How to Actually Enjoy Planning Your Wedding

So, you’re getting ready to plan your very own wedding. You may very well be looking forward to the process, but as many former brides will tell you, wedding planning isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, many will even tell you that when they never would have considered eloping previously, they definitely did at one point or another during the wedding planning process. So before you let wedding planning get the best of you, here are some tips for actually enjoying preparing for the big day.

Don’t try to please everyone. It’s a wedding. Chances are you’re going to disagree with, offend, or feel guilty about someone during this time. So rather than trying to please everyone as you plan your wedding, stick to what feels right to you and your soon-to-be spouse. After all, this is your day, and you’re ultimately paying for it. If you want a small wedding, then have a small wedding. (You can always have a giant, more informal party later to help people feel included if you want to.) If you and your spouse don’t like dancing, then don’t feel like you have to do a first dance. If the two of you are dreaming of a destination wedding, then go for that. This doesn’t mean that you should ignore people’s emotions altogether—especially those of close friends and family members—but you should definitely work to strike a balance that you and your spouse-to-be are happy with.

Don’t treat your wedding like a performance. This point ties in with the first point. Another important thing to keep in mind as you plan your wedding is that this is essentially a big party for the two of you. You, of all people, should enjoy your wedding day. So as you plan your wedding, keep in mind that yes, you will be the focal point, but you don’t have to spend your day entertaining the other guests. Imagine you and your spouse attending your wedding as well, rather than simply being the spectacle of it.

Keep it simple. If you’re finding yourself stressing nonstop over takeaway favors, save the dates, the guestbook, boutonnieres, centerpieces, the wedding website, and the engagement party, then maybe it’s time to stop and reassess. How many of these things do you actually need? Remember: all you technically need for your wedding is an officiant, plus a few close friends and family members if you’re not eloping. A pretty dress (though not necessarily white or expensive), some refreshments (though not necessarily catered), and some flowers (though not necessarily from a florist) can add a special touch to your day as well. Whatever you choose to invest in beyond that, be sure that you’re only investing in it because it’s important to you. Don’t feel pressured to spend money on things simply because they are tradition or because you have other people telling you that you absolutely need it. Make it you.

Stick to your budget. On a similar note, be sure to decide on a realistic budget from the get-go and to stick to it. Decide on a couple key things that are especially important to you, and from that determine what you don’t need to be spending a significant portion of your budget on. If a photographer and videographer are most important to you, for example, then decide that you will allow yourself to pay for what you want in these two areas, and then make it a point to save money in other areas, such as your dress, flowers, and refreshments. Stretching your budget will only stress you out more as you plan your wedding.

Delegate. Remember: you don’t have to do all of this yourself. There is stress-reducing power in delegation. Consider enlisting a few close friends and family members to help you nail out details that you can loosen the reins on, such as finding a bridesmaid dress, putting together the centerpieces, gathering dessert ideas that match your color palette, etc.

Outsource what needs to be outsourced. If you’re like so many of us out there, you probably have a Pinterest board full of DIY wedding ideas. But before you take on any do-it-yourself project, be sure to ask yourself, “Is the time it’s going to take me worth the reduced cost?” Sure, you might save a few bucks baking your own wedding cupcakes, but when you would have to do so the day before your wedding, when it would take a matter of hours, and when you can buy a beautiful set of cupcakes at your local bakery for a few dollars more, this is definitely something to consider outsourcing. When comparing costs between paying for a service and doing it yourself, don’t forget to factor in the costs of added time and stress on your end.

Plan from the guest list (and not the other way around). This is a good point taken fromthis article on staying sane while party planning. Instead of making overhead decisions about your wedding from the start, try to get a good idea of your guest list first, and then make your decisions from there. This will allow you to make more realistic decisions about things like catering, seating, and favors from the start. If you are suddenly having around 200 guests at your wedding, for example, when you’ve always envisioned having about 100, you might make more streamlined decisions about your catering and decide to forego wedding favors altogether.

