Man! A lot has happened since the last time I posted! Our big day is nearing and it's getting crazier and crazier!
I just returned from a wonderfully relaxing weekend in Lincoln City with my girls where they took me for my bachelorette party. It deviated away from the typical experience, which made me very happy. We spent the weekend in a beautiful beach house in Neskowin, nestled on a hillside overlooking a spectacular ocean view. The house had four(ish) bedrooms and was designed for a perfect getaway.
We're THREE weeks away from what I will always remember as the most amazing day of my life. I can't wait to finally have everything come together- all the planning and labor invested. It's going to be beautiful... It's GOING to be! :p I can't wait to see everyone and share our day with you all.
A special thank you to everyone who's helped us out in any way, shape, or form towards the wedding: You are all dear, sweet people that we can't thank enough for your love and support.
Tschus!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Yay pictures!
Our lovely photographer Becca Blevins took Shane and I on a fun filled photo session last weekend in downtown Portland. We trekked around a tiny park called Tanner Springs Park. Visually, it's a breath of fresh air amidst the skyscrapers that line the streets.
Since it's only been about a week, she hasn't quite finished editing them all. However, we've been fortunate enough to get a sneak peak at a few of them! And here I am, sharing them with all of you. :) Enjoy!
Since it's only been about a week, she hasn't quite finished editing them all. However, we've been fortunate enough to get a sneak peak at a few of them! And here I am, sharing them with all of you. :) Enjoy!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Check 1, 2...
Anyone reading this? Just curious... leave a comment and let me know what you think!
♥
♥
Monday, May 24, 2010
New blog layout! The old blog felt... well, old. And I like updating things so I made it brighter and a little cleaner imo*. :)
I promise, PROMISE the invites are going to be out soon, they're all done! Seeeeeee?
I'm just waiting for a few more addresses (ahem! Dad! *cough* Ron! *cough*) and enough $$ for postage. And then they'll be on their merry way.
I keep thinking of more ideas for the wedding!! In the great words of Jim Carrey via 'The Mask' "SSSOMEBODY STOP ME!!" Cheesy? Unfortunately it's the truth. I've had almost a year of planning and thinking about the next big project to work on and now I've got nothing. Zip. Oh, I suppose I could do laundry and tidy up my room, but what fun is THAT?
My latest and greatest idea is for a candy buffet. It will essentially serve two purposes, 1: It's great decoration! And 2: Party favors! There will be small baggies and boxes (and mini candy scoops!!!!! So cute!) for guests to take what they'd like and bring home.
These are my inspirations:
[NOTE: I do not take credit for either of these photos. I googled 'blue candby buffet table' and these pictures were part of the results. I loved them and kudos to whomever created them.]
It's going to be soooo much fun putting this together!!
I also found pre-made pomanders on clearance for $2.00!!!!
Wooo!!! Exclamation point!!!
Oooooh and lastly. Something else that will be going on the Candy Buffet: CAKE POPS!
These tasty little treats are the best things ever, in my book. I discovered one of my new favorite websites: Bakerella.com. This person is one of the most creative people I have ever seen. Cake pops are delightful little cake balls rolled to perfection, then dipped in melted chocolate coating and put onto a stick. They look like suckers, but they're not! They're beautiful and they're delicious! And they're so easy to make! (Time-consuming but easy...) I plan on making a lot of these little guys to add some pep to the Candy display. :)
*imo = in my opinion
I promise, PROMISE the invites are going to be out soon, they're all done! Seeeeeee?
I'm just waiting for a few more addresses (ahem! Dad! *cough* Ron! *cough*) and enough $$ for postage. And then they'll be on their merry way.
I keep thinking of more ideas for the wedding!! In the great words of Jim Carrey via 'The Mask' "SSSOMEBODY STOP ME!!" Cheesy? Unfortunately it's the truth. I've had almost a year of planning and thinking about the next big project to work on and now I've got nothing. Zip. Oh, I suppose I could do laundry and tidy up my room, but what fun is THAT?
My latest and greatest idea is for a candy buffet. It will essentially serve two purposes, 1: It's great decoration! And 2: Party favors! There will be small baggies and boxes (and mini candy scoops!!!!! So cute!) for guests to take what they'd like and bring home.
These are my inspirations:
[NOTE: I do not take credit for either of these photos. I googled 'blue candby buffet table' and these pictures were part of the results. I loved them and kudos to whomever created them.]
It's going to be soooo much fun putting this together!!
I also found pre-made pomanders on clearance for $2.00!!!!
Wooo!!! Exclamation point!!!
Oooooh and lastly. Something else that will be going on the Candy Buffet: CAKE POPS!
These tasty little treats are the best things ever, in my book. I discovered one of my new favorite websites: Bakerella.com. This person is one of the most creative people I have ever seen. Cake pops are delightful little cake balls rolled to perfection, then dipped in melted chocolate coating and put onto a stick. They look like suckers, but they're not! They're beautiful and they're delicious! And they're so easy to make! (Time-consuming but easy...) I plan on making a lot of these little guys to add some pep to the Candy display. :)
*imo = in my opinion
Saturday, May 15, 2010
90 Days = Medical Benefits!
"Great things are coming to you this year." - This was a fortune inside a fortune cookie I got almost a year ago. Obviously it was right.
Going back to July of 2009, a recap: Shane & I both were laid off from our jobs.
August of 2009: Shane proposes. [OBVIOUSLY] I accept.
September 2009: Shane and I both find new jobs. Mine in retail, his in maintenence.
March 2010: Shane gets laid off again.
May 2010: I get offered a full time position at a new company [not in retail] with great pay. Two hours after I get offered a new job, Shane gets an offer at an electronics company. An hour after THAT Shane's older brother Ryan gets an offer for a new job as well.
GREAT THINGS are happening here. Today officially marks 90 days until the wedding. Ninety days until Shane and I get to start our new life together. It's more than exciting at this point. I'm still slowly collecting little details of the wedding that I'll need but everything is done. Invitations have been addressed and are waiting for their postage.
He and I went apartment hunting yesterday and had an enormous amount of fun doing so. We found a few places that will allow my big furry friend to accompany us and that was a relief. Alas, Shane's (and mine I suppose,) dream apartment wouldn't. But at least now we know there are good prospects out there for us if we can't find a rental house between now and July.
Soon I'll be changing my last name and we'll be applying for a marriage license. And living happily ever after. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE it's so exciting.
Sorry this post isn't as quippy as normal. I'm tired. It's been a long day and I tried on a swim suit for the first time in six years - *gag*.
Going back to July of 2009, a recap: Shane & I both were laid off from our jobs.
August of 2009: Shane proposes. [OBVIOUSLY] I accept.
September 2009: Shane and I both find new jobs. Mine in retail, his in maintenence.
March 2010: Shane gets laid off again.
