We Came, We Saw, We QUASHed

Dan and I had a great weekend. Today, we went to a Catholic marriage preparation retreat...some parts were awesome, some were mediocre. Overall, we came away with some new knowledge and more insight into what we need to work on for a successful future together.

Yesterday was a ton of fun. For the second year, we ran all over downtown Indy to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association during the Quest to Unravel Alzheimer's Scavenger Hunt (QUASH). For 2.5 hours, we followed clues across downtown and went everywhere from the Scottish Rite Cathedral to the Slippery Noodle to the Eiteljorg Museum. I think we logged about 4.5 miles. We didn't come anywhere close to winning-- and we didn't expect to because we knew from experience that some of the other teams are serious competitors. For us, it gave us a chance to raise money and awareness for a disease that has affected both of our families and spend a day cooperating and having fun together. If you would like to help, it's not too late -- you can still contribute to our Alzheimer's fundraising efforts by visiting my personal QUASH page or Dan's.


Pre-QUASH excitement:

Dan in post-QUASH exhaustion mode:

Today Throws A Wedding

Every spring, the Today Show has a special contest for engaged couples. I've always loved watching the finalists compete for the chance to have their dream wedding on the Today Show! Like so many other hopeful girls, I've always watched the show and thought about how amazing it would be to share your big day, and all of the pre-wedding planning, with a national audience! Many of you know that Dan isn't as outgoing as I am (and have even commented that my blogging / his lack of blogging is perfect evidence), so he will probably freak out if we actually make it into the finals. We aren't even going to hire a videographer, in part, because Dan is a little nervous to be on camera. I'm in PR and he's camera-shy... I guess opposites really do attract!

I've checked out the contest requirements and we seem to meet them, so "we" are going to apply! The application asks us to provide a bit of information about YOU - our friends and family. Specifically, the producers would like to know what you think about the idea of us getting married on the Today Show. So please help us - post a comment and tell us your thoughts so that we can incorporate them into our response!

Thank You

Just wanted to extend a big "Thank You" to all everyone for your sympathies following the deaths of my Grandpa (March 25) and Dan's aunt Linda (April 7). While both funerals were very sad for us, the services were beautiful tributes to both of their lives, and we really enjoyed getting to see relatives and family friends again (or in my case, getting to meet a few of Dan's relatives for the first time!).


When we weren't at funerals in the past couple of weeks, we've been busy getting the house ready to sell! We just met with our realtor tonight, the papers have been signed, and it will be officially listed tomorrow! Our goal is to sell it and buy a new one before the wedding... keep your fingers crossed for us!

Just Ordered...

...BRIDESMAID DRESSES!

I'm so excited that we found these great, full-length strapless dresses in chocolate brown. I just placed the order and can't wait to see them in person, and of course, on my bridesmaids!

We had the chance to check out the linen colors at the Edelweiss last Saturday, so I am really looking forward to seeing how all the colors look together.

An added bonus of last weekend was that Dad and Janet were in Indianapolis, so we had the chance to show them the church and the reception venue. They liked them both, but Dad was a little concerned that the dance floor might not be big enough for him to show off his moves! Look out!

Here We Go A QUASHing!

This has nothing to do with the wedding, but is a cause that is close to both of our hearts -- Alzheimer's disease research, support and care. Dan's maternal grandma had Alzheimer's, his paternal grandma had dementia and my paternal grandma was somewhere in between. Watching them struggle through the confusion and mental anguish hurt us both, and of course, was heartbreaking for many of our family members.

Last year was the first year for QUASH - Quest to Unravel Alzheimer's Scavenger Hunt. When I found out about it last spring, my Grandma Lucile was in the nursing home and it seemed like each time we visited, there was a little less of the grandma I grew up with there. It was terrible for our family and I want to do anything I can to help prevent other families from watching their grandparents and parents suffer from this terrible disease.

We had a great time QUASHing last year, and I'm excited to raise more money for Alzheimer's research again this year. If you'd like to learn more about QUASH or want to support my efforts, here's a link to my personal QUASH page. The event takes place April 25 in downtown Indianapolis.

The Dress

I really want to dish all the details about the dress, but since Dan can't know anything about it before he sees me walking down the aisle, it will have to remain a mystery to you too! I bought it on Monday and was pleasantly surprised that it only took me one week and a few shopping trips to find The Dress.I can, however, show you a few photos of dresses that did not make the cut!



Oh, and here is a look at the dress that I thought I would love, but then tried it on and decided it wasn't quite me.

Finally... A Post in March!

It's been a little while since we've written much on here, but we've been so busy with preparations! Things are really coming together, and we now have a good idea about how many elements of our special day will turn out!

We've met with a couple of florists - Steve's Flowers and Distinctive Designs. Not sure exactly who will be going with yet, and we've thought about the DIY route too... but I'm a little nervous that the bouquets might look like more like a first grade project than wedding flowers! Our flowers will probably be shades of red and orange - we want it to feel very much like autumn. We're thinking of using mums, spider mums, circus roses, alstroemeria and some carnations.

It hasn't been purchased yet, but I am SUPER excited about my dress! I've been shopping a couple times in the past week and have found one that I absolutely love at a price that absolutely can't be beat. I won't write any more about it though, since it must remain a secret to Dan!

Dan and I both have really good ideas about the wedding bands we'll be getting. Dan is leaning toward black tungsten, but hasn't picked out the exact design he wants yet. I'll probably have mine custom-made at a local jewelry store so that it can fit to my engagement ring perfectly. And while I don't necessarily want it to be fancy, I really want to have both of our birthstones in it - ruby for Dan and pink tourmaline for me. And we're also going to put a few diamonds across it which can be replaced with children's birthstones in the future. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

We're also looking at options for our cake, which will probably be chocolate-frosted with either strawberry or raspberry filling. And we're even going to get a groom's cake for Dan. No, it will not be a bleeding armadillo a la Steel Magnolias!