In one year...

On this day, next year, I will get to start my life as the wife of Nick!  I can't wait for that moment!  I am proud of what we have together and look forward to what's to come in the future.

After about 3 months of being engaged we have accomplished a decent amount of planning.  As said previously, we have our venue and date, I have my dress, I've picked out my bridesmaids dresses and bridesmaids (not all have been notified, more to come about my girls!), we have a color scheme, we have a color and an idea on style picked out for our grooms men's suits, we have our wedding bands (Nick's is awesome!!), and we have meetings scheduled with a few photographers and a caterer.  The goal is to get engagement photos and Save The Dates out by the end of summer so all of our out of town loved ones can start planning!  

I must say, this has been an interesting experience.  I always knew there was a lot to think about when planning such a celebration, but MAN it's a bit overwhelming.  I keep reminding myself that it will be a beautiful representation and celebration of our love, and I CANNOT wait to share the day with so many important people to us!

Nick has been such a huge part in our planning.  I'm so impressed at how he jumped right in and started researching venues and vendors.  During the school year I couldn't really devote a whole lot of time to the planning process, so Nick did all of the initial research.  

THANKS LOVE!!!

Let the year countdown begin!

~Alex~

Break Time!

Now that it's summer break I suppose I should use this extra time to blog a little more.  I love writing down what's been going on in life, and in my brain!

The last few weeks of school were jam packed with to-do's and a lot of emotional moments.  I didn't think I would get as attached to my kiddos as much as I did, since I only had them for half a year.  BUT, of course I did.  They are a wonderful group of kids and I wish I had them for a whole school year.  

One of my teammates gave me the idea to do this for each of my students as an end of the year gift.  They each sat in front of the board and the other kiddos wrote nice things about the person of the moment.  They didn't get to see what others said until the received the photo the last day of school.  They all wanted to do one for me too, so this is it!

I learned SO much between student teaching at the start of the year, and taking on my own class for the second half.  I made mistakes, had epiphanies, cried, laughed and hopefully became a little bit of a better teacher.  

I look forward to a new year in the fall, starting fresh with a new group of kiddos, right from the beginning!

I'm devoting this summer to wedding planning, getting back into a healthier life style, and spending time with the little ones that I watched before I started teaching.  

I can't decide how much of the wedding details I want to disclose on the blog before the wedding.  I want our guests to wait to enjoy the final event with me and Nick!  Our goal is to get majority of the wedding planned this summer, so during the school year I don't have much to think about.  

Let's see, what have we accomplished so far?  

We have a venue and a date!

We visited about 10-15 venues before making our final decision.  The location we decided on is not what I ever pictured for my future wedding (probably because I didn't know anything like it existed in Colorado).  I always said I wanted to get married in a meadow, but instead we are getting married someplace a little less expected and with incredible views of Colorado.  It was a toss up between the chosen location and one in Estes Park, but it came down to the proximity to our lives and those closest to us in Colorado.  It seemed stressful and expensive to have a destination wedding in our own state.  Here are a few "sneak peak" photos of our venue.  If you've been venue shopping, or know the area, you can probably guess where this is!!

I have a wedding dress!

I made appointments to try on dresses with some of the women closest to me the first Saturday after the school year ended (I was eager).  We had a fun day of trying on dresses, lunch and girl time.  Our first visit was to The Green Bride, in Downtown Littleton.  This store is very unique.  They sell new and used gowns and a portion of gown purchases goes towards supporting Dalit Freedom Network to help free young girls and women out of human trafficking.  While Karen was incredibly sweet to work with, and I found a gown that I ALMOST went back for, I didn't find my gown there.

Jessica & Katie helping me hunt!

Our next stop was Blue Bridal Boutique in Denver.  I had a wonderful experience and service at Blue Bridal, and narrowed it down to two gowns I liked.  But still, neither of the dresses made me giddy enough to buy.

I finally did what I didn't really want to do, and went to David's Bridal the following Monday…because they were having a clearance sale and I was determined to find a dress on mega sale.  After trying on a few dresses, I walked out in a style that I never imagined would look flattering on my short wasted figure.  The reaction from my mom, God mom, God sister and friend Katie were enough to sell me.  But when I saw myself I was a bit in shock.  I didn't cry or get overly expressive/emotional like I've always seen on Say Yes to the Dress, but I felt comfortable, classy, sexy, and my age!  

