940 Days... In Review

Two years and seven months ago I was sick and tired of the life I was leading. I loved my job, but I felt like that was the only thing going anywhere for me and I needed a change. I made a leap and decided, on a whim to apply for a graduate school program in Canada. I had never heard of the school before, but discovered that it was the only one on the west coast that offered a Masters in Criminology... so I went for it.

Two years and FIVE months ago I met Jacob. Just prior to Christmas my going-nowhere relationship with my former partner ended with a screeching halt (did not make for an enjoyable Christmas season). But I was (and still am) a huge fan of the idea of "getting back on the horse", so, I made a risky move and posted a person ad online... to which Jacob responded and a week or so after Christmas we met in person for our first date.

Two years and TWO months I got my grad school acceptance letter and had to make a decision: put grad school on hold and test out this very new relationship, or pick up everything and move to Canada and try something to enhance myself. My mom and I decided to take a drive up to look at the school. I liked it. I called Jacob that night and told him that I was planning on going to school. I said that I didn't know what this meant for our relationship, but that I needed to do this for myself.

Two days later, Jacob had told his parents he was moving to Canada... scared the sh*t out of me! lol This was moving FAST and I still wasn't sure I was ready for it. But Jacob didn't seem worried, and him being so sure put me at ease (that's kind of been how our relationship has gone since the very beginning! lol).

One year and nine months ago we moved to Surrey, BC so that I could attend grad school at SFU in Burnaby. Jacob managed to telecommute to his job in Oregon and we lived together in BC for a year while I completed my coursework... then we moved back home to Oregon where I would complete my independent work.

Yesterday I completed my Masters degree with the presentation and submission of my final paper.

Jacob was not able to make the trip with me, but I still felt him there. He provided so much support for me over the last couple of years. He was so sure about our relationship and our future together that he took a fantastic risk to alter his life to be with me... and didn't once try to convince me to stay in Oregon, or, as just as easily could have been the case, said goodbye and part ways upon my move. He saw me through the entire thing, and I am so thankful, and grateful, for him. And, in 66 days this fantastic man, who was so sure about our future together after only 3 months, will become my husband.

My documents all ready for submission! Two years of work, finally coming to a close.

Rah Roh!

I was at work the other day scanning through the "jobs" ads on Craigslist (this is part of my JOB, I swear! lol) and I came across this post:

General Manager of Hotel

Date: 2010-05-25, 8:34AM

Seeking a self motivated individual or couple for a manager position for a beautiful 80 unit hotel overlooking Alsea Bay in Waldport, Oregon. The view is breath-taking and the hotel has its own private beach, pool and exercise facility.

Candidate may live off-site or in a free one bedroom apartment at the hotel. Must be in good physical shape as managers also need to do some of the housekeeping and maintenance duties. Ideal candidate will have previous hotel management experience and skills in bookkeeping, computers (Microsoft Office and comfort with online systems), repair, grounds keeping, supervision, and dealing with the public. Sales and Marketing is an important part of this position – candidate must be willing to do cold calling, telemarketing and email marketing campaigns.
Substance abusers and those with a criminal record need not apply. Reference, credit and criminal checks will be done. Starting date is ASAP.

The job is year round with two weeks paid vacation – candidate must have a very flexible schedule (ability to work mornings, evenings and weekends on rotation is a must). Pay depends upon skills and hours worked. The hotel is open from 8:30am to 8pm except during the slow season when we close at 6pm.

Please reply to this posting with cover letter, resume and reference list attached.

No, I am not looking for a new career path... what struck me about this ad was that it is a manager for OUR RECEPTION VENUE! I e-mailed our coordinator (i.e. GENERAL MANAGER) to check in about this, and, sure enough, the woman that we have been working with for the last 7 months is leaving--her last day in June 1st! Apparently she "was going to e-mail" me yesterday, but I beat her to it. =P

Now, I'm not particularly concerned about it at this point. She has an assistant that she gave me contact info for, and I have our most recent proposal signed and in writing. However, I am slightly concerned about what COULD happen (I'm a worrier like that). We've already had some issues with the reception site (they are "remodeling" the hotel and I'm not quite sure what it's going to look like when they are done, and no one at the hotel even seems to know, and the last woman kept changing prices on us... thus my STRONG desire to get EVERYTHING in writing), and I just worry that now throwing a whole new person into the mix may cause (me) more stress.

