Jim & Rhea

Obviously, I tend to only remember this site on big dates in our relationship..which could be good and bad.  I guess I just wanted to post as a mile-marker for Year Two.  We’re still doing the Cary <-> NB thing. Thankful to all the family who wished us well today.  I still can’t believe we’ve already hit 2 years!  I’m sure I’ll write that sentiment every time I post.

That’s about it for now. Keeping busy, so gotta go!

One year has come and gone! It went so quickly, it’s hard to believe. I guess we are no longer “Newlyweds,” although it still really doesn’t even feel that different.. I guess that will change when we get to live together

This past year was awesome! I definitely meant to update here more than I did…I still can’t figure out where the time went. Must have been left in the dust somewhere in that 70mph zone between New Bern and Cary

To celebrate we got our “1-year cake” from Swank Cake Design, it was a replica of the top of our original cake, and tasted just as amazing! We went out to Cheesecake Factory for dinner, and saw my friend Katy there – who also got married the same day we did! She and her husband, Ryan were celebrating too.. it was a very cool coincidence   Later we watched our Wedding Video and also the slideshow of pictures… all great memories!

~Hopefully more later.~

Name change officially happened 12/31/09, but it’s taking some time to get everything processed! It’s crazy how many things have your name on it! Anyway, practicing & deciding on a signature is tough work! I advise future brides to practice beforehand, so as not to delay anything

Yes, we’ve only been married a month.. but today is our 5 year dating anniversary! Today both of us had the same sentiment, “woh, it’s been that long?!” It’s hard to believe..but our first date was on Friday Dec 3, 2004. *swoon*

Jim wrote me a note that I found in my bookbag after one of my classes (ECE 302 to be exact) ..it said “Put something nice on..” [unfold] “.. I’m taking you out tonight.”   It made me *gasp*, it was the sweetest thing ever!

He picked me up in his green Jeep and we went out to Olive Garden (my choice), and then went to go see a movie at the then-brand-new Brier Creek. We chose National Treasure, a super exciting film for a first date.

Anyway, I wanted to briefly relive that.. I left out a lot of details of calling Elaine and Veera and being girly about the whole thing It was a day to remember, and I smile as I write this.  Each anniversary since has added something to remember this day by – Goodberry’s Ice Cream Cake- being one of them.

I just feel so lucky & blessed to have finally married the awesome guy who asked me out on that would-be-average Friday.

Here’s a bulleted list of things that have gotten done – I wish I had time to write details on every one, maybe I will later

*7/19/09 We started our first registry at Bed Bath & Beyond! Super fun, but we were kind of rushed, cuz the same day we:

*Had a cake tasting with Swank Cake Designs for wedding cake Basically went there and they sketched out a prelim cake design and sent us home with cake to taste.  We did that with the parents, and that was an event in itself! really fun stuff though!

*Weekend of 7/25/09 was my bachelorette party! woohoo! the bridesmaids and I went to North Myrtle beach (thank you Shroffs, for your hospitality!)  We had a lot of fun thanks girls for everything!

*8/1/09 Had a cake design consultation with Blue Moon Bakery. She gave us cake to take home, another quite fun event

*Also that day we met with Wayne, the music director for the ceremony at the church, and got to pick out music for the ceremony! that was REALLY exciting. He played the organ for us inside the church and it was the first time me and Jim felt like “woah! this is really happening!” it made it very real for us

*8/3/09 MY DRESS CAME IN! it came into Raleigh, and I picked it up the following Sunday. That entire week was spent looking for shoes for the dress! I looked online, some shops in New Bern, and then finally on Saturday I hit the mall in Raleigh and found just what I needed It was tax free wknd and I had a coupon, that made the deal all the more sweeter!   So I took those shoes and tried em on with the dress on Sunday 8/9/09. I took Elaine with me and she snapped a few pics. It was AWESOME to see the dress in my size and fit me so well   The tailor, Anna was very knowledgeable and super nice, and she said we just need to take up the hem a bit. I’ll go back for a 2nd fitting on Sept 5. This was another milestone that made it feel real

*8/7/09 We took engagement pics with Kristin and Aaron! That was so fun and we can’t wait to see the pics! We went out to dinner with them afterward too, it was nice to hang out. Kristin told me pics should be up next Tues (9/1/09) yay!

