Walking down the aisle in PINK

The past few weeks I have been trying to decide on what kind of shoes to wear. To admit my addiction; I am a shoes, purse, jewelry kind of gal. The fabric or label that are shown on my clothing will never be as important as the ones that you find me carrying in my hand, wearing on my feet or dangling on my ears. So of course, one of the first things that came to mind once I had my sparkling new diamond or diamond(s) for that matter was what kind of shoes I would wear. A tall pair of heels or cowboy boots? Cowboy boots would go with our southern style wedding. Except heels are my life. The way they make you carry yourself or the confidence you experience once you have them on your feet. Besides, if I was ever going to spend substantial money on my attire this was my chance. I could find an affordable dress that looked fantastic and still wear an amazing pair of shoes.

It was decided. I was going to wear heels and not just any pair of heels. I was going to go on the search for a pair of pink satin heels! So this is where I find myself now. I am currently on the lookout for my dream shoes. Cinderella had her glass slippers… it’s my turn to wear something fabulous to get me to my prince!

178.

178.

I can hardly believe that four weeks have gone by since our engagement. I worried that this moment would fly by and I’d find myself standing at the reception wondering where the time went. I guess I have been lucky thus far in being so busy with the holidays that I have been able to enjoy every moment of it at a steady pace. It’s such an incredible feeling to stand in front of a man and know that you will call him your husband. I can remember frolicking around my bedroom when I was younger pretending to get married. I would wear one of my mom’s old white evening gowns and carry wild flowers out of the back yard. I had this image of what my future groom would look like but could never picture the actualization of that dream coming true.

All the events that you go through during high school and college changes you in so many ways that there is no way possible I would have been able to plan where I am now. These days when I wake up in the morning it’s hard not to smile. I am so thankful for the blessings in my life. I remember back in March when Casey and I began talking about an engagement seriously; my initial reaction was that I wasn’t ready. Could I be a wife? Could I handle the chores of a home and a family? I’m not finished with school, can I handle both? These questions worried me for months. My first action was to read.. read any informational book I could get my hands on. Then I went to talk to a counselor. I wanted an “outsiders” opinion on my readiness. Next, I talked to friends; both married and single. During this time, Casey and I both prayed. We prayed that if God didn’t want us to get married now or ever that he’d make it evident in our lives. Next thing I knew, 5 months later we were looking at rings.

After all my research, I’d discovered that every marriage is different. Some people wait until their careers are developed and successful, some wait until they’ve reached an “appropriate” age, some get married after only a few months of dating and some wait until they can have their “perfect” wedding. I finally understood that it wasn’t about what everyone else said as long as Casey and I felt it in our hearts and knew that God would be pleased with our decision. We consulted our pastor and a few mentors and made the decision that this was what we wanted and it would be our next step. I placed my “pre-engagement” books on my shelf and held Casey’s hand as we both whole-heartedly moved forward. We visited several jewelry stores and found many beautiful possibilities. I personally, didn’t care whether or not I knew what the ring looked like or how Casey proposed as long as it was personal and representative to both of us. You’d think after so many months of preparation that there was no way I’d be surprised when he asked me but I was. I use to daydream about what kind of reaction I would have. Would I cry? Would I say “yes”, “sure”, or “of course”? Truth be told, I think I did all of the above.

So here we are. Four weeks into a seven month engagement and we both are ecstatic. We booked our beautiful location (I never dreamed that it would be so perfect), we’ve picked colors, seen a florist, spoken to a musician, and picked our menu. Next up, the attire! I plan on going with a natural, southern look but as many brides have told me the minute you step into the dressing room all your “plans” change. So we’ll just have to see. My goal is to have my dress, the girl’s dresses, the flower girl’s dress, and the flowers done by late January/mid February!

P.S. I’d love any advice on this wedding bliss*

WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!

On November 29, 2009 Casey and I celebrated our third anniversary. We celebrate the day that we met since we can't remember when we actually decided to become "girlfriend/boyfriend". We went out to the Cheesecake Factory and Coyote Joe's for a Luke Bryan concert. This past week has been one of the best I have had in awhile considering that I was surrounded by family the entire time. I love being around people I love and love me in return. I don't think there is a much better feeling in the world. It simply warms your heart to give and recieve love. All weekend Casey's family had been glancing at my left hand to see if my anniversary gift was an engagement ring?!?! I had a small ponder in my head as to whether or not he would propose on our anniversary but also realized that the chances that may actually happen were slim. When Sunday rolled around I figured it would be Christmas or Valentine's Day before I saw a proposal. This didn't bother me too much because Casey and I are both extremely happy where we are in our relationship and content with our plans for the future ahead.

On November 30, 2009 Casey and I got engaged! I took the day off of work because I knew the weekend would be a busy one and I wanted one day to devote just to Casey and I. He picked me up at my parent's house and told me that we needed to return to his house before going out to breakfast. Once there we exchanged anniversary gifts. Our gifts this year were "made"

considering the economy and the creative juices we contain.(NOT) I bought Casey a "Fishin'opoly" game and made him a sketchbook titled "Smith Home Plans" for him to keep up with sketchs for the "Big" house one day. After opening my gifts Casey asked if I was ready for mine and replied "yes". He asked me to close my eyes and led me into the woods beside the house. After a few moments he turned me around, removed my sunglasses and asked me to open my eyes. In front of me I found a metal sign with my new initials "MS" and carved in the tree underneath was "Marry Me". At first I didn't see the carving and thanked him for the sign and told him how much I loved it. A few seconds later I realized what the carving was and began to cry. He asked me to stop crying and then he immediately began to cry. He got down on one knee beside me and asked if I would marry him. I said yes. . I believe three times* He then placed a gorgeous diamond ring on my hand and stood up to hug me. We stood there for several minutes crying and hugging before returning to the house to get the camera to capture the moment.

I've spent many months running over a proposal from Casey. What it might sound like, look like, feel like. I could never have prepared myself for that moment. It was a mixture between "I can't believe this is happening" and "I couldn't get any happier". I find myself staring at my ring

several times a day; and not even just the beauty of it but what it symbolizes. I think about placing it on my hand everyday and telling this story to our children in the future. It amazes me that a man as strong in his faith as Casey, as level-headed and smart as Casey, as romantic and genuinely caring as Casey would want to make me his wife. I know that I don't deserve him as my husband but plan on trying to earn him the rest of my life.

We shared the news with family and friends the next two days and are now currently enjoying this moment and are going to begin planning a wedding this weekend. We are hoping to marry on May 29, 2010. This day would be three and a half years together. Yes! Girls, that's less than six months to plan. Let's get started and hope for blessings along the way*

Thank you to all whom have helped Casey and I along the way. If we did not have the family, friends, pastors, mentors and support that we do; we would not be able to be making this decision at this time. We are truly grateful!