Sad :(

So last night at 3am, it finally set in that I'm leaving the love of my life - once again - in 8 days. I couldn't help but get teary eyed. These long breaks are great because I get to see him just about every day, but they're hard to come back from. It's hard to jump back into reality and remember that we're in a long-distance relationship. It never gets easier, and in fact I think it's gotten harder since our relationship has matured so much recently. I want to stay here with him forever. It is going to take every ounce of my being to get back in the car and drive to College Station. I HAVE to finish out my school there, and I will - but it will still be very very sad and lonely. At least I have school to distract me, and at least there are only 2 more big breaks before we no longer have to say goodbye.

Success!

We went to take the tour last night and I was BLOWN AWAY! Of course, the more expensive suite ended up being the best, but it's incredible! I'm pretty sure it will be the location of our reception. Here are all of the wonderful things I LOVED about the location:

1. Melissa. She is the catering manager (aka event coordinator) for the space. We had a lot of people joining us for the tour and we fired so many questions at her. Without hesitation, she answered every single question thoroughly and never once pleaded ignorance. Her attention to detail and all of what she will be responsible for was so impressive.

2. How much is included. Not only would we be getting a coordinator (and her two assistants), but we would also have access to three colors of linens (ivory, white, and black) and over five colors of napkins. The staff will dress all of the tables and fold all of the napkins. The staff will also decorate the extra tables (buffet, cake, etc.) with any floral arrangements and/or candles they see fit. We will also have access to staple centerpiece items, like mirror tiles, vases, candles, and more. Not to mention, extra candles for decorating the room and the staff will light all of the candles.

3. The space. It is 17,000 square feet! There are four levels for tables/chairs (we would only need the top two levels), a "lounge" area, and upstairs hangout room. There's so much to see and absorb!

4. The wedding party suite. There's a 30-person suite right outside the club where the wedding party gets to snack, relax, bustle my dress and touch-up makeup. It's a great area to have some down time before making the big reception grand entrance.

5. Pictures on the field. Between the ceremony and reception, the wedding party gets to go down to the field and take the cutest pictures in the entire world. :)

6. The character. Throughout the whole space, there is character that makes it so charming and perfect. We would love to do a subtle baseball theme, and that's the best way I can describe the decor in the club.

Basically, the ballpark is perfect and it's where I want the reception to be. I can't even imagine finding a better place to have my first experiences as a married woman. This makes me even more excited than I already was! Before I was hoping the location would fit in with the vision, but the location officially passed my expectations. This is fantastic and I can't wait to get in there and start planning even more.


P.S. Phillip and I have a wedding website now. If you want to check it out, feel free. :) http://www.phillip-ashley.com/

Ballpark Tonight!!!!

Tonight, we're going to tour the Rangers Ballpark in Alrington - hopefully our future wedding reception site. I'm pretty excited!! It's not the museum that we originally had our sites set on, but there are still two other event space we get to look at. It'll be Phillip and his parents, Heather, Samantha, my parents and me touring.

The first place we'll see is the Diamond Club. It accomodates up to 1000 people. It's a large space, but it sounds like it has levels so we can still have an intimate reception. It's more expensive, but I'm sure it'll have it's high points.

The second place will be the Cuervo Club. It's a space for up to 250 people, which is about our maximum for guests anyway. This space has access to an outdoor balcony that overlooks the field. It's cheaper, and I have a feeling it'll be the one we look at the most tonight.

Both spaces have a dancefloor, food, housekeeping, free parking, cake-cutting, and set-up/take-down. Basically, we could go in without having to worry about extra things. I like that idea. :)

I'll let all of you know how it turns out after the grand tour.

I Don't Want to Go Back to College Station

I have two weeks left up here in Bedford and I'm glad it's not any less than that. This next year and a half is going to be VERY challenging for me. I really don't want to go back to College Station. I'd rather be here where I never have to say goodbye. Here where I get to see him whenver I want - and not just on random weekends. This long-distance thing has gotten so hard, and now with our future more visible than ever, it's even worse. I know I have to go back to College Station (and I will) but it'll be the hardest three semesters of college yet. :-/

Back from the Coast

We just got back from the coast. Phillip and I joined Samantha and Jeremy to travel down to Port Lavaca for New Years. The whole family had the chance to really get to know Phillip and I'm glad they did! They had all met him before, but this week they got to know who he is and why I love him so much. It made me feel really good when my grandmother told me that he "fits" with the family and she likes him. I knew they'd all love him, but what I was really impressed with was how much he opened up and how quickly he did so. It makes me want to marry him even more now!!!