They were both bursting with happiness the whole weekend! I love this picture.

The bridesmaids with the gorgeous bride at the rehearsal dinner! Forever The Damen Girls.

The adorable and magnificently spirited mother & father of the groom! Wonderful people to know.

It’s not a wedding with out our best friend Jenna’s husband, Chris “kickin” it up on the dance floor!

Kiks and Frosty were there too!

He’ll always be my groom!

Congratulations, Andrea and Ian! Here’s to the good life!

*Check out my previous post for 25 Free Minted Mommy Cards. Everyone can participate!

It’s been an amazing year full of love, laughter and an abundance of blessings.

Can’t wait to see what our second year will bring!

brandy j photography

]]> http://accordingtonina.com/one-year-ago-today/feed/ 18 http://accordingtonina.com/whats-in-my-inbox-mega-deals/ http://accordingtonina.com/whats-in-my-inbox-mega-deals/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:35:17 +0000 Nina http://accordingtonina.com/?p=7775 Today is the last day to take advantage of the Ashley Brooke Custom Summer Sale! Get your orders in!!

And, don’t forget to download Ashley Brooke Design’s July Wallpaper!! It’s perfectly patriotic to celebrate our country’s Independence Day… all month long! Thank you, Ashley for such fun, beautiful work!

Lots of deals going on over at momAgenda — Also, I’ve received numerous emails and tweets asking what momAgenda I use and why. I think I’ve ordered almost every agenda on Nina’s site. I started with the myAgenda and then the myAgenda desktop. I used the myAgenda Desktop for 2 years and recently purchased my first momAgenda. I started with the Home Edition because I thought I would like the mass amount of writing space but quickly found I miss being able to carry it around and cram it into my purse if needed! I have my brand new shiny turquoise momAgenda Desktop, I’m just waiting for August 1st! To get a detailed comparison of the Home Edition to the Desktop, check out momAgenda’s blog for post by blogger Tara Ziegmont. Lots of pictures included.

If you have a strong color preference, be sure to order soon.

Take $10 off all orders of $75+ at momAgenda! Code: MOM10OFF75 Offer Expires 7.31

Take 10% off all orders of $65+ at momAgenda! Code: MOM10OFF65 Offer Expires 7.31

Get 20% Off a small School Years book with code SCHOOLYEARSMOM at momAgenda.com!

Shop the Super Duper Summer Sale at The Land of Nod!

For example, this Bugaboo Frog Stroller is on sale for $629 with free shipping (down from $759)!

Our friends at Minted. are offering 15% Off Wedding Invitations and Accessories with code SUMMER15. This design is magnificent!

Last but certainly not least, it’s BIG HUGE RED HOT SALE TIME over at Willow House with Callie P! Most of my favorite favorite Willow House items are on deep discount this month. It makes me giddy as a school girl!

My July Wish List:

1. Looking Glass Scones (set of two)

2. Two – Santorini Urns

3. Two – Hawthorne Hurricanes

4. Addison Tray Table – HUGE DEAL $33.96 from $129.96!

5. Amelia Beaded Glass Trio

6. Three – Chancellor Mirror – HUGE DEAL $39.96 from $154.96

7. DEAL OF THE YEAR: (might already be out of stock ) Savannah Beverage Server $32.96 from $124.96! If you’ve been reading for anytime at all, you know I’m obsessed with these beverage servers. They are the nicest ones I’ve ever seen and used. I own three! Well worth it. Hopefully they’re still in stock. Contact Callie ASAP!

*The Addison Tray Table is already sold out.

Other deals on her site this month:

8. Two – Hawthorne Trifle on sale for $26.96

9. Nola Bucket – I own this but it’s a mega deal at $54.96 from $109.96

10. Entertaining Bucket and Tray – $12.96!

Below are the all the sale flyers but also visit http://callieparker.store.willowhouse.com/ to order right from her website or to contact Callie directly.

Because our bride has a deep love for candy, the candy buffet was a must! I’m a huge promoter of edible party favors instead of junk that ends up in the garbage can on the way out. I found these great gable boxes in a shiny leaf color at Mr. Takeout Bags. I thought they were too small at first but they ended up being just the right size!

I used the tags from HWTM Arbor Mist theme and tied them to the boxes with coordinating Twinery.

