Camera?

I need some help people! I need a new camera. Typically, I carry my camera wherever I go and have it ready to capture a moment at any given time. I have been like this since digital cameras came out. My dedication to capturing moments have been costly. I have gone through many many cameras. I'm already pretty rough on them and I'm excessively clumsy (story of my life). Poor cameras!

My camera broke the night we were flying back to Phoenix from Hawaii. I remember sitting at the gate waiting to get on the plane when I pulled out my camera. I was excited to view the pictures we had taken from our trip. ERROR MESSAGE reads across the screen. Strange noises started to happen. Yup, it was a goner! Hasn't worked since Hawaii.

Thank GOD it didn't break while in Hawaii. I would be one sad honeymooner. I was able to retrieve the pictures by pulling out my memory card.

Now, the hunt is on! I need a new camera. I need suggestions! I really like the PowerShot Canon G11! Hmmmm.....

Honeymooning in Maui

We had the BEST TIME in Hawaii. It was filled with love, adventure, beaches, meeting new people, pineapple, mai tais, and relaxation. We didn't want to leave but all good things come to an end. Here's a little video filled with our honeymoon pictures. Enjoy! It's kind of long but I had a lot of pictures to share.

First Night:The Umstead Hotel

Do you remember reading the blog, Getting the Royal Treatment on our Wedding Night? Well that's exactly how it felt. As we got out of the Rolls Royce, we were greeted immediately by the friendly words " Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Blair." It felt like a dream. Once we got to our suite, we had champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and a note waiting for us. Who was the note from??

The note was from Kyle and Carey and it expressed happiness for our new marriage. Ryan and I are so grateful to have you both in our lives and are thankful for this gift. The suite was perfect. A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU BOTH!

Kyle & Carey at our rehearsal dinner.

Carey hard at work on the wedding day!

Carey... what are we doing with our lips?

As we were leaving the next morning, I noticed these beautiful sunflowers in the lobby. Very appropriate.

Celebrating Three Birthdays

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending my evening with my new family. We gathered for a fantastic dinner to celebrate September birthdays, Brandon, Shirley and Marilyn. It was a great evening and I wish these three amazing people a HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Shirley, Brandon, and Marilyn

A letter from the White House

Back in March when our wedding planning began, a friend from college, Gina, sent me a few suggestions/ideas. Gina got married a few years ago and had suggested sending invitations to important people such as the President, Pope, etc.

Gina & her husband, Casey

She says that most likely you'll get an official letter back. The letter could be used as a fun keep sake. We thought this was a great idea and decided to send the President of the United States an invitation to our wedding.

Clearly, the President did not attend the wedding but we did get our official letter today. It was kind of funny because I asked Ryan if we got any good mail and he responds " Well, the White House sent us something."

Thanks Gina for the clever idea. Now, we have a fun keepsake.

Caddyshack!

Today, I get to spend my day on the golf course for my company's annual golf tournament. Every year, we have a fun theme associated with it and this year is Caddyshack! That means.. crazy plaids, argyles and bright colors. If you know me well.... I LOVE THEMES and PLAIDS! Here's my crazy outfit for the day. Hopefully, I don't get too hot in these socks! I can't wait to see everyone's crazy outfits.

Happy Birthday Gabriel!

Today, is groomsman, Gabe's 20th birthday!

I can't believe you are already 20! You're making me feel old Gabe! Have a wonderful birthday filled with many memories. Ryan and I really enjoyed having you be a part of our special day. Have a great day cousin!

Songs of the Evening

Many of you read the blog The First Dance and wondered which song we had chosen. Well, we had many special dances during our evening such as.......

Our wedding party entered the ballroom to "Dirty Bit" by the Black Eyed Peas.

This song was perfect because our wedding party was ready to dance as they entered the ballroom. It made for a very fun entrance. Even Ryan and I got into it.

First Dance- "At Last" by Etta James

Father/Daughter Dance- "You Raise me up" by Josh Groban

Mother/Son Dance-"A song for Mama" by Boyz to Men

Last song of the night. ---"The Last Dance" by Michael Buble

Welcome Bags for Wedding Guest

I created a welcome bag for our wedding guests that were coming from out of town. The bag was filled with snacks and sweet treats, "wedding water"(see picture below), and also a list of places to visit in North Carolina. The list of places included museums, beaches, historical sites, universities, places to eat (such as Bojangles and Goodberrys) and addresses were included as well.

I later found out the majority of our guests actually used this as their guide around town. Ohhh... that made me very happy. All that hard work. Oh yes, my apologies to my guests that stayed in other hotels. It was hard tracking everyone down.

I hope everyone had a lovely time in North Carolina and also enjoyed their "Welcome Bag".

Did anyone drink the "Wedding Water"?

*Wedding Water*

*Ryan hard at work*

*Blue was trying to help *

9/11 - 10 years later

Do you remember where you were 10 years ago?

I remember....... I remember everything. That whole day was haunting. I wasn't supposed to be awake yet. I was a dorky college student and my first class of the day was at 2 in the afternoon. As a typical college student, I would sleep until noon and then get ready for my 2 pm class (those were the good ol' days).

The evening prior to 9/11 my father had asked me to wake up early to make a doctors appointment. He wanted me call at 8 am so this meant waking up early. I remember making the doctor's appointment at 8 am and then turning on the tv. That's were it started to get real. I saw the first & second plane hit the World Trade Center. Immediately, I thought of my family in NY and my friend's father that worked there. I saw things I will never forget. Things I wish I could forget.

It's a day, I always remember because there was a reason for me being up that early. I remember praying for those people on the planes and buildings. They needed my prayers. Their families needed my prayers.

So many lives taken. Heartbreaking.

Today, it is the 10th anniversary of 9/11. GASP! I can't believe it's been 10 years already.

Below are pictures of the beautiful memorial that was built to remember the people and heros of 9/11. I can't wait to see it in person. Exactly as it should be the memorial seems calming and peaceful.

Today, we must remember and also be grateful for what we have.

God Bless America!

Wedding Party Gift

We gave our bridesmaids and groomsmen TOMS! We felt like it was a gift that kept on giving.

With every pair of shoes we bought, the TOMS corporation bought another pair for a child in need. Also, our wedding party had a comfy shoe to wear to the wedding reception. Everyone loved the shoes. Ryan and I were very happy with our choice. We love TOMS.

Black Glitter for Bridesmaids

Creme Burlap for the Groomsmen

Rehearsal Dinner: September 3rd

A week ago, we had our rehearsal dinner at the Second Empire, hosted by Shirley and Bill. It was a lovely affair with fresh flowers, cocktails, friends, family, speeches and gifts. It was a night I won't forget. Enjoy the photos. Also, a big thank you to Shirley and Bill.