Hooray!
We were finally able to take our engagement photos today. Whew.
The day began at 8 a.m. (sheesh), but we put on our game faces and got to work. We started around Lincoln park, followed by the Lilly Pond, The History Museum ending at "the point." The point being a beautiful spot by the water with a full view of the Chicago skyline. Lovely.
We had amazing weather: blue skies, cool breeze. You would never know it was October.
Pictures coming soon....so exciting!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Rain Rain go Away
Well we try as we might we just cannot seem to get Mother Nature to shower us with sunshine during our Engagement photo sessions.
Our original session was to be held on September 29th, however the heavens opened up around 10:00am and didn't let up for hours on end.
We rescheduled for yesterday, Tuesday October 7th, at 2:00pm. We managed to get about an hour worth of shots in before the heavens opened, yet again. Ugh.
So we are hoping the old adage "third times the charm" holds true on Friday morning. We will have to make ourselves all pretty at the ungodly hour of 8:00am, but we are troupers. Right now the forecast calls for sun.
Send us your good vibes on Friday morning!
Our original session was to be held on September 29th, however the heavens opened up around 10:00am and didn't let up for hours on end.
We rescheduled for yesterday, Tuesday October 7th, at 2:00pm. We managed to get about an hour worth of shots in before the heavens opened, yet again. Ugh.
So we are hoping the old adage "third times the charm" holds true on Friday morning. We will have to make ourselves all pretty at the ungodly hour of 8:00am, but we are troupers. Right now the forecast calls for sun.
Send us your good vibes on Friday morning!
Monday, October 6, 2008
I'm a Satisficer
My name is Blair, and I'm a Satisficer
("Hi Blair!")
While reading the October 2008 issue of Real Simple (love it!) I came across an article by Gretchen Ruebin titled "Ten Ways to be Happier." I was intrigued. In it I learned there are two types of decision makers: "Satificers" and "Maximizers".
She writes:
"Satisficers (yes, satisficers) make a decision once their criteria are met. When they find the hotel or the pasta sauce that has the qualities they want, they're satisfied. Maximizers want to make the best possible decision. Even if they see a bicycle or a backpack that meets their requirements, they can't make a decision until they've examined every option. Satisficers tend to be happier than maximizers. Maximizers expend more time and energy reaching decisions, and they're often anxious about their choices. Sometimes good enough is good enough."
I occured to me, I have been a Satisficer throughout this entire planning process, and will do my darndest to stay that way. I have mentioned this before, but reading it tickled me pink...just a little bit.
I must clarify....I am not always a true Satisficer. You can ask my MOH about the time I spent hours debating over what type of purse to buy. Seriously I spent more time deciding on that than my wedding dress.
What brought on this clarity of choice in decision making? I haven't the slightest idea, but one must not question a good thing....that would be very Maximizer of me.
("Hi Blair!")
While reading the October 2008 issue of Real Simple (love it!) I came across an article by Gretchen Ruebin titled "Ten Ways to be Happier." I was intrigued. In it I learned there are two types of decision makers: "Satificers" and "Maximizers".
She writes:
"Satisficers (yes, satisficers) make a decision once their criteria are met. When they find the hotel or the pasta sauce that has the qualities they want, they're satisfied. Maximizers want to make the best possible decision. Even if they see a bicycle or a backpack that meets their requirements, they can't make a decision until they've examined every option. Satisficers tend to be happier than maximizers. Maximizers expend more time and energy reaching decisions, and they're often anxious about their choices. Sometimes good enough is good enough."
I occured to me, I have been a Satisficer throughout this entire planning process, and will do my darndest to stay that way. I have mentioned this before, but reading it tickled me pink...just a little bit.
I must clarify....I am not always a true Satisficer. You can ask my MOH about the time I spent hours debating over what type of purse to buy. Seriously I spent more time deciding on that than my wedding dress.
What brought on this clarity of choice in decision making? I haven't the slightest idea, but one must not question a good thing....that would be very Maximizer of me.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Smoking Guns
Do you think my mom developed her fierce biceps from stuffing all these envelopes?
Here they are, your tickets to the main event. Our invitations. We had had them for awhile, but now they are all addressed and ready to be stuffed. I am so pleased with how they turned out. These lovelies will be mailed one month from today. In the meantime your mailboxes can pine...
Sorry the photo isn't bigger, but you get the idea. Simple and classy. Just the way I like it.My mom and I were both in agreement from the get-go that neither of us wanted to address the invites. Our handwriting simply will not do, not to mention the idea of hand cramps make us cringe (I am a hand model after all!). So we hired a calligrapher.
