The Finishing Touches

With one month to go, Jess and Seth handle the last minute details.

By Jessica Solloway

I can't believe it, but Seth and I went home for the last time before the wedding. We had tons of appointments scheduled and literally did not stop moving from one place to the next (in our very un-cool rented minivan). I need a nap! The craziest part was leaving our meetings and saying, "Ok, see you at the wedding!". So strange!

I had a hair trial which was a lot of fun. I am so not an updo kind of girl ... so I want to do something that looks like "me", but with a special twist. My first "do" idea resulted in me looking like a conehead, so we nixed that pretty quickly. And then we tried something really simple that I loved. I am just going to pull a few strands back on each side with pretty crystal clips. Then we're going to curl my hair in really loose, romantic waves.

We also took engagement pictures (a little late, I know) but it was part of the package so why not? Plus we need all the practice we can get before the big day. We went to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens which I had never been to before. They are a strip of beautiful gardens that represent various countries and cultures. But you have to drive through a really, um, scary, neighborhood of Cleveland to get there. When we met up with our photographer, he said something along the lines of, "Oh yeah, it's really pretty here ... but I know a couple who got mugged in broad daylight taking their engagement pictures. And the guy was peeing as he was walking towards them. So, if you see anyone crazy lurking around, just run to the street." So, that was reassuring. Needless to say, I think we got some really cool pictures, and no one was harmed (or peed on) in the process.

Following the pics, we went to the Ritz for our tasting. I wish you all could come to our wedding to experience the deliciousness. Everything was amazing, and no matter what, I will find a way to eat at my own wedding. You always hear the stories about how brides and grooms are too busy talking to the guests to eat ... but we are going to do both, no matter what. One of my favorite parts about it is that it incorporates food that is so perfect for the season.

And in case anyone was worried about my wedding shoe situation, the pair I ordered online came to my mom's house and they are really cute and comfy. So, I am really happy about that. Luckily, I didn't have to spend a fortune to find nice wedding shoes.

All in all, this was a very productive, action packed weekend. I am getting so excited for the big day!!!