Monday, August 22, 2011

Finest Moments Sneak Preview

Check out our photographer's website! Sneak peak to their amazing photos of our wedding day!!

http://www.finestmomentsphoto.com/main/blogpost/307

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

10 Days of Happily Ever After

We are home from our Honeymoon!! So glad to be back in Columbus and so thankful to our family and friends who made our wedding unforgettable!!
The cruise was amazing! Lots of food and tons of entertainment. I was so nervous about feeling motion sickness and I never did! Woohoo! We stopped in CoCoCay and did some snorkeling...a little panicking on my end...by fun overall! In St. Thomas we went to Magen's Bay and got rained out after an hour, but it was beautiful anyway! The bus ride there was a little scary though...those people are crazy drivers. We also did a little shopping after Magen's Bay. St. Maarten was our favorite stop by far! We started at 8am and our tour guide drove us to the top of the tallest mountain on the island...and we trekked down it! Not exactly romantic but it was super fun! Then we went downtown for some shopping and ate at the Hard Rock Cafe. We got to have dinner with some of the singers on the boat because we were assigned to a table with their brother! Marquee was a show with a bunch of songs from Broadway. Once upon a time was a show with several fairy tales set to modern day songs. This was definitely our favorite! There was also an ice show, a magician/illusionist, and two comedians. We tried to get on the Love and Marriage game show, but it was fun just to watch too! We had such a wonderful time!!




Rewind a little...

The rehearsal dinner was absolutely amazing! Everyone made it to the church for a quick run through (despite the trains...welcome to Olmsted Falls Kevin and Selb). Then we headed to Pier W in Lakewood where Rick and Nancy hosted a fabulous evening complete with High Def Riesling and an awesome view of downtown Cleveland over the lake at night! =)

My MOH stayed downtown with me in the Hyatt at the Arcade. We showered and unpacked our things so we could come back and get dressed quickly the next day. But, around 1:30am...we moved rooms! Our AC was broken and it was so hot!! So, with my dress and all me moved rooms in the middle of the night! However, it was worth it!! We slept for about 4.5 hours and got up for the wedding day festivities!

The wedding day was definitely the best day ever!!!!! 82 degrees and Sunny with very little humidity...who could ask for better! But it was funny, as many times as I hoped and prayed it wouldn't rain, I didn't even think about it until late in the day! Finally I realized...hey it didn't rain! I was just blissfully living through the day without thinking.

The day started early, 6:20 am. The bridesmaids and the moms went to David Scott Salon and Spa to get our hair/makeup done. They had mimosas and pastries! I didn't want to eat, I was too nervous. I had my first "moment" with tears when my hair was finished and I LOVED it!! I had my makeup done (and bought a lipstick for touch ups) and we were out of there by 10ish. Back downtown we hurried to get dressed while the guys got some pictures taken. Shout out to my cousins Brian and Michelle for delivering the flowers downtown!! Thank you!

The big reveal was about 11:00am...Greg and I saw each other for the first time!! We took a few pictures in the Arcade, and then piled into the Excursion Limo for more pictures! We went to a few spots downtown by the science center, rock and roll hall of fame, and 4th street. Around 2pm we dropped the wedding party off at my parents for lunch, and Greg and I took off for more pictures. We went to the grand pacific junction and the railroad tracks, and got a little personal time. =)

3:00pm...crunch time. My MIL...sewed me back into my dress that popped open during pictures. And Off to the church where I snuck in the front before anyone saw me! In the limo I was asked to pick...grapes or a turkey sandwich. I picked grapes. After those, they asked me to eat the sandwich, and I just couldn't. So...Brigitte took the turkey and cheese out and rolled it up for me...whatever works!! =)
I brushed my teeth with a wisp, ate a mint or five, got hair sprayed again, pinned my something old and something borrowed into my dress, put band aids on my feet, got sprayed with aerosol deodorant, and freshened my lipstick! By the way...I didn't actually do any of that...I stood in a small room at the front of the church while my bridesmaids gathered round and pulled through to get me ready to get up the 100 foot aisle!! I couldn't have done it without them! I also kicked a few people out of the room I was in...my apologies...nerves.

