One Year Anniversary - Part II (Our Engagement Story)

Hello, friends! Happy THURSDAY! (We're almost there!) In a mushy little anniversary series, here is part II (rewinding here)--the little engagement story I wrote shortly after Thomas proposed to me. I hope you enjoy it! 

Having a Guinness at the spot we met at for the first time--Tavern On the Square

I am the oldest thirty something you will ever meet. By "oldest,” I don't mean that I lack energy or that I'm boring; I was simply born in the wrong era. My favorite TV music station is “Singers and Swing,” where crooners like Billie Holiday and Dean Martin--born before my time--belt out old tunes. Early on, Thomas and I developed a love for putting the “Singers and Swing” TV station on, lighting candles, eating dinner, toasting our relationship and slow dancing to the music of our past, kindred spirits. It became "our thing.” Romantic moments such as these made us daydream (as we affectionately labeled our thinking of marriage) often. Early on, when speaking hypothetically of the future, I asked only one thing of a potential proposal: that it be private, between just the two of us. I wanted no onlookers or fanfare. Thomas did not fail to deliver.

One of our many homemade dinners by candlelight.

In late March, I asked my Aunt Margaret if she'd like to get together sometime to look at engagement rings. I assured her that I had no announcement to make, but that I realized I had absolutely no idea what type of a ring I might like if/when I should get engaged, and that it might be nice to get some idea in the event that Thomas ever asked for an opinion on rings. My aunt happily obliged, setting up an appointment that week.

What I envisioned being a simple glass of wine and perusing of rings online became a full-blown event. I arrived to my aunt's to find a rather fancy affair. Before my eyes were olives, fancy cheese, crackers, wine, and an onslaught of bridal magazines! I laughed merrily at the to-do and settled in to start looking. At one point, I had to laugh as we had two laptops playing diamond ring videos simultaneously. What a night. My Aunt produced impromptu organizational folders for various categories of wedding planning. I took a picture of the chaos and sent it to Thomas via text, showing him what I was engaged in. I didn't think it was evident WHAT we were up to, but apparently one of the bridal magazines screamed out to him. I blushed at my oversight. I texted him asking him if he minded if I stopped by for a minute before heading home; he didn't.

When I arrived to Thomas’, one of the first things he said was, “We haven’t slow danced to our station in awhile, so I wondered if  you’d like to dance with me?” as he turned the television  to our “Singers & Swing” station. I threw my purse down, happily obliged and without missing a beat, lit some nearby candles. Thomas smiled at my participation in the creation of the ambience. As we began to dance, and as our old friends crooned in the background, I began explaining the picture that was sent to him. I told him I had only planned on looking at rings with my Aunt to get an idea of a ring for if and  when I were ever to wed.  I admitted that she had created folders for different parts of this wedding. Tongue-in-cheek and very sarcastically, I assured him he needn’t worry as this all had “NOTHING to do with him.” As we continued to rock back and forth to the music, I heard this reply escape his lips: I hope it has something to do with me. In what seemed to be slow motion (and a seemingly out of body experience for me) I saw Thomas drop to his knee, pull something sparkly out and ask me, “Will you marry me?” To say I was stunned would be the grossest understatement.

In preparation for our honeymoon trip to Italy, Thomas and I took Italian classes. During the first class, he passed me this note. :)

Now, those who know us well would probably retort at my saying I was surprised. After all, Thomas and I had our children’s names picked out before our first official date. We’ve just always had a connection that was like something from out of a storybook -- other worldly. To bring a dream world and an everyday reality together, though, is something I was unsure would ever happen for me. After shock and many joyful tears, Thomas asked me, “Is that a yes?” Stunned that I’d forgotten to actually reply, I cried and laughed a “yes.”

I couldn’t wait until the next day to tell everyone, so I got on the phone to spread the news. The good thing about having a family that is as close is mine is you always have someone to listen to you, to share special moments with, to laugh and cry with. The bad thing about having a family as close is mine is it’s hard to keep anything a secret. Knowing the difficulty in keeping things a secret, I knew I had to call the entire Lansing family or by morning, those who hadn’t heard from me, would already know. Luckily, I was able to reach everyone but my sister-in-law, for whom I left a voicemail.