May 2010: I get offered a full time position at a new company [not in retail] with great pay. Two hours after I get offered a new job, Shane gets an offer at an electronics company. An hour after THAT Shane's older brother Ryan gets an offer for a new job as well.
GREAT THINGS are happening here. Today officially marks 90 days until the wedding. Ninety days until Shane and I get to start our new life together. It's more than exciting at this point. I'm still slowly collecting little details of the wedding that I'll need but everything is done. Invitations have been addressed and are waiting for their postage.
He and I went apartment hunting yesterday and had an enormous amount of fun doing so. We found a few places that will allow my big furry friend to accompany us and that was a relief. Alas, Shane's (and mine I suppose,) dream apartment wouldn't. But at least now we know there are good prospects out there for us if we can't find a rental house between now and July.
Soon I'll be changing my last name and we'll be applying for a marriage license. And living happily ever after. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE it's so exciting.
Sorry this post isn't as quippy as normal. I'm tired. It's been a long day and I tried on a swim suit for the first time in six years - *gag*.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
*gasp!* Monsieur Incroyable!
Howdy do.
Four months and two days to go! Time's seriously flying and I can't believe how great it's been and how much more excited Shane and I are getting.
Almost everything is done for now and I feel like I should have more to do at this point. I guess that's what I get for desperately trying to be ahead of the game.
Shane and I picked out tuxes last month for him and the boys and they're going to look startlingly gorgeous. :)
This is Shane's suit. A nice Calvin Klein, however he'll have a black shirt with a white tie and vest.
These are basically what the groomsmen, ushers and our dad's will be wearing, except the colors will vary depending on the person wearing them. It'll make more sense at the wedding, promise. :p
And on TOP of that, I took my girls dress shopping a couple of weeks ago. THAT was an adventure.
From left to right: Amanda Bentley, Brittany Burris, Athena Scheidegger, & Sally Greer.
After a long and extensive search we decided on these beauties for their dresses:
........JUST KIDDING.
Their dresses are going to be beautiful but I don't want to give too much away by showing everything on here. Needless to say they tried on a lot of fun and frilly and fabulous dresses and we've finally narrowed it down to the best.
On TOP of all of the clothes shopping, I've ordered the flowers from my new favorite florist. Mary Jean's Flowers has been in business since I don't even know how long but her shop has been on Oatfield Rd. in Milwaukie for as long as I can remember living here. Mary's a wonderfully fun person with a lot of great ideas. Aside from the flowers she arranges and sells she also offers super cute knick-knacks like buttons and magnets and trinkets, candles, hand crafted jewelry, and just all around adorable things.
It was her 60th birthday! :)
So pretty much:
Ceremony/Reception Venue- Check!
Officient- Check!
Dress- Check!
Tuxes- Check!
BMaids Dresses- Check!
Flowers- Check!
Cupcakes- Check!
Invitations- .... well, they're in the works. Literally. They're sitting in pieces right next to me!
And there's tons more that's all set and ready to go! Whew! It's been a whirlwind but I think I'm ready for the party now! :)
Four months and two days to go! Time's seriously flying and I can't believe how great it's been and how much more excited Shane and I are getting.
Almost everything is done for now and I feel like I should have more to do at this point. I guess that's what I get for desperately trying to be ahead of the game.
Shane and I picked out tuxes last month for him and the boys and they're going to look startlingly gorgeous. :)
This is Shane's suit. A nice Calvin Klein, however he'll have a black shirt with a white tie and vest.
These are basically what the groomsmen, ushers and our dad's will be wearing, except the colors will vary depending on the person wearing them. It'll make more sense at the wedding, promise. :p
And on TOP of that, I took my girls dress shopping a couple of weeks ago. THAT was an adventure.
From left to right: Amanda Bentley, Brittany Burris, Athena Scheidegger, & Sally Greer.
After a long and extensive search we decided on these beauties for their dresses:
........JUST KIDDING.
Their dresses are going to be beautiful but I don't want to give too much away by showing everything on here. Needless to say they tried on a lot of fun and frilly and fabulous dresses and we've finally narrowed it down to the best.
On TOP of all of the clothes shopping, I've ordered the flowers from my new favorite florist. Mary Jean's Flowers has been in business since I don't even know how long but her shop has been on Oatfield Rd. in Milwaukie for as long as I can remember living here. Mary's a wonderfully fun person with a lot of great ideas. Aside from the flowers she arranges and sells she also offers super cute knick-knacks like buttons and magnets and trinkets, candles, hand crafted jewelry, and just all around adorable things.
It was her 60th birthday! :)
So pretty much:
Ceremony/Reception Venue- Check!
Officient- Check!
Dress- Check!
Tuxes- Check!
BMaids Dresses- Check!
Flowers- Check!
Cupcakes- Check!
Invitations- .... well, they're in the works. Literally. They're sitting in pieces right next to me!
And there's tons more that's all set and ready to go! Whew! It's been a whirlwind but I think I'm ready for the party now! :)
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
I'll Register YOU!
Ta-Da! We're registered at the following places: Macys, Target, & Amazon.com. You can also view our registries at Macy's & Target online if you prefer. Please send gifts to (If you would like):
Shane Greig
11900 NE 18th St. #113
Vancouver, WA 98684
Thanks bundles in advance for anything and everything. Gifts are not a requirement but they ARE however, nice sentiments.
MUCH L♥VE
Shane & Krista
Shane Greig
11900 NE 18th St. #113
Vancouver, WA 98684
Thanks bundles in advance for anything and everything. Gifts are not a requirement but they ARE however, nice sentiments.
MUCH L♥VE
Shane & Krista
Friday, February 5, 2010
Creative Madness #2
I can't seem to stop!!!! I'm going through major creative madness lately. I'm almost finished making the table numbers (as far as I know... most likely I'll have to make a couple more once we get the final head count I'm guessing.) and they're turning out beautifully! I really like how they're starting to look all together.
I found the idea for them at Project Wedding.com I just happened upon them and was pleasantly surprised.
Also, in case you were wondering: I strongly dislike going to places (restaurants, weddings, etc.) where you have to sit with a bunch of strangers. I understand how it can be fun and new and really makes some people get out of their comfort box and open up. But it just kind of irritates me because I'm not like that. I sit uncomfortable and awkward and make small talk with whomever chooses to tries to coax me into conversation.
So as far as arranged seating goes at Shane's and my wedding? Out the door. I thought about it and making place cards seemed fun and yet again, just one more thing for me to do that's creative and fun but neither Shane nor I enjoy putting people in situations we ourselves are not comfortable in. So people may sit where they please, so long as they remember which table number they've chosen. On that note, we have decided to make table numbers but their purpose is much more simple.
When it's time to eat, someone with a microphone will say: "Tables #1 & #2 may head to the buffet room for food." Once it looks like half the people are back with food, they will call another table/two tables up to get food.
The reason for this is that the buffet room isn't all that big and it'll make it easier not having a line all the way back into the ballroom. You'll understand when we're all there. It will get cramped real fast if everyone just gets up and stands in line.
