Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
Three hundred sixty-five days ago I said “I do.” I said “I do” to a lifetime of love and commitment, to sharing my life with another human being, and to embarking on the great adventure that is marriage.
Three hundred sixty-five days ago, I was wearing a big puffy white dress and too much makeup. You were standing in too tight shoes and smelling like Ivory soap. You held my hand at the altar and the world faded away. In that moment I knew I was at exactly the right place at the right time. Every decision I have ever made, some way or another, led me to you, to that moment, and to today. Here I stand, 365 days more in love, one year of marriage under my belt, standing in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, holding your hand, and looking forward to the future.
Mrs. Dalmatian, Nashville, TNAge and Occupation: 23, Pediatric NurseFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Computer Engineer and Entrepreneur Engagement Date: April 13, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: Historic CedarwoodAbout Me: I am a Northern girl from Chicago who is planning a wedding filled with Southern charm in Nashville, Tennessee. I love dogs, the White Sox, Full House reruns, and anything with ruffles on it. Mr. Dalmatian is my computer-genius problem-solving fiance who is constantly teaching me new things and making me a better person. We live with our adopted pup Echo, who is very excited that his parents are getting married!
This past Sunday night I finally gave in to Mr. Dalmatian’s pleas to bust into the top tier of cake in our freezer because…it was our one year anniversary! The past twelve months have absolutely flown by (I know that is what everyone says, but I can’t help it—it’s true!).
As the calendar pages have flipped, we have moved houses twice (we moved to one Chicago suburb right after our honeymoon and just moved to another suburb a few weeks ago). We have started new jobs and new business ventures. We have traveled to Mexico, Hawaii, and Wisconsin. And we have loved facing each of these adventures as husband and wife!
Mrs. Cannon, Toledo, OHAge and Occupation: 27, Financial AnalystFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, AssemblerEngagement Date: February 28, 2011Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Epworth UMC & Ward PavilionAbout Me: I'm the curious combination of being a go-with-the-flow, laid back, obsessive planner. I try desperately to stay as busy as possible at all times (and am succeeding big time right now!) My biggest loves in life are Law & Order: SVU, Community (the show, not the concept, although I like that, too), ice cream, white cheddar popcorn, beer, hiking, knitting, decorating, writing, being outside, spending time with friends and family and musical theater. Mr. Cannon is pretty sweet, too. We've had a lot of fun traveling and having adventures all over the country, but have finally moved back near our hometown to settle down. We're planning a low-key, colorful, fun wedding and an awesome-to-the-max reception.
This is a brief aside from my never-ending recaps. (They will end. Soon. I promise.)
Today (April Fool’s Day) is actually the dating anniversary of the Cannons. Today marks seven years of us, and I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on our marriage a bit.
I remember reading somewhere when I was younger that the best sign of a good relationship is that your partner makes you a better person. I’ve always remembered that, but never really applied it to my own relationship until recently.
I would say that our relationship hasn’t changed much since we got married, and in many ways that would be true. But in one big way, it has. I finally learned a lesson that Mr. Cannon has known all along. It is the best thing about our relationship, and what makes me know how lucky I am to have him in my life. It is also incredibly simple, and I can pretty much guarantee that you have heard it before. It is, after all, the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Or, more simply, treat other the way you want to be treated. Or, more religiously, love your neighbor as yourself. It’s pretty prevalent in society.
I always thought I understood this basic rule, but I didn’t. I have always treated other people in a fair manner, and am even nice for the most part. I try not to be judgmental. I generally give other people the benefit of a doubt. I try to see the best in everyone. And I would like others to do that for me. But let’s be hones—I don’t just want to be treated fairly, or nicely. I want to be treated better, in a way I probably don’t deserve. I want to be given breaks. I want my life to be easy. Don’t we all?
Mrs. Porcupine, NYC/Lancaster, PAAge and Occupation: 26, Sales Coordinator/PublishingFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Assistant Manager/SalesEngagement Date: August 8, 2010Wedding Date: March 2012Venue: Riverdale ManorAbout Me: I'm a born and bred New Yorker with a love/hate relationship for the city I have always called home. Although I may seem quiet from afar, I have a loud personality once you get to know me. I am a book nerd at heart, but love a night out in the city with good friends. I have a serious addiction to all things cheese, chocolate, cardigans, Mexican food, and reality TV. The future hubs and I met in college, settled in New York, and decided to go with a rustic/peacock infused wedding in Lancaster, PA, right near his hometown. Come the big day, we will be together 5 years, and we're looking forward to making it official!