I know myself pretty well, and I know I don’t sleep well on a night where there is NOTHING on my mind. I knew I wouldn’t sleep with such a huge, joyous moment dancing around in my head. I must have awoken at least six times that night. Each time, I scrambled to see the ring twinkling in the dead of night. I had the wonderful realization that I was engaged to Thomas—and that it was not a dream—washing over me, again and again. I’d smile and fall clumsily back to sleep.

The night of the engagement, Thomas told me he’d thought of a million ways to propose to me—different locations, grandiose presentations, but that in his apartment, dancing to “Singers & Swing” was just “us.” I appreciated the care he took to make sure it was simple and private. Any “big date” would have clued me in on what was about to happen and would have been distracting. With such a simple and perfect moment in his apartment, I was able to keenly focus on what was happening, take in everything along the way, and be TRULY SURPRISED.

A very cool "poster" Thomas made me when he was courting me. This was a nod to my years working in the entertainment business. 

Understanding me is only a part of why I love Thomas so much, but it’s one of the most important reasons. I’m a complete paradox in almost every way you can imagine.  I’m a rather shy and awkward individual (contrary to what my outer appearance may scream) who engages in heavy thinking, but also enjoys the light hearted fabulousness that would make the Bravo channel envious. I am a feminist and revel in modern day technology, yet I enjoy the simplicity of yesteryear and mourn the loss of one-on-one contact that existed before great technology. I feared no one would ever be able to see past these exteriors that I present to understand me, but Thomas did. Not only did he see past them, he revered what was behind them and loved them.

For as long as my mental and physical health will allow, I look forward to more of the things we do: toasting to nothing in particular other than a wonderful day, holding hands, watching the sun set, falling in a pile of autumn leaves, making snow angels, smiling at one another and knowing exactly what the other is thinking, sighing in unison at a beautiful moment, understanding one another’s weaknesses and strengths, and enjoying the hum drum of life in a way that makes it anything but hum drum. And talking. Talking, talking, talking until the wonderfully positive or negative moment you’ve endured has been completely lifted from your heart. Knowing you can do so and be free of judgment is the most freeing thing I can imagine. I look forward to so many things with Thomas, but this all could have not been possible without those four little words—“will you marry me?”—and the resounding reply of “YES.”  I can only wish such positive and beautiful moments upon the hearts, minds and souls of those reading these words.

One of our engagement photos. We met through a City Pulse reporter. 

My Thomas made this. 2012--the year we solidified our love. Our "love campaign".

Cheers,

Samara 

One Year Anniversary, Part I (Wedding Recap)

Just shy of three weeks ago, my husband and I celebrated our very first wedding anniversary. I can hardly believe a year has flown by since that blissful day in May 2012.

Because every bride loves talking about her wedding, here is a (somewhat) quick recap.

The Dress

I was a bit conflicted between my western and eastern roots when it came to what kind of wedding dress I was looking for. I just knew I did not want the typical American, white wedding dress.

I found the perfect dress that had western lines, but with a different color (a very light/champagne gold, which looked WAY better on me than any white ever would) and such intricate beading and detail that I felt was a nod to eastern fashion.

Also, there was a SICK tulle cut in the front that mocked feathers. It was the perfect Samara dress. (Flamboyant!) I paired it with a Pakistani-style necklace for a very subtle nod to my eastern roots.

The Ceremony Decor

I've always preferred clean, contemporary lines and decor. Simple sophistication and elegance. I came up with an idea to put  cream rose petals inside different leveled vases with candles on the top. Our decorators executed my vision to perfection.

What was special about our wedding location is it was the church we actually attend and belong to. So, there was meaning behind our location, which meant a great deal to us.

My Matron of Honor and bridesmaid held smaller versions of my bouquet--cream-colored roses bunched together and wrapped with ribbon....

...and they wore these gorgeous, olive-green Vera Wang gowns. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful bridal party!