So here are the table numbers:
Also, I've been saying I'd post pictures of these for a while but here are the flower girl baskets I made. I covered two weaved hand baskets with black satin fabric. Then I just tied a bow on one handle on each of them and stuck a couple stick on flowers on the other side of the handles. They're very simple but turned out exactly how I wanted them to.
I have a consultation with Saint Cupcake on February 9th coming up so hopefully that goes well! Scheduling appointments has been so hard lately with work, etc to get both Shane AND me there. Unfortunately it didn't work out for both of us to be at this one but I'll be sure to post the details and pictures if I take any.
I found the idea for them at Project Wedding.com I just happened upon them and was pleasantly surprised.
Also, in case you were wondering: I strongly dislike going to places (restaurants, weddings, etc.) where you have to sit with a bunch of strangers. I understand how it can be fun and new and really makes some people get out of their comfort box and open up. But it just kind of irritates me because I'm not like that. I sit uncomfortable and awkward and make small talk with whomever chooses to tries to coax me into conversation.
So as far as arranged seating goes at Shane's and my wedding? Out the door. I thought about it and making place cards seemed fun and yet again, just one more thing for me to do that's creative and fun but neither Shane nor I enjoy putting people in situations we ourselves are not comfortable in. So people may sit where they please, so long as they remember which table number they've chosen. On that note, we have decided to make table numbers but their purpose is much more simple.
When it's time to eat, someone with a microphone will say: "Tables #1 & #2 may head to the buffet room for food." Once it looks like half the people are back with food, they will call another table/two tables up to get food.
The reason for this is that the buffet room isn't all that big and it'll make it easier not having a line all the way back into the ballroom. You'll understand when we're all there. It will get cramped real fast if everyone just gets up and stands in line.
So here are the table numbers:
Also, I've been saying I'd post pictures of these for a while but here are the flower girl baskets I made. I covered two weaved hand baskets with black satin fabric. Then I just tied a bow on one handle on each of them and stuck a couple stick on flowers on the other side of the handles. They're very simple but turned out exactly how I wanted them to.
I have a consultation with Saint Cupcake on February 9th coming up so hopefully that goes well! Scheduling appointments has been so hard lately with work, etc to get both Shane AND me there. Unfortunately it didn't work out for both of us to be at this one but I'll be sure to post the details and pictures if I take any.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Ahoy mateys!
Just a quick FYI, you all can leave comments now. I fixed it so everyone, (and I do mean EVERYONE... even without a Gmail account) can leave comments or thoughts right here on the page. Just click on the small comment button below the preceding post and a giant-ish white box will pop open for you to fill with lovely words. :)
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Baby Dilemma
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Now I can finally say Shane and I are getting married THIS YEAR!! WOO!!! On a related note:
Today, Barry and Penny (Shane's parents) came up to visit. They wanted to check out the ballroom we're holding the festivities at and check out possible rehearsal dinner venues as well.
After a butterfly-in-tummy inducing trip to the Arista Ballroom, we hopped back onto the road in search of a restaurant in the area. I'd gotten some input on a few restaurants in the area from some friends, (Kudos to Mr. Bob Stark *btw.) that might be good choices. We drove between the Hawthorne District and Laurelhurst and found four restaurants that all open after 5pm (so we couldn't check out the food or insides...) and one Pastini Pastaria. The food was good, the service... wasn't... great. But we had a great time regardless and talked about a lot of wedding details.
My favorite conversation of the day however, had to be about invitation etiquette. How do we tell people we don't want their babies crying during the ceremony, and what's more how do people stop said babies from actually crying during the ceremony? IS there a polite way of telling guests to A. Not bring infants, or B. Leave the room immediately if an infant happens to act up.
Don't get me wrong, I love kids. (Yes, yes, completely unbeknownst to many, I know.) I actually enjoy them quite a bit and I can't wait to have a couple of my own. However... you only get married once. (Theoretically.) The ceremony won't be long seeing as Shane and I don't like being the center of attention (Haha) and we don't want to stand around reciting 40 verses of repetitiveness. We would like to have most of the evening video-taped and I'm really sorry, but in forty years when I get a hankering to watch us saying our vows for the first time I really don't want to hear, "With this ring, I thee WWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
I don't want to step on any toes because as luck would have it, there will be a number of people attending with infants. I just...ya know? It's a touchy subject. I understand that. And I'm thrilled for those who've been lucky enough to expand their families. But really, how do you say something like that to someone you care about without being crass or offensive?
Barry, Penny, Shane and I really couldn't come up with many nice ones. But here are some of my favorites we DID come up with:
1. During the ceremony, please silence all cell phones, pagers, and small children.
2. Please check your coats and crying infants at the door.
3. Please set your cell phones and babies on silent mode.
All relatively along the same lines but hilarious to me none-the-less.
Also, non-invited guests. Another touchy subject. We're trying to keep the guest list to a minimum- we really are. I didn't even want more than a hundred people attending, but we know too many awesome people. No joke. But through the grape-vine I keep hearing about people getting invited by other people which IS NOT OKAY!!!!!!!! I've already sent out the Save the Date cards so if by chance you hear someone is planning on coming who DID NOT receive one... refer them to this page please. (Unless you know personally you're invited, but never received one then just let me know you never got one and I'll make sure it's delivered promptly.)
I understand that some people may be hurt by our decision to cut them from the final guest list, and that maybe some won't even come regardless of whether we actually invite them. But to assume it's okay for you to show up unannounced, without being formally invited is just as rude- in my opinion. I'm sorry if I sound awful right now and "Bridezilla"-like but there's only so much I can do here. The venue we're at only holds a certain number of people. We're inviting as many people as we can without going over that number. So I'm sorry, I love you all, but if for some reason you don't receive an invite... well I love you but don't show up. I'll probably throw a fit or have a bridesmaid do it for me.
I really feel awful writing that last paragraph. I really, really do. Le sigh. C'est la vie, no?
*BTW = By the way
Now I can finally say Shane and I are getting married THIS YEAR!! WOO!!! On a related note:
Today, Barry and Penny (Shane's parents) came up to visit. They wanted to check out the ballroom we're holding the festivities at and check out possible rehearsal dinner venues as well.
After a butterfly-in-tummy inducing trip to the Arista Ballroom, we hopped back onto the road in search of a restaurant in the area. I'd gotten some input on a few restaurants in the area from some friends, (Kudos to Mr. Bob Stark *btw.) that might be good choices. We drove between the Hawthorne District and Laurelhurst and found four restaurants that all open after 5pm (so we couldn't check out the food or insides...) and one Pastini Pastaria. The food was good, the service... wasn't... great. But we had a great time regardless and talked about a lot of wedding details.
My favorite conversation of the day however, had to be about invitation etiquette. How do we tell people we don't want their babies crying during the ceremony, and what's more how do people stop said babies from actually crying during the ceremony? IS there a polite way of telling guests to A. Not bring infants, or B. Leave the room immediately if an infant happens to act up.
