So I have come to terms that A] I stink at keeping this thing updated and B] I don't really think there is a need to talk about our day to day life and what we did - that is boring and would quickly become repetitive. So of course I will keep you up to date on big events in our life but I really want to refocus this blog into something I really love. So I am introducing the trials, mishaps, and success of cooking, do it yourself projects, decorating, and general wifey duties. I didn't think things would change that much after we married, but perhaps I have been bitten by the nesting bug cause I am in full swing of perfecting domestication!
Tonight I am trying my hand at coconut crusted salmon with a coconut chile sauce - so I will post about it tomorrow about how successful I was and how to make it yourself. I don't find myself to be just great at cooking, but the Mr. would disagree - however that could just be because he is bias. So stay tuned cause I am really excited about starting this!!!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
10.31.2011
Monday, October 31, 2011 was Devin and my 4 year dating anniversary, now Halloween has even more significant then our dating anniversary and Devin's favorite holiday. Now it serves as the day we married. Yup, Devin and I decided to marry here locally for those who are unable to do the big shindig next Summer. We gathered with immediate family, and the wedding party at the Justice of the Peace and married at 12:00PM on Halloween day.
I wanted to write about it the day of so it was all fresh in my mind, but we went on a "mini-moon" for a week and time got away from me. We decided to marry early in early October - we wanted an opportunity for those who couldn't go to Jamaica to partake in this time with us as well, and as luck would have it our anniversary was coming up and we thought there would really be no other way to celebrate 4 years of utter happiness and bliss then to marry on the day of. We kept mum to everyone outside of immediate family and the wedding party - we figured at first we wouldn't ever let on and let the rest of the world assume that when June came around that was our one and only wedding, of course as the day got closer we realized that we couldn't keep that big of a thing a secret for that long, ok well I couldn't keep it anyways, so we settled on doing it privately and secretly and then announcing to the world afterwards that we had gotten married pretty much on a whim and kind of eloping.
It took an act of God for me to find a white dress, everywhere I went I couldn't find one - I bought one online and it fit horribly, I didn't want to wear my June wedding dress, so I finally found two dresses at a retailer and bought them both to decide at a later time which one I would wear. I set up for my hair and makeup to be done, I wanted this to be a special day even if it wasn't the "big one." The night before Devin stayed with his best man and I stayed at the apartment, surprisingly I slept quite well for the most part. My day started at 7AM, I took a shower and put my dress on, covering it with one of Devin's button downs. My girls Alex and Bekah met up with me to keep me company in the process of getting ready - I found a hairstylist that was willing to come in on a Monday and do my hair, followed by going to MAC at the mall to get the makeup done. I must say I barely recognized myself which it was done, I guess it wasn't too extravagant, I just don't wear a lot of makeup ever and on average my hair is either down or up in a ponytail. So to see it all put together AND I was in a dress and heels to top it off... it was weird at first.
Devin was at the JP early at around 11:20, I was there shortly after - He refused to look at me though and kept his head down in the car to prevent seeing me and to contemplate I guess. I spent some time outside saying hi to my boss, and his mother and sister and her kids who arrived. I then found my way inside and to the employee locked hallway so that Devin would feel comfortable coming in. I heard his laugh in the lobby and I remember it kind of sent flutters to my stomach. My ladies kept me company in the hallway, and I chatted with the judge who was marrying us. I teared up a little when my parents arrived - It was extremely emotional for me to have them there.Pretty much at 12 people made their way to the courtroom and I followed. I'm pretty sure I stunned Devin when he first saw me, he had never seen me that decked out in the entire time we've been together. We made our way to the judge and it began. I wish I could tell you about all that he said but I can't remember to save my life - the whole moment was surreal, I heard every word, agreed, said my vows, but walking away I couldn't repeat one thing he said - Luckily a good friend recorded it for us so I look forward to seeing that soon.The ceremony was short and was followed by pictures - lots, and lots, and lots of pictures. We then went to lunch at Chilis with those that were able to come and then Devin and I went home, he carried me through the doorway haha, and then we had a couple hours of quiet and time to take everything in before going to dinner with friends. The entire day was amazing and perfect, I had my reservations about going about it by way of JP in the beginning but it fit us absolutely to perfection. And I am even more lucky cause I get to do this all over again this Summer when we marry in the Caribbean.
Our "mini"moon was spent in San Antonio and then Dallas - I think it's the best trip we have had together to date. We did so much, saw so many things, met people, and visited family that was unable to come to Midland. All in all, last week was by far the best week of my entire life and I couldn't be happier.
