Father of the Bride.

September 18, 2010 11:00 pm.

(post wedding)

Father of the Bride...

for his 6th and final time.

Wallet out.

Grandson in underwear.

7 grand kids running wild.

Way past their bed time.

Ready to move on to the next phase?

I think so.

Can't get enough of this photo.

Thanks Mom for capturing this moment.

Sneak Peak...

The wedding photos are coming.

I promise.

I have had a few threats over my life if I don't post them asap.

Ha.

It may be a week or two.

My fabulous photographer took over 1,000 bridals.

And over 2,000 pictures at the wedding.

That's a lot of photos to skim through.

And more importantly.

Missa and Wess' wedding is right around the corner.

As for now I am in bridal shower mode.

Hoping to make this beautiful bride feel like the princess she deserves to be.

I can hardly wait for her and Wess.

So far - I am a big fan of marriage.

But for now...

enjoy another sneak peak.

More to come.

Promise.

P.S.

Isn't my HUSBAND handsome.

Just thought I'd throw out the H word.

Cause I can.

Only problem.

Our witnesses forgot to sign our marriage license.

It's currently on it's way to Papa Barker in Virginia for a signature.

Legally married?

Questionable.

The SLC Shower...

 

September 10th the Dudley family was nice enough to host a family shower for me at their house.

Naturally, the decorations were incredible.

Part of me wondered if it out did my wedding.

Still pondering that.

They had the table perfectly set to match my wedding.

With a fishing game to boot.

Katie my brilliant beyond brilliant sister designed the adorable invites.

(will be posted soon)

and made all the food.

It was to die for.

Honestly.

You would have thought we were at the Ritz.

  

 I stole all of these pictures from Mary's blog.

Sorry Mar.

Somehow I managed to sneak off without taking a single picture.

I am so mad at myself.

 I

 I was lucky enough to have my fabulous aunts Sheri, Sheron, and Jamie there to celebrate.

Along with some of their daughters and daughter-in-laws.

Not sure how I got lucky enough to be born into such a wonderful family...

but I sure am glad I get to be a part of it.

We also had Courtney and Megan Orton 

(or at least she's still an Orton to me)

come to the shower.

They provided some fabulous entertainment. 

Michelle got things a little mixed up.

And told them this was a lingerie shower.

And that I needed lots of sexy lingerie.

Personally - I thought it was fabulous.

It spiced things up at the grown up shower.

We all need a little sexy reminder every now and again right?

But it especially gave Ann Barker a good laugh.

She flew in earlier that morning and boy was I grateful to see her sweet face.

She is the greatest mother-in-law a girl could ask for.

She was a tremendous help at the wedding.

And Nana Brady came too.

James' Grandma.

At nearly 90 she is up and moving around just as much as my Grandma.

They are two peas in a pod.

I hope to be just like them at their age!

 

 These fabulous ladies helped set me up with all kinds of goodies for my home.

I am just overwhelmed by everyones kindness.

Thank you thank you!

I cannot thank Katie and Mary enough.

They were such wonderful hosts and chefs.

Thanks for helping me embark on my wedding journey!

I love you both!

Sexy Shower...

On Thursday September 9th early in the morning I received a text from James.

It said, "I am sitting next to Kourtney in class.

She is on the phone with Jessie.

She was just in a car accident.

Can you come grab Kourtney and go help Jess."

It was one of those moments where you just drop everything you are doing.

Leave the house without brushing your teeth.

And drive as fast as you can.

Besides the loss of Jessie's car everything turned out ok.

But that morning Kourtney said something that hit me...

"When you are away from family your friends become everything."

Suddenly the moment became very sweet for me.

My new happily ever after was going to be perfect and beautiful because I had such wonderful girls to share it with.

It was the day of my Provo shower with friends and I was beginning to realize how blessed

I am to have such incredible friends.

Suzette, Kourtney, Jessie, and Lizzie worked day in and day out to throw me this shower.

It was incredible!

My Mom came up for the shower.

Isn't she just adorable.

I was lucky enough to have one cute boy as my chauffeur.

Seriously I can't get enough of him

He's just too stinkin cute.

But don't worry - we quickly rushed him out the door.