4:05pm...walking down the aisle with my dad! The first half of the aisle I was a little weepy. The second half I had the biggest smile I think I've ever had combined with choking back sobs! That was definitely the hardest part! It is very overwhelming to get married...and to have so many people gather to support you!!

We made it through the ceremony and family pictures without a hitch. My cousin Jasson and his wife Hannah (also a bridesmaid) drove us downtown to the reception. It was nice to have a minute to sit and the hard part was over! When we got to Windows, Brigitte and Hannah bustled my dress...that whole train got tied up with 13 sets of strings!

Greg and I were happy to be part of the cocktail hour. We made our grand entrance. The wedding party walked in to, I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas. And Greg and I walked in to, It's a Beautiful Day by U2. Speeches were made by Brigitte, Kevin, and Andrew. And dinner was served!!
We started rounding to each table and really tried to get to everyone!! We cut the cake to LOVE by Nat King Cole and the cake slice we cut was too small- so all we fed each other was frosting! Our first dance was to Blue Eyes by the Cary Brothers and it was amazing. (This was the first time Greg realized I had fake eyelashes on! lol.) Greg sent me "Blue Eyes" through Instant Messenger before we started dating and it became our song. I cried all the way through to Father Daughter dance to, I Loved her First. Greg surprised his mom with the song he picked for their dance, I hope you Dance. And I hope our guests enjoyed the in-law dance we added to My Wish! My Sister, Kelly, dedicated a song to us, I Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith. This was very nice of her and meant a lot to us!

9:00pm we snuck out with the photographer's for some night shots on the bridge. It was a little rushed so we didn't miss the party, but I know they will be amazing! Then it was back to the party!! The Wedding party did a shot of some sort...I just took what I was handed. =) And there was a special Summer of 69 dance with Katy, Stephanie, and Kyle. I was so happy everyone danced all night and the party didn't end until midnight!

We did have some fun surprises for our wedding! The Avenger's was being filmed in downtown Cleveland so roads were closed and people were detoured! Janet Jackson made a special appearance! She had a concert in the outdoor amphitheatre right next door to Windows! And the Cleveland Indians played that night...I'm sure the fireworks at the end of the game were dedicated to us! =)

Thank you to everyone for joining us on our wedding day! We could not have asked for a better time!! We look forward to our life together and sharing it with all of you! Keep watching the blog for married life updates!

Love <3
Greg and Christine Beers







Photo Credits to: Selby B, Rachel F, Debbie C, and Beth M.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Cleveland Shower/10 Days

Forgive me for the gap in posts! We have been extremely busy this past month with moving, vacation and wedding planning!

On July 9 my MOH, Brigitte, threw me a shower for all my Cleveland family and friends! Shout out to Hannah, my Mom, Aunt Diane, Aunt Mary Jean, Aunt Nebbie, and Chrissy for all their help in the planning/food as well! The food was all wonderful, and it was a little overwhelming to have so many people fuss over me. Thank you to everyone!! We got an enormous amount of kitchen accessories and are very excited because we love to cook! In addition to the wonderful kitchen things we also got a clock, bed sheets, towels, a cooler, and a gift wrapping set! Thank you to everyone, I could not have dreamt up a better shower!

July 10, we moved!! It was extremely hot carrying everything up the stairs to our second floor apartment, but with the help of Greg's dad, his brother Andrew, Adam and Anna, and my parents we got everything moved by 4pm! Now, I can't say that it's all unpacked...but it's getting there! And we love, love our bigger space!

Greg and I then went on a much needed vacation with his Family to Hilton Head for the second year in a row. I must mention of course Salty Dog, but also Sunset Grill and Santa Fe Cafe! Amazing meals!! We also went Shark Fishing- Greg caught a 5ft Black Tip Shark, and his brother, Andrew caught a 9ft Bull Shark! We also rented Wave Runners and took them on a creek or "race track" into the ocean. So fun! We also discovered we are huge fans of Surius Radio! =) Thank you to Rick and Nancy for yet another fabulous vacation!

