My mom's friends threw a beautiful shower for me in my hometown (where the wedding will also be), my bridesmaids and I went to Charleston (which got its own post here) for my bachelorette weekend, and TJ's family had a great couple's shower for us in Charlotte!

 

We are so very excited that all of the restrictions have been lifting just in time! If you missed any of my previous posts, our venue was previously only allowing about half of our guest list, masks would be required, and no dancing would be allowed. By the time our invitations went out, we were allowed to invite our full list. But weren't sure of if we would still have restrictions until something official came out from the state. Then last week's CDC announcement for those fully vaccinated led to North Carolina also lifting their restrictions, which our venue was following. So we will be having dancing without masks! My mom was also amazing in handling all of the invitation details (as she has been with all details!) and keeping up with the response cards.

We were all set to go to Puerto Rico, but the island unfortunately saw a recent increase in Covid cases. Which resulted in a 10pm curfew (with everything closing at 9pm), mask rules (from what we gathered, even on the beach), capacity limits in restaurants, and some tight Covid testing rules with airlines. The curfew has actually since lifted. But from what I've read, most of the other rules are still in place. Since we are both fully vaccinated, we would rather go somewhere without restrictions. So we have re-booked our trip to the Florida Keys!

I had the most fun taking my bridal portraits back in early April. I cannot wait to share them, and almost wish I didn't have to wait until after the wedding to post them! I also had my hair and makeup trial done for the photos, so I got to see the full look over 2 months in advance.

We walked into a Zales a few months ago for TJ to figure out his ring size, and we ended up finding my wedding band! We weren't expecting to buy it that day, but I thought the style was somewhat unique and really complements my engagement ring. We got some ideas for TJ's ring that day as well. But didn't end up buying it until a little bit later from a smaller local jeweler.

There's also a full list of things that can't quite be broken down like: we have set our readings and songs for the Mass, completed church paperwork, and bought most of the gifts we will be giving. There's a much longer list of everything my wonderful mom has been handling! Her recent to-do's have been the wedding program and other paper needs like welcome bag tags, favors, and attending meetings to finalize the menu, floral details, and so much more!

Thanks for reading!