Joe and I were vacationing down in Lover's Key Beach, FL (how appropriate). We had a day full of kayaking, swimming and relaxation on the beach. We decided to go out to dinner so we headed back to the hotel to get ready. Joe was hanging out on the balcony, which I thought was weird, but I just continued to get ready for our night out. When Joe still hadn't come in, I went outside to see what was going on. In the next few moments, he told me he couldn't think of anyone better to spend his life with, he was pulling the ring out of his pocket and on one knee. I said "Yes!" and the craziness began. This was one of the best days of my life!

We will be having the ceremony at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palos Hills, IL. Both of our grandmothers belong to this parish, so we thought it would be a special touch just for them.

While the reception has not yet been finalized, we are leaning towards Maggiano's in Oak Brook. We went to a wedding there two years ago and it was absolutely beautiful. They seem to be very accomodating and we know the food will be amazing. I am hoping to get this settled in the next two weeks so I can move foward with the planning!

I came home from vacation on a Saturday night. That Sunday, I was hanging out at my parent's house. I asked my sister if she wanted to go look and get an idea about dresses. We went just hoping to see a few and get some ideas. I ended up trying on about 10. The fifth one I tried on I fell in love with. It's a strapless ivory gown with silver beadign detail. I don't want to give away much more. It's a surprise for everyone.

The bridal party is going to consist of my three sisters, Sue, Kate and Laura, and his three brothers, Phil, Tony and Mike, and his 6 nieces and nephews. We really value family, so we felt it was necessary to include everyone. My sister Kate will be the maid of honor and his brother Mike will be the best man. They were all super excited about the wedding, except for our flower girl. When we asked Bella she said, "No, I don't want to." She is coming around, I recently got an email saying she would "probably" do it. Gotta love 4 year olds!

I want my wedding to have a very glamorous and luxe feel. Since it's a winter wedding I want there to be lots of sparkles at the reception creating a beautiful winter scene.

We haven't started the cake process yet. I do have an idea about what I want. Joe really wants cheesecake. I don't think we will have cheesecake for our wedding cake, but maybe I'll get him a special groom's cake. We are seriously thinking about having a gelato cart come in for another special treat. I tasted their gelato (multiple times) at a wedding event in Chicago and fell in love. Hopefully it works out!

I am pretty sure I am going to splurge on the bridal parties arrangements. Rather than doing traditional flowers, I am going to use bouquets designed by Emplume that contain feathers, crystals and pearls. Their work is absolutely amazing. It's a little more expensive, but my attendants will be able to keep the arrangements as a memory of our special day.