We're Finally Married - The Mikolai's

Our Wedding was PERFECT!

2009-08-12T22:34:00.001-07:00

Wedding Shower

2009-07-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hope you enjoy!!!

My bridesmaids (that were at the shower) and I...

The beautiful cake... (sorry I can't get it to rotate properly)

My handsome future husband, my brother, and Diane...

The soon to be Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Mikolai...

Some of our guests enjoying dinner...

My mom and I cheesin' for the camera...

Our amazing gifts.... (we scored big time)

This last Friday (August 10th) was the day of our wedding shower. We decided to do a joint shower rather than the traditional bridal shower. The shower was held at the beautiful home of my Aunt Teresa and Uncle Marc. Jessica (my maid of honor) was an amazing host... everything was perfect. We had a delicious Mexican themed dinner, with Tim's favorite carne asada tacos in the world! Special thanks to everyone who helped make our wedding shower PERFECT!

Jessica Cain (Maid of Honor) - For planning EVERYTHING!!! (And being the best MOH ever)

Teresa Wright (My Aunt) - For helping with the preparation and allowing us to use her home!

Linda Burghart (My Mom) - For the beautiful cake and for helping set up!

Diane Hunt (Jessica's Mom) - For the amazing food and help all around!

Tim's Wedding Band

2009-07-06T22:16:00.000-07:00

Today was a special day... we picked out Tim's wedding band and it wasn't nearly as difficult as I expected. For those of you that don't know Tim very well, he is soooo not a jewelry type of guy. I was worried that he would never find a ring he was comfortable wearing. After trying on over 20 rings, we decided on a ring that looked great and felt comfortable to wear.

This isn't the exact ring but the closest picture I could find online:

My Wedding Dress

2009-06-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

I love it... it fits perfectly... it's white... but that's all you get to know about it! :)

Bridesmaid Dresses!

2009-06-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

The dresses are here and BEAUTIFUL! They arrived 5 weeks earlier than I expected. I was a little nervous because I did not get to see the dresses with my color combination prior to ordering them. I was concerned that the Eggplant was going to be so dark that the black sash wouldn't stand out or be noticeable. Luckily, they are PERFECT... even better than I pictured in my head. So far I have delivered Jessica's and Amber's to them (the only local bridesmaids). I gave Tyla's to her mom. Aislinn and Mirandi are both coming into town for our Wedding Shower on July 10th, and will pick up theirs then. Heather C. is waiting until the week before the wedding and I am not sure about Heather P. and Emily yet. This is so exciting.... Is it weird that I was almost as excited for the bridesmaid dresses to show up as I was for my dress to show up?

Invitations are IN THE MAIL!!!!

2009-06-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

Yay!!!! It is such a relief to have all our invitations completed and in the mail. I thank my mom so much for agreeing to hand write all the names and addresses. It took us a full day, but it is so worth it! Tim was such a trooper, we spent so much time in front of the TV putting the invitations together, putting on stamps, and licking envelopes. Yuck! Licking the envelopes was the worst part, but I forgot my envelope moistener at work and I really wanted them done!

We sent out a total of 157 envelopes, invited a total of 417 people, and are expecting around 250 people to attend. Because Tim is from Minnesota, a lot of his family and friends are invited but unable to attend.

Wedding Update... FINALLY!

2009-03-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

So I finally had a chance to spend some time working on wedding stuff. So here are the most recent updates:

1. The bridemaid dresses are ordered and should arrive mid July! I had a difficult time deciding on the color combination but here it is... (Hope you like it)

2. My dress is ordered and is scheduled to arrive sometime in May. I was excited to find this out because it gives me more time to get in shape in case it is a little snug. Yay I love my dress!

3. Jessica, my mom, and I went up to the location of the wedding and spent time figuring out the layout of everything. I am really happy it is all working out. Going up there to visit reminded me of how beautiful it is going to be.

4. We went into Action Rental and chose colors for tablecloths and napkins. I am doing white tablecloths with plum napkins. It is going to be beautiful. While I was there I also made sure everything I could possibly need is reserved! (This felt amazing)

5. My mom and I headed into Michael's and bought some stuff to start experimenting with centerpieces. I was nervous at first, but I think they are going to be GORGEOUS!

6. Everyone keeps asking me what the theme of our wedding is... so here is what I came up with. GRANNY SMITH APPLES & FLEUR DE LIS (What do you think... wierd huh?) Well it is going to be beautiful. Here is a picture of the fleur de lis symbol in case you are confused:

That's all I can come up with for now, but I will post more wedding stuff soon!

