as the date approaches is so obvious in your words and in your tone.

The only certainty in wedding preps is that there will be uncertainty. I don't have a whole lot of experience: I'm just a guy, and I've only been through the experience once. Oh, and I have no intention of ever doing it again (it doesn't get better than life with my wife and kids, so...)

But when we went through the pre-wedding steps, we learned to let a lot of the craziness roll off of us like water off of a duck's back. If we hadn't we would have gone insane. Well, MORE insane than I already am :)

You're handling things masterfully. I wish I could have read you before we got married.

[srp]

Here from Michele. Soooooooooooo sorry it took me so long. I didn't forget. Actually I did. A minor emergency turned up here and one thing led to another and another and now I am finally back.

A wedding! Wow, I don't remember all this to do, but that was 32 years ago now. Sorry to say it didn't work out that well. We made it for 12 years. But I'm sure yours will be stupendous, wonderful and marvelous.

[Krista]

So, you're going to have the same anniversary as my parents. Yay. As if that makes one bit of difference to you. Ha... Anyhow, I can't WAIT 'til my planning starts coming along. I'm excited for you!!

[Loser]

Please, do what you can NOT to be a Bridezilla!

[Erin]

LOL Thanks Loser!

I'm trying my best not to be - and I think anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm doing a good job.

Hey, I just cried, I didn't raise hell or act mean! No bridezilla here. :)

[Amanda]

I can testify that Erin isn't quite bridezilla, but I did recently get an email that stated "I'm the bride, and I say so." Just teasing. The whole experience has been pleasant and you've been a wonderful bride-to-be.

Great post. I'm sorry that things went a little crazy on Saturday, but I'm so glad that it all worked out in the end! I can't believe how close the wedding is now!

[MICHAEL MANNING]

HI! First time visitor. Sticky weather notwithstanding, this must be very exciting! I think those photos will serve to give you GREAT memories! CONGRATS!

[Catherine]

What an exciting time for you, I hope everything turns out wonderful. Michele sent me.

[Tracey]

so excited for you! I remember those days leading up to the most special day when Jaime and I became one. Such an awesome feeling!