I've decided to write a blog, about the adventures that Daniel and myself (Erica) have came across planning for our wedding, I thought it might be a fun way of keeping track of everything, while allowing everyone in the loop.
2015.NOV.30
Well, Ladies and Gents; I do apologize. I have been lagging. I'll will attempt to keep you all up to speed. Daniel came out to California for just a small period, in fact just before Halloween. We attended out Engagement Encounter Weekend, went and saw Disneyland and the Haunted Mansion during the Halloween time. The entire ride is transformed into Nightmare before Christmas themed. Even though our week was indeed short it was great. During the weekend we learned about each other on even a more deeper level. There were some things that certainly surprised us. I will be posting many more pictures to come.
Next thing that I must address, I'm currently writing this at the Oklahoma Airport as I wait for the plane to be ready to board. I spend about a sum of two weeks with Daniel for Thanksgiving along with his birthday; which was Black Friday this year.
Enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving dinner with my good friends Cheyenne and Matthews along with their lovely mothers and of course, Tristen and Maverick. He is certainly getting big. As the first week went slow, sadly the second went even faster. As I'm about to board, it was a wonderful trip and we are one step closer towards the newly settled wedding date. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with the man that has my heart. Swiss Cheesy. Provoloney.
2015.JUN.14
Well, Ladies and Gents; I do apologize. I have been lagging. I'll will attempt to keep you all up to speed. Daniel came out to California for just a small period, in fact just before Halloween. We attended out Engagement Encounter Weekend, went and saw Disneyland and the Haunted Mansion during the Halloween time. The entire ride is transformed into Nightmare before Christmas themed. Even though our week was indeed short it was great. During the weekend we learned about each other on even a more deeper level. There were some things that certainly surprised us. I will be posting many more pictures to come.
Next thing that I must address, I'm currently writing this at the Oklahoma Airport as I wait for the plane to be ready to board. I spend about a sum of two weeks with Daniel for Thanksgiving along with his birthday; which was Black Friday this year.
Enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving dinner with my good friends Cheyenne and Matthews along with their lovely mothers and of course, Tristen and Maverick. He is certainly getting big. As the first week went slow, sadly the second went even faster. As I'm about to board, it was a wonderful trip and we are one step closer towards the newly settled wedding date. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with the man that has my heart. Swiss Cheesy. Provoloney.
2015.JUN.14
We're registered! Daniel and I have decided to attend the Catholic Engagement Encounter weekend, this October since he decided to come out to California. (Mainly because he wanted to see the Haunted Mansion during Halloween time, which turns into Nightmare before Christmas.) An Encounter weekend's motto is "A wedding is a day, a marriage is a lifetime." Between Daniel and I, we are investing in a life with each other, we want to ensure everything is as perfect as we can. Engagement Encounter will allow up to purely focus on us and disregard the distractions such as work, and long distances.
2015.APR.10
Graduation, while Daniel came out to visit me in California we attended my security officers graduation. Small, short and sweet but this is the first step in a wide range of opportunities. I so excited to see what the future holds!
2015.APR.09
THE STORM WON! First day of my new work, Lake Elsinore Storm baseball. A small, minor league baseball team that is affiliates of the San Diego Padres. Practically everyone from my family came to join me at work. Danny enjoyed west coast baseball, full of crazy mascots and new Storm gear from the teams shop. He along with my mother, and grandparents all enjoyed Cracker Jacks and a good ball game.
2015.APR.04
A very busy day, Aquarium of the Pacific and the amazing Paranormal Shipwalk of the Queen Mary. Seeing all the sea animals from the shark lagoon to the otters, having lunch at Bubba Gump's Shrimp Company (I swore; he was more excited about the restaurant than the sea life) and ending the day with a ghostly dinner aboard the Queen Mary followed by the tour of listening to the old haunting tails of the former passengers that had a untimely end...
2015.ARR.02
Up the mountains we go, Daniels first day trip to Big Bear, having lunch at Nottingham's Tavern which was attached to the Robin Hood's Inn Resort. A wonderful little restaurant with amazing ice tea. Traveling through the small shops around the shopping district. Driving around Big Bear Lake around to Fawnskin taking in the scenery.
