I had no idea what to title this post since so much happened this weekend. I'll go day by day as not to miss anything.
Friday: Landed in Atlanta around 9PM and FI picked me up (with his FINE a*s lol). I was expecting to take the train to our hotel because he initially wasn't going to get in until a few hours later than I did. Pleasant surprise which is always welcomed. Since the airport is close to our venue we went by to "see it at night" Yes, of course, this was the bride's idea... so what. LOL After that we checked into our hotel and had a late dinner.
Saturday: We woke up, had breakfast, and went ring shopping. The first stop was Helzberg Diamonds. They were so pushy that even HE (the calmest person in the world) was getting irritated. We talked to them for a while (albeit for NO reason) and after "agreeing" to purchase a nearly $5,000 mens wedding band we were allowed to leave. We both knew full hell well when she called us for a follow up that we had no intentions on puchasing but we were being helpd CAPTIVE by this woman! LOL She complimented everything from my toes to my "grade" of weave. Seriously?
We ended up at Kay (which is ironically across the way from the other store) and had a WONDERFUL shopping experience. We ended up getting both my band AND his. Our jeweler Shawn was AMAZING. I think we may have spent an hour with him. The best part about it was (and I don't know if this is what he's supposed to say...) he told us he could see us old and gray together and told FI what a wonderful bride he had to look forward to. I guess it pays to be nice to each other and people in public. Here are some pics:
His
Hers
FYI My engagement ring
After that purchase we headed back to the hotel for a date... we went to the Melting Pot for dinner. Cooking together was such a romantic experience. We talked about the wedding. His dreams for the day. My dreams for the day. It was amazing...
Sunday we went to church. The Pastor there is also the person doing our wedding and pre marital counseling. We had a glorious time and went to breakfast after. We met them at 2 for our first premarital counseling session and let me just say... it was INTENSE. I'm happy we're taking the entire year before to deal with any issues and be properly equipped. So many marriages (including my first) because couples just aren't equipped to handle things that come up in marriage. I digress... After our session we went to see our VENUE!!! It was SO exciting. There was a garden ceremony being set up (I had to sneak a pic):
and I also got to look around in the reception venue (which was also being set up)
It was really pretty (so far). I'm sure the bride was pleased with the final product. THEN I walked into the chapel where I will say "I Do." Both FI and I were speechless...we just looked at each other and smiled.
The entryway
The aisle (chapel)
The pulpit/altar thingy
It's actually breathtaking... and we're both happy (and no turning back now.... they have our money) LOL
After walking around the venue and stuff we stopped at a tuxedo shop and headed to the airport. All in all the weekend was AMAZING except... **record scratch**
I lost a bridesmaid... which I can honestly say I didn't wan to begin with. It was his older sister and he really wanted her in the wedding. I didn't have a problem with is (my brother is a groomsman). I'm going to start a seperate thread about that though... bc I need advice on that!
Happy Monday Knotties!