Why the wedding plans changed

So I've been asked how we went from having a destination wedding to having a traditional ceremony. It all started with a conversation with my daughter. We were talking on our way to her cheerleading practice one day, and she says (out of the blue) "Mommy, can I be in your wedding?" I was shocked, because I just assumed she had no concept of a wedding, being in a wedding, or anything like that. So I decided to see where the conversation took us. I asked her what she wanted to be, and she said a flowergirl...then she said she wanted to dress like me, and started actually talking about what she was going to wear, do, etc in the wedding. I saw how her face lit up while talking, and it just completely changed my though process. Initially, the LOML and I wanted the time to be completely about us. After all the years and finally getting it right, we deserved to have this time and day totally to ourselves. But having this conversation with my daughter made me realize that there were 3 little people that we'd be totally leaving out of this day. 3 little people that I really feel need to see this process and be a part of the process. See, both the LOML and I have children (by other people), and are single parents, but I'm determined to break that with my daughter, and want to be a positive influence on his children, showing them all how love and marriage can be a wonderful and fulfilling thing- if done correctly.
So after having this revelation, I sent him an email asking him how would he feel about us forgoing the Hawaii thing, and having a wedding ceremony.
**Sidenote, this email was sent out a few days after my mom came to visit, and made mention to us having the wedding in my hometown, in her backyard...No pressure, she said- just a suggestion.**
So his response was "What ever you want to do. The power of your mother is unbelievable". So I got a little offended, and said screw it! But I'd already started thinking about having this nice (SIMPLE) ceremony, with us, the kids, and the people we love sharing the moment with us. I decided to let the attitude cool off, then have another conversation with him. This time he was more receptive, and genuine when he said "It's your day and I want you to have no regrets, so what ever you want to do is fine with me"....... SO there it is we are having a wedding!!!!!!! and hence, my obsessing over dresses, colors, location, etc....

We have a date! We have colors! We have dresses! We have a location! I think I've got a pretty good start on this....Now I just need to get on the diet and exercise plan so that I can actually order my dress in January but that's a whole OTHER story!

The Dresses!

I have never done as much window shopping as I've done for the dresses over the past week. This has been the most INTENSE process I think I have ever been through when it comes to shopping! But the end result is I've found the dresses for the entire bridal party!!!!!! WHEW......I'm blogging as I'm logging off the designers website, and I'm not looking at any more dresses. One thing I've realized is everytime I look, I see something else that is cute, or different, or better than what I saw before. I think I drove the bridal shop owner about mad, but she's digging the color scheme. I really think it's going to look really good when the pictures are taken. I'm so EXCITED!!!!

Oh- wedding plans changed also....We've decided to have a traditional ceremony and reception so I'm knee deep into wedding planning. I think I'm becoming obsessed! I'm trying to get as much out of the way as I can now, so that I can relax as it gets closer to the big day! I thought about posting pics of the dresses, but that'll take away from the WOW factor for my 3 readers (who will also be at the wedding, RIGHT?!!!!!!??!???!!??!)......

So now I'm back to the budget. He got a little flushed when he saw the figures for my 1st take at it. I need to knock it down a LOT or well be at the J.O.P.

C-YA!