2015.APR.01
A wonderful lunch at Marion's Fish Market with my grandparents at Seaport Village, wondering through the varies shops and watching the battleships come in and out of port.
2015.MAR.31
It's DISNEYLAND!! Daniel's first time at Disneyland. Anaheim took him for a spin, everything from Big Thunder Ranch's all you can eat barbeque to the mysteries of the Haunted Mansion. Indian Jones to the Tiki Room, we loved every minute of it.
2014.DEC.28
Early morning, Ohio Church and brunch with Daniel's grandmother and some cousins. We loved spending what time we can with family. Later that night, Another Family Christmas Dinner! This time at Daniel's mother's house, turkey, ham and so much more. Family dinner, the Walking Dead and bubbles! It was a awesome dinner.
2014.DEC.27
Snowboarding in New York, though the snow conditions were not the best we still had fun. Daniel, Angela (his sister) and myself enjoyed a short trip of sliding the the hill and chicken fingers. Later that night, Daniel and myself went to Scotch Doubles with his dad, and some family. At the end of the night, we found out two things. "Tigger Bounces" and apparently I need some practice.
2014.DEC.26
Happy Birthday Mom! Send a phone call back to California to my mom and well, the most memorable thing this day, THEM CHOPS, Daniel's Dad can make some good meat and on the grill. Super yummy!
2014.DEC.25
Merry Christmas! Visited Daniel's mother in the morning full of the little siblings showing us what Santa got them, opening each others gifts, enjoying family time until later that night were we set out to Ohio, Christmas dinner with Daniel's grandmother. Let me tell you that, was a lot of people. Just over 30 people at a single long table. Fantastic food and stories of long past.
2014.DEC.24
Family, Spaghetti and Meatballs! Oh, and did I mention babies? We all know how babies and spaghetti work out. It was fun and ended a great Christmas Eve with a wrapping paper ball fight. Very enjoyable!
2014.DEC.23
Happy Anniversary, our first one as a engaged couple and what do we do? Go see the Third Hobbit. And let me tell you! Both of us were like giddy little school kids, there were so many tidbits that focus on the Lord of the Rings and so many little things that happened we were stoked.
2014.DEC.22
Left super early, around 2 am in the morn. It rounded out as a 17 and a half. Running though states such as Missouri, Illinois and Ohio, the trip itself wasn't horrible nor was the company, we kept each other business with long waited conversations and Christmas songs. We'd ended up arriving at Daniel's dad's house at midnight the next day, with only a couple of stops total.
2014.DEC.19
It's finally here! Ended up having a longer trip then I thought, flew out of Ontario around 1 PM and had one of by best friends pick me up in Oklahoma City, her husband is currently stationed in a city just beyond the outskirts of the city. Just spending some tile before Christmas with my friends and their brand new baby before Daniel and I head off to our trip.
2014.DEC.18
Getting ready for my trip to Oklahoma, we've planned to drive from Oklahoma to Pennsylvania. His family is based out of Greenville, a small town that has an Amish town right next door, they're Wal-Mart even has Amish parking for their horse and buggies. I'm excited about our mid cross-country trip, because if we can handle a 17-18 hour trip in a car with no way out, we can DO anything!
2014.NOV.27
Happy Birthday Daniel! The big 2-8, so, Danny has just recently started in this thing called Warhammer 40k. It's a tabletop miniature war game, somewhere along the line as Dungeons and Dragons but you'll have the chance to built the model, paint and even make them magnetic! But, once you get them all ready for a fight, you'll be set for tournaments. Danny is planning to join a beginner's tournament, the day before we leave for Pennsylvania.
2014.NOV.10
Finally Downloaded! Okay, understand that this is very geeky, but Danny decided to buy the new Call of Duty: Advance Warfare on digital. Sony's digital downloads allows you to play the game on and up to five game consoles. Just so we both can play! So, once I downloaded the game, we may or may not have played for over eight hours and WAY into the wee morning.
