For the probably 5 readers I get (maybe I have some people out there I don’t know about!) Jerod and I finally have some engagement pictures!  We waited a little too long to take them, and now we have pretty much ONE DAY to pick out which ones we want for an enlargement (11×14), these little hand out photocards for our wedding photos, and a magnet we’re going to make with our address.  So, because we’re pretty indecisive, I thought I’d post the link here.  :-)

http://www.pictage.com/485017

You have to sign our guestbook in order to view.  And there’s a folder called My Favorites that has our top choices so far.  Let us know what you like!  Anything can be changed to color/B& W…..seriously, comment away!

And eventually I’ll post about our trip to Boston, Phillie and NYC.  :-)

I have the greatest roommates and friends!  This Saturday they through me surprise bridal shower, and trust me, it was a complete surprise!  I was in total shock when I walked into the house all normal, and out of no where, everyone yells surprise and Cindy says, “welcome to your bridal shower” – I was floored.  Seriously, I didn’t know what to say or do!  A lot of the girls from Mount Holyoke were there, as well as roommates and friends.  It was great!  The theme of the shower was related to the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding, so the invitations even had a Greek flag on them, just like the movie.  There was even a bundt cake with flowers in the middle!  (If you have no clue what this has to do with anything, see the movie, it’s hilarious!)  We did a relay race outside, all with different stations related to the movie – bridesmaid dresses, bad teased hair, making a gyro, dancing, baptism – it was hilarious!  Eventually, I need to post (appropriate) pictures, because it was a blast.

 I’m so grateful for all the fun (and gifts!) shared with such amazing friends – you guys rock!  I feel bad for doubting or wondering if my roomies would put something together, especially since one of them is moving to Germany this week.  I was hoping to celebrate before she left, but then it didn’t seem like it was going to happen.  I was a little bummed, but didn’t want to be demanding or anything.  Turns out I didn’t have a thing to worry about!  They even had Jerod in on the whole thing, he knew months ago!  Hence the complete surprise and shock when I walked in to find all my friends waiting to celebrate.  Thanks Meredith, Cindy, Kristen, and especially Sarah for all your hard work and thoughtfulness

We got our invitations ordered – yay!  Feels so good to have that done.  And we got in touch with the band we’d like to have.  Or guess, it’s more like the guy that is putting together the band for us.  I hope it works out okay, I’m getting more excited about the contra dance thing.  Today as I was talking with my friend Patrick, I realized that other people are excited too and it will be a good time.  I’m less nervous about the whole thing every day…..

The only other thing to share is weather – it has been beautiful here! Spring is definitely here and I’m so happy about that.  Flowers coming up, no more snow – it’s so exciting!  Jerod and I even went for a walk the other day, it was so nice.  I’m glad spring is here

So, because I want to post and I have no brilliant ideas, I’m going to post a picture of my engagement ring – yay!   It’s super sparkly and pretty.  Me likey!

is pretty obvious.  When you are planning a wedding in less than 5 months, it can start to consume you.  I’m not there yet, and I’m trying not to get sucked into the “wedding industrial complex” as my fiance calls it.  Things are starting to fall into place, and while there are still things that stress me out, I’m also feeling more relaxed about the whole thing.  After all, a wedding is about two people coming together, not about flowers or colors or food, though those add to the celebration.  It’s about what God is doing to unite two people.  I’ll be so happy to be married to this wonderful man on July 18th, I look forward to it with great joy! 

That being said, I can’t resist sharing a few details. I picked out bridesmaid dress colors and a company. We’re getting them through Aria, based in LA with a showroom in Boston. I first saw them at my friend Lilian’s wedding a couple of years ago and I just think the dresses are simply and classy, which is what I wanted. Each of my bridesmaids got to choose their own style, and they are all in this same color called aubergine, which is a deep chocolaty purple. It’s going to look stunning!

We’ve also been working on a wedding website (coming soon!) and figuring out our guest list. Of all the things to be stressful, I think this might be it. I’m sure brides of the past can affirm that it is no fun going through your friends and making decisions about the list – or “who makes the cut”. It’s a terrible way to think about things, and I wish I didn’t have to. It’s not fun. Ultimately, a lot o fit is connected to the price tag, i.e. how much per person. It adds up fast. I’m not complaining, in fact, I’m excited that I get to host many friends and family for this important day. I’m excited for them to see New England, to meet friends, and hopefully enjoy a day or two away. I know not everyone will be there, but they’ll be there in spirit!

We’ve also decided on our honeymoon, though I think we’re keeping that a bit more secret….I’m definitely excited for it though! Im sure there’s more to share, but that’s all for now.

Over break, while I was in Nebraska, Jerod and I got engaged!  Yup, that’s right.  I’m getting married.  To the most wonderful and amazing man that God could ever bless me with.  I am so incredibly thankful!!  I’m plunging head first into crazy wedding planning, and it’s already nutso.  It’s amazing how the industry and hoopla just sorta sucks you in.  You become this bridal machine, it’s really weird.  I’m trying not to get too in over my head though.  We’re going to help our budget out by doing some stuff ourselves, like invitations and flowers and music.  Well, sort of music.  We’re going to do contra dancing!!  It should be awesome  Anywho, just thought I’d share the news!

  In a sudden change of plans, and due to numerous life circumstances and all sorts of things, I’m going to Nebraska!  Land of lots of farms, prairie dogs, cows, and car henge.  Since it’s winter, it won’t look this fabulous, but it will still be wonderful.  I’m excited, but it’s going to be a little bit crazy later this week.  I leave Minnesota on the 27th to fly back to Massachusetts pretty late.  Then I shoot Colleen and Scott’s wedding in the morning, and leave directly from the reception to go back to the airport.  I’ll be in Massachusetts for less than 24 hours!  From there, I fly through DC to Denver, where I’ll stay overnight with Jerod’s cousins, and then take a flight out the next morning to Nebraska.  I’m a little nervous about this portion of the trip, because I get to fly in one of these: And this is a tiny little plane.  I hate little planes, because they’re bumpy and rickety and you feel like you might just fall out the bottom.  Please pray that I don’t loose my cool somewhere over the middle of nowhere in Nebraska!!