Snogged: An Insatiable State of Mind

It has occurred to me that it has been quite some time since I posted a true update of the going ons that is my life and I apologize for that.

First and foremost, I am done with the theater life for the moment. I had a great time being in Alibis, but I'm relieved to have a semblance of a normal routine back in my life. Plus, I get to see Nick for more than 30 minutes a day so that's an extra bonus. :P

Second, I'm still keeping up with Zumba. This summer it looks like I can get in five classes a week, which is so awesome. I definitely enjoy feeling strong and toned and I'm excited to keep that up.

Third, I went to a small Ren Faire over the weekend with my friends, Jayne and Meg. We had an awesome time. We saw a fire dancing show (Pyro and Penumbra), a pirate recruitment show (Thee Bluebeard), and a sword-fighting comedy troupe that used Firefly references. (Steele for Hyre). Meg and I were chosen as volunteers for the Bluebeard show and got to participate in a very progressive pirate wedding. I got to hold the gun and threaten bad words and bad cookies to anyone that spoke to my pirate bride. :P

I also managed to do some shopping since the prices were a lot cheaper than they are at Bristol. I picked up a funky overskirt, a crescent moon dagger , a dark red belly dancer coin belt, and fudge.

( Ceremony and New Overskirt Below )

Fourth, Nick and I got our invitations ordered for the wedding. They look like this . We chose the apple red for our leave colors instead of the chocolate.

Fifth, I turn 29 on Saturday so my parents are taking me out for dinner at one of my favorite Italian restaurants. I'm really looking forward to that.

Catch you all later!

Yesterday, I spent the morning with my sister and my mama checking out wedding dresses. This time we went to a store close to my mom's house called Ameliashan Bridal. This is the same store where I brought my prom dress in high school and it's owned by the lady who used to be my drama club teacher in high school as well. We got the chance to take some pictures so I'm bringing you my Top 5 choices. They are in order of my preference currently, but feel free to vote for your favorites as well.

( Top 5 )

Yesterday I went to a bridal fair at the local high school. There were about 20-25 vendors total and there was a variety. I saw photographers, a cake maker, a florist, a limo service, a DJ, a caterer, a jewelery store, a tent and awning rental, wedding dress and tux rentals, and lots of lots of independent consultants (Mary Kay, L'Bri, PartyLite, etc.) It was a good opportunity for information gathering and there were several people who stood out as very nice and eager to help.

One place in particular was Griffin Photography. They're a husband and wife team based out of Baraboo (aka one of my favorite cities in the world.) They had a quirky sense to them and I liked their albums because they featured quite a few "offbeat" brides. One wedding was held at the Circus World Museum, another was held at the Elk's Lodge where the bride wore a turquoise gown and all the guests got to bowl for an hour.

They had a raffle going on at their table (actually, all the vendors did) for $100 gift certificate towards their services.

I got an email from the woman today saying that I was the lucky recipient of this package!

*squee*

I'm sure I'll wind up spending more than $100 (with the portrait session they offer being exactly $100 and the cost of prints being more than that), but it's always nice to win things and I think some couple/engagement photos would be nice to have.

I know that "special" day is still somewhere out there in the distance, but as an avid reader of offbeatbride.com, I can't help but entertain a few notions now and again.

Yesterday, there was a segment on reading children's stories as part of the wedding ceremony. On the site, they only had excerpts, but I managed to track down the full text of the one I liked best.

( I Like You by Sandol Stoddard Warburg )