Gown Shopping!

I'm excited to announce I will be going dress shopping next Saturday afternoon. We have an appointment at a local shop--Christine's Bridal of Hartland--and I'm relieved I may be able to find a classic gown without needing to leave the Upper Valley.

I've asked Marsha--Christopher's mom--to join me for the appointment and the fun! Kim is driving up from Boston to join us; I'm so relieved Kim can lend her fashion sense and keen judgment.

I wish my Mom could be there too, but I know I'll be surrounded by Marsha and Kim's love, support, and eye for fashion. Christopher obviously gives his love and support, but he is not allowed to see my gown before the wedding. :)

At first I thought I'd be able to buy a dress online (there are many sites specializing in used or discounted gowns) or perhaps have a gown made, but I'm eager to see what styles and fabrics the Gown Consultant will suggest for me. I hardly ever have occasion to wear a dress yet, much to my chagrin, I'm very giddy about this component of our wedding.

I'll let the blog'o'sphere know how things go!

Our Wedding Party!

We wanted to introduce our Wedding Party!

Kimberly Warren, Maid of Honor










Christopher's ever charismatic and classy younger sister, Kimberly, is my Maid of Honor. A distinguished 2008 graduate from Green Mountain College, Kim and I shared an apartment and two kittens during our Senior year. Kim is sharp, witty, gorgeous, and well-read: just ask this 2008 Miss Vermont USA contestant about Yoknapatawpha County. She is a blessing in our lives, and a very close friend.


Kimberly currently resides in Boston, working for an Ophthalmologist and fighting crime. This wedding can be entirely blamed on Kim, as she encouraged our new relationship and gave her blessing. This photo was taken of Kim and her boyfriend, Michael, at Groundhog's Day, 2009.

Clayton Hunsdon, Best Man

Chris once hit Clay with a Bible during a high school Philosophy class. A graduate of Champlain College, Clay is currently stationed with the US Army in Oklahoma. He is very good at DBZ, the CCG, but terrible at the bass. Clay and Chris have been “quasi-roommates,” and Clay married Kimberly’s old roommate (fellow GMC graduate) Jillian.

Chris counts Clay as his closest friend, and he cannot wait for Clay to complete his requirement with the Army and hopefully move to our part of the union.

The photo of Clay and Jillian was taken at their wedding!

Vendors!

We've already found a few vendors, and made a few small wedding purchases. How exciting!
I hope these sneak peeks do not spoil the final event for any of our family and guests.

We're trying to use local Vermont vendors, but we've also found a few sweet deals online.


(image copyright: Christa Pidgeon Photography)

Our photographer, Christa Pidgeon, was booked a few months ago. She's a new Rutland-based photographer with a lovely and vibrant portfolio. Christa has recently increased her prices, but we booked her last Fall to secure a low rate AND a free engagement photo shoot. Check out her gallery!

I highly recommend Salon 2000 in Chester, Vermont. Sarah, the salon's talented founder, will be helping with the "girly preparations" on our wedding day, including hair and makeup. Salon 2000 is a great establishment; they offer classic spa services--massage, facials, manicures, tanning--in a friendly warm space. Bonus: they are a block away from our Church!

We've been finding small decorations at excellent bargin prices online. Our newest purchses are these blown glass golden gorgeous goblets. (Oh, the alliteration!) We'll be using them as toasting flutes, and we found them for 80% off market price.

Happy St. Valentine's Day! Chris wants me to type that he just sung me a love song, and he wants me to remind you he does this all the time... and not just on romantic holidays!