Something borrowed...

Well I've been away for a week and owe my readers an update. While I wish my absence could be explained with a long list of to-dos I've been busy crossing off, that just isn't true.

My Grandma passed away last Sunday. I know I shared with you that her decline had been much quicker than expected so she would not be attending the wedding. New information and circumstances brought to light early last weekend confirmed that her time left on this earth was very short. So we brought her to my parents house in Williamsburg to spend time with family in her last days.  My aunts, uncles, cousins, grandma's great-grand children and her sister all occupied the house for the weekend. We sat around her eating (mostly grandma's kolache) and talking. It was a very special few days for me and absolutely wonderful to spend that time together. My Grandma passed surrounded by her four loving children in the afternoon on Sunday September 23rd. It was actually a wedding vendor that wrote this to me but I think it sums up the potency of that moment for me. 

     Often we are brought into the world surrounded by those we love but many do not have the

     opportunity have that same love surrounding them as their journey comes to a close

Last week brought more baking and time spent with family. I think everyone is doing very well and feels a sense of relief that Helen's suffering is over.

It seems like the reality of the world often infringes on our most intimate moments, cutting them short and forcing emotions to be subdued for the sake of the next event or to-do. Last week brought a unique opportunity to come together and share as a family, but this weekend brought back the reality that our wedding is two weeks away. While thoughts of my grandma are still on my mind, we did start returning to wedding tasks over the weekend.  I'll share some accomplishments later this week, but thought this post seemed like the perfect time to share with you my 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' (as promised).

us with our hankies

Something old.

This past Christmas my grandma gifted each of the women in our family with a handkerchief. They each belonged to my grandma's mother (my great grandmother) who came to the US from the Czech republic. In addition to being a very special family heirloom, the hankie will accompany me on my wedding day as my special something old. (let's hope I don't have to use it too much.)

Something new.

I have many new items that I'll be wearing on the big day :). But think the biggest (and most obvious) will be my dress. (I had my final fitting on Saturday. It looks great!  Very excited!)

Nana's brooch

Something borrowed.

I have to start by telling you my 'borrowed' idea was eagerly stolen borrowed from my wise, elder sister. As I mentioned, we have been incredibly lucky to always have our Grandma and Nana close by. These two (combined with my mother and sister) are the strongest women I know.  I have been so lucky to have them as role models and supports throughout my life. As Kelsey did on her wedding day, I'll be wearing something borrowed from each of them on my big day. I'll be wearing Kelsey's pearl earrings, my Grandma's pearl bracelet and my Nana's purple brooch (her signature color) on my bouquet.

picture of Kelsey wearing Grandma's
bracelet on her wedding day

While I haven't discussed it much here, Javier and I will be having a private ceremony at the UVA chapel early in the day on the 13th to take our Catholic sacramental marriage vows.   I am so lucky that my mom agreed to let me alter her own wedding dress to wear at this ceremony. I always loved her dress and am so happy that I'll be married while wearing it.

I love the idea of carrying a piece of each of these ladies with me on such a special day.

Something blue.

I haven't showed you guys yet, but I found some awesome shoes for the big day. I'm calling then my UVA shoes because they not only have the perfect fall orange, but some.....you guessed it BLUE to peak out from under my dress. I love them and felt relieved when I realized I'd found something blue for the big day.

I'm really happy with each of my 'something's   As I said before, we only kept traditions that felt important to us. I don't think I believe in 'luck' but I like that some of these important items will be with me during our special day.