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.

Awesome Engagement Party

So, this last weekend Ebe and I headed to the heated city of Yakima for an awesome Engagement Party. When we got there my dad and Andy had the whole place looking amazing. The backyard looked like something that could pass for the garden of Eden, minus all the gnomes and battery powered candles!

It turned out to be quite the show. It was really nice to see everyone that came out, even though it seems we had so little time to chat. I think it was a nice run through before the wedding. Now we have an idea of how to do the party mingle and try and spend time with all the guests!!!

We really did have a truly great night, even though I had to touch some nasty man feet.... Voldemort toe and all! We really appreciate everyone making it out, and of course we can't thank my dad enough for the awesome engagement party... a perfect prelude to the Awesome Wedding!!!

Happening so fast!

I can't believe how fast everything is happening! Every day I am working on silly details, well, they would be silly to anyone else.

Centering the RSVP card.
What 4 side dishes to choose?
What glass rental company to go with?
Should Fritz be in the wedding? (Just joking Greg- that demon dog isn't getting anywhere near the wedding day!)

And on Saturday is the engagement party? A surprise to us as well, we are now really looking forward to seeing people before the wedding and enjoying everyone's company. And really, who doesn't like a year of celebrations?

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.

Ian Takes on Wedding Prep

so we have less than four months to the big day. How do I feel you may ask? Well, I must say that I'm super excited.

It will be great to finally make everything official, and I couldn't be happier than having Ebe as my wife.

As you may expect, there are still many things to get done. Many large decisions have been made, but all those tiny little things are what really is tricky.

My goal for the next coming week or so is to get an idea of what kind of suit I want to wear at the wedding. I say nay to the cumberbund. Maybe if I were still sporting my faux-mullet. No, I think a nice snazzy suit will do the trick. How cool would it be to have some nice colorful kicks with it as well?

I also need to get our "holy man" ordained. Shouldn't be too much more than a few clicks of the mouse and twenty bucks or so from the ol' bank account.

I also need to get everything finalized with our photographer for the wedding. We really lucked out, and Andy's brother-in-law Craig agreed to take pictures for us. We need to set up a little meeting-poo with him and discuss what we expect, and likewise from him.

So, that's about it for now... that and work. And having fun in the sun. Let's hope this weather keeps up until October 17th! See you at the ballroom!

Another View of Amazing

Jerry continues to amaze us as he graciously allowed us to visit for the third time with Ian's parents this time. They were blown away by the funky beauty of the place. It is full of surprises and little pieces of fun that are (hopefully) all going to come together to make a truly amazing, completely different, wildly entertaining event.
Get ready...

STD's

One of my favorite wedsites, http://offbeatbride.com/, says Save-the dates (or STD's) are from "a simpler time" when STD stood for nothing more sinister then the price of postage.

We are currently working on ours, which is a little crazy since invites are coming up fast. Mum has graciously designed an evite for us, and we are also putting together a fun postcard (hopefully). We have heard so many cool ideas and have a lot of creative juices to let loose.

Let the first signs of awesome wedding shine!

It's time!

5 years and 6 months after we officially declared we were dating, we now declare that we are getting married!

October 17th, 2009 is the day. And a glorious day it will be. The venue is perfect, the plans are laid, and most importantly- we are still in love! It is time to get married...to my best friend, my braclet buddy, my travel manager, my cat trainer, my valet, the bestest Ian Porter there ever was or will be. And, (word of the wedding)it's gonna be awesome.

Home at Last

Last day in Berlin

Free at last free at last! Ok, not completely. We are living at home with the parents and while we don't have the repressive curfew or dress code, it is odd to bum money off of them and live with their way of life again. On the plus side- free room and board! That means a lot after a year of poverty in Berlin and 3o some days of living on the lamb across Europe. Thanks p's!

Big day approaches....

Finally after over a little more than a year, Ebe and I will be returning triumphantly from abraod in 24 hours! The past month has been one of the most amazing experiences in both of our lives, but we'll be happy to see our sprint through Europe come to an end and finally touch foot on American soil and see all our friends and family.

For most of you it's been over a year since were able to see you, but have no fear... the time is almost here for our reunion. We've met many wonderful people here in Germany (and all of Europe!) and have seen some wonderful things, but in the long run, there's nothing better than waking up in your home with your family and friends not for away.

So, a big thank you to everyone who helped us and supported us on our trip, and also a big thank you for all the nice people we met while here in Europe and making the transition to the "German" life a little bit easier. See you all in one day Washingtonians!