Well, now we're not sure if the Botanical Gardens is the place we'll be getting married, because of all the rules & fees they have.
First, they don't have electrical outlets. Music must be live (guitar, flute, etc.) or battery operated (tape or compact disk). No piano or other heavy equipment is allowed (including portable generators).
Second, due to limited space, weddings are restricted to 100 people including the bridal party (bride, groom, minister, bridesmaids, groomsmen, musicians, etc.) and guests.
Third, if flowers outside are damaged, we are responsible for them and need to pay for them.
Fourth, weddings may be held between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Fifth, the wedding must be performed and all pictures taken within the one hour period. If more time is required for photographs, an additional hour should be booked at the time the wedding reservations are made at the rate of $100.00 per hour. The Gardens cannot guarantee that extra time will be available unless the additional time is listed on the original request.
.......now I've never been married before so to me all of this is craziness....but maybe this is normal.
...and more rules. Chairs (which must be provided by the wedding party) are limited to eight for the grandparents. All other guests must stand. Chairs may not be taken from the Garden Center or any other building and used on the grounds.
Flowers may not be stored in the refrigerator located in the Garden Center building; the groups may use the refrigerator only for food storage. The rooms inside the Garden center may not be used as a dressing area.
Because of the problems and costs associated with clean-up no rice, birdseed, flower petals, etc., may be thrown on the grounds. Balloons may not be used as decorations. NO DECORATIONS OF ANY KIND.
.....well cross out the gardens from Byron's dream wedding. We're now looking at Marriott Marquis.....more info to follow soon.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Healthy Bride Bootcamp
So I got this link from my cousin http://www.healthy-bride.com/bootcamp_workouts.php which is a bootcamp for brides & wedding parties, but the price is $125 for 6 weeks, meeting 1x/week.
Before going to Florida I was working out daily, then came back, 3 weeks with no physical activity. Now, I'm back on the routine -- last night I went swimming to cool off from the 90 degree weather. Tomorrow its supposed to hit 100 degrees. (I need ice just thinking about it).
Anyways, I figure if I burn 500 calories per day, 5 days/week, eat healthy -- I'll lose a little more than 1/2 lb per week or more. (Note: I can burn 500 calories in 1hr). Plus all the walking I do at work is more calories burned. And when I get home I try and get Alli to go for a little walk around the neighborhood. My goal is to lose maybe 10 lbs and tone the rest of the time until I see Byron next March. I also want to look amazing in my wedding dress (whenever I decide on a date).
So maybe I'll just work out on my own and when it gets closer to March and I haven't hit my goal, then I'll call Healthy Bride Bootcamp to give me that extra push.
Before going to Florida I was working out daily, then came back, 3 weeks with no physical activity. Now, I'm back on the routine -- last night I went swimming to cool off from the 90 degree weather. Tomorrow its supposed to hit 100 degrees. (I need ice just thinking about it).
Anyways, I figure if I burn 500 calories per day, 5 days/week, eat healthy -- I'll lose a little more than 1/2 lb per week or more. (Note: I can burn 500 calories in 1hr). Plus all the walking I do at work is more calories burned. And when I get home I try and get Alli to go for a little walk around the neighborhood. My goal is to lose maybe 10 lbs and tone the rest of the time until I see Byron next March. I also want to look amazing in my wedding dress (whenever I decide on a date).
So maybe I'll just work out on my own and when it gets closer to March and I haven't hit my goal, then I'll call Healthy Bride Bootcamp to give me that extra push.
