florists, videographers, dresses, invitations and lance

So we have finally received all of our estimates from the three florists and they definitely varied in price (A LOT). We are wanting to spend around $1500 on flowers/church decor. The first lady we met with was really nice and definitely the cheapest (less than $700) however I really didn't feel that she understood what I was looking for in a floral arrangement or for ceremony decor. She was definitely more traditional in her style... but like I said very inexpensive. The second person we met with was amazing. He totally understood my vision and made some great suggestions for ceremony decor.... however he was the most expensive ($2100). The third person we met with was a compromise between the two. She understood what I wanted as far as the bouquets and boutonnieres (and made some GREAT suggestions) but wasn't entirely understanding my idea for the ceremony decor (although I think that she would be able to copy a picture of what I would like..... so she could work!) She also left out my flower girls and junior bridesmaids in her estimate.... but she was around $1700. Although we knew flowers would be a larger part of the budget than the 15% it should be.... we have big decisions to make soon in regards to whom we will choose!

Mom and I also met with two videographers this week. I don't even really want to talk about the first one because he just wasn't as good as the second one! The second videographer we met with was awesome. He responded to my email ten minutes after I sent it and met with us the very next day. He was really personable and his personality fit well with my mom's and mine AND he was a LOT cheaper than the other ones we have looked at! Plus, his work is really good (he went to film school). Mom wants to talk to a few more.... but I really hope we can choose him because he was wonderful! :)

Now, I am visiting my fiance and one of my wonderful bff's (and bridesmaid). Jenna and I went to the bridal shop up here to try on the bridesmaid dress that I LOVE (.... and luckily she loved it too! I was worried the most about her liking it because she is pregnant ... and will be HUGE at the time of my wedding (like 8 months pregnant huge). However, after trying it on she definitely thinks it will work and really liked the style! So YAY!! Now I just need to find out how I need to go about getting my bridesmaids to order them. The lady at the store said it take 3 months to arrive and we should allow another month for alterations.... so we need to order them by mid August. The good news is the dress is only $120 and they only require you put half down to order it.... so hopefully my maids can come up with $60 in the next month :). I am also thinking of ordering this dress for my junior bridesmaids. My only concern is that one of them is 8 years old (the other is 14 and probably a size 2) and this dress is made for adults.... so I'm hoping that since she is tall we can order a size 0 and alter it... but I will need to get the store's opinion on that!

We also (thanks to Jenna (& Drew)) decided on what color pocketfold to order. We are going with the black pocketfold with a lunar blue invitation mat under a white invitation (with a scroll design... thanks to Drew) with a black envelope and damask liner. I think that it will look really pretty and coordinate well with our save the dates and other wedding decor colors. I also ordered pocketfold samples (since I've decided that I'm not making them myself) so that I can see exactly what I'm getting before I order 150. They should arrive monday... so they'll be there when I get home (yay!) I'm really excited to see them and how the coordinate with the lunar blue paper and the envelopes! :)

Anyways, I feel that things are coming together. We still have a lot more to do (like find someone to make our cake) but we have accomplished a lot in the last month! I can't wait to see how everything comes together and am so excited that I'm getting closer to becoming Mrs. Campbell! :)

dress ordered.... florist meetings.... and videographer

So I have officially ordered my dress... I chose the Casablanca 1772. The dress honestly looks better on me than the model.... and its like snow! Its absolutely PERFECT for a January 1 wedding!

(Photo from Casablanca)

We also met with three florists this week. So far we have only received a quote back from one of them but are anxious for the other two quotes. I felt that one of them really understood my vision better than the other two... but I haven't seen his quote yet to know if it is possible! So, we'll see!

We also are meeting with a few videographers this week. After doing some research, I think that I would regret not having one. A lot of people have said it was their biggest regret not having one and I think it would be great to be able to show my kids the video of mommy and daddy getting married. Pictures are wonderful.... but there is only so much that can be captured through still images.... and I want to be able to capture EVERYTHING from that day. So we'll see how we can work it into our budget.

wedding photographer selected

We have officially selected a wedding photographer!!

After meeting with Joe Hendricks Photography, Sara Gibbs Photography, Kristen Steele Photography, and Camryn Holt Photography, we have decided to go with.....

Sara Gibbs.


Sara actually is a former volleyball player for my mother and we coincidentally ran into her at my mom's bank (later to find out it isn't even Sara's bank). We set up a meeting with her and both Lance and I felt the most comfortable with her. I loved the work of the other 3 photographers but I didn't feel the connection that I felt with Sara. Plus, she's giving us a really great deal... and her work is amazing! I am so excited to start working with her and for us to have our engagement shoot!