So July Happened

Hello friends.

They say that when people make plans, God laughs. Well, He must have absolutely cracked up when I sat down and made my summer goals last month. "Blogging three times a week? WORKING OUT?? That's hilarious Hailey. Good try." He knew that my life would change quickly and dramatically soon after those goals were made and that brand new goals would take their place. I just wasn't in on it until about three weeks ago.

Ebiji proposed on July 7th. It was a beautiful, if not slightly humid, adventurous, romantic day full of surprises. The complete story involves date invitations, birthday candles, friends hiding in bushes, and a strange little bird named Felix. In my experience, it takes about 20 minutes of phone time to tell the story right. If we haven't talked yet, text me and we'll do it soon!


Since that day, a lot of plans have gone into action. (These are the new goals I alluded to earlier.) My hope was to get all of the big, important, time-consuming wedding decisions made before school starts. Thankfully, we've accomplished that goal with time to spare! So far, we have selected:

1. a venue. The Bluestone.

Ebiji and I will be getting married at The Bluestone, a gorgeous old church-turned-music-venue in downtown Columbus. The sanctuary will house both our ceremony and reception. I think the combination of stained glass, a big stage, and crazy lights and sound system make it a perfect space for both events. Funny story -- Ebiji hasn't seen it yet! He was out of town the day we booked, but he loves everything he's heard about it.

2. a wedding date. July 19, 2014

Because of several scheduling conflicts next summer, including another very important wedding (looking at you, Jos), Ebiji and I had a limited number of dates to work with. That was almost an issue, because Columbus venues are already pretty booked for next summer! Thankfully, the one date The Bluestone had available was the date we were most hoping for! This is one reason we knew The Bluestone was the perfect spot for our wedding.

3. a photographer. Kimberly Potterf.

The Bluestone has a list of preferred venders - people they most enjoy working with. After doing some research on my own, hoping to find a photographer on the cheaper side of things, I checked the preferred venders list to freshen my perspective. Kimberly was one of four photographers on that list and I absolutely fell in love with her photographs. We've also met with her in person, and she's quite lovely too. We're so excited that she'll be capturing our day!

4. the dress.

I found my dress at David's Bridal on my very first trip out. In fact, it was the first dress I saw and the first one I tried on! (Don't worry, I also tried on several others). It is the ideal pretty, simple, flowy, elegant but casual dress I had been hoping for. And it was on sale. We just couldn't walk away.

One of the funniest moments of engagement day. Our friends got us giant champagne goblets.

We've been working on a few other projects, toying with details, and day-dreaming on the internet, but after a whirlwind three weeks, I'm ready for a break! Perfect timing too, since we move into our apartments in a week and start school shortly after that. (I'm going to be tired forever, aren't I.)

Best despite all the excitement, the best moments of our engagement so far are when we get to spend quiet evenings together, soak the change in slowly, and talk in calm voices about what the future holds. In every bit of my loud and fast-paced existence, this man keeps me grounded. I am so thankful to finally call him my fiancé.