We're experiencing a typical March here in Vermont. I wore sandals on Saturday, enjoying sunny skies and a temperature of sixty degrees, only to wake up to five inches of snow on Monday morning. To help postpone the "winter will never end" blues, I've decided to post some florist updates.

I'm not exactly sure the colors we'll use for each particular variety... but here is a sampling of some of the flowers we will be using for our ceremony and service. I love the texture of these flowers together. Soft, round, meticulous layers of petals. We'll be using shades of cream, spring green, and chocolate brown.


I've also learned I love zinnias! These lime green zinnias are perfect. So lovely.

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In other news, Christopher updated his comic website. You can now find his work at flamejob.org

He has been posting three times per week, debuting the first chapter of "Poser." He's busily inking the second chapter of "Poser" to debut at SPX, the Small Press Expo. We accidentally scheduled our wedding for the weekend of SPX; his friends from CCS will be selling the chapter two--"Study Buddy"--for him.

I've been researching local florists, comparing prices and talent. There are many, many options.
It could be exhausting, but I think I've found our florist.

Morgan, owner of Valley Flower Company, simply rocks. Her work was recently featured in La Bella Bride magazine and New England Bride magazine, and you can view her gallery at her flickr account. She's working within our budget, has fresh floral (oh, pun) ideas, and Chris and I can support a talented, young local artist. You can view Morgan's blog here.

The photograph above shows a representation of my floral inspiration. We're* thinking of crisp colors: greens, dark browns, and accents of ivory. We're thinking lots of soft texture, and modern round shapes. When I get our floral quote tomorrow, I'll be able to more adequately share the flower types.


I know we discussed soft, round flowers. I'm not a fan of very structural floral shapes, be they orchids, delphinium, tulips, celosia, or calla lilies. I do, however, find dahlias, ranunculus, zinnias, and chocolate cosmos simply lovely.

To help with costs, a lot of our flowers will serve double duty. Why would we use thoughtfully constructed arrangements just once? My bouquet will be placed into a vase for our reception. Our pew decorations will double as table arrangements. Our altar floral arrangement can be placed on the fireplace in the Hartness House. Ingenious!


*"We're" does not mean "Chris and I." It means, "my florist and I." LOL
Chris doesn't care about flowers, but he recognizes I do care. He does, however, think fiddleheads are cool for boutonnieres.

I had the most positive dress shopping experience!

If anyone in the Vermont is getting married, I strongly suggest Christine's Bridal in Hartland Four Corners.

The owner, Chris, was my attendant and she was very warm. She and I chatted about our common interests and this set me at ease: she has a background in graphic design and animation, and we share a love of community theatre.

Kim and Marsha had to wait in the room next to the fitting room, but we were close enough that we could occasionally laugh through the doorway as I was being laced. The gowns were not nearly as heavy as I thought they'd be, and the crinoline underdress I wore was both comfortable and not-too-foofy.

Lesson Learned: Always trust your saleslady. I had gone shopping thinking I knew exactly what sort of gown I wanted. The dress shapes I thought I wanted were very unflattering. I thought I was anti-train, but the gown I selected has the most lovely chapel-length train. The gown I selected was a dress I would not have selected for myself.

I found "the one," the dress that made me feel the most lovely and the most statuesque. It is a dress from a local designer, and only sold at this boutique! It was the second dress I tried on, too. The attendant was very patient, helping me into several dresses only to hear Kim, Marsha, and I sigh together that the other dress was the nicest.

No photographs for this post, sorry! I want everyone--Christopher included--to be happily surprised in September.

I'm excited to announce I will be going dress shopping next Saturday afternoon. We have an appointment at a local shop--Christine's Bridal of Hartland--and I'm relieved I may be able to find a classic gown without needing to leave the Upper Valley.

I've asked Marsha--Christopher's mom--to join me for the appointment and the fun! Kim is driving up from Boston to join us; I'm so relieved Kim can lend her fashion sense and keen judgment.

I wish my Mom could be there too, but I know I'll be surrounded by Marsha and Kim's love, support, and eye for fashion. Christopher obviously gives his love and support, but he is not allowed to see my gown before the wedding. :)

At first I thought I'd be able to buy a dress online (there are many sites specializing in used or discounted gowns) or perhaps have a gown made, but I'm eager to see what styles and fabrics the Gown Consultant will suggest for me. I hardly ever have occasion to wear a dress yet, much to my chagrin, I'm very giddy about this component of our wedding.

I'll let the blog'o'sphere know how things go!

We wanted to introduce our Wedding Party!

Kimberly Warren, Maid of Honor










Christopher's ever charismatic and classy younger sister, Kimberly, is my Maid of Honor. A distinguished 2008 graduate from Green Mountain College, Kim and I shared an apartment and two kittens during our Senior year. Kim is sharp, witty, gorgeous, and well-read: just ask this 2008 Miss Vermont USA contestant about Yoknapatawpha County. She is a blessing in our lives, and a very close friend.


Kimberly currently resides in Boston, working for an Ophthalmologist and fighting crime. This wedding can be entirely blamed on Kim, as she encouraged our new relationship and gave her blessing. This photo was taken of Kim and her boyfriend, Michael, at Groundhog's Day, 2009.

Clayton Hunsdon, Best Man

Chris once hit Clay with a Bible during a high school Philosophy class. A graduate of Champlain College, Clay is currently stationed with the US Army in Oklahoma. He is very good at DBZ, the CCG, but terrible at the bass. Clay and Chris have been “quasi-roommates,” and Clay married Kimberly’s old roommate (fellow GMC graduate) Jillian.

Chris counts Clay as his closest friend, and he cannot wait for Clay to complete his requirement with the Army and hopefully move to our part of the union.

The photo of Clay and Jillian was taken at their wedding!

We've already found a few vendors, and made a few small wedding purchases. How exciting!
I hope these sneak peeks do not spoil the final event for any of our family and guests.

We're trying to use local Vermont vendors, but we've also found a few sweet deals online.

Our photographer, Christa Pidgeon, was booked a few months ago. She's a new Rutland-based photographer with a lovely and vibrant portfolio. Christa has recently increased her prices, but we booked her last Fall to secure a low rate AND a free engagement photo shoot. Check out her gallery!

I highly recommend Salon 2000 in Chester, Vermont. Sarah, the salon's talented founder, will be helping with the "girly preparations" on our wedding day, including hair and makeup. Salon 2000 is a great establishment; they offer classic spa services--massage, facials, manicures, tanning--in a friendly warm space. Bonus: they are a block away from our Church!

We've been finding small decorations at excellent bargin prices online. Our newest purchses are these blown glass golden gorgeous goblets. (Oh, the alliteration!) We'll be using them as toasting flutes, and we found them for 80% off market price.

Happy St. Valentine's Day! Chris wants me to type that he just sung me a love song, and he wants me to remind you he does this all the time... and not just on romantic holidays!