Father Fred helped us schedule our Marriage Retreat Course, and he remembered it was this weekend.
While they were reading the announcements at Church this morning, Father Fred asked Thom and I to stand up. We had no idea what was going on, and probably looked really embarrassed. Father Fred told everyone that we were getting married and had just completed our Retreat Course. The whole congregation started clapping for us!
All Thom and I could do was laugh :)
Thanks for the shout out Fr. Fred.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Marriage Is A Decision
Thom and I completed our Marriage Retreat Course, called Marriage Is A Decision, this weekend. On Friday night it was more of a lecture setting where we learned about the three questions we would be asked during the marriage ceremony, and the meaning behind the vows.
On Saturday they split the class up into smaller groups, and luckily we were in the group with a younger couple facilitating the discussions. We went over our family tree homework and then they handed out several different worksheets. The worksheets covered all of the big topics: getting engaged, careers, finance, children, values, communications, conflict resolution, sacrament of marriage, and wedding traditions. We each answered the 7-10 questions on the worksheets then traded worksheets so we could read each others answers. The group would discuss a few of the questions from the worksheet before we moved onto the next sheet.
They also had a few activities in the class. One of us had to put on a blind fold, and without talking, the other had to led us around the building and outside to experience the surroundings. I got freaked out and would only take baby steps until Thom put his arm around me to take me around. So I didn't do well on the "Trust Walk". We also had to balance this long stick on our finger, the trick being if you look up its easier - get it...look up to God and it will be easier. Then we had to try to balance it together, the trick there was we both could not have our finger on the stick, one had to led while the other helped and followed.
Thom and I both enjoyed the course, and even though I was nervous going into it I am glad we did it.
On Saturday they split the class up into smaller groups, and luckily we were in the group with a younger couple facilitating the discussions. We went over our family tree homework and then they handed out several different worksheets. The worksheets covered all of the big topics: getting engaged, careers, finance, children, values, communications, conflict resolution, sacrament of marriage, and wedding traditions. We each answered the 7-10 questions on the worksheets then traded worksheets so we could read each others answers. The group would discuss a few of the questions from the worksheet before we moved onto the next sheet.
They also had a few activities in the class. One of us had to put on a blind fold, and without talking, the other had to led us around the building and outside to experience the surroundings. I got freaked out and would only take baby steps until Thom put his arm around me to take me around. So I didn't do well on the "Trust Walk". We also had to balance this long stick on our finger, the trick being if you look up its easier - get it...look up to God and it will be easier. Then we had to try to balance it together, the trick there was we both could not have our finger on the stick, one had to led while the other helped and followed.
Thom and I both enjoyed the course, and even though I was nervous going into it I am glad we did it.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wedding Registry Event
Thom and I have been getting several questions about where we are planning on registering. Well, one store we are thinking of registering at is Macy's.
I got an email today (because once one company knows you are getting married they all end up knowing) from Macy's about a registry event they are hosting at Somerset Mall. I have never personally been shopping at Somerset, but everyone tells me its verrrrryyyyyy nice.
I convinced Thom to sign up for the registry event. I figured we were planning on registering with Macy's anyway, we mind as well get some free drinks and food out of the deal! So next Tuesday we will be sipping on drinks and walking around Macy's armed with scanner guns.
I got an email today (because once one company knows you are getting married they all end up knowing) from Macy's about a registry event they are hosting at Somerset Mall. I have never personally been shopping at Somerset, but everyone tells me its verrrrryyyyyy nice.
I convinced Thom to sign up for the registry event. I figured we were planning on registering with Macy's anyway, we mind as well get some free drinks and food out of the deal! So next Tuesday we will be sipping on drinks and walking around Macy's armed with scanner guns.
Family Tree
This past week Thom and I both finished part of our homework for our marriage class. The first part of our homework was to make a family tree back to our great grandparents. Luckily, they only need first names, and didn't need too much detail beyond the line we directly descended - for example they didn't need to know who our Grandpa's sister married.
