Thank you all so much for your lovely comments on my posts about getting engaged as well as all the amazing tweets, facebook messages, texts, emails… I was showered with love and congratulations over the past two days by everyone and it only made the experience sweeter.
I wish I could invite all of you to the wedding. I honestly do. If I could afford it I would have an open invitation for all my blogging friends, because you mean so much to me. But since my current wedding budget is zero (boo!) and we have to work to save up to pay for it ourselves (another boo!), the best I can do is promise that of course the wedding will be on video and put online. I love that so many of you can share the joy we have found together and I want that to continue. I mean, this weight loss/healthy living community online is the reason we met and first became friends. It’s a part of us and will always be.
I’m sitting here typing this blog post with my sparkly engagement ring staring back at me as I type. It’s a strange experience because I haven’t yet gotten used to the ring or the fact that I’m engaged to Kepa. I’m very excited about it but it’s all so new and different.
Tonight we are going to a party for us and then this weekend I think more celebrating will occur. We are both just so happy there needs to be lots of celebrations thrown in while possible. ;) That will be very new and different, introducing my fiance to all my friends who haven’t met him yet.
And there are big things ahead for me (and Kepa).
Living in New Zealand for the next year was already my plan. I have my visa and everything else and I’ve been very excited to go back since I left in February. It’s getting closer and closer by the day. In about two weeks I will be getting on a plane with my few possessions and leaving for a while. I’m not sure what my life will be like when I move and whether I’ll find work or make new friends or any of that – but I’m excited to find out.
I guess I will be planning a wedding starting in a few months! We haven’t set a specific date but it will be sometime after my visa ends in a year and when Kepa has a break in school. Since that’s over a year away, I don’t have to plan yet, right? I’m really clueless about weddings and how to plan one – especially from abroad – so hopefully that will all just work itself out. But the wedding is definitely a big, amazing thing on the distant horizon.
And I suppose the wedding adds another reason to continue to get in shape, right? Exercise is going to play a huge role for me mostly for stress relief purposes. I haven’t felt stressed yet (just happy and celebratory!) but I have a feeling the whole plan a wedding thing might get a bit stressful later on. (If I tweet a lot of wedding related stuff over the next year… um… sorry?) So exercise will be both a major stress relief for me and help me continue to slim down. Hurray exercise!
All in all I’m just so excited about what’s to come. I know I say this a lot here on the blog, but it’s always true. I could never imagined my life would be so crazy and exciting and amazing and perfect. Thank you guys for sharing in it with me. <3
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{ 51 comments }
How exciting :-)
If I may, some advice re the wedding: remember that it’s more about what comes after that counts. :-) Simple is better. What people will remember most about your wedding is how they felt during and afterwards.
Oh I know. Believe me, I’m not a big fancy wedding girl. It will probably be small, simple and AWESOME. :)
I know you know :-)
KCLAnderson (Karen)´s last [type] ..It’s A Matter Of Self Trust
Haha. Well that’s settled then! But seriously, I completely agree. :)
Planning a wedding is a lot of work! But it can be a lot of fun. From the little I “know” you and Kepa, you guys will have a fun wedding. No need to make it stuffy and boring and traditional, because you guys seem anything but! You can have a fabulous fun wedding without having to break the bank.
Pick a date, pick a location, pick a photographer. That honestly is all you need in the beginning. Don’t skimp on the photographer. We skipped the videographer and my BFF’s husband did it and that was fine.
I wanted to lose weight before my wedding, I really did. I was at 184 when I got married – my previous high had been 206. But I did so a ton of strength training (there is a book called Buff Brides – I was able to do everything at my house) so I did feel good.
I got my dress at David’s Bridal. I did not need to spend $2000 on a dress I would wear once. And I liked that at David’s they had the right sizes for me to try on instead of having the sample be a 12 and having to pretend what it would look like. And oh yeah, wedding gown sizes – don’t make you feel good. I was a 16 when I got married and my dress was an 18 or 20 (and didn’t have to be altered much). But what am I going to do when I hit my goal? I am taking off my wedding rings and going wedding dress trying on again. I can’t wait. My goal right now is just to fit into my dress :)
Congrat again!