Engagement Photos

2009-02-07T14:47:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few of our engagement photos taken by Khambria Anton (Eyelight Studios). We had them done last Saturday at my dad's house in Westhaven. Hope you like them!

Meet Paislee!

2009-02-03T11:40:00.001-08:00

This is our new little girl... Paislee! She is an absolute doll. We picked her up from Ukiah yesterday afternoon. She is a Miniature Schnauzer, just like Damen. We love her so much already!

"Is this where I am suppose to pee?"

"Mug Shot"

"Not quite sure what to think yet"

"Sharing lunch together"

Our New Puppy - Miss Ellabee "Ella"

2009-01-26T18:23:00.000-08:00

Well we sure didn't make it very long without a dog in the house. Last Wednesday (1/21) we got a new yellow lab puppy. It took us until yesterday to finally come up with her name. "Ellabee" is a cross between "Ella" and Ebi," but I am sure she will get called "Ella" most of the time. She is absolutely adorable, and very smart! She was born on November 29th, which makes her just over eight weeks old. She has already learned how to use the doggy door and she loves the freedom of going outside anytime she wants. I have been taking a lot of pictures because I know she is going to grow up so fast.

We decided to get a second puppy as well, so that they can keep each other company during the day while we are at work. We will be picking up our second puppy in a week! I can't wait to meet her. She is a salt and pepper miniature schnauzer, just like Damen!

"I got the itchies"

"Peek-A-Boo"

"Check out my pretty face"

"Yummy fingernails"

On a sad note...

2009-01-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, last Thursday we had to put Damen to sleep. He had been slowly fading and it just got to the point where we couldn't stand to see him in so much pain anymore. It has been a very traumatic experience for both of us. We miss him so much! Tim has spent the last twelve years of his life with Damen by his side. They were best of friends. We really hoped Damen would have been able to be here for the wedding, but we know he will be with us in spirit.

Rest in peace... Our Little Damen!

My Wedding Dress

2009-01-20T12:13:00.000-08:00

Well... I can offically announce that I have chosen my wedding dress! It is amazing, stunning, beautiful, and I absolutely love it. Jessica, Aislinn, Amber, Tyly, and my mom are the only ones to see it so far. I know you are suppose to keep your dress a secret (at least from the groom), but if you really want to see it I can send you a link to the website. Just let me know!

More updates to follow soon!

Bridesmaid Dress - CHANGED!!!

2009-01-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

So after spending the weekend in Santa Rosa with my mom and four of my bridesmaids (Jessica, Aislinn, Amber & Tyla), I have changed my mind and chosen a different dress for the girls. All four of them tried it on and loved it... or so they said. It looks amazing on everyone! The first picture is of the dress and the second picture is of the sash color. I am surprised by my decision but I LOVE IT... black dresses with clover sashes. We are still including the berry color but it will be in the flowers and the decorations.

Officially our wedding colors are: Black, White, Berry, & Clover!

To all my bridesmaids: Please get me your measurements as soon as you can. Just visit any dress shop and they should be able to do it for you. THANKS!

Save the Date

2009-01-05T11:19:00.001-08:00

How in the world did I forget to post the date of our big day???

Well here it is:

August 8th, 2009

Bridesmaid Dresses!

2008-12-04T12:54:00.001-08:00

Nothing is for sure yet, but this is the dress I am leaning towards. Now I just have to locate it and have one of my girls try it on!

What do you think? Are you liking the color combination?

The Bridesmaids!!!

2008-12-03T10:42:00.000-08:00

I would love to introduce you to my lovely bridesmaids...

Jessica Cain:

Jessica has been my very best friend for years and years. We first met in seventh grade when we rode the same school bus. She may never admit it, but the real reason we started being friends is because she wanted to play with my super cool bead set and borrow my NKOTB hat. :) I love her with all my heart and it has been amazing to spend so much of my life with her as my best friend.

Aislinn Solinsky:

Aislinn and I also met on the same school bus in seventh grade. We became great friends making many memories that I will cherish forever. We have a very similar sense of humor and love to laugh together. There were many times in my life when I would turn to Aislinn because I knew she would listen and always be there for me. I consider her my "rock" and therapist. I LOVE HER!!!

Amber Kees:

Amber is a relatively "new" friend of mine. We have know each other since high school but it wasn't until July 4th, 2007 that we started to become close friends. You would never know that we have only been friends for a short time. I love Amber to death and it feels like I have known her forever. We have a great time together, even though she swears I tried to beat her up years ago at Sidelines. I don't remember it, (not that I was drinking) but if she says so, I'll take credit for intimidating her a little bit! :) I'm so happy to have her in my life forever!

