Favorite

Just got the photos from the wedding. The one above is my very very favorite.

More to come later...

It Is Finished

Hard to believe all of my hard work has finally paid off. At least I hope it did. The weekend couldn't have gone any better. No major catastrophes, everyone seemed like they had a good time.

Preview of the photos:

www.nicolemariephoto.com/triciaandchris

Yay

It fits!

Tick Tock

It's almost here! Hard to believe. I can tell it is getting close as I have had 2 showers and presents are starting to arrive at my door. I didn't think I would like the present part, but I'll be honest, I love it! Maybe because I usually only get presents one time of year and so it is kind of fun to get them in the middle of the year. Everyone has been so generous. I can't thank them enough.

But I am even more thankful for being able to spend time with people I love. That is the best part.

Right now we are expecting maybe 50-60 people. There are quite a few people who haven't sent in their RSVPs (if you haven't and you are reading this...please send it :) ) It should be a nice intimate event. I just found out my mom isn't driving anymore and so I have to figure out how to get my dress to Colorado. I might have to buy an extra seat. Sure I could put it in with the luggage, but I have read (and agree with) that you shouldn't let the dress out of your sight. It is the one thing you can't replace easily.

Cheers.

Skipping

Is it bad that I am very happy to have gotten out of working out tonight? Chris and I have been working hard. He says I am more toned (I hate to think what I looked like before), but I have gained 3 pounds. Yikes.

Anyway, Tony is great, but the same jokes week after week are starting to get to me.

Sneaky Little Thing Isn't It?

I can hardly believe the wedding is a little over 2 months away. I am sure there must be a ton of things for me to do. I just can't remember what. I really, really need to sit down and figure out what still needs to be done. I keep saying I am going to do that and then I don't.

It's just that I did so much of it such a long time ago. I have put it on the back burner. But it is time to start cooking!!

Things I know I need to do:
1. Decide on what Chris will be wearing
2. Decide on a 2nd reading (Any good suggestions? I am looking for a poem.)
3. Fill out the Event form the hotel gave me
4. Order parent gifts
5. Figure out what we are going to give the men in the wedding
6. Pick up invites (MB?) and assemble
7. Find pretty stamps
8. Lose a million pounds

How's that for a list off of the top of my head. I am sure there are many more tasks to be added.

The Waiting Game

Can we just get married already??? Would anyone hate me if I just scrapped it all, took my husband to be to a park and got married? Did anyone else feel this way before they got married?

The day is slowly getting closer and honestly I do still have a few important things to do. I really need to refocus and get those things done. I just did so much so early that for a while I felt like I had nothing to do. But its time to decide if I really want to bother with bubbles for everyone or just forget about it and keep it simple.

But then again, maybe we'll elope :)

P90X BABY!

In order to get ready for our upcoming nuptials, Chris and I have decided to start a new workout regimen. P90X is not for the feint of heart. We've completed four days so far and it is definitely extreme. The program is based on muscle confusion and so for 90 days you do different workouts that they provide and eat their diet and apparently you look like the people up above. At least that is what I am hoping.


Actually, Tony Horton is an excellent instructor - Funny, Encouraging, and definitely Motivating. It is serious work though that is for sure. I couldn't roll over in bed after day 2. Seriously. My abs just wouldn't work. Then once I did get out of bed, I hobbled everywhere. There is no way we won't see results with this workout. (And it is fun to do something together)

Weirdness

So I am getting married in 4 months and 1 day. Woohoo!!

Funny thing has happened though. A new Martha Stewart Wedding magazine came out the other day and I had no desire to buy it. There must be something wrong with me. That has been my favorite magazine for over 10 years. I eventually did buy it because I felt like I couldn't miss one in my collection. (How silly is that?)

To be honest, I don't have any huge expectations of what the day is going to be like. Yes, I want a beautiful gown, pretty hair, and great pictures. But you know what? I just want to get married. Some days I think Chris and I should just go down to the courthouse and do it. What would be so different from how we are now? And think of the money we could save.

I can't wait to be his wife.

Dreaming

So the nightmares have started. I have a few dreams a month about the wedding. Usually it is time for the wedding and things just aren't going as planned. Last night the photographer was no where to be seen as well as the minister. My hair was a mess and no one would help me. I ended up putting it in a ponytail.

Yikes. :)

Up-Dating

Chris and I have found out how important it is to have 'date' night. Sure we go out to eat often, but having a more romantic night is important. What does more romantic mean? It means talking about things other than the daily grind- nothing about the color of bridemaid dresses or procedures and patients. We have also decided to turn the TV off earlier instead of watching it until we are falling asleep. Its mighty hard to be romantic while watching ALIAS or Battlestar Gallactica.

Another happy note- I received the pictures I had ordered from our enagement photo session. I plan on making a picture collage. They were kind of expensive, but the quality of the photos was worth it.

Less than 5 months to go!!

