haha. so... unfortunately i don't have time to write an entry this morning, but i wanted to share the website for our upcoming wedding so that you all can see what i've been up to these past few weeks....
LauraAndGeoffrey.ourwedding.com
only 42 more days.... EEK! gotta get going. places to go, people to see, things to do......
xoxo
Friday, July 29, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Engagement Photo Adventure
Just a side note, before I start things off: If you're hoping to find engagement photos in this post, we haven't seen them yet! Hopefully by Wednesday... I'll keep ya'll updated... but the story of our shoot was too blog-worthy so I just had to share....
After having our session cancelled and re-scheduled THREE TIMES due to inclement weather (love Utah afternoon summer thunderstorms, but not when I'm 8 weeks from my wedding!), we were finally able to meet up with our photographer on Thursday. She is a good friend of Geoff's, and she was therefore kind (and patient) enough to figure this out with us (check her page out here: samantha-jane-images.blogspot.com ). We decided on Big Cottonwood Canyon -- home to Brighton/Solitude Ski Resorts -- and it was absolutely gorgeous up there. With our late winter, snow has just melted in the mountains only a few weeks ago, and the trees and meadows could not be more green and lush. We found a few places to stop, and we were excited with the different shots we were finding (I'll leave the details out, so you can enjoy the photos when they are finished...) -- unfortunately, however, with the ice/snow melting higher up the canyon, small creeks had turned into rivers, creating marshlands due to the flooding. This unfortunate side effect caused for an even more unfortunate consequence -- MOSQUITOES. Geoff and Samantha (and her "assistant" Justin) were more-or-less being eaten alive while we tried to capture these photos at various locations... and I would venture to say there will be more than one photo with Geoff slapping/swatting at mosquitoes as they circled around our heads and lined up on our arms. It was a buffet for those bugs... except I was apparently not on their "tasty" list -- I got out of there without one bite! Geoff on the other hand... well... I think he had three on the back of his neck alone. Poor guy. It's not my fault that my blood isn't sweet enough!
We made our way up the canyon to Brighton, and then decided to continue on up Guardsman's Pass -- a "State Highway" that leads to Park City. It truly is a state highway, but I think they've forgotten about it.... it's a dirt/gravel mountain road that connects Big Cottonwood to Deer Valley. It was a bit of an adventure, but we were enjoying the scenery -- we found some amazing "secret" spots for our photos. After our lovely photographer was satisfied with the shots she had (1000+, which will hopefully render a few usable photos) we packed up to head home. From where we ended up, we could have continued on to Park City (about 10-15 minutes away) but Sammy's car was in the Big Cottonwood lot, so we turned around to make the 30 minute drive back to the mouth of the canyon. As we neared the bottom, we saw flashing lights from multiple police vehicles blocking our exit from the canyon. Geoff hopped out and spoke with an officer only to find out that there had been a head-on collision and that the road would be closed for at least another 2 hours. As it was already 8:45, we decided to turn around and make our way back to Guardsman's Pass (the 20-mile canyon drive we had just made) and leave through Park City. The four of us laughed about the situation, but we had no idea what was still in store for us....
