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!

The Great Plains

~1800 miles + 10 States + 3 days = 1 long a$$ road trip!
Having your beau with you the whole time and in Dallas for an extended period? = Priceless! Joyous! Happiness! Woohoo!


What a weekend! We pretty much spent the entire weekend in a car. The map above sums it up!

My ever so thoughtful and loving FI decided to move down to Dallas for 6-8 weeks to be with me; but, before he moved, we had to make a bit of detour. Unfortunately, my place in Dallas does not allow dogs...so...we had to take the ladies to his sister's place in Fargo. I flew up to Chicago on Wednesday night, we headed to Fargo on Thursday morning (bright and early), got a bit of time to spend with FSIL and FBIL, left Fargo on Friday afternoon, stopped at Topeka, KS, for a night, then made the rest of the trip to Dallas on Saturday.

  

FSIL w/ the ladies
  

FSIL, FBIL, their new pup Boggs, and CD
[Good old Molly was beside me]
  

CD and I are very excited about our time together and looking forward to our adventure in Dallas; however, it was incredibly difficult to leave our girls behind...(I think we will have a real hard time in the future if we ever need to send our kids away to camp, to grandparents', or college!) Well, at the least, they won't be bored with Boggs chasing them around and Molly will keep them in line! And, most fortunately, my FSIL is one heck of a 'dog whisperer' - total, complete, utmost trust in her that they will be great in her care. We are so grateful that she (and her hubby) have taken them in. :)

Oh, yeah...I AM Canadian!

I've spent almost 50% of my life in the US. I am fully aware that I am not an American...but since I've been going across CAD-US borders wish such ease for two decades, I forgot that with the wedding will come the need to change of my visa status. (I didn't really forget, I was just not fully cognizant...)

To make a very long and complicated story short, mostly having to do with employment and health insurance, we decided that we should be fully prepared for all the paperwork that will be necessary for my immigration to US. And, WTH! There's a ton of paperwork! AND costly! :(

Just gathering all the information and understanding the steps took me two weeks of research...(and I'm still not entirely clear on some forms)...now I'm hoping that the hard part is done and the paperwork isn't going to be too difficult...but I hear otherwise...

Meanwhile, I met with a US visa specialist today who turned out to be a "future teller" (her own words). She said CD and I will be fine and be settled in CA by the end of the year. She even went as far as predicting that CD's company will do very well and named my future PI.

Well, I have a feeling I will sleep well tonight! [Said with a little tiny bit of skepticism and lots of hope.]

On a very serious note, please remember us in your prayers that the immigration process is smooth and goes well. I have all the faith that it will, but it never hurts to remind God of his own Grace. Thank you in advance! :)