Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Matron & Maid of Honor


So, I did something a bit more differently than the typical bride. I decided to have a maid of honor (Ali) and a matron of honor (Kellie).  Both of these ladies are extremely important to me, and I want you to know that too! Together they will be working together as a team to keep this functional bride sane through the wedding planning process. This blog is dedicated to their awesomeness!  Thanks girls for being with me through all different walks of life.  You both mean the world to me!

Maid of Honor

 Ali Tess Tucker is my little, redheaded, fireball of a sister. I am the oldest of 7 siblings (4boys and 3girls all together), and Ali is the closest to me in age. My sister and I spent most of our childhood growing up all over the United States.  Of course, the two of us had our sibling rivalries growing up—but we always seemed to work it out.  Most times, our mom (unwillingly) would find herself trapped between the two of us while we attempted to kick the snot out of each other.


The two of us spent ALL of our childhood traveling back and forth across the country.  For school, we spent most of our time in Kentucky with our mom; for holidays (most of the time) we would travel to California to spend those times with our dad and grandparents.  Needless to say, Ali and I spent nearly every waking moment together.  For over 10 years we shared a bedroom room together. I would keep my light on every night and read for hours while Ali complained until she fell asleep.  Even at school, we would find our way together—especially, when we played soccer.

 We’ve always watched each other’s backs, and we can depend on each other. Together we were always a team.  Together we always managed to figure out those difficult moments growing up. And, for everything we’ve been through together, I will always be grateful.



Matron of Honor

Kellie Conway Edson has been a really good friend of mine since junior year of high school.  If it weren’t for Kellie, adjusting to a new school would have been an absolute nightmare.  After moving, I didn’t intend to join band class because I didn’t want to receive the “dork” label right off the bat. It was only a matter of time though... Kellie managed to find me within the first week of school. And, within that week, she somehow got me to join band as well as introduce me to Ryan.  I was so lucky to have found Kellie at Truckee High School. 


Kellie has always gotten me to stretch my wings and RELAX.  I can be serious and enjoy myself simultaneously when I’m spending time with her and I LOVE IT. Thank you Kellie! Interestingly, Kellie and I both chose to be English majors in college (writing, reading and literary discussion has always been a common addiction).

You can also call Kellie the “match maker” and give her all the credit for getting Ryan and me together.  So, make sure you give her a big hug and a kiss. Kellie is a rock star!






Interesting Facts about these lovely ladies:

1.     Kellie’s given name is Joy. She gets her name by her middle name Kellien.
2.     Ali shares the same birthday with Ryan and Toby—July 6th.
3.     Ali hates soda.
4.     Kellie played the saxophone in high school. She proceeded to teach music lessons for most of her college years.
5.     Ali knows how to make you laugh. She has an awesome sense of humor.
6.     Kellie is a Zumba instructor!
7.     Ali and Kellie are both softball girls.
8.     Kellie is a vegetarian. You go girl!
9.     Ali is an animal lover!  Boston the dog is always by her side.
10. Kellie is also an animal lover!  She has two kitties at home—Bunny and Bert.



Thursday, February 9, 2012

The Unanswered Details

So, you must must MUST being dying to know all those little details that I've failed to mention in the last few blogs. Detail numero uno: I am awesome. Detail number two: this blog is awesome. Detail number three: only those people who have awesomeness tattooed in their soul will enjoy what I throw down.

Seriously though, I haven't shared some of the most important details.

Detail Number One:
This is my ring. There are many like it, but this one is mine.  My ring is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. My ring, without me, is useless. Without my ring, I am useless. My ring is white gold with princess cut diamonds. I first came in contact with my ring on the coastal shores of Mendocino. 

I gave my ring up shortly after the proposal. It had to have a makeover and get resized. It lost some weight--one ring size to be exact. So, when you see Ryan, be sure to congratulate him for a clean-cut win win choice on an engagement ring. Every day it becomes more and more beautiful.  I love it! Thanks RyRy!



Take a look at the ring!  Did it blind you?  On the first glance the shine may sting your eyes. So here is what you need to do: cup your hands over your eyes. Squint. Slightly open your fingers and take another look!  There's my ring! There it is!


Detail Number Two:

This is our venue. There are many like it, but this one is ours.  Our venue is our best friend. It is our life. We must master it as we must master our lives. Our venue, without us, is useless. Without our venue, We are useless.

If anyone guessed this serene, peaceful picture for the venue we chose, YOU ARE RIGHT!!! After some deliberation and discussion, Ryan and I decided that we wanted to tie the knot in Calistoga, California!  Would you have been able to deduce this information from the picture below?  A picture says a thousand words, right?  Well, out of everything on the property I took a picture of, why did I choose this?


Are you excited? Because I'm excited.  Those rocks and that leaf is excited! The venue is so truly beautiful. We are so blessed to be able to tie the knot in one of the most beautiful places in the world!



Detail Number Three:

So, I've got the ring. We've chosen the venue. So, the next logical step would be that we've set the big day in stone (or rocks as you can see). Right?  Woot Woot! After much deliberation, Ryan and I have chosen to tie the knot on October 20, 2012.  Only 254 days to go (I only know this because the website I am working on tells me this)! Seems like a whole bunch of days, but the time will come and go before we know it. So, do you know what I'm trying to do right now at this very second? ENJOY the wedding planning process!  I promise you, for all of those stressed brides, it can be done!  It can be done!



So, as a final thought in connection to my last blurb, I give you the picture of our save the dates! This is the picture of our engagement postcard that Ryan and I are sending to family and friends.  I recently ordered  them through www.weddingpaperdivas.com, and they turned out to be spectacular! Here is an interesting fact about our engagement photo:we didn't hire a professional to take our picture.  It was Ryan's sister Heather that took the picture, and it was our friend Kevin that did all of the touchups! For all those brides out there looking for ways to save some money, this would be one quick way to do it!


I look forward to the next stage in the wedding planning process.  Let the little details begin!