one.

one year ago....

two became one.

The man said, this is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
Genesis 2:23-24

Wedding Rewind: The Big Day (Part III: The Reception)

After walking down the aisle, with our family and friends beaming back at us, we headed out of sight and had a couple of moments alone before our wedding party and photographer caught up with us.  It was a sweet time to just take it in, see the new rings on our hands and just kiss and hug in our near unbelief and overwhelming joy.  Our loving wedding party circled around us and cheered for us.  We did it! We were actually and officially married! Ecstatic. 

Before we headed inside we spent a little while with the insanely talented Kathryn Kruger to for some bride and groom shots on our own.  We were glad we had a warm up with our engagement photo shoot in Arizona, to get a little bit more comfortable behind the camera.  It was hard not to just hug and kiss and do nothing else just because we were so so excited.  She captured some great emotions that seemed to be just naturally pouring out.  I loved the backdrop the beautiful wildflower laden field and the stone tower, what a gorgeous, natural setting! The beautiful photos now are hung all over our house and are perfect reminders of our special day.  Memories. 

We sealed the deal with the signing of our marriage certificate with Pastor Heath.  Our parents watched us with Lemon Kiss Martinis in hand.  I loved that they were all 4 standing there watching us make it official.  We hugged and embraced them as they shared in our joy.  I think we were also just all relieved to have made it through the ceremony without a drop of rain.  We were all breathing a little easier at this point! Release. 

I have to be honest and say that my least favorite part of my wedding day was taking the obligatory portraits. (I'm a realist, as you probably know by now).  I decided I wanted to go through with it because it was so important to me to have a few family shots but it was like herding cats to get everyone in line.  Those Lossmans were ready to get to the party!  Isn't it like that at every wedding though?   We were all happy to be done with the family and group shots and Blake and I got a few last pictures as the sun was setting.  In between shots my trusty bridesmaids and M-O-H bustled my dress, changed out my accessories and helped me put in a new veil and flowers in my hair.  Everything was happening so fast! Everyone tells you it will, but I didn't really believe them.  I thought I would be able to soak in each moment and just take the evening at a relaxing, enjoyable, slow pace.  Before we knew it, we were lining up to go inside to start the party!  Celebrate!

Our band announced us after our wedding party had be introduced and we then made our way to the dance floor for our first dance  We danced to Dave Barnes', "I Have and I Always Will."  I remember thinking that everyone was around us and everyone was watching and being somewhat overwhelmed by that kind of attention.  My sweet Blake, without saying anything at all, reminded me it really was our moment to have with each other.  The early signs of his incredible leadership in our relationship.  We did a few spins and a few small dips but mostly smiled at each other, kissed and took it all in.  I was dancing with my husband.  Unbelievable.

Darling, we're both scared

But where love is, fear won't tread

All of these friends here agree

We're right where we should be

Underneath all your white

My Lady, My Love, My Bride

In your darkest hours

Will I love you still

I have and I always will

I guess it's because I just do

Following heaven's clues

This is a big mystery

How I found, you found me

And you are changing now

Your part of me somehow

And I will never be alone

In your darkest hours

Well I love you still

I have and I always will

I have and I always will

My parents welcomed all of our guests with a few extremely kind and thoughtful words. With my mom by his side, my dad blessed us both with his generous sentiments and proud smile.  With my dad always being a crier in the past, I thought that there was no way he would be able to get through his speech.  He did wonderfully and his kinds words will stick with me and Blake for a long time.  They certainly threw an amazing party.  I can't say thank you enough to them for all they did to make our day incredible down to every small detail! Grateful.

Because of drizzle all day long, we decided to go with the rain backup plan for seating.  Unfortunately this meant that all of our guests were not seated together as planned, but they were spread out in the gallery and also in the library for dinner. We had a plate brought to us full of our yummy dinners, we quickly ate and then said started around the rooms to say hello to our guests.  Food was delicious!  I was so pleased with how great it turned out.  I'd highly recommend Circle C Catering for both the taste and value of the food.  I was too excited to eat very much, but it sure was tasty.  With the band starting to play in the background, it was so fun to float around the rooms and see everyone.  I loved catching up with each guest, getting hugs and feeling so so loved by each of them.  I showed off my new wedding band, took pictures with our guests and thanked them for so generously coming to celebrate us.  It was so fun to see co-workers, college friends, high school friends, family friends and family from near and far.  I still can't believe how many people would travel to Austin to celebrate with us! Appreciative. 

We nearly missed the toasts from our Best Man & Maid of honor since we were in the Library visiting with guests. The band had introduced them, but there was no bride and groom in sight! Paul welcomed me into the family and gave Blake a bit of a tease in the process, like any big brother should. We were honored to have him raise his glass to us.  McKenna gave an always-so-eloquent yet witty speech with a Sugar Plum Fairy theme. So fitting for me and my dancer past and our sisterly history of (extremely) lengthy dance/fashion/theatre shows when we were kids.  Not sure I will be able to give one like she did when that day comes,  she did an incredible job!  Maybe one of the best MOH speeches I've ever heard!  Overflowing. 

It was then my turn to dance with my dad to John Mayer's "Daughters".  I let Dad pick the song and it was a great choice. We had so much fun dancing.  It felt light and not too sappy.  We laughed and reflected about the wonderful night we were having so far and how everything had fallen into place.  He had really been such a great rock for us during the whole planning process and it was fun to celebrate that moment with him. Blake danced with his mom to "Forever Young."  A sweet moment with the two of them.  Blake is so close to his mom and I'm sure it wasn't easy for her watching her baby boy "fly coup."  Sentimental. 

We were on board for most of the traditional traditions like a bouquet toss and garter toss.  I wasn't much of a bouquet tosser though.  I threw my flowers straight up in the air and they came down right behind me.  I think I was afraid to throw it too hard and hit something or someone!  My sweet friend Catherine and my cousin Sarah duked it out for the bouquet.  Sarah took the win, ironically Catherine got married next.  :) The Garter toss was hilarious.  My dad decided it would be funny if he pulled up a chair to watch Blake take my garter off.  I think Blake was sweating having him sit there and eye him.  Hey it was legal now! Blake got to pull of not one, but two garters!  One was the garter that my mom made me from a part of her wedding dress and the other one was a surprise Aggie garter just for B.  After the big toss our friend Steve caught the garter and paraded victoriously around with his new accessories.    Merriment. 