You’ve got us pegged! We are going to be a bit non traditional. I’ve never been to a black tie event nor would I plan a wedding like that. Formal is not our thing! :)
Obviously since we blog and do a lot online the photos and video are important to us and will be a huge chunk of the budget. When we figure out a budget that is. ;)
I’m waiting a long time to get my dress probably. It’s one of the least important things for me. I could care less about sizes… they are like bridesmaid gowns, right? A couple sizes bigger than reality? Oh well.
Thanks!
We got married in Vermont and it was beautiful. I didn’t know anything about weddings when we (okay I) started planning. I kind of just pulled into it and in the end everyone said our wedding was awesome because it was so incredibly personal, with small touches of whimsy (instead of table #s we had push puppets (those things you push from the bottom and they kind of dance) that represented us). It was the fun things like that that people remembered.
I will admit, I didn’t think I would care about the dress. I still didn’t want to spend much money, but I really got sucked into it. I loved trying on dresses. And I never felt more beautiful than I did on my wedding day.
Haha. I’m going to try to not let myself get sucked in, but considering how excited I am that might be hard. At least I won’t be able to spend money I don’t have. I’m excited to try on dresses! :)
Once again, congratulations! It sounds like what every girl dreams of! I envy you moving off to New Zealand! Sounds like many great adventures are ahead of you! Hope you continue to blog and tweet through these journies!
Mrs. O
http://itsmylifeandmyjourney.blogspot.com
Of course I will keep blogging. ;)
I would suggest theknot.com – an absolutely AWESOME online checklist/wedding planning site that will have everything you could possibly need planning wise and then some! You can start it now…even can design a little wedding website through them. It was the only thing that got me through my wedding planning sanely! And I’m a bit scattered and not a naturally organized person either! My family was amazed how I had every detail lined up and taken care of! And best of all…it’s FREE!!!!!
Haha, I’ve signed up for it already. I figured Kepa and I should register before he leaves the states so we can look at stuff together so I looked for tips on registering because I have no clue. The Knot was the only website I could think of so I signed up and read some stuff. It’s a little more intense and suggest more stuff than I’ll probably do, but it could be helpful. :)
I love your story and love love love that you share it with us!!! I wish you all the excitement and joy in the world with this amazing adventure!
As someone else who met their man online this thrills me to no end! Congratulations to you and Kepa! I love how the internets introduces you to ppl you may have otherwise never known… Especially when you meet someone who shares same interests and values.
As for the wedding? I totally second what Karen said. We got married in our backyard, just family and spent $$$ on the honeymoon. Planning was minimal, I shopped for everything myself, picked up a single rose as my bouquet that morning and it was lovely. In the end it’s your day, well, Kepa too. enjoy being enaged now, the rest falls into place.
congratulations again Mary!
Hehe. It’s funny because even “simple” for us is “complicated.” One way or the other someone’s family has to cross an ocean and a country. So no matter what we kinda get screwed with that. But it will be lovely to have my favorite people in one place at one time. I’m really looking forward to that!
I second the suggestion on The Knot website. Wait until you see how much information is out there for you.
This post is just glowing with the love you and Kepa share and with excitement for your future. You’re at just about the perfect age to be on a great adventure like this. Take it from me – I left home and moved to Zambia, Africa at 18 and lived there four years – cherish every minute of the next year, soak it up. The rest will sort itsefl out.
Helen´s last [type] ..Im a Big Sap
Oh wow! What an adventure you have had yourself! That’s amazing!
Yes, I’m quite excited about life and the adventures to come over the next year. :)
I want to reach through the computer and hug you!
Last year I planned my wedding for $5,000. It’s not difficult and there are a lot of deals. Don’t stress (easier said than done.) BTW, I second David’s Bridal for a dress. I got mine there for $250 and I loved it. :)
Can’t wait to see all your wedding/exercise/moving etc posts and tweets.
You live an exciting life of love and happiness!
*hugs*
Aw, yay! I love hugs! *HUG*
I could easily plan a wedding for that or less, but factoring in the airline tickets we have to buy kind of throws that number off. I don’t know, I’m going to have to wait and see how it goes. I’m definitely doing either David’s Bridal or something second hand or otherwise inexpensive. I don’t understand spending thousands on a dress you wear once.
