We're getting closer!!!

The invites came in the mail last week! Ryan was surprised at how good they look (which is a bride's dream) and led into a good talk about how excited we are!
At the back end of March, Ryan and I went to an Engaged Encounter in Rockford sponsored by the Catholic Church. I really didn't know what this weekend would entail... in truth, it was a good "fuzzy" weekend. Ryan and I were one of the oldest couples  there (FYI: LOTS of REALLY young people are getting married right now....not sure what THAT'S all about... but at 27 I shouldn't have felt so old...) but we both felt like we got a lot of good out it. It was a good safe place to talk about some things that we struggle with as a team, but also remember all of the reasons that we love each other, care about one another, and remind us why we are getting married. The older couples talked about the everyday issues that a couple faces, and how to NOT let them become huge blow out fights...how to better communicate, how to argue, how to face life changing events, and how to be strong with God as a couple. All in all, a good thought provoking weekend!

I picked up my wedding dress a few weeks ago...my mom and Kim (Ryan's mom) came with as I tried it on....That was a really cool moment...I'm really lucky to have a great mom and to be getting another one on top of it....

The shower is set for June 6th..... BUT I know NOTHING about it.... just the date....no place, theme, nothing. Surprises make me anxious.... In case you need a reminder, Ryan and I are registered at:
Macys (www.macys.com)
Bed Bath and Beyond (www.bedbathandbeyond.com) and
The Pampered Chef (www.pamperedchef.com)
 Feel free to snoop and see what my taste is like!!! I won't mind....or know for that matter!!

I leave you with a picture of Ryan and I from the November Notre Dame game...

In six months:

Ryan and I will be married. However, what we have found out in the past week is that we have SEVERAL other weddings to attend! Ryan's uncle, and 2 cousins are also getting married this summer, along with my cousin Jeff, and a good friend from work. This makes a grand total of 5 weddings plus out own in the next 8 months. I hear of stories of couples getting invited to multiple weddings in one year, I guess my question is: how does one take that much time off of work when one works on Saturdays? Anyhooooo....

Ryan and I go to preview our wedding music on Thursday this week.... I'm lucky enough to have one of my dearest friends as my singer for the ceremony. Tristan Christensen and I have been singing together since 1997.... she VERY gifted and I'm super excited to have her give this gift to Ryan and I. I just wish she was here to help me pick stuff for her....(she lives in San Fran...) Oh well, at least I know she knows the version of Ave Maria I want sung!

Invites get ordered in the next week.... I found a girl in California who hand paints watercolors and then has them printed for the invitations. I'm REALLY excited to see how they turn out!

Really, that's about it. Nothing else is really new.... I promise to keep you in the loop...

Eric and Danielle Zapchenk's new baby girl!

Our good friends, Eric and Danielle, had a beautiful baby girl last week....Edie Lynn!!! Ryan and I had a great time meeting her and seeing mom, dad and new baby in the hospital!

 

Edie's a super cute little peanut!!! Tiny little thing!! 

So what does all this mean? Well, if your thinking Ryan and I are pushing for a baby your WAY off base. With the addition of Folsom to our home this past summer, Ryan and I have had our share of waking up at all hours of the night, puking on clothes, pooping all over the house, trips to the doctor, and the guilt of leaving your baby when you go to work. Human babies are WAY worse....and well... it's a BABY...plus I was pretty sure for a few months there, that Ryan and I were going to kill each other. 

So, before you get it in your head that Ryan and I are going to "start another round of Murphys", I'm going to head you off at the pass and let you know right now, that kids are not in the plans for the next few years. 

I'm just letting you know right now. So don't ask the night of the wedding when we're going to start "building the family".

For now, Ryan and I are just going to enjoy Eric and Danielle's little bundle of joy.

So I worked a small wedding expo this weekend...

representing the spa that I work for. Few interesting things I observed:

Grooms hate these things. I saw more sad and mopey men at this thing than I did after the Vikings lost that evening.

Paper is REALLY expensive. If I was able to get the exact invitations that I wanted, for about 250, I would have paid something in the range of $7400.00. Only in Barrington, right?

I really hope Ryan and I can have out rehersal dinner at Pinstripes. Check them out at www.pinstripes.com

I almost got talked into paying someone to hand write everyone's address on the invitations. I was quoted $2.50-$5.00 per envelope. Where do people come up with money like this?

I got some GREAT ideas for my bridesmaids. Super cute stuff at Swoozies.

In case you weren't there, a quick little picture from May 1st, the night Ryan popped the question!

And so the countdown begins!!

Almost 7 months to the date, Ryan and I are starting a little blog to keep everyone updated about out upcoming wedding on August 28th, 2010! We are super excited, and cant WAIT to share this special day with everyone!

I know some of you don't really know our "story" so I'll give you a bit of an overview:
Ryan and I met while both of us were working at NextMedia Crystal Lake. Ryan doing production for the two stations, and I working on-air doing Middays on their Disco station. Both of us hit it off as friends almost right away. About 5 months later, Ryan left NextMedia to join a Salem station for two Chicago talk stations. I shortly followed his move.....and less than a year later we were dating.

Ryan and I have two big cats: Frank and Toni, and our Doberman Folsom. You will see a lot of him on this site.

Ryan is currently working at a Goodyear Store in town, and I am at a Spa in South Barrington.

This site is for you!!! I will do my best to keep you in the loop as far as whats new for the wedding, where Ryan and I are registered, important dates, hotel options, and more!!! We would love to hear from you!! Feel free to comment and chat with us here on our little blog!