I had to call my Mom to confirm a few names on her side, and had to email Aunt Wendy for some details on Grandpa Ross' parents. Thanks Mom and Aunt Wendy for your help on my homework :)
Thom and his Mom worked on his family tree this weekend. After he tried putting it off for a couple days, Janet and I finally got Thom to do his homework :)
Now we need to answer some questions and then discuss our answers before class this weekend. The class is Friday evening and Saturday morning and afternoon.
I had to call my Mom to confirm a few names on her side, and had to email Aunt Wendy for some details on Grandpa Ross' parents. Thanks Mom and Aunt Wendy for your help on my homework :)
Thom and his Mom worked on his family tree this weekend. After he tried putting it off for a couple days, Janet and I finally got Thom to do his homework :)
Now we need to answer some questions and then discuss our answers before class this weekend. The class is Friday evening and Saturday morning and afternoon.
Rehearsal Dinner Location
While Thom's parents were in town we took them out to dinner at one of our possible sites for the Rehearsal Dinner, Sweet Lorraine's in Southfield, MI.
Thom and I had two or three possible restaurants for the Rehearsal Dinner. There are a lot of restaurants in the area, but we narrowed it down to the sites that have a private room for larger parties. Thom and I had heard of the Sweet Lorraine's, but never actually eaten there.
The menu was awesome, local, organic, seasonal food and drinks - which you know I loved! No one at the table could decide what they wanted to order, there were so many good choices. So we all ordered something different and then sampled every one's dish :)
The food was great! The service was nice and the ambiance was fun.
Thom and I still want to get more detail on the private dinner party menu, and then compare that to our other possible restaurants. But we were really impressed with Sweet Lorraine's so I would say its the front runner.
Thom and I had two or three possible restaurants for the Rehearsal Dinner. There are a lot of restaurants in the area, but we narrowed it down to the sites that have a private room for larger parties. Thom and I had heard of the Sweet Lorraine's, but never actually eaten there.
The menu was awesome, local, organic, seasonal food and drinks - which you know I loved! No one at the table could decide what they wanted to order, there were so many good choices. So we all ordered something different and then sampled every one's dish :)
The food was great! The service was nice and the ambiance was fun.
Thom and I still want to get more detail on the private dinner party menu, and then compare that to our other possible restaurants. But we were really impressed with Sweet Lorraine's so I would say its the front runner.
Memorial Weekend
Thom's parents came up to visit for Memorial Weekend. The boys were busy working on projects around the house, they rebuilt the shed and added a pull down ladder to access the attic. Thom and I spruced up our mail box, painted the garage door, painted the front door, and put the first coat of stain on the shed. We will post pics once we get the final coat of stain on the shed.
While the boys were rebuilding the shed, Janet and I went shopping :). We looked for her dress for the wedding but had no luck. We think they are in between seasons, because they had lots of summer dresses and even some prom stuff still. We also found some great deals at Eastern Market, the farmers market in Detroit, and found some cute stuff in the boutiques at downtown Plymouth and downtown Northville.
Thom and I had my parents over for a cookout while his parents were in town. My parents brought shish kabobs from the meat market at Eastern Market, and Dad-Ross grilled while Thom and his Dad finished working on the shed. While all of the boys were working I was busy updating the Moms on all things wedding related. I played them Our Song, and explained the details of the linen trial. All and all the cook out was a success. It was great to have the family together!!!
While the boys were rebuilding the shed, Janet and I went shopping :). We looked for her dress for the wedding but had no luck. We think they are in between seasons, because they had lots of summer dresses and even some prom stuff still. We also found some great deals at Eastern Market, the farmers market in Detroit, and found some cute stuff in the boutiques at downtown Plymouth and downtown Northville.
Thom and I had my parents over for a cookout while his parents were in town. My parents brought shish kabobs from the meat market at Eastern Market, and Dad-Ross grilled while Thom and his Dad finished working on the shed. While all of the boys were working I was busy updating the Moms on all things wedding related. I played them Our Song, and explained the details of the linen trial. All and all the cook out was a success. It was great to have the family together!!!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Wedding Ring Pick Up
Thom and I stopped in at Tappers last week to pic up my wedding ring, but Colleen was not in, so we decided to try again later. Colleen called Thom the following day and told him she would be working late on Monday, so Thom told her we would stop in.
