Seven years in the making.

So what that it has been 3 months since our wedding and I am just now getting around to blogging about it. In my defense, my holidays were busy. I am mostly writing this because I hope my blog serves as scrapbook of wedding memories and I thought it would be a great way to document some of the important details. CAUTION: PHOTO OVERLOAD!!!

When I started planning the wedding it seemed like the date was so far away, and, in the last few months it was like I didn't have enough time to get everything done. So is life, I guess. But when the day finally came, it was everything I wished it would have been and more. Everything turned out perfectly and I can honestly say that I would only change one thing, to have it last longer. It almost seems like a blur now, and I am so thankful for all the pictures that were taken and the video that my uncle took of the night.

My sisters and I spent the night at the Green Valley Ranch hotel the night before, and then got ready in the suite the day of the wedding. I was surprised to wake up in the morning to flowers and Starbucks from my boy, before we set off to get our make-up done. When we got back to the hotel, my personal magician Kayla and her wonderful assistant Brittany got to work transforming this pauper to a princess. Took lots of pixie dust... It was so nice to have all of my girls around me as I got ready for the big day.

Yes, a hair train. The wonderful B. Harp fixing Kayla, and Kayla fixing Sadie, the flower princess, while she enjoys a manicure.

Then we headed over to the Legacy Golf Course for a beautiful sunset ceremony on the front lawn. We were lucky enough to have about 120 of our closest family and friends present to witness Harv and I exchange vows in a ceremony that honored both of our families and our heritage. After the wedding party walked down the aisle, followed by our ring bearer and flower girl, I was escorted by my Daddy to an instrumental version of "Kiss the Girl" from the Little Mermaid. Didn't think I would do something traditional now, would ya? Harvey's step mom sang us a beautiful love song as the ceremony started, something that she has done for all her sons' weddings. It truly was a ceremony that fit us, and it was a wonderful way to start the night.

My lovely ladies in the hooker heels of their own choosing. Mix 4 inch stilettos and fresh cut golf green and what might you get, wobbly sinking ankles. Shoulda worn Chucks.

Mazel Tov! After the ceremony, everyone was invited inside for appetizers and drinks while the bridal party and families took pictures outside. Once everyone was inside, dinner was served and the party got started. Between all the formalities of cake cutting, first dances, and speeches, the night seemed to fly by.

As guests entered the reception, they lent their fingerprint in their choice shade of green and placed it on our "guestbook" platter. The green fingerprints acted as the leaves to a tree with two tiny owls perched in the branches...



We were lucky enough to have four very important people in our lives give speeches at the reception. Matt, the best man, gave a nice speech reminiscing back to the high school days, then Kayla, the maid of honor, about how lucky we were to finally have a brother. Up to the mike next was Matt's dad, our high school principal who was able to give an impromptu but interesting perspective on our relationship. Rounding out the line-up was little Steven, Harvey's nephew, who added the "I love my uncle and my new aunt." We were so touched to have such amazing people toast our relationship and say such wonderful things about us. We truly are blessed.





After a fabulous dinner, it was dancing time! This was the one part of the night that I was not looking forward to. If you know anything about me, it's that I hate to dance, especially SLOW! I think its extremely awkward, especially at wedding where everyone is focusing solely on you! If I could have gotten out of it I would have, but Harv being the romantic he is, insisted we did. And since I refused to slow dance with him at our Senior prom and he reminds me of it all the time, I figured I owed it to him. Anyways, after talking Harvey out of his numerous first dance song choices, we finally decided on the Lee DeWyze version of Still the One. It fit us perfectly. Once I heard the first notes of the song, I knew we had made the right choice. And I'm so glad we danced... Yes, we just swayed the whole time. But just being in his arms, my new husband and I, time could have stood still. It didn't matter who was watching or who chose to finish their dinner. It didn't matter that my bustle broke and I was stomping all over my train. He couldn't take his eyes of mine, and all I could do was stare into his piercing greens and read his mind like a New York Times bestseller. I wished it wouldn't end...



Then came the father daughter dance. I had suggested enough songs to count on two hands, all to the disapproval of Dad. He didn't want country, and I refused to dance to She's a Brick, HOoooooUSE. However, I trusted his judgement and wanted him to pick a song that he felt was right. This was something that was emotional for the both of us and I knew that I would trust him to make the decision. When it was showtime, the music started. Wouldn't you guess...