Monday, July 27, 2009
How We Met - Byron's Version
THE BEGINNING…….I came to Tacoma, WA in June of 2000. I was in the US Army at the time, stationed on Fort Lewis, WA. I had my mind set at that time that I was not looking for a relationship, but did keep my options open for dating, with hopes of maybe finding the ideal woman for me, despite my past before coming to Washington. During my first year there, I met my best friend still today Tyrone Madison. It was his second time to be stationed in Washington. He told me about a club called Café Arizona. He stated it was a nice spot, where pretty much everyone goes on Saturdays. So to keep it short we would go time to time. After about a year or so, on one particular night; I didn’t want to go. As always, Tyrone would somehow talk me into it. I’m very glad that I did go because this was the night; I met the Love of my Life, Sheila Colon. I was never the type to go to clubs looking for that special someone, but you have to remember in life, God set the path for everyone’s future. I remember seeing her on the dance floor, dancing around alone. In my eyes she stood out above all the women that night. I watched her walk around the club, and unlike most of the women there, I was drawn by the way she walked, her beauty, her vibe, and the way she seemed to act as guys approached her for conversation. After a bit of observation, I then walked over to her, and introduced myself. I was taken by her smile, her voice, and the way she looked at me. I then asked her if she would like to dance. Through our brief conversation on the dance floor, I was eager learn more about her. Once our dance ended, we had brief conversation once again. I sensed her maturity, and sweetness. Her conversation with me, along with her beauty was enough to ensure I don’t lose contact with her. I then gave her my phone number, as she left for the night. The way she looked at me, I was sure I would get a phone call, and if not I’m pretty sure I would have been back to that club every Saturday night, until I saw her again.
THE TEST OF TIME……..After a few phone calls, we begin dating. I knew from the day one there was something very special about her. The more we dated; I learned that she had all the qualities of a woman that I could ever want. She was a single mother with high goals. She’s very career driven, loving mother, sweet, affectionate, understanding, funny, and very outgoing. She’s a beautiful woman who doesn’t mind getting dirty, and most of all she supported me, as still today with all my visions, and dreams. During this time I had many obstacles to surpass. I had just got out of a previous marriage, and had many rocks to bump away. Therefore, I would never commit to her because I wanted to be able to provide her with all the joys of life, with no issues. Still, she would not leave my side, and would always say, I love you, and we can get through this together. Later through the years there were many mile stones. I was not ready for a relationship, and she was. So we parted ways, many times during the years. Though we dated off and on, we always managed to stay in touch, or somehow cross paths to find one another. I was deployed to Iraq during our dating periods. Later I learned she was in a relationship, and I felt it was the end, and I would never get her back. I felt the world came crushing down on me. To bare her in another man’s arms. I knew how much she loved me, and I knew the love had to still been there. I later got in a relationship of my own. We talked and agreed to remain friends. I could tell by her voice, that she missed me. I missed her the same. I gave full respect to my girl friend at the time, and moved on. That relationship faded. Sheila’s faded as well. Then later I took a job overseas with a contract company. I was gone for 2 years overseas, then later moving back home to Birmingham, Al. I was home for a whole year. During that year, I saw Sheila online. She seemed upset because we never had that relationship, and I was away, so I assume she sensed it would never be. She ended our talks, but I knew deep in my heart, that I would someday come back for her. Then later I decided to go back overseas to work for the same company.
THE NEW BEGINNING……Once back overseas working, I decided to call Sheila. She was more content with me being away, because we had not talked in a while. We were both happy to be talking again. She praised me of my accomplishments with my career, and I did of hers. Later we begin having more and more conversations. I finally decided to make her my girl friend. Finally we were one. A path that we should have never got off of. She later visited me in Alabama. My family instantly fell in love with her. So that was a big plus. Things were off to a very good start. Sheila then begins to worry because she still didn’t feel completely safe with our relationship, because I was away, and she didn’t want to lose me again. She wanted a bigger commitment. Well little did she know, my mind was set the first day I contacted her after coming back overseas that, I was going to find the right moment and time to propose to her. I kept ensuring her that I was not going anywhere. That I was her’s for life. Still she was uncertain that I would come home, and move on, or decide later to stay overseas. It was a long road keeping the proposal away from her. She came to visit me again, while on one of my vacations at home. I did not propose at that time. I wanted it to be when I could have my whole family present. After 4 long months. The day finally came. The scene was perfect, the night was perfect, my bride to be was perfect, and my life was finally complete. I always knew in my heart that we would be together. My preacher use to always say; God will make a way out of no way. I carry those words with me every day. I never gave up on you Sheila Colon, and I promise to be the best husband, as well as your best friend………………I Love You!!!!!
