November & December - Synopsis

What a whirlwind it has been! November came and went with a blink of an eye; and we are already approaching the middle of December.  Just a quick recap of the past month and my apologies in advance - I'll take shortcuts and link to Facebook/web photo albums and post no pics.

As of Nov.11, I officially moved in with Chuck back in Chicago; although I headed right back to Dallas for a week to wrap up.  My mom came down to Dallas, did some sightseeing, then drove with me back to Chicago via St. Louis.  While we were in Dallas, we took an advantage of a Groupon deal I purchased awhile back and took pictures at Dallas Arboretum with Javier from La piqure Studio.  Once we got to Chicago, we focused on dress shopping and I'm happy to say - "wedding dress? CHECK!"  At first, it was quite stressful since my mom and I had very different visions of the dress.  In the end, however, we both agreed on a particular dress and had that moment of "this is it!"  The dress didn't induce tears or overwhelming emotion; however, it just felt right.

We hired a mover to ship my belongings from Dallas, and it arrived before me!  Lucky Chuck, he had the pleasure of receiving all the boxes by himself.  During the week prior to our arrival, he had put in extra effort to rearrange the furniture, tidy up the place, and cleaning it twice to receive my mom...alas, his efforts were not as evident with all the boxes crowding the place!

*At this point, I'd just like to say "Thank you, hon! You're absolutely the best and your thoughtfulness is so~ much appreciated! Love you!*

Well, as soon as the dress shopping was over and mom had safely returned to Toronto, we headed to Colorado for Thanksgiving with Chuck's family.  Chuck's parents retired to Colorado mountains, and they have built a wonderful home (the view is absolutely stunning and it really is a peaceful place).  More importantly, I can't describe how lucky I am that my in-law's are simply fantastic!  They are down to earth, easy going, fun, caring, genuine, and inspiring people.  I look forward to spending more time with them and leaning on them for their guidance and wisdom in life.

We returned home for a few days, then we were off to Jamaica for our good friends, John and Amber's wedding.  Another wonderful trip to mark 2009.  John and Amber were wonderful hosts; and everyday, I was in awe of how graceful and relatable they were with each and every guest.  They definitely set a standard for us to aspire to when May'10 comes around!

Sadly, a tragic, one of the most horrific events had abruptly taken away a family member of our friends...we were brutally reminded how precious are the times we share with our loved ones, and how we simply cannot take any of these moments for granted.

Next week, I have a couple of job interviews for a postdoc position and it is likely that the rest of the year will be spent on trying to determine the path of the next chapter of our lives - wedding planning, career planning, family planning(?), etc.  I just hope we remember to treasure each and every moment, and to remember to live for the present as much as planning for the future.

Madness?

This just in - CK is moving back to Chicago! Just a couple more weeks to go. Just need to somehow organize and "finish" 8 years of work, finish those still-on-going experiments, hire a mover, pack, sell, ... and somewhere in between make two more trips to Chicago for Immigration appointment and a wedding ... and entertain mom and show her around Dallas. Hm.

Well, Dallas dear, you have been great and I've grown so fond of you. Alas, it's time to forge ahead and build Ko-Dauk future!

Re: Wedding Planning
We have the date (May 14, 2010!), ceremony location (Punta Cana!), have the Dinner confirmed with a menu, found a travel agent, and have an officiant.  We are done now, right?  No?  ...  oh, yeah...we still need a photographer, videographer, CK needs a dress (and decide on hair/make-up, accessories, shoes, etc.), CD probably needs an appropriate suit and a tie (maybe no tie?), need to confirm the wedding party, find appropriate attires for the wedding party, need to arrange flowers, cake, after party, ceremony music, favors ... and DIY projects of Save-the-Date's, Invites, Place cards, Programs...seating chart...guestbook...whoever said planning a wedding is "fun"?  What else? What am I missing?  Please do tell.

Oh, I forgot, I also need to find a new job!

Engagement Photos

On August 31, 2009, we met up with a Chicago-based photographer Ian Villaceran and spent a couple of hours exploring our beautiful Chicago. Yes, the idea of 'engagement photoshoot' was ALL mine; and I am so glad CD indulged my wishes. :)

Here're some teaser images!

