A Surprise Golden Birthday!

...surprise meaning I tried to throw Ryan a surprise birthday party for his 23rd Golden Birthday, but to MY surprise, he already knew I was planning it. Me = fail party planner.

Even though it wasn't much of a surprise, we still had a lot of fun! I gave Ryan a goldenrod colored tie he'd been eyeing and a small iPod shuffle that he could use at the gym. After classes were done, we went to our favorite Indian place, The Bombay House and had delicious curry dishes. Meanwhile, Ryan's dear friend Chelsie was preparing the surprise part at her condo. All of Ryan's friends welcomed him with a big 'surprise' as he walked into the door with the understanding he was to help Chelsie move her TV that was too heavy for her.

All in all, we had good times together with friends and to die for goodies!

Happy 23rd Birthday Ryan!

PS- His birthday also marked 30 days left till we tie the knot! Yay!

Vegas Trip numero dos

Over this past weekend we embarked on our second wedding planning trip to Vegas. I think we actually got everything accomplished that we needed to do and managed to find leisurely fun too!

While we were there, we stayed with Jon and Haley again! Oh how I love them and I'm glad I'm getting to know them since they are so special to Ryan. Jon and Haley always make sure we are taken care of and have some fun while we're visiting so this time we went to the desert to makedelicious foil dinners and shoot. Good times were had by all!

My favorite aspect of wedding planning has been and will remain cake testing. mmmm. Our cake is going to be divine! We are doing a 3 tier ivory and ballet slipper pink cake with yummy buttercream frosting and a peony topper. Our flavors amazing: coconut joy--coconut cake with a coconut/dark chocolate chip frosting layer AND cinnabuns--cinnamon cake with caramel frosting layer. We got to sample these and they are heavenly! Oh I can't wait!

We also picked out our yummy entrees and linens for the reception at Dragon Ridge. This process was a NIGHTMARE. Since my colors are navy and blush pink (flowers and mother's dresses only) and the chairs and carpet at the reception site are a gold hue, I was truly afraid of it looking like a Boy Scout Blue and Gold Banquet. After a lot of debating and mind changing, we finally settled on making all the linens ivory with champagne table runners and adding small touches of navy. Hopefully, this will look good. Cross you fingers!

Engagement Session

Our wedding photographer, Michael Lloyd is probably to best and chillest photographer in town. He is very gifted and captures every moment and has a very artistic eye that matches Ryan and mines style. Not only is he a fantastic and quick photographer, but he is just fun. I've only spent a few hours with him and I already feel like he and his family are dear friends whom I've known for years. Our photo shoot was a blast and we truly had a marvelous time.

As you know, Ryan and I are rather artsy and like unique style. We wanted to have a classic 1940's feel to our wedding so we thought we'd mix up some of our engagement wardrobe with some jazzy period pieces as well as contemporary clothing. I think it turned out perfectly and not over the top.

Here are some of my absolute favorite photos. Hope you enjoy!