Hello Bloggers!

"Hello!" to anyone who happens to be reading this!! I'm brand spankin' new to the blogger community, and it may take me a while to get the hang of this, but I hope (eventually) my page can be a helpful resource for brides-to-be that are in similar shoes. It's not easy being a broke bride, especially with a dream of an extravagant destination wedding, but I'm determined to make it happen by summer of 2011. Any advice or support from the blogger community is more than welcome, as well as any questions you may have for me. I can't wait to learn, grow, and share this entire experience with you all.

A little background info...

My name is Valerie... Val, V, or what ever you like. I'm a music fanatic, an animal lover, and a thrifty, DIY-er. Most of my jobs have been for non-profit organizations (such as the Humane Society), so my pockets are empty but my heart is full. I have been an item with my best friend, now-fiance, James, for two and a half(ish) of the best years of my life. We have lived together nearly the entire time, and we still wake up happy to see each other. James recently started an apprenticeship for a plumbing company. It'll be a good job in 4 years, but, for now, it just gets us by. James has an amazing 7 year old son named Damein, who we got custody of a few months ago. I quit my job in order to make that possible, and I'm loving every minute of it, but it sure doesn't help the budget. I guess you could call me a stay-at-home-step-mom-to-be. What a title, lol!


James popped "the question" on July 3rd, 2010 (just two and a half weeks ago!), after surprising me with horseback riding (my very first time!) and a romantic, lake-side picnic. The ring is STUNNING! Much to my surprise, it was my Grandma's vintage engagement ring... repaired to look brand new! Of course, I SAID YES!!! It was the best day of my life, and I have never been more sure of anything, but it didn't take long for us to realize this wasn't going to be a piece of cake to plan.



James and I both come from families of divorce. My mom's side of the family couldn't be happier about my decision to marry James, but their financial situation doesn't allow them to help us. Knowing they wish they could help means a lot, and I feel so lucky to have their emotional support, but... it doesn't pay for a wedding. And my dad's side of the family has plenty of money, but they all live on the west coast and, honestly, I barely know most of them. My dad, who lives in Washington (state), won't even return my call about our engagement. I have only seen him once in the last 6 years, and the most I ever get from him is a text saying "Happy Birthday," so I didn't expect him to care... but I also didn't expect the silent treatment. He always told me he would disown me if I married a black man, and I guess he meant it. James doesn't even know his dad, or his dad's family, at all, and his mom's side of the family can't really afford to pitch in either. So, we are on our own.

If money weren't an issue... our close family and friends would join us for our wedding on our favorite beach in Florida (Navarre Beach), where we once lived together, we would take a cruise to some romantic Caribbean island for our honeymoon, spend a week with sand between our toes, fly back to our hometown, and throw a huge, classy, cocktail reception for everyone we know.

Realistically, I'm just aiming for the wedding. Probably no honeymoon, probably no reception.

But, who knows...