Wedding Countdown: 97 Days

Kevin and I celebrated our 2 year dating anniversary on March 31st..whoohooo!! We had a little dinner at BJ's, and even got to hang out with my cousin for a bit.

In order to get the best bod possible for the wedding, I've recently joined the Body Fit Boot Camp in Chino Hills. I only started last week, but I'm liking the workouts so far. Thanks to Groupon, I've joined for a month at a great deal. I'm gonna milk it for all it's worth, and then drop my membership cuz there's no way I'm gonna pay over $100 a month to work out, especially since I already have a gym membership. But, I'm hoping this will give me the push I need to workout hard; no pain, no gain, right?!?

I shall end this post with an OLD picture from 2007. This was our first official date, which was to Kevin's work's Christmas Party at the Biltmore. As you can see, we had a fun time that night. Apparently, he was showing off his bling..hahah...

Anniversaries, boot camps, and bling make me smile...

Days Until I Become Mrs. Gruezo: 100

100 days!! Yes!! My official countdown has begun, even though The Knott has been counting down since we signed up. 100 days!! I know that's going to fly by. My goal is to post something for the next 100 days. It may be a project I'm working on or an old picture I've stumbled across. Let's make the first one a good one!

Back in 2008 I went on a missions trip to Hawaii, London, and Northern Ireland. Kevin and I were kindda dating before I left, but I knew that I needed to continue on with this voyage. So, in July I left and  Kevin and I stopped talking. Then, in October, while I was in Belfast, Northern Ireland, a special package was sent to me. I thought that perhaps people from church sent me a care package, but I was wrong. In the box was this Halloween tin filled with candy and a short and sweet note. And yes, it was from Kevin! =)

100 days and reminiscing makes me smile...

104 Days: Engagement Party

Though Kevin and I have been engaged for a few months now, we finally had our Engagement Party. My cousins, the Chow family, hosted the party (Thank you so much!) at Buca de Beppo in Irvine. I was a bit nervous because our families were going to meet for the first time. Yes, the FIRST time. Our wedding party was going to meet each other as well. But, we had tons of fun grubbing, laughing, getting to know each other, and celebrating our future marriage.

 The Chow Family - Leah, Ronnie, and Benny 

 Our parents

 Kevin's Fam Bam

My Fam Bam

 Us with Owen (Bridesmaid), Ruby (Bridesmaid), and Kriss (Maid of Honor)

Some of my Bridesmaids couldn't make it, but they'll be there at our Wedding Shower

Us and most of Kevin's groomsmen

Derwin, my brother (Groomsman); Alex, friend (Groomsman);
Daniel, Kevin's brother (Groomsman); Mark, friend (Best Man);
Anthony, friend (Best Man); 

Eric, friend (Groomsman); Matt, Kevin's brother (Groomsman)

 Us and "The Friends"

To end the partying, my dad serenaded us! Oh ya!!

3 hours later, the food was gone, and it was time to pack up and head out. I couldn't believe how quickly the time flew and I couldn't help but think about how quickly our wedding day will come and go. I need to make a mental note to sit back and enjoy that day. Take in the sights and sounds, and enjoy that one special day.

One of many parties to celebrate our upcoming marriage makes me smile! 

Homework!

Wedding Countdown: 108 days to go!

Kevin and I met with our DJ and Coordinator last night, and after our meeting, I have come to realize that we have A LOT of homework to do. I think yesterday was the first day I felt a bit overwhelmed with the number of things we need to do before the big day. I know we still have 3 1/2 more months, but there's still much to do: music to choose, crafts to create, items to purchase, gifts to wrap, meetings to be held, and the list could go on and on. And you know that you're getting a bit anxious when you start dreaming about the wedding, and not in a good way. That's me. 

