Engagement Session

 So we recently went and had engagement photos taken (Thank you Jamie Anderson) and so I decided to share a few for your enjoyment.

My Reception Dress

So Kaiden and I were on our way to the dr. office the other day in Ruston. While driving I notice a cute little boutique on the main road. I knew I had to stop. So after his appointment we park and walk in. It was a very small formal boutique and as I walked in and was greeted by a very sweet older black woman. Hello baybae, how can I help you? I explained to her that I was looking for something but I was unsure of what I wanted. She pointed towards the back of the store and there it was. As I walked back there I seen a dress or two but nothing that was "it" then I turn ot the right and there it was. Exactly what I was looking for. I looked at the price. o_o not bad... then the size o_O a little big but I got a great seamstress. (Love you Mary) So off I go into the dressing room. The lady of the store offered to hold Kaiden which I thought was sweet. But of course he cried and yelled and eventually got in the dressing room with me. I zipped up, looked in the mirror and that was that. "I'll take it"

I am soooooo happy

Here is it, My reception dress

The Proposal

So I honestly don’t think that I have told this story to anyone. But the night that he proposed was April 29^th 2011.

 I knew that there was a ring; I knew that he was going to ask. I actually was told at Christmas to go and pick out a ring. He wanted it to be something that I would love and not something that I would want to trade in at any point in time. So I had went to the store and personally picked it out.

I also knew that he was going to ask. We had previously discussed getting married seeing that we have been together for 4 year already. He established himself among my family and me among his.

I was already at home with both boys. Kaiden was sleeping so me and J we up and about the house. He came home as usual and I was completely unsuspecting that this would be the night. He walked in kissed me and J as usual and asked about K. I let him know that he was sleep and continued on with my night finishing up dinner.

Little did I know behind my back he and J were cooking something up?

As I came out of the kitchen, Cory and J approached. Cory asked me if I would give him a minute he had something to say.

Him and J dropped to one knew and he presented me with a little black box.

J said, “Mama will you marry Cory?”

I smiled and said nothing.

Cory said, “Well will ya” eyes all big.

I smiled and said “Yes, Yes I will”

J smiled and hugged me and Cory the same.

Even though there was no surprise it was still one of the happiest days of my life.

Checklist

VENUE: (✔)
DRESS: (✔)
DECORATOR: (✔)
CEREMONY: (✔)
BRIDAL PARTY: (✔)
FOOD: (✔)
PHOTOGRAPHER (✔)
SAVE THE DATES (California/East Coast only) (✔)

Still to do.......

Invitations
Music
Cake
Order dresses
Get guys sized
Hair
Makeup
Shoes (I know but I need that perfect pair)
Bridal Shower
Baccalaureate Party (Horseshoe)
Bachelor Party (Vegas)

The night on the sand hill

The night on the sand hill…..

There are very few people who know how Cory and I actually got started, so I am going to share the story about the night I knew that he was something special to me.

Our initial meeting took place a few days prior and the football field incident had already taken place.

Well during our text conversation I mentioned to him that I have never in my life rode on a 4 wheeler. He thought this was amazing and asked what do they do in California? I laughed and said plenty but 4 wheeler riding isn’t one of them. He offered to take me 4 wheel riding anytime that I asked. So I asked if he would take me the next day (Sunday) He agreed but mentioned that he had to attend the family reunion. I told him that I might be there as well seeing that Shifonda was adamant that I not stay home and dwell.

I went back to the Kinsey family reunion the next day. This time I came alone and left J with my mom. As the day went on we talked a time or two and as it got later in the day I asked him once again. This time he was surrounded by Eldrick, Cobi and Jeremy. They started to frazzle him and told him that he better take me and insisted that we hurry up and go. He said ok ok and said that he needed to make sure that the 4 wheeler was ready. He aired up the tires. Checked and made sure that there was gas and off we went.

