Day 379: Oodles Uncorked

Oodles Uncorked:
-an Italian American Restaurant with an award wining wine list
-a treasure of Market Square
-on July 8, 2010, the historic site of THE GREATEST SHOWER/BACHLORETTE NIGHT IN THE HISTORY OF WEDDINGS, featuring "The Katie-tini", my closest Ktown friends, my bridesmaids, a awkward glass window, great gifts, funny games where I proved I knew my groom, and THE WORLD'S MOST LOVELY MOH, MARCI!
-home of 1/2 price bottles on Wednesday nights
-site of a great Wednesday night with Linnea and Kelly!

Photo Credit: www.oodlesuncorked.com

Day 276 - ???: The Wedding break

It's wedding week....
Check back in August for details, pics, reflections, and even more new beginnings...

In the meantime, you can practice the words to our congregational hymn.

Lift High The Cross Hymn

Refrain

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.

Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conquering ranks combine.

Refrain

Each newborn servant of the Crucified
Bears on the brow the seal of Him Who died.

Refrain

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
As Thou hast promised, draw the world to Thee.

Refrain

So shall our song of triumph ever be:
Praise to the Crucified for victory.

Refrain

Day 275: Licensed to Wed

Today at the old courthouse in Downtown K-Town! We got...OUR MARRIAGE LICENSE!!

We resisted the strong urge to go find a notary and just get married. 9 days.

Source

Day 273: Suprise!!

When 6 friends show up at your house and you think you're going to have a little summer bible Study, the only thing that could make it even better is strawberry bread, brie with preserves (yes "reserves"), decorations, festive popcorn, and...gifts!!
It was a surprise "shower"!! Who would have guessed that the first shower in our new home would be for me! Haha. Sweet, cute treats. Time to share and pray and laugh with great women. And gifts from folks who love to shop the Pottery Barn registry.
Lovely!

The "icing on the cake" was the cake Mandy made. She is an expert cake decorator, in addition to everything else she does. I don't have a pick of last night's cake. (It was topped with magenta flowers - the color of my bridesmaid's dresses!) Here's a pick of another one of her masterpieces.

Day 262: The Cupcakery

A night out with the JLK Transfer girls was full of bridal treats and somethings sweet! We had cupcakes from the ever famous Cupcakery. Everyone is always buzzing about their cupcakes, but I have not tried them yet...until now! And they were fabulous!

The evening's flavors included:

Double Chocolate


Confetti


Tuxedo (Perfect for a Wedding!)


Red Velvet


Lemon Drop


And my personal favorite of the evening...

Carrot Cake

Day 252: ONE MONTH!

The forecast sunny,

The day will be grand,

My dress has been fitted

And the wedding is planned.

I am so excited I simple must say,

It is exactly one month,

Until Our Wedding Day!

More from our Wedding Website->

Day 248: Brentwood Hills Shower

Talk about generosity and southern hospitality. On Sunday afternoon, Brad and I were showered with well wishes, gifts, and a great time at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ. Brad was raised at Brentwood his and his mother is an active member. And they know everyone.
Everyone.
Brad's 3rd grade teacher...
Old neighbors...
His football coach from high school...
His 1st grade Sunday School teacher...and 2nd...
Friends from half a dozen mission trips to Honduras...
So, so many sweet folks and smiling faces. And the most organized shower hostesses in the history of weddings. What a blessing!

Oh, and the cake was wonderful!

Source

Day 246-248: Girls Weekend

"Polished and Pampered - Grab Your Gal Pals and Indulge in a Little Rest and Relaxation"

"in a rustic bungalow set high in the mountains, this cozy, family-run spa has breathtaking views"

"Hailed as a "rustic-chic" gem of a getaway channeling the charm and warmth of a Mediterranean village, Lakeview at Fontana offers its guests all the stress-melting amenities of a large scale spa steeped in a cozy casual atmosphere that is decidedly do-as-you-please."

"once you check in...you're tempted to skip it all and just relax."

