Rehearsal & Dinner

 We had our rehearsal on Friday, Oct. 25, 2013 since there was a wedding booked at our venue for Saturday. Friday was very cold for Alabama (think 45 degrees!) and we were shivering in our heels. I was so worried it would stay cold for the wedding and that all of our guests would be freezing and leave early. (Spoiler alert, thankfully that didn't happen and it warmed up just in time for our wedding day!)

The bridal party, parents, my coordinator, Callie the photographer, Andrew and myself suffered through the cold and got all the details worked out for Sunday. We were there about an hour, and I'm so glad we went b/c it made Sunday go a lot more smoothly. Sadly I didn't take any pictures, but Mom got a couple. (Callie was there to scope out scenery and photo spots for Sunday).

 After the rehearsal we all met at Bernie's on Main in Columbiana, AL for the dinner portion of the night. Andrew's dad & stepmom, Howard and Tammy, graciously hosted this for us and our guests. I am so thankful for them for many, many reasons, and this was so kind of them.

We had a private room at the back of the restaurant, specially printed menus just for us, our wonderful friend Joe gifted us his dj services for the evening, and my best friend and Matron of Honor, Beth made us the most amazing slideshow. It was perfect. We got there, mingled and talked and had a few drinks, then sat down for dinner. Each guest had an option out of of 5 entrées, 2 desserts, as well as salad and rolls. The food was wonderful and we had a very good server.

After dinner was finished, Joe pointed our attention to the big screen for our surprise slideshow. Andrew and I had NO idea this was happening. The only person who did know was Peggy, and that's because Beth had to get the pictures from her. (My mom has countless pictures both old and new posted online, so Beth just raided her facebook page!). So here is the wonderful slide show she made us.

After the picture show, it was time for Family Feud, wedding edition. This pitted the bridesmaids and groomsmen against each other. Andrew and I had answered 4 questions for Joe, each giving about 6 possible answers. Stuff like, "If Andrew & Kassie went out for a night on the town, you might find them here ______". Sadly I didn't get any pictures of this either b/c I was too busy laughing my butt off. The girls won this one!

After the excitement we hung out a bit longer, gave out of bridal party gifts and said our goodbyes.

I only got a few pictures, and they're actually ones Mom took and sent me later. We had such a great time, and definitely a night to remember. The staff at the restaurant said we had one of the coolest rehearsal dinners they'd have hosted there. Score!

Heading to the rehearsal

Me in front of our slide show presentation before I knew what it was

At Bernie's on Main at the end of the night

The happy couple <3

This is one of the coolest gifts we've ever received. Howard made us a memory box with 100 year old wood from his families old home. This was after dinner at their hotel.

My husband sure cleans up nicely!!

Happy Birthday Mom!!

My mom rocks. She's super awesome for a lot of reasons. She's taught me so much over the years, and it's been so cool how our relationship has changed as I've gotten older. She's consistent and has always played the right role at the correct time. In childhood she was a protector and a playmate. In school she was a hardass keeping me in line. Now as an adult she's a friend. And I could not have asked for a better friend and mother than the one I got. Love you Mom. Happy Birthday!!

She taught me my love for cats.

Sleeping Beauty! ;)

She's a wonderful Grandma

Loves the baby

Group photo

Loves good music

And knows how to have a good time!

Homecoming Queen - such a beauty!!

She's an absolutely brilliant mad scientist! And makes smart sexy! ;)

She taught me the value of a good hairdo. And pants :)

Mom and her girls!

She cooks holiday feasts without an oven!

Years in a row

Dotes on her maple tree

She taught me how to be a strong, smart woman. 

And for that I am eternally grateful.

Just a Note to Brag

I want to take some time to celebrate this guy-- Andrew Boggan. 

