Tyler&Brittany Wedding

Reception: The Entrance

2011-02-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

Our grand entrance in to the reception was awesome if I do say so myself. However, because we started from up top, it was tough for our photographer to catch it. But this is what we got. :)

Here's what you've missed!
Dress Revealing
Rehearsal Dinner: fiasco then fun
Guys ~~drank~~ got ready
Girls got ready
Ceremony: rain or shine
Posed: The boys
Posed: The girls
Posed: The Bridal Party
Posed: Us

Posed: Us

2010-12-15T12:23:00.000-08:00

There's not much I can say about these photos. I love them so.

:)

Here's what you've missed!
Dress Revealing
Rehearsal Dinner: fiasco then fun
Guys ~~drank~~ got ready
Girls got ready
Ceremony: rain or shine
Posed: The boys
Posed: The girls
Posed: The Bridal Party

Posed: The Bridal Party

2010-12-10T09:30:00.000-08:00

Emphasis on party. :) We really had a ball with our wedding party. Everyone got along, was so helpful, we couldn't have asked for more. They are truly amazing!

Did I ever mention that we hate posing for pictures? We wanted more fun ones. Then we did this pose, which turned out perfect!

Tyler was jealous, so he wanted a picture like mine...

Turned out AMAZING, don't you think? :)

Here's what you've missed!
Dress Revealing
Rehearsal Dinner: fiasco then fun
Guys ~~drank~~ got ready
Girls got ready
Ceremony: rain or shine
Posed: The boys
Posed: The girls

Posed: The Girls

2010-12-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

We took our pictures before the ceremony, right after the boys. The rain had let up and we used a plastic sheet to keep my dress from getting dirty--because I was paranoid.

Here's what you've missed in Garner Wedding recaps so far:
Dress Revealing
Rehearsal Dinner: fiasco then fun
Guys ~~drank~~ got ready
Girls got ready
Ceremony: rain or shine
Posed: The boys

Posed: The Boys

2010-12-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

I don't think boys particularly like taking pictures. There weren't near as many photos to choose from as there were for me and the bridesmaids. haha. But luckily our photographer captured some good ones!

I never realized my dad is so short!

Here's what you've missed in Garner Wedding recaps so far:
Dress Revealing
Rehearsal Dinner: fiasco then fun
Guys ~~drank~~ got ready
Girls got ready
Ceremony: rain or shine

Snapshots of the ceremony

2010-12-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

All the planning in the world can't account for the weather. It rained on the day of our wedding, everyone was giving me their two cents on what I should do. We set up inside, just in case.

...but at the very last minute, it had stopped raining and we moved it outside.

It was standing room only but our ceremony was short and sweet and no one seemed to mind. :)

Our processional:

Tyler was so stiff at first... I had to whisper to him to loosen up. haha!

We did it! And the rain held off! Thank GOD!

Girls getting ready

2010-12-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

While our suite was so much bigger than the guys' suite, it didn't feel that way. People were everywhere. But we had fun.

people. every. where.

Tyler's little sis, Katie :)

let's do this

I guess I had to hold those babies up?

There you have it. Still doesn't feel real.

Guys getting ready

2010-12-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

We both had suites to get ready in at our venue... The great thing was that mine was about the double the size of Tyler's. It got crowded in that little suite but I think the boys had a good time beforehand.

the venue. gorgeous.

my dad helping my brother get his bout on :)

The hot groom

Tyler with his pops

Tyler's little brother

Groomsman Thomas

Tyler with my brother, Steven

Aren't they all adorable?!

Rehearsal Dinner

2010-11-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

The week before the wedding was a stressful one to say the least. People were arriving in town, guests were calling asking questions, and we had two of the four groomsmen staying at our place. Then, I get a call from Tyler's mom saying the place that was going to do our rehearsal dinner suddenly was losing the restaurant and couldn't do the dinner anymore... 5 days before the wedding.

The normal panic and stress ensued but I owe so much to Tyler's mom for staying calm and problem solving on the fly. And we were able to get reservations and even a private room and another (and better) restaurant. So essentially Tyler's dear mother planned two rehearsal dinners and in the end, it turned out fabulous.

about to get our eats on!!

mi madre y padre :)

the proud mommas!

my cousin and flower girl, keirsten

looking forward to the next day!!

