Almost Here!

Well, as you can tell from my countdown Joel and I have 4 days left until we are married. I can't believe it! We were talking the other night about how surreal it is. We have been looking forward to this day for so long now (since I was like 4) and we can't believe that it is finally here. Just a little update on what we have been doing...Friday night we worked on assembling our programs for the wedding (who knew it would take so long to punch 500 holes and tie ribbons through them). I had my bridesmaids luncheon on Saturday morning at Emma's Tea Room. It was so nice and girly...I loved it (Thanks Mrs Berry)! After that Joel and I went to the church and did a run through of the ceremony with our wedding coordinator. Later that night we decided to turn our phones off and just go on a date and not do anything wedding. I cannot tell you how wonderful it was. It was so nice to just spend time together. We have tried to stay really calm this week and just get everything done, 1 task at a time. Sunday we spent the day cleaning the house and washing all the clothes so that we can start packing and on Monday we finished tying all the ribbons on the programs. So I guess the rest of the week will consist of packing for our fabulous honeymoon to Cancun and decorating the church for my (our) fairy tale wedding.

Next time I write I will be Mrs. Joel Essner and I will post several pictures of the wedding and honeymoon!!

Almost Here!

BREAKING NEWS...

Well, in case you were wondering...my hubby to be is now an official Alabama resident and is EMPLOYED!!! Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement. He got the call back from Huntsville Utilities last Thursday and he will start on Monday. This is such a blessing to our new family. In my opinion it is the PERFECT job for him. He will be the line clearance planner, basically the guy that drives around and tells you that that gorgeous 100 year old tree you have in your yard will have to be cut down becuase it hangs over a power line.

Let the fun begin...

Sorry it has been forever since I posted, but Joel and I have been so busy! We have had 3 showers so far and we are amazed at how blessed we are to have friends that love us so much. Our first shower was my lingerie shower a couple weeks ago. I got such cute and sassy stuff, along with some really awkward moments :) About 2 weeks ago we had a couples shower in Nashville given by Joel's brother and sister-in-law and some other really close friends. They did a shrimp boil with potatoes and corn and of course Frank's special homemade ice cream. We got some really great things along with a gas grill (which we survived putting it together...I tend to get a little, well VERY, bossy when it comes to instructions). This past weekend we had a home and garden shower given by some wonderful couples from church. We had a great turnout and lots of fun. I love to go sit in the guest room at the house and play in all of our new goodies!!

Well, Joel has finally started making the move to Huntsville. He brought a load down last weekend and he is bringing the rest on Thursday. I cannot believe that in 3 days he will be living here for good. We have never lived in the same city much less the same state, so it is going to be a huge adjustment for both of us (I even have to move back in with mama and daddy, since he is getting the house for the next 6 weeks). But I could not be happier.

Right now we ask that you keep Joel high on your prayer list. He is waiting to hear back from a job with Huntsville Utilities that would be such a great opportunity for him. Our prayer is that if this is not the job for him that God will open another door of opportunity for us.

Well, I guess that is about it for now. We will be headed to the lake this weekend for Labor Day. It will be our 1 year anniversary and where better to spend it than where we met!!

(Sorry no pictures, I lost my camera cord. I'll post as soon as I find it!!)

A Weekend to Remember...Or Not!!

