A First Time for Everything

During our three and a half years together, Jack and I have experienced so many firsts together -- our first date, first kiss, the first time I helped him move, our first purchase together, the first time he ordered wine for us (if you haven't heard that story, ask him about it - it is hilarious!) and so many others.  I know there will be countless more new things for us to experience once we are married, but tonight we added another first to our list.  I cut Jack's hair for the first time! 

I should start the story by saying that I had a haircut scheduled for tonight and while I was at the salon near my apartment, he was going to go to Hair Cuttery to get his done like he usually does.  Well, they couldn't take him until after I would have already been done with my appointment and we had planned to go somewhere else afterwards for wedding things before they closed.  So, he got to where I was with no haircut luck and unfortunatley they couldn't take him at my place.  While he was waiting for me though, my stylist was suggesting that he buzz his hair down to a #2 because he thought he'd look really good with that cut.  As we left, I could tell that Jack was really considering it especially because he really wanted/needed a haircut and before long he said, "you might have to cut my hair tonight".  And let me just say, there was one point a long time ago in our relationship where I offered to do this for him and he wouldn't let me!  Oh how things change!

Well, we didn't make it to where we wanted to for wedding things because it was too late after my appointment to go, so instead we went to get dinner and by the time we were done, and after thinking about it the whole time, he decided to have me buzz his hair.  Thankfully, I used to buzz my grandpa's hair for him all the time so at least this was not the first time I was using clippers.  After double-checking the plan, I went to work and it turned out great!  And I am not just saying that because I did it; Jack was very quick to say that he liked it too.  I am just glad it turned out OK! :)

Registering: Round 1

Mary and I finally started registering last Saturday.  So far so good I think.  We spent about two and half hours at Target scanning plates, glasses, and all kinds of kitchen gadgets.  I was a little nervous about spending hours on end looking at all our future "stuff," but when we were done, I was ready to keep on going!  Mary had spent a decent amount of time going over things with her mom, for which I'm very grateful :), so we at least had a game plan.

Since Mary tried to make it very easy on me, I would say the only tough part was on the first few items when we had to figure how we were going to work with each other.  We sort of looked at each other like, "Well?  We're, here.  Now what?"  In retrospect, those first few minutes really make me laugh, especially since after that, we really did work well together!

Last night we finished up at Target.  We know we'll have to make some changes online, but at least the in-store part is done.  Up next I think is Bed, Bath and Beyond.  We've set aside all day Saturday and Sunday to finish registering.  As long as I get to use the scanner guns, I think I'll make it!

Photo Opp

After much researching, debating, discussing, analyzing, delaying, walking, budgeting, negotiating, we have officially signed a contract with a photographer!  We decided to go with Mr. Stacey Photography.  The name may throw you off a bit, but as with any interesting name, there is a story.  Mr. Stacey Photography is really two photographers, Stacey and Yola.  Stacey is actually a guy (a pretty cool guy, too).  Due to the common association of the name Stacey to a female, they named their business "Mr." Stacey to avoid confusion.  Why not use his last name?  I don't know, but that's not too important to me at this point.

There were so many factors to consider in this decision, and while it was all about photography, it was so often comparing apples and oranges.  Some studios offered unlimited time, while others included two photographers in their prices.  So it was really difficult to effectively break down and compare the overall value for our money.  In the end, I think it really came down to the quality of their work.  Mary and I both really liked what we saw both online and in their albums during our visits.  the pictures were clear and crisp, yet exciting and truly representative of how we wanted our day captured.  We also both really like their approach to capturing multiple perspectives of our day, e.g. through the eyes of our guests as well as us.

Their service includes a photo album credit as well as a engagement photo session to help us "get comfortable in front of the camera."  Anyone who knows me knows that I like to take a lot pictures, but I'm not used to being in front of the camera too much.  With Stacey and Yola, though, I'm really confident and excited about the great pictures we'll have when all is said and done!

A Little Behind

To say the least, I am a little behind in posting to our blog.  Just when I think to do it, something else comes up and another day goes by.  I'll try to post a few in the next couple days to catch up.

For starters, we made it through the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer weekend.  It was a great experience and I am very glad that I participated.  I was not able to make it for the entire 39 miles, but am proud of how far I got and the decisions I made when I thought it best to stop.  From my estimations, I made it about 28-29 miles.  And although I had some pretty intense pain in my knee and my hips that I needed to recover from for the following 2 days after the walk, I had no long term injuries and I didn't get ANY blisters!  It was great to do this with Jack, Gina, my future sister-in-law, Liz, and our other team members Amy and Robyn.  All of my teammates and I were able to reach our fundraising goals prior to starting the weekend, so that was a relief for all.  Truthfully though, I am also very relieved that the Avon Walk is behind us for this year. 

Bright and early on Monday morning, Jack had to fly to LA for work.  While he was gone, it gave me a chance to fully recover from the walk and to get my act together on what I needed to focus on next, which still catching a movie with my friend (and bridesmaid), Kristen.  Once Jack came back, it has been pretty much full steam ahead to check things off our list.  We spent the entire day on Saturday with my parents working on wedding things, while still having a great time of course.  We were able to discuss SO MANY THINGS and either check things off the list or get the discussion going.  The great thing about having Jack there and doing it in person is that I did not have to be the middle-man.  Too often I talk to Jack about one thing, then say "well, I should probably check with my parents about (blank)", then have to relay their response back to him, and so on.  As you can imagine, this is exhausting.  But since Jack can always occupy himself on his laptop, there was not any wasted time.  I feel like we all discussed so much that I can't really remember what it was to provide a good update, except to say that we are getting VERY close to ordering our invitations and we decided on a photographer.  I have to make one phone call for some clarification with the invitation company and then I'll be ready to place the order.

Last night, Jack and I pretty much planned out the next few weeks for ourselves so that we could really get some of these outstanding items taken care of and off our to do list.  I think it is going to really be a busy few weeks, but I'll be so glad when all these bigger items are taken care of, such as finalizing the limo transportation, visiting tuxedo shops, and registering.

Tonight, Jack and I are going to sign the contract with our photographer.  Hooray!  One more thing off the list.