The drama prior to the dinner really helped with my nerves on the big day... just knowing that everything will work out whether I stress about it or not... Deep breaths helped a lot, too.

:)

Introducing: Brittany Garner Design! {and a giveaway!}

2010-11-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

Well, blog-o-sphere, I finally took the plunge. My new blog and Etsy Shop are now open for business!!

From the Etsy Shop:

Brittany Garner Design was started while I was planning my own wedding. A recent graduate with a BA in Communication Design, I have always loved designing and diy-ing anything and everything!

Brittany Garner Design specializes in designs for the do-it-yourselfer who wants a jump start on their designs (in the form of digital files), those who are low on time, or would rather have someone else handle all the printing, I do offer printing services. It's up to you!

We do everything listed below (plus more!)

-Invitations
- RSVP Cards
-Water Bottle Labels
-Photo Sharing Cards
-Blog Headers
-Table Numbers
-Seating Charts
- Holiday Cards
- Announcements

and so much more! Contact me with your ideas if you don't see what you want here, I love to do custom work! :)

If you would like to see more of my work please visit my blog: http://www.brittanygarner.com!

--------------------------- :)

Which brings me to the GIVEAWAY!

I'm offering one free custom stationery item of your choice! Still need a Christmas card? Want some fancy wrap around address labels? Blog header or button? Anything! FREE! (From my shop or your imagination) It's up to you!

{copy/paste!}

Go to www.brittanygarner.com to enter!

The Dress: Revealed

2010-11-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

I kept my dress a secret from Tyler... but gave you all a sneak peek. Well, sorta. Those of you who guessed dress #4 pat yourselves on the back. My dress was Maggie Sottero's Carrie. And I was in love.

I ordered it in Ivory so I wouldn't be so washed out and altered the neckline in to a sweetheart to accentuate my girls.

back it up and drop

details, details

It was perfect.

***

I'm having a hard time organizing all of my pics and recaps so posts may be a little sporadic to start. I think my main problem is this gut feeling that when I finish recaps... that's it. Wedding talk is over and I don't want it to be. Bah!!

We did it!

2010-10-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

So fly like a g6

2010-10-08T10:29:00.000-07:00

If you're wondering about the Far East Movement lyrics it's partly because I'm obsessed--it is now my ringtone--and partly because it was the unofficial bachelorette weekend theme song. Missed the first chapters of BW? Part one here. Part two here.

I promise I won't drag this out much longer. The sad fact is I miss it, it was all a blur, and I want to go back to Vegas ASAP.

Day 2 started with mimosas. Naturally.

The plan was to go to a pool party but the rain put a damper on that. So we spent it in the hot tub at our hotel.

Even though we were exhausted we rallied and went BIG for our last night.

I'm getting married!!!!!

Side note: the view from our room was incredible.

The girls gave me a list of tasks I had to complete throughout the weekend.

Get a guy to give you his underwear - CHECK. I let him keep them though. I was nice. :)

VIP at JET. Amazing.

'Round about 2 a.m. we went to the most amazing/incredible/bad ass club I have ever seen. Surrender at Encore. I highly recommend you check this spot out next time you're in Vegas.

And after getting to bed at 5 a.m. (with an 11 a.m. flight) we said goodbye to Vegas... and what is essentially my last weekend away as a single woman. Bittersweet but I am oh so ready to marry the greatest man alive!

Poppin' bottles in the ice, like a blizzard

2010-10-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

If you missed it before, I was surprised with a trip to Vegas for my bachelorette party. Is badass one or two words? Because my friends are totally BAD. FRICKIN'. ASS.

We got to SFO and our flight was delayed. Totally not good for a girl who is going to pee her pants with excitement. But we made it on the plane.

As soon as we arrived it was pool time. Pure relaxation.

Linds doesn't like a lot of sun, hence the empty chair between us. After some food it was time to DRINK. And boy, did we. The lineup...

bridesmaid Laura

maid of honor Christina

the lovely Lindsay

bridesmaid Danielle

Then we drank in the room. And drank some more. And went to Haze at ARIA (AMAZING). Drank more (thank you bottle service). And the night ended at 3 a.m. like this:

That's it for day/night 1! Day/night 2 coming very soon!