He is my love, my best friend, my chef, my everything. He wears so many hats without even being asked to. There's no pressing reason to talk about him today, I just feel it needs to be done. His good deeds should be acknowledged for others to see. I try to always say thank you and make sure he knows that I understand and appreciate how much he does for me and us. But he's not the type of guy to talk himself up. So I'll do it for him :)

He's a wonderful son.

A great friend.

The best fiance

A great place to lay your head.

Perfect movie date. He lets me ask questions and usually doesn't get annoyed.

Gives the best kisses and therefore receives many in return.

He loves the furbabies. He rescued this dude from a certain death.

He's passionate and intense, but only when the time calls for it.

A wonderful cook who enjoys not only cooking, but providing for friends and family.

You may or may not be familiar with mine and Andrew's story. We've known each other for a little over 5 years now. We met at Outback and made fast friends. We were young (I was 22 and he was 19!) and going with life and lived as roommates (totally platonic) for about a year and a half. Life carried on, he moved out and we were always friends with a special connection. Then about 2 years ago life changed. Crummy situations ended and new, better doors were opened. He gave me space and time and let me know he was there when I was ready. 'But why risk such a great friendship?!' I thought. He knew well before I did that this was it, and it was real. I was content in our strong friendship, the many nights we spent together playing pool, watching movies, cooking dinner, just hanging out. I was older now but still so naive. Deep down I knew it was more than friendship, but for some reason I wasn't ready to take it all in.

Months passed with us spending nearly every night together, growing closer. One day I took Sidney to the dog park and she drank some stagnant water and hours later became grossly, violently sick. In the midst of dog yuck every where, all I could think of was 'I wish Andrew was here. I need Andrew. A hug from Andrew would make me feel better.' For some reason, my dog being sick was my breaking point. In that moment everything changed. I knew he was the person for me and that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I met him at Bumpers later that night and pretty much from there on out we were a couple, and the happiest that I believe either of us have ever been.

From there, I guess the rest is history. We had already been roommates and had known each other so long it was like hitting the fast forward button on our relationship. There were no weird, awkward get to know you dates. I didn't have to pretend to always wear makeup or act like the perfect lady. Because of our friendship he already loved me for who I am. And for that, I love him more than some little blog will ever express.

So here we sit, a little over 2 months out from our wedding. We are neck deep in plans, centerpieces, meetings, fittings, tastings. I'm starting to stress about the little things (and the big ones), wondering and worrying how things will all play out. Then I take a step back and remember that it doesn't really matter. It doesn't matter how the party plays out, how the dancing goes, how the food tastes, or any other details. 

The only thing that matters at the end of the day is this man and our marriage. I will be his wife, his partner, his chef, his love and his best friend, forever. And personally, I couldn't think of a better way, or a better person to spend my eternity with.

Girls Bridal Shower

On Sunday, July 21st, Teresa and Michele hosted a beautiful, amazing bridal shower for me. They did such a great job with the decorations, food, hospitality -- it was really more than I could of dreamed for!

These are the beautiful women who threw the shower!!

Michele, Sofia and myself. Sofie was a wonderful host as well!

Michele and I go way back. We've been friends for close to 15 years now. So grateful for our friendship.

Sweet girl was so helpful

So many goodies

Thank you Alyssa for the spice rack -- we've used it many times already!!

Pleased with my baking utensils

Who knows.

Onlookers ;)

I can make smoothies! Or margaritas...

Never had a crock pot before. Thanks Peggy!!

Beth makes the best baskets

"You taught him the towel over the shoulder??"

Just some of the beautiful women who came to make my day!

Montgomery crew

My lovely almost Mother in Law

Peggy and myself in front of the cute display

Bestie Beth. This girl is the best MOH ever. Could not do it without her help and support!!

My mom, Kristina and myself. These women are my heart. Words cannot even express the love.

Bride to be!!

So as you can see, I am beyond lucky to have the women in my life that I do. I can't say thank you enough to everyone who came, sent something, wished me well, or sent happy thoughts. Overwhelmed with blessings!