As much grief as Geoff gets for driving my petite little Prius, he is quite the gentleman and insists. (I secretly think that he actually enjoys it!) But... Geoff is used to driving his 4x4 truck or his diesel Jetta, and the Prius is not quite as durable. We were all hungry and tired (after 2 hours of shooting) and so Geoff was driving a little faster than I would have recommended down this rocky dirt highway. We passed a few cars that were driving about 5 mph (no joke) and as we started up a small incline, we all hear the fateful sound: "flop-flop-flop". The boys laugh at me as I ask, "Could that be my tire?" because the rocks we had been hitting had only "rolled up into the wheel well or hit the skid plate." Well... soon enough, the boys were eating their words -- they hated to admit it, but I was right. My back left tire was completely flat. We pushed my cripple Prius up to a turn-out, and just in time to take a few final "silhouette" shots... or, as Sammy and I believed, to pose as those few cars we had sped past were able to pass us without seeing us change our tire. I will say, though, that the photos were an added bonus -- Sammy showed us a few and I loved how they turned out! But then it was back to business.... I was not familiar with the spare tire set or where the tools were in the trunk of my car, and of course I don't have an owner's manual. The boys combed through the back, but to no avail.... the lug wrench was MIA. We were lucky enough to be in a spot with cell reception, so Geoff called a friend to help us out. While the boys stood outside and watched as another 20 cars pass (not one stopped to help) I searched the internet for a PDF copy of the Prius Manual. Just as one Good Samaritan decided to stop and offer some assistance, I found a page pointing to the "hidden" location of the lug wrench. The two boys went after it, and had the tiny spare tire thrown on in no time. Those NASCAR pit guys would have been impressed... only 45 minutes to change that tire. HA. Our poor chariot was not happy with the road conditions as we limped our way into Park City... spare tires are barely meant for highway roads, and we were rolling it over gravel. BUT... we made it! Hahaha. We were all laughing about how our evening had turned out so "disastrous"... and it was only then that we saw the freeway -- road construction after-hours had closed 2 lanes of the 3-lane highway back into Salt Lake, and the traffic was less-than ideal... but what was another little bump in our already-rocky road home? We pressed on, and finally wound up back at the mouth of Big Cottonwood to drop Sammy and Justin off (and just as they had opened up the road for a steady stream of cars to escape the canyon). Arrival time = 11:00 pm. Total travel time = 2 hours. Needless to say, we were happy to be back :) I was exhausted and hungry, and just ready to crash into my bed... so you can imagine my frustration when, as I was cleaning off the miscellaneous clothes and papers from my bed, my laptop slid off and fell 3-feet from my bed directly onto my foot. !@#$%&!@#$%&! I mean... really?!?! My bruised metatarsal was the icing on the cake.... but without the benefit of being able to EAT the cake. The phrase "when it rains it pours...." would probably be the best way to describe my sentiments for the day's events.... but hey, it did make for a humorous story :) And with that, I will leave you... it's Saturday morning and Geoff and I are in Rexburg for his brother Austin's mission farewell... and we have about 650 envelopes to address today. Wish us luck!!!
After having our session cancelled and re-scheduled THREE TIMES due to inclement weather (love Utah afternoon summer thunderstorms, but not when I'm 8 weeks from my wedding!), we were finally able to meet up with our photographer on Thursday. She is a good friend of Geoff's, and she was therefore kind (and patient) enough to figure this out with us (check her page out here: samantha-jane-images.blogspot.com ). We decided on Big Cottonwood Canyon -- home to Brighton/Solitude Ski Resorts -- and it was absolutely gorgeous up there. With our late winter, snow has just melted in the mountains only a few weeks ago, and the trees and meadows could not be more green and lush. We found a few places to stop, and we were excited with the different shots we were finding (I'll leave the details out, so you can enjoy the photos when they are finished...) -- unfortunately, however, with the ice/snow melting higher up the canyon, small creeks had turned into rivers, creating marshlands due to the flooding. This unfortunate side effect caused for an even more unfortunate consequence -- MOSQUITOES. Geoff and Samantha (and her "assistant" Justin) were more-or-less being eaten alive while we tried to capture these photos at various locations... and I would venture to say there will be more than one photo with Geoff slapping/swatting at mosquitoes as they circled around our heads and lined up on our arms. It was a buffet for those bugs... except I was apparently not on their "tasty" list -- I got out of there without one bite! Geoff on the other hand... well... I think he had three on the back of his neck alone. Poor guy. It's not my fault that my blood isn't sweet enough!