Thom admitted to not remembering we had arranged for the linen trial on Monday evening :) But luckily Tappers is open until 9:00pm, so we had plenty of time for the line trial and to pick up the ring. We both agreed that is was nice to have both things done and out of the way.
The ring looks AWESOME! It matches my engagement ring perfectly, and really brings out the detail in my engagement ring. Now I just need to wait a few more months until I can wear it forever!!!
Thom admitted to not remembering we had arranged for the linen trial on Monday evening :) But luckily Tappers is open until 9:00pm, so we had plenty of time for the line trial and to pick up the ring. We both agreed that is was nice to have both things done and out of the way.
The ring looks AWESOME! It matches my engagement ring perfectly, and really brings out the detail in my engagement ring. Now I just need to wait a few more months until I can wear it forever!!!
Linen Trial
Thom picked up the linens, I put together an example of our candle center piece, and we met up at Glen Oaks Monday evening. Grandma stopped by to check out the place, and to be our neutral third party.
We tried every option - Glen Oaks table cloths, Affordable elegance table cloths, just table cloths, table cloths with a runner, chair covers, no chair covers, chair covers without sashes, different napkins, this table cloth with that chair cover. There were a lot of options!
Thom was very diligent and took pictures of all of the options. Ya know just for reference later while we made the decision.
We have accomplished our goal and have made a decision on linens for the reception. We of course can't tell you what our final decision was, you will have to come to the party to find out for yourself.
We tried every option - Glen Oaks table cloths, Affordable elegance table cloths, just table cloths, table cloths with a runner, chair covers, no chair covers, chair covers without sashes, different napkins, this table cloth with that chair cover. There were a lot of options!
Thom was very diligent and took pictures of all of the options. Ya know just for reference later while we made the decision.
We have accomplished our goal and have made a decision on linens for the reception. We of course can't tell you what our final decision was, you will have to come to the party to find out for yourself.
Engagement Pictures Rescheduled
It turns out our photographer is not available on Sunday May 31st to take our engagement pictures.
We have rescheduled for Sunday June 14th.
That gives us some more time to find outfits and hopefully more time for the flowers to bloom.
We have rescheduled for Sunday June 14th.
That gives us some more time to find outfits and hopefully more time for the flowers to bloom.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Mother Of The Groom Dress Shopping
We had a great weekend visit in Columbus with Chris, Christie, Mom and Dad-Godward!
While the Boys enjoyed vegging on Saturday the Girls were busy. One of the many things we accomplished was to shop for a Mother of the Groom Dress! Aunt Mary Bigowsky and Julia met Christie, Mom-Godward and I at the mall to shop for the MOG (Mother of the Groom) Dress.
Mom-Godward was a trooper and tried on quite a few dresses, some probably just to amuse Christie and I ;). We did find a dress with a lot of potential at the very first store. We all liked the dress, but unfortunately is was not the right size. And of course it was not available in another store in her size either.
So the search continues. Maybe we will stop at a few stores while Mom and Dad-Godward come up to visit over Memorial Weekend.
While the Boys enjoyed vegging on Saturday the Girls were busy. One of the many things we accomplished was to shop for a Mother of the Groom Dress! Aunt Mary Bigowsky and Julia met Christie, Mom-Godward and I at the mall to shop for the MOG (Mother of the Groom) Dress.
Mom-Godward was a trooper and tried on quite a few dresses, some probably just to amuse Christie and I ;). We did find a dress with a lot of potential at the very first store. We all liked the dress, but unfortunately is was not the right size. And of course it was not available in another store in her size either.
So the search continues. Maybe we will stop at a few stores while Mom and Dad-Godward come up to visit over Memorial Weekend.
We Have Found Our Song
After making a seriously long list of songs, I narrowed it down to the top few potential songs to be Our Song. Then while Thom was least expecting it, sitting at the table working on something probably motorcycle related, I started playing the few potential songs.
He quickly dismissed a few :) but we wound up narrowing it down to two songs: "When You Love Someone" by Kid Rock, and "Hands on the Wheel" covered by Norah Jones originally by Willi Nelson.
We both agreed to those two song, and after marinating on it for a week or two we are going to go with...... drum roll please......