The biggest surprise of my life...

2010-10-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

When I left for my bachelorette party last Thursday, I knew that I was in for a surprise. Dear God, that is the understatement of the century.

I thought the plan was to have a spa/party weekend in San Francisco. We had to get up at 7 a.m. to go to breakfast before our "appointment."

And of course I was blindfolded:

After driving around for what seemed like FORever. I was allowed to take it off.

That's what you get for waking up in Vegas playing in the background... I'm not joking.

My fucking awesome/badass/amazing friends surprised me with a bachelorette party in Vegas!

Part 2 coming soon. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Taking the time to breathe

2010-09-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

Edit: This was written Saturday morning and I guess I forgot to hit 'publish'. I've been sick the past few days so I'm going to attempt to get my second bridal shower post up asap because I leave for my bachelorette party tomorrow! But, if not, next week will be jam packed. :) Happy Wednesday!

* * *

As I sit here getting ready for my second bridal shower I can't help but think of how fast time passes. Soon I'll be Mrs. TG and the wedding will be a vivid memory. All of these things are happening! I remember thinking wow, my bridal shower isn't for another 2 months, that's foreeeeeeever away. Well guess what. It's here. And in 22 days I will be walking down that aisle as I have imagined time and time again over the course of our 9 month engagement.

Some of the best advice I've received from people includes enjoy every minute and don't sweat the small stuff. I can now tell you from experience that if you do these two things, stress will not play a role in your wedding day. I have yet to let stress take over. I've had moments of panic, sure. But I've kept in mind the big picture: I'm marrying my best friend, my other half, the one and only. Then the butterflies take over and the stress just melts away.

I also had my final dress fitting this morning. The dress is gorgeous and I can't wait to put it on again... on the big day. :)

So here's to enjoying every second as the next two and a half weeks fly by!

Music for Everything :: Revisited

2010-09-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Decisions have been made! We changed it a lot since my last post. Here goes...

Pre-Ceremony: We gave our DJ an overall feel of what we wanted and he will choose this. I'm totally ok with it, takes the load off of my shoulders! hehe.

Seating of the mom's: Canon in D.

Bridal party processional: Canon in D. Bridesmaid D teared up when I played it for all of them. She may cry more than I do.

Bride processional: Your Song by Vitamin String Quartet. I know, changed my mind again. But this one is perfect. Absolutely perfect.

During ceremony: N/A.

Recessional: Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley. Tyler's choice and I love it.

Reception entrance: The beginning of Final Countdown by Europe. Again, Tyler's choice... he thought it would get some laughs. :)

Wedding Dinner: We will play our slideshow as soon as everyone has their plate so there won't be too much time for music, but our DJ will select songs based on the overall feel we discussed with him.

Slideshow: The slideshow will be split up in to four parts...

Growing Up Tyler: Garth Brooks: The River.
Growing Up Brittany: 10,000 Maniacs: These Are the Days.
A College Romance/Us With Our Friends and Family: Tom Petty: Learning to Fly.
A Forever Love: Michael Buble: Everything.

Cake Cutting: James Taylor: How Sweet It Is. Cliche, yes, but we need a little cheeeeeese with our cake.

First Dance: Katherine McPhee: Terrified. Done and done. Our choice was reaffirmed when our DJ searched for it in his 96,000 song database and didn't have it... so we will be the first couple to dance to it...ever...or so we like to think. :)

Father-Daughter Dance: Tim McGraw: My Little Girl. My mom had a big impact on this decision... she suggested it and started crying as we listened. How could I say no to that?!

Mother-Son Dance: The Commodores: Three Times the Lady.

Anniversary Dance: N/A.

Bouquet Toss: The Weathergirls: It's Raining Men.

Garter Toss: Michael Jace: Bad Things. If you watch True Blood, you know.

Last Dance: Taylor Swift: Today Was a Fairytale.

Dancing! (Must Play): We put down a wide array of slow/fast songs ranging from romantic to silly to just plain fun. Oh, and lots and lots of 80's!