She's a Brick badadunda HouuuuSE dadundaa....

But when the joke was finally over, the song he picked was perfect. My Little Girl by Steve Kirwan. Haven't heard it, give it a listen. That Daddy of mine, I'm telling ya. He is something else. I don't know what I ever did to deserve such an amazing father, someone that has always supported me in everything I have done and has ALWAYS been there for me whenever I needed him. Our dance was a bittersweet moment, I couldn't even look at him because I knew I would lose it. So I tucked my head onto his shoulder and stayed there the entire three minutes and six seconds. I secretly think he was happy I did that, or we would have both been a mess...

Then came the most tear-jerking moment of the night. Harvey lost his mother 13 years ago to an unforeseeable tragedy. However, if fortunate is even a word you can use in a situation like this, Harvey was fortunate enough to have a wonderful step-mother that has been an important part of his life since he was young, Carol. Because of his unique situation, Harvey and I both felt it was necessary to honor both women as part of his mother-son dance. Harvey's grandmother had a video of a dance from Harvey's mom's wedding in which she danced with Harvey when he was about 5. It was a very touching video that we knew we needed to incorporate into the occasion. The dance was such a touching moment, I'm not quite sure there was a dry eye in the place. Harvey briefly explained that he was fortunate enough to have two mothers that care so much about him and that they BOTH mean so much to him. As soon as he was done talking, a song that Carol had beautifully recorded started playing at the same time his Mother's video played on the screen. Halfway through the song, Harvey's Bubbe' joined them on the dance floor as emotions ran rapid. Words just can't explain.

Time to lighten the mood a little. Next up, a little garter/ bouquet toss. First, Harvey had to come get it. I'm surprised he actually came out of his shell and did what the DJ had told him to do, lap dance and all!



We did my bouquet toss first. All the singles ladies to the dance floor please... After a lttle spin, I let that baby fly... And who comes up with it?



Then the garter toss. Same thing, all the single guys. A little spin. And let it sail. However, this one was more of a fight.



Kara, my little sister ended up getting the bouquet. Tony, my best friend Liz's boyfriend, caught the garter. He seems like he really wanted it too... You know what that means right Trone?


Krista, another one of my little sisters, was not the happiest person when we decided to have the wedding on 10.10.10. See, October 10 is Krista's birthday, and the thought of sharing her birthday with our anniversary for the rest of her life was not something that she was enthuastic about. Alas, we did it anyways, so we thought the least we could do was sing her Happy Birthday and let her have a piece of the spotlight on her birthday. So right before we cut our cake, we brought out a birthday cake and the entire room sang to her. Now as some of you may know, Krista is quite the "dancer". Her claim to fame at that time was the Dougie. So when we were done singing, the DJ played her song and she led the crowd in a little birthday Dougie... I think she was surprised we did that for her, and it made her not so bitter about us stealing her day.



After Krista's 15 seconds of fame, it was time for us to cut our cake. Harvey was under strict orders to, under no circumstances, smush cake in my face. And he knows better than to make my claws come out, especially on our wedding day. We had decided to serve cupcakes and just order a small cake for us to cut into ourselves. It is also tradition as part of my mom's side of the family to serve cookies along with the cake. My grandma baked DOZENS and DOZENS of cookies in the weeks prior to the wedding and froze them so we would have enough to serve to everyone. We actually ended up having lots of leftovers, which was nice. We enjoyed them when we got home from Hawaii.




That was the last "scheduled" event of the night. After cutting and serving cake, people had started dwindling out. The ones that left continued to dance and have a good time, until the bar eventually closed and they were basically kicking us out. There are a few more random pictures from the night that I will post, just some more of my favorites...








My Godmother and my "something borrowed". Long story short, my dad bought me antique jewelry about 9 months before the wedding. It got put in such a safe place, somewhere we wouldn't lose it before the wedding. Well, we hid it so well, we couldn't find it. And at the eleventh hour, my Aunt Tee Tee came through with some beautiful necklaces for me to choose from. I was so honored to wear such an elegant diamond necklace from a woman that I love so much.



In February of 2010, my grandpa suffered a medical emergency and was on life support for 23 days. It was something that we were not sure that he would ever come out of, but miraculously he did. Having him be physically present at our wedding is something that Harvey and I wanted very very much, and I believe he did too. Pap has been very weak since everything happened, but he was adamant that he was going to dance with me at my wedding. And boy, did he dance. Three separate times, we helped him out of his wheelchair so that he could dance with me. It was three of the most special moments of the night.