A few nights ago I dreamt that I couldn't find Kevin during our reception. We were supposed to take pictures, and so I was searching for him inside the estate, but I just couldn't find him. Then, when I went back out to the yard, I saw him walk in with some of his friends. They were carrying something heavy into the reception. I think it was an ice sculpture, but I'm not totally sure. Then, his brothers and some cousins decided it would be fun to douse him with a pail of cold water, like he won a championship game. After they did that, he ran into the house to change, and when I found him he was wearing old baggy sweats and a huge t-shirt. I told him that we still needed to take pictures, and he simply replied, "This is all I found so this is what I'm going to wear."

When I told Kevin me dream, he reminded me of how ridiculous that sounded. He has a great way of bringing me back to reality. Needless to say, the wedding is filling my mind! haha. 

Funny dreams and a fiance who lovingly calms my anxieties makes me smile. 

My Dress

Yes, my dress came in today! I can't wait to pick it up. I'll be going this Saturday with my mom and older cousin and I'm extremely excited to try on MY dress. Sure, I loved the dress that I tried on, even though it was held together with huge Home Depot clamps, but the dress I will see this Saturday will be my dress. It'll be the one I wear to the wedding. Oh ya! I know I need to get some alterations done on it since I know I'll be too short for the dress (even with the extra two inches I'll grow thanks to my new shoes), and I'm going to get other things done to it as well. Oh weekend, please come!

Besides that, it seems like wedding planning has slowed down, thank God. There are tons of little details to put together but I think the bulk of it is behind us. Whew! I thank God, also, for how He's been growing Kevin and me. He's already strengthening our relationship and helping us to open up to each other and communicate. Communication is key, right?!? It's awesome to know that God is in the center of our relationship and that He will take care of us, no matter uncertain things may seem. God has is all planned out, and I have no doubt in my mind that it will be perfectly beautiful.

My dress and growing closer to the one I want to grow old with makes me smile.

** Oh, and I promise to post about our engagement during Easter Vacay. Please be patient! **

3 Months, 27 Days

In just a few short months I will be Mrs. Kevin Gruezo! Whoomama! =) Wedding plans have been going splendidly: We've booked all of our vendors and given them all necessary deposits, we know what we will do for favors and other little surprises, Kevin and I (along with one of my bridesmaids, Owen...thanks, O!)  have even been crafting! Yes, when put to work, Kevin makes a great crafter! My dress should come in within in the next two weeks so that I can get it altered. I've bought my wedding shoes, which are amazingly comfortable and NOT flats! I even know what I want to do with my hair. Kevin has his suit, tie, and shoes. Most of my bridesmaids have picked out their dresses, and the Couples Shower invitations have been sent out.  (Sidenote:I can't wait for all of the wedding festivities to commence. I know that we're going to have so much fun!) I need to roll up my sleeves and get some more crafting done because I have a number of details I want to include in the wedding. I've gotta get to work!

Everyone has been telling me that these next few months are going to fly by, but to me, it seems like July 10th just can't seem to come any quicker!! I have about 9 weeks left of teaching for this school year and then I'm off, which is perfect because I want to be done with wedding stuff by the end of June. Then, all I need to do is relax, and enjoy time with friends and family before saying those two words: I do.

Wedding planning and having (almost) all our ducks in a row makes me smile.

5 Months

Kevin and I will be married in a little over 5 months! AWESOME! Wedding planning has slowed a bit, though do a tasting this Thursday. God has blessed us with ease and peace. "One and Done" has been our motto. We looked at the first, and only, venue and booked it. I found THE dress in one day and bought it. We booked the first DJ we met. We booked the first, and only, wedding coordinator we met. It's all coming together so quickly, so smoothy, and, save for the money Kevin and I have been shelling out of our pockets, so painlessly. And, trust me, we are not being rash about things just because we know we don't have much time to plan. We genuinely love all of these things (or people) and feel like they tie in beautifully with our theme and overall look. We especially love the hearts of our vendors,  their excitement to work with couples, and their love for what they do.

We still have much to do, but I feel like we've gotten a lot accomplished and we've only been engaged for a little over a month. Whhoohooo!!! Quick and easy planning definitely makes me smile!