The Story of A&B, Part IV: When the Moon Hits Your Eye

Part I
Part II
Part III

So here I was, committing every first-date "don't" and loving every second of it. I have to admit that at the time, I wasn't even close to thinking that B was "the one". Probably because I wasn't really looking for the one at that point in my life. I was looking for fun, for something new.

On the other hand, I have to say I don't remember another soul in existence that night. I was fixated on him. He took me to Mexican food (absolute favorite) where we ordered the same thing. Before our dinner came, there was a moment of silence. A moment where we just stared at each other. He broke the silence with, "you look so beautiful". It was one of the best things anyone had ever said to me. His eyes circled my face and beamed as he spoke. I leaned back in my seat and let out a half-laugh and thanked him. It wasn't something I heard often and the way he said it was unmistakably genuine. I'd later learn that matter-of-fact comments like these would be a major reason I'd eventually fall deeply in love with this man. But on this night, it just sent my heart aflutter as I sipped my diet coke.

We saw a movie, we came back to his house and I spent the night. Yep. Normally a very bad move, but like I said before-something felt very right. Not to worry, no major boundaries were crossed that night. Just a wonderful night full of kisses and long, long conversation.
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The next morning I was headed to my best friend's birthday. We were up early so B could make it to his softball tournament. As we pulled away from his home in separate cars, he blew me a kiss and waved eagerly. I remember taking a really deep breath as I drove away. "Slow down" I whispered to myself, "slow down!"

We texted while I was away and I called him the next morning as I made my way home for a study group meeting. Not long after I hung up I got a message from one of my classmates, our study group was cancelled. Without a thought that I might seem overeager I texted B: study group cancelled. Without missing a beat I received a text back: come over for dinner. When I arrived a table was set for two. Two plates of spaghetti and a single lit tea light. A naked, votive-less tea light. Such a small, almost pathetic touch that made the dinner so special. It was obvious B was no ladies man, but in those two days my suspicions were confirmed: he was the nicest man I'd ever shared a meal with.

Almost Vendors-Photogs

I thought I would post about some of the vendors that I don't think I ever mentioned as possibilities. I ultimately decided not to go with these wonderful companies, but wanted to mention them as a way to help anyone in the area who may be on the search for terrific vendors that may or may not be as heavily advertised or talked about quite yet.

I'll start with photographers since photography was the very first thing that I started obsessing over (long before I ever even imagined a diamond on this finger).

photo: Lyndsay Undseth

1. True Love Photo- Great prices, great shots (she is a pro at getting expressive pics). I've heard nothing but wonderful things about Beth. Oh, and you have to check out her slideshows! The photos are amazing-but the songs. Oh the songs!

2. Wendy Hithe Photography-one of my friends from law school is using Wendy for her wedding this month. She is also in Sacramento. I really do love her work. Classic and rich photos.
3. Lyndsay Undseth photography- Great photographer with great packages. She does a lot of weddings from Tahoe to SF.

4. Lydell Photography- Their photos have a dreamy feel. They were incredibly responsive to my emails and seemed really eager to help out with anything. I loved them but didn't love their price!

Of course we ultimately decided to go with Terra. For me, it was a really easy decision. But with anything I decide on, I like to do my research and thought I'd share!

Music & Lyrics

I have been rockin' the Pandora radio for a few months now and am loving every minute of it. I've added a few more songs to my potential wedding playlist as a result and thought I'd share them with ya.

Just the Way You Are, Billy Joel
Don't go changing, to try and please me You never let me down before
Don't imagine you're too familiar
And I don't see you anymore
I wouldn't leave you in times of trouble
We never could have come this far
I took the good times, I'll take the bad times
I'll take you just the way you are
Don't go trying some new fashion
Don't change the color of your hair You always have my unspoken passion
Although I might not seem to care I don't want clever conversation
I never want to work that hard
I just want someone that I can talk to I want you just the way you are. I need to know that you will always be The same old someone that I knew What will it take till you believe in me The way that I believe in you. I said I love you and that's forever And this I promise from the heart I could not love you any better I love you just the way you are.