Her name is Kim Diamond and she did a wonderful job! Should you wish to inquire about her services contact me! I will hook you up.
I scratched out some of the pertinent info, so no one gets stalked, or egged, or TP'd
Thank you Kim!
And thank you Mom for doing all that stuffing!
Bar none to bar some....and then some....
I have determined the trick to a long lasting relationship is access to nice wine and good spirits at all times. Wine solves everything.
Therefore it is necessary to have a stock the bar shower. Thank you to the Taustine's, Butler's, Lawrence's and Penta's for hosting a delightful party for us this past weekend. Jürgen wishes he could have been there, but alas the stage calls and that is where he was. Thank you also to all who attended! It was wonderful seeing all of you and catching up, and I am so blessed to have so many lovely people who are excited and supportive.
Here are some fun photos!
Everyone needs a nice Tequila! Thank you to Bo for keeping track of the gifts!
Everyone also needs nice wine glasses!
Cheers everyone! Thank you!
Therefore it is necessary to have a stock the bar shower. Thank you to the Taustine's, Butler's, Lawrence's and Penta's for hosting a delightful party for us this past weekend. Jürgen wishes he could have been there, but alas the stage calls and that is where he was. Thank you also to all who attended! It was wonderful seeing all of you and catching up, and I am so blessed to have so many lovely people who are excited and supportive.
Here are some fun photos!
Everyone needs a nice Tequila! Thank you to Bo for keeping track of the gifts!
Everyone also needs nice wine glasses!Cheers everyone! Thank you!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
A Woman's Right to Shoes: Update!
I live in one of the largest cities in America. Chicago is home to millions of people, thousands of amazing restaurants and never ending shopping options. One would surmise if you cannot find it here you just may not be able to find it anywhere.
Not so dear sirs! Not so!
While home in Louisville this weekend I found my wedding shoes! A thrilling experience it was. After dragging Jürgen up and down Michigan Avenue, scouring the Internet for hours on end, they were in the Bluegrass State all along!
Here they are:
As you may recall, I mentioned wanting shoes of the non-white variety. They are, indeed, white... but not for long! The shoe store from whence they came specializes is bridal shoes and can dye your chosen pair any color you wish! This means they are soon to be a lovely shade of sapphire blue. Pictures to follow.
Oh and by the by, these lovelies were modeled after the Carrie Bradshaw Monolo Blahnik in the episode bearing the same name of this blog! Perfect!
Not so dear sirs! Not so!
While home in Louisville this weekend I found my wedding shoes! A thrilling experience it was. After dragging Jürgen up and down Michigan Avenue, scouring the Internet for hours on end, they were in the Bluegrass State all along!
Here they are:
As you may recall, I mentioned wanting shoes of the non-white variety. They are, indeed, white... but not for long! The shoe store from whence they came specializes is bridal shoes and can dye your chosen pair any color you wish! This means they are soon to be a lovely shade of sapphire blue. Pictures to follow.
Oh and by the by, these lovelies were modeled after the Carrie Bradshaw Monolo Blahnik in the episode bearing the same name of this blog! Perfect!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Making a list. Checking it twice.
I just counted and we are three months and eleven days away from the marriage day. My how time does fly. Honestly this year has been a blur…what happened to 2008?
From time to time Jürgen and I both like to reference various wedding checklists to keep the wedding planning on track and stress free. This morning I cross-referenced two checklists to see how we are doing. Here is what I found:
The Real Simple wedding guide suggests the following actions should be taken at the 4-month mark:
--Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues. If you’re planning a day after brunch book that place as well: Done, Done, and maybe done? We are having a day after brunch but I need to send an e-mail to the host to see where we are at on that.
--Check on the wedding invitations: Done, and have been for MONTHS! (go team go!)
--Select and order the cake: Done
--Send your guest list to the host of your shower: Done
--Purchase shoes and start dress fittings: Oh my heart sinks looking at this. I must find shoes but wherever will I find the right ones? Will shoe shop this weekend, with mom. I will call the tailor recommended to me by a friend today to set up a time for next week.
--Schedule hair and make-up artists. Make a few trial appointments: I have a hair trial set up for this Sunday, however I need to secure the hair and make-up artists for the wedding. Will do this today (god bless my easy day job).
--Choose Songs. What do you want playing when the wedding party is introduced? What should play during dinner?: Done! We sent our list of what to and what not to play in last week. Since there will not be a sit down dinner there is no worry of what to play and, hate to say it, the wedding party will not get an introduction (sorry guys!).
--Plan welcome baskets for guests, if desired: I do desire this! Mom and I have come up with some good ideas but we need to finalize everything. It’s on our list to tackle while I am home this weekend.