We cut our cake with a little bit of style.  We didn't really want to start our new marriage with the slamming cake in each others faces but playfully fed each other the very yummy cake.  I loved how the cakes turned out.  Our tiramisu wedding cake was almost to pretty to cut into!  Blake's groom's cake was in the shape of Camelback Mountain with us (as hikers) up on top.  The chocolate hazelnut flavor was pretty rich and delicious as well!  Sweet. 

We danced hard. Really hard.  Sweating and feet throbbing hard.  The band was phenomenal and people stayed on the dance floor all evening long!  Mac did a great job finding this band from another wedding she had been to.  We didn't even hear them live before we hired them.  They were awesome! I loved dancing with the my bridesmaids and all of the girls crowded around me.  I spent a good part of the night dancing with my groom too.  I loved dancing with cousins, the Taylor girls, Aunts and Uncles.  We both had a fabulous time floating around the room with all of our guests.  "We Are Family" got everyone up forming a family circle.  This tends to be a tradition at all of our family weddings.  We even got to witness what we could call a "lap dance" by my Grandma.  It was an awesome moment with grandma sitting on my grandpa's lap in his wheelchair while we spun her around with the whole family surrounding them. I was just so grateful to have so many grandparents there!  I think everyone was having a fantastic time!  The amount of people and sweaty bodies on the dance floor seemed like evidence of that! Loving every moment. 

We ended the the night dancing to "Let's Get it On" as our last song.  Yes, I realize, not the most traditional choice of last songs.  Originally we had planned for this to be our exit as we ran to the get away car.  It turned out to be a hilarious and memorable ending to our evening.  All of our friends and family were circled up around us.  It might have been a little TMI for some our our guests, but we just laughed and winked at each other.  Red in the face. 

Paul announced the Rudy's breakfast tacos being served outside as our guests lined up to wish us goodbye.  I couldn't believe how many people stayed late to send us off.  Ruth made beautiful yellow, white and blue streamers for everyone to wave as we headed to the car.  We climbed in and waved goodbye as we headed off to our evening at the Driskel downtown.  It still hadn't all set in that this was reality! Even more, I couldn't believe it was all over! Incredible. 

That's the end of our wedding story.  I'd like to think it ends, "and they lived happily ever after".....

One year later we are still living happily ever after and working hard at it.  That said, we are learning a lot, loving a lot and asking for grace and forgiveness when we fall short.   Keep reading next week to hear all about it.  :)

If you want to catch up you can start by reading about:

....the week before

....the rehearsal

....the rehearsal dinner

....getting ready

....and the ceremony. 

Thanks for reading!

Wedding Rewind: The Big Day (Part II: The Ceremony)

I walked up the stairs and followed in line behind a beautiful line of bridesmaids in their yellow and blue.  I really had no idea it was already time to start until I was putting on my last layer of lip gloss and having my train carried up the stairs.  Our wedding coordinator was no where in sight until we met her upstairs, but that's a whole other story.  I heard the string quartet playing and the girls walked out one by one.  I had butterflies in my stomach.  I felt like I was on the edge of the high dive, about to jump off.  So so excited!  I couldn't wait to see Blake. Giddy. 

I peeked out from the main building and recognized all of the faces that had come near and (mostly) far to support us and watch us make the biggest commitment of our lives.  It was truly humbling to see that many people there on our behalf.  Grateful.

My most adorable flower girls and ring bearer took off down the aisle.  They overshot the center aisle and my cousin Mindy went chasing after them.  It was the perfect comic relief I needed, just in that moment, to break the tension and nerves that I was feeling.  God has a wonderful sense of humor, with perfect timing!  Plus one of my favorite pictures was captured with my dad in that moment!  :)  Release. 

It was my turn.  I then began walking down the aisle arm and arm with my dad.  I felt emotions coming on but I really tried to hold them back in order to experience and take it all in.   I made eye contact with a couple people here and there, but then I saw my groom standing at the end of the aisle waiting for me.  Seeing his face gave me all the peace in the world.  A sense of relief flooded in.  I was then again reminded what all this preparation, decoration, and gathering was all for.  There was deep purpose and it was right in front of me.  Reality. 

My mom joined us at the front of the aisle.  It was really perfect having her there by my side, just as much as it was having my dad there with me.  She has always been my champion and my dear friend.  I wouldn't have had it any other way then having both of my parents stand up with me and give me away.   Heath welcomed the crowd and then prayed over the next 45 or so minutes, head bowed with my parents on either side of me.  It was time for my dad to give me away.  I couldn't believe it that he made it all the way down the aisle without any tears.  He proudly said, "Her mother and I."  Bittersweet. 

I made it up the steps without tripping (phew!) and stood face to face with Blake.  He literally did not take his eyes off of me the entire time.  They were glued on to me - it was pretty magical.  At that moment, the sun peaked itself out of the clouds and shone on our faces.  I couldn't even believe it.  It felt like a made-for-the-movies moment.  I laughed and smiled with a sigh of relief.  I think the entire group of guests just relaxed as the sun came out.  Surreal. 

We had written our vows and had worked hard to capture the extent of the commitment we were making to one another in the words we recited in front of our dear friends and family.  Heath guided us through the ceremony, putting God as the center of the evening, giving Him the honor and praise.  Our vows were pretty lengthy too, at one point I stumbled over a few words, getting tongue tied as I said them out loud.  Blake never flinched, nor did he take his eyes off me the entire time.  Committed. 

With this ring I give myself to you. All that I am, all that I hope to be. I will lovingly commit myself to you. To love you for who you are. I will love you as Jesus Christ loves the church and gave Himself up for her. I will love you as I love my own body. I will love you until my death. I will honor you as a joint heir of the Grace of God all my life.

