Goin’ to the Chapel – Weddings.

Kevin and I have attended a fair number of weddings together over the past three years. 

Christina + Matt – April 2013 – Estes Park, CO

Tessa + Ryan – September 2012 – Oklahoma City, OK
*photo courtesy of Sara S.

Kelly + Nelson – August 2012 – Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Sara + Travis – July 2012 – Tulsa, OK
*photo courtesy of Tiffany

Joy + Todd – April 2012 – Napa, CA
*photo courtesy of Joy and her photographer

Jessie + Bobby – October 2011 – Edgewood, NM
*Photo courtesy of my mom

And those are just the ones for which I could find pictures.  {I’m not good at taking pictures – as evidenced by the fact that half of the above pics are courtesy of someone other than myself.}

There was also: 

• My Uncle Tom married Virginia in November of 2011
• My cousin KC married Amanda in June of…2011 (I think)
• The daughter of the head football coach Kevin works with in July of 2012

And I feel like I’m forgetting others…. 

Each of the weddings we attended was beautiful and special in its own way.  My theory is that as long as a wedding reflects the personalities of the bride and groom, it’s gonna be gorgeous.  I’ll take a simple, authentic wedding over an expensive, cookie-cutter wedding anyday. 

I’m lucky to have a groom who is genuinely interested in the planning of our wedding.  He has been involved every step of the way, and I feel as though our wedding is going to thoroughly reflect US.  Our goal when we started this whole planning thing was to not do anything that stressed us out or made the process the least bit “un-fun”. 

Examples:

1. I’m wearing flats. (But they sparkle, so I think it’s cool.)
2. We didn’t want a large wedding with a ton of people who we felt obligated to invite – so we decided to go the destination wedding route.  We’ll have around 45-50 people there, which is still more than I anticipated having.  But they’re all people that we’re delighted to to be able to celebrate with on the day.
3. We didn’t learn a complicated, impressive dance and will simply stick with two-steppin’ like we’ve done for years. 
4. I refused to even consider a strapless dress because I knew I wouldn’t be entirely comfortable in it. 
5. He chose a suit and tie that he genuinely liked and will wear again for work and such. 
6. We didn’t register for a bunch of household stuff that we don’t need just for the sake of registering, opting instead for a honeymoon registry – Traveler’s Joy, which I HIGHLY recommend for couples who don’t need a bunch of stuff.  It freaks the older generation out a bit (understandably – it is a different kind of concept), but at least we’re not trying to cram stuff we don’t need into space we don’t have.
7. I stopped looking at Pinterest months ago.  It’s impossible to do it all at a wedding (black tie wedding with burlap and lace decor on the beach with a reception in the mountains), but somehow or another, Pinterest was convincing me that I should try.  So I just stopped going there.

There has also been some compromising. 

Examples:

1. I love love love Jack Johnson’s song Better Together as a first dance song, but Kevin wasn’t sure how we would dance to it and I could tell he didn’t love the song.  So we settled on a George Strait song instead – one we both love. 
2. Umm – maybe that’s it.  I’m sure Kevin has had to compromise on some things, but he’s too nice to tell me. 

And we’ve been cool, calm, and collected for pretty much the whole process.  I haven’t freaked out a single time or had even one bridezilla moment.  Even when these things happened:

1. Last weekend, we went to get my wedding band out of the vault at the jewelry store where we bought it a few months ago, and the nutty saleslady (who we had not worked with before – fortunately) walked out of the safe room and said,  “I can’t find it.”  After giving her my last name, Kevin’s last name, our first names, and the name of our future first child (kidding – but it felt that way), she still couldn’t find the ring.  So she called the lady who had sold us the ring (who is on maternity leave), and left a message.  Then she went to check again.  Behold!  It was under another item in the vault and all was well.  But this was a good 30 minutes of the bought-and-paid-for wedding band being MIA. 
2. For our guest book, we printed our destination site on a large canvas print with our names, the place, and the date.  If only it fit in the suitcase to take it to the destination….  Well, it does, but not when it’s in the lovely protective box that we were planning to use.  Oh well.  Bubble wrap, here we come. 
3. I have a lovely charm with a picture of my dad in it that my lovely friend Jennifer gave me.  Umm, yeah.  Last night, it disappeared.  I tore the house apart seeking the safe (so safe I couldn’t remember) hiding spot I’d placed it.  Of course, Kevin made a suggestion about where to look, and there it was.  He’s so smart. 

All that to say, for better or worse, this Friday, Kevin and I will be attending another wedding.  Our own.

Photo Friday Flashback.