2014.OCT.29
It's his turn now, last year for Christmas, as you all know Daniel drove to California and popped the big questions. It's wonderful that he was able to finally meet my family, and now it's his time. It will actually be two years since I had met Danny, I was invited by his younger sister, Alyssa to their Christmas in Pennsylvania and there his was. One annoying older brother, well see what had happen was, and I wouldn't change it for one bit. I love him and I can't wait to spend another white Christmas with him and his family.
2014.SEPT.27
It's my birthday! 24 years now, wow 24. Had a four and a half hour phone call from Danny, talking about everything and anything, from work to how his birthday is around the corner.
2014.AUG.24
Someone is getting the bug! Daniel called up going on about all types of decorations that we haven't yet thought of. Thanks, Pinterest. Well we are getting close to a year away. Scary! Ours is just one of the crazy engagements for this and next year. From weddings, graduations and even my grandparents 50 anniversary.
2014.JUL.07
His so sweet, just finally having a full day at home, being that we go home so late. Daniel sent me flowers; he's good, not even dropping a hint. Just a man at the door with a vase. Thanks Hun!
2014.JUL.06
We just got back from an exciting but exhausting trip, we reached Mount Whitney on July 2, submitted the 3rd and left the fourth. Expecting a month long trip, we count in half. Our return trip was a whooping 4 days. Hiking an average of 17 miles a day, and for two marines especially one's that's 70 years old it was amazing. AND! We only go rained on twice.
2014.JUN.20
Quick update, I leaving on a Hike! My grandfather and I are going to be gone for about a month on the PCT. The Pacific Crest Trail, it runs from Mexico to Canada, 2650 miles. We are section hikers, heading from Kennedy Meadows to Mount Whitney and back. Round trip 134 miles, and after the past couple of months, we both need some rejuvenation.
2014.MAY.15
I got a call from one of Saint Frances of Rome's Deacons. We had a long talk about how we have still have Catholic wedding, if only one is Catholic. But! The only catch is, (which is not really.) they request that we go through engagement counter. What is an Catholic Engagement Counter, you say? Well, it's an in-depth, private, personal, marriage preparation experience within the context of Catholic faith and values. Basically, couple's counseling to ensure that your ready for the next MAJOR step in your lives. Daniel and I have one issue, distance. So, we need to find a time that either I can go to Oklahoma or vice verse.
2014.APR.25
What did I say about hiccups? With everything for the most part going so smoothly, I believe I was counting my chickens before they hatch. Trevi Entertainment Center; our venue, the one we have already put a deposit on, is going out of business. The owner apparently was in some shady things, bribing officials. (Nice guy, huh?) This is going on, all while the center's account was Co-mingling funds. Trying to stay positive, and everything happens for a reason. God doesn't allow things to happen that he knows that we can't handle. On a brighter note, it's a fresh start. A new venue, and new ideas!
2014.APR.02
So! The wedding might be postpone, or fast forwarded, WHO KNOWS! Daniel has been debating from quite some time, whether or not to re-enlist. We have had quite a few discussions about our future and what might become of it. He's currently debating whether to re-enlist, transition out or go reservist with the National Guard. I am truly invested in WHATEVER he choices. BUT!! The only issue we are having, IF he re-enlist; his unit will be deployed next year September. So, either we'd have to have a small wedding with a ceremony later or postpone it. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Wish us luck!
2014.MAR.21
Well, it's been too easy thus far with no hiccups. HA! Well I've spoke too soon didn't I? Everything has it's breaking point. I knew it couldn't have a breeze, so it's only the first. Anyways, so I've been speaking with the main receptionist at Saint Frances of Rome, it's been a much easier process.
2014.MAR.15
So, there is good and bad news. Which one do you want first? Anyways, I've got in contact with Saint Frances of Rome in order to get an update on the application process. Apparently when I stopped by and handed it to an receptionist, they didn't receive it. So let the process begin! [Again...]
2014.MAR.12
Another quick update about the cake! Currently speaking with a wonderful lady that has amazing talent in the kitchen. She interested in doing the Cake and hands down we want her! [We found her through my mother. My mother and her went to High School in the mountains! What's the chances of that?]
