Mrs. Espresso, Corona/Big BearAge and Occupation: 23, Community Services SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Maintenance TechnicianEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Outside a rustic b&b in Big Bear LakeAbout Me: I'm a lover of all things good: coffee, music, travel, rain, and of course- my handsome fiance! I'm a full believer in the "Life is Short," mantra - and therefore, eat lots of dark chocolate. I'm a Geographer by degree and nerd by choice. I cook to the sound of French and Portuguese music even though I speak neither. I love road trips, camping, hiking, and capturing life through the lens of my camera. Take me to Anthropologie and I may never leave. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, bargain finds, and old movies. Mr. Espresso and I are high school sweethearts and I am so blessed to be this amazing man's future wife.
This is the final post of our Canadian Honeymoon Road Trip through Vancouver Island. After we left Tofino, we headed about a half hour down the road to the small town of Ucluelet. I followed Trip Advisor’s recommendations and booked us 2 nights at the Terrace Beach Resort.
Jason Priestly (from the original 90210) and his family own this place; and it’s so wonderfully down to earth and beautiful all at the same time.
Mrs. Espresso, Corona/Big BearAge and Occupation: 23, Community Services SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Maintenance TechnicianEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Outside a rustic b&b in Big Bear LakeAbout Me: I'm a lover of all things good: coffee, music, travel, rain, and of course- my handsome fiance! I'm a full believer in the "Life is Short," mantra - and therefore, eat lots of dark chocolate. I'm a Geographer by degree and nerd by choice. I cook to the sound of French and Portuguese music even though I speak neither. I love road trips, camping, hiking, and capturing life through the lens of my camera. Take me to Anthropologie and I may never leave. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, bargain finds, and old movies. Mr. Espresso and I are high school sweethearts and I am so blessed to be this amazing man's future wife.
On our second day in Tofino, Mr. Espresso and I explored around the island. It was our first day with no rain and the air just smelled so clean. So we jumped in our white Pontiac rental and started driving down random roads to see where they would lead us. Here is one such road.
Press play for the road trip background music: Read more…
Mrs. Espresso, Corona/Big BearAge and Occupation: 23, Community Services SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Maintenance TechnicianEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Outside a rustic b&b in Big Bear LakeAbout Me: I'm a lover of all things good: coffee, music, travel, rain, and of course- my handsome fiance! I'm a full believer in the "Life is Short," mantra - and therefore, eat lots of dark chocolate. I'm a Geographer by degree and nerd by choice. I cook to the sound of French and Portuguese music even though I speak neither. I love road trips, camping, hiking, and capturing life through the lens of my camera. Take me to Anthropologie and I may never leave. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, bargain finds, and old movies. Mr. Espresso and I are high school sweethearts and I am so blessed to be this amazing man's future wife.
Hello hive! I’m back again because, as Mrs. French Bulldog so sweetly reminded me, I didn’t do my honeymoon recaps! So for all of you considering Canada, a road trip, the mountains, or the beach as a honeymoon destination, I’m here to help.
Mr. Espresso and I did a road trip honeymoon through Vancouver Island in Canada. It was the perfect destination for a surfer like him and a mountain girl like me. We hit up Brentwood Bay, Tofino, Ucluelet, and Victoria. But before I get started, press play below for some background music—because what’s a road trip without music, right?
Mrs. Espresso, Corona/Big BearAge and Occupation: 23, Community Services SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Maintenance TechnicianEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Outside a rustic b&b in Big Bear LakeAbout Me: I'm a lover of all things good: coffee, music, travel, rain, and of course- my handsome fiance! I'm a full believer in the "Life is Short," mantra - and therefore, eat lots of dark chocolate. I'm a Geographer by degree and nerd by choice. I cook to the sound of French and Portuguese music even though I speak neither. I love road trips, camping, hiking, and capturing life through the lens of my camera. Take me to Anthropologie and I may never leave. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, bargain finds, and old movies. Mr. Espresso and I are high school sweethearts and I am so blessed to be this amazing man's future wife.