Seeing that I was never on a 4 wheeler before I asked how to I hold on he said, I could hold on to him. So I placed my arms around him and off we went. He took me through the woods and through trails and such. The night began to creep up on us when I asked him where he was taking me? He said that he has somewhere special he wanted to go and that we were not far.

We went a little further down around the corner up the road and made a left. Past some trailers and through a gate. I front of me I saw this huge sand hill and asked, “So where do we go from here”?

He laughed and said, “To the top”

I began to freak out. To the top of what? That hill? It’s made of sand how in the world…..and before I could finish my sentence he took of trying to get speed. I grabbed him tight and we made it half way up the hill. We slide back down…. He turned back and said; “Are you okay” He giggled and said, “We just need more speed” Again here we go. Up the hill this time we made it.

He parks the 4 wheeler and we both get off. I stood there and looked up. The stars were just coming out. I stood there for a minute and notice how beautiful the night sky is when you have no city lights, no traffic, no other noise other than you and the woods. I sat down and he stood next to me. He turns and asked me, “Can I sit behind you?” I smiled and nodded my head. He sat behind me and placed his chin on my shoulder. I leaned back and exhaled. He leaned in and whispered in my ear… “I have never seen anything this beautiful” I said, “I know right the stars are so pretty” He said “no I meant you” He then kissed me on the cheek.

We sat up there silent in each other arm for about another 30 minutes and then decided to go. We were silent the entire way back to his house. It was at that point I knew that I wanted him to be a part of my life. It was at that time he realized he wanted the same.

The day he says that I messed up.....

The day at the football field AKA the day Cory says I messed up….

So I was back in the dating game and was talking to a guy for Minden he called me at the house and said that I should come to Minden field and come and watch him play. He said him and a few friends were out playing football and he wanted me to be his personal cheerleader. I laughed and agreed to go. I packed up J and off we went.

When we arrived I noticed Cory’s cutlass parked among several other cars I got a little excited at the thought of seeing him again.

I walked out to the field and began to look for him. (The guy I was dating)

I saw him, waved and smiled. I stood there for a little while and began to scan the field I saw Cory. He didn’t notice me and seems to really be into the game. It just so happened that him and the guy I was dating were on opposite teams.

As I stand there J in arms (he fell asleep) Cory finally looks over and notices me on the field. I wave and he just stands there. I’m waving and waving and waving, he is still just standing there. The next thing I know he is tackled by about 3 guys and is lying on the field.

I was shocked. He gets up dusts off and stills does not say hi, wave or nothing. After I realized he was ok I laughed a little thinking he was like a deer in headlights looking my way.

The games was over and before I could get a chance to say hello face to face he was in his car and gone.

I left and headed to Shifonda’s  parents house. I knock on the door and go in. His cousin Kamitra was sitting at the table with her mom and I begin to tell them the story.  I tell them how me and J were on the field waving, waving, waving. I tell them how he got hit and still left without saying anything. As soon as I finish telling my story he walks in the door. Still sweaty and had grass in his hair. Kamitra lites into him. “Boy is what this girl telling me true? Did she stand on the field waving to you and you didn’t even say anything. The you get hit? What in the world is wrong with you?” He laughs and doesn’t even try to explain. He walks around the table and whispers in my ear…….”You just messed up”

Little did I know that from that point on he made it his goal for me to be his…….

The day we meet

I am sure that most of you do not realize how we meet. Well here is the initial story. I was working at Cato with Shifonda and things between me and Marcus had diminished. We had broken up and I was sick. I would go to work and we would talk for hours about the current situation. She would let me know that everything would be alright and to put my faith in GOD. That my son and I would be ok. Things happen in life and every turn there is another road. She encouraged me to no dwell on the things in life that can’t be changed.

She was having a family reunion at her aunt and uncles house and said that me and J were welcome to come. I told her that I was going to stay at the house and she said that I would do better out of the house. She didn’t take no for an answer and came by the house the next day insisting that I get dressed and bring J over for a day among other kids.

