I'm a big fan of lists. I have a plethora of them stuffed in my purse and some neatly piled in my desk drawer. I even have a file folder labeled "lists" for the more serious lists in my life. I'm perpetually crossing off accomplished tasks and adding new ones. If there is a piece of scrap paper or a sticky note around, I'm grabbing a pen and writing a list. It's a sloppy way of staying organized, but it makes me feel sane.

While the aforementioned lists are always some variation of the classic "to-do," I've decided to compile a list -- not on paper but right here on my blog -- of things I've already done, in order to get to the "I do's." It's an attempt to make myself feel good about what I've accomplished so far in this year-long wedding planning process.

So here are the things I've checked off, with 252 days to go (according to The Knot). 

Essentials

CHURCH, St. Patrick's, Norristown

VENUE, Normandy Farm, Blue Bell







Vendors

PHOTOGRAPHER , Jennifer Childress, Lansdale

DJ, Schaffer Sound Productions, Media

Apparel

DRESS/VEIL, The Country Bride and Gent, West Point

BRIDESMAID DRESSES, Priscilla of Boston, Ardmore











In progress

VIDEOGRAPHER

STRING QUARTET

SAVE-THE-DATES

And I'll throw this in for good measure--I've also checked out invitations, envisioned my flowers, cake and accessories (some major shoe research has been done) and planned out a DIY escort card project.

CHEERS!

Flowers. I haven't had many great experiences with them. I've never found them to be particularly exciting. In fact, a photographer I work with just asked me what the Babbling Bride was writing about next. I said, "Flowers." And she said, "You don't sound too excited."

Maybe it's the guilt. I have cut short the lives of many, many beautiful bouquets in the 15 years I've been lucky enough to receive them as gifts -- on my school desk, then in person or sometimes by delivery.

My flower killing isn't purposeful. I just totally forget to change the water. It's happened again and again. They could be displayed in a lovely vase, smack in the middle of the kitchen table, and I'll pass them every day without even thinking to freshen the water. When I do realize, it's too late.

The first time I was given a dozen red roses was in sixth grade, from a boy in my class. I'm sure my mom took care of them. And every other bunch of gifted flowers that survived a decent amount of days in the years following. If she wasn't on top of them, then they were likely drooping.

A few years ago stargazer lilies were delivered to my work as a "thank you" for a story I did about twin chess prodigies. I thought they were magnificent. I watered them with care, and they lasted quite a while. Maybe I'm just not crazy about roses, I thought. I liked finally having a favorite flower.

More recently I've made efforts to make up for my past by picking up fresh flowers at the grocery store. No special occasion -- just to have them in the house. I've gotten better with that whole changing the water thing. I even cut the stems on an angle and mix in that flower food. I'm so domestic now.

So I'd been engaged for like a day when I decided I wanted pale pink peonies to be my featured wedding flower. I didn't even know what they were called and when I found out their name, I somehow pronounced it wrong. I just liked the simply elegant, yet lush bouquet I came across in a bridal magazine.

I loved how they were bunched together and looked so feminine, so whimsical. I started thinking that would be my wedding look: light and airy.

Again, not being a flower person, I didn't even think to look up if they'd be in season in September. I hadn't booked anything at this point but I was banking on that month.

Read: Peonies are ideal for a late spring or early summer wedding. Of course.

No need to panic. My sister and mom helped me search alternatives for pale pink peony bouquets. We came up with garden roses, which are mostly hybrid roses. I've since done a bit more research and learned of varieties like cabbage roses (below) and David Austin roses, left. Um, love!

I hope to bunch together delicate colors of vintage blush, white, cream and maybe dusty rose. I have a soft peach in my mind as well, but that addition is TBD. I've even seen a white and pink bi-color garden rose. Gorg! Maybe pink tea roses could even work?

Listen to me going on and on about roses! Turns out these soft, garden beauties took me from bummed bride to one who's saying, "Peonies who?"