Sunday, July 31, 2011

January 17th 2012

Trevor and I had an amazing time on our honeymoon! We both work so hard, and to be able to have an entire week to rest, swim, and ah hem, was a dream come true. We talked about what our dreams were for the future as the new Mr. & Mrs. Bruner. One of the things we are most excited about is having children. When Trevor became an uncle to precious little Christopher Matthew, he was in love. We lived with little Christopher for a month before moving back to California. I remember Trevor putting little Christopher in his carrier, and walking him around the house as he would vacuum. I knew then Trevor would one day be an amazing father.

Although we want kids so bad, we had discussed a timeline on our honeymoon. We would enjoy a few months of marriage, start a savings account together, and start "trying" for baby in April.

When returning from our honeymoon, I started to have these awful chest pains. They were so severe I would have trouble breathing. It got so bad I finally went to go see my doctor. He told me I had "costochlondritus" which is when you have a blow to your chest, and it swells up internally. It sounds serious but he said it wasn't a huge deal, but would go away in a few months after heating the area with a heat pad every night. The only thing I thought could have caused this blow was when we had gone ziplining in Jamaica.

Fast forward to one week after this Dr.'s visit, and I was late for my period. I thought there is no way I could be pregnant. But to make sure I bought three EPT tests at the store. All of which would come back negative. Another week went on. Still no period, still severe chest pains. I decided to go back to the Dr., this time my Mom went with me.

I explained to the Dr. everything that had been going on. He started to worry it might be my heart, and would have me go see a cardiologist. My mom knowing that I had not gotten my period said, "Dr. Frischer... Melissa has not gotten her period. Could this be a side effect of pregnancy?". I told him how I had taken the EPT tests, and that they had all come back negative. He insisted that I go have blood taken to make sure. SO off I went to the blood technician to have my blood drawn.

The next day at work, my mom calls me frantically. "Dr. Frischer's nurse called... she says you need to call her back". Me being the busy bee I am, didn't see the 3 missed calls on my cell from the Dr.'s office. So I called the nurse back, and she said dropped the bomb..."you tested positive. You should make an appt. with your gynochologist as soon as possible." I think my face turned white, I was shaking, and my eyes filled up with tears. I ran out of my office and just cried. I was happy, but caught off guard. What about our plan? I then called Trevor and told him the shocking news "you are going to be a daddy!" He didn't believe me at first, but once he realized I wasn't kidding he was so happy. I gave him a pacifier that read "My Dad rocks when I got home. We were on cloud 9!!!

We then told our family, and closest friends that we were expecting a little baby bruner <3 Based on when I had received my last period, my amazing gyno Dr. Kogan, said the estimated due date was January 17th 2012. We bought Baby Bruner books, started planning nursery decor, started a registry at my favorite Pottery Barn Kids, and studying how to become the best parents we could be. I had all the symptoms; extreme fatigue, breast tenderness, and a little nausea. Although these were annoying, I couldn't help but push those side effects aside. All I could think about was how happy I was to be having a baby with the most amazing man I had ever met. One night I had come home, and Trevor was showing me all the things he had learned in his book "The Expectant Father". He was so proud of his studying, and I couldn't help but tear up. I had the best Dad growing up, and now my baby would have the same. Every night before we went to sleep, Trevor would lean down and kiss me good night, then kiss my tummy and say good night to our sweet little Baby Bruner. We were so excited for this new adventure, and thrilled to become parents even though it wasn't part of the "plan".

One month of planning for the baby's arrival, our dream would crumble down at the ultrasound appointment. This was supposed to be the best appointment. The day we would see our baby for the first time, and get to hear the heart beat. Our sweet Dr. Kogan was having trouble breaking the news to us. There would be no heart beat. We looked at each other with disbelief, and just fell apart right in that office. The nurse would go on to tell me in my next appointment she had never seen a man so in touch and emotional with the loss of the baby. She told me what I already knew "he is going to be a great Dad some day."

No heart beat, meant there would be no baby. No January 17th.

I have found it extremely hard to deal with the loss of our baby. We miscarried naturally two days before I was to have a D&C procedure. To go through losing your child for 9 hours of excruciating physical pain, along with the emotional loss was the worst thing I would ever experience. I feel lucky to have family & friends surrounding us with words of support & love. I have been open with what we have experienced, to honor our lost little angel. I found this quote after reading miscarriage support blogs online.

"An angel in the book of life wrote down our baby's birth. She whispered as she closed the book.... Too Beautiful for this earth."





Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Orange County Designer Preview

Designer Preview.... arguably the most important night in fashion in the "Nordstrom" world. I started my new job June 27th. In 2 days I will be hosting my very 1st preview in Orange County. Which means a whole lot of work in just 4 weeks. Although I hosted one in Portland, OR; the OC event has always had a special place in my heart. I remember attending my first preview event. I was 22 years old, and in complete awe. I was told to show up to the event, to "wear designer", and be a runner. Basically my job was to clean the boutique, run go backs, and say hello to customers.