We made our way up the canyon to Brighton, and then decided to continue on up Guardsman's Pass -- a "State Highway" that leads to Park City. It truly is a state highway, but I think they've forgotten about it.... it's a dirt/gravel mountain road that connects Big Cottonwood to Deer Valley. It was a bit of an adventure, but we were enjoying the scenery -- we found some amazing "secret" spots for our photos. After our lovely photographer was satisfied with the shots she had (1000+, which will hopefully render a few usable photos) we packed up to head home. From where we ended up, we could have continued on to Park City (about 10-15 minutes away) but Sammy's car was in the Big Cottonwood lot, so we turned around to make the 30 minute drive back to the mouth of the canyon. As we neared the bottom, we saw flashing lights from multiple police vehicles blocking our exit from the canyon. Geoff hopped out and spoke with an officer only to find out that there had been a head-on collision and that the road would be closed for at least another 2 hours. As it was already 8:45, we decided to turn around and make our way back to Guardsman's Pass (the 20-mile canyon drive we had just made) and leave through Park City. The four of us laughed about the situation, but we had no idea what was still in store for us....
As much grief as Geoff gets for driving my petite little Prius, he is quite the gentleman and insists. (I secretly think that he actually enjoys it!) But... Geoff is used to driving his 4x4 truck or his diesel Jetta, and the Prius is not quite as durable. We were all hungry and tired (after 2 hours of shooting) and so Geoff was driving a little faster than I would have recommended down this rocky dirt highway. We passed a few cars that were driving about 5 mph (no joke) and as we started up a small incline, we all hear the fateful sound: "flop-flop-flop". The boys laugh at me as I ask, "Could that be my tire?" because the rocks we had been hitting had only "rolled up into the wheel well or hit the skid plate." Well... soon enough, the boys were eating their words -- they hated to admit it, but I was right. My back left tire was completely flat. We pushed my cripple Prius up to a turn-out, and just in time to take a few final "silhouette" shots... or, as Sammy and I believed, to pose as those few cars we had sped past were able to pass us without seeing us change our tire. I will say, though, that the photos were an added bonus -- Sammy showed us a few and I loved how they turned out! But then it was back to business.... I was not familiar with the spare tire set or where the tools were in the trunk of my car, and of course I don't have an owner's manual. The boys combed through the back, but to no avail.... the lug wrench was MIA. We were lucky enough to be in a spot with cell reception, so Geoff called a friend to help us out. While the boys stood outside and watched as another 20 cars pass (not one stopped to help) I searched the internet for a PDF copy of the Prius Manual. Just as one Good Samaritan decided to stop and offer some assistance, I found a page pointing to the "hidden" location of the lug wrench. The two boys went after it, and had the tiny spare tire thrown on in no time. Those NASCAR pit guys would have been impressed... only 45 minutes to change that tire. HA. Our poor chariot was not happy with the road conditions as we limped our way into Park City... spare tires are barely meant for highway roads, and we were rolling it over gravel. BUT... we made it! Hahaha. We were all laughing about how our evening had turned out so "disastrous"... and it was only then that we saw the freeway -- road construction after-hours had closed 2 lanes of the 3-lane highway back into Salt Lake, and the traffic was less-than ideal... but what was another little bump in our already-rocky road home? We pressed on, and finally wound up back at the mouth of Big Cottonwood to drop Sammy and Justin off (and just as they had opened up the road for a steady stream of cars to escape the canyon). Arrival time = 11:00 pm. Total travel time = 2 hours. Needless to say, we were happy to be back :) I was exhausted and hungry, and just ready to crash into my bed... so you can imagine my frustration when, as I was cleaning off the miscellaneous clothes and papers from my bed, my laptop slid off and fell 3-feet from my bed directly onto my foot. !@#$%&!@#$%&! I mean... really?!?! My bruised metatarsal was the icing on the cake.... but without the benefit of being able to EAT the cake. The phrase "when it rains it pours...." would probably be the best way to describe my sentiments for the day's events.... but hey, it did make for a humorous story :) And with that, I will leave you... it's Saturday morning and Geoff and I are in Rexburg for his brother Austin's mission farewell... and we have about 650 envelopes to address today. Wish us luck!!!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
"we do." and we will...!
