Thank you.

We all know someone(s) in the military. Today, our nation takes the time to say thank you. To veterans of past wars, to those who have been injured in the present war, to those preparing to go overseas, and to those who "gave the last full measure of devotion" (Lincoln, Gettsyburg Address). We have all had family members or friends who have served - today is for them. So to all of our veterans and current military - thank you. For all that you sacrifice, all that you risk, all the freedoms that you grant us and protect, thank you.

The picture is my baby brother. He is at Purdue in the Navy ROTC program. The picture, which he took under protest for me, is from his Military Ball last week. It was the first time he wore his dress blues.

Ok... so... the wedzilla blog has an amazing giveaway right now. In fact, I really don't want to share it, because I want it! So. I guess I have to so I get the extra entry. They are lucky enough to have PaperCake Design giving away a customized map. That's right: an electronic copy of a customized map designed by Larissa from PaperCake Designs personalized the way you want it for YOUR wedding day.

I WANT. So if you don't, but you would want to give it to ME.... go ahead and comment on their blog. If you won't give it to me.... I guess you COULD comment, but why would you want to? You KNOW I want it!

Engagement Pictures

David and I met up with our photographer, Sarah Cotherman of Photos by Sarah, on Sunday. She knows a great location that most people would not anticipate. It was a perfect fall day, and we got some amazing pictures out of it!
These are edited from screenshots of our slideshow, so the quality is not the best. However, our images are awesome! I am so excited about them!
All photos are credited to Sarah Cotherman.

We had to get some with the ears - it's part of our story!

The location had an awesome gazebo that gave us these pictures


Of course, with all the leaves on the ground, who can resist?

With a good tree around, any number of things are possible


And of course, some cutesy pictures


And what engagement session would be complete without a kiss?


I have to tell you, I've seen a lot of debate the past few weeks about engagement sessions. I saw one blogger who felt that contrived pictures would feel completely unnatural. True, David and I don't usually stop to throw leaves at each other, or stand against a brick wall. But I have to tell you, this session was so much fun! We got just over 60 pictures in about 25 minutes. I have a couple of thoughts on how to use them. It was part of our package, and I'm so glad we got to do it!

Help an awesome planner/blogger win!

So, I got the links and stuff for our engagement pictures. But you'll have to wait, because Heidi of heidzillas needs your help!
AmyJean over at The Relentless Bride did an awesome post about helping. Go to vote and register all of your email addresses (you will need to logout to register a new address). You will receive an email to confirm - so make sure you still access to that account! - but they won't spam you. Turns out that I have been registered with them for a while, and never gotten anything. Help a girl out. I'll return with screenshots of some of our engagement pictures in the next day or two!