October 10, 2010 was a night that I will never forget. Details will fade away, but it will forever remain the night that I was lucky enough to marry my best friend. That night marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship, for better or worse, and I am so proud to finally call Harvey my husband.

The Rehearsal Dinner

We were lucky enough to have Harvey's parents offer their house to host our rehearsal dinner. After a quick run-through at Legacy, we headed across town to Harvey's parents house for some grub from our favorite place, Buca Di Beppo. Hope you enjoy the pictures...

The Fab Five

We go wayyy back

Harv and his Dad. Good looks run in the family.

If I wasn't the one with the ring, I'd be convinced he was trading me in for the "newer model"

Me and the Sam-a-loo. I wish I had a picture of his shirt. It said "I'm in charge of the rings."

Finally a boy in the family.

All of the cousins that traveled from Pennsylvania.

'Nuff said.

Me and my girls.

Harvey's family.

A very un-bridal Bridal Shower.

On August 14, 2010, I was joined by all of my lovelys for a very unbridal Bridal shower. Kayla, with lots of help from Momma, Jenene, Keri, and many others, threw one heck of a tea party at my wonderful Aunt Teresa's house. Per my request, I wanted a Mad Hatter themed Party, and boy o' boy did Kay deliver. From invites to decorations, everything was a "custom creation." I loved the way it turned out...

Part of the food table.

Drink Me beverages.

A cake gone mad and mini cupcakes.

Liz and I

The outside lantern decorations

Look at those pretty girls...

My Mom and Godmother, Aunt Teresa

Some bridal games fit for a Queen. Pictured here, Bridal Blurt.

No bridal shower is complete without some lingerie. These beauties were part of my "Undies through the Years" poem.

Some of my lovelys getting a front row seat for presents!

And look who showed up just in time to wear the fancy bow hat...

Thanks to everyone that made my bridal shower a success and also to all those who were able to attend. I had such an amazing time and I feel so blessed to be surrounded by some many amazing people. If I wasn't posting this four months after it actually happened, I would tell you all that I am looking forward to the wedding and to see you then. Eh, we can all pretend.

Drum Roll, Please...

Yes yes, I know. I should have posted this about a year ago.

In my defense, the bridal party has been picked and all the nice, wonderful things I have to say have been typed and saved on the computer for about 6 months. Don't ask why they haven't been uploaded.

But lo and behold, THE bridal party...

Kayla- Maid of Honor

I’ve known Kayla, well, all her life. I probably wasn’t all that happy when she arrived, but I know now that life wouldn’t have been the same without her. We haven’t always seen eye to eye, and I’m fairly certain that my hair is thinner because of all she has pulled out, but when it came time to pick my right hand girl, no doubt in my mind was it Kayla. And good thing, because every time I haven’t wanted to make a phone call to a venue or book a dress appointment, Kayla has been right there to help me. Not only is she going to make me look fantastic, I know that with her help and guidance, my wedding will go off without a hitch. Kayla is such a special person, someone I can always count on to come through for me, she will always help with whatever she can, and she puts up with all my baloney. And she is the one person that can and will keep me from turning into ever-loving Bridezilla. She has done so much to help make this wedding, the wedding I have dreamed about. I just don’t know how I will top it when it comes time for hers… Shawn? Love you sis!

Liz- Bridesmaid

Call me a peeping tom, but I first met Liz when she lived behind my Baba & Pap’s house and Kayla and I would watch her and her sister play in the backyard through the holes in the wooden fence. I somehow talked her into playing soccer on my team in 3^rd grade, and except for high school soccer (don’t worry Liz, it wasn’t a foul), we have never played a game apart. Liz is honestly the only person that I can count on to go along with my crazy ideas, without even thinking twice. I know this for a fact, just don’t ask any questions; you wouldn’t like the answers. Whether it was late-night-tea-dates on the kitchen countertops or secret spy missions I still deny to this day, my college experience wouldn’t have been the same without her. Liz and I have honestly been through everything together and she is my best friend, as cheesy as that sounds. Just don’t mess with either one of us, we will shut your power off.