It's a winner, oh and Gramma approves too! ;o)

More wedding planning updates to come!

HAPPY SUMMER!

SF VISIT & FANELLI WEDDING!

This past weekend Nick and I spent a few days in one of my favorite cities, San Francisco. Followed by an incredibly beautiful family wedding, and then jet setting back home just in time for my first day of school as a student teacher.

I've been to some incredible cities through out the years, New York, Chicago, Denver (home), Florence, Rome, Venice, Madrid, Paris… but for some reason, San Francisco has to be my very favorite to visit (so far!).  If you've been there, you'll agree that it is unique in so many ways.  The rolling hills and amazing views of the bay, the delicious sea food, the iconic sites, and the diversity of people.  In one word, I love SF because it is COLORFUL.

I've been coming to this beautiful city my whole life.  I lived in San Jose, CA for my first 7 years and after moving to CO, continued to visit family and friends throughout the state and have always found a way to get back to the city.  My grandparents own a share of a suite on Nob Hill.  Nick and I had the opportunity (thanks to my aunt and uncle this time) to stay in it again.  Nostalgia is a funny thing, I feel it a lot.  I got those old feelings when we walked back into the suite.  Many visits with my Pop & Nana and cousins,  with my parents, and other extended family.  It's almost a sense of home in this unique boutique suite.  What makes it even more special, is now I get to share these treasured places and piece of my history with Nick!

Home away from home

In the last few years, San Francisco has become something new to me.  Nick and I took a whirl wind trip through CA a few months into our relationship, in 2010.  I was able experience a lot of Nick's firsts with him.  Like his first visit to the ocean, his first visit to CA, etc…  Now, when we go to SF together, it brings back a lot of those special moments and memories in our relationship!  It's probably the place where we fell in love (though I was pretty darn smitten from day 1!!).

This trip was so quick, so we didn't plan much and just took each day as it came.  Day one, when we arrived, after hunting down our cable car pass, we enjoyed happy hour at a fun little bar called Sam's Cable Car Lounge.  It's right off of Powell street and the interior is decorated with all things San Francisco.  Check it out! Sam's Cable Car Lounge

Nick enjoying his drink at Sam's

After our drinks we hopped on a cable car and headed to the Piers.  I will say that as a local, the cable cars are absolutely not the way to go (not that I'm a local or anything haha!). But, as a tourist…you must ride at least once for the experience.  It's such a unique way to get around, and feels a bit like a roller coaster at times.  I love it because you get to see so many neighborhoods that you may miss if you were traveling by foot or car!

Blowing down hills on the cable car

As we were walking towards Pier 39 I noticed a small wine bar and decided we should do some tasting.  Unfortunately the name escapes me, but it was not ON Pier 39, and it was attached to a hotel!  They carry California boutique wines.  From $15-$30 you can sample 4 wines based on the winery, or type of wine.  It was an enjoyable tasting for me, Nick…may have just been along for the ride :-)

Wine tasting (in case the wine didn't give that away)

What else did we see/do during day one...

Some fresh seafood

The sea lions, they're so loyal hanging around year after year!

On day two we talked to Urban Spoon, it told us Dottie's was a great spot for breakfast…it was right!  We walked down to 28th street between Market and Mission and stood in an alley (yep, a stinky, sketchy alley) for about 45minutes.  Let me tell ya…that was some INCREDIBLE people watching.  I was a little nervous of how the restaurant would be, based on the location, but we were pleasantly surprised!  The interior was cozy and entertaining with old black and white movie stars on the wall.  The servers were great, and the food was worth the wait!  I had the black bean cakes and eggs.  It came with chili corn bread and home fries.  Are you drooling yet, because I am…again.  All I can say is, it's worth the wait and the sketchy alley, give it a shot if you're in the area!

I think I was too antsy to eat to spend time on a clear photo!

Another interesting meal experience was in China Town!