Thanks. :)
Oh my Mary! I love how bursting with love and happiness your blog is. It makes my heart grow. I have a zillion tips for you on the wedding situation, I will send you a seperate email. Can you send me an email to the best account I can answer you back at? I will send you some suggestions and tips to see what you think. Enjoy this super exciting time in life and love of Mary & Kepa. <3
Meegan´s last [type] ..New Goals – New Program
I can’t wait for that email!!! I’m super excited. :) I’ll email you right away.
Okay, I’m working on your wedding vows right now, but I’m stuck on whether to make it rhyme or make it a song…
Jack Sh*t´s last [type] ..Worlds Worst Workout DVDs
Well, we like songs. As long as I don’t have to sing. So that’s that.
True love is life-changing. Enjoy the exciting and relaxing “hum” of love and joy. Congrats to you both. And you can talk as much wedding crap as you want; it’s your time. Embrace it! Hugs and happiness to you both, Kirsten
Kirsten (Results Not Typical Girl)´s last [type] ..drugs- dicks- and marilyn monroe
Exercise was a great stress relief for me when I was dealing with wedding stuff and finishing seminary. It was a crazy time now that I look back at it but I am so happy to be married.
You and Kepa have such great things in store for you that you can face together. And I’m sure you have plenty of friends who can help you plan from a distance.
It’s a very exciting time for you!
I’m sure you’re going to make tons of friends, because your personality (from what I’ve read in your blog and in the videos) is so easy going. I have no doubt that you’re going to have quite a social life in NZ.
As far as the wedding, I’m sure you’ll find all sorts of resources online to help you make the perfect wedding. Oh, and the bridal mags – I love, love, love those. So many good ideas.
Have fun with all the new things coming up in your life. (Oh and that ring is blingtastic!).
Bella´s last [type] ..Lulu Update – 1st Day at Doggie Daycare
I’m hope so! It’s scary to move to a new country even when you know a handful of people there. But thanks for the vote of confidence. I think you’ll be right. I’ll make lots of friends, fingers crossed. ;)
Oooh, bridal magazines. Fun….
*bling* *bling*
Hi Mary,
Just started reading your blog and am so excited for you and Kepa. This is such a sweet and lovely story. Congrats on your engagement and try to enjoy the moments as they come. It is an inspiration to others who are still waiting for love to find them.
Lou Ann
Thank you so much Lou Ann!
Oooo, that is one gorgeous sparklie!
Wedding planning can be fun, if you don’t believe everything you read (like I did :-P). You can plan something beautiful and fun in less time than the wedding industry would lead one to believe. I think if you both have a general idea of what you want, but let go of expecting anything except you to be there, Kepa to be there, and a person to perform the ceremony to be there…everything else is just gravyliciousness.
One thing we did that we really felt worked well: for bridesmaids and groomsmen, we let them wear their own clothes! Even my husband just bought himself a nice suit that he could wear again. Okay, so we did rent coordinating bow ties for the guys, but that was it. And for the girls, I sent them each a piece of royal blue ribbon, and told them to find a dress they loved and not worry about it being an exact match. Some borrowed a dress, some wore a dress they had, and some bought something new; it worked great, and everyone was happy to have escaped having to pay for and wear a bridesmaid’s dress from Hell. ;-)
Pubsgal´s last [type] ..Weekly Update- 7-28-10
You read my mind! I’m pretty sure I’m going to let the people in the wedding party wear there own thing in our colors or go to a regular store and buy some cute, cheap, matching dresses. One of those options. ;) But I haven’t thought too much about it yet.
This whole story is bringing out every little bit of the repressed romantic girly girl in me. Oh my goodness, I love it all. One of my friends is going to get married in the next few years too and I’m so excited to help her plan. She’s totally a low maintenance girl, though, and I’m totally not so I’m trying not to be pushy or project my ideas on to her. Beware BFFs in wedding planning.
Kendra´s last [type] ..Run- Forrest- Run- Cross training
HAHA! I’m glad that you love the story. I do too ;) I’m pretty low maintenance myself and sometimes compromise a little too much to make everyone happy, so I’ll keep that in mind.
Hi Mary- Congrats to you and Kepa! That was one of the sweetest proposals I’ve ever seen or heard of. I wanted to recommend the website weddingbee.com. They feature bride bloggers and have lots of boards to get advice on wedding planning. You should apply and be one of the bloggers! (I think you might get good wedding deals because of the national exposure). Check it out!