I wanted to write about it the day of so it was all fresh in my mind, but we went on a "mini-moon" for a week and time got away from me. We decided to marry early in early October - we wanted an opportunity for those who couldn't go to Jamaica to partake in this time with us as well, and as luck would have it our anniversary was coming up and we thought there would really be no other way to celebrate 4 years of utter happiness and bliss then to marry on the day of. We kept mum to everyone outside of immediate family and the wedding party - we figured at first we wouldn't ever let on and let the rest of the world assume that when June came around that was our one and only wedding, of course as the day got closer we realized that we couldn't keep that big of a thing a secret for that long, ok well I couldn't keep it anyways, so we settled on doing it privately and secretly and then announcing to the world afterwards that we had gotten married pretty much on a whim and kind of eloping.
It took an act of God for me to find a white dress, everywhere I went I couldn't find one - I bought one online and it fit horribly, I didn't want to wear my June wedding dress, so I finally found two dresses at a retailer and bought them both to decide at a later time which one I would wear. I set up for my hair and makeup to be done, I wanted this to be a special day even if it wasn't the "big one." The night before Devin stayed with his best man and I stayed at the apartment, surprisingly I slept quite well for the most part. My day started at 7AM, I took a shower and put my dress on, covering it with one of Devin's button downs. My girls Alex and Bekah met up with me to keep me company in the process of getting ready - I found a hairstylist that was willing to come in on a Monday and do my hair, followed by going to MAC at the mall to get the makeup done. I must say I barely recognized myself which it was done, I guess it wasn't too extravagant, I just don't wear a lot of makeup ever and on average my hair is either down or up in a ponytail. So to see it all put together AND I was in a dress and heels to top it off... it was weird at first.
Devin was at the JP early at around 11:20, I was there shortly after - He refused to look at me though and kept his head down in the car to prevent seeing me and to contemplate I guess. I spent some time outside saying hi to my boss, and his mother and sister and her kids who arrived. I then found my way inside and to the employee locked hallway so that Devin would feel comfortable coming in. I heard his laugh in the lobby and I remember it kind of sent flutters to my stomach. My ladies kept me company in the hallway, and I chatted with the judge who was marrying us. I teared up a little when my parents arrived - It was extremely emotional for me to have them there.Pretty much at 12 people made their way to the courtroom and I followed. I'm pretty sure I stunned Devin when he first saw me, he had never seen me that decked out in the entire time we've been together. We made our way to the judge and it began. I wish I could tell you about all that he said but I can't remember to save my life - the whole moment was surreal, I heard every word, agreed, said my vows, but walking away I couldn't repeat one thing he said - Luckily a good friend recorded it for us so I look forward to seeing that soon.The ceremony was short and was followed by pictures - lots, and lots, and lots of pictures. We then went to lunch at Chilis with those that were able to come and then Devin and I went home, he carried me through the doorway haha, and then we had a couple hours of quiet and time to take everything in before going to dinner with friends. The entire day was amazing and perfect, I had my reservations about going about it by way of JP in the beginning but it fit us absolutely to perfection. And I am even more lucky cause I get to do this all over again this Summer when we marry in the Caribbean.
Our "mini"moon was spent in San Antonio and then Dallas - I think it's the best trip we have had together to date. We did so much, saw so many things, met people, and visited family that was unable to come to Midland. All in all, last week was by far the best week of my entire life and I couldn't be happier.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The Rebel.
I haven't been sticking to my diet at all for the last two weeks, and it was easy to fall back into bad habits. Very easy. That being said I am back on the road of recovery from junk good and caffeine. I think I just got tired of blandness. I hate water, sincerely and am always craving some flavor which is usually when I find myself ordering a soda. However last month I was introduced to Mi0 and I can't recommend it enough.
0 calories. 0 fat. 0 sodium. 0 carbs. 0 sugar.
It is my saving grace from staying away from soft drinks and coffees. I don't drink it with all my water, but I drink it once in the morning and then again in the evening. You can find it at most grocery stores with the Crystal light and mix powders.
Monday, October 10, 2011
M.I.A.
Sorry that I have been MIA for October. Things have been crazy busy in my world in recent weeks. Halloween is just around the corner - which marks our 4 year anniversary. Can't believe it has been 4 years, I have changed so radically in order to become the person that I am today - and I know without a shadow of a doubt that I wouldn't be in such a positive and good place as I am right now if it wasn't for him being in my life. I never imagined that Halloween night that when he admitted he really liked me and those funny one liners he use to shoot my way were more then just funny one liners... that we would be here today just months away from becoming man and wife.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
No Mans Land
Sorry I have been MIA. Lots of stuff going on in the personal and business realms. I'm not sure where even to begin.