135

135.......135.........135.......135

That is my goal weight. Yes, I've got a ways to go, but I can do it. Instead of starving myself, I am going to work out more. I am watching what I eat, but that isn't doing it for me. I need something more. I walk the dog every day, but last summer when I lost a good amount of weight I was running more and took the dog out at least twice a day. Since that seemed to work last time, I am going to get back to it. The warmer weather is definitely a motivator. I also bought a new pair of running shoes (my old ones actually had holes in them) and I bought one of those Nike + iPod things that into your iPod and talks to you over your music. I haven't set it up yet, but I will this weekend. All good motivators.

I also want to find a henna tatoo place and have 135 painted on my left arm in a beautiful design. I probably won't go that far, but I just might if I happen to go by a place that does that.

Most of us are always trying to lose a little weight. It's a constant battle. Sometimes I wish I would just be happy with my body and how it looks. I got pretty close this past summer. But now of course there is "the wedding". If there is one time in my life that I should be able to lose weight, I feel like it should be now. I don't want to look back at photos and think, "Why didn't I work a little harder? Why did I eat that extra piece of cake?" I want to look at those pictures and think, "My arms looks good and I don't have two chins." Its like training for a marathon. The training sucks, but the feeling you get from accomplishing something so great more than makes up for it.

On that note...Anyone want to train for a marathon? I need more than myself to keep me on track for that goal.

135....135....135....135....

What to Wear?

Chris and I have been discussing what he is going to wear on our wedding day. Definitely a tux, but the question is what to wear underneath? I kind of like the look to the left, but he thinks black vests look silly. He wants to wear grey. Hm. Unfortunately for him I've seen what he wore the first time and there will be no grey happening in my wedding. That and it doesn't really match at all. I also like the 'regular' tie look and I think it would look nice with the black vest. We'll see what I can get him to wrap his head around.

I sure do love him.

Invited

M and I had lunch today. M is designing the invites and brought along what she had put together. I think we were both nervous. I feel like the invitations say so much about a wedding and with my obsession with stationery I wanted them to be perfect. And they are!! M did such a great job! Both options are beautiful and came out even better than I had hoped. She even managed to find an envelope that is exactly like the envelope I used for the save the dates. Could it get any better? I don't think so.

M- Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Dancing Feet

I bit the bullet and bought my shoes today! I am hoping to have them dyed to be my 'something blue'. I wanted something with an ankle strap so that I wouldn't have to worry about them slipping off. I also wanted something with a medium heel. I think this shoe has a vintage feel and I just love it. Let's hope it feels as good as it looks!

I realized the other day that we have less than 6 months to the wedding. I have a lot of details taken care of, but I do have a few more projects I need to complete. I've been trying to decide what I want the 'audience' to do once we are married. Do I want them to throw rose petals as we walk down the aisle? Blow bubbles? Waive wooden ribbon 'wands'? I just can't decide.

I am meeting with M to discuss invites tomorrow. I am very excited and can't wait to see what she's come up with. I am sure it will be great. I admit I want to send out invites as soon as possible. I want to know who can come and who can't. I know I have to wait, but I just want to know! I am not good at waiting sometimes. Ah well. Patience is a virtue, right?

They're Here!

www.nicolemariephoto.com/chrisandtricia

Nicole did a great job. I am pretty happy with most of these. I love the one of us making snow angels. I really am glad that one turned out.

Enjoy!

Worth It?

Today was a success. I've chosen a cake design and flavor, given all of my ideas about flowers to the florist, and have finally seen the Stanley. It is beautiful, but not as beautiful as the drive to Estes Park. What a view. That alone is worth the money spent to get to this part of the country. I really can't say enough. It was hard not to drive off the side of the road.

I wanted to share my excitement today with someone and when I called he/she, I got an uninterested reaction. It was very disheartening. This person has a way of making me feel as if I am not worth people spending the time and money to be at my wedding. And it sucks. I know I shouldn't let it affect me, but it does. I understand not everyone will be able to come to the wedding, but it is not just my side. Some of Chris' side might not be able to come either. In fact, is it right to only ask one side to travel, especially when Chris is paying for a large portion of the wedding?

Anyway, my happy day has been dampened and I would like to remember only the good parts.

* Yummy Cake
* Beautiful Flowers
* Fantastic Venue

Smile!

Engagement photos have been taken! Chris and I woke up very early this morning, boarded a plan, and made our way up to Breckenridge once we picked up Nicole. Nicole was great today. She helped us to feel comfortable and we also had a great time. Nicole found some great backdrops for photos in Breckenridge. Chris was way more relaxed than I expected and was even up for making snow angels. After we left Breckenridge, we traveled up the Loveland Pass and took some photos on the Continental Divide. And boy was it cold! It was actually harder to breathe up there it was so high.

We now find ourselves in our hotel room, watching Psych, drinking martinis, and eating cookies. That's how lame we really are. Why go out and see what Boulder looks like when you can sit in your hotel room and veg?

Today, Chris really proved how much he loves me. He hates having his picture taken and he spent the whole day doing just that. And I think he did it well. He braved almost 4 hours of photo taking and smiled the whole time.

What a guy.

Estes Park Here We Come!

