I’m married. WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!

Here’s a little glimpse of the goods. And yes, it really was that remarkable and ethereal. It was PERFECTION. I also have a super cool husband!!!

Our photographers at Red Loft Studios are the most amazing, phenomenal, talented, and downright cool women in the world. They posted some of our wedding pics on their blog HERE. I do not own these images, they belong to Red Loft (check out their stuff, they are the REAL DEAL).

My advice- always splurge on finding the best photographer for your special day. These ladies captured the emotions and feelings of this day with photographs- something incredibly difficult to do. But everything comes rushing back when you look at the images. It’s amazing.

The door beckons you…

Took this photo in San Diego at a friend’s wedding. I like how dark and ominous the door appears to be, yet the other side seems to beckon you to walk through…kind of a twisted Hansel & Gretl entry. Is it a mirage?

Lesson to be learned here: when opportunity presents itself, walk through the door…that or just run like hell the other way!!!

Welcome Strangers

The Meadow Beckons Me in San Diego

When Fitz and I were in San Diego last weekend for a friend’s wedding, we made a stop in beautiful La Jolla for a little retrospective beach time. Well, let’s just say that Twilight was on my mind because I kept marveling that the meadow was showing up everywhere I looked. The shore was sprinkled with grass and colorful wildflowers and the effect was just breathtaking.

And the proof is in the pudding….er, picture.

Pull up a patch of grass

Quote of the Day from Harvey Milk

“If it were true that children imitate their teachers we’d have a lot more nuns running around” (Harvey Milk)

From the feature film ‘Milk,’ in response to a debate in which it was suggested that gay teachers should be outlawed in California for corrupting children and ‘teaching homosexuality.’

If you haven’t seen Milk, I suggest you rent it. It is one of the most moving, wonderous films I have ever seen. Sean Penn’s performance as Harvey Milk is something to marvel. He was, and is, most deserving of his Oscar win.

Disclaimer: Photo courtesy Wikipedia

Kelly in San Diego, Fun Ensues

I was away over the weekend…miss me? Fitz and I attended a friend’s destination wedding in San Diego, California. It was soooo fun, and the weather was AMAZING. I’m pretty exhausted right now but here’s a little taste of the trip via photos:

Serenity at the Beach

Rooftop Terrace So Sweet

I’m happy now, my heart says

I’ve let go of the frustration that consumed me yesterday morning. It’s time for happiness. So let’s focus on the quote of the day:

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature” (Anne Frank)

Source: Happiness Quotes

Here is a photo of me, enjoying nature…and a glass of cabernet from Sbragia Vineyard in California.

Ahhh....

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

Today was one of those FANTASTIC lazy Sundays! It started off strong with a delicious breakfast prepared by Chef Fitz (who is SUCH a great cook). On the menu- blueberry pancakes (bb’s in the pancake batter for Fitz, on the side for me), turkey bacon, and coffee (beverage of champions). Beyond delicious.

We then piled in the car to spend the afternoon with my family in A-town. I busied myself by flipping my nephew upside down so many times that I felt nauseous, discussing and giggling over wedding details with my also-engaged sister, preparing stuffing (which I hadn’t a CLUE how to make), chatting up my dad and siblings, and enjoying a golf tournament that made me wish I was back at Pebble Beach. It was just a lovely little day….on the heels of Valentine’s Day, I’m reminded of the love in my life and I feel so blessed, so elated, and so thrilled. Today was one of those beautiful reminders that I have  a pretty good thing going nowadays…

I hope the holiday held the same meaning for all of you! To send a little Cali love your way, below is photo I snapped when visiting Pebble Beach last June.

A little Pebble for you

It’s the weekend, kids

And I’m getting out of town. I’m heading up north for a weekend with my girlfriends! How does one prepare for such an occasion? Typically by picking up some bags of Baked Lays and a case of Bud Light like I did this morning. What can I say? We’re chicks. That’s just how we roll.

It’s still pretty chilly in Chicago though it feels practically balmy right now with a temperature of 30 degrees. I miss Sausalito, California…

Happy Happy Happy

Yeah, I’m back. Rejoice!!!

