Glittering Sunlight

For the past nine years, February 7th has been an emotional day for me, and it has become a day of reflection. 

I took this photo from the bus stop on the corner of 34th & Lexington in Manhattan, when I was there for work last week. The way the sun lit up the street and took center stage in the hustle and bustle was a little bit magical. That last part is why I'm including this photo in this post; it felt like somebody, somewhere, added a little glitter to the sun, just for me. If that's true, I know exactly who it was.

When I left for work this morning, the sun was again sparkling + shining brightly, so I took my cue from Mother Nature and smiled. Today was definitely a happy day, one filled with fond memories and lots of gratitude.

One Month Later

We visited with Sara + Marcel again yesterday, and we got to see Audrey exactly one month after we first met her (I wrote about it here and here).

This time I held her for a long time, and she's just so cute!

She slept most of the time we were there, but Eric held her while she was wide awake.

Look! Isn't that just the sweetest? They're a real little family, and they're all getting comfortable with each other. 

Unfortunately I didn't get a good one of Sara holding her, but she was happiest in her mama's arms.

We're thinking we should have a standing date on the 29th of every month. :)

Stefanie + Chris's Wedding

Yep, we just returned from another wonderful wedding. You guys, it was beautiful. Stefanie was stunning, and I couldn't take my eyes off of her. And Chris never looked happier. I'm tearing up just thinking about the way they looked at each other; seriously, it was awesome. 

The wedding was in New Jersey, and the ceremony was conducted by both a Rabbi and a Priest, to honor both the bride and grooms's religions. Eric was a groomsman, and he looked very handsome in his tux (sorry, I didn't get many pictures of him). At the reception, there was a feast and plenty of dancing. We had such a great time, and we're so happy for the two of them. 

You want to know what makes a wedding great? A great couple! And we are so lucky to know so many fabulous couples.

Psst. I designed their save the dates! Click here to see!

Affianced

He asked. I said yes. Just like that, we became affianced (that's much more fun to say than engaged)! 

Sunday, I accidentally foiled Eric's proposal plans, because I wasn't feeling well. Luckily, we both had Monday off and had planned to spend the day together. We spent the afternoon walking around Beacon Hill. We found some good looking chocolate chip cookies + hot apple cider on Charles Street, and we took our goodies to a sunny spot on The Common.

Then we headed over the the Public Garden to watch the ducks. Eric picked out a nice looking willow tree, and we sat underneath in the shade. The next thing I knew, I was looking at my gramma's engagement ring and he was asking! I said yes right away and then the ring was on my pinky (it needs to be resized). I didn't cry; I just smiled and smiled and smiled -- still smiling -- and so did Eric. 

We had the camera with us, so we decided to take these genuine engagement photos of ourselves (there are a few more here). We propped the camera on its bag and used the remote control to take a series of pictures. Then we both wanted to keep it secret for a little longer, so we didn't head straight home or get out our phones. We just walked around feeling special.

When we did get home, about 2 hours later, it was time to call our families. Having never done this before, we weren't sure what to say or how to say it, and we approached it differently. I blurted out the news ("Hi! We're engaged!"), while Eric seemed to ease into a little ("Hi, how are you? wait for response I have some news: We're engaged!").

You may think 8 years is a long time to wait, but for us it was the perfect amount of time. Nothing else would have felt right to us, and I'm lucky that Eric and I move at the same pace and that neither of us was rushed into this big decision.

We're both incredibly happy and so thankful for all of the enthusiasm from family and friends!   

Ryan + Sara's Wedding

We went to another wedding on Saturday! Ryan (aka Q), was Eric's roommate for 3 years in college, and for a year after we graduated. He's also the first person I considered my friend at UMass. 

Ryan and Sara became an item (as they say) just 6 months after Eric and I started dating. We've always thought that these two suited each other, and it was a pleasure to see them tie the knot.

Since they're a UMass couple, it was like a mini reunion! The DJ was actually a friend from school, too, and he got everybody on the dance floor. We had a wonderful time, and we're so happy for the bride and groom.

Three weddings down, and one to go before the year ends. I'm looking forward to it!