By: Maurine Anderson

Three Years Married

Yesterday we celebrated our third year of marriage. Crazy to think that we are three years in - and even crazier when you think about we have only lived together for about half of that. I think that is one reason why it doesn't feel like we have been married that long... That reason combined with I really am so much happier with Adam makes these last three years seem like three minutes. I am SO lucky to have Adam as my best friend and my husband. And I will spare you the mushy post for now... but know that I couldn't have found a more perfect man for me. And now keeping up with traditions I am going to share our third year by the numbers.

 

During our third year of marriage...

1 brand new home purchase
0 children
1 puppy
132 days apart
2 new jobs for Deidre
1 baseball card for Adam
45 innings pitched
1 allstar team for Adam
4 trips to see Adam - one in AZ, three in AL
1 move to Idaho
155 baseball games
4 trips and vacations
44 strikeouts for Adam
2,228 miles between us during baseball season
dozens of date nights
hundreds of selfies
thousands of minutes texting, FaceTiming, and talking
millions of memories and laughs

You can catch our first year in number and our second year in numbers too. Can't wait to see what year four brings us. I have a gut feeling it is going to be a big one in the Miller home.

Cotton Anniversary

Remember a really long time ago when it was Adam's and my anniversary? And I told you all about us and how we had been married for two years. I mean... I ever did a little Q&A with Adam and with me answering the same questions. And to celebrate our anniversary we closed the distance between us - because I was in Arizona living at our home and working and he was in Indiana playing summer ball for the South Bend Silverhawks - and I headed out to see him. And then I told you I would tell you all about our cotton anniversary. Do you remember all that? And do you remember how by a long time ago I mean it was in August? Well I am finally living up to that promise. Because now we are moved to Idaho and settled in and I finally had time to upload photos. So here you have it. Our second anniversary. Or as some traditionalists call it - the cotton anniversary.

I packed up my stuff and I head to South Bend for a whole WEEK! What a blessing. I loved being able to be there with Adam and watch him pitch twice and enjoy 5 home games. All good things. All the time. The first night I got there I had to hang out and watch Forensic Files by myself until Adam got back from his road trip at like 1AM. I feel like it is important you know I was watching Forensic Files so you can understand the mindset I was in when I started tracking Adam's phone and started freaking out when his phone was somehow following a river. Thanks for nothing GPS tracking.

Anyway. He finally got back and we got to enjoy each other's company AT LAST! We didn't take any photos together really. Mostly it was baseball photos and pictures of our little mini celebration. And a nice shot of the incredible streamer wall I made since I was bored while Adam was at the field.





I feel like I need to tell you a little more about these cupcakes. Adam and I had been trying to decide what treat to get. He left it up to me. Which clearly means cupcakes because I am a cupcake-aholic. I drove all the way to the other side of town to get these beauties. They were DIVINE. Seriously so good. If you are in South Bend, get them. But that isn't the story I wanted to tell you. The story is about the two young ladies working at the shop. I walked in, got my cupcakes, and was paying. The girl said, "Do you want a punchcard?" And I said, "No thanks. I live in Arizona so I probably wont ever fill it!" The girl said, "Oh really? What bring you to South Bend?" I said, "My husband is here for work." She said, "What does he do?" I said, "He is a pitcher for the South Bend Silverhawks." She said, "OH MY GOSH! NO WAY!? I have always dreamed of marrying a professional baseball player. That is so cool! I can't believe this is happening! I am so jealous." To which I said, "Yeah, it is an adventure!" But really in my mind I am thinking, who dreams of marrying an athlete? I feel lucky to have Adam - but his personality and attitude trumps him ever being an athlete. I just thought it was funny. And yeah, the cupcakes were really good. I ate most of them. Whoops.





We had both been plotting our gifts from a distance. We like to follow the traditional anniversary gifts for the most part. Last year was paper so I got Adam books and he got me a message in a bottle, a locket to put a paper photo in, and shoes... I don't know how the shoes fit in? But he said they did. Clearly this year we were on the same page...