One year is a long time. It’s also an incredibly short blip in life. It goes by fast.
I never understood the phrase, “the days are long, but the years are short,” when I was younger. As I’ve gotten older it’s made a ton of sense. I look back over the past year and have no idea where it went. In the same breath, I’m absolutely positive that there were many days that would just ever end. Ugh, is it really only Tuesday?
Mrs. Doily, Cedar Rapids, IowaAge and Occupation: 25, Autism Paraeducator/ StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, IT Hosting SupportEngagement Date: August 27th, 2010Wedding Date: March 2012Venue: Father’s Vineyard Church/ A Touch of Class Banquet CenterAbout Me: I’m an Iowan girl with a deep love of Harry Potter, classic movies, cardigans, and Post-Its. My type-A Virgo tendencies often cause me to drive my laid-back college sweetheart fiance batty with lists and PowerPoint presentations. I love to be crafty and do things myself, which explains why my two crazy kittens often will prance around the house covered in glitter and ribbons. When I am not bogged down with work, school, or wedding planning, I like to travel to visit my expansive family and have wild adventures with my best friends. After a rollercoaster ride of a love story, I’m ready to take that final plunge, marry the love of my life, and become a Mrs.!
Hello, hive! I just thought I would pop in and say hello! Today is Mr. D’s and my first anniversary. It’s really weird for us because we haven’t celebrated a first anniversary in almost eight years! It’s still so completely crazy to us that we were walking down the aisle and sharing our vows to each other one year ago today. At times it has felt like time has been really slow and it was just yesterday that we got married, and others it feels like it’s been forever since this happened:
Mr. D and I have been working some weird hours the last few days, so we are making a point of spending the day together doing some fun things (like catch up on our Supernatural marathon), and will be going out to dinner. Since the first anniversary gift is typically paper, I ordered this for Mr. D from ThriftyMrs on Etsy:
Mrs. Mole, Los Angeles/Las VegasAge and Occupation: 29, Test Prep InstructorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, User Experience ArchitectEngagement Date: April 2011Wedding Date: January 2012Venue: Wynn Las Vegas/Bouchon BistroAbout Me: I’m a Wisconsinite-turned-Angeleno who is planning a destination wedding in Las Vegas. I am passionate about education: I spent 23 (!) consecutive years in school, and now I work to help other people get into graduate programs. I love running on the treadmill, buying bath products from Lush, learning new moves in step aerobics, and exploring my neighborhood on foot. I am sometimes snobby about food, but I am rarely snobby about books. I read everything from Geoffrey Chaucer to Iris Murdoch to Chuck Klosterman to Candace Bushnell. My fiance and I are getting married on our third anniversary!
Hey, hive! Monday marked our one year anniversary, and we celebrated the same way as we did on our wedding day: at Bouchon Bistro. After dinner, we made it a point to take photos in front of the sign, like we do each time. Here’s one version of this year’s shot:
Surprise! At the same time that we are transitioning out of being newlyweds, we are beginning the process of becoming parents. Our son is due in a little over four weeks. We couldn’t be more excited to meet him. (Seriously. Let’s get this baby out.)
Overall, this has been a year of growth for us—as individuals, as a couple, as a family. We adopted Tina, our second greyhound; we traveled both domestically (NYC, Chicago, Milwaukee, Vegas) and internationally (Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, Sydney and Melbourne); we bought two new-to-us used cars; we earned job promotions and raises; and we made new friends and spent more time with family. We celebrated the ups, as well as worked through the downs, together. We worked together as a team.
Our wedding day marked a new starting point in our lives, just like our first date did or our son’s birth will soon do. Our wedding day was a meaningful day—but so, to some extent, is every day that we are lucky enough to have together. After all, it’s what you do every day that makes a marriage, that makes it thrive. Remember to hold hands, to go on dates, to talk, to give time and space, to say thanks, to respect one another.