I got kicked out of the kettlebell challenge it seems, I didn't have a chance to post my end of the week picture that is mandatory on Sunday, and by Monday night I got the boot. I suppose that is fine though. I have the time to do my workouts but I didn't really have the time and focus to be in that group and to maintain the whole photo thing and all. So I am still doing the kettlebell, but not in the challenge group. I also am now a member of Gold's Gym. Yup I caved. But I am enjoying it thus far. I am only doing my cardio stuff there at the moment, but my friend Alayna does some of the classes so I might be adding that as well. I won't be using the weight machines until I can get my love to go with me to explain how to use them all correctly!
Work has been crazy busy, October is set to be even busier. We just finished a event to promote the Prohibition documentary just last night, it was a great success. Photography is going well also, although I don't take as many sessions as I use to. I am determined to finish school and the clock is ticking on getting it accomplished by the expiration date. I hope to do it pretty much most of the weekend while the Mr. is working!
We scheduled a "engagement party" of sorts but really its just our family and a few close friends to get together towards the end of October, which is kind of nerve racking cause the families haven't met yet. Which after 4 years it is long over due. Yes, Devin and I will be celebrating our FOUR YEAR anniversary on October 31st.It is hard to believe that time has gone by so quickly. I have to say it's been the best damn years of my life thus far, even with all the hills and valleys - there isn't a single thing that I would change. ANYWAYS back to this little family get together, I found the cutest little simple white dress and I am making a sash for it currently. I will post pictures at some point, but with how much I have going on it won't be until after October before I put it up on here.
So there's the cliff note version of the last couple of weeks, short and sweet. I promise I won't be such a slacker with my blog in the future!
I got kicked out of the kettlebell challenge it seems, I didn't have a chance to post my end of the week picture that is mandatory on Sunday, and by Monday night I got the boot. I suppose that is fine though. I have the time to do my workouts but I didn't really have the time and focus to be in that group and to maintain the whole photo thing and all. So I am still doing the kettlebell, but not in the challenge group. I also am now a member of Gold's Gym. Yup I caved. But I am enjoying it thus far. I am only doing my cardio stuff there at the moment, but my friend Alayna does some of the classes so I might be adding that as well. I won't be using the weight machines until I can get my love to go with me to explain how to use them all correctly!
Work has been crazy busy, October is set to be even busier. We just finished a event to promote the Prohibition documentary just last night, it was a great success. Photography is going well also, although I don't take as many sessions as I use to. I am determined to finish school and the clock is ticking on getting it accomplished by the expiration date. I hope to do it pretty much most of the weekend while the Mr. is working!
We scheduled a "engagement party" of sorts but really its just our family and a few close friends to get together towards the end of October, which is kind of nerve racking cause the families haven't met yet. Which after 4 years it is long over due. Yes, Devin and I will be celebrating our FOUR YEAR anniversary on October 31st.It is hard to believe that time has gone by so quickly. I have to say it's been the best damn years of my life thus far, even with all the hills and valleys - there isn't a single thing that I would change. ANYWAYS back to this little family get together, I found the cutest little simple white dress and I am making a sash for it currently. I will post pictures at some point, but with how much I have going on it won't be until after October before I put it up on here.
So there's the cliff note version of the last couple of weeks, short and sweet. I promise I won't be such a slacker with my blog in the future!
Monday, September 12, 2011
A Sigh of Relief [[269]]
I woke up this morning in an exceptional mood, which has been a rarity for the 2 months. Why? Stress... I knew that the whole "getting married" business meant $$$ but to what degree I had no idea until I stepped into the wedding planning arena. Well, not so much the wedding planning as much as the local reception arena. As many know we are getting married in Jamaica (9 more months!) and were planning to have a reception here when we returned. Well, a thousand dollars here, a thousand dollars there, and I saw my budget becoming a distant memory and welcomed stress and worry into my life. Devin & I aren't big fans of credit, we have a pretty wise idea in my opinion, to pay for everything up front and without credit so that we don't start out our married life together in a tremendous amount of debt. But with that decision comes a great deal of strain.
Well this weekend, I sat down to look at our budget and I discovered that our budget had literally doubled with the add of the reception. So we spoke about it in depth and decided that until further notice the reception is on hold. After we get all the trip bought and done, and all the little extras we will readdress it. I was really bummed initially, but it didn't take long to feel like a burden was off of my shoulders and our engagement period is going to be what I had intended it to be in the first place, which was stress free and a happy carefree time for us.