But, at this point, it's just a wait and see. Who knows, maybe the new (temporary?) contact I have will be more Type A (like me) and it will actually be a smoother process. Hmm... only time will tell... and there's not much time left!! (79 days!)



**P.S. The title of this post is the exact response that Jacob had when I forwarded him the CL post! lol

Why Do I Do This To Myself?

From time to time I'll sign onto craigslist.com and search for houses in a price range that I *feel* like I should be able to afford. I want a house SOOOO bad. I want to paint walls. I want to have a dog. I want a yard for my (someday) kids to play in. And I find sooo many that I instantly fall in love with by their photos. And they are so cheap these days! The prices are fantastic!

Problem is, even though they are cheap, I still can't afford them. I work in social work. It does NOT pay well. I love my job, I'm not complaining about that, but I pretty much have to come to terms with the fact that I am never going to be wealthy doing what I'm doing and it's going to take a LOT of finagling to get a house on my income!

Jacob is currently making a really good hourly wage at his job, but he only works part time... with no real chance of extra hours which means, at this point in our lives, we are making ends meet and that's about it (not to mention trying to figure out how to pay for a wedding). He's currently looking for a new job... it would be awesome if he found something that he loved that was full time for a decent wage, but the job market still kind of sucks. (Though, he did have an interview yesterday for a FANTASTIC job.... so keep your fingers crossed for us!)

We need to sign a new lease for our apartment next month... I think we're going to sign for a year and make it a *goal* to both have decent incomes and start house hunt toward the end of that year, but I can't help but think that we still won't be able to afford anything since I'm sure the market is going to have to turn around at some point... bah.

I hate being poor sometimes.

DJ? Check!

Up until this past weekend we had pretty much come to terms with the fact that we couldn't afford a DJ and so were going to go the Ipod route. Then we went to a bridal show and I started to think that I really wanted a DJ.

I did some shopping around (DJ websites and Craigslist... gotta love "The List") and the cheapest DJ I could find was about $200 over our max budget... and some were AT LEAST double what we had available to spend. In a last ditch effort I e-mailed an old friend and coworker of mine (who DJs at different clubs back home) to find out what he charged. His response to my question was something along the lines of "What's your budget? You know I'll look out for you". And he TOTALLY did.

My buddy, DJ Sipp, agreed to do our wedding (which he needs to travel about two hours to get to) for our $400 budget! Woo hoo! I'm pumped! One last thing Jacob and I need to worry about! Yay for great friends! Our friends and family and really pulling through for us for "our day"... we are more than grateful.

Two Years....

Yesterday Jacob and I celebrated our two year anniversary. I wanted to do SOMETHING special, but our budgets are tight and we couldn't really afford a fancy evening out. So, I put my thinking cap on... and had the best idea! We would relieve our first three dates in a single night!

BACKGROUND

Jacob and I met via a personal ad I posted on craigslist. We "talked" online for a few days until one evening Jacob asked me if I wanted to meet him for dinner somewhere... however, at that point it was already about 9 PM on a Wednesday so our options of open restaurants was somewhat limited. So, we decided on Shari's!

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I remember how nervous Jacob was that night... he couldn't even finish his breakfast dinner! Which, I know now, is NOT the norm! lol I, on the other hand, had absolutely no problem scarfing down whatever it was that I ordered... I've never really been the "eat a small salad on a first date" type of girl. I love food... I'm not gonna hide it! =)

Our second date was just a few days later (our early relationship moved REALLY fast). My friend (and now bridesmaid) Holly was meeting people at one of the local bowling alleys and invited me to come and bring a date... so, I did. =)

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Jacob bowled horribly that evening. I am NOT a good bowler (my goal is always to simply break 100... sometimes I do, sometimes I'm far, far away) and, if I remember correctly, I beat him every game! Though, as you will see later in this post, I'm not sure if this was completely due to nerves or if he just isn't the best bowler either! lol

After bowling, Jacob and I went next door to the Baskin Robbins. We are both HUGE fans of ice cream.

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We sat around eating ice cream and talking about ourselves and the similar futures that we had pictures for quite awhile until we parted ways that night (I wasn't about to ride in a car with a guy that I'd met online after just one date! lol)... only to log onto google and "talk" to each other for a few more hours!

A few days later Jacob asked me if I wanted to go out again (I told you... we probably averaged about 2-3 dates per week for the first month... and then seeing each other almost daily after that!). We decided to go see a movie, I got to choose the film, but Jacob wanted it be a gentleman and pick me up at my apartment. Since we'd now been on TWO dates, and my friend had seen his face (lol) I decided to go for it.