Don't get me wrong, I love kids. (Yes, yes, completely unbeknownst to many, I know.) I actually enjoy them quite a bit and I can't wait to have a couple of my own. However... you only get married once. (Theoretically.) The ceremony won't be long seeing as Shane and I don't like being the center of attention (Haha) and we don't want to stand around reciting 40 verses of repetitiveness. We would like to have most of the evening video-taped and I'm really sorry, but in forty years when I get a hankering to watch us saying our vows for the first time I really don't want to hear, "With this ring, I thee WWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
I don't want to step on any toes because as luck would have it, there will be a number of people attending with infants. I just...ya know? It's a touchy subject. I understand that. And I'm thrilled for those who've been lucky enough to expand their families. But really, how do you say something like that to someone you care about without being crass or offensive?
Barry, Penny, Shane and I really couldn't come up with many nice ones. But here are some of my favorites we DID come up with:
1. During the ceremony, please silence all cell phones, pagers, and small children.
2. Please check your coats and crying infants at the door.
3. Please set your cell phones and babies on silent mode.
All relatively along the same lines but hilarious to me none-the-less.
Also, non-invited guests. Another touchy subject. We're trying to keep the guest list to a minimum- we really are. I didn't even want more than a hundred people attending, but we know too many awesome people. No joke. But through the grape-vine I keep hearing about people getting invited by other people which IS NOT OKAY!!!!!!!! I've already sent out the Save the Date cards so if by chance you hear someone is planning on coming who DID NOT receive one... refer them to this page please. (Unless you know personally you're invited, but never received one then just let me know you never got one and I'll make sure it's delivered promptly.)
I understand that some people may be hurt by our decision to cut them from the final guest list, and that maybe some won't even come regardless of whether we actually invite them. But to assume it's okay for you to show up unannounced, without being formally invited is just as rude- in my opinion. I'm sorry if I sound awful right now and "Bridezilla"-like but there's only so much I can do here. The venue we're at only holds a certain number of people. We're inviting as many people as we can without going over that number. So I'm sorry, I love you all, but if for some reason you don't receive an invite... well I love you but don't show up. I'll probably throw a fit or have a bridesmaid do it for me.
I really feel awful writing that last paragraph. I really, really do. Le sigh. C'est la vie, no?
*BTW = By the way
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Oh yeah...
We also REGISTERED(!) at Target for fun a couple weekends ago. Shane and I are aware we'll have to most likely have to re-do the whole list a few months from now seeing as with retail the turn-over rate is pretty high for most products, but we did it anyway just for fun. :)
...I got a little trigger happy. :)
And it's a really funny coincidence (to me) that he happens to be standing in front of the women's underwear holding the scanning gun. Hahahahahaa!
...I got a little trigger happy. :)
And it's a really funny coincidence (to me) that he happens to be standing in front of the women's underwear holding the scanning gun. Hahahahahaa!
Fa-La-La-La-Bah
Completely un-wedding related...but I wanted to share these pictures. For Christmas, Shane and I took some pictures for our parents and framed them. THESE, however, are the out-takes. I thought everyone would enjoy them. :)
Casey was my stand in...
But sometimes she just didn't want to get out of the shot...
We got a little silly at one point...
Way to hang in there, Sleepy Head. :p
All in all the pictures turned out well and looked nice in the Brighton frames I put them in.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The Scuba-Diver
Again... sorry for the lack of posting. I started two new jobs a couple months ago and my life's been kind of hectic ever since then.
However, IT'S OFFICIAL!! A lot of things are finally starting to come together for the wedding and it's starting to feel like everything's really happening. Shane and I are getting married!!!!! (Holy cow!) ... (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
I designed and made the Save the Date cards and addressed them today. Er, rather, I addressed them today. I've been making them for the past week or so. Hat-tip to Shane and Kim who helped assemble and fold them with me a couple nights ago. Although, silly me... I miscounted and OOPS! I made about twice as many as I actually needed... They're super pretty but I'm a little annoyed I can't do anything with them since they're date and name specific. Everyone should be getting them in the mail in about a week or so. That's exciting, right? RIGHT??
We've also obtained a venue! It's at the Arista ballroom on Hawthorne Blvd in Portland. Très exciting, no?
The place is gorgeous and absolutely perfect for us. Both the ceremony and the reception will be held there, so for those who had been looking forward to driving to one place and then hopping in your car and driving a mile or two to get to the next location to party it up, I do apologize. It just made more sense to have it all in one place to save $$ and to save gas and time with lost guests who used Mapquest for directions... plus we love it. Which was very important to us in our decision making.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand drum roll.........................................................
I found the dress. THE END! :)
However, IT'S OFFICIAL!! A lot of things are finally starting to come together for the wedding and it's starting to feel like everything's really happening. Shane and I are getting married!!!!! (Holy cow!) ... (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
I designed and made the Save the Date cards and addressed them today. Er, rather, I addressed them today. I've been making them for the past week or so. Hat-tip to Shane and Kim who helped assemble and fold them with me a couple nights ago. Although, silly me... I miscounted and OOPS! I made about twice as many as I actually needed... They're super pretty but I'm a little annoyed I can't do anything with them since they're date and name specific. Everyone should be getting them in the mail in about a week or so. That's exciting, right? RIGHT??
8 . 15 . 2010
We've also obtained a venue! It's at the Arista ballroom on Hawthorne Blvd in Portland. Très exciting, no?
The place is gorgeous and absolutely perfect for us. Both the ceremony and the reception will be held there, so for those who had been looking forward to driving to one place and then hopping in your car and driving a mile or two to get to the next location to party it up, I do apologize. It just made more sense to have it all in one place to save $$ and to save gas and time with lost guests who used Mapquest for directions... plus we love it. Which was very important to us in our decision making.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand drum roll.........................................................
I found the dress. THE END! :)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Creative Madness
Out of boredom today I took it upon myself to create some mock-up invitations just to see what they would look like with Shane's and my name on the card...telling everyone we're getting married... wow.
And this is what I came up with. No, we haven't set a date yet, sorry. Everything on these invitations is completely fictional with the exception that we are in fact, getting married.
I made them using Adobe Photoshop 6 because Adobe Photoshop 7 is lost in the Abyss we call a computer room upstairs and Adobe Photoshop CS3 is much, much too expensive for anyone in their right mind to buy on purpose.
^^ This one needs work obviously. It's probably my favorite but I need to rescale everything so you can actually read our names and the location...
And probably fix the dates............. since August 10th, 2010 is a Tuesday and definitely not a Sunday... :)
And this is what I came up with. No, we haven't set a date yet, sorry. Everything on these invitations is completely fictional with the exception that we are in fact, getting married.
I made them using Adobe Photoshop 6 because Adobe Photoshop 7 is lost in the Abyss we call a computer room upstairs and Adobe Photoshop CS3 is much, much too expensive for anyone in their right mind to buy on purpose.