*Photos by Ian Villaceran*

How we came to meet Ian:

There are some fabulous, amazing photogs in Chicago! I posted a thread searching for a great and affordable photographer in Chicago area on Weddingbee. Ian actually saw the post and sent me a message offering his service. He has worked as a freelance photographer and journalist in the past and started his own wedding photography business. After a couple of years away attending to his first born, he is now starting to rebuild his portfolio. (Here'a link to his previous website: http://ianvillaceran.bigfolioblog.com/month/may08.)

Ian was an absolute sweetheart. CD is a bit camera shy and he totally put him at ease and let us just have fun. (BTW, did I mention he was also incredibly AFFORDABLE?!!) One unique feature is that he exclusively shoots with film. YES, films! As much as I was glad to support the film art, I was a bit weary about this in the beginning - we've gotten so used to the convenience and immediate gratification of digital photos...

In the end, I am happy with the results. (Ian even uploaded the proofs within 24 hrs!) I also appreciate that he has such a conviction to preserve the film art. We have pictures and memories that we will treasure forever and I just want to give TWO THUMBS UP to Ian!

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I also have to give a shout out to Josh from Obviouschild Productions, whom I've gotten to know a bit during my search for a photographer. He was by far one of the most enthusiastic and visionary photographer I encountered. I will be watching out for his future work!

Old and New Friendships

A couple of weekends ago, CD and I hopped on the I-35 and drove South to meet up with Chung family. We made it into San Antonio in time for late dinner (prepared by J&K) and to spend some time with their beautiful three children and K's parents. I haven't seen J&K since D&P's wedding 3 years ago, but we picked up right where we left off, and the conversation flowed until the wee hours of the night. Saturday morning, we woke up to yummy smells of breakfast already well on the way, and took our time sipping our coffees and playing with the children. Around noon, us four adults headed out to Austin (woohoo! an adult weekend!). :)

Austin was so much fun! Oddest fact was that it took traveling to Austin for CD's first experience with Pho and Dim Sum! We also met up with CD's fraternity brother TB who met us all prepared with fabulous suggestions for dinner and drinks for the night. All of us got along great whether we've just met or have known each other for 15+ years. CD has a great philosophy that one should always surround him/herself with great people - that weekend, five people met in a stranger's city, and rekindled and newly formed long-lasting, lifetime friendships. I am so lucky to have found my life's partner in such a great man that not only brings great new friends for me, but also appreciates mine.

  

*After Sunday Dim Sum with J&K*

Missing: TB

Art District - Dallas

We've been slacking on wedding planning, but we have been trying to explore Texas. I'm proud to say we've started 'church hopping/shopping' (and searching for a premarital course/counseling); reaching out getting in touch with long-time friends in nearby cities in TX; and venturing out to different city areas and museums on weekends. We've visited the West End Historic District and the 6th Floor Museum, and past Saturday, we walked about downtown Art District. I have to say I've found my favorite spot in Dallas - Nasher Sculpture Center! I couldn't believe how desolate downtown Dallas was, but being inside the Nasher garden was just wonderful. Dallas Museum of Art also had a great outdoor area where I could sit with a cup of java and just enjoy the day...even in 100+ degree heat!

   

Next up? We're looking forward to catching up with the Chung's in San Antonio/Austin!

   

   

Re: wedding plans
   

CD accompanied me to my first 'dress look' a few weeks ago. Didn't find the dress, but I also didn't anticipate I would. I was glad that he got to experience what it is like (now he can relate!) and seeing the dresses also opened up his mind - when browsing pictures, he was not fond of any lace, but he's now OK with it. He was also such a great assistant! He took notes on his Blackberry as I carried on the conversation with the dress lady and took pictures. So helpful! But that would be it for him as far as dress shopping is concerned. Next time he sees me in a white dress will be on the wedding day. :)

   

We also finally sat down and talked over the priorities. Our priorities are: Chapel ceremony, great time with family and friends, and keeping the cost as low as possible. Simple, right? Leave it to my man, CD came up with one heck of an Excel spreadsheet for venue comparison and got us organized. We are now trying to fill in the 'cells' so that we can ultimately make the decision on where. The when will follow shortly after that!