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Ohh I wanna take ya to… Jamaica!

Rich and I decided to take an all-inclusive trip to the Caribbean rather than traveling to Europe as we originally planned. We had a great time. We didn’t have any added stress of planning transportation and accommodations around multiple European countries. Jamaica was exactly what we needed. It was the first time (in a very very long time) that I read a book for fun and watched a movie without simultaneously working on my laptop. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in work that I forget how much fun it is to do absolutely nothing.

 

Jamaica by the water

We stayed in Negril because our research said it had the best beaches (and no seaweed!). Rich had never been in the ocean, so it was fun to see his reaction to the warm, clear Caribbean water and white sandy beaches. We spent plenty of time floating in the ocean and in the pool, but we also went on a few excursions and tried some of the water sports offered by the resort.

 

Catamaran Cruise

I loved our catamaran cruise to the huge cliffs bordering the ocean. We got to jump and slide off the huge boat and swim into caves as bats fluttered over our heads. We also parasailed which provided the best view of Jamaica. It was like being on private hot air balloon tour. I also loved the stand-up paddle boards. I was an expert by the end of the week.

 

The Push Cart

The resort provided some great food and drink options as well. I’m not a fan of rum-based drinks, so it took me a while to find my perfect drink among all the rum punches, cuba libres, and pina coladas. Towards the end of the trip, I filled up my complementary Magaritaville cocktail shaker (the only souvenir from our trip…) with delicious blackberry juice served at breakfast so Franklyn, our favorite bartender, could add it to the brut champagne offered at the resort. The juice added the right amount of sweetness for my bubbly cocktail.

 

In the Hammock

By day five, I started to get amped up for the work I had waiting for me in Omaha. I know I sound absolutely crazy, but I’m working with some really fun clients that have great ideas. My mind is exploding with different designs for their weddings. I was also getting really anxious to sit down and watch a Husker game. I wasn’t able to see any of the first three games because of the wedding/honeymoon, and I need to make our traditional corn pancakes for good luck!

 

Adventure

Jamaica gave us time to relax and recharge. I have to cherish the memories of our time there because now that we’re saving for a house, we don’t plan on going on any long vacations in the next two years. Good thing I have a husband that makes life at home fun and adventurous every day!

If any of you are looking to travel to the Caribbean, shoot me an email and I’ll send you my recommendations!

Our Engagement Photos

Although we had our pictures taken a lot later than most engaged couples, I think our decision to wait allowed us enough time to come up with a concept that really showcased our relationship, and we were able to find Brighten Photography which perfectly complements our style. Ben and Whitney of Brighten effortlessly work together as if they can read each others minds, and they make the entire process so much fun. (You can see us hysterically laughing in a lot of our pictures.)

As a wedding planner, I have seen a lot of creative engagement sessions. I knew I wanted a lifestyle shoot rather than posed portraits because I wanted the photos to capture how Rich and I interact. I also knew this photography style would help me overcome my camera shyness.

Brighten took our pictures as Rich and I browsed the Lincoln Farmer’s Market. We chose this location because it’s important to us to reduce our carbon footprint and cook with local and fresh ingredients as much as possible.

Ben of Brighten chose our second location. He helped us “MacGyver” our way into an old school building. Most of the building had been refinished, but the auditorium and gym hadn’t been touched. They looked like they had been frozen in time.

Sister Act: Two Weddings in 8 months

My sister, Lindsay, and I are twenty months apart. We were best friends as adolescents, and in high school, we wavered between cross country teammates and mortal enemies battling over Maybeline eye shadow. Once Lindsay left for college, we melded back into a symbiotic relationship based on mutual experiences and hobbies. It wasn’t surprising that we got engaged around the same time, and I have always been more than excited that our weddings are eight months apart.

Aves Photography

Some brides might feel that their wedding is their time to shine, and that there should be a metaphorical (or physical) spotlight on them the entire day. In my opinion, weddings are about sharing your happiness and joy with your friends and family members, so I have enjoyed getting to share this special planning experience with my sister.

As much as we’re alike, we’re also very different. Those differences have made our duel-planning more interesting and all the more fun. I have had the chance to brainstorm decor for Rich and my floral whimsy wedding while designing Andrew and Lindsay’s Parisian chic wedding. I don’t want to give away too much, but you can expect lots of mood boards and pictures in future posts!

Via Bippity Boppity Boo

Even though we’ve enjoyed sharing our ideas, there are a few things to keep in mind if you and your sibling’s weddings are close together.

• Listen to one another’s ideas – You’ll receive better feedback if you know you’re both willing to help the other person out.
• Spend time doing activities unrelated to the weddings – Once the wedding days get close, you’ll realize that your lives will revolve around your upcoming nuptials. Enjoy each other’s company while you still have free time. You can always hire a wedding planner to help relieve stress too! 🙂
• Figure out what works for your style, budget, and personality – Don’t compare your wedding to your sibling’s event and stick to what you love best!

Via We Heart It

I think both Lindsay and my fiance have come to understand the importance our relationship . We have countless inside jokes and shared memories, and I want nothing more to continue to grow together and create new memories.

I love you Winny!