Today, Ryan's father, Bill & step-mother, Shirley booked us a trip to Maui for our Honeymoon!
I have never been to Maui so I'm very excited about this opportunity. I heard it's absolutely beautiful. Last year during the summer, Ryan and I had the opportunity to visit Oahu and it was the best time. I'm excited about visiting Hawaii once again. I can taste the pineapple already!
Bill and Shirley have been so thoughtful and generous during this wedding process and we are forever grateful. I can't believe they did this for us! BIG THANK YOU to BILL & SHIRLEY!
This is my last weekend as a "Walker" and I'm excited about my journey into my new life. I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend. Does it get better than that? We wouldn't have made it this far in our lives if it wasn't for the amazing people around us. Our family and friends make up the people we have become in this lifetime. I truly believe the saying " It takes a village to raise a child" because it doesn't take one person to raise someone. It takes EVERYONE!
I am the person I am today because of my parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, colleagues , neighbors, mutual friends,teachers, professors, bosses, pets, and the random people we meet from time to time. Each conversation, hug, smile, cry, laughter has lead me to the where I am today. My journey isn't over because in life it's always changing and I'm always growing.
I wanted to take this opportunity thank everyone that was part of my village because it's been amazing and I'm forever thankful. I dedicate this song to all of you. I love Randy Travis and the words are fitting since I'm from the country. Enjoy!
Has anyone watched Gypsy Wedding on TLC? It's such a crazy show. It's a British documentary series looking at the world of gypsies and travellers in Britain today. They have a flamboyant and eccentric style when it comes to their weddings and holy communions. This show captures my attention every time I catch it on TV. Their customs, rules, and traditions blow me away. Check out these wedding dresses below!
Cake topper?! Do I need one? I haven't picked a cake topper yet because I honestly haven't found one that I like or actually matches our cake. Almost a week to the wedding, it's basically too late to custom order something. Hmmm.. time to get creative.
It appears Hurricane Irene is headed to North Carolina starting tomorrow. My heart goes out to all the brides that were planning a beach wedding this weekend. I wish them the very best. Everyone in North Carolina, I hope you're prepped and ready for this nasty storm.
I admit it! I'm a copy cat! Back in 2010, Jeannie and Sam got married in beautiful Asheville, NC. At their reception, they had a unique wedding book that caught my attention. It was a tree designed to imprint a finger print and write your name. This created an instant family tree and a nice piece to hang in their home. I knew I wanted that TREE but forgot about it briefly during my planning process. Then Jeannie, posted this picture of her tree that she recently hung in her house.
Isn't it cute! This sparked my memory and my search began. This is the tree that will be used at our wedding. Don't forget to imprint your finger and sign your name. Keep your eyes out for it.......
This weekend, Jamie and bridesmaid, Gabby spent the weekend with me while Ryan was away at his bachelor party. We spent the majority of our time shopping for wedding related items. Which turned out to be very successful! Gabby and Jamie found the items they were needing.
Saturday night, we met up with Bianca and bridesmaid, Nicole for dinner at my latest find, MacAlpines Soda Fountain. Opened in 1928 making it the the oldest's soda fountain in Arizona. It's a pretty cool place filled with antiques and vintage items. It was nice to spend some time with the gals.
During each shower and wedding memory there were some people I was missing dearly..... My two grandmothers and grandfather. They have been in my heart during this whole process but it's been hard not seeing them. I wish I could see their reactions to certain things and see their excitement in their eyes. I know this sounds crazy but I can still remember the way they smell, the sound of their voice, and the warmth of their hugs. I know they would have given anything to be at my special day and I know they would be watching from heaven. As my tears roll down my face as I'm writing this blog, I hope people cherish the time they have with their living grandparents. Memories are everything I have and cherish every bit of it.
I think I'm 2 years old in this photo.
Taken in Jamaica with my Walker Family.