^^ This one needs work obviously. It's probably my favorite but I need to rescale everything so you can actually read our names and the location...
And probably fix the dates............. since August 10th, 2010 is a Tuesday and definitely not a Sunday... :)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Ta-Da!
FINALLY! Things to post. I just noticed that I've made it a pattern to start each blog with an exclamation. Huh.
Mom and I went hunting for cupcakes last Friday. We drove all over the west side of Portland (pretty much...) and ended up in Beaverton at Bliss Cupcakes. Or Cupcake Bliss. Not really sure which way it went. ;)
The shop owner was very, very nice. She even showed me the cupcake of my dreams displayed in their window. It was the size of a baby watermelon. It sure looked amazingly scrumptious for $30. I ended up trying just one bite-sized red velvet cupcake.
Wasn't very good. Not really at all.
To be honest, it was pretty bland. I'm a big red velvet fiend and it's really hard to find an absolutely delectable red velvet cake made by others. This just wasn't up to par.
Our next stop was almost scratched off the list due to awful construction happening on Glisan downtown, preventing us from easily reaching Saint Cupcake. Well...really there is no SUPER easy way getting there. All those one-way streets make it almost impossible not to get frustrated trying to reach the building and then find parking. (Joke was on us. Turns out there's another location on the East side of Portland on Belmont, MUCH closer to home. GRRR!)
When we arrived at the perfectly pleasant pink bakery, a Land Rover pulled away from the curb leaving the best parking space available open for us. "A Good omen," Mom said.
However, I didn't take it as a good sign when the first thing I smelled outside of the car was burnt cake. Still, about five families showed up right as we did and all bolted for the front door at once. We made our way inside the bustling shop and followed the commotion.
Inside was an L shaped counter with about 14 different flavors of cupcakes sitting behind a plexi-glass shield. All beautifully decorated with fun flourishes. Since there were so many people shouting out orders to the various workers, when it was my turn, I simply said I wanted to try one small size of each cupcake on the long side of the L. (Ten of them it turns out.) We were in and out in about six minutes, tops.
From the top, left to right: Hot Fudge on Chocolate, Chocolate Buttercream on Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Lemon Berry, Red Velvet, the Malt Ball, Coconut, Hot Fudge on Vanilla, Buttercream on Vanilla, and Buttercream on Chocolate.
Easily, without a doubt the best out of this bunch was the red velvet and the malt ball. The Malt Ball was simply amazing to put it lightly. To some it may sound like too much, but really, it's not. A cupcake infused with maltballs topped with chocolate buttercream frosting and chopped malt balls... twas divine. The red velvet also blew me away. Like I said before, it's hard to find a really good red velvet cake. And this my friends, was a really good red velvet cake. Shane and I both agreed these two were keepers.
The rest of the flavors were about 50/50 on which I'd recommend to try for fun. The coconut was actually very good- Even Shane liked it and he hates coconut.
From there we went down a few blocks to Cupcake Jones. I'd heard very, very good things about this place so I had high hopes. A lot of their cupcakes are filled with various flavors of ganache. They were only offering 6 flavors on this particular day so I again, ordered one of each in the small size.
Yet...again, we settled on the red velvet being the best. Between the two, Cupcake Jones probably takes the cake on this one. (Har har, get it? ;p) Both cake and frosting were equally tasty.
As for a decision, I'm not sure. Debating on making them all myself because simply, it would be a LOT cheaper. We shall see what our budget allows though.
Shane and I discussed having a small cake at the top of a tier of cupcakes. And like every great cake, there's a great cake topper. Now we talked about this detail in particular quite a few times. We agreed we didn't want to be traditional or boring. (It's a little hard to find an action figure-sized interracial couple that looks like us...) Looking around online, I found some great pictures of video game and cartoon themed wedding cakes that looked brilliant. Very non-traditional in a traditional sort of way. After showing them to Shane, we both got really excited about this aspect and started brainstorming ideas. And this is what we've come up with:
Characters from the Japanese anime series Bleach. I'm going to end up painting the guys' hair though to match Shane's and maybe add some little flourishes here and there on them just so they match the bridal party somewhat. :p Should be fun!!
So there you have it!! Not exactly an adventure but there's an update. :)
Mom and I went hunting for cupcakes last Friday. We drove all over the west side of Portland (pretty much...) and ended up in Beaverton at Bliss Cupcakes. Or Cupcake Bliss. Not really sure which way it went. ;)
The shop owner was very, very nice. She even showed me the cupcake of my dreams displayed in their window. It was the size of a baby watermelon. It sure looked amazingly scrumptious for $30. I ended up trying just one bite-sized red velvet cupcake.
Wasn't very good. Not really at all.
To be honest, it was pretty bland. I'm a big red velvet fiend and it's really hard to find an absolutely delectable red velvet cake made by others. This just wasn't up to par.
Our next stop was almost scratched off the list due to awful construction happening on Glisan downtown, preventing us from easily reaching Saint Cupcake. Well...really there is no SUPER easy way getting there. All those one-way streets make it almost impossible not to get frustrated trying to reach the building and then find parking. (Joke was on us. Turns out there's another location on the East side of Portland on Belmont, MUCH closer to home. GRRR!)
When we arrived at the perfectly pleasant pink bakery, a Land Rover pulled away from the curb leaving the best parking space available open for us. "A Good omen," Mom said.
However, I didn't take it as a good sign when the first thing I smelled outside of the car was burnt cake. Still, about five families showed up right as we did and all bolted for the front door at once. We made our way inside the bustling shop and followed the commotion.
Inside was an L shaped counter with about 14 different flavors of cupcakes sitting behind a plexi-glass shield. All beautifully decorated with fun flourishes. Since there were so many people shouting out orders to the various workers, when it was my turn, I simply said I wanted to try one small size of each cupcake on the long side of the L. (Ten of them it turns out.) We were in and out in about six minutes, tops.
From the top, left to right: Hot Fudge on Chocolate, Chocolate Buttercream on Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Lemon Berry, Red Velvet, the Malt Ball, Coconut, Hot Fudge on Vanilla, Buttercream on Vanilla, and Buttercream on Chocolate.
Easily, without a doubt the best out of this bunch was the red velvet and the malt ball. The Malt Ball was simply amazing to put it lightly. To some it may sound like too much, but really, it's not. A cupcake infused with maltballs topped with chocolate buttercream frosting and chopped malt balls... twas divine. The red velvet also blew me away. Like I said before, it's hard to find a really good red velvet cake. And this my friends, was a really good red velvet cake. Shane and I both agreed these two were keepers.
The rest of the flavors were about 50/50 on which I'd recommend to try for fun. The coconut was actually very good- Even Shane liked it and he hates coconut.
From there we went down a few blocks to Cupcake Jones. I'd heard very, very good things about this place so I had high hopes. A lot of their cupcakes are filled with various flavors of ganache. They were only offering 6 flavors on this particular day so I again, ordered one of each in the small size.
From the top, left to right: Downtown Cupcake Brown, Grasshopper, Mocha Mudslide, The Pearl, Lime in the Coconut, and Velvet Painting.
These flavors were quite different from any I'd had from Saint Cupcake. Shane raved about the Downtown Cupcake Brown (Devil's food cake filled with sour cream chocolate ganache, topped with rich fudge icing and hand shaved chocolate). The Pearl (White velvet cake filled with vanilla bean pastry cream, topped with vanilla bean buttercream icing.) was equally as amazing. We split the two in half and savored each bite.
These flavors were quite different from any I'd had from Saint Cupcake. Shane raved about the Downtown Cupcake Brown (Devil's food cake filled with sour cream chocolate ganache, topped with rich fudge icing and hand shaved chocolate). The Pearl (White velvet cake filled with vanilla bean pastry cream, topped with vanilla bean buttercream icing.) was equally as amazing. We split the two in half and savored each bite.
Yet...again, we settled on the red velvet being the best. Between the two, Cupcake Jones probably takes the cake on this one. (Har har, get it? ;p) Both cake and frosting were equally tasty.
As for a decision, I'm not sure. Debating on making them all myself because simply, it would be a LOT cheaper. We shall see what our budget allows though.
Shane and I discussed having a small cake at the top of a tier of cupcakes. And like every great cake, there's a great cake topper. Now we talked about this detail in particular quite a few times. We agreed we didn't want to be traditional or boring. (It's a little hard to find an action figure-sized interracial couple that looks like us...) Looking around online, I found some great pictures of video game and cartoon themed wedding cakes that looked brilliant. Very non-traditional in a traditional sort of way. After showing them to Shane, we both got really excited about this aspect and started brainstorming ideas. And this is what we've come up with:
Characters from the Japanese anime series Bleach. I'm going to end up painting the guys' hair though to match Shane's and maybe add some little flourishes here and there on them just so they match the bridal party somewhat. :p Should be fun!!
So there you have it!! Not exactly an adventure but there's an update. :)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
So fly to Jesus...
WE'RE ELOPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just kidding.
With all that comes with planning the Big Day, I sometimes find myself entertaining the idea though. But alas, neither Shane nor I could go through with something like that... (Well...knowing us we could. We're pretty great at "Spur-of-the-Moment" events.) But it means a lot to both of us that everyone we love is there to witness our marriage. One thing we'd talked about is that we both want a small wedding. But we LOVE too many people to be able to!!!!
Sorry I don't have any new planning details as of yet up here. People close to me know I'm a procrastinator... :) Worry not though. I do very well under stress. (Heh.) I have been brainstorming and writing plenty of ideas down. And I hear my Maids of Honor have been brewing up some great ideas for Engagement/Etc. Parties.
Really, there is no relevance to this post... I just felt bad for neglecting the Wedding Blog. Hopefully soon, I'll have something new, interesting, and exciting to put up here. Scratch that. I promise I will. I will MAKE something exciting happen so all of you can laugh and cry and spill milk out of your noses at all of our silly pre-marital misfortunes.
Love you all!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Le Sigh...
Well, as pretty much everyone now knows, Shane and I are in ENGAGED!!
We couldn't be more thrilled with the ecstatic response from friends and family. It's much appreciated.
I decided to make this blog because I had an overwhelming amount of people ask to be kept 'in-the-know'. So now I can keep everyone who'd like to be updated- well...updated. Just bookmark this page and check back here for details as they grow in number, because believe me, they will. :)
As for the proposal everyone keeps asking about, it goes something like this (this is the LONG version so sit back and relax...or just scroll down a ways if you're feeling antsy...):
It was a warm and fuzzy day (August 5th, 2009) around 10:30am when my boyfriend, Shane, arrived to snatch me away from home for an 8-month anniversary mini-hike. A few days prior, he'd suggested Bridal Veil Falls since we hadn't been there in a while and it was supposed to be a gorgeous day.
I, being a woman, of course was not ready to go when I answered the door.
[Side note: I am gravely afraid of spiders. My whole body reacts; freezes up and I am so revolted at even the notion of taking a step closer when I'm near one, it sends me into panic mode. Anyone who's been to my house during spider season (a.k.a summer) knows why. I'm not talking about little baby itty-bitty spidey's. I'm talking half-the-size-of-my-fist hairy monstrosities that for the most part scramble about the dark places of my house at 15 miles an hour. Every now and then I will find one in my bathroom sink or shower because APPARENTLY they're harvesting water. Like they can't do that outside??? I personally think they're trying to give me a heart attack. Jerks.]
See, I had woken up at 8am that morning in order to be ready for Shane when he arrived at 10. (He's usually a little late though so I knew I had some padding for putzing around a bit.) I went about my morning routine, letting Saide outside and feeding her, wiping sleepies out of my eyes, etc. When she came back inside I prepared myself for a shower. When I walked into the bathroom, what else could I find in my sink besides the cutest, fuzziest, sickeningly grossest spider ever just hanging out. It's whole span covered the drain hole. Ew.
So I did what most girls would do and freaked out like a five-year-old and got the H-E double hockey sticks out of there. I text Shane immediately to tell him about Little Miss Muffet's *BFF conveniently hanging out where all my bathroom amenities were. He responded about an hour later saying he'd kill it when he got to my house.
Yes, I'm a big baby, I'm aware of this.
An hour and 2 episodes of The Secret Life of an American Teenager later, Shane arrived all smiles and gorgeousness that he is, to find me frumpy, still in sweatpants and a tank top, hair a complete mess with morning breath to boot. He hugged me tightly and said "Wow, guess it doesn't matter that I'm late."
Insert dry stare here.
Ready to be done with the spider I promptly ushered him downstairs to the bathroom (I had checked about 8 times to see if it was still there before Shane even got to my house. It was.) to kill my morning nemesis. He was surprised by the size of it like everyone who sees them for the first time at my house is. I retreated back to the safety of my room while he smooshed it reeeeeal good.
Fast forwarding, I took an hour to get ready. I kept finding things I "needed" to do. Looking back now, I realize why he was being so impatient with me. "Hurry up and go take your shower!!" He'd said it more than once while he'd been flipping through the channels on my TV.
The drive to Bridal Veil Falls was wonderful. The sun was out in full force and shining over all the beauty the Gorge has to offer. We talked and joked about this or that. Stopped at Jack in the Box for lunch...had their taco's I haven't had in a few years. (Bad Krista, bad! ...but they're SO GOOD!!!) Made a wrong turn once we took the exit off the freeway. Remembered how NOT to get there from a previous experience.
Finally got to the grassy field where we parked and got out of the car- Shane grabbing his backpack. I thought that was weird so I asked, "Why're you bringing that?"
He looked at me with a weird look and said "To carry the water bottles." I told him they're not that heavy and he just shrugged and closed the trunk.
Hand in hand we walked toward the entrance of the trail leading down to the waterfall.
For those who have not been there, there are two trails. One trail goes to the left and is about a 1/2 mile loop that brings you back to the parking lot and the other trail is 2/3 of a mile forward and goes downward (a little steep in some parts) to the falls. Last time we'd been there with Brittany...
(Maids of honor #1 & #2: Brittany & Amanda. Yes. MaidS of Honor.)
...we hadn't taken the road less traveled so we took the 1/2 mile loop to see what there was to see.
The trail isn't much, just a windy "loop" that zig-zags at random and brings you close to the edge of the cliff that overlooks the freeway- as well as an amazing view of the Gorge. Great for pictures.
As we came back around to the parking lot we headed for the next trail. I'd worn flip-flops forgetting how much of the trail was gravel and dirt and just how steep the slope was. Almost fell twice. Yay me. Shane was patient as he always is with me and held me steady. On our way down an older woman stopped us on her way up and said to be careful not to fall off the edge. We said we'd be careful. She said she'd put glue on the hands of the kids she came with. ......... O_o ??? Again, we said we'd be careful and kept going. She kept talking but walked up the hill away from us. We laughed and poked fun at her strange warning.
Again for those who haven't been to Bridal Veil, I strongly recommend it if you value the beauty of the outdoors. It's a very short hike but it's amazingly beautiful once you get to the bottom and very worth seeing. You know you're near the end when you reach a thick cement staircase, complete with railing. (Slippery when wet though, so be careful!!) From there you can see a wooden bridge that covers a creek that flows all the way down to the Columbia River. Around the area you can see slight signs that the area was once occupied by man. Gigantic, bent, old nails are pretty common on the ground on the other side of the bridge. A cement wall retains the creek on either side of it, left side of the bridge, a few posts still stand where they once held...something? Scaffolding maybe? Not really sure.
Either way, when you get to the middle of the bridge look to your right and you will see a giant rock and behind it, you begin to see the tail of the waterfall from around a corner. To top all of it off there is enough tree cover that the sunlight spills through any crevice it can find; shines through onto the water and the rocks making everything sparkle. It creates a very serene, picturesque scene for those that venture to find it.
Once over the bridge Shane noticed a group of about six Asians (tourists maybe?) taking a billion pictures at the lookout point we were headed to. You know how us Asians and our cameras are. ;) Hehe. So we climbed the little hill and waited by the path that led down to the giant rock. Took a few pictures while we waited. Another older couple went up to the platform and eventually the camera-happy group dispersed.
Shane and I made our way up to wait our turn. We walked onto the platform that hangs over the flowing creek, facing the falls. It. Is. Awesome.
[NOTE: These pictures don't even do the place justice one bit!!]
The other couple stayed for a few minutes then left. Shane pulled me into a hug and kissed my nose as soon as they were gone.
At this point it gets a little blurry. I was so wrapped up in the moment. He said, "You know how much I love you and want to be with you the rest of my life." And then something about kids? And love? And mooshy-moosh lovey-dove tummy-fuzzies. Heh. Honestly, it was very sweet- I really, really wish now I could remember his speech!!
Anyway he followed that up with, "I know how much you like surprises so turn around and count to seven. Or...make that ten."
And right at that moment a gangly, awkwardly tall teenager came bounding up the steps onto the platform as Shane let go of me. The teen, completely oblivious to us leaned against the wooden railing to check out the waterfall. Feeling awkward, I went to the other side of the platform to inspect some names that had been carved into the wood. That lasted about five minutes. When the kid left, I turned around like Shane had asked. I didn't count to ten because I know him well and knew he'd just tell me when to turn around. And he did.
When I turned around I was momentarily confused, not seeing him. A split-second later I glanced downward to see my loving boyfriend on his knee, holding a little open gray box with something really freaking shiney pointed towards me.
"Will you marry me?" His face was expectant, slightly nervous.
Flabbergasted, I ran to him and said "Are you kidding me??" While throwing my arms around him, still kneeling on the ground, I told his ear, yes. :)
And he hugged and kissed me. The end.
Just kidding. The whole way back up the path to the car I huffed and puffed and was all sweaty from hiking in the sun. I'm not sure why but I was embarrassed with my appearance given the circumstances. I took a picture of the ring on my hand with my phone and text it to a few people. Then more people. Then more. Honestly, if you didn't get a picture text from me, I apologize. I wasn't really thinking all that clearly at the time. Hopefully I told you though. :/ Mom called me and freaked out, half screaming in my ear.
That night he made me a dinner consisting of pork chops, asparagus, and tater tots. Because we're classy and love us some tater tots! We dressed up fancy, and ate our food by candlelight. It was wonderful and silly all in one. I can't even begin to express my feelings in words about that night. Part of me laughed inside at how grown up we are becoming and how strange it feels. It felt like we were playing House like most of us did when we were children. But when he stared at me across the table in the dim light, and gave me a small smile my heart flipped and I felt, for maybe the first time, my age.
* For those who didn't know...
As mentioned earlier: BFF = Best Friend Forever
We couldn't be more thrilled with the ecstatic response from friends and family. It's much appreciated.
I decided to make this blog because I had an overwhelming amount of people ask to be kept 'in-the-know'. So now I can keep everyone who'd like to be updated- well...updated. Just bookmark this page and check back here for details as they grow in number, because believe me, they will. :)
As for the proposal everyone keeps asking about, it goes something like this (this is the LONG version so sit back and relax...or just scroll down a ways if you're feeling antsy...):
It was a warm and fuzzy day (August 5th, 2009) around 10:30am when my boyfriend, Shane, arrived to snatch me away from home for an 8-month anniversary mini-hike. A few days prior, he'd suggested Bridal Veil Falls since we hadn't been there in a while and it was supposed to be a gorgeous day.
I, being a woman, of course was not ready to go when I answered the door.
[Side note: I am gravely afraid of spiders. My whole body reacts; freezes up and I am so revolted at even the notion of taking a step closer when I'm near one, it sends me into panic mode. Anyone who's been to my house during spider season (a.k.a summer) knows why. I'm not talking about little baby itty-bitty spidey's. I'm talking half-the-size-of-my-fist hairy monstrosities that for the most part scramble about the dark places of my house at 15 miles an hour. Every now and then I will find one in my bathroom sink or shower because APPARENTLY they're harvesting water. Like they can't do that outside??? I personally think they're trying to give me a heart attack. Jerks.]
See, I had woken up at 8am that morning in order to be ready for Shane when he arrived at 10. (He's usually a little late though so I knew I had some padding for putzing around a bit.) I went about my morning routine, letting Saide outside and feeding her, wiping sleepies out of my eyes, etc. When she came back inside I prepared myself for a shower. When I walked into the bathroom, what else could I find in my sink besides the cutest, fuzziest, sickeningly grossest spider ever just hanging out. It's whole span covered the drain hole. Ew.
So I did what most girls would do and freaked out like a five-year-old and got the H-E double hockey sticks out of there. I text Shane immediately to tell him about Little Miss Muffet's *BFF conveniently hanging out where all my bathroom amenities were. He responded about an hour later saying he'd kill it when he got to my house.
Yes, I'm a big baby, I'm aware of this.
An hour and 2 episodes of The Secret Life of an American Teenager later, Shane arrived all smiles and gorgeousness that he is, to find me frumpy, still in sweatpants and a tank top, hair a complete mess with morning breath to boot. He hugged me tightly and said "Wow, guess it doesn't matter that I'm late."
Insert dry stare here.
Ready to be done with the spider I promptly ushered him downstairs to the bathroom (I had checked about 8 times to see if it was still there before Shane even got to my house. It was.) to kill my morning nemesis. He was surprised by the size of it like everyone who sees them for the first time at my house is. I retreated back to the safety of my room while he smooshed it reeeeeal good.
Fast forwarding, I took an hour to get ready. I kept finding things I "needed" to do. Looking back now, I realize why he was being so impatient with me. "Hurry up and go take your shower!!" He'd said it more than once while he'd been flipping through the channels on my TV.
The drive to Bridal Veil Falls was wonderful. The sun was out in full force and shining over all the beauty the Gorge has to offer. We talked and joked about this or that. Stopped at Jack in the Box for lunch...had their taco's I haven't had in a few years. (Bad Krista, bad! ...but they're SO GOOD!!!) Made a wrong turn once we took the exit off the freeway. Remembered how NOT to get there from a previous experience.
Finally got to the grassy field where we parked and got out of the car- Shane grabbing his backpack. I thought that was weird so I asked, "Why're you bringing that?"
He looked at me with a weird look and said "To carry the water bottles." I told him they're not that heavy and he just shrugged and closed the trunk.
Hand in hand we walked toward the entrance of the trail leading down to the waterfall.
For those who have not been there, there are two trails. One trail goes to the left and is about a 1/2 mile loop that brings you back to the parking lot and the other trail is 2/3 of a mile forward and goes downward (a little steep in some parts) to the falls. Last time we'd been there with Brittany...
(Maids of honor #1 & #2: Brittany & Amanda. Yes. MaidS of Honor.)
...we hadn't taken the road less traveled so we took the 1/2 mile loop to see what there was to see.
The trail isn't much, just a windy "loop" that zig-zags at random and brings you close to the edge of the cliff that overlooks the freeway- as well as an amazing view of the Gorge. Great for pictures.
As we came back around to the parking lot we headed for the next trail. I'd worn flip-flops forgetting how much of the trail was gravel and dirt and just how steep the slope was. Almost fell twice. Yay me. Shane was patient as he always is with me and held me steady. On our way down an older woman stopped us on her way up and said to be careful not to fall off the edge. We said we'd be careful. She said she'd put glue on the hands of the kids she came with. ......... O_o ??? Again, we said we'd be careful and kept going. She kept talking but walked up the hill away from us. We laughed and poked fun at her strange warning.
Again for those who haven't been to Bridal Veil, I strongly recommend it if you value the beauty of the outdoors. It's a very short hike but it's amazingly beautiful once you get to the bottom and very worth seeing. You know you're near the end when you reach a thick cement staircase, complete with railing. (Slippery when wet though, so be careful!!) From there you can see a wooden bridge that covers a creek that flows all the way down to the Columbia River. Around the area you can see slight signs that the area was once occupied by man. Gigantic, bent, old nails are pretty common on the ground on the other side of the bridge. A cement wall retains the creek on either side of it, left side of the bridge, a few posts still stand where they once held...something? Scaffolding maybe? Not really sure.
Either way, when you get to the middle of the bridge look to your right and you will see a giant rock and behind it, you begin to see the tail of the waterfall from around a corner. To top all of it off there is enough tree cover that the sunlight spills through any crevice it can find; shines through onto the water and the rocks making everything sparkle. It creates a very serene, picturesque scene for those that venture to find it.
Once over the bridge Shane noticed a group of about six Asians (tourists maybe?) taking a billion pictures at the lookout point we were headed to. You know how us Asians and our cameras are. ;) Hehe. So we climbed the little hill and waited by the path that led down to the giant rock. Took a few pictures while we waited. Another older couple went up to the platform and eventually the camera-happy group dispersed.
Shane and I made our way up to wait our turn. We walked onto the platform that hangs over the flowing creek, facing the falls. It. Is. Awesome.
[NOTE: These pictures don't even do the place justice one bit!!]
The other couple stayed for a few minutes then left. Shane pulled me into a hug and kissed my nose as soon as they were gone.
At this point it gets a little blurry. I was so wrapped up in the moment. He said, "You know how much I love you and want to be with you the rest of my life." And then something about kids? And love? And mooshy-moosh lovey-dove tummy-fuzzies. Heh. Honestly, it was very sweet- I really, really wish now I could remember his speech!!
Anyway he followed that up with, "I know how much you like surprises so turn around and count to seven. Or...make that ten."
And right at that moment a gangly, awkwardly tall teenager came bounding up the steps onto the platform as Shane let go of me. The teen, completely oblivious to us leaned against the wooden railing to check out the waterfall. Feeling awkward, I went to the other side of the platform to inspect some names that had been carved into the wood. That lasted about five minutes. When the kid left, I turned around like Shane had asked. I didn't count to ten because I know him well and knew he'd just tell me when to turn around. And he did.
When I turned around I was momentarily confused, not seeing him. A split-second later I glanced downward to see my loving boyfriend on his knee, holding a little open gray box with something really freaking shiney pointed towards me.
"Will you marry me?" His face was expectant, slightly nervous.
Flabbergasted, I ran to him and said "Are you kidding me??" While throwing my arms around him, still kneeling on the ground, I told his ear, yes. :)
And he hugged and kissed me. The end.
Just kidding. The whole way back up the path to the car I huffed and puffed and was all sweaty from hiking in the sun. I'm not sure why but I was embarrassed with my appearance given the circumstances. I took a picture of the ring on my hand with my phone and text it to a few people. Then more people. Then more. Honestly, if you didn't get a picture text from me, I apologize. I wasn't really thinking all that clearly at the time. Hopefully I told you though. :/ Mom called me and freaked out, half screaming in my ear.
That night he made me a dinner consisting of pork chops, asparagus, and tater tots. Because we're classy and love us some tater tots! We dressed up fancy, and ate our food by candlelight. It was wonderful and silly all in one. I can't even begin to express my feelings in words about that night. Part of me laughed inside at how grown up we are becoming and how strange it feels. It felt like we were playing House like most of us did when we were children. But when he stared at me across the table in the dim light, and gave me a small smile my heart flipped and I felt, for maybe the first time, my age.
* For those who didn't know...
As mentioned earlier: BFF = Best Friend Forever
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