It has been a long time since I last posted...
A really long time.
And as with all long times - there is a ton of info to cover. Knowing I will most likely forget things here and there I will just have to add those later if and when I think of them.
So as of September 30th 2012, James and I have been MARRIED for ONE year! I honestly can't believe it. I heard from quite a few peeps that the first year is the absolute hardest to adjust to. I think James and I bypassed that first year situation by living together for a good two or three years before the big day so I'm thinking the whole "first year hell" happened a while ago. I think I actually have a blog about it?
Ok - anyway...because I LOVE looking at our wedding photos here are few from the big day!
It was everything a wedding should be. Gorgeous weather, wonderful family and friends, a great party. I wouldn't change a thing. Well, I kind of wish we could have another one just to invite some new friends we've made over the year that would have had a blast with us. I'm sure of it ;) It really was THAT wonderful.
I find myself extremely jealous now of other people getting married and their weddings. Like that oh my gosh I'm turning 10 shades of green jealous. I want another one. No changes, just an exact replica of our night.Yes, it was that good. Yes, I'm saying it again
Ok, here ya go!
Our wedding in a handfull of photos :)
Pretty exciting stuff, right?! I have about 400 more but I didn't want to get excessive
You're welcome ;)
Another surprise that came with our wedding photos was an amazing DVD that our photographer Mindy put together for us. Actual footage.
I can relive our day anytime I want to. James watches too - and he tears up. Honest.
Ok sooo moving on! HONEYMOON!
As you know, we went to Antigua. It was at first super scary but turned out to be an absolute paradise. As we flew into Antigua we were so so amazed at the beauty of the water, the green hills, the sun....oh my gosh get me to beach again.
As we landed I could barely wait to get off the plane. Like legit going to push some old people out of my way. Then we got to exit the plane OUTSIDE. I felt kind of cool. I know that's not that different but it just added to the tropical feel. So walked into get our bags and I was immediately reminded of why I freak out in not so affluent areas. Modern it was not. The "airport" was a hectic unairconditioned crazy town. James of course took the lead and waved down a taxi (mini van) the man packed as many people as he could into this mini van and threw our luggage here, there and everywhere. I did feel a little better that our fellow cab riders looked like older experienced travelers. Reminded me of my parents so I could breathe easy..for like 2 min. They got to their resort mega early. Apparently we chose the most hidden, most remote resort on the island. Ok - to wrap this up - this guy took us through a ton of scary back ways where the streets were so narrow people walking down the streets could have kissed me through the open taxi window. Not exaggerating. Sad. Depressing. I was in tears and wanted to go home. The driver was going off on some rant about money, politics, etc. it was damn scary. THEN he turns off to another road slams on the breaks and jumps out. I know immediately we are going to be the next missing honeymoon couple on CNN. Praying at this point. He adjusts the poorly placed baggage and jumps back in and drives on. All this - no words, no explanation..then begins ranting again. Another 10 minutes and we start to see beautiful hills, hints of ocean peeking out, flowers....I was calming down. We pulled to our resort and it was crazy how fast I went from having a legit meltdown to feeling like I was in tropical heaven. Cocobay Beach Resort is amazing and I WILL go back.
Here are few pics! Wish I could describe in detail our days there but that would take way too long. WAY. Hopefully the pictures do our honeymoon a little bit of justice.
There you have it. One of the best vacations to date. Can't believe this all happened ONE whole YEAR ago! We have had so much fun and I think, well I know, there is nobody on this planet that could make me as happy as this silly boy..the one right up there. Love his hat.
So next blog topic:
JAMES AND I OPENED A SMALL BUSINESS!
(and other bits of info)
Details to come. Well you probably already know about it but humor me ;)
XOXO
Lauren E. Stell
(yep, took me a year to LOVE my new last name)
I now think it looks a bit fancy.
Agree?