Mrs. Espresso, Corona/Big BearAge and Occupation: 23, Community Services SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Maintenance TechnicianEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Outside a rustic b&b in Big Bear LakeAbout Me: I'm a lover of all things good: coffee, music, travel, rain, and of course- my handsome fiance! I'm a full believer in the "Life is Short," mantra - and therefore, eat lots of dark chocolate. I'm a Geographer by degree and nerd by choice. I cook to the sound of French and Portuguese music even though I speak neither. I love road trips, camping, hiking, and capturing life through the lens of my camera. Take me to Anthropologie and I may never leave. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, bargain finds, and old movies. Mr. Espresso and I are high school sweethearts and I am so blessed to be this amazing man's future wife.
Once upon a time in July, we were debating between having long or round tables at our wedding. I loved long tables, but I had a lot of people telling me they wouldn’t look right, they require too many centerpieces, people’s knees would touch, and on and on the reasons went. So I wrote a post about it and asked your opinion. I’m so glad you all encouraged me to follow my heart and go with what I wanted.
Here is what our reception area looked like with the long tables:
Mrs. Espresso, Corona/Big BearAge and Occupation: 23, Community Services SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Maintenance TechnicianEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Outside a rustic b&b in Big Bear LakeAbout Me: I'm a lover of all things good: coffee, music, travel, rain, and of course- my handsome fiance! I'm a full believer in the "Life is Short," mantra - and therefore, eat lots of dark chocolate. I'm a Geographer by degree and nerd by choice. I cook to the sound of French and Portuguese music even though I speak neither. I love road trips, camping, hiking, and capturing life through the lens of my camera. Take me to Anthropologie and I may never leave. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, bargain finds, and old movies. Mr. Espresso and I are high school sweethearts and I am so blessed to be this amazing man's future wife.
Who walks you down the aisle when you come from a divorced family? For 13 years, I switched houses from my mom’s to my dad’s for every week. So I spent about an equal amount of time with both my dad and step dad. They both played, and play, such large roles in my life- so who would walk me down the aisle?
I thought this over for about a week. Would I walk down the aisle with one and have my first dance with the other? Would they both walk me down? How could I make sure that they both felt included and important?
Here’s how I got down the aisle to Mr. Espresso. Read more…
Mrs. Espresso, Corona/Big BearAge and Occupation: 23, Community Services SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Maintenance TechnicianEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Outside a rustic b&b in Big Bear LakeAbout Me: I'm a lover of all things good: coffee, music, travel, rain, and of course- my handsome fiance! I'm a full believer in the "Life is Short," mantra - and therefore, eat lots of dark chocolate. I'm a Geographer by degree and nerd by choice. I cook to the sound of French and Portuguese music even though I speak neither. I love road trips, camping, hiking, and capturing life through the lens of my camera. Take me to Anthropologie and I may never leave. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, bargain finds, and old movies. Mr. Espresso and I are high school sweethearts and I am so blessed to be this amazing man's future wife.
Mr. Espresso and I LOVE music. We spend much of our “fun money” on concerts and in many ways, the music we listen to helps define us. Different songs and albums remind us of different moments and travels of our life. I was constantly playing the old Jimmy Eat World album when we started “going out” in high school. “With or Without You” was playing on the radio the day Mr. E pulled to the side of the road in the rain- just to kiss me. Pete Yorn, Smashing Pumpkins, and Sigur Ros remind me of boarding in Tahoe. The new Verve album reminds me of driving up Vancouver Island on our honeymoon. And the music we chose for October 4th, will always remind me of different moments throughout our wedding.
It was incredibly difficult for to choose between live and recorded music for our wedding. So when Brian Stodart said he could do both, and for a reasonable price, we felt like we hit the wedding music lottery. Throughout the entire reception we had folks complimenting us on Brian’s music. A few people even thought he was still dj’ing (during his live sessions) until they looked over and saw him singing and playing- he was that good.
Mrs. Espresso, Corona/Big BearAge and Occupation: 23, Community Services SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Maintenance TechnicianEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Outside a rustic b&b in Big Bear LakeAbout Me: I'm a lover of all things good: coffee, music, travel, rain, and of course- my handsome fiance! I'm a full believer in the "Life is Short," mantra - and therefore, eat lots of dark chocolate. I'm a Geographer by degree and nerd by choice. I cook to the sound of French and Portuguese music even though I speak neither. I love road trips, camping, hiking, and capturing life through the lens of my camera. Take me to Anthropologie and I may never leave. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, bargain finds, and old movies. Mr. Espresso and I are high school sweethearts and I am so blessed to be this amazing man's future wife.