That is right. Tshirts for everyone! Adam got me the baseball tee I had been eyeing for awhile. Obvs, every baseball wife needs a good baseball tee. And I got Adam a tshirt with my face on it and a Wendy Peffercorn is a dime shirt. If you don't know who Wendy Peffercorn is - go watch Sandlot. You can thank me later. Wonder which shirt Adam has been wearing more? The one with my face on it. I thought it was a great joke but he loves it and a few of his friends have asked how they can get their own.

The whole weekend ended with baseball. Of course. What else would you expect? Adam had already pitched one game and this was going to be the second one I could watch. He hit 98 MPH and got a bunch of strike outs. And his team got the win. Both times.













Sadly, this is one of the only photos I got on my nice camera of us together. But I will take it. We are happy. We are in love. And we are at a baseball stadium. It describes us perfectly. I posted a bunch of other photos of us from throughout the week on Instagram - all the way back in August - so feel free to go scroll through to find them. So happy to have celebrated two year with this handsome devil, to get a week off of work, and to see him dominate on the mound. Can't wait to see where we will be celebrating next year. Fingers crossed it is in Phoenix - because that means he made the big leagues.

Love Completes Each Other

A little while ago my friend Tausha asked if I would participate in her Love Dare channel. She assigned me with Day 33: Love Completes Each Other. The pages themselves talk about how we are separate and individual. As a husband and a wife we are two totally different human beings with different skills, different families, and different personalities - but when we combine we can find strength and progress as a whole. The date for the day was to recognize that your spouse is integral to your future success. Let them know today that you desire to include them in your upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel. If you have ignored their input in the past, admit your oversight and ask them to forgive you.

While I was excited to see what dare she would give me, when I opened the email I thought to myself, this could not be more perfect for Adam and me. I have always known that through a thoughtful Heavenly Father I would be put through different trails and successes to make me the person I am. I would have the ups and I would highs and I would have the lows, that is part of being here on earth, and everyone can attest to that. But I have never totally thought about how my highs and lows would become a perfect fit for my spouse's highs and lows. That our experience before we met would prepare us for each other and that somehow, so perfectly, we would be each other's rock through it all. I always just thought of it as some give and take, but it is give and take with the strength from a mightier power.

There have been many times that something has gone completely wrong and upside down for one of us, in turn making it a huge point of discussion and topic in our marriage. Because now we are not two, we are simply one. And when something happens to one of us, it happens to both of us. When I got laid off, we lost our income. When Adam for drafted, we had a life in minor league baseball. When I got a job offer in Idaho, we moved together. And when Adam got an arm injury, we had to discuss options in case things didn't work out the way we had planned. And right away we knew we needed to create a plan to make a strong marriage through times of decision, so no matter what was in front of us we were a united force.

Discuss what the problem is. We decided it was important to really discuss everything that happened. Every option. Every success. Every failure. Everything and anything that could contribute to what got us into the place we were now. We wanted to make sure we both fully understood what the other person was going through. Because if we didn't know that we would not be to give our input into solutions. Plus, just being able to get inside the other person's though process and really understand helps to be empathetic.

Discuss solutions. And when I say solutions, I mean it as solutions. Don't just think of one solution and run with it. Really make sure you consider all your options, and discuss every option. As you do that make sure you present and concerns with things being brought up. Be honest and be forward with how you feel. Don't let one person drive the conversation and you resent them later. Make sure you are on the same page through all the solution conversation.

Remember that you will need to compromise. Once you have a few options, narrow it down to one solution. The one that feels best and is most reasonable for both of you. There will be a lot of give and take here, because while no answer is perfect one answer will be perfect for both of you with compromise.

Pray about your choice. Prayer is important in our family, and for some people prayer might come in the form of talking to someone or journaling and really pondering it. But for us, we pray. Once we have a choice we pray about it to see if we get the good feels about what we decided. We pray together and we pray individually over multiple days. Then we come back together and discuss any thoughts or impressions that we have had over our choice during that time.

Agree and move forward. This is the most important part. Once you have done all the discussing and pondering together and on your own, come back together one last time and make sure you both still agree. Then move forward. Don't look back on other options, just move forward and know that you made that choice as a team and it was the right one.