Heather Collart:

Heather and I met in junior high but didn't become close friends until freshman year. She is amazing. We spent tons of time together in high school just goofing off and acting silly. It is hard to keep in touch but when we get talking we spend tons of time on the phone. I miss Heather so much and would love her to move back home! :) (Please?)

Emily Brown:

Emily and I go way back to Morris Elementary School days. Our friendship all started in fifth grade. Emily has always been the life of the party. She is so much fun and you can always guarantee entertainment if she's around. Plus she makes a great dancing partner. Love you Emily!

Mirandi Price:

Mirandi and I have know each other since high school, but became good friends after we both graduated. I love Mirandi for her extremely sweet personality. She and I have always been there for each other through good times and bad. I wished she lived closer because I think we would probably be together every single day.

Tyla Wright:

Well I could honestly say I have known Tyla longer than any of my other bridesmaids. Considering that I have known her since the day she was born. She is my cousin and means so much to me. Before Tyla was born, I was the only girl cousin so it was nice to have her around. We have always been very close and it is important to me that she is a part of my wedding. Love ya CUZ!

Heather Pellmann:

What can I say about my sister Heather... I love her to death and wished she lived closer to me. Heather was technically my step-sister for just three or four years but I watched her grow up since she was just a toddler. Although our parents didn't stay married, I will always consider her my sister. She means the world to me, I just can't explain it in words. Love you & Miss you!

So those are all of my girlies... I love them all to pieces and can't wait for them to be a part of my special day. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!

Vendor Update

2008-12-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

We have a few additions and changes to our list of wedding vendors...

Ceremony: Either Pat Grace, Jim Snow, or Eugene Wilson (please give suggestions)

Catering: Between Classic Catering, Amy McGraw, or Elizabeth (Hurricane Kate's)

Flowers: Definitely decided on Sarah Abernathy

We now have 300 chairs, 34 eight foot round tables, one 40' X 40' tent, a dance floor, and a Pagoda style tent for over the dance floor reserved. How exciting! We just wanted to reserve the main items to make sure that they will be available the day of the wedding.

We are still having a hard time deciding on wedding colors. Most likely the wedding with be all or a combination of these colors: chocolate brown, granny smith apple green, berry purplish fushia, and of course white.

Wedding Vendors

2008-12-01T14:17:00.000-08:00

Here is what we have decided on so far...

Photographer: Eyelight Photography (Cambria)

Wedding Cake: Amy McGraw (Trinidad) or maybe Ramone's

Catering: Classic Catering (Cynthia Samsel) This is not set in stone yet!

Flowers: Abernathy's (Most likely)

I am looking for any suggestions anyone might have. Please let me know!

Wedding Location

2008-12-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

For years it has been my dream to get married on my dad's property in Westhaven. After meeting with our wedding planner we have determined that it is going to work out just fine. At first I was nervous that we wouldn't be able to invite as many people as we hoped to invite. But our wedding planner assured us that my dad's house can accommodate plenty. Now the real planning begins!

Here are just a few pictures of the location...

The Ring

2008-11-13T10:59:00.000-08:00

Here's my ring...

I absolutely LOVE it!

It is everything I could have ever asked for and more!

The Proposal

2008-11-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

On November 11th, 2008 Tim proposed to me! It was by far the happiest day of my life. We were up at Jessica & Tavis' new house having dinner with Amber & Nate and Jessica & Tavis (and of course the babies). We had just finished eating yummy tacos and we were all just visiting around the dinner table. Tim stood up and stepped a few feet away from the table. He asked me to come over to him. I still didn't know what was going on. Jessica and Amber continued chatting until Nate noticed Tim drop down on one knee. Nate said to the girls, "hey you guys might want to see this!"

Right at that moment I realized what was happening because I saw his hand behind his back. He opened up the ring box and told me how much he loved me and asked me to marry him. Of course I said YES, actually my exact word was ABSOLUTELY. I started to cry immediately and covered my face. I reached down for the ring and realized he was suppose to place it on my hand for me. I handed the ring back to him and asked him to put it on my ring finger. We were both so nervous and jittery that he started to place it on my right hand and I had to hold out my left. It was all so surreal. I remember helping him to his feet because all I wanted to do was hug and kiss him. For a few moments we were lost in eachother, simply enjoying the most special time in both of our lives!

This picture was taken just after he asked...