MRS ishman

I am a married woman now! We have been married for three weeks, and we're loving every second of it so far...of course. Our big day was bigger than life. It was so surreal, fairytale like even. It exceeded our expectations, and everyone said it was the best wedding that they'd ever attended. Caleb and I stayed up so late, that night, just recapping the day.

The ceremony was so elegant and beautiful. Caleb and I saw each other before the ceremony and did all of our crying then. So when I walked down the aisle, we were all smiles for the rest of the ceremony. Caleb's brothers were groomsmen in the wedding, and we wanted them to sing so caleb came up with the idea that his brothers could sing as they walk the bridesmaids down the aisle. It was awesome. People had never seen that before and were amazed. After the ceremony, lots of people were saying that they thought it was a recording, until they saw all of the guys standing at the front of the church singing into their mics.

As I walked down the aisle, Caleb sang to me. I smiled the entire way, until he blew a kiss. Then, I got choked up.

We held hands, exchanged rings and vows, and kissed as husband and wife.

I got tired of taking pictures after a while. I was ready to party.

At the reception, we did the normal thing...then i changed into a shorter white party dress that i had a train put on, and caleb and i put on a small concert. the crowd loved it! We retreated to our honeymoon suite at the Conrad and reminisced about the day, and read all of the cards from our guests.

The next day, we met up with his family, before they hit the road back home. Then, we grabbed our bags, and headed to the airport for our honeymoon in Jamaica.

We had such a wonderful time there. The only problem we had was that I'd booked our trip with Priceline, and thought I was paying for an all-inclusive stay at the Rose Hall Hilton Resort. But when we arrived, we found out otherwise, and no one seemed to be able to help us. Our phones weren't calling out, and we had to wait hours before we were able to get into our room.

After that, we relaxed to the maximum and enjoyed the beautiful beach, pool, waterpark, palm trees, reggae band, tropical drinks, jamaican cuisine, comfy bed, and excellent customer service.

Now, it's time for thank you cards, photo album approval, merging finances, and more decorating the place. I'll keep you posted

12 days to go...

so i've been working hard getting everything in order for the big day. i have not had much stress, outside of normal problems, and i've been growing more excited every day that i've been in Indianapolis. friday night, my bridesmaids and i had a pole dance party. we had so much fun, and got in a good workout. saturday, my maids and matron of honor threw me the most wonderful bridal shower and bachelorette party.

i received some really great gifts. i know my groom is going to love them all. i went shopping, earlier today to spend some of my gift cards. i got some cool things then too.

i have to run back home for a couple of days, but i'll be back in town before the week is out. the last things i have to do now is to get items for the candy bar, and get my nails done and eyebrows arched.

every step of the way was, for the most part, fun. i'm ready for the walk down the aisle and the plane landing in Jamaica.

Countown to the Aisle

So we are 9 weeks out, and I'm starting to get nervous. There are no doubts; I'm nervous about how everything is going to come together. The one girl that I need the most, to be in my wedding, is having trouble getting her dress. If ever I had a supportive friend, she has been that. Regardless of what she's had going on, she would always try to do things for not only me, but for anyone else she could help.

I have not been doing great with dieting or exercise. However, I have been eating a bit better, and watching my calories. I need discipline, because I refuse to deny myself. I mean, the wedding is the biggest motivator, and I still can't get it together. I am happy with my body, but I can stand to do a few crunches. I just want to be in great shape. Why is it that women struggle to make themselves look different on their wedding day. It's not like our husbands-to-be are pushing themselves to lose weight. My fiance continues to tell me that I'm beautiful and there is no need for me to try to lose anything, but I'm worrying about how I am going to feel about how I look when that day comes.

I know my dress is going to look great on me, and that I will be beautiful...most brides are, right??? Anyhow, I'm also thinking about me in Jamaica with my swimsuit on. If I don't feel comfortable there, I won't have as much fun as I should on my honeymoon.

It's funny how I've been sitting back, for the last few months, thinking, Oh there's nothing to do, until the wedding. And now, I'm stressing, thinking we have so much to do, and wondering if there will be enough time to get everything done.

Aaahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! I need to calm down. Bottom line...we're going to have a wonderful day and enter a new life together, whether everything is perfect or not.

Moving on Up...