This photo.  It’s dark.  It’s grainy.  But it’s an amazing memory.  From left to right, that’s me, Whitney {Tiffany’s cousin}, Tiffany, and Britt standing at an entrance to the West Wing.  The White House.  The office of the US country boss {as my sweet Chinese friend David called the President}. 

In April of 2006, Tiffany, Whitney, and I had a wild and crazy spring break in Washington, DC.  Let me just say – DC is one of my favorite cities visit.  There is a power that vibrates through the capital. 

Anyway, Tiffany was considering law school at William & Mary, so we rode the train down to Williamsburg, VA, eventually.  But FIRST our high school friend Britt was kind enough to let us crash at her place in DC.  AND Britt just so happened to intern for the President.  THE President.  Of the United States. And in addition to being the most lovely hostess, she also hooked us up with a night tour in the West Wing.  It was very cool.  We stood behind the podium in one of the press conference rooms, saw the Oval Office, and even had the chance to use a White House restroom.  #tmibutstillworthmentioning 

The monuments,  the delicious food, the metro system, the White House and Supreme Court…we had so much fun, touring the city.  My kudos STILL go out to Britt for being so wonderful when we visited!  And thanks to Tiff for considering W&M so we could go in the first place!  {And thanks for deciding to NOT go there – that worked out well for me!}

Have you been to Washington, DC, or the capital in any country ?  Or a state capital?  Would you make the trip for a spring break or are you more of a beach-and-booze kind of spring break-er? 

Photo Friday Flashback.

This is my sweet little sister.  Four years ago, she graduated high school, and tomorrow she graduates college.  I remember when she was a little redhead, following me around everywhere (the way little sisters do, you know).  Now, I’d have to run to keep up with her.  She is graduating with honors, works three jobs, takes the GMAT next week (for fun, basically, because she has already met the requirements to start grad school in the fall), and would likely be voted Miss Congeniality of her college campus (if there were such an election). 

I’m so proud of you, Lisa!  You’re a rockstar.   

And remember how cool you once thought I was when you’re rich and famous someday.

Goin’ to the Chapel – Engagement pictures.

Last October, Neighbor was sweet enough to take engagement pictures for Kevin and I. 

My oh my – how time flies.

With the wedding just a couple of weeks away, there are a lot of little details to tie up. I keep thinking of lists I need to make.  There’s a list of lists. 

But I digress. 

Any time I start to get overwhelmed (seating charts!  paying vendors!  vows!  programs – ceremony & reception!), I remember that at the end of the day, as long as Kevin and I are married (and he’s in charge of all the legality stuff – so that’s totally on him), then it was a success. 

That guy I’m marrying…  He’s sweet.  And caring.  And funny.  And smart.  And we’re going to have adorable babies someday because he’s so handsome. 

He indulges my {repeated} requests for “one more snoooooze” in the mornings.  He finds it cute and endearing when I pace and quote movies (usually romantic comedies).  He narrates the scary parts while I cover my eyes with my hands when we’re watching TV.  He sits, quietly minding his own business, when I announce, “I’m cranky,” until I’ve cheered up. He organizes his closet by color.  He parks close to the cart corral at the grocery store. 

I always have such a good time when I’m with him.  It doesn’t matter if we’re off on some adventure or sitting at home on the couch…it’s my favorite place if he’s there. 

And he’s marrying me.  How in the world did I manage that? 

Aren’t these pictures amazing?  Shawna (Neighbor) did such a great job.  She has real talent, that girl.  Thanks, Neighbor, for taking such good care of me. 

Do you believe in soul mates? 

Recently on Instagram.

Let’s catch up. Life has been busy, but there’s always time to Instagram.

Stars and Stripes and a slight breeze.

Dress…check.

Raindrops on the window…

Bachelorette party at a new hang-out.

White linen dress.

Door open. Spring air, come inside!

Water – straight from the hose.

Nothing says “Friday night” like a little hard cider.

Beat the lunch crowd rush for a Thai lunch with friends.

Happy hour!

Roaring fire at the Pink Adobe.

Sure, the hat looks cute, but it’s main purpose? Hide the unruly eyebrows….

Why, hello Polar watch. It has been awhile since I’ve brought you out to pass the time.

Prickly Pear margarita with my Junior League ladies.

Baked acorn squash with salmon, shrimp, mushrooms, spinach, and other goodies. Served on a bed of mashed potatoes. I’m in.

What have you Instagram’ed recently?  Find me at amyb_003.

Photo Friday Flashback.