Kristen- Bridesmaid

When it came to filling my last attendant spot, I had some tough decisions to make. I mean, I have lots of girls that care about me. But when I actually sat down to think about it, I knew it had to be my Cuz. No, we haven’t always been close. And we have probably fought about almost everything under the sun. She’s taller than me., but I’m older. She got the last piece of fried okra. She won’t let me hold the dead rolley-polley we found in the swimming pool and named Gordon. She refuses to be the daughter when we are playing house, she wants to be the dog. She thinks “the bird” is hers and wont share it with me. I think you get the idea… But as we got older, more mature, and I grew about 5 inches, I actually realize how important she is in my life. And I couldn’t be getting married without “The Cuz” making an appearance in my bridal party, because then it just wouldn’t be a party. Kristen is someone so special to me and someone I can truly call a friend, not just because she is family. But I would like to officially put in out there, that even though she won the fight over height, “the bird” IS MINE.

Matt- Best Man (Harvey’s words)

Growing up I was the only boy with 3 sisters and always longed to have a brother. Little did I know that I would get one my sophomore year of high school. By junior year Matt and I were inseparable. We were always together and always stirring up trouble. As we get older and life sends more obstacles our way it sometimes becomes tough for Matt and I to get together on a regular basis. However when we do finally get together it’s as if we didn’t skip a beat and we start right were we left off. Matt is more than my best friend he is my brother and I couldn’t imagine anyone else being my best man.

Shawn- Groomsman

I will admit when Kayla started bringing this new guy around I wasn’t very friendly and didn’t make life easy for Shawn. The Lee’s were my girls and I wasn’t about to share. To Shawn’s credit he never gave up and always stayed friendly and actually became one of my good friends. Shawn is a great guy with a big heart and would do anything for anyone. Working with Shawn has strengthened our relationship and furthered our friendship. Good luck man, cause you’re next.

Travis- Groomsman

Not only is Travis my boss he is also one of my best friends. I honestly can say that a lot of the reason of where I am today is due to Travis and the opportunity he has given me. Travis hasn’t just given me an opportunity, he also has been a great friend. Travis is the guy I know that I can call when I need help and I know he will be there. He has a heart of gold and I’m honored to have him in my wedding.

Steven- Lil’ Best Man

Ok, so this comes as no surprise to anyone. STEVEN IS GOING TO BE IN OUR WEDDING. Anyone that knows Harvey, knows that on most days his little shadow can be found toddling around not far behind. I knew my life was about to change forever about five ago when Harvey left me high and dry in Flagstaff at 6 in the morning because he had just gotten a phone call from Lauri that she had gone into labor. Ever since then, Steven has been the center of his world, so bad at times that I think I might possibly be second in line. For this reason, Steven was upgraded from ring bearer to lil’ best man and at Harvey’s request, will be sporting the same dapper duds as him. We both honestly love this little boy so much, you could almost think he was our own. Therefore, please excuse in advance any dinosaur roars or Power Ranger transformations during any part of the ceremony or reception.

Sammy- Ring Bearer

Our wedding party wouldn’t be complete without our very own curly headed, lil’ wrecking ball. This one might give us a run for our money, but he is second in command, behind his older brother, Steven, and the apple of his “soon-to-be Aunt’s” eye. And speaking of eyes, he’s got a set of blue ones that he knows how to use to his advantage. Even if your Uncle is more concerned with a certain someone else (ha hum… Steven…) just know that I love you and am glad you could be a part of our special day too. I love you Sam-a-loo!

Sadie- Flower Girl

If someone is going to upstage me at my own wedding, it’s going to be this little girl. Not like she needs any more excuses for any more attention, but she is going to be the cutest flower girl around. Now, this is going to go one of two ways. Oh, you mean all these people are watching me put all these flowers on the floor. Oh I’m so cute… or Complete DIVA meltdown in 3, 2, 1… Either way her Uncle Puppy and I can’t wait to see her in action. (We just wish she had a sister that could help her out. And I don’t think her father would let Brody wear a dress.) Smooches!

The ticker keeps on tickin'...

I started this blog with the intention of keeping people updated with all of the fun little details of planning our wedding. And I've done about as good of a job as Harvey has done in finishing my backyard... But we love him anyways. And so you will hold no ill feelings towards me for keeping you poorly-informed. Right ?

Anyways. Since that little ticker over there on the sidebar → surely wasn't adding days, I figured I better get down to some business.

First on the list, meet with our venue to discuss and finalize plans, pick a menu, and work on a table layout. So I enlist my trusty MOH Kayla to make the phone call and set up a meeting. She calls...

