Never thought at 42 years old that I would be planning a wedding, but here I am, getting married (again) in August.  The last time I got married was when I was 28.  Yes, a lot has changed since then. Two kids, moves back and and forth between Chicago and Boulder, Colorado, a new home, are just a few.  The biggest change with this wedding as opposed to the last is that we are paying for it.  It definitely puts things into perspective.  No, I don’t need the chocolate fountain, 8 bridesmaids, or need to invite every person I have ever met.

My fiancée (a country boy from Arkansas) turned me on to country music and it became something that we love sharing with each other.  So to extend that theme, we are getting married in a barn. Just hear me out here for a second.  Sounds a little rustic but it’s actually very charming.  The barn is part of an apple orchard in Indiana.  The ceremony will take place in the orchard and the reception will be in the barn. (And yes, it’s air-conditioned and very civilized.)

One thing that hasn’t changed with the wedding planning is the excitement of getting the dress. In December of this past year, my mom, sister, and I went on the hunt.  I ended up finding a beautiful lace dress by Paloma Blanca.  Just this past week, I had my first fitting.  Being the high maintenance gal that I am, I wanted to make some changes to the dress.  Originally it was a strapless dress.  I am not a strapless-kind of gal but I loved the neckline.  I ordered extra lace to add some straps and bought a rhinestone belt to be sewn in at the waist. Originally it came with a flower at the waist (not a flowery kind of girl) so the belt gives it a more sophisticated and modern look.  A good mix of city and country.  Just like me and my man. I digress.  The belt hasn’t been sewn on yet and we just did a mock up of what the straps will look like with plain fabric.  Here are some pics from this first fitting.

My next venture is to find accessories to go with the gown.  While at the fitting, I found a gorgeous rhinestone headband I plan on wearing with my hair up.  Initially I was thinking of wearing a tiara with no veil.  Princess in a barn?  I don’t think so  The bling in this headband gives me the sparkle that I love and works great with the gown.  I think it ties in nicely with the belt as well.  I need to focus now on finding beautiful earrings and a bracelet.  Any suggestions?  Here are pics of the headband.

Lastly, I need to find gorgeous shoes with a very small heel.  Comfort is key with an all day event like this.  I am planning on wearing cowboy boots (keep an open mind) during a choreographed dance that me and my fiancée are doing at the beginning of the reception.  It’s a cross between a two-step and a rumba.  (We have been taking dance lessons for almost a year now.) During the fitting I wore the cowboy boots because I knew I would be wearing them.  The boots have a heel height of 1 and 1/2 inches so that’s the heel height I need for my other shoes.  Again, I would love to hear your thoughts.  (I am secretly pining for a sparkly pair of gorgeous Jimmy Choo shoes or Louboutins. Pretty sure they don’t carry the type of heel.)  I am open for suggestions!

I plan on doing another blog later so you can see the finished product.  I am excited to see how it all comes together.  I’m sure you all are wondering if my fiancée will see this.  Bad luck to see the bride in her dress before the wedding!  I’m not really hung up on that idea and we are planning on practicing our dance with the dress before the big day.  I am more nervous about tripping over my dress during our dance than him seeing me in the dress before the ceremony. Less than 3 months until the big day!

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