It's the Final Countdown

Two weeks until you #MeettheJacksons

The last few months have kind of been a whirlwind. Between school (Im taking a PMU class that is INTENSE), changing jobs, and planning my wedding, I don't usually know whether I am coming or going!

I made a LOT of stuff for the wedding, including table decor, (sans flower arrangements. I WAS going to make my own, but my florist uncle insisted he make the bigger arrangements and bouts) favors and altar backdrop.  I even painted my wedding shoes and bedazzled them. I originally bought some Giussepi Zanotti shoes, but they KILLED my feet. There was no way I would make it through the day with those torture devices strapped to my feet. SO I took some comfortable shoes I already owned and painted them to match my wedding clothes!

I never thought I was a good visual artist, but this wedding has brought out some latent genetic talent. LOL My family is very talented with their hands, but I never displayed any signs that it was part of me growing up. I guess sometimes necessity brings out the skills. The thing is, I wanted everything to be nice and personalized, and since we couldn't afford to pay other people to do it for us, I did it.

James couldn't really be bothered with details such as esthetics, so I took the reigns and RAN. It was fun. Time consuming, but fun. I even made the wedding program on a mirror. I wrote it myself, and it came out really nice. We love it.

I did garner a little help from my stepdaughter, London. She assisted with the paper flowers and photo props. (Yes, we are doing the cheesy photo props.) We had a good time.

We were a little backward with the engagement photos, so I will post them here for you to see. I used some on the wedding website, but I posted them AFTER most of the RSVPs so not many of my guests saw them LOL

We decided to be unconventional with much of the ceremony and reception, so that too is different... Im very nervous. I have never put an event together before alone, so I feel like its all a reflection of me. And I do NOT want to look bad.

James is very laid back. That was challenging for me in the beginning. But he really is all on board. He's taken the boys suit shopping, started working out, and always asks if I need help. (I usually say no.) He and my dad will deep clean the house to accommodate all our guests. That is the one thing I did request of James. I keep a decent house, but when it comes to guests, I want spring cleaning type of clean. I was going to hire a cleaning service, but James is not having that. He said he would take care of it. And he promised I will be satisfied, so I'm going to let him take the lead on that. Besides, my dad is so OCD, Im sure the house will sparkle when they are through.

I guess I've done enough talking. Time for pics. Enjoy! If you follow my IG, you'll see other pics. This isn't the conclusive list.

**Photo Credit goes to Allen Matthew Stephenson, of Stephenson Art in Hampton Va. Photos belong to me. Please do not repost without my permission.**

#blacklove, #wedding, #diywedding, #love #marriage