So, for my first renewal blog post, I thought I would jump right into some details.  Nine years ago, Tom and I had a very traditional wedding party.  We surrounded ourselves with dear friends and special family members.  I was so honored to have those people standing by our sides. 

For our 10 year renewal, we are keeping some traditional elements, but having a very small bridal party.  Tom and I will each only have one person standing up beside us on the big day.  Most of you know that Tom and I have seven year old boy/girl twins, Logan and Avery.  When we first discussed doing this renewal, we knew that we would want our children to stand beside us for the ceremony. 

Logan and Avery have changed our lives in so many wonderful and chaotic ways that we couldn’t think of two better people to have by our sides.  So, my “maid of honor” will be Avery and Tom’s “best man” will be Logan.  Tom is over the moon about having Logan up there with him.  Avery is excited, but a bit nervous too.  She did inform me that she wants to wear a long dress.  So, already, my bridal party is making demands for a certain style of dress.  Next she will be telling me what color she wants to wear too.  Actually, I’m not joking…I’m sure she will!

Here are some pictures of our bridal party.  Oh, and we have to somehow include our other child, Roxy, the pug.  I think she is going to become our “Renewal Mascot”, because I’m certain she will not be there on the big day….imagine 13 pounds of snorting and snarfing and you will know why.

Coming soon…location, location, location…vendor reveal…colors…trash the dress (yes, my dress from almost 10 years ago)…and more!  Keep following every Wednesday!!!

** Photos by JLowe Photos (except for Roxy – that’s by me!)

Well, I promised a big announcement today, didn’t I?   Okay, on this day, 9 years ago, I married my wonderful hubby Tom!  And, a year from now, on Friday, September 21, 2012, I will marry him all over again!  And, for my brides, fans, friends and fellow vendors, I’m launching a year long series of blog posts that will follow my journey of planning this wedding…10 years later.

So, over this next year, you will follow my planning ups and downs through regular blog posts, along with articles on hot topics, vendor features, the “grooms” perspective and even photo shoots to keep you involved in this adventure with me! 

Oh, and the most important thing to me…paper!!!  So, expect lots of features on the stationery I’ll be designing for the big day.  If any of you know my self proclaimed addiction, then you might have a hint of what to expect for the paper for my big day!

You might think that being in the wedding planning industry would make this whole adventure easier…oh no, my friends, that is not the case!  In fact, I think it will make it harder…especially picking vendors.  I have so many favorite vendors and friends in this industry.  I’m already starting to panic…moving on!

So,I hope you are just as excited as I am to embark on this adventure.  I’m glad to have you along for the ride!  

Before I go, here are a few pictures from our wedding day, 9 years ago.  To give you some details, we had a black and white wedding.  The flowers were all shades of peach, light pink and lavender…roses…lots of roses.  My invitation was extremely simple – white card, black text.  I did design all of the paper for the wedding day – programs, place cards, favors, table numbers, etc.  I’ll share some of these throughout the year with you too.  Oh, but don’t judge me…because I look back on some of my work and cringe!  But, as I always say, I learn something new everyday in this industry and we’ve come a long way baby!  Enjoy!