In other news, Tiffany and I found the bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire. && my dress should be in within 1 month, I am SO excited - its a shame I will have to wait 8 more months to wear it though!!!! I've decided, especially with the ease of financial burdens of the reception, that I need to start considering getting some new clothes for the trip, and for all the little parties we will be having.
I got kind of lazy last week on our first week of the kettlebell challenge, awful I know, but I was extremely stressed out. This week I am attacking it with a fierceness.
Well this weekend, I sat down to look at our budget and I discovered that our budget had literally doubled with the add of the reception. So we spoke about it in depth and decided that until further notice the reception is on hold. After we get all the trip bought and done, and all the little extras we will readdress it. I was really bummed initially, but it didn't take long to feel like a burden was off of my shoulders and our engagement period is going to be what I had intended it to be in the first place, which was stress free and a happy carefree time for us.
In other news, Tiffany and I found the bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire. && my dress should be in within 1 month, I am SO excited - its a shame I will have to wait 8 more months to wear it though!!!! I've decided, especially with the ease of financial burdens of the reception, that I need to start considering getting some new clothes for the trip, and for all the little parties we will be having.
I got kind of lazy last week on our first week of the kettlebell challenge, awful I know, but I was extremely stressed out. This week I am attacking it with a fierceness.
Monday, August 29, 2011
My Amazing Pot Roast
The title says it all. Although I doubt mine has any significant changes over others pot roast. A friend sent me a text asking how I did my pot roast today, and this month that has been a question asked to me about 5 times so I thought I would share here.
1 chuck roast
1 packages of dry onion soup mix
2 cans of french onion soup
1 bag of baby carrots
3-5 potatoes
1 can green beans, drained
Salt
Pepper
Tony's Original Creole Seasoning
Set your crock pot to an 8 hour slow cook. Put your chuck roast into your crock pot. Take a kitchen knife and stab your roast in various places, turn it over and stab it 5-7 more times in various areas. Now put one can of the french onion soup and your dry onion soup mix in your crock pot.. Add your baby carrots, then cut up your potatoes into squares and pour in, followed by your drained green beans. Add your second can of french onion soup. And then my secret ingredient - pour a bottle of Shiner Bock beer in. Season with your desired amount of salt, pepper, and creole seasoning. I like my pot roast slightly spicy so I am very generous with the creole seasoning and add substantial amounts in the beginning of roasting, at the 4 hour mark, and at the 8 hour mark. Let cook for 8 hours and voila - I love this recipe cause it is quick and you come home from work to a home cooked meal without any of the hassle.
Tonight I am trying my hand at home made, complete from scratch, chicken enchiladas in green sauce - where I am evening making the green sauce by hand. If it is successful be looking for that recipe tomorrow night!
1 chuck roast
1 packages of dry onion soup mix
2 cans of french onion soup
1 bag of baby carrots
3-5 potatoes
1 can green beans, drained
Salt
Pepper
Tony's Original Creole Seasoning
Set your crock pot to an 8 hour slow cook. Put your chuck roast into your crock pot. Take a kitchen knife and stab your roast in various places, turn it over and stab it 5-7 more times in various areas. Now put one can of the french onion soup and your dry onion soup mix in your crock pot.. Add your baby carrots, then cut up your potatoes into squares and pour in, followed by your drained green beans. Add your second can of french onion soup. And then my secret ingredient - pour a bottle of Shiner Bock beer in. Season with your desired amount of salt, pepper, and creole seasoning. I like my pot roast slightly spicy so I am very generous with the creole seasoning and add substantial amounts in the beginning of roasting, at the 4 hour mark, and at the 8 hour mark. Let cook for 8 hours and voila - I love this recipe cause it is quick and you come home from work to a home cooked meal without any of the hassle.
Tonight I am trying my hand at home made, complete from scratch, chicken enchiladas in green sauce - where I am evening making the green sauce by hand. If it is successful be looking for that recipe tomorrow night!
Back to the Grind
I can't tell you how much Devin && I needed that 3 day weekend together! I took a little bit of a break from all things work related - both from my 9 to 5 and my photography. I felt like a little bit of a slacker not doing my normal weekend routine but I've been burning the candle at both ends and I really needed a "me" weekend. So I got some much needed rest and relaxation. On Friday we spent the day in Lubbock - saw our dear friend Curtis and ate at Spanky's which had AMAZING cheese sticks and southern fried foods. Needless to say, I didn't start back on my regimen on Friday because I had fried chicken strips, cheese sticks, french fries, and coke zero. My bad!!! But it was so worth it. We originally went to Lubbock to pick up a futon a friend was needing to get rid of, but come to find out he didn't have the tools to take it apart and Devin had misunderstood between a Papasan chair and a futon anyways and he was kind of iffy about getting the futon when we hadn't made space for it anyways so we left the futon behind. We got back into Midland just in time for my Matron of Honor's jewelry party she was holding. She is a consultant for Stella & Dot - check out her online boutique here.
