Showing posts with label Then Comes Marriage.... Show all posts
Showing posts with label Then Comes Marriage.... Show all posts

Monday, May 21, 2012

Year ONE of a Family Called the Bruners

Trevor and I recently celebrated our One year Anniversary. I can't believe how fast this year has gone by. It feels like just yesterday I was scouring Style Me Pretty, and planning my Dream Wedding. We have been through sooooo much together as a couple this past year, and have learned so much. I always used to think, that since we lived together before we were married it wouldn't be much of a change, but boy was I wrong. Once I became Trevor's wife, I felt I started to hold myself to a higher standard, and sometimes held Trev to higher expectations too. Knowing that he truly was going to be my partner through this thing called life, made me rely on Trev more than I would have ever expected. We have become a family, and are learning how to not be the "perfect" partner, but how to love and respect each other for who one another is, and appreciating the little things in life.

So after one year of wedded bliss, here is a quick recap of what we have experienced in our first year as Mr & Mrs...

1. Love... My heart has truly never loved anything or anyone more than I love my Trev. It all started on our beautiful honeymoon in Jamaica. Traveling to another country is a scary thing, and I counted on Trev to protect me. We had so much fun together enjoying a full week of just relaxing, laughing, laying in the sun, and a little bit of lovins. (okay alot of it). Once we came back home, we really just wanted life to return back to normal. No more wedding stress, and just enjoy our friends and family, and of course each other. After learning of our pregnancy in June, and then miscarrying in July, I knew I had married my best friend. Trevor was there for me through what was the most depressing time of my life. He held me when I cried, never judged me at times I could have been considered a little mental, and helped me get to a happy place again. He loves me unconditionally, and I hope he knows how much I love him too.

2. Money.... Weeks after returning from our honeymoon Trevor learned that his Boss was laying him off, as he did not have enough work to have an assistant. That was so scary. I have so much respect for Trev and what he did next. I was so worried, as we are definitely a two income household, and rely on each others pay to make it through. I stressed out a little too much, not because of Trev, but based on my own insecurities of what I have gone through in the past. Trev was on it, getting his name out there for any kind of side job that he could do. Then he landed a fantastic opportunity doing all the plumbing work at a restaurant. After that restaurant opened he got work at another restaurant in Huntington Beach. This past February Trev got hired working for Arroyo Plumbing in Arcadia. He works so hard, is on call almost every weekend, and does it without complaining. He truly enjoys providing for his family, and is so talented at what he does. Proud wife, am I.

I didn't do too shabby this year either. One month after the wedding, I was offered a promotion in June to manage the Collectors & Couture Department at South Coast Plaza. Although it was considered "lateral", it was a blessing, as I only had to commute 45 minutes to Costa Mesa, instead of the dreadful 1.5-2 hour commute each way to Topanga. I also got a pretty nice raise, but with the extra pay came a whole lot more grey hair, but has given me some fantastic opportunities and experience. I have definitely learned so much in my new position this past year, and can't wait for my next step! I am praying and working hard for that next promotion (after baby of course)

3. Family... A Family called the Bruners is starting a family!!! (with people not just animals, lol) After "trying" for four months Trevor and I found out we were pregnant on Christmas Eve. We are so thrilled to become parents and love our little daughter Stella Rose Bruner sooooo much already. Trevor is going to be an amazing Dad, and I hope I can be a great Mom. I'm 25 weeks along as I write this blog, which means only 12 more weeks until I am FULL term!!! Pregnancy has definitely had its exciting and challenging moments, and we are definitely looking forward to entering our next step as a couple- Parenthood.


We had originally planned on celebrating our one year wedding anniversary at Ponte Winery, as they just opened a new hotel on the vineyards where we said I do. With our little bun in the oven, we decided to spend it a little more G rated, since Mama isnt doing any wine drinking these days. Trevor took me to San Diego for a little get away. We went to Sea World, and then took a wonderful nap at our ocean view room at the Hilton in Mission Bay. We then went out for some Mexican food & cold stone in Old Town San Diego. It was relaxing, and fun way to celebrate our first year as a married couple.

Here's to many many more years of love, marriage, and the baby in the baby carriage!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Happy Birthday Husband

Today is Trevor's 24th birthday!!! I absolutely love & adore my husband, and am so happy to celebrate this special day with him. So what are the big plans- a cooked meal by yours truly, some cold stone ice cream, and a little night cap ;). fun right?! Well I thought so!

One of the coolest things about today, was going to go pick him out a card. Instead of looking for a blank birthday card with a puppy, or a card that says I love you, I got to go to the section "His Birthday- HUSBAND." Ok, this was a first... I finally have a relationship section recognized by the card design world. I truly had a moment at CVS- totally excited! (yay)

So in honor of his birthday, I have posted two photos.

Trevor- His First Birthday. Cake Smashing Fun!


Trevor- This year at his 24th Family Party



I look forward to celebrating many many birthdays to come! You make me so happy :D




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!