We're Doing It!!!

...jumping the broom, that is. What on earth did you think I was talking about?

A little history:

Broom jumping is most famous in the United States as an African American wedding custom. During the antebellum period in the United States, slave marriages were not recognized as legal or binding. The broom jumping ritual was a symbolic act within slave communities for marriage. Many African American couples are taking back this custom and incorporating it as part of their modern ceremony. Broom jumping was not done only by slaves however, poor Caucasians in the South and in New England, as well as Gypsies also used this marriage ritual. The jumping of the broom is of Welsh and Celtic origin. In the Celtic ritual, it is a symbol of fertility. Several couples interested in history or pagan ritual also are now adopting this custom in their weddings.

In modern times:
Done as an act of remembrance and to honor the ancestors of the past. Compared to the Jewish wedding ritual of crushing a glass for the destruction of the temple. A broom itself represents cleanliness, the hearth and family. It can also represent fertility. The jumping of the broom is a leap of faith into marriage. In some parts of Africa, ceremonial brooms are used to sweep away evil.

(Taken from Do It Yourself Weddings)

So, without further ado, our broom:

Favor Buffet - To Do or Not to Do?

Thanks to another creative bride, I'm considering a favor buffet. I'm sure somewhere in my posts below, I've mentioned that Mr. CB and I plan to make a donation to the Leukemia and Lymhoma Society in honor of my Mom - if not, now you know. Don't get me wrong, we'll still do this, but I would also LOVE to have a set of these beauties spelling out our last name.

How cool would that be to have those to entertain in the future??!?!?


Huh? What is that? What will we fill it with???

None other than GOURMET POPCORN!!!!

Whatcha think about that?

PSA: Sale at E.L.F. (Eyes Lips Face Cosmetics)

This is the best time to get bargains.



Nordstrom is changing the logo on their makeup, so they're selling everything for one dollar on line.

The make-up line E.L.F. (eyes-lips-face) has been bought out by Nordstrom and will be re-packaged with the Nordstrom name on it. They are getting rid of the entire make up in the ELF packaging. They are selling everything for $1. You do have to pay shipping. They have everything powder, mascara, lipstick, a mineral line, brushes etc. The website is http://www.eyeslipsface.com/shop.asp

When you check out there is a space for a coupon code. Use CAROLINA and save an additional $7.50 if your order is over $15.00. Free Shipping code ECTAPBY. 50% of Studio code EGSTUDIOX. You can only use one code.

Pre-Marital Counseling - Are You Game?

Disclaimer: The picture is not indicative of our experience.

We began our counseling this past weekend. We are a part of a group session with approximately 10 or 11 couples. It lasted for 2.5 hours, and is scheduled for 12 weeks.

Can I just say that we couldn't be more excited?!!?! Like all other normal couples, we have our disagreements. Nothing major, though. This church-based counseling is seeming to be the BOMB.com. We both really felt like we had confirmation of our relationship just in the answers to the questions that we were asked. We think very much alike, and share the same values.

I guess, what I wanted to say, if given the opportunity - I HIGHLY recommend it!

STDs - No. Not the Icky Diseases, Either :)

I just realized that I never posted these. They are all out (almost), and were a breeze to make.


Thank God for postcards (and Vistaprint)!

So, for the first time...

...in this planning process - I feel like a bride-to-be. Before now, I guess I was just kinda going through the motions. So many things had overwhelmed me that I wasn't even enjoying the planning process. Thanks to the encouragement of many BABs (Brown and Bridal), I have really embraced the philosophy of K.I.M. Keep. It. Moving.

Most recently, we went to Macon, Georgia to tie some loose ends for the wedding, take e-pics and Trash the Dress pics. We were able to settle on our baker, coordinator, set-up of the reception hall, decor for the church, linen rental, make-up trials (I know I have alot of pics to share), transportation, and two photo shoots - all in 4 days.I'm so happy that everything is coming together, and I'm learning not to let little things worry me.

It appears as if we will have several phantom guests - people that we aren't inviting, but plan to come anyway. I've decided that if they show, they show. The coordinator and ushers will have a list at the door of RSVP'ed guests. Those that are not on the list will not be seated or served until we have accomodated those that are.

We were also able to sit down with our officiant this time. Turns out he thought he had communicated that he wouldn't be officially licensed by our date. We were able to talk with an Uncle (licensed officiant) and he has agreed that he will assist with the ceremony and sign the marriage license to ensure that all is legal.We were able to fulfill the marriage license requirements while we were there, and the clerk was willing to allow us to apply early. I thought that was peachy!

We also paid a visit to the Visitor's Center to pick up brochures for our OOT bags. Speaking of OOT, we visited and decided on the hotel where we would block off rooms for our guests. We opted for nice accomodations - without the high end price tag.

Because we were trying to keep all events near the hotel and church, we also visited a new brunch spot in the vicinity. We plan to invite our guests to join us for a dutch treat meal of our first breakfast as husband and wife.

The pics. We took our e-pics (which our photographer has not cared to upload yet - he's all about TTD) Sunday morning around historical downtown Macon. We shot from approximately 8:30 AM to about noon. We broke to grab a quick bite, taste cakes, and outline the ceremony. At 3 PM, we reconvened for the TTD session. This lasted until around 8 PM. I know that it's extremely unconventional to take the pictures before the wedding. We were, however, presented with an offer that (we thought) we couldn't refuse. Our photographer and DJ work together. The e-pics were included because we also booked DJ services. The TTD was included because he wanted to expand his portfolio. We also have our photographer ( and assistant) from getting dressed until the party is over.

Now, I didn't use my wedding dress (or any facsimile of it) for the pics. The dress you see pictured is actually a prom dress from Ebay (eBay Store - jh-promdress:) for approximately $30. I was extremely pleased with the quality of the garment. Because the seller made a small booboo, they upgraded my shipping to UPS to ensure that I would have it in time. The veil used was actually a free gift for another purchase that I made, so I had no issues with using that. I'm planning to wear a birdcage with a fabulous fascinator on our big day. My shoes were a Wal-Mart special - water shoes. You didn't think I would actually walk barefoot in a creek, did you?

Now, for your viewing pleasure, here's a teaser...

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