*Week of Aug 10-14 I spent researching DJs and trying to find the “perfect one”. It’s hard to get someone me and Jim trust to do a good job with the American side of things (traditional wedding-ey music- no hip/hop) and satisfy my parent’s needs for Indian music. Probably one of the more stressful decisions.

*Wknd of Aug 15th, 2009 was spent doing invitations wording and design online. I literally spent all weekend doing this. It was tedious but I hope it turns out well…I know they are ridiculously late :-\  ..I also started registries at shopworldkitchen.com and Amazon.com

*Wknd of Aug 22, back in Raleigh, Jim and I and mom went to CE Rental to pick out linens for the reception. I think we’re all satisfied with our decisions, and hopefully everything will be really elegant   I think this was the sinking in moment for mom. hehe.

*Sunday 8/23/09 we met with Deacon George at the church (first in a series of 3 meetings) in order to get married there. Pretty much like “counseling” but I think its nice and useful…and somewhat fun too.  We’re both elated to be getting *married*. I say Married deliberately – I’m excited to be married, not have a wedding. It’s gonna be great!  </end mushy stuff>

*this past week I’ve just been tying up the lose ends to all these decisions and trying to move on. Still lots to do – more to come soon

We’re doing lots and lots of stuff, and I’m forgetting to write here!
Last weekend Jim and I took the Mike and William to Men’s Wearhouse in Cary to pick out tuxes (and fittings if they so chose) for the wedding! It was fun to do and really not that hard since I had already picked out colors for the girls’ dresses. Just picking out styles here and there and it was done. A LOT easier than dealing with my outfit or even the bridesmaids’.

This past week we were able to schedule (long overdue) Engagement Pics with Kristin Byrum and I also made an appointment to get my makeup done from Jenny the same day. So one more item to check off our list! (I just have to figure out what to wear!)

This morning, mom and I went to check out a florist, and we got the flower color schemes picked out. Mel of Dogwood Tree Floral Designs was really helpful, and he is going to send me a quote early next week.  We’ll probably tweak it a little bit and see if its reasonable, and go from there. Again, nice to check something else off the list!

This morning Jim and I went to meet with the wedding coordinator at the Renaissance Hotel for the reception. She was very nice, and quite knowledgeable and experienced! We are both happy with her, and look forward to working with her. She helped us outline decisions to be made and assured us she could take care of things once we made decisions. Overall, a great meeting and I’m feeling a bit better / less stressed.

This afternoon I had my make-up trial with Jenny Raele. Veera (sister) and I went out to her place and she taught us a lot about make up and did a trial run on me. It was a good experience, just a few changes to be made here and there and I think we should be set.

Now I need to figure out something for hair, jewelry, & shoes. (Outfit: close to complete) =)

Talked to all the girls today, and a bachelorette weekend is in the making should be great fun to get all the girls together again! can’t wait! I love my bridesmaids!! <3
Also most of them have ordered their dresses, and they all seem to like them, so I'm happy about that!
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I got my Veil in the mail today! It's the first piece of the bridal outfit to come in. (Feels like it's finally sinking in, We're getting married!) The veil is kind of crisp and wrinkled.. anyone know how to care for/clean a veil? I imagine there's some process you have to do to make it 'flowy' and unwrinkled..
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In other news, I'm making appointments to talk to hotel wedding coordinator, music people at the church, getting a make-up trial… keeping busy!

Today was our 1 year engagement anniversary! I can’t believe it’s already been a year! YAY!
See: Her Story

I got a call today saying the Veil I ordered from Sestra (in VA) has come into their store. The lady said they will ship it to me and I should get it within the week!