Marriage is a team sport. And through his strengths and her strengths you become a team that can win, but only when you put your trust and love into your what your spouse has to offer. Only then can you become one complete unit, a game winning team. I can honestly say that Adam has been my rock through some of the hardest times, and I think he would say the same thing for me. When we see one person softening and weakening, we become strong for them to help lift them and raise them. Because our team, our marriage, is only as strong as we make it. It is only as strong as we let it be. Sometimes Adam will carry me through the storm and sometimes I will lead him, but that makes us strong. And that is where our love steps in to complete each other.

Paint Nite

This little gem has been tucked away in my drafts for four months. Way too long. I am just slow at getting things off my camera these days. And once I got these ones off I took a sabatoical. Also coming soon are photos from our anniversary in August. Just pretend all of this happened really recently, yeah? So this is a date that I mentioned in our anniversary questionnaire a while back. Our date night at Paint Nite. We always take turns planning date night. Usually mine revolves around whatever treat I want and something that Adam swears he would never want to do - like pedicures, which he loved. Okay, that is not totally true, but that was one date I planned over his time home to rehab his arm. Adam's is usually something far more creative. He is really good at searching out the fun things in the area. And one thing he found was called Paint Nite. How it works - you sign up online for a class based on the photo you want to paint. It is usually at a restaurant so you can eat and drink while you paint. We botched that one when we went to Costa Vida first, but Costa was oh so good. They give you a smock, a canvas, and all the paints. Oh, and an instructor to make sure you know what you are doing. The painting for the night we went was the Boston skyline.

We had so much fun cozied in a booth trying to figure out how to paint and be artists. And what do you know? I think our paintings turned out pretty well. Apparently we do have some artistic ability. Well, we already knew Adam did... just ask him about his fish - or if you ever come to our house look in the main bathroom because we always hang it in there so most guests will see it. It was fun to get some new artwork, to try something different, and try out our hand in painting. These beauties will be going into our guest room at the new house. So when you come visit us you can see them up close and personal. Have you ever gone out on a crafty date? What is the favorite date you have gone on?

Homeowners

If you follow me on Instagram you already heard the big news. We bought a HOUSE! And that clues you into why I have been missing in action and lacking on posts lately. We have been busy moving to Idaho, starting new jobs, finalizing everything on our house, and getting all moved in. All that plus a family reunion on my side and Adam's parents coming into town for a few days - we have been SWAMPED. But now we are officially and finally home owners! So you can expect a home tour soon. And more blog posts because we are finally getting settled in this Idaho life. And I cannot wait to share more with you all. Hope you are having the best Monday and that you have a splendid week. Thank you, thank you for all the love and support!

Two Years Married

Tomorrow marks two years married for Skinny and myself.
So keeping up with traditional... Here is our year in numbers.

During our second year of marriage...

1 new home
0 children
132 days apart
1 new job for Deidre
2 baseball cards for Adam
52 days on the injured list for baseball
1 allstar team for Adam
2 trips to South Bend
1 move to Arizona
1 blog rebrand for Deidre
152 baseball games
5 trips and vacations
25 trips to Jimmy Johns... at least
38 strikeouts for Adam
1,822 miles between us during baseball season
dozens of date nights
hundreds of photos
thousands of cell phone minutes & text messages
millions of memories and laughs

---

1st year in numbers

What Distance Has Taught Me

Two years isn't long. A lot of people would still consider Adam and I newlyweds. Or just barely out of the newlywed phase. But as we are preparing to celebrate our anniversary I have been reflecting a lot. I have been using the last month specifically to reflect. And at the end of the day, here is what distance has taught me. A long distance relationship and a long distance marriage. About love. About trust and communication. And most of all about what a relationship really is.