We didn't eat anything spectacular or out of the ordinary, just chicken & veggie chow mien and fried rice followed by green tea ice-cream.  What made this place so special was the location.  They have seating out a small deck, or maybe what used to be an escape route, but it gives an interesting perspective on the area.  With Chinese characters, clothes hang drying out the windows, and the hustle and bustle of the locals, you really have to think twice about what country you're in!

Our view from the restaurant

Cheeeese in China Town

Later that evening we went back down to the wharf.  We stumbled upon a GREAT deal… a tour/fishing boat was going out for it's last tour of the bay for sunset.  It was only $10/person to hop on. They took us around Alcatraz and back--only 30 minutes long but worth the gorgeous sunset behind the Golden Gate Bridge!  Not sure if this is a regular thing, but it wouldn't hurt to walk along those fishing/tour boats at the end of the day to see if they're doing last call deals.  

Overall it was another memorable San Francisco visit.  We will continue to go back in the years to come and revisit the places that have made impressions in our memories and relationship! Here are a few more fun pictures I thought I'd share:

FANELLI WEDDING TIME!

Last but not least (definitely not least, it was there reason for our CA excursion in the first place!!), my cousin Ryan and his new wife Mallory's wedding!!

The two were married at a property in the hills of San Jose.  The weather was perfect and the scenery was gorgeous!  Mallory looked stunning and though I don't know her well, I know that she is definitely an amazing girl and we're all so happy to have her in our family!  Ryan was also very handsome, and as it should be, the best part was the moment he watched her walk down the isle.  The speeches were heartfelt and well spoken, the food was delicious, and the DJ had everyone up and moving!  Well done at planning such a fun celebration of your love you two!!

The added bonus was the un-official family reunion.  We got to reconnect with so many family members that we haven't seen in awhile.  It was a joy to introduce Nick to MORE of our mixed up, diverse, confusing family ;-) 

I didn't get too many good photos of the bride and groom but here are some of my favorites!

Blinded by the light

Handsome mom & dad

Here comes the bride!

Mr. & Mrs. Fanelli!

Nora & I

Check out that view!

AH!! Melt my heart!!!

Mr. & Mrs.

Family

Cousins! Groom Ryan, myself, Anna, Rachel, Elisia, Matthew and my brother Dominic

Cousin Rachel & I

Dancing with dad!

My Love.

Anniversary Month

Hey all!! It's July which means for me it is a very special month. July is our Anniversary Month. Wedding anniversary and dating anniversary! Yes, we are that cheesy couple that keeps track of both! I'll give you a little background and hope I don't bore you with all my details. 10 years ago on July 25th (yes, I said 10 YEARS!) we went on our very first date. I remember the day like it was yesterday because I was SOOO excited and yet not nervous at all. The minute we got in the car to go on our date it was as if we were best friends instantly. We had so much to talk about, and the day flew by! Flash forward 5 years and on that same day, July 25th he proposed in the exact same spot. I remember the day was extremely hot, we were outside walking around a lake and he was persistent about looking at the ducks. You would think I would have known something was up, but my clueless self had no flippin idea! I kept asking if we could leave and get water because I was so hot, but he continued to wander around the lake wanting to relax, sit down on the bench, look at the ducks and then... it happened. I cried, he teared up and the moment had finally happened, we were engaged to be married! Then, on July 31, 2010 we said I DO. I remember being so relaxed and care-free on our wedding day, it was the most perfect day and I only cared about one thing: becoming husband and wife. Now, fast forward almost 4 years and I cannot believe we are approaching our 4 year anniversary!! People always say time flies, but truly the time has flown by. We have had many adventures, travels, vacations, date nights, movie nights, lazy days, house projects...etc. and it has all been wonderful. Not perfect, but wonderful. I truly am blessed to say I married my best friend and I couldn't imagine my life with anyone else. The Lord truly blessed me with an amazing man! So... happy anniversary month to my one and only.

Now onto the hard part... Shopping for a guy is hard!!! I have to say guys have it super easy when having to shop for us ladies! I did however find the cutest website that creates personalized date coupon books!! I thought this was perfect idea and you should check it out! Right now they're even offering 30% off book purchases! www.datevitation.com