Last week was super full of wedding planning and organizing! I finalized everything with all the vendors, made a timeline of the day, and picked up last minute wedding/honeymoon things. I had my practice hair and makeup done, and my final dress fitting last week. We also booked some excursions for our honeymoon. In the Bahamas we will be parasailing and "at your leisure" snorkeling, in St. Thomas we will visit Magen's Bay and do some shopping, and in St. Maarten we will be going on a downhill Trek and hear the history of the island (with a complimentary bottle of water). I feel much more organized now, and have everything set to finish up now.

This week is Greg's 24th birthday, and my bachelorette party. Next week...wedding prep! Whatever doesn't get done, isn't getting done! And truly, at this point, it will we great no matter what happens. Greg and I will be married, and that's all that matters in the end!!

10 Days until I marry my Best Friend!!
See all of you very soon!

Here are some pictures from my shower and HH!



Thursday, June 30, 2011

Marriage License

Let me just say, getting out marriage license may have been one of the most stressful parts of planning this wedding. First, I totally forgot all about it. I've read it on a hundred different checklists over the 16 month planning period and I make a mental note every time that I can't complete this task until we are within 60 days of the wedding. And I completely forgot!! Then Deacon Rich instructed us to bring it to the rehearsal dinner...thank goodness he said something!
So...yesterday, Greg took a break from studying for the DAT, I called the probate court in Franklin county to make sure this is where we need to go, I printed directions off map-quest (old school I know), and we left around 2pm.
First, we stopped at Piada to try to new "Italian style chipotle" and we had to go to Target because we never have cash. To get the marriage license you must pay in cash. So Greg bough deodorant to get his cash back and I bought a kitchen towel to get cash back. Our crazy adventure had begun...
The drive downtown is basically how I go to work so that was easy. We found a parking garage, and thankfully had a little extra cash from out Target trip. No problem. We found ourselves in Nationwide Plaza downtown, which was extremely nice, but we couldn't figure out which building. We knew we had to get to the 23rd floor, but there were 3 big buildings and only marked 1, 2, and 3. No real address. Greg is panicking at this point, but I told him until I panic everything will be fine and not to worry we will find it! (that's what I tell my patients and their parents). So we went in one of the buildings and asked a couple security guards. They all told us we were on the wrong side of town! Mapquest stinks. Okay, frustrating but we'll head that way. We get back to the car, pay to get out of the lot, start heading up High street and the numbers are going down and not up. We are at 280 and we need 373. So we decide that must be wrong, turn around, and park in the same garage we had just come out of, walk back to the same 3 buildings and try a different building. The lady at the desk told me I was on the wrong side of town...again. So at this point I am freaking out. At this point we might need divorce court before we get our marriage license.
We walk back to the car, pay AGAIN to get out of the garage and head up High Street. We were on the North end of High street, the numbers go down and back up on the South end. We tend to stay in the suburbs and don't know this little detail.
At this point it is 4pm. And the marriage license office closes at 4:30. We drove 10 blocks, used the GPS on Greg's droid and found the building!! Finally! And it's in the worst part of town. Yay! We park in another garage around the block, and race into the building. It's 4:15 and we are faced with security guards and metal detectors like we're at the airport! No, we only had 15 minutes!! Fortunately, they were very nice and it didn't take long to get through. We take the elevator to the 23rd floor and walk in at 4:20! Luckily, the people working were very nice too and we were the only customers. We had to fill out the application on the computer in the lobby, raise our right hand to swear we were not intoxicated or cousins, they handed us the marriage license packet, and locked the doors behind us!
We can now officially get married. I had to do some serious retail therapy after that one...so I went and bought the bridesmaids gifts!

This week we've also gotten estimates for a limo/bus, I've counted out all the favors, Greg is working on the table numbers in between studying, we edited the programs, met with the DJ about details, and set up a meeting with the new florist. Next weekend is my Cleveland shower, so excited! And we get our 2 bedroom apartment. Then we are off to Hilton Head with Greg's family for a week! Busy summer!!