Liz sang 'How Great is Our God' as a true worship to Him.  It's impossible to think about not having Him as the center of the day.  He deserves all of the credit and worship for what He has done in our lives and the creative, patient way he crafted us into who we are to make us right for one another.  He is so Great.  His plan is bigger and greater than we can grasp.  Our best response is to simply worship and honor him with our voices.  Humbled. 

While Liz continued to lead our guests, Blake and I had communion on our own.  It was such a special thing to enjoy our first meal together as husband and wife as the sanctifying meal that Christ provides for us in communion.  It was a sacred time for us be alone and step away from the crowd that was watching us and have a moment of our own with our God.  This was the only time that I showed outward emotion throughout the whole ceremony.  I remember Blake and I both praying for us as a newly married couple, for our new journey and adventure, for our roles as husband as wife, for our future children and merging of two families.  The journey was just starting here today.  Makes me so excited to see what will unfold for our lives together.  Honored. 

We were finally announced us as husband and wife, the moment we had been waiting for! We practiced our kiss so many times, I think it was pretty perfect. :)  It sounded so crazy to hear my name next to Blake's name officially as Mrs. Parrish.  That was for sure going to take some getting used to after being a Lossman my whole life!  Something in me decided to give Blake another kiss on the cheek as we turned to face the crowd.  It was sort of an awkward fumble, but a memorable and personal moment as well.  Thrilled!

It was an overwhelming moment looking out at all of our friends and family and completely feeling struck with awe and joy.  All of their faces radiated that back to us completely.  We paused at the top of the steps and took it in before we nearly skipped back down the aisle full of excitement! Joyful.

To be continued....

If you want to catch up you can start by reading about

....the week before

....the rehearsal

....the rehearsal dinner

....and getting ready.

Wedding Rewind: The Big Day (Part I: Getting Ready)

I got into bed the night before, refreshing the weather forecast over and over again, trying to anticipate which hour the rains would hit again the next day.  I didn't really have much optimism for sunny skies.  I somehow drifted off to sleep thinking about our back up plan and different scenarios, over and over again.  It's almost a miracle I got any slept at all.  Rest.

I woke up the next morning well before my alarm went off - not entirely surprising on your wedding day.  It truly was unreal that it was the morning of my wedding day.  My sister heard me stirring and woke up as well.  She climbed into bed with me and we enjoyed a few minutes of sister time before we got moving.  I looked outside and the skies looked gloomy, but that wasn't going to change anything about what was officially going to happen today.  I was going to marry the love of my life rain or shine!  It's here. 

My Aunt Sue generously threw me a wonderful bridal shower that morning at the hotel in my parents' hospitality suite.  We had breakfast tacos, fruit, granola and mimosas.  I sipped on my mimosa, but couldn't eat much - butterflies!  We also had a chance to do one of the traditions that I have seen some of my older cousins do at their weddings.  Each girl pulled a ribbon out of the (beautiful!) wildflower themed cake to find a unique charm. I got to read the meaning of each charm to each girl as a special "wish" to them.  It was a sweet time to be able to honor my bridesmaids and house party and toast them for all they have done for me to make this special day possible.  My mom was teary as she thanked all of the girls as well for the roles they have played in my life and how they are truly some of the closest women to me.  I loved having so many special women in one room: grandmothers, aunts, cousins, moms, sisters and friends.  Overjoyed.

We wrapped up breakfast and the hair and make-up ladies knocked on the door shortly after.  "J" set up in my parents bedroom and Nisa and her assistant took over the tables in the suite.  Each girl got primped and beautified.  It was so fun to see everyone get all made up.  While we waited, we had a relaxing morning sitting on the bed chatting, laughing and just being girls.  I felt so loved and celebrated and the day had just begun! We were running a little behind schedule, but I knew there wasn't too much I could do about it, even though I checked my watch and schedule over and over again. Everyone was looking so pretty.  Looking back on pictures - I really think I have the most beautiful wedding party.  Each girl looked incredible! God's beauty.

It was finally my turn to get my hair done. J and I had practiced once before for my bridal portraits, so I wasn't too worried at all. I asked her to give it a bit more volume this time. I loved how it turned out. I felt so glamorous! I also had practiced make up for my portraits with Nisa. I trusted her completely to make me look my very best. I think she did a fantastic job with my smoky eyes, rosy cheeks and natural lips. She was just a joy to work with. I had all of the girls except for my mom and my sister go ahead to the venue while I finished up. We quickly got all my things together as Kathryn was snapping a few pictures here and there and then headed to the Wildflower Center. I was trying not to stress that it was raining the whole way there (okay, I was stressing and so was my mom). The skies looked a bit scary actually. Regardless, I had confidence that everything would get taken care of and the back up plan would turn out okay if we had to go that route. Still trying to breathe.

I met all of my bridesmaids and house party down in one of the class rooms that would serve as our bridal suite for the day.  The flowers had already arrived and they were beautiful.  I loved all of the different textures and dimensions - they were just what I had invisioned!  I asked the girls to start getting into their dresses so they could help me after they were done.  They looked fantastic in their navy.  I loved how they tied their bows all different ways too.  The yellow shoes were so striking too against the gloom of the rain.  I loved how each pair of shoes showed off their personal style. Proud. 

Kathryn and her assistant arrived and we decided it was time to get into my dress.  I loved being surrounded by all of my girls as they helped me primp and climb into the layers of silk taffeta and tulle.  They pinned in my veil, touched up my lips, strung on my pearls, sprayed the perfume I had picked out for my big day, slipped on my heels for me and oohhhed and ahhhed over me, making me feel so special!  I really did feel my very best that day.  It's amazing how a gorgeous white dress can make you feel like a million bucks.  My mom tied my bow and slipped my garter on.  I was ready to go. Ecstatic. 