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I chose "The Bucket List"... it was a great movie; really enjoyed it. I also enjoyed watching Jacob continuously try to hold my hand that night... lol... I wasn't really being to helpful. I was still getting to know the guy after all! =)

TWO YEARS LATER

So those are the dates that started the "courting" part of our relationship... and I wanted to honor these. So, for our two year anniversary, I found a Shari's, a bowling alley, and a Baskin Robbins all on the same street near our apartment, and had Jacob get a copy of 'The Bucket List"... but things never do seem to go as planned when it comes to us... lol

Our evening started out well enough. We made it to Shari's and had dinner (however, I think I must have picked the trashiest location in the area... our hostess was wearing a hoodie), and then made our way to the bowling alley...

...which was having a Monte Carlo bowling night!

We asked for directions to another bowling alley, which turned out to also be on the same road, just past the Baskin Robbins that I found, so, we decided to stop for ice cream first and then head to bowling...

... but the Baskin Robbins was closed for construction!

So, we went straight to the bowling alley and played three games... I just want to show you these scores... ;)

(Sorry in advance for the quality... can only do so good in a poorly lit alley with a camera phone!)

If you'll notice... the B (me) won twice! =) Jacob wanted me to take a picture of the ONE time that he won, but this is MY blog! lol

P.S. Jacob thought it was funny to put our initials in this order on the big televised score board... you never really can take the 12-year-old boy out of the 28-year-old man, can you? lol

After we finished our third game I asked one of the alley employees if there was another ice cream place nearby... their only suggestion was DQ... which is NOT the same thing! So, we headed over to Fred Meyer, picked up some ice cream and went home to eat it while watching "The Bucket List" (still thought it was a really great movie!).

And that is how Jacob and I celebrated our two year (and last dating) anniversary! =) I really enjoyed the opportunity to spend some quality time together... we don't take nearly enough time out of our daily schedules to just enjoy each others' company. I hope we can change that in the near future!

My (Other) Something Blue!

I got my garters today! Here's the story...

1) Found an ad on Craigslist from a woman offering to make custom garter sets... a keepsake AND a thrower for (ready for this?).... $17!!

2) Always in search of a good deal, I responded for more info. She directed me to her ebay shop to take a look at some samples that she's done, and asked for our wedding colors/themes so that she could send me some ideas.

3) After e-mailing me MANY pictures of various colors and styles for approval and opinions, I ended up with a fantastic garter set (AND because she was in the area for the holidays, I got it hand delivered! Talk about service!)

Here are my garters! Blue, white and yellow with lace trim and a sand dollar! Yay! =) I HIGHLY recommend Loricia if you're looking for your own custom set!

Going Ons

I going to have a lot of updates for you guys over the next few days! I'm going dress shopping with my bridesmaids today! I'm really excited about this! My girls are all symbolic of different time periods in my life and, thus, NONE of them have met each other before! So, we're going to grab some pizza, get to know each other, and then head out to David's to try up some dresses! Updates and pictures to come I'm sure! =)

Also, I'm in the process of ordering a personalized cake topper AND a customer garter set. Etsy and criagslist finds! So excited to share these with you as well!

But, for now, have a fantastic Monday and a great short week! =)

News!

I have some FANTASTIC non-wedding related news that I'm so happy about I want to share with everyone who will listen! lol

I got a job!!!

As I've mentioned before, I'm a student working on my Masters degree. Technically I'm a registered student at a BC university however I convinced the head of my department to let me come back to Oregon to complete the internship requirement of my degree program and write my final paper.

The economy sucks right now nationwide, but Oregon is seeing a pretty big piece of it. I read last week that Oregon is sixth in the nation in terms of unemployment percentage. Their unemployment rate of about 12% is about DOUBLE what it was this time last year. Because of this, I wanted to do my internship down in Oregon (where I was planning on returning after I completed my degree) so that I could get my foot in the door and hopefully getting a job more quickly/easily than if I returned in June with a degree and no prospects.

So, I'm doing my internship at a local social service agency. Part of my daily tasks is to search Craigslist for work that our clients may be eligible for. What this also means, however, is that I have an excuse to check the list on a daily basis for possibilities for me... and I found one!

I applied on a whim, and, THREE interviews later, they offered me the position! And they offered me the highest starting salary available! With FULL MEDICAL & DENTAL!