Last weekend Joel and I along with Jon, Laura, and Jay went down to Atlanta for a fun, relaxing weekend. The main purpose of going down there was for the wedding of one of Joel and Jon's friends from high school Friday night. Since we were going to be in Atlanta for weekend, Joel and I decided to get Six Flags tickets and go to Stone Mountain (which never happened...keep reading). Ok, so Friday night we went to the wedding which was nice and Joel got to talk with a lot of his friends from Atlanta. Well Saturday morning we met up with some of our friends from Nashville to start our FUN weekend. We went to Six Flags, which was fun except for the ridiculous lines and the scorching heat. Pretty sure that we only rode 4, maybe 5 rides, the entire day...we were there from 9:30 -4:00...next time we will definitely break down and pay $45 for one of those fast pass things. After leaving we went back and got cleaned up to go to dinner and then to see the light show at Stone Mountain. To make a long story short...we ate at Steak and Ale that night. I used to LOVE that place when it was in Huntsville so I was really excited to eat there again. However, before we left the restaurant Keri and I started feeling pretty bad and Joel kept telling me how pale I looked. So me, Joel, Matt, and Keri went back to the hotel to watch whatever old movies come on TV on a Saturday night and never made it to Stone Mountain (which was actually what I was looking forward to the most about the whole weekend). About 11:30 that night Joel started getting violently sick (I now know what for better or for worse means). At about 3:30 he was so severely dehydrated that I had to take him to the ER. I was so scared. I felt so helpless...I didn't have a car there, I had no idea where we were...we just relied on the navigation system to take us to the closet hospital. They ended up giving him 2 bags of fluid and other medicine and then sent us home about 3 hours later, where he slept basically the rest of the day.
So that was our FUN, RELAXING weekend went! Obviously, if we are going to take a trip we are going to do it right. I just hope the trip to Cancun in 2 months doesn't turn out like this!!

Engagement Pictures

There has not been much going on around here. Our lives are starting to get really busy so I am sure that I will have more to write about in the next couple weeks. Right now we are just having regular weekends enjoying each other's company and eagerly counting down the days until we live in the same city and are married! Here are some of our engagement pictures that we took a couple weeks ago. Enjoy!

Have a wonderful weekend!

