I Do...Take Two!

On Sunday, September 21, 2008, on our one year wedding anniversary, G and I will reaffirm our wedding vows. We are having a reaffirmation ceremony in my home town. I can not tell you how excited I am to introduce G to the most important people in my life in America.

When I think about the last year, so many memories come to mind....

First and always, our boy, Robbie...long walks down Leopoldstraße...summer afternoons in the Englischer Garten...my introduction to Beer Gardens...never ending German classes...those damn dance lessons...Paris with Mama...crying together on our our wedding day...watching the sunset in a jacuzzi tub full of bubbles in the Maldives...riding camels in Dubai...the Fry Guy in Amsterdam...seeing Denzel for the first time at the Frankfurt airport.....wow.

God is good.

Bis nächste Woche!

Dubai

We spent the second half of our honeymoon in Dubai. It's one of the coolest places I've ever visited. It's an ultra modern and international city, with unbelievable shopping, the desert, and such exotic and rich cultural experiences, all rolled into one. It is now one of our favorite destinations. We've already started looking for flights for New Year's Eve! As expected, the Burj Al Arab is spectacular. We spent a lot of time relaxing on the beach with this view...

We went camelback riding in the desert...

I even tried sandboarding!

We also shopped at a spice and gold souk.

The Maldives

We're back. Our honeymoon was just wonderful...almost surreal. We spent the first half in The Maldives. Our island was perfect on every level - totally secluded, pristine beaches, crystal clear water, excellent fresh food, and sooooo romantic. G surprised me with a jacuzzi tub that sat on the deck of our water villa, so watching the sunset in the tub together every evening was divine!

Our Wedding

Unforgettable....

Honeymooning in the Maldives. Bis bald!

Just Married!

Two lives, two hearts

joined together in friendship,

united forever in love.

Expect the Unexpected

Hey party people! Long time, no see, right? Well, we had a meeting with the "Flower Lady" on Saturday. We were supposed to choose the flowers for my bouquet and the table centerpieces for the wedding reception. I already had a certain variety and color in mind but if you know me, then you know that I'm really indecisive and horribly picky. So while this particular appointment for the average person would normally take 20 minutes, it probably would have taken me an hour to decide. Anyway, when we got there and started talking about ideas, she totally surprised us when she decided it would be better if we were able to see all of the flowers available...and I do mean ALL. She invited us to go shopping with her at her local grower. That means that we will look at a zillion different flowers and yup, choose whatever we want. And guess what? My Mom is here, so she's coming too. That's why I've been out of the blogging loop for so long - I've been hanging out with my best friend:)

Alterations

Today was the third and last fitting for my wedding gown. I knew I would have to get alterations if I bought my gown in the US. I took a big risk, not even trying the gown on before buying it and then having it shipped to Germany. Too many accidents just waiting to happen, right? But, God is good. My gown made it here and luckily, my only problem was in the thigh area - I needed it taken in. Easy enough. No major alterations. Miraculously, the first Bekleidungsservice I called, turned out to be fantastic. They are extremely polite, patient, and no matter how many times I've changed my mind about my damn train, very accommodating. And they speak English. So, today something odd happened. I've heard that story about how when a bride tries on her wedding dress, instantly she knows that dress is "the one." I've never really felt that way. The first couple of times I tried my gown on, I just concentrated on fixing it and finding the right accessories. I looked at the gown, not at myself, in the gown. Well today, as I stood in front of the mirror, even with my black sweat socks peeking out from under the hem, I felt it. I felt the nervousness of my one and only wedding day approaching. I felt the pride my Mom's going to feel. And I felt beautiful, hopefully the same way G will feel when he sees me for the first time. Today, I felt like a bride.

A Fight On My Wedding Day

If we weren't getting married on September 22nd, we would be going to Oktoberfist! Vitali Klitschko is coming out of retirement for this fight and it's taking place in Munich and on the first day of Oktoberfest. Boxing is the only sport we watch together and we both were anticipating going to a professional fight in Munich. Guess it won't be this one;) Isn't the name awesome?

Robbie's Wedding Outfit

Full tuxedo or..












Rhinestone collar?

Endlich!

The search is over. I ordered my gown today! I would love to post a picture but I'm going to try to be traditional (shock!) and surprise G on our wedding day. But I will tell you that after searching for so long for the perfect formal gown, in a nontraditional color, in the end I chose an ivory lace wedding gown - with a sweep train!

Velveeta

I know it's cheesy - but I'm ordering one of these bikinis for my honeymoon!

Flitterwochen

Our first vacation together as husband and wife will be to.......
The Maldives! We are going to the Maldives for our honeymoon. The Maldive Islands are of group of tiny coral islands, or atolls, situated on the equator, in the Indian Ocean. To give you an idea of just how beautiful these islands are, they are described as, "the garden of Eden" and "the last paradise on earth". We are staying in a water villa built on stilts, overlooking a lagoon. We can't wait to watch the sunset together.

You know what? I have to be honest with you. As I write this post, I can't stop smiling and thinking, I really love my future husband!

NYC Mama

My Mama loves me. She really really loves me. She's flying to NYC next week, to look for wedding gowns in the bridal district. She is convinced that she will find my dream gown. Isn't that sweet? And crazy! I know it sounds risky - my mother choosing my wedding gown - but we have a very unique relationship. We are best friends (for real) and we have the same sense of style. She knows what looks best on me and vice versa. She is the only person I trust enough to shop for something so important to me. She's taking my photos and measurements and of course, her digital camera so that I can see her favorites every night. And she's bringing her girlfriend along for a second opinion...and mental support if it comes to down to me actually making a decision! Wish us luck:)

Favors?

"Wedding favors are thoughtful mementos given by the newlyweds to their wedding guests as a symbol of gratitude for sharing their special day." I know I shouldn't say it (sorry Mom!) but most of these mementos end up in the kitchen junk drawer or in the trash less than 24 hours after the wedding reception. How many napkins and matches and mint tins can you really save? I realize wedding favors are an American tradition but after looking at a gazillion different candles, key chains, bubbles, magnets, notepads, wine stoppers, scented soaps, and miniature chocolates, I have found only two feasible ideas.

The Magic Bean. Plant it, water it, and in one week, a sprout with "Love" imprinted on it, emerges from the soil and continues to grow. Cool! Or not? I think Chia Pets are pretty amazing so I have a biased opinion about plants.

Personalized CD Labels. It would be really funny to make a soundtrack of my favorites (Nina Simone/Björk) and G's favorites (Snoop Dog/P Diddy) together. Cheesy but memorable.

Personalized Fresh or Silk Rose Petals. Can you imagine? These are not wedding favors but I had to show you - I love this idea. I think sprinkling them over the guest tables would be beautiful.

Any advice?

A Back Up Plan

Ich bin allein! We are in Frankfurt for a couple of days and then we are headed to Köln. G had a meeting in Koblenz and his parents are working so it's just me and Roby. So what's a girl to do? SHOP! And naturally, I've been shopping online for more gowns. I'm starting to realize that the probability of me finding my gown in Deutschland is slim. And to be honest, I'm getting tired of searching. Finding your one and only wedding gown is supposed to be fun - not a headache! I didn't want to order a gown from the US (via my Mom) because of alteration issues. But I may take that chance. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping I find something in Köln. In the meantime, I thought about the easiest option for buying a formal evening gown in the US - department stores. I'm really getting desperate, huh?! But surprisingly, I found some fantastic gowns from Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. I really like this first gown...extremely simple but fabulous all the same!

The Search Continues

München...

Frankfurt...

Next, Köln.