Having a job now, six months before I technically graduate, mean that I can use the rest of my student loan money to pay off my current debt (car and credit cards) and still have a full year to be putting away money to pay for my student loans! (Without having to pay car, credit card, and health insurance premiums, this should add up fast!). I'm SOOO excited! The only downfall is that it's a full time gig... and I still have to write my final paper for my degree... which means some serious time management over the next few months. But, I can do it. Just be forewarned that posts may be either a) few and far between or b) full of stress venting!

But still, SOO excited! I start in three weeks and I can't wait!

The Great Debate.... Napkins?

Jacob and I went shopping at Ikea today for a new bed frame. He finally got tired enough of the one that we had that he sent me a message work today asking if I wanted to get a new tonight! So... anyway, we're at Ikea walking through the decor section and I see tea lights... 100 for $3... so I bought two packs to go with my newly acquired candle holders (which I also saw... and figured I saved about 50% buying them used from the chick on CL!... I also saw some jars that are a possibility for our unity sand ceremony... I'll have to keep those in mind for later).

Then, on our way up to the checkout after gathering our bed supplies (4 boxes for one bed!) I saw a pack of large dinner sized paper napkins... 100 for $3! The quote we have for 100 linen ones is NINETY DOLLARS!

We are having a low-key, beach wedding with picnic style reception food... can I get away with buying some nice, PAPER napkins???

Brides Against Breast Cancer Nationwide Charity Dress Sale

You guys tired of me yet? lol... third one today... geez =)

I found this event on (drum roll... ) Craigslist! =) I think it's fantastic and I really hope to be able to attend. They have these charity dress sales nationwide, so check out their calendar to find one near you!

Many, many members of my family (on both sides!) have died from and survived various forms of cancer (I am trying to make peace with the fact that I will have to fight my own battle some day, it just seems to be in the cards for me). So it really is important to me to support this cause.

So please, check out the Brides Against Breast Cancer events... there are a lot of them to choose from.

It's Official!

My PWC** cherry has officially been popped! Today I bought glass tealight candle holders for my centerpieces. 111 of them to be exact. For (get this) $20! I Love Craigslist!

The beginning of my **Pile of Wedding Crap

Photographer #4

Well, we met with (what we think is going to be) our last potential wedding photographer candidate this evening, Justin from Sky Blue Iris Event Photography. It's a fledgling business. After years of doing photography on the side he finally decided to start getting paid for it. It's his first year in, and so far he's done about 7 weddings/events since starting up in March.

We like his work, we like him, we like what he offers, and I like the fact that his love for "the list" is as strong as mine! lol ... so... now it's time to make a choice...

Google Dilemma

Should I be concerned if I can't find ANYTHING about one of my vendors in a google search? I'm trying to Internet-stalk one of my photographer candidates and NOTHING is coming up about him (except for the one portfolio sample he sent me). He says that he's been in the business for years and studied with a bunch of the top people... but I can't find ANYTHING. I feel like I need to be particularly careful with this as I'm booking almost a year out and he's independent (not affiliated with a studio).

What do you think?

Photographer #3

Third photographer appointment today... and it went well! =) This photographer is a lot less experienced than the others that we've met with (she's still trying to enhance her portfolio and 2009 was her first "wedding season"), but personality-wise we really clicked. She's a LOT like me as far as background, personal interests/career choices, and what we look for in photos and her boyfriend (who is her second shooter) has a very similar job to my fiance working with computers. The similarities were slightly eerie. =) When we got back in the car after the meeting Jacob said, "So, how long did it take you to realize she was just like you?" =)

Now I am torn. I like the work that I've seen from Photographer #1 a lot better. This photographer, Kristin from Photo Objectif, was number four on my list of 5 photographers when I rated the quality of the photos in their online portfolios, however, so far I *like* her the most. Granted, I DID like her work or I wouldn't have even contacted her in the first place.

We still have one, maybe two more photographers to meet with before we make a decision. But, already, I don't know what to do! lol

This is a photo from Kristin's portfolio... I'm not exactly showing it for quality or for her style, but rather for the space age bridesmaids' dresses... lol... what do you think? ;)

Photographer #2

This morning we met with our second possible photographer (also a craigslist find).

We were in his studio for a grand total of 20 minutes... that should say plenty in itself.

