Bridal Shower and Skydiving!

Last Wednesday was my lingerie themed bridal shower, which was hosted by my Matron of Honor, and sister-in-law, Megan. It was so all so lovely, especially the food! Megan did such a wonderful job putting it all together! My close friends and family were there to support and shower me with pretty gifts! It was so amazing to be surrounded by a group of women who care for me and who are supporting me in this next big step I am taking in my life. I felt so blessed! 

The food was so delicious (and pretty too!)

My best friend from middle school, Elissa, who I haven't seen in 5 years! She did my hair. :)

My god-mother! 

My mommy!

My grandma!

My Matron of Honor, and sis-in-law, Megan! 

I have more pictures of the main group, but they happen to be on Megan's computer! If I can get them, I will definitely post them! I had such a wonderful time!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now on to a more thrilling topic: skydiving. 

You are probably asking yourself, "did she really go skydiving the week before her wedding?!" No, I most definitely did not. However, my fiance's brother and Best Man, Jeff, decided to gift Riley with a one way plane trip to the sky. They went today and, although I knew they were both going to make it back ok, it made me a little nervous! Despite my nerves, they came back unscathed, and I have to admit, I would like to go skydiving too. :) 

Riley and his brother Ben mimicking the skydiving instructor. Hee. :) 

Riley getting all strapped in!

Doing ballet? :)

My boy is excited! 

:)

Riley got in last, which means that he jumped first. :)

Ready for take-off! 

There they go!  

 We weren't able to actually see them jump and land, as they had to land a few miles away. I was so excited when the van brought my guy back, that I forgot to take pictures! He said that skydiving was one of his favorite experiences! I'm glad he got to do it. :) 

Well, I am getting married this Saturday! This time next week, I will be Mrs. Forrest. 

It's crazy to think about, but I am so ready! 

Marriage License!

Today, Riley and I went to the Lane County offices to get our marriage license!

It made everything become very real. 

It's funny, because you get engaged and are excited looking toward the wedding and what comes after, yet it's almost like it's pretend until it comes down to getting the marriage license and seeing people begin to show up for the wedding.  

It is then that you begin to realize that you are marrying the man of your dreams. 

You are going to be with him for the rest of your life. 

It is a wonderful feeling.

Back to the marriage license... :) They had us put all of our information in a computer, in which we got to choose how we are wanting to have our names look. 

We decided to not go with Riley and Nikki Knight. Haha!

 It was really cool to see my name with Riley's last name: 

Brenda Nicole Forrest

I absolutely love it. 

We are so excited!! 

I want the next few weeks to fly by. 

I can't wait to take on Riley's last name officially, becoming his wife. 

Only 25 days! 

Wedding Photography

Tomorrow, Riley and I are meeting with our photographer (Jeremy Mabe Photography) for the last time before the wedding to go over desired shots and schedule. 

I still can't believe how close we are to the big day! 

I have been doing research to see what I want for our pictures, there are so many great ideas out there. The ones I have chosen below come from Pinterest (of course). :) 

1. First off, every wedding needs a grooms first look picture. I love this. Riley and I are going to see each other before the wedding. It is just so much more convenient to do all pictures before the wedding, with a couple of "just married" pictures after the ceremony. I am going to make sure my photographer captures this moment. I know I am going to want to hold on to it forever. 

2. I love books. Reading is definitely my thing. I am a Jane Austen lover and can always go for a good period romance story. With that said, I would love to get a picture with me standing on books next to Riley (it would give me an excuse to show off my pink mary janes) and also get a shot of him and I kissing behind a book. It would be so cute! 

3. I love this picture. The bride and groom in the forefront kissing, yet having the focus set on the wedding party. 

4. This picture is so fun. I definitely want a picture like this while taking pictures with Riley's groomsmen. It is far to great to pass up... and another fun way to show off my shoes. :)

5. Every time I see this picture, it makes me laugh. It is priceless. I can picture Riley and his guys taking part in a picture such as this. This is definitely a must have! 

 6. This picture is simply beautiful. My Pride and Prejudice loving self craves owning a lace parasol anyway, but now I really wish I had one so I could take a picture like this! I love the fact that the parasol causes only the silhouette of the bride and groom to be seen. It is very romantic.   

7. Adorable. I can't get over how utterly cute this picture is. I have the perfect little couple to take this shot with. :) 

8. I love this picture. Have I mentioned how I really want to show my shoes off yet? :)

10. Wonderful family photo. All parts of the family in one loving picture. I would definitely put string down in the heart shape so they would know where to go to lessen the chaos. I might want to at least attempt!

I am so excited for my upcoming nuptials! All the festivities are coming so quickly. People said the engagement process would fly by, but I honestly didn't believe them. In the beginning it felt like an eternity! Yet, here I am, nine months after becoming engaged. It has been a whirlwind of fun, and it is not over yet! 

Now I am at that part in the process where I just want the wedding and honeymoon to get here. Once the big day comes, I can take a big breath and let the stress go. On the honeymoon, I will be relaxing for two weeks in Florida. I am so looking forward to that! 

So, here goes the next 27 days!