We headed upstairs to take some portraits before the ceremony.  The parasols we had ordered definitely came in handy to shield us from the drizzle outside.  We started insight taking a few individual shots and then went outside to utilize the beautiful surroundings of the venue.  Everything was fully in bloom - bright greens and beautiful, vibrant colors the flowers were a gorgeous contrast to the grey skies. Striking. 

I got to see all my flower girls and ring bearer before hand.  They looked adorable in their yellow dresses and ballet slippers and Carter in his tux.  He looked so grown up!  The flower wreaths on their heads made them look like little princesses!  They looked excited to be all dressed up.  I was honored to have them as a part of my day. Adorable. 

My dad did not want to see my dress or even a picture of it before wedding day.  It was a really special moment to have him see me all dressed up before the ceremony.  Tears welled up in his eyes.  I got a bit teary too - but somehow managed to keep it under control.  We took a few pictures during the last few minutes as a family of 4.  It was a really special moment for me and for him.  Next, my family and bridal party prayed over me before the ceremony was set to begin. Cherishing the moments. 

It was show time.  Time for what we were here for.  Time for what Blake and I had waited so long for.  I headed up the stairs, the girls grabbed my train, time to line up so we could walk down the aisle, just like the song says, "here comes the bride".......

To be continued....

If you want to catch up you can start by reading about

....the week before

....the rehearsal

....and the rehearsal dinner.

Anniversary Week

I cannot even believe that it's already been a year since B and I tied the knot!  It truly feels like our wedding was just a few weeks or months ago.  To countdown to the 16th, I thought I would post a few posts reflecting on our wedding week, rehearsal and wedding day.  I started this concept of 'Wedding Rewind' SEVERAL months ago and never got around to finishing it.  Now feels like the perfect time. 

If you want to catch up you can start by reading about

....the week before

....the rehearsal

....and the rehearsal dinner. 

So sorry to leave you hanging so many months ago!

Stay tuned this week for more posts about our wedding day and all of the thoughts, feelings and emotions leading up to it!  I promise, I'm going to finish telling you this story.  

And many, many, many more years full of them!

Mr. & Mrs. Savage!

Congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs Savage!

This weekend Joe and Catherine tied the knot in Austin! She was such a beautiful bride! It was an honor to stand up by her side and watch her make commitments for life to Joe.

We had such a fun weekend with all of the wedding festivities.  The rehearsal dinner was a fabulous meal at Z Tejas, an Austin favorite.  Afterward, the girls all headed back to the hotel and had some girl time together.  We stayed at the new AT&T Conference Center on campus.  Such an awesome hotel.  Their suite overlooked both the Capitol and the Tower!  The next morning we got up and had breakfast in the suite and started our hair and make up appointments.  It was such a relaxing day of prepping together before we headed to the venue for pictures before the ceremony. 

The Allan House was beautiful!  They had an amazing tent that wrapped around the house and even had a lit tree running through it.  Everything came together so well! 

Beautiful lighting that hung from the giant tent that wrapped around the Alan House

My sharply dressed man :)

Going to weddings is such a blessing and a wonderful reminder of the commitments that B and I made almost a year ago!  I love the idea of growing in oneness together.  That was a theme that struck my heart this weekend. 

Congrats to Catherine & Joe!  We are so happy for you.  Hoping you have a wonderful honeymoon in Costa Rica!!

Girls Weekend!

This weekend we have quite the celebration in store for my dear friend Catherine.  We are going to live in up in Austin all because....

.....this beautiful lady is marrying this handsome gentleman in just a few short weeks. 

A group of Catherine's closest friends are coming to Austin to take over the Parrish house in hopes of a weekend that will go down in the books, celebrating one of her last nights as a single lady.  I have a feeling there will be lots of vino, laughter, yummy food, dancing, some embarassment for the bride and that crazy high that girls seem to get on once they are around each other. 

I have so many awesome memories with Catherine and I'm so happy to celebrate her this weekend!  I can't wait, together with all of her friends, to make it a special time for her to look back on.

Catherine and I have experienced so much together.  We have some incredible memories as friends.  From traveling Europe for a month together to being roomates our senior year (next door our Freshman year).  We watched our Longhorns win a National Championship from Pasadena, celebrated 21st birthdays, shared a graduation party, graduated from the business school together, stood up in Aleigh's wedding together, had her as a part of my wedding and now get to be a part of hers!  (Just to name a few). 

She's a dear friend to me and one that I hope to keep for a lifetime! 

C - can't wait for you to get here and get the party started!  Yay for the bride!

Writing on the Wall....

We have been checking a few things off the honey-do-list lately that we've been hoping to do since we moved into our house in Austin.  Besides filling a few empty frames that have been hanging on the wall empty, Blake has also been doing some refinishing projects for us and we've even rearranged our furniture downstairs as well.  I'm really happy with how it has all been coming together.  Now I need to get my DIY on and pull out that sewing machine for some new pillows and maybe curtains.  Does anyone have any good reccomendations for great fabric shops in Austin?

Here are a few shots of one of our guest rooms.  Blake hung the window pane we used from our wedding as part of our guestbook above the bed for our guests to enjoy.  It is so fun to go back and read through the sweet notes and thoughts people signed on the window panes for us.  This is such a great memento from our wedding and one we can look back on for years to come!  I think it really pulled the room together - we definitely needed something over the bed. 

More house updates to come!

2010 In Review

2010 has been one incredible year for me.  Just thinking through some of the highlights of my year, I'm blown away by God's goodness and rich blessings!  Hope you enjoy reading through this recap as much as I did reflecting on the year that's now behind us......

I started my 2010 as an engaged woman.  I kissed B on new years knowing that next new years I would be kissing him as his wife! Though we had a little longer of an engagement than we both would have liked, our pre-marriage counseling experience was most definitely one of my highlights of the year. We had the opportunity to sit in the home of Heath and Lisa Taylor and do life with them for weeks on end. We loved watching them parents their kids, talk through potential road blocks with us and pour truth and God's love into our minds and hearts.  We felt so loved and encouraged by the entire body of Old Town Bible during our engagement season. We grew so much as a couple during this time and I think this opportunity got us off to the best start possible in our new marriage.