"Hi. My name is Kayla Lee... yada, yada, yada, in her professional Planet-Hollywood-I-do-this-for-a-living-voice... and I would like to set up an appointment to finalize plans for my sister's upcoming 10-10-10 wedding."

And this is the response she gets.

"Oh, we are so glad you called. Unfortunately the man you booked your event with is no longer with us and the only record we had of your sister's wedding was a last name on the calendar. No contract. No contact information. No record of an existance, except for 'Tadmor 10-10."

WHAT!?!? Seriously? Why do these kinds of things always happen to me?

Second order of business, bridesmaids' dresses. At the beginning of this whole thing when we were picking colors, Mr. Monochrome and I decided compromised on gray as the major color of the wedding. Not silver. Not platinum. Gray. Do you think I could find bridesmaid dresses in the right color? Of course not, remember who we are talking about here folks. So we enlisted a very reliable seamstress that is going to custom make the dresses in the correct color and to my girls' liking. You know, plunging v-neck, fingertip-rule need not apply. So Kayla goes to call her now that the fabric has been ordered and arrived.

"Oh, I'd hoped that I would be hearing from you soon. I've been in the hospital for the past 3 weeks. My colon ruptured. But I should be home soon. I'll call you when I'm out."

Now, don't take this the wrong way. I seriously worry about the woman's health. She is such a nice lady and it is terrible that her health has taken this turn. But really, why does everything always have to be so difficult.

However, she has since been released, we met, measured, and should have GRAY dresses before long. And my ladies will look so fantastic no one will ever know the headache we had to go through to look so good. All for the love of gray.

On a happier note, I am pleased to announce that the much anticipated arrival of my wedding dress has come. I had my first fitting on July 22nd to be exact and they got me all pinned up. It just might even be a surprise for all you squeezies... You'll just have to show up to find out.

Also, planning my bridal shower is in full effect, and by the sounds of things, is going to be quite a production. I am so excited, I could just go MAD. Invitations should be out within the next day or so. Keep an eye out... Hope to see you there!

And no blog is really ever complete without some kind of picture. So here is a little glimpse of what we do at Aunt Karla's house when Uncle Harvey is working...

A Pickle.

Oh, hello blog. How are you? No I haven't forgotten about you, I've just been so busy planning a wedding I've had no time to update... But I'm back now!

So a few weeks back I asked you fabulous people for some help with a first dance song. I got a few suggestions and tossed back and forth a few different ideas. And now we've gotten ourselves into quite a pickle. Good thing i like pickles. The one that we liked the best, from all the suggestions, was this one ↓ Etta James, At Last, performed by Beyonce. I heard it once and fell in love. I think it's wonderful, so romantic. And I can see myself swaying to this one, because as you all know I can't dance. Give it a listen... and sorry in advance for the commercial.




But I don't think Harv is quite sold on the idea. He likes it, alot more than the others. He just doesn't think it's "us". Add another pickle to my jar. So back to the drawing board we went... And we searched, and searched. And googled, and facebooked, and iTunes-ed until we were blue in the face, or ears. :) We have always liked Shania Twain's Still the One. However, Shania Twain makes me want to gouge out my eyeballs. I cannot stand the sound of that woman. But I love the lyrics. Oh the drama.

And then one Tuesday night the stars aligned. You see, I have loved American Idol since my girl Carrie was on. Guilty pleasure. And this past season I made Harv watch with me. At first, it was a struggle, to which he agreed out of love. Towards the end, not so much. Not that he would admit it, but he would call from work to see who got kicked off ;) Anyways, from the beginning we have liked Lee DeWyze. On this particular Tuesday night, they mentioned it was Shania Twain week. Shoot me in the leg. And then Harv goes, "Wouldn't it be cool if Lee did that one song."
Well, shiver me timbers... wanna take a guess as to who sang Still the One? No friggin' way right?

It was great. I love the way he sang it, and I love the lyrics. Lightyears better than that Shania woman. And this post won't be fair if you didn't listen to it too... And actually listen to the lyrics.





Needless to say, now we are more confused than when we started. Do we go with beautiful, romantic love song? Or more edgy, non-traditional "us"?

Help... Please? As in, leave a comment. Give an opinion. I'm actually ASKING FOR INPUT. Quickly, before my pickle jar turns into one of these...