Today I Marry My Best Friend....

When I woke up this morning this is what I saw:

What a perfect way to start our wedding day. I still can't believe today is THE day. I have been counting down to this day for two and a half years and now that its here it still doesn't seem real. I know when everyone arrives and we start getting ready its probably going to hit me but for now I am cool, calm and collected sipping on a cup of tea.

Hive, where do I even begin to say thank you. You have been amazing. The love and support you have given to me I can't even begin to repay. Your kind words meant so much to me when I told you about my father passing away. The times when you were able to help me refine the ideas that had been bouncing around in my head. And not to mention some of the comments you left that made me laugh so hard I was crying. Each of you has touched my life in a way that means more to me than I could ever put into words. Thank you.

To Sister-In-Law Meerkat & Bridesmaid K.

You are two of the sweetest people and I couldn't have chosen better bridesmaids. You have stood behind me and followed along with every crazy idea I have ever had for this wedding. I treasure every minute we spend together. I love you both so much.

To Mama Meerkat.
You and dad are the most amazing parents I could have ever asked for. You both have shown me what real love is and I only hope that our marriage can be full of the same laughter and happiness as yours was. No matter where I go or what I do you will always be the most important woman in my life. Don't ever forget how much I love you.

To Sister Meerkat.
It seems like just yesterday you were taking me shopping to buy school clothes and teaching me to drive. Those are some of my fondest memories growing up. You love me in all my geeky ways the same way dad did. You are an amazing sister and I can't thank you enough for all you both have done for me.

To Mama & Father In-Law Meerkat.
From the day I met you, you treated me like I was your daughter and welcomed me with open arms. I don't know how many brides can say that about their in-laws. You are both very special people and I love you with all my heart. I feel so blessed to become part of your family.

And to Mr. Meerkat.
If you had asked me five years ago where we would be today my last answer would have been getting married. Now I can't imagine a future without you as my husband. You are one of the bravest, smartest and kindest people I have ever known. I am so proud to become your wife today.

Well hive, I hear people starting to wake up and move around. I guess that means its time to start the day and to sign off for the last time as a Miss. Wish me luck ladies. I will see you on the flip side.

With all my love, Miss Meerkat

The Ceremony Programs I "Settled" For

Hopefully you have not forgotten who I am since my posting has been a bit delayed. With the wedding drawing close I find more and more of the last minute projects to do. One of the last minute thing was our ceremony programs.

Originally I wanted to do a material covered front and back cover for the programs. Like this:

source

And do a binding and inside pages like this:

source

I hired a seller on Etsy to create the front and back material covers (because I have no idea how to make the embossing stay on there) and I would then make the inside. I gave the seller a drop dead date I had to have them by so I could finish them in time for the wedding. As the deadline approached I heard nothing from the seller and I assumed the worse. (Don't worry I learned my lesson the last time and didn't pay the seller up front.)

So I took the only course of action I could thing of (outside of throwing a tantrum) and create the programs out of the pages I had already printed.

I think they turned out pretty good for a last minute change in plans. Once I laid them on the fan they go with I knew I had made the right decision. Not to mention the oodles of time I saved not having to figure out how to make the covers. *grin*

Any last minute change of plans work out well for you?

Custom Bridesmaids Dresses - The lining is complete!!

Before we decided to get the bridesmaids dress made I had no idea what went into sewing a custom dress. Seamstress L. was able to give us a quick crash course. *grin* 

First thing Seamstress L. did was put together just a basic lining that goes inside the dress so that she could get the measurements exactly right. When we came she had all the seams sewn.

Then she pinned up the back of the top so that she had a measurement to sew from.

Next she took the skirt, which probably held two of bridesmaids K, and pinned each side to line up the seam. Mama-In-Law Meerkat had to help hold it because it was so large.

Next she measured out a rough hem line. She won't add in the finished hem until after the entire dress is sewn together just in case its a little off here or there.

And here is Bridesmaid K with the lining all fitted and ready to be sewn into the rest of the dress.

It may not look like much from the photo but I can already see it coming together. It has been just awesome watching each step of the dress go together. I can't wait to see the almost finished dress at our next fitting!