before we say "i do"

Feb 7

the Casa Monica hotel was host to our pre-wedding activities. we got ready in a Spanish-style suite full of burgundy and gold accents which fit very well with our wedding design. I loved that we were only a few doors down from the guys, so we could hear each other dancing and singing the day away.

Mark gifted his groomsmen with personalized Miller Lite glasses - which is fitting because Miller Lite was also my husband's choice for his signature drink. I loved this decision because it was such a Fleury move. He also selected specific cufflinks for his groomsmen, each representing their friendship in some way.

I gifted my bridesmaids with a tote bag each marked with the city where I met each of them filled with what my maid of honor would say "practical gifts" - personalized water bottles, pampering kit, matching pajamas and more! I'll be sharing more details on my bridesmaid luncheon later, so you can get the full visual.

I received a surprise visit just before needing to put my dress on from one of Mark's dear friend's Chase Jones who was holding a small blue box... I know what you're thinking, but what was inside was even better than Tiffany's :)

when Mark and I were boyfriend/girlfriend in fifth grade, one of our "dates" was to the Chattanooga Aquarium. ok, so it was more like a class field trip, but at that age, we took what we could get. at the end of the trip, Mark gave me a gift - a turtle mood necklace. which, before we started dating, I still had. I always told Mark how much I wished I had never gotten rid of it. when I opened that little blue box, I couldn't believe what was inside...