That 'it" Feeling

    Now that the holidays are over, Mom and I decided to do some dress shopping! We went on Tuesday, just the two of us. Our first stop was at Bella's in the Patton Creek Mall. I didn't like the feel of the store. They only had sample dresses, so no dress fit me. I have a hard time imagining in my head the same dress, with a different color, size, material, etc. I have to try on the exact dress I'm going to buy to feel good about it. After we left there, we had lunch and went to David's Bridal. They signed me in, and I had my own personal lady to help me. She gave me a different veil for every dress I tried on, and made it feel real. They were all in my size, and I really had a great experience there. I found four dresses that I LIKED, but I never had that "it" feeling. I decided to go again the next day with my sister, Brooke, and Haley. Their opinions are important to me, and I also wanted to look at bridesmaid dresses with them! 
    The first place we went to was Bridal Bliss in Birmingham. It was SUPER sketchy! The building looked like a tiny, run-down house. We walked in, and didn't see or hear anyone. We were already a little spooked when we saw a lady sitting at a table eating cereal. We said hi but she didn't hear us, or ignored us! A man walked out and asked what we were looking for. HE DIDN'T HAVE ANY SHOES ON!!! The dresses were expensive and tightly packed on the rods. Then another man, his "partner" walked out and asked if he could help. On top of all this the place smelled like a funeral home. It was extremely creepy! We got the heck outta dodge! Just up the street was a place called Bridesmaid Inc. I was very disappointed, they didn't have two of any same dress, so the girls couldn't try them on to see how it fit each. They didn't have sizes for everyone, and didn't seem to have my color available in any dress. After leaving there I was feeling super down. We went to David's Bridal, I wanted them to see my dresses. After trying each dress on again, I felt differently about each one. There is one I really like. I'm nervous though because everyone says you have this feeling when you try on the right dress. I haven't felt that feeling yet. 
     I decided to give up and look at bridesmaids dresses. I like chiffon and the girls like satin! So we looked at both and we found two that everyone likes, but  I have one more bridesmaid to talk to! But the only problem is they are divided on which they like. Also one dress has the perfect junior bridesmaid dress and the other doesn't. Ultimately its my decision, so I still have some thinking to do! I'm just glad we got SOMETHING accomplished. But the hunt for the perfect dress continues...

the most wonderful time of the year

We decided to go home to Baldwin County this Christmas. Mark had to work, so he couldn't come. I hated not being with him for Christmas, but I was so happy to see my family. After all, this is the last Christmas a a Wallace girl! All the others will be spent with him;) We left Thursday and come home Monday. We stayed at Granny Dales in Gateswood! It is so beautiful! She lives out in the woods, and the deer will walk right up to her porch to eat! 

On Christmas morning, Dallas woke up at six AM! We got iPhone 4s, some clothes, and other little stuff. From family we mostly got money! My FAVORITE;) 

We visited family and some great R&R. I'm so lucky, my Aunt Connie and cousin Michelle have already helped so much with the wedding! Michelle is a wonderful photographer, and she has helped a ton. We actually went and picked out colors and flowers! I'm getting so nervous and excited!  

     When we got home Monday, of course the first thing I did was go see Mark. I missed him so much, it's weird that I feel incomplete without him, like a part of me is missing. We met at his moms house, ate dinner, and exchanged gifts! I got him a poker table for his big present! He loved it! I also got him a few small things; cologne, a watch, and a shirt. He did wonderful when it came to my gifts! Romance by Ralph Lauren, a Coach Phone case..well here it is

                  and this is what my AMAZING soon-to-be mother-in-law got me

The picture frame box is actually a jewelry case, I've always wanted one! 

I had a great Christmas! I'm so lucky to have such wonderful family!

Merry Christmas everyone, GOD BLESS!

The Proposal

The most asked question to a newly engaged couple is "How did he do it?" 

   My friends were convinced it would be the night of our anniversary. I was almost sure it couldn't be, because I didn't notice a change in Mark. I thought I would be able to tell that he was acting different or nervous. However he kept his cool all day and I had no idea! 

   I'm not sure how he remembered, but I told Mark a long time ago that I wanted someone to take pictures when he proposed. We were going to Fleming's Steak House at the Summit, so we were dressed up. Before we left my house, I suggested we take a few candids.

 After Mom snapped a couple of pictures, I said, "Ok, lets go!" And Mark replied, "Hold on, we have to take one more picture." When I turned around to look, he was on his knee with the ring. He simply asked, "Will you marry me?"

  My mom and dad cried, I cried, and though he denies it, Mark teared up. It was simple and sweet, and the most exciting moment of my life. As we drove to the restaurant I got all the details on what led up to the question. He did ask my parents, and apparently he asked my dad TWICE, just to make sure I guess! 

      My ring is beautiful. It's a three stone with diamonds on each side! In the inside it says, "Past Present Future" and the words are separated by two tiny diamonds. It fits our relationship, because we have quite a past, I mean its been four years! But I'm so excited about the present, and more importantly, 
the future.

Our Story

    I guess I should start this blog by telling you our story. My fiancé's name is Mark, he is 20. We have been together since December 3, 2006. We met at church, and it's been a fairy tale ever since. My parent's weren't ecstatic about me dating a guy who was three years older than me. They wouldn't let us go out until I turned sixteen. Surprisingly he stuck around, and put up with my Dad's rules. Our relationship has never been easy. We were criticized from the start about our age difference. However Mark and I are perfect for each other. It may be hard to believe but we didn't fight the entire first year of our relationship. We get along so well, and could't be more in love.
    Four amazing years later, on December 3, 2010, Mark proposed. I couldn't believe the man of my dreams was on his knee, asking for my hand in marriage. Of course I said yes, and so the planning shall begin! We will be getting married on July 23, 2011, and spending the rest of our lives together.