This photo was taken while I was in college visiting my grandparents at their lovely home.
Grandma Beryl passed in 2007
Grandpa, Sydney Oliver passed in 2009
This is my grandma, Irene and the only photo I have of her in AZ.
Our wedding is in a couple of weeks and the pressure is starting to pile on. At the start of my planning process, I felt like I was ahead of the game and now I feel like I'm running behind. I have so many things to finalize such as programs, wedding vows, ceremony schedule, last minute decor, DJ music list, and the list goes on. I pray that I get it all done. Any advice for juggling so many things at once? I'm usually good at this but this is getting crazy.
I had a friend tell me today not to stress too much because at the end of the day, Ryan and I will be married and that's all that matters. I thought that was the best advice :) Thanks Kristen!
For now... I'm taking one day at a time and working on as many things as possible. I hope all my hard work pays off. Wish me luck!
Ryan's best friend and groomsman Brent met with one of his clients last week, at a country themed restaurant. The restaurant had a mechanical bull similar to the one featured in the movie "Urban Cowboy".
For those who do not know Brent, he has a reputation for being the life of the party and has an exuberant personality that shines bright. He is young at heart and never turns down a good time. Brent wanted to make his lunch meeting a memorable event by riding the bull, Lane Frost style, for 8 seconds. Brent gave everyone in the venue a show to remember by riding the bull for an extended period of time, but when the mechanical bull gave the final buck, Brent soared through the air and his elbow took the brunt of the impact after hitting the ground. His elbow was dislocated and he had to go to the hospital.
Brent stayed overnight in the hospital and had to endure the pain involved with relocating his elbow. He is still in recovery and will not be fully healed for a few months. He has a state of the art arm brace that you will see at the wedding. I guess you can say he has a unique wedding accessory. We are happy to see Brent is recovering well and glad is is OK.
This Green Bay bride had a lovely evening last night with great friends and family. We started our evening at Cadillac Ranch in Tempe and then made our way to Old Town Scottsdale for some dancing. I hope you had fun last night, Barbara! I also wish you a happy and beautiful marriage. It was great to see you!
This weekend, my good friend, Barbara is flying in from Green Bay, Wisconsin for her bachelorette party. I met her over 4 years ago when I moved to PHX. She was always a joy to be around and a great friend to have in a new city. A few years later, she met the man of her dreams, Rob. As their courtship continued, their journey brought them to Green Bay. Everyone in Phoenix was sad to see her go but she does visit from time to time.
Now, she's getting married in September and this weekend all her closest friends are going to gather for a great weekend of fun. I hope your ready Barbara..... ;-) Stay tuned, I'm sure I will have great photos to share from this weekend.
Saturday night, we met up with Bianca and bridesmaid, Nicole for dinner at my latest find, MacAlpines Soda Fountain. Opened in 1928 making it the the oldest's soda fountain in Arizona. It's a pretty cool place filled with antiques and vintage items. It was nice to spend some time with the gals. 
Ryan's best friend and groomsman Brent met with one of his clients last week, at a country themed restaurant. The restaurant had a mechanical bull similar to the one featured in the movie "Urban Cowboy". 
For those who do not know Brent, he has a reputation for being the life of the party and has an exuberant personality that shines bright. He is young at heart and never turns down a good time. Brent wanted to make his lunch meeting a memorable event by riding the bull, Lane Frost style, for 8 seconds. Brent gave everyone in the venue a show to remember by riding the bull for an extended period of time, but when the mechanical bull gave the final buck, Brent soared through the air and his elbow took the brunt of the impact after hitting the ground. His elbow was dislocated and he had to go to the hospital. 
Brent stayed overnight in the hospital and had to endure the pain involved with relocating his elbow. He is still in recovery and will not be fully healed for a few months. He has a state of the art arm brace that you will see at the wedding. I guess you can say he has a unique wedding accessory. We are happy to see Brent is recovering well and glad is is OK.