Happy Fourth of July!! 43 Days left!
L, Christine and Greg

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

It's getting closer...

45 days and counting!! So much to do!!!!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Beers/Forman Shower!!


Today was my shower on the Beers/Forman side of the family, and it was a fabulous time!! Aunt Les, Rachel, Abby, Grandma Forman, Karen, and Nancy did a great job putting it together! Everything was green including the plates and silverware, and they had my favorite dessert...cheesecake! The favors were chocolate truffles and so yummy! They even had cookies decorated like tuxedos and others with monograms. Karen did a great job with games and prizes and made sure everyone had a good time! I got lots of wonderful things for our new home, including: bath towels, bathroom accessories, bake ware and utensils, dishes, silverware, serving ware, wine glasses, corning ware, toaster, and waffle maker, and a bathroom scale!And I can't wait to use them! My MOH, Brigitte's, her new baby, Morgan, and my cousin, Hannah, drove down for it! It meant a lot to have them there. My mom also come down! And my friend Katie came too! So nice to have the wedding party come together...minus Selb...we missed you! Thank you to everyone there, and those who could not make it, for welcoming me to the family! See you in August!


Friday, June 3, 2011

Time is Flying!!

Today is 70 days until the big day!! I can not believe how fast time is passing!
I had my first dress fitting. This went really well, and I'm excited to see my dress again once it fits me better! Next fitting June 25.
I met with the bakery again for some cake changes, and the cake is paid in full! The reception venue asked if I wanted to be announce in and cut the cake, or wait until after dinner to cut the cake. WAIT of course!! If I walk in a cut it, it goes away, and I'll get to see it for 2 minutes. I've been waiting too long to see my cake! lol.
I can see where a wedding planner would come in handy...I had to call 3 different people to see who would be putting the flowers on the cake. Crazy! It is the little things that add up to a lot to do! And it's even harder when I work nights and sleep during the day when the vendors are open.
I met with the videographer last week and signed the papers. Greg and I are soo excited about this because originally we did not think we could afford a videographer, and all our married friends said we should really have one! He is graduating from Otterbein this year, and has a good little business going already. He did a fellow co-workers wedding and did an amazing job!
I met with the venue again too! We talked about the room set-up, linens and food. Its all coming together now, and it's getting close!
Plans for this week...pick readers, pick ceremony music, create programs, and MOVE GREG TO COLUMBUS!!!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

100 Days!! (And 3 years)


Today is exactly 100 days until Greg and I say, I do!! We couldn't be more excited!! And we are celebrating our 3 year anniversary tomorrow! <3

Friday, April 29, 2011

Royal Wedding

I have been up since 4:00 am to watch the Royal Wedding! I'm glad I was able to watch such an exciting, and global event- live -while planning our wedding! 2 weeks, and 3 months from today, Greg and I will also be saying I do. 105 days.

Greg did not understand the fuss over the royal wedding. I had to explain it to him. He sent me a text message about 15 minutes into the ceremony that said, "Do you think they're having a Friday wedding because they got a Friday discount on Westminster Abbey?" Oh boy...no. I don't think they got a discount. But, I do think Friday weddings are what the cool kids are doing. Not bias. =)

In the past few days, I've printed half of the wedding invitations. And I've addressed all the envelopes. I was nervous about writing them myself, but I think they turned out okay!