The move was fairly smooth. My fiance came down and picked me and my things up. He stayed overnight, while I finished gathering my things. I'd procrastinated, and later realized I had much more stuff than I'd thought. After we'd packed everything up in the car, my parents drove up into the driveway. Immediately, I felt sad, like I was leaving my daddy. I was just away for two weeks with no problem. And because there is still wedding stuff to be handled, I will be back in three weeks, this time. It's not at all like I'm going to be gone forever.

I teared up, as I hugged my parents goodbye, and again in the car, when my husband-to-be asked me if I was okay. I'm a big baby!

We arrived in town a little late, and we both had to get up and go to work the very next morning. We had a rough time getting up, so we made a promise to get to bed earlier the next night. So far, things have been going quite well. I've been making some money and slowly putting my things away. I have a lot that still needs to be done.

We haven't done any more decorating just yet, but I'll post before-and-after pictures, as we finish the rooms. Maybe I'll include the prices of everything as well, just so you all can gage just how inexpensive it is to personalize your space. I had a day off today. It couldn't have been at a better time; I wasn't feeling so great yesterday, and I was able to sleep in today, get some housework and unpacking done. Currently, I am preparing to cook stuffed chicken breasts, three-cheese mashed potatoes, make a salad, and chill some white wine for dinner. It should be done by the time my fiance gets home from work...if I time it perfectly. It's so hard with him, especially since he believes time is a suggestion. I'm used to it now, but it gets frustrating sometimes when I work on a meal and he's late. Then, I have to go back and reheat it.

Update...

My mother and I picked up my dress from the bridal shop, Sunday. It was still beautiful. I was my dress! I've been second guessing myself on everything, but everytime I've laid eyes on that dress or tried it on, I was still in love with it. I know that I didn't make a mistake on that. I have to go back and have my final alterations done on the 28th of May. This is complete incentive and motivation enough for me to stick to a plan and make sure I don't gain anymore weight. I should have my original body back next week, after the bloating goes away. I haven't been doing bad at all. I actually went to the store and bought lots of low calorie snacks, like muffins, fruit cups, pudding, jello. Hopefully, this will help me out. I've replaced a lot of sweets with cereal. This helped me lose 3 pounds over the last week or two.

I'm also thinking of trying Slimquick or Slim Shots...any votes??? Do either of these really work? If I try them, I'll post any results.

85 days...

I am so excited, because the day is drawing near. So many things have been going on with us, lately, and none of them have to do with the wedding. I came to visit my fiance for a couple of weeks, decorate our new place, and make it feel more like home. It only took a few days to get this place whipped into shape. There are still some things we want to do, but they're minor.

It's so funny how I came to Merrillville on "vacation" and was called in to work. I had to substitute teach today. Of course I went, because I love that place; the kids are wonderful, and the people are great. Besides, I made some money. It's like daycare. Kind of... Anyhow, this morning, my fiance got up, with me, and made my lunch. I don't know if it was the love or the bread from Hostess, but it was the best turkey sandwich I'd ever eaten. He had even cut it into triangles. So cute. He made a comment, as he handed me a Starbucks' frappaccino. "I could get used to being a house husband." (He works as a music/french teacher and the school is on spring break this week) I laughed, thinking there's no way I'd trade places with him and become the primary bread winner. Anyhow, I only have a few credits left, before graduation, and I just may have an opportunity to be hired at the school that I love so much. That would be hot! Then, my husband-to-be and I would be set.

I did check in with my planner, earlier, just to see how things were coming along. He told me that he continues to find things that he thinks would look wonderful in my wedding. I completely trust him as a designer and a friend. We've known each other our entire lives, so he knows all of the things I love. That's a major plus, because I didn't give him much vision to build off of, and he's nailed everything so far, choosing things for me.

Earlier this week, my fiance and I had our first marriage couseling session with the officiating minister. I think we were intimidated, going in, because we knew not what to expect. But after sitting through an hour and a half of great advice, helpful exercises, and encouragement, we left ready to delve into the blissful picture of marriage the minister had painted for us. We went to dinner, afterwards, and discussed our feelings further. We agreed that we thought the wedding was going to be awesome, but now, we can't wait until the wedding, because we are so excited about the marriage to come following the ceremony and celebration.

Because of the new job opportunity, I'm moving in a month before my originally planned date. Now, I get more quality time with my fiance, and I'll get a good head start on making the place ours, instead of me fitting in. But I guess it wouldn't have completely been that way, since we did decorate together. We decided on a European style of decor and are loving it. We couldn't wait until we were finished to invite his parents over to see what we've done so far. It was kind of like a kid who colors or draws something and brings it to his parents to see what he'd created.