He refused to honor the pricing in the craigslist post because that price was for their "off season" (even though the post didn't specify that). For a summer wedding we'd pay an additional 50% of the CL quoted price.

The pricing is still pretty cheap and budget friendly, however is now out of the price range that we were considering, Plus, as much as I liked the work that the studio produced, the photographer himself didn't really "mesh" with Jacob and I myself personally.

However, do take a look at their work. Like I said, the price is still good and their portfolio is nice, just be leery of any "specials" you see for them on "the list".

Cherished Moments: Elegant Affordable Wedding Photography

Photographer #1

Jacob and I met with photography candidate #1 this evening. It was kind of weird interviewing someone for the wedding... it was our first experience with it and I wasn't really sure what to look for or what to expect. We are on a VERY tight budget, so we are looking to get the biggest bang for our buck while still finding a photog that we are comfortable with and who produces good work.

Overall, we really liked this guy's enthusiasm for the craft (rather than the money) and liked the work that he showed us. Photography is more of a "hobby" for him at this point (I say that because he did it professionally for years but now has a "day job" and does wedding photography on the weekends) and he does it because he loves it. Which, in turn, I love. My only beef is that he talks a bit much... but, he's trying to sell himself, so it makes sense. =)

Here's a sample of a wedding slide show that he produced and has up on YouTube. His name is Guy Perkins, I recommend contacting him if you're a bride in Oregon looking for a cheap/good photography... just don't book him for my wedding date! ;) You can find his advertising on Craigslist!



One down... four more to go! lol

The Story of Us...

So someone posted this survey on Myspace... generally I wouldn't fill my blog with fluff like this, however this particular survey was interesting to me as it asked questions about the relationships between couples and I thought it was relevant... plus, for those who don't know our "story" it will fill in the blanks for you! =)

In The Beginning

Your name: Brittney

Your mates name: Jacob

How we met: via a personal ad on Craigslist (mine)

Where we met: In an e-mail message. lol

What attracted you to each other: I described myself as the "girl next door" type and he said, "I'm looking for someone to spend time with that is open to change and can make me laugh"

How long before you went out: About 5 days =)

First Date: We met at Shari's for a late-night dinner

When: Jan 9, 2008

Where: Shari's in Eugene, OR

Who asked who: He suggested dinner, I suggested Shari's... I had a craving =)

Best part about the date: The fact that he was so nervous he couldn't finish his dinner! lol

Most nervous about: I was surprisingly o.k... he was the nervous one!

Who called whom first: I think he probably did

FIRST Kiss

When: our first "at home" date at his house

Where: his house while watching "The Kingdom"

Who kissed whom first: He kissed me

We will always remember: my response, "It's about time!"

Saying the LOVE word: kinda scary... didn't want to get hurt again

Who said it first: I did

When: Within a couple weeks of dating... we moved pretty fast in that area I think

Where: lying in bed

His reaction: He told me that when I said it, everything in the room stopped and the only thing he heard was my voice. =) (he meant this in a good way!)

Your reaction: Nervous... Excited

First Trip: The Oregon Coast

When was it: Valentine's Day, 2008

Where was it to: His parents beach house

Did you buy any souvenirs: Don't think so... not much shopping on the ocean

Have you been back together: A number of times

Tokens of affection: Photographs of the two of us together

First gift he gave you: I have no idea! lol We don't give a lot of gifts, we're more interested in experiences than material things

First gift you gave him: See above

When was the last time you bought or received flowers: He's never given me flowers =P

What did or will you do for Valentines day? The last two we've gone to the coast... it's a nice tradition that I'd like to continue =)

Feast on this

First meal he cooked for you: I not sure, but I'm going to guess the usual... steak and mashed potatoes =)

First meal you cooked for him: I cooked a Papa Murphy's pizza that he brought to my house before a movie... lol.. believe me, I've cooked better things since!

Foods you introduced to him: Vegetables! lol

Foods he introduced to you: A LOT of steak

Nights at home: TV... him computer games, me homework

Favorite meals: Steak and potatoes for him... (see a trend!), I like a lot of different things... from fried chicken or pork chops to sushi to pizza

Favorite treats: ICE CREAM

Favorite things to do: Take trips, explore.... even if it's just areas of our own neighborhood

Favorite Ice Cream: chocolate peanut butter I think

Out on the town: Movies, bowling, pool

Favorite restaurants: He took me to this really nice Italian place when we first started dating... we haven't been back since! lol

Favorite dance club: As a couple we don't have one... he's not a big dancer =)

Favorite theatres: Any with nice seats!