I can tie it back, all my thoughts and all my reflection, to what I would consider the hardest month of my marriage, actually my life, so far. And it has a million lessons in it. The week started with my breaking my blog. Seems like a really silly thing to be upset about. But I was. Seriously, all my posts all my everything had disappeared while I was trying to switch my URL to my new brand. It was like at night. like 11pm... which means it was 2am where Adam was. And he had already been asleep for a few hours. I text him probably ten times. And then I called him time and time again until he picked up. And when he finally did I couldn't even speak. I was crying hysterically. After about 20 minutes of me sobbing and Adam saying, "There must be a backup somewhere... things dont just disappear." I started to tapper off. I got so tired I just needed to go to bed. We prayed over the phone for comfort, and I was out like a light.

Next day. Blog still broken. I frantically got in contact with my hosting company. They fixed it. So, why stop there? Onto the next issue.

Work. I had work. And I had been struggling with my job to begin with. I had a few rough patches here and there. I wasn't sure if I was made for the job I was doing. I went in to meet with my boss. And she told me I wasn't acting like I was made for the job. It was a low blow for me. To be totally honest, I have never had to work that hard. That sounds silly when I say it out loud. But things have been pretty easy for me. So to hear that a job that I was killing myself to do, and it was so rough for me wasn't panning out. Low. Blow. Oh, and to end that conversation? My boss told me I wouldn't be able to take time off to go see my husband for our anniversary because someone else had already requested it off. Which meant I wouldn't see Adam for another almost two months. I walked to my office feeling sick. And embarrassed. And just beat down. I text Adam, "Can you talk?" And he said, "Yeah." So I picked up and I dialed. And once again. I cried. And cried. I started with telling Adam how I couldn't do my job. And I ended with telling him I wouldn't be coming to visit him for our anniversary.

Now this work issue carried for a few days. I cried that night. I talked to my parents. I cried. I talked to anyone. I cried. The fact that I felt defeated at work was hard enough, but knowing that I wouldn't see my husband for a long time really beat me down. Like ripped me apart. And even though I was at my lowest low, Adam took the time to talk to me every minute he could. To build me up. And even though I didn't listen, he kept trying. We prayed. We talked. And I hoped I would get the strength from somewhere.

On a regular basis I still get anxious at work, like am I going to do something that upsets someone? Are they going to be watching me so closely so I mess up? But that is beside the point. I am at a point now where I can really work hard. And I am learning to deal with a job that has kicked me down the stairs ten times. Then there was the flooded house. Then there was the medicine that made me so ill. Then there was Adam's arm which appears to be injured slightly again. Then there was I am sure other things that I can't even remember.

It might just sound like I am rambling at this point. But I am getting to the point right now. So why am I telling you about the hardest times I have experienced so far? Because it all lends a part to the story of the time apart for Adam and I. Because if you remember, Adam and I are living in different states right now. And so all these trials are happening while we are 1800 miles apart. And this distance is teaching me valuable lessons.

Marriage is a lot more than the time together. So often I have women tell me, "I could never be apart from my husband that long." Or something like, "We've only ever been apart 10 days in our whole 5 years being married!" And while the time together is something wonderful, the time apart it teaching me to appreciate Adam.

The distance has taught me the importance of communication. And not just the, how was your day, lets eat dinner and cuddle while we watch TV communication. But the real communication. The discussions about hard things like what are we going to do if this career path we picked doesn't work out or what is the root cause of you being so grump and irritated right now? We can't just kiss and makeup and hope that tomorrow both of us will be over it. Because we don't have those options. We have to actually sit down and discuss and communicate our thoughts and feelings.

We have to open up about our hard days. We can't just say, "My day has been hard because of x, y, and z and just being with you is going to make it better." Because when x, y, and z happen... we only have the option to talk about it. And really explain that those things happened because of something we are doing, or not doing, and we have to be honest with ourselves too. And then together we figure out solutions for things.

The distance has taught me to be up front, even if it might not be Adam's favorite thing to hear. I am the queen of telling people things are fine when they are not. Of down playing my anger and my disappoint. And when we are apart I try to do it even more. Because I don't want Adam to feel guilty for leaving me home alone in the summer. I want him to enjoy his time and I want him to think everything is wonderful here. But I have learned, despite what other people suggest, to wear it all on my sleeve. To tell Adam when I am unhappy. And when things are rough. And when I just wish so badly I could be with him, because it makes us appreciate the great times even more. And it helps us learn how to manage the hard times even.