Bittersweet, since we had to leave them, but definitely a highlight, were the friends and community that we had in Arizona.  From Old Town Bible to the large circle of friends we were blessed to call our own - God was overwhelmingly gracious to us in providing solid, meaningful relationships in our lives. We were honored that so many of our friends would travel to Austin for our wedding to celebrate us in April. I have so many great memories of potluck dinner parties, FBR golf weekends, hikes or even road trips to Cali.  I also had the sweet blessing to be near all of my grandparents, several cousins and aunts and uncles in Arizona.  I cherish that time we had while we lived there.    

In April we tied the knot.  Marrying the love of my life was by far the best highlight of 2010.  Our wedding day was everything I dreamed of, even with the rain, a day I will never forget.  I have been amazed by how much I've learned this year as we have started into our first months of marriage - about the Lord, about myself, about B and about us as a couple.  God's goodness has shown up in so many ways through this sweet and intimate blessing.  Marriage has been richer and deeper than I could have imagined.  I'm so blessed to be married to my very best friend for the rest of our lives. This takes the #1 spot for 2010, hands down. 

After our wedding day we took a wonderful honeymoon in Costa Rica.  We loved our stay there and felt like we only experienced the tip of the iceberg of all that you can do and see.  We had the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure with days spent by the pool enjoying our all-inclusive drinks in the cabana or taking surf lessons, snorkeling, kayaking, zip lining or exploring the volcanic mud-baths.  We wished it wouldn't end!  We are already planning our next beach trip to celebrate our one year anniversary!

Having the opportunity to move back to Texas this summer has been an unexpected and incredible blessing for the year.  We landed in a wonderful location in Central Austin on a fabulous street, with fantastic neighbors and have loved exploring this city once again as "adults".  We've had numerous visits by family and it has been so special to be able to go back and forth to see them and not have to hop on a plane to get there for a visit.  We've had the chance to travel to Blake's grandparent's house on Lake Quitman and have been able to venture home for other celebrations too!  This has been such a blessing and one that we did not expect to have happen in the way it all fell in place. 

Within a few weeks of coming back to Texas, God led us to Providence Church.  We felt like we had clear direction to be a part of the church as it was in the core team phase, looking to launch in early fall.  We were so blessed by the community that quickly loved and embraced us.  It felt like we were almost immediately surrounded by friends we felt we had known for a long, long time.  Providence is such a perfect name and so pertinent to what we have experienced by God's grace this year.  He's provided in so many ways for us and in ways we don't deserve. We are so excited about what God has in store for Providence!

This winter we spent our first holiday season as a married couple.  The biggest blessing is the way our families have blended so well together.  Our dads are nearly inseparable and love spending time together working on projects, racing their mustangs or just being "dudes."  I love that our moms are so similar, yet so uniquely different.  They also have enjoyed shopping and lunching together.  They knew each other through Bible study before Blake and I even considered dating!  The holidays were a wonderful time and each family made it so easy on us to be a part of all of the celebrations and really "share us" well.  After all of the horror stories you hear - we really have it easy.  So happy to be able to have both families under the same roof on many occasions as well. We couldn't have asked for a better situation.

There are so many other highlights that have made 2010 wonderful.  To name a few...but I know there are so many more....Visits from Loren or Jen to Austin; weekly date nights to musicals, the ballet, concerts or trying out new restaurants; a getaway weekend in San Diego before we moved; weekends filled with hikes and being in the great outdoors; seeing almost all of my family this year between 2 family weddings; standing up for my cousin Jessie at her wedding in Chicago; traveling to some amazing hotels and sites this year for work including the Trump Tower; having a stable job and the opportunity to start a brand new role and build it from the ground up; having a fantastic bachelorette party in Austin - a weekend not to forget!; and a second 80's themed party in Scottsdale; throwing showers and attending weddings for several dear friends; the list goes on!

So, so, so blessed by 2010.  Can't wait to see what's in store for 2011.

Wedding Rewind: Rehearsal Dinner

We hopped in cars from the Wildflower Center and headed over to Mercury Hall. I’ve never seen a downpour quite like the one we were driving in. We literally couldn’t see the car in front of us. It was coming down in sheets, no, more like waves. My handsome beau dropped us off at the front with an umbrella and I headed to the restroom to touch up some curls before greeting all of our friends and family that had come so far to be with us and celebrate us. All of my AZ girlfriends popped into the bathroom with me. It was so good to see them. It made things feel more normal and calm. It was time to celebrate.


My family and friends begin to flood into the beautifully decorated room. The Parrish family did an incredible job setting up the venue and transforming it into something even more beautiful. Mercury Hall was an old Baptist Church that was relocated to South Austin. It had beautiful white wood, and a fabulous lawn. Ruth and company (with the creative assistance of Shannon Jex) created amazing touches to make our Texas Affair come to life. Ruth beaded small mason jars that lined the stained glass windows, Shannon wrote our names in rope on an old wooden fence that welcomed our guests, there were painted boots, personalized with all of our favorites and yummy goodies and beer to snack on before the BBQ was served. It was perfect. They did an incredible job. All the hard work paid off. I can’t believe they put in so many hours of prep for us. So special. Honored.

How cute are all those amazing details that the Parrish family put together?


Family by family – people trickled in, trying to avoid the rain. For most, it was the first time I had seen most of them since they arrived in Texas. It was a sweet blessing to be surrounded by so many loved ones. Some made me tear up when I saw them for the first time, others brought huge smiles to my face. It was a good day. Joy.

Paul and Ruth kicked off the evening welcoming all of our guests from near and far. They laid down some of the “ground rules” of the venue and toasted us. Paul’s sweet words telling me that I am, “As smart and I am beautiful” made me feel loved, welcomed and happy to be a (almost) part of their family. I was taken back by gratefulness. Ruth had a special gift for Blake as well. She had boxed up and wrapped her cut apron strings that she was ready to hand over. She had done the same thing for Paul Jr. when he went off to college. Blake’s came a bit later :). Touched.