And I had to add a picture...ironically similar. =)


Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Crunch Time

Sorry for the lack of updates lately! It seems as though we hit a dry patch in planning where the big things were done and it was too early for the little things. Well...with a little over 3 months to go, it is starting to feel like crunch time. Greg and I have so much to do and very little time together because of work and school schedules, not to mention the long distance relationship we are constantly battling.
We've officially bought all the paper and ink for the invitations. Now we just need to find a good day to sit and watch them print. We keep hoping to do them together, but it's hard to find mutual days off. We also bought stuff for the favors that we will eventually have to assemble, but we have some time for that.
Coming up at the beginning of May, we have appointments with Windows and with our bakery to go over final details. I'm pretty sure we'll have to meet with the photographer again soon, and definitely the DJ.
May 13 I go for my first dress fitting!! I have most of my accessories ready to go, but I better buy my Spanx before then! The BM dresses are also due to come in the next 2-3 weeks.
We had our last meeting with Deacon Rich last weekend, and only have to meet with him again to go over planning the ceremony. I'm still waiting to here from the organist about music, but hopefully that happens soon so we can get the programs going. We also have to finalize decisions about readers for the ceremony.
My MOH is planning a shower for July, and my MIL is planning a shower for June!! So exciting! This past Sunday was exactly 1 year since Greg proposed, and this year has flown! I can only imagine how fast the next few months will be! Only 108 days to go!!

Oh my, and I almost forgot! One of the most exciting things we've done...we hired a videographer! He is an Otterbein student as well, and he did my co-workers wedding on New Year's Eve and did a fabulous job! We are so excited to have our big day on video! =)

Thursday, March 24, 2011

First Time Aunt and Uncle / Spring Break Festivites

Greg and I had an amazing week! This is the first time, in the longest time, we got to spend 7 consecutive days together! It all started last Thursday when our nephew was born, and we went to Virginia for a long weekend. Kevin and Selby are now the proud parents of one of the most adorable red heads we know, Jack! We had a great visit with all of them!

During the week Greg was in Columbus with me because he's on spring break! We got soo much done! First off we bought our wedding bands! Super excited about this one! It was one of those "you'll know when it's the one" kind of things. Our good friend, Kyle, works at Jared's and helped us pick both our rings. Very nice knowing we were working with a friend.
We did a few other odd and end things. We decided on the paper for the invitations and how we will print them. Lots of work, but I've had lots of offers for help. And we looked at excursions to do on the cruise. I also applied for my very first passport. This could have been horrible, but the women helping us was so nice, and told us that within the year I can have my name changed on it for free! So nice! Before, they made you pay to have a name change if it wasn't expired. And lastly, we looked at some bigger apartments in the same complex I'm in now. So...probably definitely getting a two bedroom now! (Just so everyone can visit of course...or maybe so we don't kill each other in my 569sq ft. apartment.)

Definitely could not have asked for a better week! Spending all that time with Greg was so nice, and makes us sad to have to wait 141 more days to say "We Do." And I wanted to wait until 2012...yeah right!




Aunt Christine & Uncle Greg <3

Friday, March 4, 2011

Honeymoon!!

Today we officially booked our honeymoon!! Or...Greg did. I'm leaving most of this up to him. We used Nancy's travel agent...or cruise agent. And she was very helpful. I've never been on a cruise so was nervous at first, but think this will be a very fun week!
We leave Saturday for Orlando, and the cruise leaves from Port Canaveral on Sunday, August 14! We will be sailing for 7 nights and making stops in: CoCoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Martin!! (I have provided pictures of each location in this order!) We will be traveling on Freedom of the Seas through Royal Caribbean! Too exciting! And very relieving to have yet another huge decision checked off the list!

My MOH has also started a lot of planning for a shower in Cleveland! I don't know a lot of details yet, but I know it will be a wonderful day! 5 months to go, and everything is getting so close and so REAL! 161 Days! <3





Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Checking Things Off!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!
It is day 178 until the wedding!! I can't believe how close it is getting! We have been engaged for 10 months, and only have 6 to go. I've been joking with friends lately that I should have eloped...it would be so much less stressful! But, that's not true. I don't wish we had eloped. A friend at work said...You plan the wedding around the memories you want to create. When the day comes it will be perfect, and you will realize all the stress and worry will be for nothing. This was actually very helpful. I really don't think I've been wedding crazed in quite some time, but last week I was thinking about assembling the invites and panicked at what a time consuming job this will end up being. Fortunately, I have a great fiance and amazing MOH who have offered their assistance! =)

I've gotten a lot of little odds and ends marked off my list as well! The guest book, unity candle, and favor boxes have been ordered! I've also ordered shoes and earrings! And maybe a few other things...but there has to be some element of surprise for our guests on the big day! But it is always a relief to cross things off no matter how big or small.
We have also talked about the honeymoon over and over and OVER again. I think we've finally decided but are waiting to book for a little while and wanting to possibly consult a travel agent...I'll share details when this is final.