Sheila's side note: I still have the flier he wrote his phone number on. I need to find it and I'll post it. And I loved that silky white shirt he had on that night. (Hehehe -- between us). We officially met November 2000.
THE TEST OF TIME……..After a few phone calls, we begin dating. I knew from the day one there was something very special about her. The more we dated; I learned that she had all the qualities of a woman that I could ever want. She was a single mother with high goals. She’s very career driven, loving mother, sweet, affectionate, understanding, funny, and very outgoing. She’s a beautiful woman who doesn’t mind getting dirty, and most of all she supported me, as still today with all my visions, and dreams. During this time I had many obstacles to surpass. I had just got out of a previous marriage, and had many rocks to bump away. Therefore, I would never commit to her because I wanted to be able to provide her with all the joys of life, with no issues. Still, she would not leave my side, and would always say, I love you, and we can get through this together. Later through the years there were many mile stones. I was not ready for a relationship, and she was. So we parted ways, many times during the years. Though we dated off and on, we always managed to stay in touch, or somehow cross paths to find one another. I was deployed to Iraq during our dating periods. Later I learned she was in a relationship, and I felt it was the end, and I would never get her back. I felt the world came crushing down on me. To bare her in another man’s arms. I knew how much she loved me, and I knew the love had to still been there. I later got in a relationship of my own. We talked and agreed to remain friends. I could tell by her voice, that she missed me. I missed her the same. I gave full respect to my girl friend at the time, and moved on. That relationship faded. Sheila’s faded as well. Then later I took a job overseas with a contract company. I was gone for 2 years overseas, then later moving back home to Birmingham, Al. I was home for a whole year. During that year, I saw Sheila online. She seemed upset because we never had that relationship, and I was away, so I assume she sensed it would never be. She ended our talks, but I knew deep in my heart, that I would someday come back for her. Then later I decided to go back overseas to work for the same company.
THE NEW BEGINNING……Once back overseas working, I decided to call Sheila. She was more content with me being away, because we had not talked in a while. We were both happy to be talking again. She praised me of my accomplishments with my career, and I did of hers. Later we begin having more and more conversations. I finally decided to make her my girl friend. Finally we were one. A path that we should have never got off of. She later visited me in Alabama. My family instantly fell in love with her. So that was a big plus. Things were off to a very good start. Sheila then begins to worry because she still didn’t feel completely safe with our relationship, because I was away, and she didn’t want to lose me again. She wanted a bigger commitment. Well little did she know, my mind was set the first day I contacted her after coming back overseas that, I was going to find the right moment and time to propose to her. I kept ensuring her that I was not going anywhere. That I was her’s for life. Still she was uncertain that I would come home, and move on, or decide later to stay overseas. It was a long road keeping the proposal away from her. She came to visit me again, while on one of my vacations at home. I did not propose at that time. I wanted it to be when I could have my whole family present. After 4 long months. The day finally came. The scene was perfect, the night was perfect, my bride to be was perfect, and my life was finally complete. I always knew in my heart that we would be together. My preacher use to always say; God will make a way out of no way. I carry those words with me every day. I never gave up on you Sheila Colon, and I promise to be the best husband, as well as your best friend………………I Love You!!!!!
Sheila's side note: I still have the flier he wrote his phone number on. I need to find it and I'll post it. And I loved that silky white shirt he had on that night. (Hehehe -- between us). We officially met November 2000.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
iNspIRatIonAl cOLorS
We decided on tiffany blue and silver/grey. Since we're not having a beach wedding, then I'll bring the beach to us.