Our Song is going to be......... "Hands on the Wheel" covered by Norah Jones.
Here is some history on this song. I used to make fun of Thom for watching Austin City Limits on PBS. But one day I was making us dinner and turned the TV on for some background music. Thom must have left it on PBS because Austin City Limits came on, and Norah Jones was singing/playing on the show. Well, since I like Norah Jones and since Thom was not there to make fun of me for watching PBS, I left it on. I was busy cooking us dinner and Norah started to sing "Hands on the Wheel." I stopped cooking, and just watched her sing and play the piano. I have liked the song ever since. I even got a copy (Thanks John!) of Willi Nelson's Red Headed Stranger album to have the original version of the song- How fitting since Thom has red hair ;) Of course the title Hands on the Wheel is pretty fitting too for Thom and his racing ;)
He quickly dismissed a few :) but we wound up narrowing it down to two songs: "When You Love Someone" by Kid Rock, and "Hands on the Wheel" covered by Norah Jones originally by Willi Nelson.
We both agreed to those two song, and after marinating on it for a week or two we are going to go with...... drum roll please......
Our Song is going to be......... "Hands on the Wheel" covered by Norah Jones.
Here is some history on this song. I used to make fun of Thom for watching Austin City Limits on PBS. But one day I was making us dinner and turned the TV on for some background music. Thom must have left it on PBS because Austin City Limits came on, and Norah Jones was singing/playing on the show. Well, since I like Norah Jones and since Thom was not there to make fun of me for watching PBS, I left it on. I was busy cooking us dinner and Norah started to sing "Hands on the Wheel." I stopped cooking, and just watched her sing and play the piano. I have liked the song ever since. I even got a copy (Thanks John!) of Willi Nelson's Red Headed Stranger album to have the original version of the song- How fitting since Thom has red hair ;) Of course the title Hands on the Wheel is pretty fitting too for Thom and his racing ;)
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Engagement Pictures Scheduled
We think we have our engagement pictures scheduled for the end of this month. I say we think, because I scheduled it, kind of, with Bobby over email. He said Sundays in May were open, and I suggested the 31st and then he never responded. I need to call him this week to make sure.
We are going to have our engagement pictures taken at Heritage Park in Farmington Hills. This park was in between our houses, so we drove by it often while we were dating. The park has tons of cute elements that should make for some cool pics.
We are going to have our engagement pictures taken at Heritage Park in Farmington Hills. This park was in between our houses, so we drove by it often while we were dating. The park has tons of cute elements that should make for some cool pics.
Mother Of The Bride Dress
Mom-Ross went shopping with Aunt Judy for her dress today...and they found one!!!!
If I wouldn't have gotten carried away in the garden this morning, Grandma and I would have been there when she tried it on. But luckily there was still another one on the rack that we were able to scope out at the store. Now I just need to see it on her. I am sure she looks great!
Maybe next weekend while we visit with Christie, Chris, and Thom's parents in Columbus, the girls can go find a dress for Mom-Godward.
If I wouldn't have gotten carried away in the garden this morning, Grandma and I would have been there when she tried it on. But luckily there was still another one on the rack that we were able to scope out at the store. Now I just need to see it on her. I am sure she looks great!
Maybe next weekend while we visit with Christie, Chris, and Thom's parents in Columbus, the girls can go find a dress for Mom-Godward.
Outfit Shopping
I took Grandma shopping today for an outfit to wear at the wedding. We found a few things that we both liked, but not that one that we just had to have. So Grandma is going to keep looking.
While we were looking for Grandma's outfit, I happened to find a cute dress that is going to be awesome for our engagement pictures. That got me thinking, that I am going to need a few more new outfits. We got the engagement pics, both wedding showers, rehearsal dinner, brunch after the reception, and the honeymoon. My usual method of buying one new dress per summer to wear to all our events is just not going to cut it.
Oh man we might even have to get a few new things for Thom too...
While we were looking for Grandma's outfit, I happened to find a cute dress that is going to be awesome for our engagement pictures. That got me thinking, that I am going to need a few more new outfits. We got the engagement pics, both wedding showers, rehearsal dinner, brunch after the reception, and the honeymoon. My usual method of buying one new dress per summer to wear to all our events is just not going to cut it.