I went and put clothes on and decided to come with. (Trust me she wasn’t leaving) We got to her aunt and uncles house (Cory’s parents) and I get out of the car and walk up with her. That is when I saw the “boys” for the very first time. Eldrick, Perez, Cobi, Cory and Bill were all standing together. They turned and saw me….. Next thing I know they were all asking Shifonda who I was and making sure that I wasn’t related.

Throughout the day they all trickled up and spoke…..

But that day lead to sooooo much more

My MOH

What can I say about my MOH (maid of honor) I have known her for my entire lifetime. She has taken me on adventure after adventure after adventure. She has shown me things that I never thought I would see. She has been there for me in times that I thought nobody was around. She has taught me the right and wrong things to do. But through it all she has loved me like no other. When I realized that our wedding was really happening. One of the first things on my mind was bridal party. Who do I want to share my special day with???? I began thinking of the few women in my life and how special they are too me. The enitre time I knew that she would be my MOH. I remember the day that I asked her. My aunt called me saying that she was crying. Yall know me I was like "Crying" Really? LOL She said that she was so touched that I would honor her with this gift. But I feel that I am the one who is honored to have her in my life. She is not only my maid of honor, she is my sister from another mister. She is one of my best friends in the entire world. She is my cousin. I love you Cokes........

What is the definition of a soul mate? When you Google it there are several different sites that define a soul mate as someone you have a natural and deep affinity with. Others sites believe that your soul mate is someone who God choose for you. So my question to you is do you believe in the possibility of a soul mate? What is a soul mate to you? To me I have met my soul mate. We can finish each others sentences, we can feel when there is something wrong and we are apart. I can look into his eyes and see what he is thinking. I can touch him and feel what he is feeling. When we meet our eyes meet from across the yard, and I knew that I had to be in his life forever. If you ask him he will say the same. We are like any other relationship, we argue, we fight, we disagree. So with all this being said, it makes me wonder, is a soul mate someone who you have an instant connection with or can two people be around each other long enough to where they can feel the same things? All I do know is that he is mine and I am his.

 

How he makes me feel.......

For those of you who have yet to see my ring............here it is. :)

The Venue

Here is the Venue (El Karubah Shrine, Shreveport LA 71106) the top picture is the outside in which we will get married, the bottom is a closer picture of the platform we will be on. Then you can see the back patio in which people can sit and enjoy the night air, and last but not least you can see the inside in which I plan on us dancing the night away. See yall April 14th

Family

So I come from a very small family (especially when compared to his) My family consist of ME. My mom. My 2 aunts. My Cousin. & My Uncle. Oh and all of our four legged friends that outweight the humans. LOL Literally. Well his family is Him. His Mom & Dad & Sister & Brother in law & Niece and Nephew. Then there are the cousins. (please forgive if i miss some) the ones i call the "boys" Eldrick. Cobi. Perez. Jeremy (bill). Jason. Edwin. Then there are the girls cousins. (again here we go) Netta. Shifonda. Kamitra. Lawiess. Money. Tink. Kim. Simon. Shiney. Renee. Dreka. Tori. Falon. Contika. T. Tabitha. ahh who am I fooling there are too many to remember. Then the aunts and Uncles. G & Nona. B. Mary & Martha. Ola. Pardy. Deborha. Carolyn. well you get the idea. So I am going from a family that always got together at all holidays to a family that is so big that we go from house to house trying to show love on holidays. But I must say that even though I am not yet officially family. His family won't let me feel that way. They have accepted me and my son from day one. ( I think they accepted him first) lol but they have been great. I already feel like a Kinsey woman. And I can't wait to be....... :)

I must say that in all that we have gone thru I would like to give a very special thank you to his parents and his sister. They have always made me feel that I can come to them with anything and have always helped me and him get thru some ruff times. I can't wait to make it official. I love you all.


-Ty

I want birdcage center pieces and have thought seeing that there are going to be at least 19/20 tables we would do 10 cages and 10 votive centerpieces. I am so very excited and have been working with Simply Devine Events on decor.