2014.MAR.09
Stopped by Trevi Entertainment Center to drop off the second part of the deposit for the date confirmation. So, ladies and gents it's official at Trevi and we have it booked for September 19th 2015. But, if anything might come up I've spoken with Trevi's wedding coordinator and it can be changed.
2014.MAR.03
So, I understand I haven't updated in a few but there hasn't been much new information. I am currently working on the centerpieces for the while; yes I understand I still have time, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.
2014.FEB.15
A quick update about the Wedding Cake, and we are currently waiting for prices from three different cake artist.
2014.FEB.05
So Daniel and myself narrowed down who will be doing our Wedding Cake, and we've got it down to three people. So, fingers crossed.
2014.JAN.21
My brother and myself had an appointment with Trevi to beginning the contract for the reception center, also dropped off the wedding application at St. Frances of Rome. The beginning process of this up and coming adventure, next is to have an appointment with one of the church's Deacons. Waiting for the time at Trevi my brother and myself stopped by Lake Elsinore's local Florist to start checking out prices and ideas for the ceremony and reception.
2014.JAN.20
2014.JAN.21
Daniel and myself are currently starting on who's going to be doing our wedding cake. So let the Researching commence.
Today;
Daniel and myself have officially decided on the venue. Trevi
Entertainment Center in Lake Elsinore, California, it was truly the most
beautiful and affordable that we can find. It's about to have the
amount of guest that we will to have at our reception. One day closer,
ladies and gents.
2014.JAN.16
2014.JAN.15
Okay,
back in the swing of things after yesterday's adventures. We have
officially changed the church where we shall be married at, it quite
smaller than the original church. We had some issues come up with St.
Martha's, we have decided to have it at Saint Frances of Rome Catholic
Church instead, all that is needed is the marriage application and an
appointment with one of the deacons.
2014.JAN.14
I
have been constantly working on things for the up and coming events, so
my older brother Bryan and I decided to take a break from planning and
went to Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park. A wonderful relaxing day at
our favorite theme park. I just needed to speak with Saint Martha's
wedding coordinator to get things in motion for the church. It was quite
a mess, and I'll leave it at that.
2014.JAN.13
2014.JAN.12
Today we picked up the rings from the jewelers! My engagement ring finally fits, and I'm so excited to be working on the wedding, there so much to do in what seems like no time. I'm just afraid that it might sneak up on us and we wont be ready. My mother and I went ahead and also registered at Macy's since we were at the mall. I was thinking the more places we are registered at the more places our friends and family and look at.
2014.DEC.31
Why not go out with a bang! Daniel and I ended up going to Knott's Berry Farm for New Year's Eve. An evening fun of rides, shows, Snoopy and fireworks. We both enjoyed it to the fullest! We ended a perfect night bring in the new year on top of Ghost Rider, a roller coaster looking over Buena Park, California.
2013.DEC.29
We stopped by Barnes and Nobles to check out their wedding section, just to browse. We happened to find a wedding checklist, it helps out so much; especially those who choose to do it themselves. We'll see.
2013.DEC.26
While going to the mall we went to Kay Jewelers today, and picked out out wedding bands! We left them so they would be resize. It was quite exciting, but a bit different. I'm not usually the glam type of person and the jeweler kept trying to get me to want gaudy. Wanting something simple, I believe that we've pick out perfect matches. I would show you but there is no fun in that. I guess you'll just have to wait.
2014.DEC.31
Why not go out with a bang! Daniel and I ended up going to Knott's Berry Farm for New Year's Eve. An evening fun of rides, shows, Snoopy and fireworks. We both enjoyed it to the fullest! We ended a perfect night bring in the new year on top of Ghost Rider, a roller coaster looking over Buena Park, California.
2013.DEC.29
We stopped by Barnes and Nobles to check out their wedding section, just to browse. We happened to find a wedding checklist, it helps out so much; especially those who choose to do it themselves. We'll see.
2013.DEC.26
While going to the mall we went to Kay Jewelers today, and picked out out wedding bands! We left them so they would be resize. It was quite exciting, but a bit different. I'm not usually the glam type of person and the jeweler kept trying to get me to want gaudy. Wanting something simple, I believe that we've pick out perfect matches. I would show you but there is no fun in that. I guess you'll just have to wait.
