Another Benefit of Moving Our Ceremony

Something that I never thought about when moving our location was our Wedding Banns. I know that for three straight weeks, an engaged couple's names must be printed in the church bulletin or read during the services (at least, at both parishes we looked at). While perusing St. Louis's bulletin the past few weekends, I saw the printed banns for multiple weddings coming up. So not only will I get to see them, my students will all see them too!
It's wonderful to see my students getting so excited for such a big change in my life. Of course, the most asked question this school year has been "Can I come to your wedding?" It's hard to explain that I can't invite all 450 of my students in addition to my guests. I wish I could invite them all, but there wouldn't be room in the church - or enough food at the reception!

Engagement Pictures - postponed

We were supposed to have our engagement pictures taken yesterday. David and I have chosen our perfect outfits, and my photographer has told me she has the perfect location.

Unfortunately, there were multiple circumstances that came together to prevent this.

First of all, it was raining for most of the day. I had seen this throughout the week, and kept telling myself I could run out and buy a cute umbrella. I mean, there are TONS of cute umbrella e-pics, right?

but then. BUT THEN. I ended up with bronchitis. For some people, this is like getting a cold - they cough a little more and might lose their voice, but for me, it's about a million times worse. The last time I had it this bad, I was sick for almost 3 months, yes MONTHS, and ended up in voice therapy. I spent all day on Thursday in bed, then mustered the strength yesterday morning to call the doctor and make an appointment. I also asked David to call our photographer and try to reschedule.

Sarah (our wonderful photog) called in the afternoon. She hadn't gotten David's message yet, but wanted to reschedule since the rain didn't look like it was letting up any time soon. All I had to do was ANSWER the phone and she knew what a great idea canceling was!

So, I'm disappointed that we didn't get them taken, but I'm hoping that November 1st works for both of us and is sunny!

Thank yous!

You might remember that I won some free cards from uprinting. Well, they have arrived, and I have to tell you, I'm excited! I've already used some - birthday thank yous ya know - but wanted to get some pictures for you all (with my new camera).

Reader No. 1

We have our first reader! My uncle was over to borrow something tonight. He also happens to be my godfather. He is a great guy, very supportive, caring, and a man who has always played a large role in my life. I don't know yet what he'll be reading - we haven't chosen readings or our other readers - but I wanted to ask him while he was here. I'm so excited that everything is coming together!!

Help a Student

As I'm sure most of you have seen by now, there is a couples research study being done. I have completed the survey (yay!) and it really did not take too long. Here is the information, as sent to me by the person in charge:

Engaged volunteers needed!

I am looking for volunteers for a study of attitudes towards marriage and parenthood among engaged couples. The study consists of a 25-30 minute online survey. To qualify for the study, you must be 20-35 years old, live in the U.S., and plan to marry or have a commitment ceremony within the next 365 days. You and your romantic partner must not have children, and this must be the first marriage for both of you.

You can:

-Help a doctoral candidate;

-Increase the pool of scientific knowledge;

-Support research on marriage and families; and

-Spend some time thinking about your relationship!

I am working with Dr. Charlotte J. Patterson, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia. This study has been approved by the University of Virginia Institutional Review Board #2009025800.

If you and/or your romantic partner are interested in participating or want further information, please email me at survey.couples@gmail.com. I will send you a link that you can use to access the study.

Thanks!

Cristina Reitz-Krueger

Doctoral Student

University of Virginia

survey.couples@gmail.com

Take some time while you're watching TV, and do the survey for her. Not only do I like her name :) but I know how hard it can be to gather survey responses!

PS We are officially 8 months away!

Piano and Organ Player

(source)

Sometimes, it amazes me how quickly an answer presents itself. Two days ago, I was lamenting that I was going to miss my goal of having musicians lined up by our 8 month mark. Thanks to my mom overhearing a conversation and following up on it, I am going to meet my self-imposed deadline!
The music teacher at my mom's school, who I talked quite a bit while I was subbing, plays keyboards for weddings! She is most comfortable on piano, but when Mom mentioned that I have one song that I want on the organ, she said one song is no problem. I'm so excited! Her cost is extremely reasonable, and I am very comfortable with the idea of her playing. She is very nice AND professional. I told mom to tell her on Monday so she can book it. I'm excited!

In this post, I stated that I wanted to have our ceremony musicians worked out by the time we hit 8 months out. Well, I don't know that I'm going to make that goal, but I DO have good news on it!

We have a vocalist! My friend Katie, whom I've known for over a decade, has graciously agreed to sing for our ceremony. I'm SO excited - she has a gorgeous voice, is very professional, and is also someone I greatly admire. Her husband spent a year in Iraq, and Katie was the strongest person I could have ever imagined. She is a great help when I have a question on teaching (she's an elementary music teacher) or how she did something for her wedding (I was there and it was gorgeous!)

I'm still working to get a keyboard player by the 12th, but if it doesn't happen, at least I know I'm halfway there!

Katie and I at her wedding, June 11, 2005 (we'll be getting married the day after their 5th anniversary!)

(personal photo)

7 Facts

Chocolate Lover gave me an award!

I was tagged to post 7 facts about myself... so here goes nothing!

1. I love DIY and crafty things, but feel like I have no artistic ability. I always WANTED to be good at art, but always got frustrated at my lack of perfection.

2. I'm a comfortable shoe snob. I go to DSW and read labels before I look at the shoes - Skechers are the best things ever!

3. If I lived close enough, I'd work at Disney World. Secretly, I'd love to be Cinderella every day.

4. Music is a passion and a love, and I can't imagine life without it. If I had an office job, I'd go crazy in the quiet every day!

5. I have the most allergic skin of anyone I know. And I currently have a 71 item patch test on my back to find out MORE things that I might be allergic to.

6. I'm a packrat who secretly longs for cleanliness. I have lots of STUFF that came home from my BSU apartment and no where to put it. I'm hoping to purge a LOT when I pack to move in with David.

7. I LOVE my huge extended family. I can't imagine a lifetime of small, intimate Thanksgivings. I enjoy the big reminder of the gifts God has given us in healthy babies almost every year!

And now... the rules....

• Post 7 facts about yourself
• Pass this award on to 7 amazing bloggers

So, here goes nothing.... I tag....
Jenny of Happily Ever After
Goldie of A Bride's Golden Moments
Charlene of Charlene and Andrew's Disney Wedding
Heidi of 2 State Bride
Dara of A Change In Me
Nessa of Disney Girls Wedding
Carrie of Lurkyloo Does WDW!

DIY - Unity Candle

I made our unity candle! I love the personalized look that I've seen elsewhere, but not their price tags. So I bought a plain white candle, red ribbon with a gold edge, black ribbon, and pearl-headed bout pins. you can see the construction on the back - I used the pins to hold the ribbon in place. That way, I can take the ribbon off if we ever burn it down that far and need the candle clear.
The base of the unity candle is the one my parents used - I guess it's another something old and borrowed!