"The Plunge"

It is getting so close so quickly! I have to say we have been touched by all the words of love and support that we have received from so many of you.

I can’t believe that just one month from now I will have the blessing of becoming Mrs. Shannon McGraw. We are really looking forward to our Florida Ceremony with all of our extended family – and trust me, this is one large, extended family!

And we are going to be starting the work on our Wedding Celebration back here in California. It won’t feel like it is complete until we have the chance to share our joy and celebrate with all of our friends and those closest to us.

So, as this exciting journey is about to begin, we want you all to know how much your thoughts and prayers, help and support have meant (and will continue to mean) to us.

All Our Love,
Shannon (and Matt)

So, here we are – just under 5 months to the wedding! It really didn’t seem like there would be that much to do, until we actually had to start doing it! There are invites and flowers, ceremony and reception locations, ministers and music, dresses and addresses, bands and cakes! And that’s not all. I’m sure I left plenty out.

I have to say, one of the best decisions that we made was to go with a destination package! It handles so many of the details of the ceremony. One thing I had no idea about until we had already booked was that many of the hotels have whole packages, too. They even coordinate the minister and decorations, even for outdoor weddings. I’m super happy with the package we chose, but just some info for those of you who may be planning your own wedding.

Now we are looking at reception sites. It’s great because there are many that handle lots of those details, too.  If this weren’t for my own wedding, I think it would be a lot more fun. But, each time we get something set, I get more excited to see how it turns out.

And I keep reminding myself that there are 3 important things about the wedding. Is he there? Am I there? And did we both say “I do.”?

Everything else is just details.

Next detail . . . Dress!

Wow! So, I just got back from the first “Bridal Salon” I have ever been to in my life. It was a bit traumatic. I had a few moments where I thought of running from the store screaming “What the heck is a bodice and why do I want it rooshed (is that how you spell it?)?”

Not really a comfortable place for a simple chic like me. First, there were all these words that I didn’t understand – tool (on a dress?), gathers, english mesh, blusher (or something like that) and the rest I can’t even remember. I certainly want to look gorgeous for my wedding. But there is NO WAY I can afford $2,500 for a dress. And that was the CHEAP one!

Now, don’t get me wrong. I looked AMAZING in some of them; I admit it. But who has money for a dress like that (if YOU do, I take cash, check or money order – LOL!). Part of me felt a bit bad because I am marrying the most amazing man I can imagine and I only want the best for him. But I am certain there is no way I can afford that for a dress.

So, I am beginning to think that I just need to go to one of those shops that is the bridal version of Costco. At least there, I don’t have to feel like a total goober who doesn’t even understand the language they are speaking. I’ve never had many fancy things in my life, but I’ve always had what I needed. And I can’t ask for a greater blessing than getting to marry my sweetheart (and his son) – who found me again after 11 years apart.

So, I guess I can afford the best – maybe not in a dress – but his love is free!

More to come. . .