Oh man we might even have to get a few new things for Thom too...
Monday, May 4, 2009
Linen Trial
We are going to go with Affordable Elegance for our linens. I reserved some time at Glen Oaks, and arranged to have the linens available for a trial in two weeks. Since the linen company is just down the street from Thom’s office, he is in charge of picking the linens up and bringing them to Glen Oaks for us to try out.
There are a few options we are considering: table cloths, runner, chair covers, sashes, and napkins. With the time available at Glen Oaks we should be able to figure out what combination of linens from Glen Oaks and Affordable Elegance we want to go with. We have this awesome looking reception site, so I just want to make sure we tie the look together with the linens and centerpieces.
There are a few options we are considering: table cloths, runner, chair covers, sashes, and napkins. With the time available at Glen Oaks we should be able to figure out what combination of linens from Glen Oaks and Affordable Elegance we want to go with. We have this awesome looking reception site, so I just want to make sure we tie the look together with the linens and centerpieces.
Honeymoon Reservation Confirmation
It’s been nearly a month since I made our Honeymoon reservations, so that means it was time to call the Bed and Breakfast in Doolin Ireland to confirm their availability. When I first called they were considering going on a family vacation during the time we hoped to stay.
Unlike the last time I called and could not understand the husband who was speaking with a HEAVY accent, this time around I spoke to their daughter. She was much easier to understand. She didn’t know anything about the possible family vacation, so she took down my reservation and my email address. I asked that her or her mother email me if they were going to take a vacation. As long as we don’t hear anything back, we are in the books for one night stay at Cullinan's Guesthouse in Doolin Ireland!
Unlike the last time I called and could not understand the husband who was speaking with a HEAVY accent, this time around I spoke to their daughter. She was much easier to understand. She didn’t know anything about the possible family vacation, so she took down my reservation and my email address. I asked that her or her mother email me if they were going to take a vacation. As long as we don’t hear anything back, we are in the books for one night stay at Cullinan's Guesthouse in Doolin Ireland!
Designing the Invitations
Devin came over yesterday and worked for most of the afternoon on the invitations. She got a few new computer programs for a graduation gift (congrats again!) that she got to play with. She whipped up some great looking designs for the invitations and all of the inserts. The hard part was figuring out how to word everything. Luckily I have two invitations for friends’ weddings that we benchmarked. Thanks Melaina and Bowers for giving us some examples! We surfed the internet for a ton of examples too.
After we had the wording figured out, we went through everything to make sure that we were consistent throughout. Important things like, since we spelled out Michigan on the invitation, did we spell it out on all of the inserts? Ya know things that I never noticed before I had to plan a wedding.
Devin was a big help editing the design, she was way more critical than me. Things that I thought looked fine, she quickly rolled her eyes at and then fixed with just a few clicks of her mouse.
It worked out great. I gave her some examples of what we wanted, feed her some dinner, and she worked like a busy little bee. Thanks again Dev for all your help!
I called Greg at the print shop this morning to confirm the dimensions for the envelopes. Gotta make sure all of our beautifully designed invitations fit in the envelope!
Since Thom was gone racing all weekend in Alabama, I am going to show him all of our hard work tonight. I am sure he will catch something that is not consistent throughout the invitations.
After we had the wording figured out, we went through everything to make sure that we were consistent throughout. Important things like, since we spelled out Michigan on the invitation, did we spell it out on all of the inserts? Ya know things that I never noticed before I had to plan a wedding.
Devin was a big help editing the design, she was way more critical than me. Things that I thought looked fine, she quickly rolled her eyes at and then fixed with just a few clicks of her mouse.
It worked out great. I gave her some examples of what we wanted, feed her some dinner, and she worked like a busy little bee. Thanks again Dev for all your help!
I called Greg at the print shop this morning to confirm the dimensions for the envelopes. Gotta make sure all of our beautifully designed invitations fit in the envelope!
Since Thom was gone racing all weekend in Alabama, I am going to show him all of our hard work tonight. I am sure he will catch something that is not consistent throughout the invitations.
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