My position at the InterContinental Shenzhen was formally titled, “Front Office Management Trainee.”  Really, that just meant that I got to work in all the front office departments and attend countless fun dinners and group outings during the non-working hours.  Departments included Reception Desk, Concierge, Guest Relations Officer, and Club Floor Rep. 

This picture was taken during my time with the Concierge folks.  That’s me, Steven, Leon, and Toby, front and center in the white shirt.  There was a group outing after work one day for those of us who weren’t on duty.  Like little kids on a field trip, we gathered excitedly near the staff entrance, chattering in Mandarin and slow, deliberate English.  I was the only “foreigner” on the adventure that day, which made me quite popular.  In a herd, we made our way to the nearby metro and piled on, excited to arrive at the Brazilian restaurant that had been chosen as a dinner venue. 

The Chieftain  was the restaurant name and it was very cool.  Well decorated with delicious meats carved table side.  And they offered face painting.  Which was awesome. 

One of my favorite memories from the evening was sitting across from my friend Nick.  The restaurant offered the option of chopsticks or knife and fork.  Nick picked up his fork, looked at me, and said, “I will not use chopsticks.  I want you to be proud to sit with me, so I will use the fork.”  It was very sweet, and I was very proud to sit with him!

After dinner, we moved our full bellies slowly back to the metro, traveled underground across the city, and stopped in at the hotel to show the poor few who were on duty our fun faces.  I’m pretty sure we brought them food “da bao” {take away}, so at least they did get a taste of the adventure.

Face painting – something you enjoy even as an adult?  Have you eaten at a Brazilian restaurant?  And please rate your chopstick skills – are you adept? 

Sweekend.

My weekends have been long and work has been keeping me so busy that I really only have time for Sweekend and Photo Friday Flashback posts.  Bookends for the week, I suppose. 

Wednesday:

We caught a (ridiculously early) flight to Denver and some lovely friends picked K and I up at the airport to make the drive up to Estes Park, CO. 

The rehearsal brunch was a fabulous and delicious way to start off the week of festivities.  It was at a cute place named Stone Cup  & Kitchen in Lyons, CO.  The hot chocolate was divine…as was the sun – warming up the table we snagged.

The rehearsal went off without a hitch (but it was chilly - we were all shivering in our boots and I was beginning to feel apprehension for the poor bridesmaids who would be clothed only in their short, sleeveless dresses). And then it was time for dinner.  Poppy’s in Estes Park.  Melt in your mouth pizza and good company – it doesn’t get any better than that.

Thursday:

Wedding day!  I had a lovely relaxing morning while the wedding party was bustling around decorating and getting all prettified and handsomefied.  Being without a car, I caught the Estes Park taxi (singular – pretty sure there’s just one) to a nail place to get a manicure.  That was an adventure.  He (the driver) must not go for regular mani’s because we drove around for a good ten minutes looking for the place.  He was reasonable though and charged a flat rate.  And my nails look lovely, so all’s well that ends with pretty polish. 

Then it was wedding time! 

I found myself a groomsman, handing out little bags of lavender.  He was so cute, I decided to take a picture with him.

The wedding ceremony was lovely.  Held at Della Terra Chateau, the setting was simply breathtaking.  The venue provided blankets and cushion-y seats for the stone benches; the sun flirted with the pine trees, rays kissing the snow like crystals.  The bride looked gorgeous; the groom was teary-eyed.  Really it was everything a wedding should be.

The reception hall was decorated beautifully – peacock feathers and a roarin’ ’20′s kind of theme.  The bride and groom did a fancy Fred-Astaire-and-Ginger-Rogers style dance, with Fred and Ginger themselves dancing on the TV monitors overhead.  Good food, fun music, and even a guy drawing caricatures of the wedding guests. 

A good time was had by all – but we passed on the post-reception karaoke!  Blame it on the high elevation. 

Friday:

Kelly and Nelson dropped K and I in Denver, where we met up with his parents for some family and doodle time.  This face —-> pretty precious!

We enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Chop House.  Housed in the former Union Pacific Railroad station, the building is strong and brick, the ambiance is cozy yet indicative of speak-easy times, and the food is out of this world delicious.

Saturday:

I can sum up Saturday in just a few words:  sleeping in, shopping ’til I was ready for a nap, and then a flight home. 

Kiki and Flo welcomed us back with plenty of snuggles.

Sunday:

A whole lotta catching up.  I made wheat bread, unpacked, did laundry, took a nap, wrote thank you notes, went to the grocery store, and inhaled a smoked potato with pulled pork, butter, sour cream, and cheese.  Yeah.  What was it I said a couple of weeks ago about wanting to eat better?  Guess how that’s working out for me!

What made your weekend sweet?