Tuesday, May 24, 2011

♥ "His & Her" Towels.

It's official!  I will now be known as Mrs. Christina Marie Reynolds, and I have never been happier.

SO much has happened in the last couple of weeks, so forgive me if this is a long post as I try and catch up.

On May 10th, our dear friend Kristin Lambourne threw me a bridal shower at her amazing house!  Everything was amazing (including the desserts) and it was so fun to be around all the women who are important to me! 

(Red velvet cake with REAL rose petals....amazing)

Loved the little brides and grooms on each of the cupcakes!
 

Almost too pretty to eat.

A few of my friends who tagged along with their mothers. 
  

Needless to say, it was awesome.  Everyone went around the room and told either a memory they had of me, how they knew/met me, or a piece of advice for future married life.  It was so special to hear all the positive advice and compliments they had for me and Brooks.

Also, my friends Ellee and Emily Hull sang a song for me that Kristin wrote (so cute) which was all about me and Brooks. 

Next came the reunion with Brooks in San Diego!  I was SO happy to see him after an extremely long three weeks apart. On Friday the 13th we were able to get our marriage license, decide on the beach we wanted to take pictures at, and, my favorite, go through the temple for my first time.  The San Diego temple literally looks like a castle, and I've always dreamt about getting married there.  It was such a special experience for me to be able to be with my family and Brooks' family, and I know I will never forget it. 

After tossing and turning out of excitement all night (I might have scraped a good two hours of sleep) I finally was able to start getting ready for my wedding!  I could hardly stand still, and was very anxious to get going.  It was a perfect day for pictures (overcast) and although it was very windy, the weather was perfect.  Kneeling across the alter with Brooks was magical, and neither of us could stop smiling for a second.  I'm sure I didn't hear a word that was said, (oops) but I just couldn't believe that the day was finally here!  Our photographer from Utah flew out for our wedding, and took fantastic pictures in front of the temple and on the beach.  Even though the wind completely killed my hair, I am in love with the pictures and am still getting calls from people complimenting them. 
Here's just a taste of the best day of my life  =]











Like I've said before, Alix is an amazing photographer, and so fun to work with! 
After taking pictures at the temple and on the beach, we headed over to the Lawrence Welk resort for our dinner the Reynolds set up for us.  It was so nice to be around my new family as a married couple!  Our families sang funny songs, gave sweet toasts, and tapped their glasses constantly.  (The couple is supposed to kiss whenever that is done).

After that, it was straight off to our honeymoon!  We stayed in Carlsbad, CA for the first two nights, and were off on our cruise to Mexico on Monday-Friday! 

It was such a fun and relaxing trip, and it just further reminded me how lucky I am to be married to my best friend.  Reception pictures are on their way, so I'll do another post soon! 

 P.S.
So stoked the bachelorette started up again.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

♥ California Love.

During this marvelous return to my hometown I have realized one thing:  California is amazing.

It is true.
I almost forgot how green the plants and trees are, how there is always a breeze during the summer, and how everyone drives at least fifteen miles over the speed limit.

After living in Utah for 8 months, it is SO refreshing to be back home!


My amazing friends threw what might possibly have been the most hilarious/fun/inappropriate/crazy bachelorette party ever.  

(Sorry we didn't get the whole group)


Gotta love my friend's choreographed "dances."


Needless to say, I received PLENTY of inappropriate gifts for my honeymoon.
 And although I don't feel comfortable mentioning most of the gifts, I will award the "most creative" prize to Kate Hargadon who gave me a pink baby blanket, baby picture frame, and baby hair clips for my "honeymoon baby."




Gotta love it.

If my fiance' wasn't such a stud, and if I didn't miss him so badly, I am sure I would never leave.

I love being home.  I love my family.  I love my friends.

Only 11 more days!!


P.S. 
Due to the upcoming Harry Potter movie, (the last of the series for those of you unfortunate enough to not have read them), I will be starting "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" today to once again embark on a fantastic journey through the written word.  The movie comes out in July, so I should have plenty of time to finish them all by then!
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