I’m so thrilled that Sandra captured Mr. E’s expression when he saw me for the first time. These photos are definitely on my list of favorites. And not just because they’re of my sexy husband (Yay! Husband!), but because they make me feel all silly and girly. I want to show strangers on the street and say, “SEE! This is the man I married! I love him! And look how he’s looking at me!”
I never would have forgotten this moment, but I’m so happy I have these photos to look back on… everyday.
Mrs. Espresso, Corona/Big BearAge and Occupation: 23, Community Services SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Maintenance TechnicianEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Outside a rustic b&b in Big Bear LakeAbout Me: I'm a lover of all things good: coffee, music, travel, rain, and of course- my handsome fiance! I'm a full believer in the "Life is Short," mantra - and therefore, eat lots of dark chocolate. I'm a Geographer by degree and nerd by choice. I cook to the sound of French and Portuguese music even though I speak neither. I love road trips, camping, hiking, and capturing life through the lens of my camera. Take me to Anthropologie and I may never leave. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, bargain finds, and old movies. Mr. Espresso and I are high school sweethearts and I am so blessed to be this amazing man's future wife.
I was so happy with how all the details came together at our wedding. The escort cards, the centerpieces, the eclectic mix of wine barrels, apples, and jars. We had a number of guests come up to us and say they’ve never been to a wedding like ours, that it was perfectly “us”… and that they loved it. (Insert jumping with glee espresso bean). All of those sleepless nights of planning payed off. I’ll give you the lowdown on everything later- but have a sneak peek of how it all turned out.
Mrs. Espresso, Corona/Big BearAge and Occupation: 23, Community Services SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Maintenance TechnicianEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Outside a rustic b&b in Big Bear LakeAbout Me: I'm a lover of all things good: coffee, music, travel, rain, and of course- my handsome fiance! I'm a full believer in the "Life is Short," mantra - and therefore, eat lots of dark chocolate. I'm a Geographer by degree and nerd by choice. I cook to the sound of French and Portuguese music even though I speak neither. I love road trips, camping, hiking, and capturing life through the lens of my camera. Take me to Anthropologie and I may never leave. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, bargain finds, and old movies. Mr. Espresso and I are high school sweethearts and I am so blessed to be this amazing man's future wife.
Okay- well my secret edition is more of a “Get to Know Me A Little Better” for the Hive. I know you’re familiar with my “Wedding” side… now welcome to my secret side!! Muahahahahaha! (As you can see- this post will showcase how much of a nerd I am.)
Espresso Secret #1: I have an obsession with Cameron Crowe movies. He’s my favorite director and he knows how to put the best and most perfect music into his movies. Elizabethtown, Say Anything, Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky, etc… I especially love the two soundtracks from Elizabethtown- My Morning Jacket, Ryan Adams, Pinback, Tom Petty, ah! All the soundtracks are great! I HEART Cameron Crowe movies!
Mrs. Espresso, Corona/Big BearAge and Occupation: 23, Community Services SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Maintenance TechnicianEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Outside a rustic b&b in Big Bear LakeAbout Me: I'm a lover of all things good: coffee, music, travel, rain, and of course- my handsome fiance! I'm a full believer in the "Life is Short," mantra - and therefore, eat lots of dark chocolate. I'm a Geographer by degree and nerd by choice. I cook to the sound of French and Portuguese music even though I speak neither. I love road trips, camping, hiking, and capturing life through the lens of my camera. Take me to Anthropologie and I may never leave. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, bargain finds, and old movies. Mr. Espresso and I are high school sweethearts and I am so blessed to be this amazing man's future wife.
Here it is: Our first wedding day tease. Our rockstar photographer Sandra totally captured everything we were feeling in this moment, and in this place. Get ready for more next week!
Mrs. Espresso, Corona/Big BearAge and Occupation: 23, Community Services SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Maintenance TechnicianEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Outside a rustic b&b in Big Bear LakeAbout Me: I'm a lover of all things good: coffee, music, travel, rain, and of course- my handsome fiance! I'm a full believer in the "Life is Short," mantra - and therefore, eat lots of dark chocolate. I'm a Geographer by degree and nerd by choice. I cook to the sound of French and Portuguese music even though I speak neither. I love road trips, camping, hiking, and capturing life through the lens of my camera. Take me to Anthropologie and I may never leave. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, bargain finds, and old movies. Mr. Espresso and I are high school sweethearts and I am so blessed to be this amazing man's future wife.
