New Music

Todd has introduced me to a new artist and I have fallen in love with the tune of his music! His name is Ray LaMontagne. If you haven't heard of him, go to YouTube and search for his songs. Let It Be Me is probably one of my favorites, You Are The Best Thing is another one I love. His music has a bit of a jazzy beat with a touch of soul and sweet lyrics you'd want to say to your love. I'm sure you would all recognize his song Trouble, which was featured on a commercial recently, I think AT&T? He kind of looks like a guy you'd run into at Rock Creek, but he makes great music. Check it out for sure, if you're a fan of John Mayer you'll love Ray LaMontagne. Just thought I'd share my newest find!

New Blog Title

Ok, so I changed the title of my blog since Todd and I are now married. Well, that was a short engagement, huh? Knowing me, there will probably be more title changes in the future! Taking the next step in life is always to exciting and new to me, but there is always a small part of me that is sad, bittersweet really, to close a chapter in life to move on to the long, anticipated moment! Although new stages brings new happiness, experiences, and memories, there is always something sad about closing the doors to what we once were. Think about it, kind of like when you graduated high school. It was so exciting to be going to college and starting a new chapter in life, but bittersweet to be leaving such great times behind! Or, the moment your baby finally arrives and is not growing in your belly anymore. There is always something to miss, but joys to look forward to with each chapter of life. Hopefully, this blog will give me more memories to mark my steps along the way. Makes me learn to enjoy every stage of life, because I will never be there again except in memory. After all, if it weren't for all the chapters in my life I wouldn't have sweet memories to cherish forever! Beginning my life with Todd is what I have been dreaming of for many years and the time is finally here to begin a new chapter in life!

Just Married!!

I'm thinking there is not much of a need anymore for my wedding blog, because Todd and I are married!! We eloped while on vacation in San Diego. Our ceremony was at the La Jolla Coves on a small beach with seagulls and seals as our witnesses! Who needs music when you have the sound of waves crashing over your feet! It was so beautiful and romantic. I cried so hard I could barely speak my vows. Tears of joy, not sadness, that I get to spend the rest of my life with Todd. I believe I will forever have a special connection to San Diego, because that is where we began our lives together. I can't wait to share the video and pictures from the ceremony. After the ceremony, Todd and I visited the San Diego Zoo. Kind of a different way to spend the rest of our wedding day, but after all, it was initially a vacation.

We got our very first piece of mail the other day addressed to us as Mr. and Mrs. Todd Halterman! You can only imagine how excited I was to see those words together for the first time. It was a sweet card from my mother and father-in-law, wishing us many years of happiness together.

Today, Todd and I are celebrating one of the most special Valentine's Day of all. It is our first one together as husband and wife. I hope Todd never tires of me calling him "husband" everytime I address him :) And the fact I refer to myself as his wife. He is just so precious I wish everyone in the world could know how sweet he is to me. He is taking me to one of my favorite restaurants for dinner today, can't wait! Happy Valentine's Day everybody!

Wedding Location

Todd and I have most likely decided to elope. So, I guess that technically means I am not supposed to announce the date or the location. However, since I really only have one official follower, I'm not exactly letting the cat out of the bag! :) I've been checking out this website, www.tropicalbeachweddings.com and they seem to have one of the best inexpensive packages and the least cheesy pictures. I am deciding between Fort Walton Beach or Navarre Beach, which is a long, skinny island that runs from Fort Walton to Pensacola. Navarre Beach seems more secluded and private that Destin or Clearwater.

Last night I spent a few hours researching ideas and vendors for our wedding. I cannot believe most photographers start packages at around $2,000! I am in the wrong business, for sure! I found some under $1,000, but it appears as though my 8 year old niece could do a better job. If anyone knows of a good photographer at a decent price, please let me know.

So far, my idea is to have a private beach ceremony, then come back home and throw a big reception (that's where I need the photographer). I asked Todd what he wanted for our wedding, he replied in a simple tone, "I just want you there." Ahhh...so wonderful!

The Proposal

December 30th, 2009, the night my life changed forever.

Imagine, random Wednesday night, worn out from work, in my gym clothes getting ready to parade around the neighborhood in an attempt to burn calories. Todd comes up behind me and gives me one of those smooth embraces, as he often does. He asked me, "Baby, do you know how much I love you?" Now, he asks me this often, as if I could ever forget the strength and unmeasureable size of his love for me. I simply replied with an unexpected response, "No, not really..." just teasing of course!

He responded by saying, "this much!" Next thing I know he puts before me a small jewelry box, slowly opens it. Whola! An exquisite engagement ring, the exact one I coveted at Jared's! Our proposal was very casual and simple, just like us, in the most special of places, our home. After all, "home is where the heart is."

Story of Us

Todd and I met at the University of Phoenix, Chattanooga Campus. He was working evenings during class hours and I was a student. He wasn't exactly robbing the craddle though, he's only five years older than me! I can remember always wanting to look my best on the evenings I had class, because I knew I would see him at school. There was something about how handsome he looked working on those computers! In the beginning, we began casual conversations, only exposing the surface of our personalities.

About six months after becoming a student I was offered an amazing start to my career working for the univeristy. "Score!," I thought, "I get to work with this guy everyday!" I'll shorten this story and leave out all the details and bring you to now. As you can imagine, it didn't take long for Todd and I to recognize each other's sincereity, honesty, and genuine personalities.

We have been together for two and a half years now, the best of my life! I continue thanking God for his blessing to me. I can't believe God finds me worthy enough to bless me with someone like Todd. If you ask Todd, he'll say the same thing about me too. I often ask myself, "Is it really possible for two people to really experience this type of love?" I believe so, but only by the blessing of God!

About Us

Just a little about me and Todd. I have lived in Chattanooga, TN my entire life and consider myself family oriented. I've learned over the years friends come and go, only a few remain close, but family lasts a lifetime. I recently earned my bachelors degree in 2009 and am currently pursuing my masters degree. I work as a marketing coordinator at the University of Phoenix, Chattanooga, and love my career in education. I love to write, read anything, be outdoors, and I am attempting to make exercising a hobby. I love music, played flute and piano growing up. Although, probably couldn't hit an in tune note if I tried!

Todd is from Knoxville, TN and comes from a family with strong values, which were instilled in him since childhood. I never thought wholesome, loving families existed like Todd's family until I met the Haltermans. Unlike mine, Todd's parents have been married for more than 30 years! Brings joy to my heart to know he has learned how to love from an amazing mom and dad. Todd is a die hard Tennessee Vols fan, is addicted to the Atlanta Braves, probably doesn't want anyone to know, but he is a Chicago Bears fan. He loves anything sports, which I have grown fond of as well. Todd and I work together. He is an IT administrator and currently working on his A+ certification! Go, honey!

We recently got engaged, which is what this blog is all about. Enjoy :)

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog about my journey leading to the beginning of the rest of my life. My fiancee, Todd and I will be planning our wedding and invite you to follow us through decisions, ideas, memories, and probably some disagreements along the way. We urge you to share your ideas about wedding planning, marriage, and love. Enjoy the journey, we sure will.