Getting Showered :: Part I

2010-09-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

I had my first bridal shower on Saturday and it was fabulous! It was thrown by my boss and she invited all of the people I work with plus my mom and MOH. To be honest, I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous because being the center of attention is not my idea of a good time. I had a blast though and realized that it's just like spending time with good friends...and lot of smiling...seriously, my cheeks were sore by the time I got home. :)

Here are a few highlights...

The desserts!

The cake: homemade and SO delish

I had to slow down on the champagne consumption ...
don't need to be a hot mess at my shower ;)

don't ask. ha.

my pink apron!

some of the group :) love these ladies

And if you're wondering why my boss is dressed the way she is... it's because she found an old bridesmaid dress, from the 80's no less, and decided she would wear it. Love her.

Where does the time go!? And some beauty stuff.

2010-09-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

One month to go. Wow. I remember this like it was yesterday. And boy, did it really fly. 30 days to go and remarkably, I feel on top of it. Cross your fingers this doesn't change.

TheKnot.com suggested I should of started my Wedding Beauty Plan about a month ago...but what does that even mean??? Sometimes I think The Knot is straight crazy. Ha. Here's my take on it.

Crest White Strips :: Gotta have those pearly whites for the wedding day. Tyler is joining me with this.

Tanning :: I know it's awful...but I'm doing it anyway. Call me reckless.

Deep conditioning mah hairs :: Once a week from here on out.

Working out :: every damn day ... and it's hard!

Stop biting my nails :: Trying so hard to drop this dirty habit.

Facials :: Weekly at home regimen...I'm too cheap to go anywhere else.

Final cut and color :: September 29.

Waxing :: Eeek. I'm scared.

Manicure and pedicure :: The day before the big day.

So, tell me future and past brides, what beauty plan did/will you implement to get ready for the big day?

Dress-ing for the occasion

2010-09-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm the type that feels like she needs a new dress for everything. Ask Tyler, it drives him nuts. But since it is our wedding and many of the events, I have to be the center of attention, I've talked him in to letting me feed my addiction...in moderation. :)

For my work bridal shower:

Macy's

For my family/friend bridal shower:

Macy's

For the bachelorette party:

Macy's

For the rehearsal dinner:

Lulu*s

I still need one more dress for bachelorette weekend but I may have something that will work. Gotta love shopping sprees. :)

The Guestbook

2010-09-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

After going back and forth about what to do for a guestbook, the final product has finally arrived.

Not going to lie, my heart skipped a beat when I saw Brittany Garner in writing.

I like that it allows our guests to write more than just their names, much less boring and it will be fun to read afterward.

Candy Buffet :: A Work In Progress

2010-09-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Candy Buffet to do list:

Buy containers for buffet - done!
Buy candy - done!
Make containers pretty - done!
Assemble candy containers for guests

I spent a good 4 hours last weekend getting my hands sticky with super glue putting the containers together. But I think they turned out pretty good.

I also received the first round of candy I ordered, now I have to hide it from myself and TG so we're not tempted to eat it! :)

I ordered half of the candy from Candy Warehouse and the other half from Bulk Candy Store -- which should arrive Tuesday.

License to Wed

2010-09-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

It's official! ...well, almost. :)

We went on down to the county courthouse and got our marriage license! All I keep thinking is, ONE STEP CLOSER. Woo!

My Headpiece Dilemma

2010-09-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

I really don't want a veil. But I want a statement hair piece that's beautiful and will work with my dress. There are intricate little details on my dress that incorporate tiny pearls. Here's what I've found (all from Etsy).

I'm leaning toward the third or fifth one...or second... It's so hard to decide!Thoughts?? Opinions??

Wedding Day Schedule

2010-09-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

...also known as My Type A Personality on display. I'm embarrassed to admit that this shouldn't of been as much fun as it was. I created my 'Day of Schedule' in Microsoft Word with the hope that all of our helpers, bridal party, parents, and more awesome people who are lending a hand the day of will know exactly what to do and it will run smoothly.

It's still tentative but this is how it's looking...

I have four bridesmaids and myself, is that enough time to get ready? Also, I know there's no way in hell the ceremony will last one hour...we will be lucky if it lasts a half hour...but I factored in that time because I'm sure we'll be running late, so that's where we make it up.

Did you do anything similar?