Then we ate. It was delish. Texas BBQ is simply the best. And Rudy’s no less. I tried to stomach as many bites of brisket and sausage as I possibly could – but the nerves were brewing in my tummy. I forced a few more bites of beans. Mac said I had done a good job (good enough anyway) and I was allowed to push my plate aside. Butterflies.

We jumped into the pile of gifts we were set to give out to our family and wedding party. It was fun to honor and recognize them. The girls looked perfect in their pretty pearl necklaces and the boys were all set in their sweet sunglasses. They had their party faces on. We had a blast shopping for the flower girls and ring bearer’s gifts. It’s so fun to buy for kiddos. Their huge bag of goodies was hopefully enough to keep them entertained for most of the weekend. They were so cute and gracious. Our sweet friends and family then toasted us. We were humbled by the kind and thoughtful words people communicated to us. Blessed.

There were gifts and toasts and hugs and tears....


And then we danced......


And we danced some more....

Oh boy did we dance!

The square dance callers were hilarious. They got everyone up and out of their seats (my definition of a good party!). The kids loved it. I think the biggest fans were Natalie and Kate Taylor. They never left the dance floor. It was such a fun way to mix and mingle our friends and families together and have everyone celebrate a day before the big day together. Most of the boys congregated on the back patio to smoke some cigars and drink a few beers in their new sunglasses. Grandparents and tired aunts and uncles watched from the peanut gallery that was forming around the dance floor. Sweaty and tired from being in our boots all night the evening came to a close. Content.

I gave my love on last kiss for the evening and he walked me out to make sure I got my beauty sleep for the next day. The next day! The next day! Our wedding day! My parents generously got my sister and I a room to ourselves for the night before. I wanted to badly to stay up with all of our guests and party in my parent's hospitality suite with the best of them. Being a good MOH like she was, Mac gave me 10 minutes and then scooted me off to bed. Cared for.
 

I was getting married tomorrow.

To be continued.....

If you want to catch up you can start by reading about

....the week before

....and the rehearsal.

Featured on Wedding Chicks!

I'm so excited and simply honored to share our wedding day feature on the Wedding Chicks blog today! It's so fun to see the outcome through photos of all of our planning, prepping, sewing, creating, painting, crafting, adorning for so many months. So many long distance phone calls were filled with the details of our plans. I'm overwhelmed with how they actually did come together into something so beautiful. Despite rain, gloomy skies and an almost-indoor-only plan it all turned out. So much credit goes to the skillful hands of my parents (both mom and dad!). I am also so grateful for (almost) all of our wonderful vendors that brought our vision to life. Another hug goes out to my fabulous girlfriends and family who pitched in when my wedding coordinator was MIA to get it all set up in time. SO. GRATEFUL. Enjoy the feature!

http://www.weddingchicks.com/wedding-chicks/featured-weddings-events/48679/yellow-blue-texas-wedding/

Wedding Rewind: The Rehearsal

McKenna and I walked back to the hotel on Congress. A few of the bridesmaids continued to call and text and update me on their status of arrival. The butterflies were starting to flutter in my stomach. Again, it was like my tummy knew what was going on but my head was totally not tracking. We headed upstairs to our hospitality suite where the dads had made a giant CostCo run to make sure we had enough food, drink and adult beverages to last us for months (yet we were only going to be there for 3 days)! Not only was the suite beautiful, overlooking the Austin downtown skyline, the suite was full of people. I was a bit overwhelmed. But maybe overwhelmed in a good way. I made my way around the room. I was so excited to see all these faces of the family I love so very much and hug them and catch up. My aunts were helping my mom stuff goodie bags and the dads were organizing the bar (really the bathtub full of multiple varieties of beer and liquor). I then realized I had about 1 hour to get ready for the rehearsal - so I headed off to my room. Hustle.

After I got out of the shower I peeked out the window and saw that it was now pouring down rain outside. My heart sank - thinking about how we were going to pull our outdoor garden wedding off in the rain. Mac helped me pull myself together (no tears) and I continued getting ready to make sure we could leave on time to meet our coordinator and pastor a bit early. Mac did a fabulous job on my make up (she really could quit her job and become a make-up artist if she wanted to) and I put on my new Anthro dress, chunky necklace and wedges. I'm not gonna lie - I felt pretty fab in my new outfit. Even in the Texas humidity and downpour, some how my curly waves turned out. (I think it was the anti-humidity hair spray Mac was packin). My boots were loaded up for dancing later in the evening. I was ready to go. Let's do this.

I walked downstairs to head toward the car and finally got to see B. I hadn't seen him since we left Houston separately. After all the hustle and bustle since we have been in town - just being with him gave me an overwhelming sense of peace. He is the reason all these things were happening. He is the reason I said yes, I would marry him. He is the reason I planned a wedding. Oh how good perspective feels. We all hopped into the car and drove to the Wildflower Center. We were going to our rehearsal?! Really? I could barely believe it! I hopped in the front seat and the girls piled in the back with B at the wheel. I held his hand the whole way there. I didn't want him to leave my side. He really has that calming effect on me. The rain kept pouring...but it wasn't going to rain on our parade. Peace.
We met our coordinator and our pastor along with all of our other bridesmaids, groomsman and ushers under the awnings of the WFC. It was so exciting to hug those girls who I hadn't seen in such a long time since we all live far apart. It was so special to see each person of our wedding party walk up to us. So special that they all made the trip for us. So special that they love us they way they do. So special that they were all there - huddled together out of the rain. Honored.