But most of all, the distance has taught me to appreciate the time I do get with my husband. The face time. The one on one time. The small moments. The little laughs. The silly memories. The dates. The hold hands. The kisses. The meals cooked. The times he does the dishes because he knows I hate doing them. I appreciate those things more than I ever would because I don't always get to look over, see his face a few feet from mine, and reach for his hand.

Distance has taught me that in order to be the best couple, we have to be our best selves. We have to open up and be completely raw and real with our feelings and our insecurities. Because the only way I am going to be better is if Adam and I can talk through what I need to do to be better. And what steps I need from him, while he is 1800 miles away to support me in that. Marriage is about trust, planning, and support beyond words of comfort.

Two Year Q&A with Deidre

Yesterday you got to see Adam's answers to our marriage quiz of sorts and today it is all me. So sit back, relax, and take a peak into a few of our memories from the last couple years. Oh... and of course, the results of the Deidre or Adam questions. Do Adam and I see eye to eye? Just keep scrolling to find out!

Favorite Date? My favorite date would have to be Paint Nite. Adam and I had been trying to think of something fun and different to do on our dates. Since moving to Arizona we didn't really know what sort of activities were available so we started taking turns planning date night. The person in charge had to plan it all - which made us step out and find some fun new things without discussing it with the other person. Paint Nite was Adam's date. And he NAILED it. First we went to Costa Vida - which was like heaven because I had been missing it ever since we left Utah - and then we went and had a painting party. We painted the Boston skyline. It was really fun, and we are pretty awesome if I do say so myself. It was so fun to try something totally different with Adam. A post about the date will be coming soon!

Best Vacation? Without a doubt the 7 day cruise to the Caribbean. Even though it started out all wrong by missing the first day, it ended with a bang! It was so nice to just be out adventuring with Adam.

Favorite thing about Adam? My favorite thing about Adam is he can make me laugh. Even if I feel like the world is falling apart and I just want to crawl in a hole and cry, a one minute conversation with him will change my entire attitude.

Best memory? My best memory of Adam is when he came home to surprise me last baseball season. His team was in Ogden and as soon as they got into town he hoped on a train to surprise me. I wasn't planning on seeing him until the next day though, so when he showed up at our door I was totally surprised and shut the door on him... whoops! I was basically an emotional wreck because I was so surprised and so happy to see him. Oh, and don't you worry... the moment was caught on tape.

Describe Adam in three words? Charitable, Hilarious, and Handsome

What is something everyone should know about Adam? Everyone should know how hard of a worker Adam is. Whether it is baseball, school, our relationship, the gospel - Adam is ALWAYS working hard. He never puts in half his heart. And he never complains about having to work hard. He puts our family above everything else and is always willing to work to make it the best no matter what it takes in other aspects of his life.

DEIDRE OR ADAM:

Better Cook: Adam (match)

More Messy: Deidre (match)

Better Artist: Adam (match)

More Talkative: Deidre (match)

Better Planner: Deidre (match)

More Social: Deidre (match)

Better Athlete: Adam (match)

More Silly: Adam (not a match)

Better Dancer: Deidre (match)

More Adventurous: Adam (not a match)

8 out of 10 isn't so bad! And I guess the two we missed are subjective... but I really do think Adam is the proper answers to those two. Adam is the one always making jokes and being a ham. He is also the one who always suggests we go out on the town when I say, "I am fine just hanging out here!" I would let him defend why he picked me... but I am always right, so no need. Jokes! Maybe he can come back and defend his answers on his next post. So there you have it. Hope that lets you see a little more of us. Have you ever played games like this in your relationship? Do you think you and your significant other would match up on answers?

Two Year Q&A with Adam

The easiest way to let you into our life is with a little Q&A. One filled out by Adam and one filled out by me. Same questions, potentially similar answers. And the best way to end it is with a Deidre or Adam question - sort of newlywed style. Right? Right. So here are Adam's answers to the marriage Q&A.

