Journey to Jager: Brunchin with the Bride Tribe

Five fun gals, several fancy cocktails, and a handful of extravagant dresses make a pretty exceptional party. And all before 2 p.m. Last weekend this bride got to spend some quality time with her Bride Tribe, all together for the very first time! The line up...

Monica - big sis and matron of honor extraordinaire. The one I have always looked up to and gladly matched on all Christmases and Easters (sorry, not sorry)

Kaitlin - as we realized last week, we were too young to even remember the first time we met (around age 2). I have never known a time in my life when Kaitlang wasn't by my side.

Denise - our magical romance began in junior high

Emily - so incredibly grateful we both chose to live in the decaying Braden Dorm at Chapman.

These gals are my rock and I am so, so fortunate to have them by my side as I leap into this pretty exciting thing called marriage. Preparing for the wedding has been a very introspective journey. While there are a lot of tasks and hustle and bustle that go along with the preparation, it has also given me a time to reflect on the people I love who get to be a part of this celebration. The Save the Dates went out last week and all of the wonderful notes and texts I received from people really filled my heart. It reminded me of just how very lucky I am to have so many supportive and loving people in my life. Matt and I continue to count are blessings.

I am thoroughly enjoying all of the little celebrations leading up to the giant jubilee on January 28. The Bride Tribe Brunch was one of many gatherings I have been eagerly anticipating. For one, I love brunch. Any excuse to have a little bit o booze while stuffing yourself with french toast, pancakes, and other syrupy-soaked carbs. We enjoyed a decadent meal on the fantastic patio of Paul Martins, a small local franchise with a delicious prix fix menu. The brunch comes with fruit, freshly baked blueberry bread with a scrumptious lemon butter, your choice of brunch cocktail (yes please), and entrees like a vanilla bean-infused french toast, applewood smoked bacon omelet, and eggs benedict.

[Cheers!]

After filling ourselves to the brim, we realized that maybe it would have been a better idea to have eaten AFTER trying on bridesmaid dresses (whoops!) Regardless, they all looked beautiful. We plan to order dresses online, but wanted to try on a few options similar to the online style just to make sure we are all on the same page. Thought it's a bit risky shopping online, I think the opportunity to talk and try on dresses in person definitely helped put our fears at ease. It was also nice just to have the excuse to get together.

Save the Dates out, bridesmaid dresses about to be ordered, it appears someone is well on her way to getting married :) To make it all feel more real, Matt and I went to explore wedding bands this week. There's something about seeing your fiance try on a ring that makes everything hit home. So crazy! And so exciting. As Matt tried on shiny new rings, I got a little tune up to mine. It's funny what a good cleaning will do to a ring.

[So sparkllyyyyyy, but this photo does not do it justice. Oh my photo taking skills.... ]

On Saturday, Matt and I get to start something I have reeeaallly been looking forward to: registering!! I've always wanted to try my hand at those registration gun things haha first up: William Sonoma. I. want. all. the. pie. things. Bethie Crocker is about to be in heaven.

Countdown to the Big Day: 169 - holy smokes!

Sleep: Like a baby. Funny how things fall into place once that venue is booked...

Best Moment of the Week: Brunch and rings :)

Currently on my Mind: Figuring out what to register for, formally asking a few people to participate in special ways at our wedding, wedding food (but in a good way! Significantly less stressed now thanks to Matt, my parents, and this new catering potential :) So glad we are all on the same page too. Makes it so easy! ) I had a little bit of a pms-fueled freak out moment, but once I 1-got some sleep and 2-actually looked over my to dos, realized that things are a-ok. They are definitely moving along.

What I am Looking Forward to this Week: Registering!!!!

Emotions: Happy, happy, happy.