Byron was inspired by Day26 on the 2009 Bet Awards.
Byron was inspired by Day26 on the 2009 Bet Awards.
Sheila was inspired by blue water, sandy beaches, lighting, romance, elegance, and tiffany boxes.
Hopefully, I don't change my mind on the blue color, but definitely set on silver grey/white for the guys.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Vows
Byron just told me he started to write his vows. WOW!!! I'm sure it's going to be so touching. He's good at writing poems. I told him he should publish his poems. Come on babe -- let's get paid. Cha-ching$$$.
Addresses Wanted
As the time comes to send out invitations, I'd like to make sure I have your mailing address. Please email me your mailing address. Send to: byronandsheila@gmail.com. Or click the email link next to our profile.
Which Ring?
Finally got Byron's ring size -- 11.5. I'm barely into any sort of planning and already stressed out. I can't decide what type of ring to get Byron and he won't give me a clue. What were his words, "not going to tell you what i like mama, you have to pick what you like for me love you."
Ring with diamonds or without?
An artistic ring or keep it simple?
White gold, titanium, Gold/white gold, platinum?
Ring with diamonds or without?
An artistic ring or keep it simple?
White gold, titanium, Gold/white gold, platinum?
Wedding Planning for Dummies -- Dream Wedding
Today, I finally received Wedding Planning for Dummies book. I should have my cousin, Christy, help me plan the wedding since she does this for a living (http://www.bellenuitevents.com/Site/index.html), but I'm trying to do it alone, with help from Empress.
So first thing book says, is to write down your dream wedding -- where money is not an issue. We are to think backwards -- from day of the wedding to planning.
Byron's dream: at a church or at the Botanical Gardens. Lots of friends and family. Guys will be wearing white & grey -- like Day 26. Outside daytime wedding. Traditional wedding song. (Check it out: http://www.alabama360.com/bhambotanical/Tourviewer_bhambotanical.html)
Sheila's dream: on a tropical sandy beach, both wearing all white, no shoes, close family, intimate setting.
Rock, paper, scissors -- who wins??? No one. I already decided the wedding will follow Byron's dream.
Other topics discussed in the book: bills, tips, marriage license, name change, location, wedding planners, bride/groom parents meet & greet, food, flowers, music, decorating, honeymoon, gown/tux....and on and on.
So first thing book says, is to write down your dream wedding -- where money is not an issue. We are to think backwards -- from day of the wedding to planning.
Byron's dream: at a church or at the Botanical Gardens. Lots of friends and family. Guys will be wearing white & grey -- like Day 26. Outside daytime wedding. Traditional wedding song. (Check it out: http://www.alabama360.com/bhambotanical/Tourviewer_bhambotanical.html)
Sheila's dream: on a tropical sandy beach, both wearing all white, no shoes, close family, intimate setting.
Rock, paper, scissors -- who wins??? No one. I already decided the wedding will follow Byron's dream.
Other topics discussed in the book: bills, tips, marriage license, name change, location, wedding planners, bride/groom parents meet & greet, food, flowers, music, decorating, honeymoon, gown/tux....and on and on.
The Engagement Ring
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Video Proposal
After I read the tv monitor, I couldn't believe what was about to happen. Byron stood up, grabbed my hand, asked me twice (I dont remember, because my mind blanked out), and all I did was cry, cry, cry.
I always knew Byron was THE ONE from the first time we met.
Place: Planet Hollywood, Orlando, Florida
http://www.planethollywood.com/restaurants_orlando.htm
Date: July 6, 2009
Attendees: Caitlyn, BJ, Empress, Keri, Dai, Eric, Alli, Hazel, Annie, and US
On the menu: Byron had shrimp alfredo pasta. Sheila had garlic shrimp pasta.
http://www.planethollywood.com/menus/Orlando_Menu_Multi_Aug08.pdf
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