I am going to apologize for the love fest that is ahead.

But each of these girls that came to my shower has made such a huge impact on my life.

So... I apologize now.

But just deal with it.

There were a few who I know were not able to attend.

And I pray they all got their invites

(I've lost all faith in the US postal service)

But I hope they all know how important they are to me.

 The party was hosted at Sister Shawna Gygi's home.

Where do I even begin with this woman?

I haven't seen her much in the last year.

Which is terrible.

But her impact and presence in my life will never fade.

She was my relief society advisor my sophomore year.

That year was incredible.

Never before - and never since have I been that close with a group of girls.

It is all because of Sister Gygi.

Weekly lunches, sex talk, religious talk, Guru's fries, and her infectious personality brought us all together.

Ultimately this ward will never be forgotten for me.

That same year I met a darling girl.

Her name was Lizzie Barker.

Her Mom came to visit our ward.

She recently told me that she is certain she sat right behind me and told Lizzie that she needed to bring James to her ward so that he could meet the blonde girl in front of her.

Two years later I became her daugther-in-law.

Without Sister Gygi and that incredible ward I probably would have never survived the BYU culture.

It was so fitting to have the shower at her house and I am SO grateful for her hospitality.

 Suz was the shower wonder woman.

She made sure every one was in line to make my shower incredible.

Her parties never disappoint.

Suz and I have really come full circle.

We just get each other for some reason.

Long chats in the hallway have brought us lots of clarity.

And I know those won't stop.

She's brilliant, a ball of energy, and would give up anything for her friends.

Thanks so much for making my day wonderful Suz.

 Kaitlin and Ky.

Also members of my wonderful sophomore ward.

They are two girls who know how to light up a room.

Kylee and I were lucky enough to work at NBC together this summer.

Let me tell you - this girl is a go getter.

Kaitlin has the most incredibly warm personality you've ever known.

She is going to be a speech therapist - I am so proud of that girl.

She doesn't know it yet but I do.

She has an incredible future ahead.

 Natalie and Karly.

Also sophomore wardies.

Blond, Cali, bombshells.

Aren't they just beautiful?

I adore both of them so much.

And mostly love that I finally found another Karly with the correct spelling.

Ha.

 Kourt and Jess.

I will never forget Junior year.

The 242 will always be home.

No matter how torn or black the carpet was.

Despite the ugly burns in our floor.

Even if our cupboards were full of junk.

Besides the fact that we probably all gained 10 pounds.

It will always be one of my favorite years of life.

Jess - you amazed me every day.

You are the most beautiful yet humble girl I know.

You are incredibly dedicated to the gospel in a very personal way.
It made me want to be more like you.

You'd never do anything to hurt anyone.

You always listened.

And I hope I was there for you too..

And always will be.

Kourt.

Oh dear.

You made me cry at my own shower.

In a good way.
You were there through it all with James.

We slept - or didn't sleep -

a foot apart for a whole year.

You know my heart in and out.

And I know yours.

At the end of the shower you reminded me how in love James and I really are.

And that meant the world.

 Beautiful Leavitt sisters.

Aren't they just adorable.

They are the epitome of warm and fuzzy.

You can't help but want to be there best friend.

Over the past year I have grown to love them.

We share a love for food.

Yet a love for staying fit.

The two are a hard mix.

But these two have mastered it.

 Hayley and Elise.

Thanks to Kourt I've gotten to know you two.

You are so darling and loveable.

Can't wait to be couple friends with you two and your darling hubbies.

 

Megan and Bliss.

I've gotten to know you two because of Suz and Kourt.

You both helped out with my shower and I am so grateful for all that you did.

You are both beautiful talented wives.

I look up to you both and hope I can amount to your class!

 Hil and Bianca.

Freshman sisters for life.

You girls have saved my life - and I've almost taken yours.

It's the perfect tale if you ask me.

You are both incredibly thoughtful and have always made me feel special and important in your life.

And that is a true friend.

I love you both.
Thank you for being such wonderful friends through the years.

Not pictured...

Sable.

Oh beautiful Sable.

You are a fashion inspiration to us all.

And of course a broadcast inspiration.

We don't have to have a love fest.

I know it's not your thing.

But just know that I am glad you're in the Lanai crew.

