Overwhelming bridal information

Immediately upon getting engaged, I succumbed to an urge at the Detroit airport: the urge to buy a wedding magazine. At first, I kind of poopooed the idea, but then I thought, "What the heck! I'm only a bride once!"

As I fondled the magazines, Bill had a look on his face like: "Nooooo."

The magazine I bought was called Brides, and, as far as I could tell, it was basically a glossy catalog of wedding dresses. Since we had not (and still have not) decided yet where and when we are going to get married, the glossy ads instilled in me a rising sense panic. When Bill woke up mid-flight, I was staring at him and gripping the arm rest: "Where are we gonna get married, huh? Where? Huh? Wherewherewherewhere?"

Bill, ever the calm fellow that he is, said to me, "Honey, put down that magazine." It was sound advice.

Soon after I got home, my good friend Shayne sent me a box of goodies that she promised me "are not just glossy catalogs of wedding dresses." [I hadn't even told her about my experience -- she's married, so she's been through it.]

And it's some good stuff! She gave me three magazines:


And loaned me three books for "as long as I need them":


These books have definitely infused the experience with the "fun" again, so I will try my best to stay away from panic-inducing bridal gown mags and focus on other magazines that have a bit more content.

Whee! Cause getting married is fun, right? Hell, yeah!
-kelly

Already accessorizing

We still have no idea where we are getting married (well... we've got some ideas, but nothing firm yet), but I'm already thinking ahead to the crafts I am going to make (of course!)

It's foolish to even be thinking about this because I haven't even decided on a dress yet, but I love this shrug from Knitty.

I wouldn't make it in white, though -- I'd make it in whatever color we choose for our "wedding colors." I've seen it in brown (for the bridesmaids) right here on craftster and I think it looks great.

Now I guess we need to figure out what our wedding colors are. Oh, yeah. And I need to find a dress. And, um, like a million other things. But, hey! I know what shrug I want to knit!
-kelly

The ring

Back in August 2006, Bill asked me, "So... if I ever did propose, what kind of ring would you want?" There was some discussion and a bit of back and forth about this via email.

Me: Well, I don't want to wear two rings for the rest of my life [my thought: one more thing to lose] so how about a big fun ring that I can wear later on my right hand?

Bill: Ok.

I waffled for a bit on what kind of stone to choose -- if you know me, you know I like big rings. Really big rings. Like "inappropriate to buy a diamond that size" big rings. So I was thinking of other jewels that I love and I thought of pearls.

Me: How about this one? (and I sent him a link)

Bill: Ok.

And then we never really discussed it again.

Almost two years later, Bill kept that link, bought that ring, and presented it to me in a surprise proposal:

(I had the worst time getting a good photo of my actual ring, so I took this photo from American Pearl. If you like pearls, check out that site -- lovely, lovely things.)

As hard as it is to get a photo of it on its own (Pearls are tricky! Who knew? It's luster, baby, luster!), it's even harder to get a good photo of it on my hand, but here's one that shows that it's, um, well, it's BIG:

I luuuurve it!

At some point in the next year or so, we'll need to pick my wedding band. Decisions, decisions. If you keep readin' along with this blog, you'll get a full Ring Report as it happens.

Meanwhile, we already have Bill's band, as he is going to wear his dad's. It has stood strong for over 40 years, so we're sure it's got at least another 40 in it.
-kelly

The proposal: Fireworks

It was July 3rd and there were fireworks overhead.
And then fireworks spilled out of Kelly's mouth...

Bill: How long has it been now? Five years?
Kelly: Yup. Five years this month...
Bill [getting down on one knee]: How about we make it official?
Kelly [totally and completely shocked]: Are you f'ing kidding me?!
(Except she didn't say "f'ing.")

(I apologize to anyone right now who is shocked and horrified, but that is what I said. I have a foul, foul mouth. I know, I know -- what a shame for such a lovely girl, blah, blah. What can I say? I'm gross. -kelly)

Bill: No! I am not kidding! Will you marry me?
Kelly: [suddenly the fact that Bill has a ring in his hand sinks in -- he's serious!] Of course! I would absolutely love to marry you!
Everybody: Awww!

Later on, Bill said, "Why on earth would I joke about such a thing?" So, to clarify: The question "Are you f'ing kidding me?!" really meant: "Why would you f'ing joke about this?!"