As I wrote about in my flower girl dress post, we really wanted our flower girl to feel like she was playing dress up. I know weddings can get boring for kids so the more fun we could make it for her, the better.
To enhance the “dress up” theme: I went out on a hunt for some “Wedding Day” presents for her.
I was so excited when I found this tiara, wand, and white boa. I found them all at Claire’s… which is actually a great place to get affordable and fun stuff for young girls.
Mrs. Espresso, Corona/Big BearAge and Occupation: 23, Community Services SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Maintenance TechnicianEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Outside a rustic b&b in Big Bear LakeAbout Me: I'm a lover of all things good: coffee, music, travel, rain, and of course- my handsome fiance! I'm a full believer in the "Life is Short," mantra - and therefore, eat lots of dark chocolate. I'm a Geographer by degree and nerd by choice. I cook to the sound of French and Portuguese music even though I speak neither. I love road trips, camping, hiking, and capturing life through the lens of my camera. Take me to Anthropologie and I may never leave. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, bargain finds, and old movies. Mr. Espresso and I are high school sweethearts and I am so blessed to be this amazing man's future wife.
The Thursday before our wedding, my mom and aunt made the trek to the LA Flower District to buy all the flowers for the wedding. I would have loved to have gone with them, but with a new job and little vacation time, the excursion just wasn’t an option. Because I didn’t have a preference as to the types of flowers we’d use for the wedding, I simply told them I wanted a variety of green and white flowers. I wanted the centerpieces to look as though we’d just picked them out of a field. For brides who are more specific with the types of flowers they want, I would suggest making the trip. But my mom and aunt did a fantastic job and I couldn’t have asked for a better selection.
Mrs. Espresso, Corona/Big BearAge and Occupation: 23, Community Services SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Maintenance TechnicianEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Outside a rustic b&b in Big Bear LakeAbout Me: I'm a lover of all things good: coffee, music, travel, rain, and of course- my handsome fiance! I'm a full believer in the "Life is Short," mantra - and therefore, eat lots of dark chocolate. I'm a Geographer by degree and nerd by choice. I cook to the sound of French and Portuguese music even though I speak neither. I love road trips, camping, hiking, and capturing life through the lens of my camera. Take me to Anthropologie and I may never leave. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, bargain finds, and old movies. Mr. Espresso and I are high school sweethearts and I am so blessed to be this amazing man's future wife.
I’m finally “officially” back, and I’ve missed you all so much. I was hoping to start recapping sooner- but Mr. E and I just moved into a bungalow from 1916 and the wiring was a bit more complex than we anticipated. But enough with that- let’s get to the good stuff!
Marrying Mr. Espresso under the tall pines is still something I think back on everyday. I remember looking at him at our reception thinking: I can’t believe he’s my husband. I can’t believe this is our wedding happening all around us… I’m so happy. Read more…
Mrs. Espresso, Corona/Big BearAge and Occupation: 23, Community Services SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Maintenance TechnicianEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Outside a rustic b&b in Big Bear LakeAbout Me: I'm a lover of all things good: coffee, music, travel, rain, and of course- my handsome fiance! I'm a full believer in the "Life is Short," mantra - and therefore, eat lots of dark chocolate. I'm a Geographer by degree and nerd by choice. I cook to the sound of French and Portuguese music even though I speak neither. I love road trips, camping, hiking, and capturing life through the lens of my camera. Take me to Anthropologie and I may never leave. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, bargain finds, and old movies. Mr. Espresso and I are high school sweethearts and I am so blessed to be this amazing man's future wife.
Mr. Espresso and I are back from our honeymoon! The wedding was perfect… even with showers and 30 degree weather. I had more fun than I’ve ever had in my entire life! And then the honeymoon… even better. Once we get internet in our new house (hopefully by early next week), I’ll be blogging away about everything.
Until then, here’s a shot of us on our Honeymoon in Tofino.
Press play for the road trip background music:
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
