Picking a Photographer

Oy.

All I can really say is, I'm glad that's done. Picking the right photographer wasn't that "hard," nor was it a source of contention... it was just really overwhelming. There are a million photographers out there, all of them expensive, all of them (most of them?) talented. And since we were going in blind (planning a long-distance wedding, remember?) we were sifting through a few recommendations, and a whole lot of google searches.

My biggest fear going into this decision process, was getting images back and seeing something like this.

At the risk of sounding snooty, I do think Evan and I have a good idea of what makes good photography and what doesn't. I mean, we work in an industry where pictures tell the story. So why wouldn't we have great pictures telling OUR story?

That being said, photography is the one area where I really wasn't afraid to splurge. There are things on down the line that I have no problem pinching pennies on (flowers will die, that dress is worn ONCE) but this is how we will document our day... and most likely, remember it when it flies by too quickly. Obviously, we are working on a budget... and Annie Leibovitz denied my YouTube invite (okay, not really...) so we still took cost into consideration.

What I've found, is that many photographers have great packages these days. They'll include an engagement session, and/or bridals, and the biggest (most important!) is when they give you images on a disk with printing rights. This saves you so much in the long run.

Some of the shots we want most: (And here is where I want feedback to let us know what else!)

1.) Close-ups of the "I do's." I want to see Evan's face, not a far away glimpse!

2.) First kiss. (Obvi.)

3.) Tables at the reception so we can see everyone who came. (Suggestion from SIL Kelly!)

4.) First dance.

5.) Parents reactions.

Use of natural lighting was also really important to us. We're having an outdoor wedding, so let's use that to our advantage!

With the growth of digital technology, the creativity it's allowed photographers really does amaze me. As overwhelming as this whole thing was, I loved looking through every detail -- from ring shots, to decor, to the people. It was like an art enthusiast overload!

Eventually though, I couldn't decide for the life of me. I narrowed it down to five people I liked artistically, financially, and (via e-mails) personally. And it took Evan less than an hour to look over them and pick one, definitively. (All my over-thinking! All my laboring over every detail! And it takes him a matter of minutes?! Men.)

We talked to our guy on the phone, he seemed on top of it and organized (huge for me!) and we were sold. And I am relieved to have a big project checked off my list!

Big thanks to the write-up in Austin Monthly (and in turn my editor friend Madeline Hollern!) for leading us to him.

Now from all those already married -- what did you look for in your photographer? What are the pictures you thought most important, and maybe some others you wished you had? Would love all the advice!

Kicking Off the Engagement

Boy meets girl, boy buys ring, boy and girl are spoiled by friends... and we call this an "engagement party."

I'd love to shake the hand of whoever thought up the idea. Not only do we get a big party the day we actually say "I do," we get to party before then -- just because I said "yes!" And I'll be the first to tell you, a.) I love parties and b.) I love when it's all about me. Okay, kidding about the last part -- but seriously, engagement parties are so much fun. And we've been blessed enough to have TWO.

Our first celebration was back in February, when my parents threw an all-encompassing shindig that was part Evan & Julie, part my brother's 30th, and part my sweet niece's 1st Birthday.

Miss Meaghan Rose takes after her aunt, and loves being in front of the camera. (Ha!) Look at that precious face.

Evan and I actually took very few pictures during the party, and we don't have a single one of us together. Whoops. However, I did steal a few from my mom's Facebook. (Thanks, by the way!) It was awesome to have my high school friends together, plus two newbies to the Dallas area. (Andy & Lauren... ahem.)

Of course, there was cake. And our faces looked just as good ON it, as they did while eating it.

Fast forwarding to March, our dear friends Allison and Brian threw us a second ah-mazing party. Even better because it allowed them to show off their new house!

Here's Brian showing off the noshing spread...

The hostess is now my first "official" Bridesmaid!

And Brian is also the first "official" groomsman. Shaping up to be a pretty good lookin' wedding party, I must say.

The theme was "Stock the Bar" -- and our bar is certainly well stocked now. Ole!

I hope those who came brought things they like to drink because I have no idea how we are going to consume all of that before we die. So, consider this your invitation for some cocktails at the Musgrave/Onstot abode this summer!

Now that we've partied our little hearts out, I guess we'll get onto the actual wedding planning part... unless there's another party to be had out there?

Kidding.

Thank you Mom & Dad, Allison & Brian, and everyone who's been a part of our engagement in any way so far... your love and support mean the world to us. And THAT'S no joke.

Bear's Butt... Adventures in Parenting?

At the risk of completely humiliating our sweet dog, I feel compelled to tell the story of when Bear's butt ruptured. Okay, it was his anal glands... but still.

Evan and I were home on a Friday night, watching TV and taking it easy, when we noticed Bear seemed to be hopped up on something. He was frantic, couldn't sit down, and was licking EVERYTHING. (More so than he usually does... I know, that means it was A LOT.)

It was when we went to bed though that scared us. Bear had climbed onto his bed (I know, the new one) and Evan saw blood on it. So we took the dog into the bathroom -- I held his head, Evan peering into his rear -- and it was then, I knew our love was the real thing. I mean, we spent Friday night examining our dog's butt. His gross, something-is-wrong-with-me one.

So that night was a long one. Bear couldn't sleep, neither could I. So first thing Saturday morning we took him in to our wonderful vet. She informed us Bear's anal gland ruptured, and he'd need to spend the weekend with her for surgery.

It was so lonely! And I hated having to pick up everything I dropped while making dinner. Bear's the best kitchen helper. So I couldn't wait until we picked him up on Monday! But then...... we met the cone.

This is right when we got home. He seems pretty okay with his new accessory for now.

Although he knows something's up when Mom and Dad keep taking pictures of him.

Eating seemed to be his biggest challenge -- but it made for some comedic relief for us.

But after a few days -- this face started to break my heart. Somehow you just can't take a dog stuck in a cone seriously. Especially when he's begging to come back inside.

The worst part about this adventure, as many of you likely know, is that the cone itself smells so bad. It's like a smell radar -- he points that thing at you, and it zeroes in on your nostrils and makes you relish in the wretch. So we were DELIGHTED to take Bear back to the vet a week later and rid our house of that thing.

And don't you know, Bear is much happier with a bath and a new bandana. He's so GQ.

So that was an interesting, unexpected adventure. We're not big fans of the vet bill, but we certainly like when our dog feels ripe and ready to chase the garbage man in our backyard. And then use the bathroom free of any rupturing.

I know, gross.

Our family is healthy again! Cheers to that!