Getting Hitched!: I'm engaged!!!

So, it's been almost exactly one week since Ed popped the question after dinner at Ruth's Chris. We were celebrating my birthday, and my newfound excitement about joining the ranks of iTunes users the world over made the realization that I would soon become Mrs. Schultheis even more exhilarating and enhanced the "Holy crap, he's proposing to me right now!!!" factor. Now, please note, this was a positive "Holy crap!!" because of course I accepted his offer, with a huge smile and kiss and definitely the giddiness of a child on Christmas Day.

As I look down right now at the shiny ring on my finger, I am constantly reminded of the big day awaiting us in June 2010. Less than a year and so much planning to do! But I'm also reminded of the new possibilities we have in store as we start our married lives together and our relationship continues to grow.

So, as you might imagine, it has been a little hard to concentrate at work, with countless wedding websites beckoning to me as I sit here in my cube, trying my hardest not to visit The Knot or even Brides.com. With so many websites catering to the burgeoning wedding industry, I admit I'm a little overwhelmed so far as a newly engaged person, trying to figure out what type of wedding I want, what theme, colors, flowers, you name it! Excitement has made me want to delve right into planning and sometimes it's hard to figure out where to start.

We know that we would like to have a Catholic ceremony, but have yet to pick a church. We would like to pick one in the Baltimore area, with a reception location nearby. We have considered holding the reception at a hotel, that way out of town guests can crash right upstairs after the reception, which promises to be a good time! I will update once we figure out our ceremony and reception locales.

So, off to the first major breakthrough I've had so far...

The theme, bridemaids' gowns and flowers!

First off, I want to go for a softer, romantic theme, incorporating colors like lavender, green, blue/violet, pale pink, and ivory/pearl.

I am pretty sure I want my bridesmaids to wear Lavender dresses (not sure about length yet, possibly on the longer side).

Next, I found some flowers on The Knot that are beautiful!!

For my bouquet: