Less Than 48 Hours in Manchester

When we made plans to visit Manchester, our friends told us we didn't need much time to for the city.

Good thing as we only had 48 hours and most of our time was going to be absorbed by the wedding and meeting with friends. Despite their naysaying, we had plenty to do in our limited time and fell a bit in love with this workmanlike Northern metropolis.

Whether you have 24 hours, 48 hours or even want to spend a little longer in this industrial city (gasp!) - here are a few of our favorite things to do in Manchester, the "Original Modern City".

Celebrating our Wedding Anniversary by Burning Down the Tower Bridge

Prepare to die Tower Bridge

You know the saying if you love something so much you have to let it go? This is kinda like that.

Happy Anniversary to US



Brandy, Emily, Crystal, ebe

One year ago today I was running around with my ladies taking pictures around Seattle and quietly freaking out.

Today Ian & I are visiting my aunt & uncle in Etna,CA enjoying homemade pizza, awesome potato gun, and sharing a glass of champagne.

I couldn't be happier.

First Official Document

Just short of the 60 day mark, I re-newed my license. This was something that needed to be done, but I hadn't thought about it as the first document in which my name was legally "Erin Porter". Yet there it is. No more *'s in my ID number. An undecided signature. This is just weird.

Thank YOU!!!

The wedding was incredible. We are now Mann und Frau and couldn't be happier! I have had a permanent smile for about 29 1/2 hours now and my cheeks are starting to hurt- not that I am complaining. For weeks now I have had insane urges to yell out from my car & shout at strangers that I am marrying Ian Porter! I can't say that has entirely went away yet, I am so excited to be the latest Mrs. Porter.

Thank you to all who came & sent their warm wishes. We hoped for everyone to have fun and I truly believe that goal was met. It was amazing to see the smiles on so many people we love. Especially the smiles that graced the faces of our parents. Without their help and support this event could not have happened, and without their individual styles, opinions, and personalities it would not have been half the epic event that is was.

I have been tempted to speak at several of the events leading up to this wedding but am so glad I kept my best material to myself until the wedding. For those of you that missed it, and for commemorative sake, here is a bit of paraphrasing:

"I never would have thought that all the random things that have come up in my life could result in the wonderfulness that is happening right now. I am so lucky to have you all in my life!

I used to be so jealous of Ian. He is so lucky! I plan and prepare and things get messed up all the time. Ian does something on a whim and it all works out perfect. But the more time I spend with him, I realize it is not luck. He is just such a wonderful person and people want to make things work for him. I don't know anyone who has met Ian and not instantly loved him. I am so lucky to be able to spend the rest of my life with someone like him.

I have led an amazing life. There are so many wonderful things I have done and great people I have met. But this, right now, is the best day of my life. This is the best day ever. I love you Ian."

I knew that I had done well when I saw Ian shed a tear.

Pictures can be found HERE, but  I wanted to share the awesome video our friend Phil helped us to create. Thank you Phil! Everyone- thank you!

Dancing Dancing Dancing

Oh man- We're alive! Bachelor/ette parties went off this weekend without a hitch. Ian's boys showed him a boozy view of the city with a mariners game, bars, sports games, a German themed beer drinking event, and a night in a fine hotel. Ian will have to tell more about this weekend long extravaganza.

As for myself, the night started like this:

And ended like this.
Lingerie party (awesome gifts from all of you!), drinks, party games, marking tasks off my fabulous bachelorette t-shirt, bars, crazy taxi rides, and DANCING at Neighbors on Capitol Hill. I was able to provide some amusement to everyone and not completely embarrass myself. Mission accomplished.


I still can't get over how bizarre to be the entitled bimbo for the night. From the moment I showed up Crystal & Emily were the dream team of bachelorette pampering. From the awesome EBE sign crystal put together to the delicious spread of delicacies (including a chocolate fountain!) I was super impressed and so happy to have them as friends. All night I just got to drink, chat, laugh, and dance. Responsibilities away! That, in of itself, was a pleasure.

A huge shout out of appreciation to everyone who came to our parties and an extra thank you to everyone who put them together. You guys are AWESOME!

Let's get FIT

For the first time in our lives we each have a piece of clothing tailored to fit! Ian finally found a pretty sweet suit at K&G Superstore and we just dropped off the pants to be tailored. When asking what alterations the pants needed, the tailor explained

"We make them fit."
"ah, yes. What exactly do you need to do to do that?"
"We will make them fit."

Ok sir. We trust these pants to your capable hands & cross our fingers!

As for my dress, despite the already adventurous life it is led, it is now getting a splash of color, a hemline, and a tightening of the bodice. Viola! Dream dress.

We are going to be looking gooooooooooooood!

A Proper Wedding Prost

Less then a month left and we are running to get it all done! Every day another thing gets crossed off the list...so why does it keep getting longer?


The last 2 Oktoberfests were spent at the real Oktoberfest in Munich, but this year we are celebrating Fremont style.

Less Oktoberfest-y then huge beer festival, we are happy to return. And one thing seems the same- the rain :(.


 Last night we volunteered at the fest & were regaled with all the sorts of drunk that Seattle can pull out! Impressive. This is possibly the greatest people watching experience ever as we pulled taps, took tokens, and chatted with Oktoberfest's finest!

Who knows what tonight will bring, (ok- we have some idea: drinking, laughing, drinking, lederhosen-wearing, drinking MADNESS) but this does bring up the issue of Prost!

German for "Cheers", we plan to have a lot of clinking of glasses at the wedding. Only a few people are forced to make a speech (here's looking at you Matt!), but for anyone who wants to say a few words- please go ahead. We would love to hear all the nice things you have to say to us!


To toast properly, try doing it German style. Germans are serious about Prost-ing. To do it right, you must shout "Prost!", look the others in the in the eye as you clink glases, and take a gulp of your beer. And when they say look in the eye- they're serious. To miss this means 7 years bad sex - something no German we met was willing to risk.

So at the wedding, please feel free to raise a glass, say a few words, look us in the eye, and PROST!

To read more about the real Oktoberfest in Munich

What NOT To Do at Oktoberfest 
or other Oktoberfest Festivals

Year of Parties

We have been thinking, dreaming, wondering what our wedding day would be like for over 1 1/2 years now. In this last year the heat has been on with some very good friends getting married. Their weddings have been truly exceptional. So particular to the couple, really different, & really fun. While we knew we could put on a event that represented us and was equally exceptional, it is crazy to finally take on the task. It means so much to us- we are getting married!

Last month's engagement party was so wonderful! Greg, granny, & Andy really went all decorationing the yard and neighbors have been talking ever since. The p's supplied some extra alchohol. And we were so thankful to everyone who supplied a gift (completely unnecessarily & super sweet). We had an amzing night and could not believe how swiftly the night passed and how hard it was to talk to everyone. So sorry if we missed anyone! We had a great time and hope you did too. Ella- that game was ridiculous. And Uncle Gene- nice legs!

Along with the excitement is the stress. I've known Ian was no great planner, but luckily we have Greg (Ian's dad) & cheryl (ebe's mum) to help keep us creative and functional (plus the supporting, never-ending love of kelly & david). Invites are almost out (almost!) and final payments are going down. We feel lucky we are able to have the support that we do and plan such a surprising and awesome event. (hint hint- Surprises!)

Dress has been purchased. No idea what bridesmaids are wearing. Need basics like Ian's suit, ebe's shoes, and wedding paty gifts. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

All the stress, all the planning- it is super exciting as this is the one event most people go through that is a real extension of yourself- and yourself as part of a couple. Even more complicated! We hope to respect everyone's hopes & ideals for this event and to offer each & every guest a good time. And honestly, everyone having a good time is the thing I am least worried about. Check it out folks! Guaranteed good time October 17th! So glad you are coming. We really cannot wait to see you.

The Proposal - Tower Bridge in London

A few months after relocating to Berlin, we were ready to stretch our legs and try another foreign country - England! The craziest thing was something I knew nothing about...

To facilitate all our London dreams we had purchased a one-day London Pass which allowed for free access into many attractions, but only for one day. Thus, a strategy was needed: See everything FAST!

The Plan:

Hit Shakespeare's Globe Theatre right at open, take the Tube over to the Winston Churchill Museum War Rooms, make brass rubbings beneath a church, ride over to the Tower of London and explore the grounds, then finish off with a view of the city at Tower Bridge- Break!

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

First- the theatre! Though the Original Globe burned to the ground in 1613, this theatre is a pretty close replica on the exact same spot. Our tour guide- Annette- was amazing & gave a great low-down of the dirty, dark past.