The reviews where right and the weekend escape to this surprise location was incredible.
Amazing Maid of Honor.
Incredibly "Rustic-Chic" Resort and Spa.
Wonderful Hiking and Dining.
Great conversation.
Most relaxed I have been...maybe ever.
We enjoyed the weekend at Lakeview at Fontana.


Read more about this Resort and Spa and their recent rave reviews in Southern Living, Lucky, and more->

Day 240: Mother/Daughter Shower

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you since I have you in my heart. - Philipians 1:7

Those were the words on the napkins made for my shower this weekend. After a nice Friday of visiting and introducing my mom to my favs, she and I arrived the Saturday morning to gorgeous brunch with girls, mothers, daughters, and friends. The invitations where the prettiest I had ever seen. We were in the Young's home, where I used to meet for Bible study (a.k.a. Breakfast group) on Fridays. The home so lovely, recently rebuilt after a tragic fire last year. The whole weekend, I was so aware - how things change and how they are still constant. I really felt like Spartanburg was no longer my home. But I still loved being there. I am no longer with these folks all the time, but they still know me so well (as evident in their choices of gifts for me). Just like the Young's home was new, the girls lives in college are new, my life with Brad is a new wonderful adventure. I love, love, love what we had. But I am also so, so glad to carry these sweet friends into my life in the future.

Oh, and the menu...coffee, pink lemonade, and strawberry tea. Brekafast casserole, pastries and treats, and Mrs. Hudson's susage rolls. And, of course...the Tiller's world famous grits!

Diversion: His & Hers, Showers & South Carolina Friends

"Friends are the Bacon Bits in the Salad Bowl of Life." - Anonymous

A perfect weekend. Four lovely bridesmaids. Countless wonderful friends. Spicy guacamole. Legendary Bull Hawgs barbecue. Worship at Hope Point. Precious Ellie, M.E., and Andy. A moment to hug two of my favs/Junior Bridesmaids. A stop in for stationary with Sweet Pea and Powder (including our wedding invitations).

As Brad unloaded the car back in Knoxville and I started on thank you notes, I was overwhelmed - we have so, so much to be thankful for. I do miss seeing South Carolina friends on a daily basis. I am seeking after new relationships. I am eager for July 10 to get here and to be married to Brad. I want my faith to grow. I am excited about my new job. I am anxious to be in our new home together. I confess there are so many things like these that I want, but I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the wonderful things about these season of life.

Photo Credit

Day 194: A Grace-full Shower

Sunday afternoon, I had my first bridal shower! Appropriately, it was hosted by two of my bridesmaids, Dori and Alissa and their mothers. It was full of wonderful women from Grace Lutheran Church, where I grew up. My mother cried, my grandmother told wonderful stories, my little cousins Amanda and Rachel arranged gifts. Brad's mom, Jenny, and my Matron of Honor, Marci, both came over from Nashville. I was surrounded by amazing women who have pured into me so much throughout the years. We laughed a lot and in addition to some generous gifts, I got dozens and dozens of great recipes!
I am so, so blessed!

Photo Credit

Engagement Announcement: Union City, Tennessee

Here it is! Our first engagement announcement! It is in the Union City Messenger, which serve Northwest Tennessee, home of the Jones Family.

Miss Landon, Fitch plan July wedding
"The engagement and forthcoming marriage of Katherine Theresa “Katie” Landon and William Bradley Fitch, both of Knoxville, are being announced today..."Continue Reading->

On a related note, I have the greatest fiance ever. He's taken care of this and so many other details.

The day’s in between….snowfall, tea, and 2010

Well, we didn’t get any in Spartanburg, but inbetween all these wall posts, snow was derailing my plans to be in Spartanburg for work and fun. Once I finally got there, there were results from a great Rice Bowls campaign at Grace Management and lots of brainstorming for work in 2010. On the personal side there was the annual girls’ Christmas tea at the Tillers, a sweet gift with my future monogram, some wedding daydreaming, and lots of Bridesmaid and Junior Bridesmaid asking!!
After days of trying and being detoured by the Asheville/Johnson City Snow…it was worth it!