Favorite Date? My favorite date was in April of 2013. It was the middle of my Junior year at BYU. Our schedule was such so that we had one free weekend during the season without any games. We decided to take advantage of this free time. We decided to go to Salt Lake. We went to the Salt Lake Temple during the day, a Salt Lake Bees game at night, The Cheesecake Factory for dinner and stayed the night at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Salt Lake. It was my favorite date we have had.

Best Vacation? The best vacation was when we went on a seven day cruise in the Caribbean.

Favorite thing about Deidre? My favorite thing about Deidre is how she is always wanting to try new things. New foods, events, and places make for an awesome life.

Best memory? My best memory is when Deidre and I missed our flights to catch our cruise and as a result, had one of the worst days ever and got to ride on a 4-seater airplane. Looking back on it now, we just laugh about it and how awesome the plane ride was.

Describe Deidre in three words? Selfless, hilarious, and sexy.

What is something everyone should know about Deidre? Everybody should know that Deidre is the best person to talk to when you are having a hard day. Countless times have I seen when Deidre has been the pick-me-up for struggling friends.

DEIDRE OR ADAM:

Better Cook: Adam

More Messy: Deidre

Better Dancer: Deidre

More Talkative: Deidre

Better Planner: Deidre

More Social: Deidre

Better Athlete: Adam

More Silly: Deidre

Better Artist: Adam

More Adventurous: Deidre

Tune back in tomorrow to see what my answers are!

Millers

I have been holding onto these photos for some time.... and by sometime I mean nearly eight months. We took them before all the snowfall in Utah last year and got back all the prints in early February. They were our one year anniversary photos, but since we are almost to two years... I figure it is time I let the public see them. A women from our ward back in Orem, Utah offered to take them, and I LOVED all of them. They are hanging up all over our house and there have been a few that have popped up on Facebook. In addition to that I put on in a frame for Adam to take with him to Indiana. So without futher ado. Here we are. The Millers.

Too many photos of Adam and I? Whoops... but I couldn't just pick a few. I loved them all. If you are looking for a good photographer in Utah I would recommend J&H Photography. They are a darling couple and they have a good eye for what will look good. Plus, they shoot everything together which I thought was the cutest.

You can tell just how long I have been holding onto these based on the scenery... clearly it is no longer fall season. Whoops. I am slightly embarrassed. But as I am looking to schedule our two year anniversary photos I figure it is time to dust these babies off. Also it is an opportunity for me to just look bad and reminisce on how far we have come before we celebrate two years in a couple weeks. New jobs. New homes. New adventures... But I won't tell you all of that yet. That is to be saved for a future post. How often do you take new family photos? Do you like to post your family shots around the house or what do you use them for?

Actors Theatre of Phoenix

Adam has come and gone. And while his rehab stint was short and it was absolutely the best having him home. I am happy he is back out finishing the season. We had a fun time going on dates while he was home. We had a great time going on a lot of different dates, and one of our favorites? The Actors Theatre. We got to spend one night dressing up and going out to the Actors Theatre of Phoenix. Now I have grown up going to plays, locally and professionally - but Adam isn't much of an arts person. So it was a fun experience to go to our first show together.

The play was called "The Book Club". And there was one set with 6 actors. I was a little skeptical, I won't lie. My thoughts, "How is this play going to turn out with only one set? I've never seen a play with one set..." But they KILLED it. And Adam enjoyed it too. So it was a win on all accounts. The play follows a book club that is being constantly watched for their independent film/reality television debut. It was action packed. Drama filled. And a high-ten-larious.

The best part about Actors Theatre of Phoenix? It is all local. Locally written. Local actors. Local support. All of the above. The actors are real people trying to make it in the world of show biz and so they put in their heart and soul for every act. If you are looking for a fun date night, go check out Actors Theatre if you are in Phoenix. And if you aren't in Phoenix, go support the local arts where you are from! It was a great night, and it feels good to watch people that are diving into their passion. What is your favorite date night? Have you gone out on any unique adventures lately?