Heath started our rehearsal by praying for us and for our day. It truly was the perfect way to set the tone for the focus we wanted to have during our ceremony and wedding. It was our hope and our prayer that people would see our relationship with Jesus through the events of our wedding. He lead us through the flow of events and talked us through what each person's role was and what to expect. The actual rehearsal was done in two parts....part one: inside for our back up plan and part two: outside where our Plan A could potentially take place, weather allowing. To be honest, it wasn't super smooth or seamless (mostly because our wedding coordinator turned out to be a total bust)- but I knew that everything would just fall into place the next day. Trying to let go. My flower girls and ring bearer were too cute for words dressed up in their western attire. At least they would be an adorable diversion if everything fell apart! One of my favorite moments was where Liz rehearsed the song she planned to sing during our ceremony the next day. It was such a sweet moment filled with quiet time to connect with Jesus and hearing the voices of everyone I love in one room singing praises to our Father. My mom teared up. I think that was a good thing for her. Release.

Beautiful ladies with their ribbon bouquets all in place to stand by my side....
The boys striking a pose in line...
My adorable husband-to-be. Not sure what he is doing here....but probably something to make me smile or laugh!

Such a proud dad. He's held it together without any emotion this far. The whole time I was thinking, "he's totally gonna loose it tomorrow and be an emotional wreck!"

At the end of the rehearsal a moment happened where everyone happened to be crowded around us huddled under an awning after we had finished running through the ceremony. My sweet sister circled up all of our wedding party and had them pray over us - laying hands on us- and blessing our marriage and day tomorrow. She is a blessing. It was a blessing. Humbled.

Then we were off to party.....

To be continued.

If you want to catch up you can start by reading about

....the week before

 

Wedding Rewind: The Week Before

Since I took a little break from blogging during the month before and after my wedding, I wanted to take a little time and put all my thoughts on paper so I can remember every detail I possibly can to archive it all. I'm not much of a journaler these days....I think my blog is turning into my journal for the most part. I'm more of a verbal processor - so this can be my keepsake mostly for me - but also for anyone else who might be out there reading our story....

The week before the wedding B & I headed to Houston to be with our families and prepare and prep for the upcoming festivities. We actually flew home on my dad's birthday. I rarely get to spend birthdays with my family since I live so far away, but it was really special to actually be able to celebrate him in person. When we got into Hobby, Paul and Whit picked us up and we all decided to grab some lunch together and catch up. We ate some sliders and sat outside on a very cloudy and windy day. I don't' think it really hit me that I can come to Texas this time as a single girl and I would be leaving as a married woman. It had finally arrived, we had finally arrived - but it didn't seem like it was here at all. All I really could think about was the to do list in the back of my mind and the looming dooming weather forecast that I incessantly kept checking on my iphone. Anxiety.

Our dads ended up joining us for lunch after they had spent the morning racing their mustangs together. It's amazing what great friend they have become and how many similar interests and passions they have. Some people say that this is one of the biggest challenges in getting married, but for us we have been blessed to have an extremely easy merger of our two families. They have become close friends during our dating years and it's been so fun to watch. Thankful.

The next few days were spent in Kingwood. My mom and I wrapped up some last minute projects. We honestly didn't have a ton to do because of my parents incredible efforts to organize, reorganize and inventory every single piece of decor we had DIY'd together and separately. We got plucked, pedicured, waxed (torture) and spray tanned - all of those girly things a bride and her mom must do to get ready for the big day. It almost felt like we were getting ready for homecoming or a dance competition like we used to in high school. We shopped for finishing touches for our rehearsal dinner outfits and just spent some much needed girly time together. It was so nice to spend some one on one mother daughter time. I had missed my best friend - the world feels right with her by my side. That's what moms do for us. Grateful.

Unfortunately, the wedding stress seemed inevitable for all of us. We had been working so so hard on this "event" for the last 11 months and we wanted all of our hard work to come to fruition. To be honest, I think the dreadful forecast was the biggest stressor. My dad was our rock and our glue during those days. We came close to high stress-near breakdowns but he was able to put things in perspective for his two emotional ladies, calm us down and help us tackle what was left to be done. He's so constant in his emotions and so amazingly rationale and logical. I'm thankful for that in him. So many of those characteristics I can find in B too...I guess people say you marry someone like your dad. :) I ran to let my stress out. Boy did I run. I'm not usually much of a stamina runner, but it was the perfect way for me to clear my head and focus on what was truly important - Jesus and the fact that He lead me to this week where I was going to get to marry Blake. That's all that really mattered. Exhale.

Mid week B & I got to have one last date night together as an engaged couple. Our friends Jordan and Chris did this and we thought it would be a great idea to do the same. It was so great to step away - not talk about wedding details and have some quiet time together. Over a glass of wine and some fish on the lake we sat across the table, grinning from ear to ear about what was about to happen in a matter of days. Giddy.

My Uncle Don had called us and asked if we wanted to come up a day early to Austin. He thought it would be a good idea for us to have a little extra time to get all the things we had planned to do done before our guest started to arrive at the hotel. Mindy & Nathan were kind enough to open their home for us once more. We toyed with the idea and then decided to take him up on his advice. Wednesday night we packed up the car with all of the bins, boxes, bags and wagons full of decor and gifts and made the trek to the ATX. It's starting.

The drive was incredibly beautiful. I was in Austin 5 weeks prior for my bachelorette weekend and everything still looked dead and suppressed by winter. This was so different, what a contrast. My mom best described it as if, "God had taken a paint brush and placed splashes of vibrant color on a sea of green." The wildflowers were eye popping beautiful. Even if we did have a gray & rainy wedding day - we were going to have a colorful one as we were getting married at the Wildflower Center. We worshiped Him and His creation during our 3 hour drive. I know he knew we needed to see His beauty. He's so good to us. Awestruck.

We were greeted by excited cousins, aunts, uncles and God children. It gave me so much peace to be with my family as soon as we arrived. I jumped on the trampoline with my second-cousins and held my God-daughter. Not the most "bridal" thing to do - but having to redo my nail polish for wedding day was well worth the giggles and laughter and time with those sweet kiddos. We got calls from more family that had gotten into town. Excitement was building. It still didn't feel like they were all here for me and B. I felt like someone else was getting married or graduating and everyone happened to be in town for the event. Could this really be for us? Surreal.

Avery let me sleep in her bedroom so I could get a good night's sleep. Everyone knows that it is the princess room according to miss Avery. I guess being the bride gives you special treatment. Again, it just didn't feel like all this excitement, planning, travel, and fuss was supposed to be over me. Humbled.