On Saturday I went and got more blond put into my hair. It has been a fun transformation to go from dark brunette to blond - I must say I look much better blond then I ever imagined I would. My hairstylist/friend Monica works at Carolina Skin Centre & Salon at 3303 North Midkiff Road. If you are looking for a local hairstylist I highly recommend her. I started using her when I was just 21! She is AMAZING and has such a kind heart. After I got the hair done Devin & I went and spent some time with my sister and her kids, Devin played Super Mario Galaxy with my nephew. We then went and picked up Devin's younger brother and went to the apartment to watch UFC. I am a big fan of UFC, I don't think I am quite as into it as my better half but I do love watching the pay-per-views each month. PLUS my boy Anderson Silva was fighting so I was really interested in these fights. OF COURSE he won, its Silva, 'nuff said.
Then Sunday we chilled out, Devin played his Call of Duty, we went and ate with a friend of ours, and just hung out at home - watched our shows... Nothing too exciting. But boy was it nice. I enjoyed my last soda and did a lot of reading up on diet plans and recipes before calling it a night around midnight.
I am super happy cause next weekend will be yet another 3 day weekend for me thanks to Labor Day. and we have a meeting with the wedding planner on Thursday. I have plenty to keep me busy both with my 9 to 5 and about 4 sessions to finish up and send proofs out. Not to mention school. Ugh. School. Don't get me started about that.
So if you would like to join me on my road to 140 let me tell you a few requirements :
On Saturday I went and got more blond put into my hair. It has been a fun transformation to go from dark brunette to blond - I must say I look much better blond then I ever imagined I would. My hairstylist/friend Monica works at Carolina Skin Centre & Salon at 3303 North Midkiff Road. If you are looking for a local hairstylist I highly recommend her. I started using her when I was just 21! She is AMAZING and has such a kind heart. After I got the hair done Devin & I went and spent some time with my sister and her kids, Devin played Super Mario Galaxy with my nephew. We then went and picked up Devin's younger brother and went to the apartment to watch UFC. I am a big fan of UFC, I don't think I am quite as into it as my better half but I do love watching the pay-per-views each month. PLUS my boy Anderson Silva was fighting so I was really interested in these fights. OF COURSE he won, its Silva, 'nuff said.
Then Sunday we chilled out, Devin played his Call of Duty, we went and ate with a friend of ours, and just hung out at home - watched our shows... Nothing too exciting. But boy was it nice. I enjoyed my last soda and did a lot of reading up on diet plans and recipes before calling it a night around midnight.
I am super happy cause next weekend will be yet another 3 day weekend for me thanks to Labor Day. and we have a meeting with the wedding planner on Thursday. I have plenty to keep me busy both with my 9 to 5 and about 4 sessions to finish up and send proofs out. Not to mention school. Ugh. School. Don't get me started about that.
So if you would like to join me on my road to 140 let me tell you a few requirements :
- WATER, WATER, WATER - At least one gallon of water a day!!! No soft drinks or high in sugar juices either. If you can stick to strictly water that is GREAT. I know every couple of mornings I will be getting my venti skinny soy vanilla lattes but other then that I will be downing water like it is nobody's business!
- Calorie intake - No more then 1300 calories a day. Period. I use an app to help me keep track of my progress each day on my iPhone called "Nutrition" it is free and really helps
- Exercise - I am starting the kettlebell challenge next Monday in addition to my daily routine. I might be joining the local gym to do in the mornings and the challenge in the evenings, but I haven't made a definite decision on that quite yet.
- Track your progress. Take a picture each and every day, keep tally of your morning weigh in, and stay positive!
- Don't forget your morning multi-vitamins, your vitamin B complex pills, and vitamin C supplements.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
287.
Do you realize how much nice invitations cost!? Geez, we are talking putting $800 or so down for invite, response card, and envelope if you want custom made or letterpress for instance withOUT postage! Crikey. Well my budget won't allow for such an extravagant purchase, plus I would rather put that extra change into a DJ, or decorations for our actual reception. That being said. I am going to be designing my own invitations and getting a local printing company to print them - and my MoH and I will assemble them and send them out.