Eight Years

Eight years ago, Eric kissed me and I said, I guess that means you're my boyfriend now. I don't think those were my exact words and I didn't say them for a few hours, but that's pretty much how it all began.

Since he's currently in Philly and I'm in Boston, he called me bright and early this morning just to say happy anniversary. It is happy, too, because we're celebrating eight years of growing, laughing, and being awesome. That's pretty great!

P.S. Know what? He comes back on Saturday! As in the day after tomorrow!

[Related: Seven Years]

Areej + Uzair's Three-Day Wedding Extravaganza

Where to begin, where to begin? This is going to be a long one, but I have so much to tell!

On June 11, I attended my first dance practice for this event. Yes, I said dance practice. I was terrified and felt ridiculously uncoordinated, but I persevered (and had some wonderfully patient teachers to help me). On the 12th I visited florists with the bride and helped tie ribbons on party favors for 350+ people. On the 13th,  three of us choreographed a surprise dance (with Areej's help) for the Saturday reception. The week leading up to the wedding was full of dance practices and restless sleep, because I was worrying about said dances.

Friday, the 18th, Eric surprised me by getting home at 11:30ish - he woke up at 5:00am! - three or so hours before I expected him. It was so wonderful to be able to spend time with him before I had to leave! At 3:30 I went to the florist with Areej's cousin, and then we headed to the hotel to put the arrangements together. Eric met me at the hotel at 6:30, as the other guests were starting to arrive. The night was a bit of a blur because all I could think about was the dancing. There were about 160 people the first night (Mehndi). We performed after dinner, and it went by in the blink of an eye; I didn't even mess up!

Saturday, Eric and I woke up early and went to breakfast and spent some time outside. At noon, eight of us met to finalize our plans for the surprise dance that evening. We figured out formations and taught the dance to four of the people, including Eric! Amazingly, practice went really well and we finished earlier than expected (Eric was a really quick study!). That night, the eight of us surprised 350+ people with our four minute dance, and I think we were a big hit! The best part was how much Areej and Uzair liked our show.

Sunday was the third and final night (Walima). (Eric had six hours of driving, so he didn't go, but I did get to spend most of the day with him.) I wore a black dress and a pink shawl from Pakistan that Areej gave me when we were roommates in college. After two nights of wearing gorgeous clothes from Pakistan, I felt under-dressed and plain, but I wasn't the only girl in American clothes. That night, there were sweet and funny speeches that made me tear up a little.

During the three nights, I felt like I was in a movie (perhaps because at any given moment at least 40 people were taking pictures!). Everything was beautiful, colorful, and intricate. There was amazing food, and I think I need a new playlist of Bollywood songs, because they are so catchy! The first night I borrowed an outfit from Areej (orange, because she knows that's my favorite), and the second night I wore an emerald green outfit that was made in Pakistan specifically for me! Watch the slideshow below for more photos of everything. 

I've been looking forward to this since the engagement party in May 2009. Now, more than a year later, the wedding has come and gone. It was beautiful, and I'm so thrilled that I was able to be there. For me, almost all of it was new and exciting; what fun!

To Areej + Uzair: May your future be filled with love and laughter. ♥

Seven Years

Seven years ago today Eric and I started dating. Is it still called dating after years have passed?

We met freshman year; we lived next door to each other. We became friends early on, and I never imagined that we'd date. As the year progressed we became closer, and we visited each other over the summer and talked on a daily basis. A few weeks before we returned to school (August 5, 2002) we decided to give the whole boyfriend/girlfriend thing a try.

Since then, we've studied abroad together (2003), graduated with honors (2005), travelled across the country and back in 1990 Toyota Camry (2005), moved in together (2007), and grown together (2002 - 2009).

Eric has helped me through hard times and challenging situations. He makes me laugh and feel beautiful. He encourages me to be myself and follow my heart. He proof-reads my blog posts. I've helped him find his style and assert himself. I edited his business school application essays and I help him fight his road rage. I make him laugh all of the time, and I'm proud of him always. There's more, but that's enough for now.

At the beginning we were both worried about ruining an amazing friendship. We're still best friends. ♥

To Eric: thank you.

[I think Eric took the top photo. The bottom photo was taken by Kristen.]