Bridesmaid Dresses

So, my question is, who ever created the idea of bridesmaid dresses?!  This past week, my wonderful ladies, my mom and I went all over Richmond look for something fun, something they could wear again (and I was serious about this one!) and something everyone would be happy with.

No winner yet...but here are a few fun pictures to give you a sneak peak.  I'll let you decide what we liked...and what we didn't like...

 

 

Going to the Chapel!

After a lot of searching, talking, and contemplation, we've finally found a church!  Our ceremony is going to be held at University Baptist Church on the far side of "The Corner" (for those of you familiar with UVA!).  Basically, it's halfway between the University of Virginia and downtown Charlottesville and absolutely beautiful inside! 

When Brodie and I started dating, we began searching for a church.  Ultimately, we were led to Portico Church and have since been blessed to become members.  While we absolutely love Portico, we needed a different space for our ceremony, and were fortunate enough to be able to use UBC! 

Meet the Parents

Since we're getting married in just under four months, Brodie and I decided it was time that our parents should sit down and meet.  Let me start this off by saying this is not the first time they've met.  George Downs may be a familiar name to members of my close family, or old friends of the family.  To make a long story short, Brodie's dad (George Downs) and my dad, actually spent many a days together when they were growing up!  Brodie's grandparents, lived down the street from my grandparents on Edsall Road, and since they were around the same age, they ended up crossing paths more frequently than not!  Eventually they went their separate ways and lost touch, but as soon as Brodie and I started dated, we definitely heard about all the history!  

Anyways...the Downs Family came over to my parents house last weekend for dinner, and we had a great time.  My dad and his dad spent time reminiscing, but it was also just fun to all be able to get to know each other and share great conversation and food!

Here are a few shots of me with my mom and Mrs. Downs.  My Aunt Debbie got all of us these adorable wine glasses so we could use them during the preparatory celebrations! (Thanks again Aunt Deb!)

The Dress!

Don't get too excited...I can't divulge the first place winner in this post since Brodie frequents the blog every now and then (or at least tells me that he does)! However, I wanted to share a bit about my experience because it was such a pleasant surprise and a lot more fun than I thought it was going to be.

My mom, future mother-in-law, bridesmaid Sarah and Aunt Debbie joined me for the big day :)  Originally my mom had scheduled two days worth of appointments for us, but I got a free day out of the deal since I found my dress at the second store we visited!

Moni's in Manassas is absolutely awesome.  The owner (Monica) helped us herself and there were seriously 6 dresses there I could have bought and walked away happy!  (the store was recommended by my friend Caitie, so thanks for making it easy for us!)

Going in to the whole thing, I thought I wanted some simple, plain and to the point.  However, once I started trying things on, I fell in love with all sorts of styles.  The big princess ones made me feel like Cinderella.

The funky funs ones were just that (and we all know I can like funky and fun!)

And then there were the simple classic options.

Like many people I had talked to, however, I knew my dress was my dress :)  I'm not sure what it was, but as soon as I saw it, I couldn't let go.

Can't wait to share the dress with you all on June 11th!

June 11th, 2011

We've decided on a date!  June 11th, 2011 is when I will officially become Mrs. Jennifer McDaniel Downs!

For more details on the day, check out our wedding website.