"Friends are God's Way of Taking Care of Us."
So glad you girls will be part of our wedding. Here's to braclets, ornaments, and "verses".

Day 77: Knoxville's Historic Homes...and the Rule of Engagement

We're getting married in July. It will be hot. My father's principle request is nothing that is stressful if it rains. All that is to say, an outdoor wedding is probably not really in our plans. But, one thing I have learned in the week and a half since we got engaged (See Day# 65) is this: people are going to give you their wedding advice and ideas. It does not matter if you want them. And often times, they are just more interested in reliving their happy moments of their wedding...or their daughters...or their sisters...or their coworker's son's frat brother. So, it's a great opportunity to do 2 things:

1. Let someone enjoy a happy memory.
It my chance to bring joy to their day. Just let them talk.

2. Learn about your city. Rediscover Rocky Top!

For example, I had no idea how many historic homes Knoxville had. I doubt Brad and I will married or have our reception at any of these sites, but here are some really cool places to learn about, right in our backyard. I want to visit them all!

James White Fort
"James White, The Founder of Knoxville, came here in the early 1780's from North Carolina. He had fought in the Revolutionary War and was given a land grant of 1,000 acres for his service. He built his 2-story log house on the present site of Knoxville in 1786..."
Quote credit

Ramsey House
"Ramsey House was built in 1797 by Knoxville's first builder, Thomas Hope, for Francis Alexander Ramsey. The structure is significant for original interior and exterior architectural features and its period decorative art collection.
The Ramsey Family was one of the first families to settle the Knoxville area. They played vital roles in developing civic, educational and cultural institutions. Colonel Francis A. Ramsey was one of the founding trustees of Blount College, now the University of Tennessee..."
Quote Credit

And More!
There is also Crescent Bend (were Alisss and Josh got married!), the Mabry Hazen House (which still contain original furniture from the 19th century), and Marble Spring (the home of Governor John Sevier).

Honestly, I feel like I am back in Tennessee History class!
Photo Credit

Day 68-72: Spreading the news and 20 questions

"We're engaged!"
When you tell people you are engaged, they hug you. Then, they start asking you questions. So, here's the questions and answers to more than "20 questions" that people are asking right now.

1. What’s the date? July 10, 2010
2. Where are ya’ll getting married? Knoxville, TN
3. Where are you going to have it? We’re enjoying our engagement. No planning until after Christmas!
4. Are you going to have a big wedding? Please see #3.
5. Where you surprised? Shocked!
6. What are you colors going to be? Please see #3.
7. When did you tell your parents? They were waiting for us at a post-proposal party
8. Did anyone else know? I think the majority of west Knoxville knew. I on the other hand, had no idea.
9. Who is your caterer? Please see #3
10. What kind of dress do you want? Please see #3
11. It’s not a diamond? No, I didn’t want a diamond. It’s a sapphire.
12. Didn’t Princess Diana have a sapphire engagement ring? As a matter of fact, yes, she did.
13. Where are ya’ll going to register? Please see #3
14. Is Harding (the dog) going to be in the wedding? Please see #3
15. Oh man, seven months! I bet you are already stressed? No. See #3
16. Have you seen ­­________ (insert wedding website, blog, magazine)? Please see #3
17. What kind of wedding do you want? Please see #3…wait, no, I’ll answer that one. We are going to have a fabulous wedding!
18. Are you excited? Have you met me? Of course I am excited!!
19. Is your mom excited? Judging from the multiple engagement magazines she pulled out last weekend, I’d say she is pretty excited.
20. Is Brad excited? Yes. I think he’s enjoying a victory lap after pulling off the best, multi-site, complex-timing, wow-factor-achieved proposal ever.
21. I am so excited you are getting married!
Thanks, and how are you?
Well, Can you keep a secret?
Yes…
We’re pregnant!!
This is my favorite one. But it’s a secret, can’t tell you who it is.