I already have a good idea of what I want and I am pumped about getting started on them sooner rather then later!
I already have a good idea of what I want and I am pumped about getting started on them sooner rather then later!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
289.
289 days till we say I do.
So... this is going to sound ridiculously cheesy I am perfectly aware. This whole wedding planning thing has me pretty emotional - well, not necessarily the wedding planning, but the marriage. I mean, we are talking about something that is over 9 months away still. It doesn't seem to matter though, my emotions are on overdrive.
I consider my relationship and Devin to be one of those random coincidences that could have easily become one of those moments that you regret missing, or a "what if" that permanent stays in the back of your head throughout the rest of your life. And I guess that is why this whole getting married thing is such an emotional journey for me. Devin and I had enough thrown at us in the 4 years of our relationship, the fact that we made it through every obstacle to where we are now would be considered astounding for the average relationship. Devin and I are anything but an average relationship though. Everyone that get's married always spouts about how they were born to be together and that it is a destined coupling... and by no means am I belittling their beliefs in it being so - but I guess I just view Devin's and my union as more then that. We have this larger then life love, the type of love that love stories are written from.
I have such overwhelming respect and admiration for Devin and who he is as a person, not to mention the positive influence he has had on my life. And the fact that he has stuck through with me hand in hand through all the BS that has come our way is a true testament of our love for one another.
And now, 4 years later here we are, stronger then we've ever been and I am preparing to become Randi Williams. Our story didn't unfold in a traditional fashion by any means and there were times when it felt like we were just fighting an uphill battle. I can't even express the overflowing happiness and anticipation I feel towards becoming his wife and continuing on this path with one another, buying a home, having a baby, building careers, family vacations, family dinners, growing old with one another. It is a chapter that I am so excited and eager to start. I feel blessed and so thankful that Devin and I came into eachother's life as we did - and even through all the not so great moments it has led to us making the commitment in front of God, our friends, and family.
He truly is the love of my life, the reason for my being, the happy to my ending. The love that will never be topped or conquered for all the days of my life. He saved me. I love him with every fiber of my being.
So... this is going to sound ridiculously cheesy I am perfectly aware. This whole wedding planning thing has me pretty emotional - well, not necessarily the wedding planning, but the marriage. I mean, we are talking about something that is over 9 months away still. It doesn't seem to matter though, my emotions are on overdrive.
I consider my relationship and Devin to be one of those random coincidences that could have easily become one of those moments that you regret missing, or a "what if" that permanent stays in the back of your head throughout the rest of your life. And I guess that is why this whole getting married thing is such an emotional journey for me. Devin and I had enough thrown at us in the 4 years of our relationship, the fact that we made it through every obstacle to where we are now would be considered astounding for the average relationship. Devin and I are anything but an average relationship though. Everyone that get's married always spouts about how they were born to be together and that it is a destined coupling... and by no means am I belittling their beliefs in it being so - but I guess I just view Devin's and my union as more then that. We have this larger then life love, the type of love that love stories are written from.
I have such overwhelming respect and admiration for Devin and who he is as a person, not to mention the positive influence he has had on my life. And the fact that he has stuck through with me hand in hand through all the BS that has come our way is a true testament of our love for one another.
And now, 4 years later here we are, stronger then we've ever been and I am preparing to become Randi Williams. Our story didn't unfold in a traditional fashion by any means and there were times when it felt like we were just fighting an uphill battle. I can't even express the overflowing happiness and anticipation I feel towards becoming his wife and continuing on this path with one another, buying a home, having a baby, building careers, family vacations, family dinners, growing old with one another. It is a chapter that I am so excited and eager to start. I feel blessed and so thankful that Devin and I came into eachother's life as we did - and even through all the not so great moments it has led to us making the commitment in front of God, our friends, and family.
He truly is the love of my life, the reason for my being, the happy to my ending. The love that will never be topped or conquered for all the days of my life. He saved me. I love him with every fiber of my being.
Monday, August 22, 2011
290
290 days till we say I do.
We are pretty sure we found the reception venue here in Midland - just have to put the deposit down. I also designed my save the dates which will go out in a few months. I am really proud of them - don't worry I will post them once I have sent them out. Now I am already contemplating the invitations which I have a good 6 months to get done. I am considering trying my hand at a letterpress but that is taking on quite a big adventure - and with work, school, planning, photography, and ya know, sleep... Taking on too big of a challenge could end up with me not having invitations to send out.
We also have another registry confirmed now and I don't see us adding any more. We have both our Honeyfund account and a Dillards registry now - I just know that not everyone likes the idea of honeyfunds so we made the Dillards as an addition.