SO... Many friends and family have been asking (amongst other standard questions): WHY is this wedding so soon?! Well, from an outsider's perspective, I can definitely see how the brevity of our relationship might be some cause for concern... it today's society, it's much more acceptable to date for at LEAST a year, if not more... and then to have a long engagement. I'm sure many of you can cite a variety of reasons why there doesn't seem to be a "rush to the altar" in mainstream society, and in contrast, I'm sure many people have their opinions regarding the "Utah/Mormon dating -- engagement -- marriage" time frame (which, on average, is less than a year). Leaving opinions/speculations out of this, I will say one thing: when you know, you know. I was always one to jokingly criticize couples who were engaged within a few months of dating, stating that I would have to date a potential husband for AT LEAST a year before discussing marriage. And, well, here is proof that karma really does come back around.... hahaha :) But in all honesty and seriousness, I could never have imagined the amount of joy and happiness and peace I feel with Geoff, and I really can't explain how or why.... it just is. As I was explaining to one of my closest friends (or, as I have felt at times, defending) my reasons for getting engaged, and on top of it, getting MARRIED after such a short amount of time, she offered me this small piece of reassurance: When you say yes to a proposal and put on that ring, it doesn't matter if you're engaged for 2 months or 2 years -- you are, in essence, saying to him that you know.... you know that you are meant for each other, and that you are accepting him for all that he is (and isn't)... and that you are making a promise that you WILL be married. And I couldn't agree more ;) As for the actual date of the wedding -- well, we had initially decided on November 11 (11-11-11), but then some family news changed our plans.... my one-and-only brother (and the BEST brother of all time, I might add) decided that it was time for him to submit his papers to serve a MISSION!! Words cannot adequately describe how happy/excited/proud I am of him and this decision he has made.... I know that he has felt strong impressions from the spirit that this is his path, and I am so glad that he has accepted this calling in his life, and I cannot wait to see where it takes him (literally as well as figuratively). He is going to be an amazing missionary, and I know that the people in the community where he will serve will be truly blessed to have him. I will undoubtedly miss him.... my only sibling, leaving for 2 long years. But I know he will bring joy and happiness to a great deal of people, so I think it's only fair to share him with them :) SO... with that news, and his decision to leave at the end of September, we decided to move the date up (WAY up) so that he could be a part of this special time in my life. And since that decision, I must say, we have been truly fortunate (the Lord must be watching over us....). I was slightly concerned with the availability of venues/vendors, as there are an incredibly high number of weddings in Utah (especially in the months of June-September), but with our network of friends (and a few answered prayers), we seem to be moving forward relatively quickly in this planning process. I haven't had much chance to stop and sit back and really process the entirety of the situation and planning a wedding in 2.5 months, so I'm sure I'll be able to better comment after the madness has died down :)
Another question that we have had to address is a bit more personal, but I feel that it is important to share it here. As Geoff and I are both LDS, the assumption/expectation from many friends and family is that we are going to be married in the temple. While we both want to have this experience and make that commitment to each other and to the Lord, we do not feel that we are ready. The temple itself is a very sacred and holy place, and it is reserved for those who are worthy and prepared to pass through those doors -- unfortunately, there are many couples out there who would rather spare the sense of disappointment and grief they could potentially suffer from family/friends, and they choose to have a temple marriage... regardless of whether they are ready, worthy, or even want that for themselves. Geoff and I have talked about this at length, and while we want a temple marriage, we are not ready. And rather than rush through the preparation process, we want to take the time to appropriately and adequately study and learn so that we may feel that earnest desire to complete our eternal marriage. Maybe it's because I'm a lifetime student, but I need to take more time... this may be something I have thought about for years, but I want to know and understand more before entering into this covenant. I respect and honor the temple for what it stands for, and for the internal