I have returned from my glorious weekend out west. Fitz and I had an absolute blast traveling through Sonoma, Napa, Sausalito, and San Francisco. We fine tuned some wedding plans and naturally, made time for some vineyard exploration as well (for wedding ‘research’ of course). The weather was HEAVEN (I’m now questioning why the H I have been living in Chicago all these years. I’ll tell you why- because I’m an idiot).

Fitz and I were giddy all weekend long, practically jumping up and down with excitement. Picking and choosing all of the things that will be a part of our wedding made us realize how soon all of this is happening. There are so many feelings of elation! It’s pretty cool.

So here is a photo that nicely sums up my weekend. I miss the sunshine already.

I heart Sonoma

It’s a special day…a birthday!

Fitz’s birthday! The weekend has been a whirlwind of activities but it’s been quite enjoyable, save for a ridiculous Bears loss to the Green Bay Packers. Oh well.

It’s celebration time! Woohoo!

Happy 28th to the greatest guy in the world- I love you!

Just Fitz

I took the above photo during our California trip this past summer. After getting engaged in Big Sur, we tackled San Francisco. Spectacular!

Mr. Bill Does Leno, Optimism Flourishes

My ol’ Mr. Bill post has gotten ridiculously popular as of late. I’m not surprised- Mr. Bill rocks and slowly, the world is beginning to take notice. We all could use a little positivity in our lives!

So here’s another little tribute to my favorite optimist, Mr. Bill. This clip details Mr. Bill’s appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Best Line: “That’s just unsanitary, Fred. This is the 90’s, you can’t do that.”

Disclaimer: I do not own this clip. Found via Youtube: DMGIcomedy

Photos I Took…That I Love, Part Three

Pebble Beach!!!

Does this move you?

The theme of my photos is….HOW RAD IS PEBBLE BEACH?!

Just another piece of the California experience Fitz and I had during our June trip (a.k.a. engagement whirlwind). Seriously, there are no words to describe how insanely breathtaking the scenery is- photos don’t do it justice! You need to take in the whole experience- the smell of the water, the gripping wind swiftly jutting in and out, and the stark contrasts of the sky blues and earthy green colors. It’s truly a lovely place.

P.S. We did not actually golf Pebble Beach, just did the 17-mile drive, and had lunch/drinks overlooking the 18th green. It was BLISS. Don’t fret- you KNOW I’ll golf there eventually.

Notice anything (ahem) different?!

I’m in color!!! YAY!!! I think the slick header it adds a certain something…like….uh..well…color, I guess.

After 700 hits today…I’m speechless, thrilled, high-fiving, and heel-clicking like crazy. Thanks for stopping by, shaking out your ethereal addictions, and posting your thoughts. It’s one small step for Kelly, and one giant leap for Blog-kind.

Since today was a ultra-dope day, I thought I’d share something ultra-dope: this is where I’m going to get married!

It’s beyond…anything I could have imagined

It’s a vineyard in Santa Rosa, California! Beautiful right? It’s difficult not to feel completely one with nature in this setting.

I’m very cautious about the information I give out regarding my wedding because I think the element of surprise is so important. So enjoy this little appetizer!

Hmmm…what to tell?

Our warm friend peeks through the vines

After my trip this weekend, I feel like I am holding back a waterfall of details that I want to share with the world! However, after much thought and careful consideration, I’ve decided to hold back on posting all the photos and disclosing the gory details. After all, my wedding should have some surprises, right?!

I’ll give you this for now:

Betrothed

I made a new friend along the way

The wildly beautiful vineyards

Pray for Big Sur!

I am devastated to hear about the fires ravaging Big Sur, California. Obviously, it is a place very special to Fitz and I, as it is where we got engaged just four weeks ago. It is an insanely beautiful part of this world with the most breathtaking views of California’s natural landscape and the Pacific Ocean.

The photos in this New York Times article are downright frightening and sad.

Pray for Big Sur, and all of the residents and businesses affected!