I was up the next morning early - restless with so much running through my mind. I broke open my computer, cleared out a few work emails, checked the forecast (still not looking too promising) once again and then starting writing B the card that I had planned to give him on our wedding day before I walked down the aisle. Tears were flowing. I just couldn't wait any longer to be his wife and they day was almost here! I was so so so ready to have all of the wedding to do lists and tasks behind me and just be his wife. That's what I really wanted from day one of our engagement. It's amazing how much we had to get through and get done in order to get to this day. It does seem silly in hindsight. I calmed my stomach with some out of this world breakfast tacos (Austin's specialty) and then my mom and I jumped in the car to go drop off my dress to be pressed and then check into the hotel. On the way out the door the kids joyfully and proudly handed me some pictures they drew for me. Carter had drawn B & I at the alter on our wedding day and Caroline & Avery gave me some beautiful shapes and scribbles on pink and purple paper. Too sweet. I'm ready get this show on the road. Here we go.

We got to our room and checked out the suite and waited for the dads to arrive with the bar supplies and snacks for our guests. Mac arrived in ATX after her drive from Houston this morning. I was greeted with a huge hug and a well stocked survival kit - what a fabulous maid of honor. It was so good to finally get to see her. We grabbed a tea and a latte and she and I walked to a nearby nail salon to fix up the mess I made the night before and get some sister time before the chaos started. The lovely ladies of my bridal party were on their way from their various cities. The texts were flying in. I was so excited to get to see them all and have so many people that I care about in one space. I was truly trying to savor every moment. It still didn't feel real - entirely. The butterflies were starting but my head and my stomach hadn't yet connected and to let me in on the fact that this was actually happening. The last of my quiet moments were wrapping up... deep breaths.

To be continued.

Wedding Pics Up on Kathryn's Blog!

We were incredible blessed to have Kathryn Krueger document our wedding day. Not only is she insanely talented, she's overflowing with kindess, amazing energy and a spirit that kept us going through the craziness of our day. Take a look at a few highlights of her incredible work.

ENJOY!!!

http://www.kathrynkrueger.com/blog/index.php?link=148&cat=1

Rehersal Dinner on Mercury Hall's Blog!

Our rehersal dinner made the Mercury Hall Blog! How fun! Thanks again to Ruth and Shannon (as well as the whole Parrish/Ross clan) for pulling together such a fun and special night!

http://mercuryhall.wordpress.com/2010/04/19/open-house-times-for-the-week-of-april-19th-discounts/

Back from Outer Space

....or at least I feel like I am.

I think wedding world seriously put me in another world. I'm trying to come back from the planet of wedding and get a reality check. It was a wonderful, incredibly special and very surreal time. The day was more special, overwhelming, beautiful and sacred than I could have imagined. The honeymoon was the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation and genuine time to connect and catch up. I need to take the time and write down all of the thoughts that I can think of and remember so the feelings and emotions of the day, week and month won't escape me. Don't worry, I'll share the details with you too. Just give me some time to get back in the groove and get my head out of the clouds. :)

I've changed up the blog's look a bit (thoughts/suggestions?), added the few wedding photos that I've gotten my hands on so far, and have a few things in the works for future posts. I'm feeling good about being back in the game again! I'm re-energized about blogging - maybe from being inspired by other blogs that i'm hooked on. I'm excited to share a little bit about our newly wed life, my domestic ideas and projects, a little creativity in the kitchen and maybe I'll even get around to putting some pics up (don't get your hopes set too high)!

For now I'm taking a quick break from working from home to say hello. I love Thursdays. By far my most productive day of the week: free from office chit chat (though I adore my work friends), interruptions, hallway traffic, and must-show-up-but-you-don't-really-need-to-be-there meetings. Plus, I get to have my husband working side by side with me. It's really a joy. No one really believes us that we actually get a full day's work in sitting side by side. I think you would laugh at us if you watched us sit there in our office, not talking, typing away. Kind of makes me laugh just thinking about it. At least he's good eye candy when my computer screen is making my eyes go nutso.

Since Blake's day wraps up a bit before mine, he's setting up our new printer in the office. Compliments of Rob & Linda. A belated Christmas present that arrived in a mondo crate today. It was insanity. So many presents in one room. A collection of gifts and treasures that we have been generously given through showers, our wedding and even last year's Christmas, all waiting to arrive in one tremendously huge (600lbs +) shipment. Our sweet dads built the crate (complete with some hilarious graffiti on the side) and our moms packed everything up to ensure that nothing would break on the transport to Texas. Have I mentioned how amazing they are? They teach me more about generosity and service than anyone I know. We are blessed.

I can't believe that we've found a space for almost everything. Another reason why I heart our kitchen in our super-fab rental. (More to come on our casa soon!) I might be most excited about two gadgets in particular: 1. the mandoline slicer (that I happened to hug and jump up and down when I registered for) 2. my shiny, cherry red Kitchen-Aid Professional Series Mixer (I called it the Motherload when it came out of the box). I already have recipes brewing in my head to utilizes these little beauties! Blake is excited about his tools and his bike repair stand (not new, just sent from his house). Oh the little things in domestic life that make you so happy!

OK, that was a lot of randoms. At least I'm writing. Back to work for me. Must finnish up so I can have a sushi date with the Hubby tonight. Yum.

A gift

Well I didn't make the countdown all the way to zero. But I never promised perfection. I had an abundant amount of blessings touching my life during the last 25 days before my wedding. Some of the moments were emotional, some stressful, some anxious, some exciting - but what an incredible, blessing experience.

More to come on all of my thoughts, preperations, reactions, etc. on the wedding. For now I am LOVING married life. It's hard to even describe what I love most about it. But I will tell you it's a gift. A sweet and special gift from the Father. I'm starting to understand just a glimpse of why He created it. It's sacred, it's intimate. I am overwhelmed by love and joy to be on this journey with my best friend....