Someone Like You, Van Morrison
Ive been searching a long time
For someone exactly like you
Ive been travelling all around the world
Waiting for you to come through.
Someone like you makes itAll worth while
Someone like you keepsMe satisfied.
someone exactlyLike you.
Ive been travellin a hard road
Lookin for someone exactly like you
Ive been carryin my heavy load
Waiting for the light to come
Shining through.
Someone like you makes itAll worth while
Someone like you keepsMe satisfied. someone exactlyLike you.
Ive been doin some soul searching
To find out where youre at
Ive been up and down the highway
In all kinds of foreign landsSomeone like you...
Ive been all around the world
Marching to the beat of a differentDrum.
But just lately I haveRealisedThe best is yet to come.
Someone like you...

November 4th, 2008

For me, politics and religion are things that I keep to myself. I am not affiliated with a political party or a particular religion and I enjoy thinking through my decisions one at a time. Regardless of how you feel about the issues, I hope everyone has a great time voting today!

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Curtain Call

There's just something about barns adorned with long, flowing curtains.

Maybe it's the juxtaposition of an otherwise barren structure adorned with soft, white fabric. Maybe it's the understated nod to the bridal gown, or the way their movement brings life to a space, but whatever it is, I love the way curtains bring an element of "home" to a reception.

I'm pretty sure anyone I know who is capable of sewing would be incredibly confused by my curtain request, but that's not going to stop me. Amazing.
Photo: The Knot via Big Sur Bride

I've posted this picture before, but it still takes my breath away a little bit. I think it's the way the wind is blowing, so fresh!

photo via: Knottie NetterB

One of the very first pictures I ever saved in my quest for wedding inspiration. Doesn't get any more rustic-chic, right?

photo: brides.com via Snippet & Ink

This is taken from one of Kathryn's gorgeous boards. I love everything about these photos, including the beautiful curtains and amazing chandeliers above the table. Unbelievably gorgeous.

photo via: Snippet & Ink

Beautiful Blooms

These bouquets make me smile. So organic and beautiful. I'm loving this less-structured look.

Photo by: Stephanie Williams PhotographyPhoto: Jose Villa

These last two photos are from Andrew Firestone's recent wedding. I love her bouquet. The all white bouquet included: garden rose, peony, ranunculus, lily of the valley, hydrangea and gardenias. I had to post a picture of the couple with their pups. Gotta love the bulldog bridesmaid!

Photos: Mi Belle Photography via inStyle

Have Your Cake

I've had cake on the brain lately. I decided early on that it was going low on the totem pole. All I wanted was a delicious cake-I decided I didn't need any bells and whistles. I mean who wants a whistle on their cake? Here is an example of a bell and whistle cake. I actually find this one to be incredibly gorgeous and unique.
The Knot.

Then I get a call from Grams, my precious grandmother. "Amy, I want to pay for your cake." Hmmm, "But Grams, I'm not making a big production out of the cake, I already picked out a simple three tiered butter cream that I want. I know the bakery and everything." Long pause. "Well, I just don't want you to cheap out. I want good cake!". Yep. That's my grandma.

I'm thinking round. Simple butter cream color adorned with flowers. The bakery that I'm hoping to go with places the flowers themselves and does a really great job. I wish I could show you the examples, but the photos are on pictage and not cut and paste-able.

photo: the knot

I keep going back to the texture idea. When done well, it really adds a yummy look to the cake. But I've seen it go wrong.

photo: the knot

The fruit and leaves are SO gorgeous. I love the texture of this one as well. But Dear Baker, please remove the cardboard! Thanks...

photo: Terra Tabbytosavit

Make this one round and we have a winner. Gorgeous texture, beautiful flowers and amazing finishing touches. The candles and serving set are magnificent.

photo via: Style Me Pretty

So with Grams' help, I might add a fourth tier-but I don't know. I wished she lived closer so I could take her to a tasting at the baker's. I ended the conversation with, "Gram's when have I ever chinced out on anything relating to food?" She chuckled and said, "Never! I just want to help."

So sweet.