Due to minimal set up time at the restaurant (plus the wine was hand-served), we wrapped the stem tags on the water glasses. Also, somewhere along the way I lost my glue stick so we had to improvise and cut slots into the tags to add them to the glasses. It was actually much quicker this way and worked beautifully!

The cupcake stand is simply two square boxes from The Container Store wrapped in a matching wrapping paper. Easy as 1-2-3! It’s also a great way to add height to your table!

I bought these wooden letters at Hobby Lobby – 1/2 off – and spray painted them to match our theme.

I was late getting a picture of the place card table but I think you can get the idea!

A party is not complete without a Sorority group picture. Love these girls!

Last but certainly not least, the two people that truly make the “perfect pair!” Our bride and groom, Ian and Andrea!! I’m so lucky to have them in my life. Andrea will always – forever and ever – hold a special place in my heart and words cannot express how happy I am for her as she prepares to marry her soulmate, Ian!

And before I go, another big shout out to Jenn at Hostess With The Mostess for an incredible theme to work with and all  of her generous help! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Our wedding is featured on the Brandyj Photography Blog today!

Dear Brandy & Sticky,

The pictures take our breath away. Thank you from the bottom

of our hearts for capturing every moment &

every emotion of our special day.

We will remember it always and thank you forever

for giving us one of the most wonderful gifts,

our memories in photos for us to cherish

all the days of our lives.

With love,

JH & Nina

**If you are getting married or know someone that is, contact Brandyj & Sticky and hire them today! They are incredible and they travel so no restrictions there!

*Please note: I know these pictures are not flattering to my arm that is shown in all of these pictures but I love these shots so I’m going to share them anyway. It was such a wonderful, fun day and I really don’t care that my arm looks gigantic.

We even stopped for a pretzel stick, we were starving! Soft pretzels and champagne with my handsome husband!

We can’t wait to see the professional photos by Brandy & Sticky! You should check out their website Brandyj Photography and join them on Facebook too! They are both incredibly wonderful, ridiculously talented and straight up awesome! Love you guys! Check out My Wedding A-List for more information and links.

Want to see past wedding posts? Snapshot Wedding Recap Part I; Snapshot Wedding Recap Part II & Snapshot Wedding Part III.

Not many people have the privilege of saying they were married in a Basilica. Especially the Basilica that holds the second most mosaics to the Vatican. We are so unbelievably blessed. We became man and wife in the presence of our family and friends and most importantly, God. With the foundation of our faith and God’s love, we are excited to finally start our life as one.

A few pieces of our ceremony, Full Mass at 1:30 p.m.

PROCESSIONAL

Canon in D.          J. Pachelbel

Trumpet Voluntary     H. Purcell

FIRST READING

Genesis 2: 18-24

The LORD God said: “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him.” So the Lord God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its name. The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all wild animals; but none proved to be the suitable partner for the man.

So the Lord God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. The Lord God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man.

When he brought her to the man, the man said: “This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of ‘her man’ this one has been taken.”

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 128

“May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.”

SECOND READING

Colossians 3: 12-17

Brothers and sisters:

Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,

heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

bearing with one another and forgiving one another,

if one has a grievance against another;

as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.

And over all these put on love,

that is, the bond of perfection.

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,

the peace into which you were also called in one Body.

And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,

as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,

singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs

with gratitude in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do, in word or in deed,

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him.

GOSPEL

John 15: 9-12

Jesus said to his disciples:

“As the Father loves me, so I also love you.

Remain in my love.

If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,

just as I have kept my Father’s commandments

and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you

and your joy might be complete.

This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.”

RECESSIONAL

Hornpipe        G.F. Handel

*Once I have the professional photos, I will do a post on the Catholic traditions and explain the ceremony in more detail. I do not have enough pictures to do so at this point.

My Girls wore the Maggie by LulaKate in Pink Silk Dupioni. Their shoes were gold fusion colored Gianni Bini sandals.

Little by little… again I want to hold off from showing a lot of the details until we receive the photos from Brandyj and Sticky!

We moved into the Chase Park Plaza on Thursday afternoon. JH and I made a very important trip to the St. Louis City Hall to get our marriage license to ensure our marriage would be official in the eyes of the government as well as God’s! It was actually quite fun. I sang “Going to the Chapel…” to JH all the way to the car. Even if he was slightly embarrassed, I think he loved it!