Mrs. Hawk, Richmond, VAAge and Occupation: 26, FinanceFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, District SupervisorEngagement Date: March 13, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: The Chapel of the Sir Christopher Wren Building, 2007 Legacy HallAbout Me: I’m an Arizona-born girl who has spent the majority of my life living below the Mason-Dixon line. The South has definitely earned a special place in my heart (alongside my Virginia born and bred fiance, of course!). We are planning a traditional Christian ceremony at my alma mater in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, followed by a rocking reception filled with Southern cooking and vintage/shabby chic details. When we’re not wedding planning, we enjoy spending time with our three dogs, going for runs together, watching plenty of football (or baseball depending on the season), and sampling new wine.
Mrs. Treasure, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 24, Law StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Equity AnalystEngagement Date: July 30, 2011Wedding Date: September 2012Venue: Saint James Chapel at Quigley Prep/Murphy AuditoriumAbout Me: I was born and raised in Indiana, but now live in sweet home Chicago. I'm a third-year law student and aspiring trial lawyer, which means Mr. T never wins an argument. Other than Mr. T, I love singing, exploring the Chicago restaurant scene, and Notre Dame football. We met in a musical (just like my parents!) and after 4 years together, we are excited to be planning our urban "destination" wedding.
Today is our one-month anniversary. In some ways, I can’t believe it’s already been a month. In others, I can’t believe it’s only been a month.
One thing I know for sure is that I don’t feel different.
I can honestly say that our relationship isn’t any different now that we’re married. We’re the same people we were before September 29th, just with bands of metal on our left ring fingers and a marriage certificate in our fireproof safe. It’s changed my health insurance and even my name (well, not legally quite yet), but not who I am.
I wish I felt different. Marriage is supposed to be a transformative experience, something that changes everything about you. That just hasn’t been my experience. From day one of our relationship, Mr. T and I have been very committed to one another. I have never once felt that we would break up and neither of us has ever threatened to walk away. Maybe this level of security in our relationship is why marriage hasn’t changed anything. Maybe our marriage is too new for things to feel different just yet. Maybe things never will feel different. As long as we’re as happy as we are today, I’m OK with that.
How long did it take before you felt married?
Mrs. Star, New York CityAge and Occupation: 22, ActressFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Casting AssistantWedding Date: October 2009Venue: Ceremony: The Kraine Theatre, Reception: Midtown Loft & TerraceAbout Me: I’m a professional actress who’s always had New York City in her blood and I'm finally getting the chance to make a home in Manhattan with my fiancé, my dog, and my big dreams! I love polka dots, craft projects, Dunkin’ Donuts’ iced coffee, and anything sparkly. I’m having a blast planning our elegant/dramatic/New York City/acting-themed/largely-DIY wedding and am thrilled to be the youngest current Miss Blogger!
Mrs. Teaspoon, Sydney, AustraliaAge and Occupation: 27, Medical ScientistFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, BankerEngagement Date: June 4, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: St Aloysius' College, Milson's PointAbout Me: I am a mad scientist who enjoys swimming at the beach in summer and skiing powder in winter. Our favourite times together are spent with the sand between our toes, cooking up a storm, re-watching and re-reading every Harry Potter ever made, and spending time with our dear friends and family! We have travelled the world together in our 6 years of dating, from Paris, to Thailand, to Las Vegas, and we are tackling the many challenges of planning our special day the best way we know how---together!
…when you are having fun right? Boy oh boy what a fun year this has been! This time last year, I was already missing Mr. Teaspoon as it had been more than 12 hours since we had last spoken, and that never happens. My mum and bridesmaids wouldn’t even let me text him.
Mind you, that doesn’t really matter now because I have had the most amazing year, our wedding day was blow our socks off awesome and more than we could both have ever dreamed of. Even this morning as we went for a morning walk, it is a similar day to one year ago. It is beautiful and sunny, but with a little crispness of the start of Spring in the air.
From tomorrow, we are no longer newlyweds and I couldn’t care less. Every day with my husband is a new adventure, each more incredible than the last. They say the first year is the hardest, if this is the hardest—I seriously cannot wait for the years to come!
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
Exactly 366 days ago (remember, 2012 was a leap year!), I put on a gorgeous white dress,
took my dad’s arm and walked down the aisle, Read more…
Mrs. Beanstalk, Boston/Delray BeachAge and Occupation: 27 Retail Manager & Freelance Graphic DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 30 & UI DeveloperEngagement Date: July 4, 2011Wedding Date: October 2012Venue: Sundy House in Delray Beach, FloridaAbout Me: I’m a Miami girl living up in New England. I went to art school. I’m addicted to coffee (especially of the Cuban variety). I’m engaged to the most amazing guy who always knows what to say or do to make me laugh! I love to bake cupcakes and cookies. I work in the fashion industry. I have a huge sweet tooth. Green is my favorite color (but pink is a close second). I am a huge music lover and usually have a different favorite song each week. Photography is one of my true passions. I love fairy tales and pumpkins. I like all things pretty and ruffly. I love to read (oh, and I love to write). My fiancé and I are planning an October destination wedding in Delray Beach, Florida that is going to be filled with tons of DIY details and, of course, pumpkins!
