Meeting with Cecilia's cakes on wednesday to get an estimate on the cake. (http://www.ceciliascakes.com/) I'm sure it would be cheaper to get the cake done at kroger or somewhere like that but I really want to support local businesses. It's the hippie in me I suppose...  Here's what I've been thinking...

3 tier chocolate or red velvet cake. White buttercream icing with black roses and I really like the photo where it looks like the icing is kind of melting... Possibly red icing or chocolate instead of the dark chocolate though...

I like the roses on this one...

The drip effect is really cool!

I like this rose arrangement... Just kind of scattered on the cake...

Or maybe just make a cupcake tower instead with a tier on top?

Still deciding. It really depends on the price. I think the cupcakes would probably be cheaper as my sister is a super duper baking machine and we could pretty much do the cupcakes ourselves >:) Either way it's gonna be wicked.

So here's what we have so far guys.... Still many decisions to be made!

Location and date/time: The ceremony will take place on Broad Street in Statham, Georgia (15-20 minutes away from our new little love nest, the city of Athens, GA!) at my Aunt's home on October 31st. What better day to do a zombie wedding! Yes, in case you couldn't figure it out... I will be a zombie bride! It is taking place in a decent sized house but it will definitely be interesting arranging everything so that nothing is broken and there is plenty of room (Aunt Suzie, you, Cathy, and I will discuss this for sure!) 

The time has yet to be decided. We will either be incorporating the wedding into or possibly before the haunt that takes place at the location every year on the 31st. This is a big event so I thought it would be cool to somehow make it part of the haunt with tons of random wedding crashing guests (They won't get cake or food of course! I simply can't afford that!) However, the haunt is busy with around 600 guests every year and it wouldn't be fun for those invited to have to deal with all the strangers. So time is up in the air and will be discussed with my aunt and Cathy S. (also previously mentioned super duper fun party planning and, not to mention, sweet lady!) 

Legalities: Susan Martin ( previously mentioned, newly ordained and wonderfully crazy Aunt!) or possibly Paul Longmire (my favorite preach from my younger teen years who resides about 4 hours away... eek!) will be preforming the ceremony. We have yet to find out about the wedding license and name change mumbo jumbo. This is gonna suck cause I have to update the state board of cosmetology, tax papers, DMV, etc.... ugh... I'm looking forward to being Mrs. Hawkins (YAY!) but the legal stuff is gonna suck. Oh well, has to be done right?

Here's the fun stuff you have been waiting for!

The Dress : What every bride dreams of, the dress that she wears on the one day she's better than everyone else! (Just kidding! But I think some women, called bridezillas, feel that way) But for real, I'm built strangely and I can't view the size chart (I called the phone number but it was after hours. They are supposed to call me back.) so I'm not even sure what size to order yet or where I'm getting the money but it'll work itself out, right? Anyway, I'm also adding sleeves off the shoulder because I don't want it falling off of me. My cousin or possibly a local (emphasis on LOCAL because I'm not sending that off for any reason at risk of being screwed out of my dress because someone ripped it at a factory in India) tailor/ alteration shop. The first photo is the dress, the second is an example of the sleeves

Drum roll please! 

For other unique possible zombie brides and random, nosy googlers who like it, you can view price and ordering info here: 

http://www.discountdressshop.com/red-carpet-black-mermaid-style-hollywood-dress-gala-evening-gown-strapless-full-length-ruffled-dress.html?utm_source=red-carpet-black-mermaid-style-hollywood-dress-gala-evening-gown-strapless-full-length-ruffled-dress&utm_medium=shopping%2Bengine&utm_campaign=FEEDWIZARDGOOGLE

Also, mother or grandmother... I hope mother will come around after seeing all the planning, here's the link for the exchange policy. I will cover charges if I have to return it.

http://www.discountdressshop.com/exchange-policy.html

Aaaaand here are the sleeves....Off the shoulder silk and with the pleated ruffle look.

Personal notes to readers: Billy (the fiance for those who can't figure it out) is getting more and more excited every day we are closer to making it official. Although he has made it clear that he doesn't care how just so long as I say I do, I think he enjoys this as much as I do :) He's been picking out and downloading music samples for me and making me watch youtube videos. I secretly kind of like the piano cover of Nirvana's "Dumb" but I'm sure he figures as much. We fall more and more in love every day. The tornado we survived TOGETHER (that is the key word that most people forget in a marriage or relationship...) has only strengthened our relationship. We learn more about each other every morning we wake up side by side and we have even learned to love the flaws simply because we love who we are as a pair. Enough gushy stuff. I know it's gross and you're gagging!

That's all for this post because I know it's getting long. There is just so much done and still so much to do that I can write about! I hope this has helped someone (future zombie wedding planners specifically!) and that it has been at least a little entertaining for the people who love me and follow my crazy life. 

<3

The future Mrs. Hawkins,

Sara