We're counting down to a new beginning...

Yay!!!

I am so excited to be heading to Merrillville to spend a couple of weeks with my lovely fiance. I've been wanting to sneak away for a while. After we finalize our guest list, we'll send out the invitations, and relax until it's time to organize the RSVPs. We saw each other a couple of weeks ago, but there's so much pressure in only spending a weekend together, because I feel like I have to catch up on fun, conversation, quality time/romance all in a couple of days. It'll be great to take our time and enjoy each other's company.

I never want to leave when we have long visits like this. And pretty soon, I won't have to leave ever again, because we'll be husband and wife. We're so excited about starting our life together as one. I am so determined to be the best woman possible for him. I just want him to be happy, comfortable, and confident that he's made the perfect decision by marrying me. Is this realistic?

I am all about his happiness. The best thing is that it doesn't take much at all to make him happy. And I'm able to give because he provides me with the love and support that I need.

We really are and have been a team, working together to make each other a better person, artist, woman, man. I love him for the things that he's taught me. I appreciate my parents for showing me what love looks, sounds, and feels like. And I appreciate his parents for showing him the same...and for producing such a beautiful man. We were made for each other.

Later, I will write the story of how we met. I am still puzzled by the way we hooked up.

shaping up

I've been working with a personal trainer, trying to get into shape. I look great in my gown, but I want to also look great in my swimsuit. I tried on some bikinis at Macy's last weekend, and they looked nice, until I turned around and noticed my back fat. My fiance thinks it's neglegible and says that I should wear the bikini, but I don't think so.

Anyhow, I'm so out of shape and it's ridiculous. I am sore to the touch, because I've been getting my butt kicked in the gym. I'm all for it, as long as I end up looking great. I know that I will appreciate seeing curves in all the right places, as well as my husband-to-be. I thought about going to the gym today, but I doubt that it will happen. I may need a bit more motivation, because I already think I look good. And to get rid of a couple of creases in my back doesn't seem to be enough for me to work extra hard.

I guess it would be beneficial for me to get into the habit of living a more active lifestyle. This may encourage my honie to jump into action as well. I have been doing a good job of cutting sweets down in my diet. I don't do well with diets, so I've compromised by eating foods that are high in protein, healthier than what I'm used to, but still tasty. This way, I'm eating what I want, and I'm making a small change in my eating habits.

Maybe I could be really strict and tough it out until the wedding. Then, I can really enjoy all of the party food, and dinners and desserts...it all sounds good, but I know that I wouldn't stick to that. I hate rules and restrictions when it comes to diet and exercise. We'll see what the outcome is soon enough.

invitations

Assembling the invitations is the only thing that has required much work, throughout this process, so far. I have also been enjoying spending time with my friends, while we work on the invitations together. I love the finished product. They look like little boxes of chocolate. This is going to be an effortless and wonderful experience that leads up to a beautiful day.

Other than the invitations, which will be mailed out on the 1st of April, I have nothing to do. Is it normal for a bride to be bored, waiting for the big day to approach? I'm not complaining. I mean, this gives me time to sneak up to Merrillville and spend some much needed quality time with my fiance. We're supposed to start decorating our new apartment next week. That will be loads of fun. I love doing things with him.

This entire wedding planning process reminds me of our relationship. Our relationship started out so effortless, and that is exactly the case for the planning. We had a couple of snags, where we needed to learn how to communicate better, but it's been smooth sailing since then. There were a couple of small snags with the wedding, but they were taken care of quickly and we're back on track.

I am wondering how my family is going to react to the fact that my reception will be for adults only. They all have several children, and are under the impression that they will be accompanying them to my wedding ceremony and reception, because that's how it's always been with weddings and my family. This just may cause them to decline my invitation, because they may not have a babysitter.

I've been told not to worry about it, and while I don't, I can't help but wonder how things will turn out. I just feel that I shouldn't have to accomodate so many children, when I don't have children and the majority of my friends don't have children either. Besides, I want this to be an elegant and sexy event, and children don't fit into that vision. Don't get me wrong; I love children. I plan to have my own family some day.

Slimming Down For the Honeymoon

While I've been so excited about how things are coming along with the wedding planning, I've been neglecting my body. I love my figure, but I have some areas that could use a little fine tuning. A couple of months ago, I joined Cardinal Fitness, because it's cheap and close to my house. But I haven't been in a little while, because I fell ill. I paid for two months worth of personal training sessions, but I haven't used them yet. I plan to use them soon, and I hope they help me slim down and tone up for my honeymoon.

