Registering ... Whoa

Will and I decided we'd register while we were in Nashville for the holidays. for one, it may be a few months before we can get back to local shop Corzine Co but for another, it seemed like a fun thing to do while our families work through minor details like, you know ... their guest lists!

And we did have a great time. Luckily, we have very similar tasts and it's oh so fun to have that little zapper fun! Will didn't get as out of control with it as some grooms do ... but he's for sure looking forward to a properly appointed kitchen for his next culinary creation!

So we're all registered at Dillard's and Corzine Co and the Williams-Sonoma registry will come together in the next few days. This is fun to do! I might register for my 29th birthday ... :)

I'll share a little insider tip with my favorite family and friends about online bridal registries, however. Do some price comparison the next time you are buying a wedding gift from Macy's. I sure will! We opted out of the Macy's registry because we found their prices to be 50%+ higher than Dillard's and other retailers. We've looked into why this is and I can explain it for those who are interested but to me, it feels a little bit like Macy's is taking advantage of the registry situation to make a better profit on their sales. Not cool so we're plotting to set The General loose in their store to wreak havoc.

Wedding Details Confirmed

Woo-hoo!

Although we've known since the day we got back from Europe that Belle Meade United Methodist Church and Hillwood Country Club were booked for our October 11 nuptuals, I finally got the chance to spend some time at the reception site and get the scoop. I'm pumped!

Dad also came up with a great idea to look into Commodore Yacht Club's party dock for the rehearsal dinner and it looks like it's a go! We're thinking of a casual low-country boil to celebrate Will's Savannah upbringing. More details to follow ....

Our Engagement Trip

After Rome, we had an awesome time celebrating our new engagement and touring the Mediterranean via cruise ship.

Our first stop was Savona, Italy, a beautiful harbor town north of Civitavecchia, Rome. We spent the day soaking in the quaintness of the town with particular emphasis on its cathedral and fortress.

The next day we docked in Barcelona, Spain. We toured the city and double-decker bus and saw most of the major sites. Highlights of the day included exploring a Gothic cathedral (both inside as well as a roof!), gazing at Gaudi's famous Segura Familia, and wondering down La Rambla. Barcelona was a favorite stop and a place that merits lots more exploration.

Day three of our cruise was in Palma de Majorica. We wasted too much of the day visiting a pearl "factory" (read factory OUTLET) but nonetheless enjoyed the cathedral and some shopping there.

Next the ship put the pedal to the metal and on day four we arrived in Tunis, Tunisia in northern Africa. The highlight of this stop was touring the ruins of Carthage and particularly the ancient Roman baths. We also visited Sidi Bou Said for some street cenfor shopping and great vistas experienced from the flat roofs of the buildings there.

After Tunis, we made our way to Malta. I hear it was amazing. I was sick. :(

And our last stop before returning to Rome was Palermo, Sicily. We again took advantage of the double-decker touring bus to see most of the cite. But we particularly enjoyed strolling through some gardens and taking a SUPER long lunch. Italian style!

The memories are far too many to list here but I hope you'll take some time to check out some of our photos. This trip was such a perfect way for Will and I to kick off our lives together ... family, adventure, food ... everything we love!

Engaged!

We are back from our cruise and YES, Will popped the question!

Ok, ok. So most of you had an idea that this was coming. I chose to believe the man I love when he told me that he would need until at least mid-2008 to get himself ready for a proposal. Why I believed him I don't know since he's been telling perfect strangers that he was planning to marry me since particularly our third date!

However, I'm glad I believed him because a surprise is a very wonderful think in a proposal. And I was surprised! We made plans to take a cruise in the western Mediterranean with Will's mom, Karen, her best friend, Donna and my Mom and Dad. We were kicking off the trip with a private tour in Rome.

Day two was a tour of the Vatican Museums and let me tell you, Will was driving me nuts. Man oh man, he was just bouncing off the walls! Little did I know, there was a diamond and sapphire ring in his pocket and the distinct possibility that his plan to propose atop the dome of St. Peter's Basilica was in jeopardy due to rain and the unexpected appointment of the new cardinals of the Catholic church.

When we walked into St. Peter's, I knew something was up. Our families went one way with the tour guide and Will and I went another. And he was shaking! When I asked if he was ok, the answer was far too nonchalant. And immediately I KNEW.

Will proposed not atop the dome of the Basilica but rather in a beautiful, light-filled side alcove of that majestic and historic church. And we later realized his proposal was delivered as we stood right on top of the symbol of his fraternity, Sigma Chi. Crazy coincidence.


We're so excited to start all the planning and fun times and especially our new life as husband and wife!