Have fun!
Thanks for the advice! I’ll definitely check that wedding website out. Anything can help me at this point!
Again, I am friggin toooooooooooooooooo excited for you. If I ever get to New Zealand & I have always so wanted to go, I now have 2 people “I know” there!!!!
You two are perfect for each other!!!!!
Jody – Fit at 52´s last [type] ..Turkey Burger Recipes!!! Olive Oil – Some Important Info!
One step at a time and you will reach your vision.
Going through the wedding planning now, I have a ton of advice if you want it. When you get here next month, I’m happy to sit down and chat, if you want at all.
I’m doing the planning from abroad too, so I feel ya!
Enjoy this time, before the planning hits!
Gemfit´s last [type] ..Can you hear the silence
Oh that would be fun! I’m willing to take advice/tips from anyone that knows more than I do (because I know nothing). And since you are planning from abroad too I definitely want your advice for when I actually have to start really planning.
Congratulations again! I still stare at my sparkly rings, I LOVE them. The most distracting time is when I’m driving and the light catches the stone, beautiful! Enjoy the wedding planning, and I just want to let you know that you are beautiful RIGHT NOW. No matter how many pounds you may lose, you are gorgeous and will be a beautiful bride right now. Congrats!
Beth (Mackattack)´s last [type] ..happy friday
Haha, that’s when the ring distracts me the most. In my car the sun just shoots right off it. It’s so cool!
Thanks Beth! I’m totally fine if I was to get married at this size, but my ultimate goal is to keep losing (especially just to get under 200). Being healthy for my wedding and my future family is just more motivation, ya know? It’s less about size and more about me wanting to be as healthy as I can be so I get to live a long time and celebrate 50 years with my love one day. ;)
I must come visit you in NZ. enough said.
Michelle @Eatingjourney´s last [type] ..Releasing My Anchors- 2 Year Blog-Anniversary
You must. Seriously. Make it happen.
I stumbled across your blog while doing a google search on weight loss. It is great to see you having a real go at losing weight and blogging about it. Have you ever thought about trying hypnotherapy to assist? I am a hypnotherist and have seen some good results.
When you move to New Zealand you HAVE to take tons of photos. I really love the scenery there!
Diana @ frontyardfoodie´s last [type] ..Pregger Pics Week 35…oh boy- I’m huge
WOW!!!! You do have some BIG things going on in your life!!! CONGRATS!!!!!!!
Sam´s last [type] ..How Ive Missed You!!!
Hi Mary,
I am normally a lurker and have been meaning to congratulate you for a couple of days. Sorry for the delay. I am so very happy for you!! I wish you and Kepa a life of happiness together!
Cari
oh gosh, how exciting! i know when i first got my engagment ring, i couldn’t stop obsessing over it. (er, still do really.) living in New Zealand is sure to be awesome. we’ve been planning on going for years but have just never made it over. last year flights were SUPER cheap from Sydney. (like $49 AUD) we never took the opportunity but that has now become the barometer. (unforunately. now $200 seems FAR too expensive.) have fun planning the wedding :)
Angela (the diet book junkie)´s last [type] ..coconut water is so hot right now
Congratulations for your weeding, this post will help the other people also. It will change the thinking of the other people, generally people will like the slim body but in your case different.
What would be a better thing to motivate you to exercise than your future wedding – I would definitely be less lazy if I had that in my horizont ;)
Anne @ Food Loving Polar Bear´s last [type] ..A Happy Week
you should check out the Knot – http://www.theknot.com (Im sure everyone has already said this) because its a great resource. the budgeter is just awesome because it gives you an idea of what you can spend and what things cost, and the checklist is also really great because it gives you an idea of what you need to do and when. And even if you have a small budget, there are so many things you can do yourself or have friends and family help you do that really saves money. my mom did my centerpieces, invitations, and church programs which was WAY cheaper than having them printed or done professionally. Florists will always recommend flowers that are in season or that are cheaper that look like your favorite flower. And you can find great dresses for not much money. Davids bridal and alfred angelo have beautiful dresses and always have sales going on. Good luck!
Heather´s last [type] ..Moving is the new diet
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