purity and sacredness it protects, and I will not let potential (and now actual) trial and heartache lead me to dishonor that which it represents. SO.... with all that said, Geoff and I have decided to have a small traditional ring ceremony with a small reception for close family and friends on Friday, September 9, and on Saturday we will host an "Open House" at a local park for extended family and friends to come join us as we celebrate the beginning of our marriage and the life we are committing to share with each other. As I have mentioned earlier, we both have the sincere desire to be married/sealed in the temple "for time and all eternity" -- and we have made a promise, to each other and to the Lord, that we will attend the Los Angeles Temple to be sealed a year after our wedding. We both look forward to that date, and know that it will bring infinite (and eternal) blessings to our lives, the lives of our families, and to the lives of our future children. What a glorious day that will be, on the grassy lawn overlooking Santa Monica Boulevard........ :)
While I don't know who exactly may be reading this blog (now that my fiance has shared this link with his 2000+ friends on Facebook), but the testimony I have of the spirit and this gospel is strong and I wanted to share a little part of it with you. I am so grateful for the unconditional love and support of family and friends during this overwhelmingly emotional time in my life, and pray that I can stay level-headed enough to get all these wedding details taken care of!! Thank goodness I only have to do this once...... :) Love you all, thanks for taking the time to read! I'll be back soon with more wedding updates...... exactly 8 weeks left until I'm officially "Mrs. Dyer".....!!
Another question that we have had to address is a bit more personal, but I feel that it is important to share it here. As Geoff and I are both LDS, the assumption/expectation from many friends and family is that we are going to be married in the temple. While we both want to have this experience and make that commitment to each other and to the Lord, we do not feel that we are ready. The temple itself is a very sacred and holy place, and it is reserved for those who are worthy and prepared to pass through those doors -- unfortunately, there are many couples out there who would rather spare the sense of disappointment and grief they could potentially suffer from family/friends, and they choose to have a temple marriage... regardless of whether they are ready, worthy, or even want that for themselves. Geoff and I have talked about this at length, and while we want a temple marriage, we are not ready. And rather than rush through the preparation process, we want to take the time to appropriately and adequately study and learn so that we may feel that earnest desire to complete our eternal marriage. Maybe it's because I'm a lifetime student, but I need to take more time... this may be something I have thought about for years, but I want to know and understand more before entering into this covenant. I respect and honor the temple for what it stands for, and for the internal purity and sacredness it protects, and I will not let potential (and now actual) trial and heartache lead me to dishonor that which it represents. SO.... with all that said, Geoff and I have decided to have a small traditional ring ceremony with a small reception for close family and friends on Friday, September 9, and on Saturday we will host an "Open House" at a local park for extended family and friends to come join us as we celebrate the beginning of our marriage and the life we are committing to share with each other. As I have mentioned earlier, we both have the sincere desire to be married/sealed in the temple "for time and all eternity" -- and we have made a promise, to each other and to the Lord, that we will attend the Los Angeles Temple to be sealed a year after our wedding. We both look forward to that date, and know that it will bring infinite (and eternal) blessings to our lives, the lives of our families, and to the lives of our future children. What a glorious day that will be, on the grassy lawn overlooking Santa Monica Boulevard........ :)
While I don't know who exactly may be reading this blog (now that my fiance has shared this link with his 2000+ friends on Facebook), but the testimony I have of the spirit and this gospel is strong and I wanted to share a little part of it with you. I am so grateful for the unconditional love and support of family and friends during this overwhelmingly emotional time in my life, and pray that I can stay level-headed enough to get all these wedding details taken care of!! Thank goodness I only have to do this once...... :) Love you all, thanks for taking the time to read! I'll be back soon with more wedding updates...... exactly 8 weeks left until I'm officially "Mrs. Dyer".....!!
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