Bridal Party 2

Here is what the guys will be wearing.

My Bridal Party

Here is what my bridesmaids will be wearing.

Here is what my maid of honor (aka my cousin) will be wearing

How I feel about him

We come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.
- Sam Keen

My dress

So I have gone round and round with what I want to wear on my wedding day. I have tried on about 30 or so dresses when I finally listened to my heart and went with me original idea. I want lace. I have always been a fan of lace and feel that it is a simple elegant look that can be dressy or can be plain. So I don't have any pictures (other then the memories) of me in the dress. I don't want anyone to see me till that day but here is the dress that I have chosen. Its the Allure 8634 in the multi color gold silver and ivory. My mom is the only one that has seen me in it. It brought her to tears. I walked around the bridal shop not wanting to take it off. If I could I would be wearing it now...... can't wait for yall to see me in it.

Wedding Theme

So I have not been in or to many weddings in my 27 years of life. Most of the weddings that I have been to have been well simply a wedding. No theme, no special this or that. There are wedding colors, and it is usually colors that go well together. Brown, Cream, and Gold. Blue, Green and Ivory. etc. My girlfriend got marriend almost 2 years ago and her colors were red, black and white. But I am in a wedding this October and my girlfriend is going with a peacock theme. She is goin to have us (bridesmaids) in green and her MOD and MOD in blue. I guess we will incorporate the purple somewhere else. Any who this got me thinking should I just choose some colors and make it easy on myself? *If you know anything about me, know that I make nothing simple, nothing easy, and always put a "ty" twist on everything that I do. So I racked my mind. What theme can I do? I know that I wanted and outside wedding, as I stated he is very country and I am very city. So that didn't help. Then I began to try and incorporate somethings that I saw everyday. Nature, etc. Well I tend to call my fiance' a penngiun. He has a pointed nose that is almost pengiun like. Well let me tell you that a pegiun wedding was not going to happen. (He gets embarrased) So I thought birds. His dad has a pair of love birds that he has had for years, and that was it. We are like love birds, we can not live without eachother. We thrive on eachother to make it thru the day and our hearts beat together.

My theme was born

Venue

So I have gone around and around about the perfect venue. I have go East, and West and I THINK that I have finally found "the one".


Here is a list of places that I have considered. *at one point*


-Flying home to california and having a small wedding.
-The Randall T Moore Center in Shreveport LA.
             (it's a real nice place and cheap, but to small)
-The Scotish Rite Temple in Shreveport LA
-The Gazebos in Shreveport
             (pretty expensive for such a small venue and no alcohal and too small for the # of invites)
-Hill Country Village
              (Cory said the man was asking weird questions in which made him feel uncomfortable)
-The American Legion in Shreveport LA
              (beautiful, but public)
-The Elk Lodge in Shreveport LA
              (nice but not enough space for the outside wedding I dream of)
-Olde Oaks Golf Course in Haugton LA
-The Barnwell Art and Garden Center
              (Had my heart set on this place till I realized that it was going to cost 80% of my budget in rent)
-The American Rose Center
-The Robinson Film Center
-Several theaters downtown Shreveport
-The Historic Fire House in Ruston
-The Civic Center in Ruston
-The Norton Building in Ruston
-The Country Club in Ruston
-A quit little place off the Highway in Simsboro called Creekwood Gardens
              (my fiance' and I have been to a wedding there and it was gorgeous but ALL ouside)
-Savoie's Catering Place in Shreveport
-All the country clubs in Shreveport (YES all)
-Universal Chapel in Shreveport
-Brown Chapel at Centenary College
-SilverLake Ballroom in Shreveport
-Holiday Inn downtown
-Our own church
and even the Country Club in Minden


But after all these options and all this research as far as how many can it hold, how much does it cost, what vendors you can and can not use I have found the perfect venue for my outdoor ceremony/indoor reception that will hold all 160-200 guest for a great price.


The El Karubah Shrine in Shreveport. There is a slight downfall but I am dealing with it.


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