My fiance continues to reassure me that he loves me the way I am. I believe he likes the fact that I'm bootylicious, and he doesn't want me to get rid of it. I told him not to worry, because I love my thickness as well, but there's nothing wrong with being toned. I also don't see a problem with being a smaller version of myself. I wouldn't have such a hard time finding jeans that fit my waist and thighs, first of all.

I've recently started lifting weights, because I learned that muscle burns fat. I figured I may as well build some muscle, since I'm not in the gym right now. I've also started taking Acai berry capsules, since they're supposed to help so much with energy and weight loss. I haven't seen any results yet, but I'm waiting. I am thinking about trying the slimquick drink packets, because I HATE taking pills. If it works, I definitely will post my results.

I have a little over three months to shed a few pounds and build some muscle. I believe I'll stick to the plan, because I have great reason to. Also, I believe that I'll look and feel beautiful when my big day rolls around.

The Struggle

People had been telling me that as the wedding gets closer I'd start having fights with my honie. I disagreed, saying that we were on the same page and that we were good at working together and communicating. And while we are those things, we still ended up arguing about the wedding, today. He thought it would be no problem allowing our guests to pay $4 for parking at our reception, but I felt differently. And I thought it would be no problem to pay the band less, since it's our band, they're our friends, and they would be at the reception anyway, but he felt differently.

I think the main struggle comes when it's about money. He's really passionate about the subject, while I am more about attention and time spent together. Anyhow, we made up, but there are still 118 days left. I hope the arguments don't get worse. I would like for us to enjoy the homestretch to beginning our forever.

In other news...
I waited a little late to find a photographer, but I was lucky enough to find a quality photographer who will give me a lot for my money. The only thing left for me to do is collect all of the addresses for the invitations. I think things have been going pretty smoothly, and I'm excited to see how everything comes together.

122 Days To Go...

Even though it's not quite around the corner, the wedding is rolling right along. Every deposit is paid and every service is guaranteed, except for the photographer which is the first thing I should have done. However, I did manage to find a great photographer who is available on my day.

I am kind of feeling like I'm behind schedule, because I gave myself until April 1st to send out the invitations, and I haven't ordered them yet. I just received a sample invitation in the mail, yesterday. Now, I just need to send in the order and finish my list of guests and addresses. My fiance is in charge of getting his list to me by the end of the week. If that happens, it will be a miracle, and I will be shocked out of this world.

The only other things I need to do is make sure my girls order their dresses in time, buy my shoes, and figure out what I'm going to do for my hair.

I hired a personal trainer to help me tone up for my big day. My goal is to be able to wear a bikini on our honeymoon. It's not a crazy goal; I just have to be dedicated to my workout and diet. I mean, I'm about as bootylicious as Beyonce, with a larger chest, I just don't workout nearly as much as she does.

I just booked our honeymoon a couple of days ago, and we're so excited. We'll be travelling to Montego Bay, Jamaica and staying at the Rose Hall Hilton Resort and Spa. From the pictures, I could see how beautiful and romantic the place is. The reviews were also great. I can't wait to experience it.

Updates

I am happy to say that I've been blessed with an extended budget for my wedding. I have booked a beautiful church for the ceremony, and am moving forward with decor ideas. My planner has been wonderful, and my fiance has been extremely supportive and involved. How many brides can really say that???

Lots of new and exciting developments are coming to fruition and I'm loving every minute of it. School, however, is suffering, because I haven't been so focused on doing my best. Part of the reason is due to the fact that I don't have a lot of interesting classes this semester. I'm getting back into the swing of things, though.

Details

The church that I chose is New Life Worship Center. They have a couple of locations, but I chose the larger of the two, and it is so beautiful. I can't wait to see it decorated the way the mental picture has been painted.

The reception site I chose is The Murat Theatre. I went with Corinthian Hall. It doesn't need much decor, because it offers its' own beauty. It was also surprisingly affordable. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get a large, beautiful venue for a decent price.

My fiance is excited about the wedding details, because I've painted mental pictures for him as well. He came up with a great idea for the ceremony. In case any of the guests read my blog, I won't go into detail, because I would like for things to be a surprise to the attendees. I have also recorded a couple of video blogs, and as soon as I get a minute and some know-how, I will post those.

