Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Valentine's Day Weekend

It was Valentine's Day weekend I knew I had to do something great. I had been planning what we would do for about 2 weeks. I knew I wanted to start the evening with dinner at Red Lobster. From there I thought we would go see the movie “Valentine’s Day”.

The weekend started off with me picking Jessica up while she was visiting Cari at the hospital. I decided I would get kind of dressed up and put on a sport coat and boots. I wanted to look good. I packed up the small gifts I bought and went to pick up Jessica.

I stopped at Red Lobster to put my name on the list and picked up the pager. I arrived at the hospital and everyone there was very shocked that I had worn the sport coat. I was happy that I wore the coat because Jessica looked beautiful. We said our goodbyes and went to my car. I asked Jessica if she wanted her gifts now or later. She was surprised and reminded me that we were not supposed to get any gifts. I got her the biggest card I could find and it said how I really felt, “I loved her yesterday, I love her today, and I will love her always“. I also bought two CD’s, the first was the best country love songs and the second was classical love songs. I wanted something simple yet special for Jessica. She loved the them.

When we got to the restaurant, they had not called us so I went up and told the hostess and she put us to the beginning of the line. We sat and talked while we waited for our dinner. Our dinner was fantastic.

We saw the movie “Valentine’s Day”. It was a good movie, kind of predictable but being with Jessica and being able to talk to her after the movie made it better.

Saturday night we went to Utah County to play the “Newlywed Game” at her aunt’s house. The cast of players were Bonnie and Dick, Paul and Carrie, Phil and Heather, Willie and Candace, and Jessica and I. Charlene played the part of our hostess. We missed some questions that we should have gotten right, although we were together on most of our answers. We tied for first place and we aren’t even married yet! After the game we all sat around and talked as everyone left one couple at a time. I drove Jessica and Charlene home and had not planned on seeing Jessica until after the Nascar Race on Sunday afternoon. I called Jessica when I got home and thanked her for a wonderful evening.

Sunday, Valentine’s day, I wasn’t going to see Jessica until later but she surprised me by bringing me a small bag of gifts. I called her right after she left the gifts at my door and rang the bell. She answered and came back but could only stay for a while. Later that evening I went to have dinner with Jessica and her family at the hospital. We stayed for a little while and then decided to go back to my apartment and watch the movie “An Affair To Remember”. It was a good movie. We both enjoyed it. Jessica had not seen it and it explained why I chose to ask her to marry me on top of the Empire State Building.

This weekend was my attempt at being romantic, probably need to work on the romance but I really tried. I think Jessica enjoyed the weekend as much as I did. And I am sure we will have many, many more Valentine’s together.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Weddings 101

Are you looking for a photographer? Do you want to sign up for our drawing? Can I show you our brochure? When is the big day? All questions I heard when I went to my first bridal show. It was the Wedding Festival Show at The South Towne Expo Center.

I started the day having a tasty lunch with my mom, Lindsay, Tara, and her adorable kids at Joy Luck. After lunch, Lindsay, my mom, Kennedy and I headed over to the show. I stood in one line so I could get my lovely "Bride-to-be" lanyard while the others waited patiently in the "all others" line. Then it was time to head in for the main attraction! WOW! I had no idea what a wedding entailed, or maybe I just didn't want to. It was intense! So many different people trying to sell photography, invitations, cakes, honeymoons, reception centers etc.

We wandered up and down each aisle. Of course, my mom stopped and talked to everybody! Kennedy tried EVERY food sample there and Lindsay and I just sort of sat in the background and took in all the vendors. Overall, when the day was done I think we all had a great time. My mom said she had more fun than she ever expected and is excited to plan a wedding. I think Kennedy went home with a stomachache and I am still as overwhelmed as ever but have learned a few things.

I learned that I still want calla lilies at my wedding which is something I have always wanted since I was a little girl. I also DO NOT want roses at my wedding! Always hated them, always will! I learned that there are many, many, many photographers in Utah and most of them take pictures in front of trees or in the mountains! Ugh!! Hate that! Can't they come up with something more contemporary and fun! So I am still on the lookout for a photographer! I also learned that I want a simple cake that everyone can eat! What is the point of spending tons of money on a cake that you have to take the frosting off of? And the biggest thing I learned at my first bridal show is… there is no such thing as a $1000 wedding??? Oh well, Let the planning begin…