Favorite activities: Movies, dining out, exploring

Our future holds: marriage and a family

What he wishes for: To be debt-free

What you wish for: To be debt-free with a family and a good job!

Random

Our Differences: I'm more of a social butterfly, I enjoy going out and get really antsy if I'm alone for too long. He's more of a homebody and enjoys solitude and playing computer games. I drink socially and love to dance, he doesn't drink at all and will only dance on rare occasions =)

Our Similarities: We are both Virgos (birthdays 3 days apart). We are both confident, mellow, intelligent people who picture the same kind of future for ourselves.

I have always wanted to tell you: Nothing... I speak from my heart often and tell you I love you daily... I can't wait to be your wife!

Missing Him...

So Jacob and I are currently separated by about 300 miles... we have been that way for the past 13 days and I still have to make it another 12 before he comes back up for "the move".

I'm up in BC finishing up my summer term of classes, meanwhile, he is staying with his brother down in Oregon while he takes a summer term of classes. My schedule this summer has been pretty lax, I've been able to take a couple weeks here and there to go stay with him, but August is a tough month and so we have to battle out the long distance thing.

I miss him so much though! I can't stand being up here by myself (the cat doesn't count) and I miss having him here... even if it's just him sitting at his computer playing a game while I'm in the living room watching a "Friends" rerun... just having him in the same house is so comforting.

Last night, when I couldn't sleep, I started to wonder if I still had the first e-mail that he sent me. I met him when he responded to a personal ad I posted on Craigslist back in January 2008. Sure enough, I had it. I reread it; it was nice. So, today I started to wonder if I had our "chats" from the first two weeks--from our first date to the day we decided to be "exclusive". I do. =) So I re-read over all of those... hours and hours of getting to know each other. I laughed, I smiled, I just miss him more now! lol But just reading things that he'd written to me, and being able to "hear" his voice in my head saying those things, put me in such a good mood and reminded me how simple it actually is to fall in love with a person.

The BUDGET

When I originally thought about our somewhat meager budget, I didn't think it would be THAT big of a deal to fit everything in... but then, with the help of some internet sources, I did some calculations and got a little nervous... (I REALLY shouldn't have done all this at 11:30 last night... I was up half the night thinking about it).

I found this Wedding Budget Worksheet that shows an idea of what percentage of your budget should go toward each of the (apparently numerous) expenses. As well as a free download-able spreadsheet to input your expected costs and your actual expenses (Yes, I realize that I am somewhat overly organized... but it's only going to help in the end, right?). After doing this I see that I have exactly $45 to buy "gifts" for 10 people (I have put bride-groom gifts to the wayside at this point). So... if you're in my wedding party, I need to know what kind of cookies you like! lol (Holly has already put in an order for peanut butter lol).

I've never been a big "do it yourself" type of person... but it looks like I may need to figure some stuff out pretty quick! lol I read an article online about a women who tried to barter for her wedding on craigslist... she posted an add talking about her circumstances and how she really wanted a nice wedding day for herself and that she was willing to trade her services in home design/repair for wedding expenses... the next day she had a DJ, a videographer, and a guitar player for the ceremony! Maybe I should give that a try! lol

What To Do... What To Do...?

I'm not getting married for about 13 months... that seems like a helluva long time to me... and I'm not REALLY sure what I should be doing. I have a book that a bought quite awhile ago with a time-line checklist thingie that I've taken a look at and it has a few suggestions of things to do when you have more than 9 months until the wedding... so I'm working my way through the research and, I have discovered that wedding photographers are EXPENSIVE! OMG! lol I was not expecting for the average quote to be 4 digits for 4 hours! It's just unbelievable to me. So... I started searching craigslist again! lol As you know, I love CL... maybe I should have themed my wedding around them! Anyhow, I'm looking at amateur photogs looking to enhance their portfolios. As I am one myself, I know how important this is to them. Anyhow, I found a woman I like who is doing her first official wedding in a couple weeks. I've seen her portraits and I like, so I'm hoping I like the stuff she puts together to show me at the beginning of August.

Jacob and I are trying to do this wedding thing on a pretty tight budget... the last thing we need is to be in even more debt after the wedding (he owns a house and I have student loans... we don't really need much else!). Chances are that we'll be going the same "amateur" route for most of our expenses and services... so... if you know anyone, PLEASE let me know! lol