Month Two

It's only the beginning of the month, but I am pleased to say that I am almost done with the planning process. I'm paying the deposits on the reception site and the church, this weekend. Now that those major things will be locked in, I can relax.

I went over decor ideas with my coordinator earlier today. He has such great ideas. His vision is completely in sync with mine and I know that this day will be wonderful. My fiance was skeptical of us affording a summer wedding, but I convinced him to trust me. In turn, I trusted God, and he came through for me.

I am so excited. Now, I am able to focus more on school and exercising. I want to be in shape by the time my big day rolls around. I also have to focus on my band and pulling this show off next week. But after that, I think I'm going to chill out for a little while. I need some rest. I've been going non stop. Even as I write this entry, it's 4:40am. I have so many things going on in my head, I can't really rest, unless I write down all of my thoughts. I am also trying to keep my entry focused on my wedding planning. It's extremely difficult.

I was told earlier that I am going to be approached with lots of foolishness, because apparently people think they need to be a part of the planning of others' weddings, even if they have no real relationship with the bride or groom. I can only say that I don't need/want any more help at the moment, and I am not going to allow negativity to intrude on my happy situation.

Still Planning

Another day in planning and I'm pleased. I am going to visit a couple of places this week, and hopefully they will be what i envisioned for my wedding day.

I know that this is going to be a magical event for me and my husband-to-be. We've been talking a lot about our marriage as opposed to the wedding day. I think we're both so siked to be entering a period in our lives where we'll finally be on our own. It'll be us against the world.

We've decided not to have children for a few years so that we could have fun, while we're young, instead of using our youthful years raising a family. Everyone around us seem to be so happy like it's their wedding day too. I'm glad that so many people are happy that we're together. I've heard from several of my friends and family that they think he's the best thing that's happened to me, as far as men in my life. His friends and family say the same about me. His mother is the most excited, I think.

I can't say it enough, but I love him so much, and I am so ready to be Mrs. HIM. LOL God is going to bless our union and we're going to live such a wonderful life together...I know older people who've been married for a while are probably thinking that I'm so naiive, but I'm not. I really believe that God brought us together, and with Him, we'll have a successful marriage. Besides, we've had rough times, but they've been fewer than the great times we've shared.

Ahhh, love!...........

Another Day of Planning

Last night, I couldn't sleep, because I was thinking about planning. Although I have a planner, I've been doing a lot of things on my own. It's always been hard for me to relinquish all control.
For the last two mornings, I've been hitting the snooze button on my alarm clock, thinking, in my sleep, that everytime I hit the button I was counting plates and deciding on menu items for my guests.

Anyhow, I was stressing, trying to find venues that I can afford. It was getting horrible. So I stopped and prayed. I figured God could do a much better job at this than I can. And He came through. I did a search for venues and sent several emails to the ones I liked the most. I went to bed, and the next day, my inbox was full of replies. I was relieved to finally see some really nice places with affordable menus and rental fees.

Everything is gonna be all right. (Exhale)

ENGAGED!!!!!!

It's been a while, because I've been extremely busy. A few days before New Year's Day, my boyfriend of two years proposed to me, while we were on stage singing a duet. The song was Til the End of Time sang by Justin Timberlake and Beyonce. It was so perfect. It just so happened to be at the place we met, doing what we love.

I am so excited about starting my new life with the man that I love so much.

Planning

The planning has already begun. People keep telling me that I don't have much time, and that's driving me crazy. I don't have much in my budget to plan with, but I am still hopeful of finding the perfect venues for my big day. I've been planning for about three weeks, and I wasted no time finding my dress. I've heard that it's never too early to do that.

It was the 4th dress I tried on, and it was perfect and beautiful. I looked in the mirror and smiled as my mother and wedding planner gasped. Then, the tears started rolling down my cheeks. I knew it was THE ONE! Women from all over the store came over to admire the dress. Their comments and smiles gave me the confirmation I needed.

One woman, looking on from a distance, made her way over to me, as I walked back into the dressing room, and said, "I like the one you tried on before that one...if you're taking suggestions." I smiled and kept walking, assuming she was jealous. Is that how we think around this time??? LOL Later, I thought, maybe she really did like the other one, but why would she even say anything after she saw me cry and all the other people adoring me in the dress?

I went back for another fitting, and THE dress was on a mannequin in the front of the store. The consultant told me that they put it there, after seeing me in it. I was flattered.

Right now, there is still a lot to take care of before I will feel a little relaxed.