My Godfather (aka Unc or Uncle Jack) arrived Thursday evening so the five of us walked down the street to grab a bite for dinner, which ended up being about a 5 mile walk because we turned the wrong direction out of the hotel, but none the less a really nice night out with four of my favorite people.

On our way back to the hotel JH and I stopped at the fountain for each of us to make a wish!

Friday was finally upon us and it was time to head to the airport to pick up Blue Eyed Bride and Mojito Maven! I can’t even begin to express my appreciation to ALL of my friends and family that made extra special arrangements to travel to the Midwest for our wedding day. It was such an unbelievably magnificent weekend. JH and I keep talking about how we can’t believe just how perfect the entire weekend turned out!

*You can also read Erin’s recap of the weekend here, her words and thoughts bring happy tears to my eyes.

The Rehearsal festivities started at 5:30 p.m. on Friday night. We headed to the Basilica for a quick practice run…

And then headed back to the Chase for a yummy dinner hosted by JH’s parents. The dinner was held in the Zodiac Room which overlooks the city. Unfortunately, it was gray and rainy but it was still a great night. Lots of people told stories and gave sweet speeches. Lots of laughs AND tears! You know me, I’m a major weeper!

JH’s sister telling the story of the time I entertained them during a car ride by singing every last word of “Islands in the Stream” by Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers. Hysterical to say the least! I’m laughing. Not crying. Or crying because I’m laughing so hard.

Me and my Mama!

I don’t know what’s going on with my dress in this picture but doesn’t my mom look gorgeous?

Ian, Ann, Me, JH (aka now My Husband), Jenna & Chris

Ann, Me & Jenna – aka my bestie MOHs

Some of my Girls (I love them so!): Jenna, Mandy, Meah, Me, Ann, Mojito Maven & Erin @ Blue Eyed Bride

A few of the menfolk: Tom, Ian, Jeff, Mark & Chris

JH’s Cousins (loyal According to Nina readers, I’ve heard) – lots of FUN!

After dinner we made our way downstairs to the Tenderloin Room (one of numerous bars/restaurants in the hotel). The place was packed with our family and friends. We had a few more cocktails, socialized and just enjoyed each others company until almost midnight. Lots and lots of fun. I think you could say “FUN” was the theme of the weekend!

More of my Girls: Lindsey, Jenna, Me, Tamie, Ann, Nadia & Lauren

Do I not have the prettiest group of friends!?!

Causing some ruckus in the lobby

The lobby party broke up around midnight, I switched my engagement ring over to my right hand, put my head down on my pillow and it was sweet dreams for me! I was about to become a BRIDE!

*Disclaimer: I’m working with a limited selection of photos at this point. I have not received many pictures of my family yet. I have a CD of pictures waiting at home for me from my sister’s roommate so more to come later, don’t you worry. But I wanted to go ahead and start posting, plus JH is working a conference today so I had a few hours to spend on the computer.

p.s. I’ve missed you, my readers!

Can you believe our wedding is 10 days away!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?! I feel like it was yesterday that I posted about our engagement!

Now I’m up in the middle of the night Googling “wedding makeup for brunette brides,” emailing vendors, making lists and more lists and praying the day will turn out beautifully for us because we’re only doing this once! As I’ve said to numerous people, I’m so excited for the wedding weekend but I’m most excited about JH and I becoming husband and wife. After all, that is what matters most!

But since I’m still a bride for 10 more days, what do you think of these looks to show my makeup artist? I like Kristin Davis’ look the best. It’s fresh, classic and not too dark. I’m at a loss. I’m not great in the cosmetic department. I was frantically chatting with Erin last night… what lipstick? what foundation? what eye makeup? Ahhh. She’s so calm and helpful and always has just the answer you need to hear!

During my search, I found a great article on brides.com titled Summer Bridal Must-Haves. Extremely helpful and all products are very affordable.

How did you find (as all the sites say) the “enhanced version of you” on your wedding day?

I’m going to try to go back to sleep now. The sun will be up before too long and I have a meeting first thing in the morning.

3 words: Triple. Shot. Latte.

images via unknown google images