Picture Perfect

Exciting news! We officially have an appointment with our photographer! Robert showed me her work early on in our relationship and I'll be honest, I always had the thought in the back of my mind, that if we got married I wanted her to take our pictures! Her name is Dee Dee Dallas. You can take a look at her amazing photography at www.deedeedallas.com. We will be meeting with her at the end of January to set up an engagement session and talk about the wedding. Robert and I agreed that the pictures would be one of the most important aspects of our wedding. We know Dee Dee will do a great job capturing the memories in the most creative and beautiful way. I am so excited to finally meet her!

What's the idea

As I'm looking through blog after blog, searching for ideas for the wedding, I keep coming across photographs of a specific occurrence that has now sparked my curiosity. It seems to be a growing trend but personally, I don't understand it. What is this new idea of letting the bride and groom see each other before the wedding? I hear people say it's for the simple fact of getting the photographs done before hair starts to fall and makeup begins running. I guess I can understand this theory. However, I can't imagine not having that one special moment when my soon-to-be-husband sees me standing at the end of the isle for the first time. I feel like seeing each other before the fact might take a  little bit of the "magic" away from the whole ceremony. If you're reading this and you did the pictures before the ceremony, please don't be offended! I truly am interested in the thought process behind this, so please do share your opinions and experiences!

Movin on up!

I passed my Real Estate exam!!! I am so excited. I was so prepared to have to take it over and over again. What a relief! Robert took me down to La Palma yesterday and sat in the car for two hours while I took the test. Isn't he wonderful? Luckily it was a happy cry when I got back to the car :) I cannot even express how much stress I've been under worrying about how difficult this test was going to be. I've heard nothing but horror stories about taking the Real Estate Exam. YAY!!!!

On another happy note, Robert got a new job! He'll still be with The American Red Cross but in another division of the organization. I'm really excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead for him. I know he'll exceed all expectations. He's great at everything he does! It's sickening, really ;) I love you babe!

Marriage, career changes, a new home (hopefully). It's exciting to have a few new obstacles in our path.

Where and when

We had our two venue appointments yesterday. I feel like we're both more confused than ever! Or at least I am. The woman who over thinks everything and changes her mind with the wind :) I feel like there is so much to figure out and it's only the beginning! I was able to put all the wedding stuff aside for a week or so because I was feeling overwhelmed with trying to figure out what would work best for us. Now I'm back in the same boat. Time to crunch some serious numbers and break out the pro/con list.

Is it crazy to be looking for a venue already? I always thought that would be the first step but after our appointment yesterday the woman made me feel crazy for wanting to talk 2013 dates. I guess if you don't know me you don't know I'm usually way ahead of schedule when it comes to planning...

Destination

So I think we've decided that our first step in the planning process of our wedding will be to find the venue. We have two appointments this Saturday. One of which is actually a second appointment at the first and only place we've seen so far. I've already fallen in love with it. The other is a place Robert's good friend of the family found spontaneously while at work one day (YAY Wayne!).

Surprisingly, I'm loving the natural look of tall trees and lots of green! I'm super excited to find the spot so we can officially set the date.

By the way, if anyone knows of any local places in wooded, forest, or garden areas please do share!