You've helped me survive.

And for that - I owe you one!

Courtney T.

I have loved getting to know you cute girl.

And James just adores you and Preston.

I am afraid we have lots of golf games to endure together in the future.

Spenc and Veronica!

London girlies!

We've been through a lot.

Engagements.

Teaching Veronica how to makeout.

(her hubby still owes us for that one)

Loosing diamonds.

Surviving London food.

And much more.

Thank you for your constant friendship.

And constant laugther.

Oh the memories.

Natalie Spilker.

Not sure how I didn't grab a pic with you.

I have loved you since I was in kindi garden.

You are so darling.

And such a wonderful friend.

Thank you for always being there for me.

I love you to pieces.

Calli

From 20's parties with too many dudes

to 80's dancing

and girls night out

You definitely know how to throw a party

But more importantly you are so smart and talented

Yet very down to earth

Don't know how you do it.
You amaze me.

Nicole.

Oh my sweet Colie.

I could talk to you about anything.

James and I adore you and Blair.

You are the worlds best mentors and neighbors.

Thanks for inspiring me to be a little more scandelous and a little more classy at the same time.

You are my go to woman for marriage advice.

And I couldn't think of a better person.

Like I said - there were quite a few that weren't able to attend.

And I wish I could thank them all.

But the bottom line is...

as you can see...

I've been blessed with wonderful friends.

Having them all together in one room couldn't have been any better!

Sorry for the love fest.

But it was kind of necessary.

 After lots of chatting.

And eating.

And admiring the fabulous decorations...

We got to sexy stuff.

Some would think I'd be a bit embarrassed about this.

But I am not.

It's a fabulous time of life.

Filled with fabulous beautiful things.

Thanks to all the girls for educating me on lingerie and the finer things in life.

It was certainly wonderful.

After the opening of gifts we watched a little movie Kourt and Nicole put together.

They interviewed James.

It was so fitting after all our time spent together in the news room.

And gave me a good laugh and cry.

Kourt was right when she said that James is perfect for me.

He is.

At the end of my video he did a little Justin Bieber rap.

It pretty much made the whole shower.

I've got one cute JB on my hands.

Thanks to my adorable bridesmaids for making my day fabulous.

I truly felt like a special sexy bride.

What more could a girl ask for?

We're Back... AND We're Barkers!

We did it!
We tied the knot!
And now James is stuck with me forever!
We are back in Provo.

Living in our first apartment together.

It's adorable.

White picket fence and all. 

Oh and things break all the time.

And that's cute.

And newlywedish.

But maybe I just think it's fun cause we live in it.

Together.

Anyway, lots of school to catch up on.

Even more blogging to catch up on.

(after all blogging is WAY more important than school)

A name change is on its way.

Lots of changing in my little life.

And lets be real honest.

It just went from my life - to our life.

But we are loving ever second of our life together.

We spend so much time just laughing at each other.

Our motto is getting married doesn't mean you have to be all serious.

And all grown up.

In fact, just the opposite.

I get to play house like I did when I was a little kid.

But now I get to do it with my best friend.

Going back to what I did when I was three years old.

How could life be any better?

PS

I am just going to apologize for the obsessive amounts of wedding pictures 

you are going to endure in the next month. 

It's just that I kind of loved my big day.  

Just like you all love - or will love yours.

So if you wouldn't mind - 

just humor me.

Thank you.

Final Countdown...

 

 In just 4 days I get to marry this boy.

And then he is stuck with me fo-eva and eva.

I couldn't be more excited.

On October 1, 2009 James and I officially started our little journey together...

with a little smooch.

I can remember it like it was yesterday.

Who would have known that nearly one year later we'd be tying the knot.

Here we are at the ending of an era of our lives.

And we are most definitely ready for the next phase.

But before we leave singledom for marriedom

I wanted to write down a few things that I want to remember about this little phase called engagement.