50 (or more) RANDOM things about me

1. I can’t wait to be married to Joel (it won’t be long now). He is also my very best friend.
2. I hate waking up in the morning. I have 2 alarms and I hit the snooze on both of them at least twice.
3. I love to take pictures and to have pictures taken of me.
4. I have to have a Diet Dr. Pepper or Diet Coke every morning or I feel that I can’t function.
5. I bite my nails, even when they are fake - terrible habit but can't stop
6. I have been blessed to have the greatest parents who have always loved and supported me no matter what.
7. I am currently planning the wedding that I have dreamed of since I was a kid.
8. I can’t wait to have kids.
9. I sometimes miss my Lipscomb days…Delta Sigma, late night talks in Elam, and Royal Arms.
10. I am very high maintenance and it takes me way too long to get ready. Joel does not understand what I am doing in there that takes so long!
11. I see people from high school and they can’t believe that I grew up to be an accountant…so unexpected.
12. Chocolate is my weakness
13. I don't like to read but wish I did
14. I have to make plans ahead of time. I hate making last minute plans. It stresses me out.
15. I love pedicures & massages
16. I never had braces
17. I was a cheerleader for most of my middle and high school years.
18. I broke my nose twice, both of my legs/ankles, and my collarbone during this time…you can’t tell me it’s not a sport. My brother never got hurt this many times playing football!
19. My DVR causes me to watch way too much TV
20. I look forward to Bonco every month and am so sad when I miss it
21. I am an true southern girl...I love sweet tea and turnip greens
22. I love Alabama football (help me convert Joel).
23. I sing very loud in the car when I am by myself
24. In case you forgot, I will be married in 15 weeks!!
25. I love to laugh
26. I have OCD when it comes to locking the door, car, turning lights off, shuting the garage door. I have actually sent people over to my house once I was at work to check it for me.
27. I am clumsy....I run into everything
28. I don't like surprises, unless I don’t expect them…then I love them.
29. Lipscomb was one of the greatest experiences of my life
30. I have rarely watched a whole movie. For some reason I ALWAYS fall asleep during them. Sometime I have not even made it past the previews.
31. I hate coffee, but I love White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks
32. I am a sun goddess - I know it is bad but I can't help it
33. I love to have family and friends over to my house
34. I hope that someday I will be a good mother
35. I think that I can be a huge dork….I am an accountant, what did you expect!!
36. I can't imagine life without my mama. She is one of my best friends.
37. I talk to my mama every day (more than once)
38. I strive to be a good christian, wife-to-be, daughter, sister, and friend
39. I have always gotten along better with people older than me
40. I don't like to pray out loud in big groups
41. I love to cook – but I hate cooking just for one person
42. My life would not be complete without Joel. He truly completes me and makes me a better person. I am so glad that God placed him in my life.
43. Christmas is my favorite holiday – I love to bake and go Christmas shopping with mama
44. My birthday is a huge deal to me – I celebrate for at least a week (but that could change in the next couple years)
45. I wish I could sing but I am terrible, but at least I try
46. I would rather spend time with family than anyone else
47. I am a home body
48. Clutter gets on my nerves
49. I save every card or letter that means something to me
50. I have been to Baja, Mexico several times on mission trips and I can't wait until I can go back again.
51. I don't like to exercise but I love how it makes me feel
52. I love watching Joel work and do things around the house. He is such a hard worker and I know that he will take care of me!
53. I have a 2 year old dachshund, Macie Mae, that is just like my child. Everyone thinks that I have spoiled her, but I disagree.
54. My favorite movie is Father of the Bride. I could watch it over and over again.
55. I love the beach
56. I love to make others smile
57. I don't like talking on the phone – but I always have my cell phone glued to my ear.
58. I need to read my Bible more
59. I love decorating
60. I get scared REALLY easy - it is quite funny at times how easily I get scared. The other night I thought something was in my backyard. I called Daddy to come over only to find out that it was a SKUNK!!
61. I love going to the river or the lake.
62. I don’t love to go camping (why pretend that you don’t have a house with a perfectly good bed and bathroom?) BUT I go anyways because I know how much Joel loves it.
63. I wish that I could see my brother more. I miss him when he is at school.
64. I hardly ever leave the house without make-up on.
65. I hate to go anywhere without my toenails painted. I feel so incomplete.
66. I am a shopaholic. I love to go shopping for clothes, even when I do not need anything. I have decided that it is a problem when you have to keep buying hangers to hang it all in your closet. (I am going to have to get rid of some stuff before October, so Joel’s clothes will fit)
67. I am still best friends with the same girl since I was 3. I love you Lindsey and I am so glad that we have been able to grow up together and raise our families together. (at least yours for now)
68. I am still and always have been Daddy’s Little Girl.
69. I am addicted to any kind of dating reality show…like the Bachelor.
70. I would decorate my entire house in Pottery Barn stuff if it wasn’t so expensive.
71. I love to watch HGTV and wish I could do things like that, but being an accountant I am NOT that creative.
72. I have the cutest nephew-to-be. I can’t wait to officially be his aunt!
73. I would love to be a stay-at-home mommy
74. From the looks of it, I like to talk about myself way too much ( i guess I got a little carried away)

Have a good week!

Nothing to do, but oh so busy!!

This was the first weekend that Joel and I actually had NOTHING that we HAD to do. I can't begin to tell you how nice and relaxed it was. Friday night we went to my parents house for a "Father's Day Grill Out" and Sunday we did the same out Joel's parent's house. I love seeing our familes interact and spend time with each other.

Saturday was a pretty full, but fun day. I had to go meet with the caterer for the wedding and got to eat way too many chocolate things on Saturday morning. I can't believe that in 16 weeks the day that I have waited and planned for my whole life will be here... I then went to meet up with Joel and we finished up registering. Saturday night was the best! My parents gave me Dierks Bentley and Heartland concert tickets for an early birthday present. Joel and I got to the aresenal at like 5:30 for the concert. It did not even start until 8:00...so yes we looked like groupies. We always have so much fun together. We both have a huge problem when it comes to being in big crowds...PEOPLE WATCHING!! We sat there during our "free time" and just watched people. Of course we didn't make fun of anyone...well maybe the guy with the cut off long sleeve shirt, chains, and the hairy chest AND the woman who kept pointing at the stage like Dierks was singing to her.