I can't just talk about the wedding though, I need to update you on the marriage. Greg and I had a last minute meeting with Deacon Rich last week simply because we were going to be in town and needed to settle our nerves a little. He is always extremely helpful! In the past few weeks we have been taking a lot of advice from the book, "The Five Love Languages." And we have made an effort to see each other more...it seems we are always trying for that. And we've sat down and talked finances and budget for pre wedding and post wedding. We meet with Deacon Rich again this coming weekend for a progress check.

Oh, and I have to mention this too! I was on our registry to edit a few things, and there was 1 gift bought already!! I was so surprised and excited. So, whoever you are, if you're reading this...Thank You!! Let it be recorded, our first wedding gift is a corningware casserole dish with carrier! Too exciting!!

<3

C&G

Monday, January 24, 2011

Count Down Continues

HAPPY 200 DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING!!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Delayed Updates

It's been a while since I've had a lot to update on wedding plans. And last weekend we got a lot done...and I neglected to blog about it. Last Friday Greg and I went to Men's Wearhouse and picked out tuxes. No bow ties...to Greg's disappointment. Greg will wear a white vest with small silver details in a diamond pattern, and a matching tie that is more of a stripe pattern. The groomsmen and fathers will wear the same patterns only in all black. Everything is black and white except the flowers...green, pink, and purple!

Saturday we met with Deacon Rich. We learn so much with each visit, and we grow so much between each visit. I've mentioned before that we have been reading books on marriage, and Deacon Rich suggested "The 5 Languages of Love." So, we bought it, and Greg is reading it first! =)

Also, on Saturday I went with Brigitte, Hannah, and Mom to see my dress for the first time! I got to try it on, and it's just as beautiful as I remember! And this one is MINE...not just a sample! No hints (Greg reads this), but I can't wait to wear it on August 12! I asked Greg what he is picturing, and he thinks my dress will look like..."Silky with some sort of empire waist, and it's not going to have a lot of puffs and frills on the bottom, no nonsense. Not a lot of beading either."
I had to get that in writing to look back on 6 months from now, and 50 years from now! We'll see...

Also on Saturday night, we got to babysit Daniel and Finn! And we asked the Fitzgerald family to carry the gifts up during mass. They are very excited! We think we've choosen readers, but they have yet to be informed. =)

On Sunday, we skipped the bridal show, and just spent time with each other. We were very glad to have the weekend together...3 whole days is a treat! Greg mastered the art of building a fire in the wood burner, with assistance from Dad. And we had "ted-corn" as Greg refers to it because he loves when Dad makes popcorn on the stove. Overall it was a very relaxing weekend.

This week, Grandpa Klesta passed away. He was sick and in pain, but it's always hard. He's in a better place now. I was asked to do the second reading at mass which was a honor, and I have a very lovely plant to remember him. Greg was not able to be here, due to school and weather it just wasn't possible. He was very upset about it, but I told him I may need him now, but I also need him forever so he's not allowed to drive 3 hours in the snow.
Looking forward to another relaxing weekend with my family, and hopefully many more updates over the next 6 months!

203 days! <3

Monday, January 10, 2011

7 Months

7 Months to go!! 214 days to be exact!

Some new wedding news...
* We are having the cake topper made! (which I already blogged about)
* I got all the stuff to make table numbers and placecards!
* Sample invites have been printed and put together...just have to get to Kinkos!
* This weekend we see Deacon Rich, hopefully pick out tuxes, and I go for my dress inspection!!!
* Greg and I are also going to the bridal show at the IX center on Sunday!

And I have to say I am soo happy to be sharing this with Greg! I can't imagine sharing this day with anyone else. =)