Sparkly Ring Finger

If you follow C.R.A.F.T. on facebook, you already heard the big news!

The BF and I are getting hitched and moving to the Sunshine State! Crazy, right? We’re still trying to take it all in. The BF FIANCEE got a new job in Florida and we will be moving in 2012. It’s exciting/nerve racking/stressful, but every time I catch a sparkle from my left ring finger… I get giddy all over again. We’ve been twice to check out the place… I even held an alligator.

We will live minutes from this…

The words “new apartment” have me pretty excited too! The crispy white walls are screaming my name. They’re sad and who can blame ’em! No paint, pictures, paper, frames, those walls need me! They can’t wait to be painted, sprayed, and nailed! We’ve been apartment hunting, here’s one we like…

We are moving to Florida and getting married. Yep, it’s true. Any bloggers in South Florida need a new friend? Anyone need a pretty little condo in South Austin or how about a 3-year old Basset couch or kitchen table with 4 pretty chairs? The condo is on the market ladies (and gentlemen)! And seriously if you live in Austin, and want any of the big stuff you see in the house tour… make me an offer! We will most likely be moving to a one bedroom.

Here is the sparkle! I sent the BF a little “hint hint” e-mail months ago, he took the hint (I’m still a little shocked, he does not like to be told what to do!) I LOVE it. This was the original “hint hint”:

Here’s the real deal!

Let’s move onto the big question I’ve been hearing a lot lately:

WHEN IS THE CRAFTY, DIY, WEDDING EXTRAVAGANZA going to happen?!

I hope no one is disappointed, but I’ve never dreamed of a big fancy white wedding. It’s true. The idea sounds nice in theory. Y’all know how much I love a pretty invite, DIY bunting or the idea of a “Sew in love” wedding shower, my sister even mentioned a “Teas and Trees” theme! But, when I think about reality (I’m a logical, thrifty human by nature…I can’t help it!) I think about my full time job, principal internship, grad school (I finally graduate in December!), C.R.A.F.T., moving, selling the house… a wedding kind of freaks me out. Not to mention the idea of walking down an aisle with everyone staring at you, that makes me nervous too.

Don’t get me wrong, I really like attending other peoples weddings or even helping other brides plan and search out cuteness. But, for me, I just want to be happily, peacefully, married. Sweet and simple. (I would like a cute picture or 2!) Anyone know of a good, fun, creative photographer in South Florida? (I think that is where the official knot tying will happen…?)

In lieu of the big ol wedding we I have a few ideas (that might involve a little DIY).

5 Wedding Alternatives

1. Hometown celebration

A celebration of love at my parents ranch in my hometown. Picnic style, casual, and without a ceremony. Mason Jars, quilts, picnic tables, wild flowers, burlap, candlelight, lawn games. It sounds fun, but when you really think about details…we would need bathrooms, electricity, music, picnic tables, food, basically everything would have to brought on site.

PROS: cuteness galore, Annie in charge with lots of help from my mom (both very crafty), lots of blog material
CONS: expensive, no rain plan, the invite list could easily get out of hand being in my hometown.

2. Pretty courthouse

Andy and I get married in a pretty courthouse, I like this one in Georgetown, TX. After we are officially married inside, we walk out to a small group of our closest friends and family and celebrate with a yummy dinner down the street at Monument Cafe.

PROS: Small, sounds simple enough
CONS: We are moving to Florida

source

This is the cuteness of Georgetown…

3. A few small celebrations

A few small celebration in different states. Officially get married in a pretty courthouse all by ourselves in Florida after we move… then celebrate in the hometown with family, Austin with friends, NYC with my girls, and maybe, just maybe a little dinner in Florida with our 4 friends there. (This one might be winning right now!)

PROS: No planning, easy!
CONS: This sounds stress free, right?!

4. Elope

Elope and go somewhere fun, just the 2 of us. Find a justice of peace to marry us in a pretty field with flowers, a big tree, and a cupcake or 2. Somewhere in California, Oregon, Nashville, Vermont… ohh maybe the Sequoia National Forrest?

PROS: Easyiest option by far
CONS: No celebration with friends and family

5. Free chapel in Austin

Get married at the free chapel in Austin, Chapel Dulcinea. It’s pretty and conveniently located for most of our friends. Have lunch at the Salt Lick and call it a day!

PROS: Free chapel and use of pavilion, relatively inexpensive, sweet, simple and Austin-y
CONS: Chapel gets booked quick, would have to be done before we move (which we are unsure of the date at the moment)

Photo Credits: Peacock Photography

Anyway it happens the end result = together forever… which makes me happy! At the moment, we aren’t too concerned with the process.

What was your wedding like? What you do it differently today? Are a wedding person? Are you not a wedding person? What do you think of my 5 options? I’d love to hear…

If you want more wedding story, here is the whole saga:

Part 1– Engagement part and the 1st dress
Part 2– Final wedding dress and another bachelorette party
Part 3– Invites, decor, and food
Part 4– Bands and ceremony
DIY thank you cards
How to change your last name
Simple wedding scrapbook