So I showed up to the event wearing a black cocktail dress (because at the time I was so new to the designer world didn't own any designer, but I knew that black was always stylish), and an M Missoni purple & grey scarf. I was scared to death, and beyond intimidated of the dazzling salesgirls, and super stylish women decked head to toe in designer. I remember thinking, what an amazing event. I felt lucky to just be a "runner".

Fast forward to 5 years later, and I would be hosting the the event...
This year I will be wearing runway Alexander McQueen, "running" a sold out preview event. See picture below...


Its amazing how much things can change in just 5 years. I am now happily married, living in a beautiful townhouse, and at the top role in designer apparel management for my company. I am so excited to host the event, and even more excited to see what will happen in the next 5 years. Some people measure success by how much money they have in their account, others measure it by what they own... I measure it by what's hanging in my closet (lol)... JK!

I truly feel successful, and feel I have accomplished so much. Every once in awhile its okay to pat yourself on the back. Today is that day.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

We Click


Our Bridal Party
"Our Family are our Friends, and our Friends are our Family"

When people asked us how many people were in our Bridal party we answered "21" so matter of fact. I was raised growing up in a family full of girls, and Trevor was raised in a family full of boys. So together, I guess we would be the bridal party "brady bunch" . It was so important to us to include our family, and the only people who were not "blood" are truly our bestest friends, who are like family ... so that is how the story of our 21 person Bridal Party was formed. This was the smartest decision we made. No matter what people tell you :you should do" at the end of the day, you need to do what's best for you & your husband. We love these people so much, and were beyond blessed to have them stand by our side as we promised "forever". Below we have given them a SHOUT OUT!!!
Groomsman:
Travis Bruner- Twin Brother of Groom
Chris Bruner- Brother of Groom
CJ Bruner- Brother of Groom
Tara Casares- Sister of Groom
Robert Casares- Brother of Groom
Perry Shurko- Uncle of Groom
Scott Shurko- Cousin of Groom
Jason Keith- Cousin of Groom
Adam Cox- Friend of Groom
Scott Ramirez- Friend of Groom

Bridesmaids:
Julie Maldonado- Best Friend of Bride
Allison Israwi- Sister of Bride
Danielle Burns- Best Friend of Bride
Crystal Lacey- Best Friend of Bride
Kelly Persico- Sister of Bride
Christina Reyes- Niece of Bride
Gianna Persico- Niece of Bride
Katie Mandalia- Best Friend of Bride
Caitlin Armstrong- Cousin of Bride
Meagan Lloyd- Cousin of Bride
Megan Carney- Sister in law of Bride




Wedding Video Teaser

http://rusticred.com/blog/weddings/melissa-and-trevor-wedding-teaser


Follow the link for a "teaser" of our wedding video. Rustic Red has done a great job!! Video to be complete in October. Hope you like ;)

Details, Details, Details





































Our Wedding
The Details

One of the most important elements in making a wedding a success are the details. Sometimes a bride can go overboard.... but if the details are well thought out, chic, and most of all personal then it will all come out beautifully. Partner with your vendors to ensure they understand your aesthetic. The last thing any bride wants to deal with on her wedding day is setting up all the details. I would be lying if I said there weren't any "slight errors" on our big day, but always remember that if you trust your vendors, it will all turn out just fine. After all the hundreds of hours planning the wedding, and obsessing over every single detail, I am happy to say it was all worth it. An organized bride is a happy bride :) Above are photos of all the details we used in our wedding. I have listed the appropriate credits below. My vendors were absolutely amazzzing!!! I would recommend them all for any future brides out there. I have to give a special shout out to Gwen from "Totally Inviting" who created all the stationary for the big day (invitations, place cards, menu cards, table numbers, table stories, ceremony programs, wedding cake card and the cake topper! She even had an artist specially paint the precious moments bride hair brown, so it would look like me!