Chris and I leave for Colorado tomorrow morning. We are getting up at an ungodly hour to get to the airport and make our way west. First on our agenda? Engagement photos!! I am very excited. Nicole is taking us to Breckenridge for photos in the cute town and the mountains. I am hoping I have a cute enough/warm enough outfit. It is supposed to be snowing and I hope it is snowing just the right amount. Think of the great photos we could get. After our photo shoot, Chris and I will go to Boulder. That is going to be our home base for the weekend. Chris will be going skiing while I meet with the vendors.

Saturday Schedule:
10am Baker
11:30am Florist
2pm The Stanley

Sunday Schedule:
11am Wedding Coordinator

I am looking forward to meeting with them all and have lots of things to leave with them. My biggest challenge- Making sure I know where I am going since each is in a different town. Where is my Google Map...

Wish us luck!

Travel Days

I am so excited about this coming weekend. Chris and I are headed out to Colorado for our engagement photos. I am also meeting with the florist, the baker, the Stanley, and the coordinator for the day. Chris will be going skiing so we will both be happy. I don't think I could have gotten Chris to sit with me while I talked about flowers or cake.

My biggest dilemma about this weekend is what to wear for the photos. We are driving up to Breckenridge to take photos in the town and then we will head out and find some snow. The challenge- being cute AND being warm. I have some long underwear to wear and a new coat that should keep me warm. I plan on wearing jeans and having two pairs of shoes- one pair of heels and one pair of boots. But what to wear on top? Probably a sweater, but what if she wants some photos of us without our coats? Argh. I think we have Chris all figured out- jeans and a sweater and a new black coat. Now for me... Any ideas?

Bridesmaid Dresses

Somehow figuring out bridesmaid dresses has been the hardest part about this wedding planning. I want to choose a color that I like that the ladies will also like. I also want them to have a dress they actually like.

Some designers have beautiful dresses, but don't have the right color of blue. Some have the right color of blue...well, you get the idea.

If my ladies are reading this, I do really like the dress to the left. What do you think?

Chris and I are going to Estes Park in a week and a half. I can't wait. I'll be very busy as I am meeting with every vendor in 2 days. Chris gets to go skiing. But hey, I am getting him out there to take engagement photos so I am happy. Of course I wish I weighed at least 5 pounds less (as I eat a potato chip- ok no more of those). I had a dream the other night about the Stanley Hotel. It was paradise! The ocean on one side and mountains on the other with a really cool water park in front of the hotel. We'll see if it lives up to my expectations. I can't wait!

Different

So, Chris and I are discovering that we like to do things a little differently. He tends to want to throw money at a problem and I am a DIYer. Ah, the joys of almost being married. I have a friend who will remain unamed who once told me that when she was first living with her husband she wondered if she had made a terrible mistake. Secretly I wondered myself. Now I know. (Love you H)

Getting ready to spend the rest of my life with someone is quite a daunting task- especially after 14 years of living on my own. I want things done my way. Oh. And so does Chris. The trick is realizing that neither one of us is 'wrong'. We just do things a little differently. Learning to share space and share decision making is not so easy for me. Let's face it- I am right the majority of the time :)

Fat Frustration

Has this ever happened to you? You have a really important event coming up and you'd like to lose a few pounds. Nothing major- maybe about 10. Somehow you end up gaining 10 pounds and so now you have 15-20 to lose?

What's up with that?

I would guess that most brides try to lose weight for their wedding day. That's my plan anyways. But somehow my brain and body are working against me. I am gaining weight! I had thought this would be the easiest time of my life to stay on a diet and exercise more since I am getting married and I thought that would be a great motivator. I am finding the opposite to be true. I just want to eat. And then eat some more.

ARGH!

Every day I think, "OK, today is the day I am going to be super good and I will be super good from now on." And then I eat cookies. And the next day I think, "OK, today I am going to start my running again and I will run every other day." And then it is raining and I take the dog out for the quickest walk ever.

There must be a trick out there somewhere. There must be something I don't know.... Except I don't think there is. I know for a fact it is all about the math. Calories in VS Calories out. That's all that matters in this whole weight rollercoaster.

Calories in VS Calories out. Calories in VS Calories out. Calories in VS Carlories out
(my new mantra)

Piece of Cake

Wedding planning has been pretty easy so far. I've been able to find almost everything I need and I am comfortable with the choices I have made. I've mentioned the florist. The venue is going to be great. I just need to find a minister- well, I need him to call me back. Either way, I have been blessed with a fairly easy road so far.

Chris was away for the Christmas week and was on call all last week. Needless to say, we have not had as much time to spend together. Things should get back to normal this week and I am happy about that. One benefit to him being gone for a week proves the saying "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" to be completely true. He has been much more excited about the wedding. He's talking about us as being married and having kids. He's thinking about and planning for the future. I think he'll need to go away more often :)

I think what really happened was that the time away allowed him to realize and cherish how he feels when he is with me. We are so well suited for each other- we really get each other and are comfortable being ourselves around each other. I love that man.