Well, I guess that is it. Oh, this past week I went for my first fitting for my dress. And it fit!! I was so excited, because when we ordered it, the lady ordered me a size smaller than I had tried on. So it made me really nervous...but nevertheless it fits and now I can go eat as much of my birthday cake as I want!!

Weekends with Joel and the Girls

Here are a couple pictures from the past couple weekends...Enjoy!!

We started registering...I made the mistake of giving Joel the gun (let's just say that we have a bag of almonds and a snickers bar on our registry). It was so much fun!


Also we went to our first movie together. I know, I know...you think I am kidding, right? I mean we have been together for 9 months, getting married in 4, and yes, we went to our first movie this weekend. We, of course, had to take pictures to document this wonderful occasion and breakthrough in our relationship... P.S. Never eat an entire tub of large popcorn at the movies (even if you are sharing it) because you will get sick, I promise!

I couldn't resist watching tv with the Simpsons!

Also this weekend, I went to a Bachelorette/Lingerie Shower for one of my sorority pledge sisters. It was so good to finally see everyone again.

The beautiful "Sisters of Joy"

Fall 2002 - Me, Ann, Autumn, Lindsay

One of my beautiful bridesmaids, Lacey

A Picture Story About Me

Ok, so I saw this on Cristin's blog and I am bored so I decided to do it, too. Here are the rules (which I broke a little seeing that I was born, grew up, and still live in Huntsville): Put the answer to the question in Google Image search function, and you have to use the FIRST image that comes up--you can't use quotation marks when you search:

The City and State where you were born: Huntsville, AL

The City and State that you grew up in...where you consider "home":

New Market, AL

Well, it is pretty small, but they could have at least shown a picture of the mountains :)

The City and State where you currently live: Huntsville, AL
Your first and last name: Ashley Brewer

That's interesting... This picture must have been made in the summertime :)

Your Grandmother's name: Monty Kilpatrick

Well that is not her!! I am beginning to have questions about my family??

Your favorite food: Chocolate

I really want to eat that right now... (mama, can we have one of these at the wedding??)

Your preferred drink: Sweet Tea

Favorite Smell: a clean house

You think she will come clean my house. Who cleans in a dress and stilettos??

Favorite Song: When you say nothing at all

Hmm...well that is not Alison Krauss...

Place you have lived: Nashville, TN

My home away from home.

Place you work: Anglin Reichmann Snellgrove & Armstrong, PC

Well, that is one of my partners. He's the man who gives me my paycheck.

Your other half: Joel Essner

Honey, you have really changed...

Place you want to visit: Cancun

I'll be there in 4 and a half months! I can't wait :)

Where it all started..

Joel and I went to the river this weekend with his family. It was kind of a special trip for us because that is where we officially met 8 months ago. When we were up there last Labor Day he did not really even talk to me (which is not like him at all). I think I just made him speechless in my "modest mary" bathing suit. He would not even ride in my dad's boat with me, go skiing, anything. So all day I made jokes about us riding in the same boat together and actually talking. After that awkward day, neither of us would have never thought that we would be getting married. It really makes you realize that God has an amazing plan for your life you are not even aware of yet. Back to this weekend...we did the normal river activities like canoeing, skiing, eating ribs (Joel's favorite) and just relaxing on the pier. After laying out on the pier for 20 minutes with Joel I realized that our week in Cancun is going to be a long one without "water babies sunscreen" in tow...

He got so sunburned. Anyways, here are some pictures from the weekend. Enjoy!

Here goes nothing...

Well here it is...my first blog. There is just so much going on in my life right now I just can't wait to share it. To get you up to date, Joel and I are getting married on October 13, 2007at 7:00pm at Mayfair Church of Christ. So my (our) lives are consumed right now with wedding plans and such. Actually as of right now I am not really stressed about it, but I am sure I will be when it gets closer. I will keep everyone updated on all the planning and details of our upcoming big day and everything that goes on between now and then!