Photography: Brad Washburn Photography
Flowers: Elegant Thorns
Ceremony Location: Ponte Family Estate Winery
Reception Location: Ponte Family Estate Winery/ Vineyard Ballroom
Parasols: Provided by Ponte Winery
Invitations & Stationary: Totally Inviting
Dove Release: Angel Wings
Linens: Flower Fusion
Shoes: Valentino
Earrings: David Yurman
Gown: Monique Lhullier
Veil: Mon Amie Bridal Salon
Dress #2: Alexander Mcqueen
DJ Entertainment & Photobooth: Station Identification
Cinematography: Rustic Red Studio
Bulldog Cuff Links: David Donahue
Clutch:Nordstrom Wedding Boutique
Bridesmaid Dresses: Vera Wang
Bridesmaid Pearl Cuffs: Nordstrom
Bridesmaid Shoes: Cole Haan
Flower Girl Dress: US Angels
Bottle Stopper Favors: The Knot Wedding Shop
All you need is love favor tags: Rhino Feathers on Etsy
Money Bag: Jenny Fay on Etsy
Ostrich Feather Pens: Justpens on Etsy
PhotoBooth Scrapbook: Arby Chapin on Etsy
Bridal Gown Hanger: Jenny Fay on Etsy
Photo Booth Signs: Pertifultings on Etsy
Personalized Wedding Cards: Bsylvar on Etsy
Leah Broach on Bridal Bouquet: Mykonons on Etsy
Garter: Garterlady on Etsy
Bridesmaid Gift Bags: 5dollar french market on etsy
Bridesmaid Gifts: Vera Wang Perfume & lotion Set from Nordstrom
Thank You Favor Stickers: Special Tags on Etsy
Photo Booth Props: Little Retreats on Etsy
All you need is Love Shabby Chic Sign: Familyattic on Etsy
L.O.V.E. mugs- single letters from Anthropologie
Flower girl basket & Ring Bearer Pillow" BraggingBags on Etsy
Melissa & trevor Wedding Shabby Chic Sign- My primitive Boutique on Etsy
Glass Bird Statue: Pottery Barn
Etched Glass Stands for Pens: Pottery Barn
Slideshow: By Brother in law Joseph Israwi
Cake Cutting Knifes & Toasting Flutes: Vera Wang
Birdcage: Ponte Winery Boutique
Sparklers: *Sparkle*







Happily Ever After









May 1st, 2011
Our Wedding Day

The Planning...
From the Bride...

Easter has always been one of my favorite holidays. Not only did I love waking up to Easter candy filled baskets, but I love the pastel colors, and going to brunch with my family. I remember being a little girl dressing up in my big fancy dresses, and pearl jewelry, with matching hats and gloves to attend Sunday Service. Fast forward to Easter 2010, where I woke up to an Easter present from my now husband, which was filled with Easter candy, and in the middle a diamond ring! Right there on Easter Morning he popped the question!

We started planning right away! I had always wanted a vineyard wedding, but we didn't want to inconvenience too many of our guests, so we went to our own backyard, Temecula! As soon as we stepped foot on Ponte, we knew it was the one. There were rose bushes surrounding the ceremony space, immaculate gardens, and a brand new ballroom with 360 degree views of the vineyards shining in from the windows. We even saw little bunny rabbits hopping around, whom also made an appearance on our wedding day. Besides Ponte's breathtaking grounds, we also fell in love with the delicious food, and tasty wine. One of the questions I received the most was... "What are your wedding colors?" Although a color combo can look great, I wanted more of a spring color palette, to show our love for our favorite season. We used white, ivory, soft pinks, peach, lavender, and champagne. We really wanted to have a romantic feel so other details we used were pearls, lace, crystals and rosettes. From pearls hanging from the altar, to lace wrapped bouquets, to mini crystal chandeliers hanging from the trees, these details really made our day pretty.

One of my favorite obsessions besides obsessing over SMP daily, became etsy where I found my : ring bearer pillow, flower girl basket, personalized cards, bouquet broach, photo booth props, shabby chic signs, favor tags, and ostrich feather pens. Other ways we personalized our Big day was with our table numbers. Each table had a trifold picture frame, where we included a picture of us during our relationship, and the story behind it. Some of these included "Monkeying Around"- our dates to the zoo, "Falling in love"- hiking the falls, and our personal favorite "puppy love" which is the story of our bulldog Minnie. Since Minnie is not behaved as well as she should be we just had to include her! I also included her by giving my groom, Trevor, a pair of Bulldog cuff links to wear. My awesome hubby also put his drill to use and made all the Ponte cork place cards we used. The favors we gave our guests were heart shaped wine stoppers, because what's more fitting than a wine stopper at a winery?

Our wedding day was amazing thanks to our families for helping us with all the details, especially my Mom who was the best wedding planner I could have ever hired, our vendors, and of course Ponte. I will never forget seeing my groom for the first time with his adorable bow tie, holding hands under the altar, watching dozens of doves fly over us afetr we said I do, dancing with my amazing bridesmaids, laughing with our friends and family, and running through the Sparkler finale to celebrate our new life as Mr. & Mrs!!!

To Blog or Not to Blog...


Now that we have said I do we are officially a family! Trevor, Melissa (me), Minnie, and Missy are A Family Called the Bruners. We were married May 1st, 2011 which I will get into next. I have decided to start this blog, to document our happy moments as a new family, and also share our struggles. I always had a diary growing up, and I have found writing to be relaxing and encouraging. I hope those of you that are here will come back time to time to see what is going on with the Bruners. Besides sharing stories of our family, I will also write about my personal interests. (fashion, home decor, and party planning!) SO sit back, relax, and enjoy reading about A FAMILY CALLED THE BRUNERS!