Jason and I are trying to decide on a summer vacation…probably a week in early-mid July.  Any ideas?  Here’s the thing, we’ll be brand-new parents so we’re thinking a roadtrip may be a good way to start & we haven’t had a good roadtrip in a while so I’m sort of itching for one.  So what’s awesome within 9 hours of Lexington?

After the big European bonanza of this past year, I told Jason I owed him the traditional ‘beachy’ sort of vacation so that would probably be a good bet (even though it will be high season at beaches then). And just going to a little island to explore the whole thing sounds great, especially if there’s the possibility of a couple day trips nearby. 

We’ve done Charleston/Hilton Head & Savannah…great trip, by the way, but I’m probably more inclined to head somewhere new.  If you’ve got a dreamy spot up your sleeve, e-mail me!!  -m-

I photographed my first ever b-i-r-t-h in the wee hours of this morning (3-9am) and it was indescribable!  It feels a little surreal when I think that I’ll be in a similar situation in 8-10 weeks. 

Saying, "It was like witnessing a miracle." sounds SO cliche but truly there is nothing like it and it was such a privilege.  That said, this was just a special (and more than likely) one time only sort of thing. Special thanks to the Spaldings, staff @ St. Joseph East & midwife, Beth Broderson.  Welcome, Cole!  -m-   

photo: Beth & Cole

One more photo of Claudia’s work:

Another tip for brides to be…be sure to hire Claudia Engle if you’d like a custom monogram.  They are beyond beautiful and something you can use in dozens of ways (get an embosser made, monogram linens, engrave items you receive for your wedding or just have a rubber stamp made so you can make your paper darling!).  She’s a one person operation so she books up quickly and she’s another one of those hidden gems in town.  I’m such a paper person that I’m naturally in love with what she does but she’s a perfect fit for all the elegance that goes along with weddings.

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Claudia Engle Lettering & Design
cengle@insightbb.com
Telephone 859.806.2114
Facsimile 859.335.8344

Alas, bridal shows are almost always held on Sundays (the day of the week I’ve reserved exclusively for r & r, visiting family & going to church…no work allowed) and it’s so hard to have the type of conversation that I’m interested in with 50 people who need your attention at once…I’m much better at the ‘Come over & let’s talk about your wedding’ kind of visit that takes 45 minutes rather than 30 seconds.  If you keep your eyes peeled you’ll probably see photos of mine, here and there at booths.  Even though I won’t be there, I have a couple tips for you if you’re headed that way:

First, drawings are pretty common so it would be helpful to make up some labels really quick that you can just ‘peel & stick’ on entries.  Seriously!  Although this will take a tiny bit of time, you’ll be thanking me when you pass the 20th booth that has a drawing!  Just do a little address label with your name, address, wedding date, phone # & e-mail address.  One sheet will do.

Second, divide and conquer…if by chance you have the greatest fiance on the planet who is coming with you to this, send him to scout out things he may be more interested in like DJs…just arm him with an essential list of questions like, "Do you have (insert your date here) available?" and "Do you have pricing information available?".  Then, have him jot a few notes on the information he receives (or even use a star system…4 stars being his favorite) so you can go back and meet the ones he liked best. 

Third, do your homework.  When you get home, really sift through the information you collected and get to work arranging meetings & making decisions on the things that are most important to you.  Since so many people get engaged over the holidays and start their planning right away, don’t leave the bag of goodies at the bottom of the coat closet for the next three weeks.  Sometimes it really is the case that the early bird gets the worm. 

And here are some more great tips: Bridal Show Tips

Have fun & eat lots of yummy cake for me! -m-

The scoop:
Jan 8th – the Lexington Center  noon-5pm
Jan 15th – Embassy Suites 11am-5pm