Well, I will leave it there for now - have to finish editing for the evening and hit the sack. The increase in my everyday tasks has my sleep schedule completely out of whack. I am excited to catch up on my rest come next weekend though - Mama is taking a 3 day weekend!!!
We are pretty sure we found the reception venue here in Midland - just have to put the deposit down. I also designed my save the dates which will go out in a few months. I am really proud of them - don't worry I will post them once I have sent them out. Now I am already contemplating the invitations which I have a good 6 months to get done. I am considering trying my hand at a letterpress but that is taking on quite a big adventure - and with work, school, planning, photography, and ya know, sleep... Taking on too big of a challenge could end up with me not having invitations to send out.
Well, I will leave it there for now - have to finish editing for the evening and hit the sack. The increase in my everyday tasks has my sleep schedule completely out of whack. I am excited to catch up on my rest come next weekend though - Mama is taking a 3 day weekend!!!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Sneak Peek of our Engagement Pictures!
Check out some of our engagement pictures at
http://mallorybuckphotography.com/blog/?p=389
(Just cut and copy the address into your address bar!)
http://mallorybuckphotography.com/blog/?p=389
(Just cut and copy the address into your address bar!)
Monday, July 25, 2011
Dresses, dresses, and more dresses.
Did I mention dresses?
OK so it is no secret that I am NOT a dress person in the least so I was fearing the wedding dress shopping to say the least. My Matron of Honor Tiffany and I had gone to University Bridal in Odessa two weeks before this and had narrowed it down to a couple of dresses. Well, today we went back for a second appointment along with bridesmaid Katy/Bekah and one of my besties Ms. Alex. Well I had intended to show both dresses in the running - but after putting the first one on there was no need to show the second, it had been "the one" all along. So we purchased my dress and it is on order! It should be arriving in October. In the mean time I need to be up in the gym working on my fitness since I ordered it a size too small. YES, I am that confident.
I have a feeling I am going to pine for the opportunity to wear it again, so I might be throwing out the casual reception idea and renting a location just so when we come back I have an excuse to wear it just one more time.
We will see. Stay tune!
OK so it is no secret that I am NOT a dress person in the least so I was fearing the wedding dress shopping to say the least. My Matron of Honor Tiffany and I had gone to University Bridal in Odessa two weeks before this and had narrowed it down to a couple of dresses. Well, today we went back for a second appointment along with bridesmaid Katy/Bekah and one of my besties Ms. Alex. Well I had intended to show both dresses in the running - but after putting the first one on there was no need to show the second, it had been "the one" all along. So we purchased my dress and it is on order! It should be arriving in October. In the mean time I need to be up in the gym working on my fitness since I ordered it a size too small. YES, I am that confident.
I have a feeling I am going to pine for the opportunity to wear it again, so I might be throwing out the casual reception idea and renting a location just so when we come back I have an excuse to wear it just one more time.
We will see. Stay tune!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Indecisive.
OK anyone that knows me knows of my indecisiveness with just about anything! Well, this wedding planning is no exception. We are hoping to nail down a reception all by the end of July - at the latest would be the end of August, before all the good venues are taken. Little did I realize when we chose our wedding date that June is a big wedding month.
We have little details that are sorting out nicely. Found our first dance, which I cried to the first time Devin and I listened to it together, just because it fits us oh so perfectly! We are meeting with a DJ for the reception some time next week and we have a wedding planner now - which will hopefully help calm my nerves over the small details.
At the moment we are working on finalizing the guest list for the Midland reception. I didn't really realize how many people we know until I put it all down on paper. It is crazy ridiculous. But if I hassle you for your address in the near future you know why!
We have little details that are sorting out nicely. Found our first dance, which I cried to the first time Devin and I listened to it together, just because it fits us oh so perfectly! We are meeting with a DJ for the reception some time next week and we have a wedding planner now - which will hopefully help calm my nerves over the small details.
At the moment we are working on finalizing the guest list for the Midland reception. I didn't really realize how many people we know until I put it all down on paper. It is crazy ridiculous. But if I hassle you for your address in the near future you know why!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Engagement Pictures
We took our engagement pictures tonight ~ We did a mix of out in a woodsy/grassy area, and then downtown MIdland. It was a little awkward at first, especially for me because I am so use to being behind the camera and not in front of it. Devin set me at ease pretty quickly though and then it was just hard to keep a straight face when it called for it. We spent a total of 2 hours taking pictures. I am really excited to see how they turn out - Should be in about 2 weeks! Whoooo!!