On July 4th, one year ago, I received the best birthday present a girl could ask for…a marriage proposal from my best friend and then boyfriend. That day, my life changed. I became engaged to the love of my life and we began this crazy and exciting journey of planning our dream wedding! It’s been an amazing adventure thus far, but the journey isn’t over yet…we still have four months until the wedding and there’s still so much to do! Thankfully, Mr. B is as laid back as they come and is able to keep me sane!
I know I’m a few days late (I actually wrote this the day of, but due to some technical issues on my part, this post was delayed)—Happy Engageversary Mr. Beanstalk! I love you with all my heart!
Mrs. Turkey, PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 29, Brand ManagementFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, ConsultantEngagement Date: February 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: The Rittenhouse HotelAbout Me: I'm a marketer who loves a good glass of wine, anything pumpkin-flavored, every crime drama on TV and, of course, Mr. Turkey. It's funny to say out loud, but we're former coworkers turned betrothed---now planning a wedding in the city of Brotherly Love. For three years, we've been eating our way through Philadelphia, playing tourist at home, and cheering for every sports team in the 215. Although we've hit some unplanned snags along the way, we're determined to have a rocking party this spring with our loud, fun families and friends.
Although June 12th wasn’t going to be nearly as much fun as May 12th, we decided to celebrate our month-iversary anyhow.
Unfortunately, a hectic day at work and bad traffic meant a home-cooked meal was out of the question. Read more…
Mrs. Turkey, PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 29, Brand ManagementFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, ConsultantEngagement Date: February 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: The Rittenhouse HotelAbout Me: I'm a marketer who loves a good glass of wine, anything pumpkin-flavored, every crime drama on TV and, of course, Mr. Turkey. It's funny to say out loud, but we're former coworkers turned betrothed---now planning a wedding in the city of Brotherly Love. For three years, we've been eating our way through Philadelphia, playing tourist at home, and cheering for every sports team in the 215. Although we've hit some unplanned snags along the way, we're determined to have a rocking party this spring with our loud, fun families and friends.
Somehow, in that moment, both everything changed and nothing changed (is that possible?). And in 80 or so days, things will change again when we become Mr and Mrs—can’t wait! Read more…
Mrs. Eagle, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Age and Occupation: 22, Medical Sciences Graduate Student / Science Instructor Fiancee's Age and Occupation: 23, NurseEngagement Date: April 2011Wedding Date: August 2012Venue: Historic Lougheed HouseAbout Me: I'm a science-geek graduate student who is studying craniofacial malformations and evolutionary developmental biology. I have a passion for DIY crafts, amazing red wine, and all-things-wedding. Together with my wonderful fiancée, we are planning a formal black tie wedding filled with DIY projects and vintage decor. When I'm not reading about science-y things or wedding blogs, I enjoy teaching science-y things to kids and trying to be Martha Stewart incarnate.
Last Friday, January 6th marked the anniversary of the day we first met and began a friendship. I know our first date wasn’t until the 28th of January and we chose to celebrate that day, but I would like to take a moment to remember the conversation that started it all.
The conversation was about an Angelina Jolie movie that we both enjoyed more than a person should. Girl Interrupted. Remember that one? Well our common love for that movie and Miss Jolie lead us to discovering what other interests we shared… other than that and Grey’s Anatomy, there wasn’t much. You were a beautiful, intelligent student, partying every night in the big city. I was the shy girl from a small town who had no idea what she wanted to do with her life. But that night after hours of getting to know you, I knew that you were the one for me and I would be stupid not to pursue you.
You’ve heard this one hundred times already, but that night when I went to bed, I dreamt of you and I ten years down the road. We had two children and were getting family portraits done. I don’t know about you, but I am so very excited to see that dream come to life. I know it won’t be for a while – grad school and then more school and all… – But we’ll get there eventually. Read more…