Theknot.com suggests I should accomplish these tasks between today and October 23rd:
-Book ceremony Musicians and send deposit: Not done. I did fax in the music form to the director of music yesterday. Awaiting reply.
-Finalize menu and service details with caterer: Not done yet. We have another tasting on October 20th, so it is highly unlikely all will be settled by the 23rd. However I a not worried about this.
-Research and purchase wedding insurance, if necessary: What?!?!?! I will research. Clearly this was not on my mind. I have a feeling I will deem it “unnecessary.”
-Brides: Buy special lingerie if your gown requires, in time for first fitting: Hmmmm…nope don’t think it does
-Confirm Delivery date of Bridesmaid Dress orders: Will give Rebecca’s a call today.
-Start taking better care of yourself (eat right, exercise) so you look and feel great on your wedding day: We both exercised yesterday! However we followed our workout with hamburgers and fries…not so good?
-Talk to people you want to do special performances or readings: Halfway done, I have asked one of our readers. Jürg needs to ask the other. Jürgen…get on it!
-Arrange for all insurance policies to include you and your future spouse: health, auto, homeowners and life insurance: That all sounds incredibly boring but necessary. Will figure out how to do this.
-Send wedding bands out to be engraved: Paying for the wedding bands this weekend (while I am in Louisville). Will send them to be engraved then.
-Grooms: Choose and buy any accessories you will need: Done I think. Jürg bought his tie and the rest will be included with the tux rental. Will check with him on this.
In total: 18 tasks on the list
7 totally done
7 almost/halfway done
4 to DO!
Not bad. Let the crossing off begin!
From time to time Jürgen and I both like to reference various wedding checklists to keep the wedding planning on track and stress free. This morning I cross-referenced two checklists to see how we are doing. Here is what I found:
The Real Simple wedding guide suggests the following actions should be taken at the 4-month mark:
--Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues. If you’re planning a day after brunch book that place as well: Done, Done, and maybe done? We are having a day after brunch but I need to send an e-mail to the host to see where we are at on that.
--Check on the wedding invitations: Done, and have been for MONTHS! (go team go!)
--Select and order the cake: Done
--Send your guest list to the host of your shower: Done
--Purchase shoes and start dress fittings: Oh my heart sinks looking at this. I must find shoes but wherever will I find the right ones? Will shoe shop this weekend, with mom. I will call the tailor recommended to me by a friend today to set up a time for next week.
--Schedule hair and make-up artists. Make a few trial appointments: I have a hair trial set up for this Sunday, however I need to secure the hair and make-up artists for the wedding. Will do this today (god bless my easy day job).
--Choose Songs. What do you want playing when the wedding party is introduced? What should play during dinner?: Done! We sent our list of what to and what not to play in last week. Since there will not be a sit down dinner there is no worry of what to play and, hate to say it, the wedding party will not get an introduction (sorry guys!).
--Plan welcome baskets for guests, if desired: I do desire this! Mom and I have come up with some good ideas but we need to finalize everything. It’s on our list to tackle while I am home this weekend.
Theknot.com suggests I should accomplish these tasks between today and October 23rd:
-Book ceremony Musicians and send deposit: Not done. I did fax in the music form to the director of music yesterday. Awaiting reply.
-Finalize menu and service details with caterer: Not done yet. We have another tasting on October 20th, so it is highly unlikely all will be settled by the 23rd. However I a not worried about this.
-Research and purchase wedding insurance, if necessary: What?!?!?! I will research. Clearly this was not on my mind. I have a feeling I will deem it “unnecessary.”
-Brides: Buy special lingerie if your gown requires, in time for first fitting: Hmmmm…nope don’t think it does
-Confirm Delivery date of Bridesmaid Dress orders: Will give Rebecca’s a call today.
-Start taking better care of yourself (eat right, exercise) so you look and feel great on your wedding day: We both exercised yesterday! However we followed our workout with hamburgers and fries…not so good?
-Talk to people you want to do special performances or readings: Halfway done, I have asked one of our readers. Jürg needs to ask the other. Jürgen…get on it!
-Arrange for all insurance policies to include you and your future spouse: health, auto, homeowners and life insurance: That all sounds incredibly boring but necessary. Will figure out how to do this.
-Send wedding bands out to be engraved: Paying for the wedding bands this weekend (while I am in Louisville). Will send them to be engraved then.
-Grooms: Choose and buy any accessories you will need: Done I think. Jürg bought his tie and the rest will be included with the tux rental. Will check with him on this.
In total: 18 tasks on the list
7 totally done
7 almost/halfway done
4 to DO!
Not bad. Let the crossing off begin!
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