• James has slept on nearly every couch and floor in Provo, but has finally found rest on an air mattress at Melissa and Wess' future home.
• Melissa and I are sharing a bed in mine and James' future apartment. Almost every night I find myself leaning over to snuggle up to James - and then I find out little Melissa is not James.
• Went through the temple on September 11, 2010 for my very first time.  It was incredible. (more on that to come)
• I have had 4 incredible showers (more on that to come) thrown by incredible family and friends.
• My Mom, Laura Stagg, and Ann Barker are the best things that ever happened to me... besides James of course.
• Getting married in the middle of the semester makes things more stressful.
• My Dad told me last week, "Stress isn't real.  If you think yours is - put it in a bucket and bring it to me." 
• I am in LOVE with my Bridals taken by Jessica McAllister.  She can work wonders.
• I love James even more the closer we get to marriage.
• I often wonder why there is this unnecessary pressure on brides to be skinnier than they've ever been.  Nonetheless, the LGN Diet continues.
• I am really glad we are having an open house in Virginia.  I feel like the wedding festivities aren't ending this week.
• On the other hand... I have to fit into my dress a month after getting married.  And that thought scares me.
• James and I are taking a marriage class together at BYU.  I hate admitting that.  It makes me look like a major zoob.  But not going to lie - it's pretty stinkin good.
• James always wants to show people our apartment because he thinks it's done being decorated.  It's real cute - but NOTHING is done.
• I am SO excited for our wedding day I can hardly sleep at night.

I've been a bit MIA for the blogging world.

Before I head off to STG for the big day I'll try to get in a few posts about my showers and the temple.

But after that...

I am signing off for about 8 days.

Saying goodbye to my laptop.

And my cell phone.

And heading on my honeymoon.

Sunday Spotlight.

Nearly five years ago my path crossed with a woman who would forever change my life.

Dr. Coleen Andruss.

I won't go into details but what I will say is Coleen has taught me and my family a lot about living a healthy life.

On top of that, I was able to be in her home with her as her "nanny"

Although I felt much more like a big sister or friend to those kids than a nanny.

Without her I am not so sure my Dad would have the healthy life he now has.

And neither would I.

I'd probably be a chubby kid still.

I am what Bride Wars would refer to as, "an ex heffer."

It's ok.

I've come to terms with it.

She has taught me that there are no shortcuts.

The only way to look healthy - and be healthy - is to live it. 

She's my psychiatrist.

One of the people I look up to most in my life.

One of the most loving mothers I've ever known.

She loves every person that walks into her office 80 pounds to 600 pounds.

She once told me, 

"Everyone just wants a friend.  

People are so rude to people who are 400 + pounds. 

I become their best friend because no one else will give them the time of day.

And everyone just wants to be loved."

That has stuck with me.

It's something that I will never forget.

And one day I hope to help make a difference in peoples lives 

like she has in mine.

She is the most loving individual and I am so blessed to call her my friend.

Overwhelmed with Gratitude...

I've been so overwhelmed with gratitude toward all of our family and friends.

The wedding hasn't even happened and we've received such an outpouring of love.

I had no idea all of this was happening.

But my Mom sent me this little message saying that we've received a few things at my house.

This is why I love my Mom.

Always doing something thoughtful.

My parents have been INCREDIBLE lately.

Well they always are.

But especially right now.

My Dad is determined to make me feel like a princess -

even if I say it doesn't need to be that way.

He even came out for bridals.

And held the light thingy.

Oh how I love my parents.

Thank you thank you everyone.

I am not so good at this being the bride thing.

I would rather someone else receive all these things 

because I just am so overwhelmed with gratitude

and don't know how to express it.

Love you all!

True love meets by the sea...

Since James and I met on the beach...

and are slightly obsessed with anything nautical

we decided to do our pictures near where we met.

I am so happy with how they turned out.

Thanks to Whitney Darling Photography

Here are a few of my favorites!

James has been such a trooper through all of the wedding planning.

He was so darling taking these photos.

I think he was just super excited to show off his pocket square.

In case you are wondering -

James is an old man at heart.

I can't believe in one week I will be going to the temple to receive my endowment.

And then one week after that I will be married to James - forever.

Engagement has been a blast.

But we sure are ready for the next stage.

Since we've been engaged I've learned one thing about this boy...

He's hysterical.

I find myself laughing so hard.

His newest talent I've discovered...

The butt shimmy while dancing in his office.

Yes.

It's true.

I am pretty sure married life is going to be fabulous.