Wedding Magazine Madness

I've always had a bit of an obsession with magazines. I keep archives of them stacked on the coffee table, they crowd out books on the bookshelves, and they take up precious cabinet space in my already too-tiny galley kitchen. There's just something about those glossy pages that I can't let go of.

But when I moved in with Matt I knew I had to get it under control. 

And I did, I really did -- until the engagement. 

Finally, I had another genre of magazines to covet -- wedding magazines! Needless to say there is no shortage of gorgeous, gasp-worthy wedding magazines and I've made quick work of collecting my fair share.

I thought the problem was (relatively) under control until Matt pointed out the leaning tower that I've been building next the sofa. I was quick to defend my tower, they are wedding magazines after all, and a soon to be bride has to have her vices. But, as I looked at the pile collecting dust, I knew it was time to clean house. 

In truth, taming the tower means more then just sending a few magazine to the recycling bin. To me it means narrowing down my wedding vision. There are so many brilliant ideas, so many drool-worthy gowns, so many beautiful centerpieces -- the wedding industry is overflowing with gorgeous things, and a girl can get kind of obsessed with trying to incorporate every little bit of inspiration into her day. But, believe me, this will make you INSANE. Honestly, buy a ticket to crazy town because just as soon as you think you've found the MOST petal-perfect bouquet possible, Martha Stewart will put out a new issue and you will have ten new ideas. 

So, my tower of magazines is not just about collecting pretty glossies, it's about NOT making decisions. And you know what? I'm tired of it. Tonight I will be flipping through these magazines, tearing out the things I love, and letting go of a whole lot of wedding magazine baggage. Cheers!

Look Who's Planning

Maui, 2010

I love this picture -- it's Matt and I one year ago on our dream vacation in Maui. We were just about to cross one more adventure off our bucket list -- zip lining.  Never mind that we were both terrified, we knew that the reward -- a mile-long ride across a bamboo forest -- would be well worth it. When we arrived at the other side (approximately thirty seconds later) we were both totally exhilarated, THRILLED - high-fives all around!

Now, one year later, I can't remember one thing about that thirty second ride. What I do remember is the process it took to get there -- the long bumpy bus ride to the zip line course, the first tentative "practice run" on a line that was only a few feet off the ground. And then, finally, the long climb to the top of the  highest platform.

When I look back my favorite memories are of the laughs we had gearing up in those awesome helmets and the pep-talks we gave each other when we wanted to turn back. My favorite memories are of the process.

Yup, what Emerson said is true -- "Life is a journey, not a destination."

Engaged!

So, here I am . It's one year later  and I'm about to set off on the biggest journey of my life -- marriage. But first, there's a lot of planning to do...

This blog is all about the process and I'm excited to learn, to share, and to figure out how to plan for the next big adventure.