We checked out a venue on Monday evening and Devin and I really liked it - It is a far cry from the simply BBQ we were planning - but now we have decided to hold a second wedding here in Midland when we get back from Jamaica. Thats right, TWO weddings. There goes my whole basis of a destination wedding through the window! Good in theory, not so good in action. So please don't forget to provide your address so that we can send you formal invitations to the second wedding here - we plan on throwing a ridiculously big party after the short ceremony and it's a time no one should miss.
We checked out a venue on Monday evening and Devin and I really liked it - It is a far cry from the simply BBQ we were planning - but now we have decided to hold a second wedding here in Midland when we get back from Jamaica. Thats right, TWO weddings. There goes my whole basis of a destination wedding through the window! Good in theory, not so good in action. So please don't forget to provide your address so that we can send you formal invitations to the second wedding here - we plan on throwing a ridiculously big party after the short ceremony and it's a time no one should miss.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Save the Dates
So worked on our save the dates this weekend - I hope to send them out early August. Just trying to nail down the reception date before hand. Searching for a reception venue has officially given me a headache like no other. It will be worth it though, but boy do I miss the stress free sense I had when it was just going to be a BBQ at the park with some friends! Alas, there will be much fun to be had though at a bigger reception. There is limited venues in this area that hold the caliber of style and class we are looking for, and unfortunately Midland milks it with ridiculous prices. At the moment we are looking at the reception being on a Friday evening. Hopefully the week we get back from Jamaica and at the latest a week after! Anyways, stay tune - and be sure to give us your address in the address portion of the website dang it!
Randi
Randi
Thursday, July 14, 2011
What a week!!!
Sorry, sorry, sorry! I mean to write in this more often but time gets away from me!!
Got my ring back from the jewelers - had to check all the stones, get the three bands soldered together, and cleaned. I LOVE the final look. I keep looking at my ring - almost TWO months later in disbelief that I get to wear this beautiful set. My honey did such a great job.
So our engagement pictures are right around the corner which I am super excited about because we haven't had professional pictures taken of us ever. We are using an amazing local photographer, which it took me forever to choose - It's funny because I am the one use to taking the pictures so this will be an adjustment for me to be in front of the camera. We have one location set but we are still struggling with the second location - Devin and I aren't exactly the traditional look in this area... While looking for a photographer and going through their work online I just kept seeing sun dresses paired with boots, Texas flags, and cowboy hats. That's not us. At all.
Devin also met his future mother and father-in-law this week. He was pretty nervous walking up to their door, as was I. It went better then either of us could have asked for though. I am pretty sure Devin made a good first impression, I could tell he was choosing his words and such carefully. I'm not quite sure if my side of the family will be making it to the wedding since there isn't the ability to pull the "redneck RV" to Jamaica - but that isnt set in stone. Hope they are able to attend, but considering we are getting married some 2,000 miles away so yeah - I know that not everyone can make that trip.
Other then that there is really nothing new to report. August will be a busy month of getting Save the Dates made and out, buying our airline tickets, and I have a phone conference scheduled with my wedding planner in Jamaica to discuss the wedding, oh and I really need to get my reception location on lock down. So busy, busy, busy.
Got my ring back from the jewelers - had to check all the stones, get the three bands soldered together, and cleaned. I LOVE the final look. I keep looking at my ring - almost TWO months later in disbelief that I get to wear this beautiful set. My honey did such a great job.
So our engagement pictures are right around the corner which I am super excited about because we haven't had professional pictures taken of us ever. We are using an amazing local photographer, which it took me forever to choose - It's funny because I am the one use to taking the pictures so this will be an adjustment for me to be in front of the camera. We have one location set but we are still struggling with the second location - Devin and I aren't exactly the traditional look in this area... While looking for a photographer and going through their work online I just kept seeing sun dresses paired with boots, Texas flags, and cowboy hats. That's not us. At all.
Devin also met his future mother and father-in-law this week. He was pretty nervous walking up to their door, as was I. It went better then either of us could have asked for though. I am pretty sure Devin made a good first impression, I could tell he was choosing his words and such carefully. I'm not quite sure if my side of the family will be making it to the wedding since there isn't the ability to pull the "redneck RV" to Jamaica - but that isnt set in stone. Hope they are able to attend, but considering we are getting married some 2,000 miles away so yeah - I know that not everyone can make that trip.
Other then that there is really nothing new to report. August will be a busy month of getting Save the Dates made and out, buying our airline tickets, and I have a phone conference scheduled with my wedding planner in Jamaica to discuss the wedding, oh and I really need to get my reception location on lock down. So busy, busy, busy.
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