And my two cutie-pie nieces Audrey (L) and Ava (R) were our flower girls. My youngest niece Amelia was an honorary flower girl, but could not yet walk. :)

Our ceremony was simple and meaningful. Our pastor previously noted that to him, the most beautiful ceremonies were the simple ones. I concurred completely. So, we kept things simple, throwing in a few meaningful items to the ceremony. It was beautiful.

Mr. and Mrs. Morgan

After  the ceremony was overwith and our hugs and well wishes were received, our guests showered us with cream rose petals upon our leaving the church. The rose petals were held in these beautiful hand-constructed cones with beautiful ribbon ties. 

RUN!!! :)

At the end of the gathering of friends and family, our horse carriage awaited. 

If you're debating between a limo and a horse carriage ride, I would do everything to convince you to take a horse carriage ride. (Unless you have a very far distance to travel, of course.)

The horse carriage ride was magical. We rode through the city streets we love and felt the energy and excitement of the city. A Lugnuts game was letting out so there were people all over the streets waving, honking, wishing us well and taking pictures of us. The cutest well-wishers were the Girl Scouts.

It was euphoria on levels I'd never understood before this day.

Taking a last glance at family and friends before we clip-clopped away on the city streets.

Wanting something nobody else was doing, and something that had meaning, we hired a local, famed caricaturist, Dennis Preston. Dennis has drawn all the "somebodies" in Lansing, including many City Pulse covers. Since Thomas and I met through a former City Pulse reporter, having this particular caricaturist had a meaningful tie-in.

We met with Dennis at a local Biggby before the wedding to have these caricatures of ourselves drawn. We blew the drawing up to adorn our white, horse-drawn carriage. This adorable picture also was on every piece of paper that Dennis used to draw our guests on. (One of two wedding reception favors.)

After we left the church, our guests headed to cocktail hour outside by the Lansing Center. Hors d' oeuvres and drinks were served at the gathering area by the river as old crooners sang and created an old-timey atmosphere. 

On the capital steps. One of my favorite pictures.

After taking several couple and group shots at the capital, we headed down to Tavern On the Square. Two years before our wedding, Thomas and I met at this very table for the first time and shared a Guinness and conversation. Now we share our lives.

Again, I wanted everything about our day to have meaning, not just be "fluff and stuff". 

Reception

Our reception was held downtown at the Lansing Center. Thomas and I are both city people who met downtown through downtown events and political happenings. It was only right that we get married in the city and party in the city (i.e. have our reception) afterwards!

The people at the Lansing Center were so wonderful and accommodating to every one of my artistic, OCD, flamboyant-at-times and annoyingly perfectionist questions, needs and desires. Bravo, Lansing Center!

Reception Decor

I love decor. I love decorating. I love all things artistic. I had a vision for our reception room.  I took my vision to Events to Rent and Andrew and Scott executed everything perfectly! Scott found all of these tree branches and hand painted them gold. (Aren't they beautiful?!) 

Sidenote: Trees also have a very special meaning for me and my Thomas. When he was courting me, he sent me pictures of a tree outside of his office as its growth in the spring progressed. He noted that since our meeting, he noticed everything like buds growing on trees. (And much more mushy stuff that I'll spare you from. ) :) So, spring and trees will always have a special place/meaning for us.

The tables were adorned with beautiful, crinkle (for texture!), olive-green tablecloths, gold votive candleholders with cream candles, cream napkins and gold chargers. The gold chiavari chairs tied in perfectly with the trees and offered, what I felt to be, a more unique chair option. I just loved the table settings!! 

The hanging mirrors, which were Scott's idea, ended up being dubbed by Thomas and I as a subtle nod to my Pakistani roots. (I remember seeing Pakistani vests as a kid with little mirrors all over them...as well as much of the decor, little mirrored boxes and such.) 

When I peeked into the reception room before the guests were seated, I gasped at how beautiful the room looked. It's so amazing to pair your vision with decorators who know how to get your vision SPOT ON and to see the vision come to life. I like to call our wedding style "urban sophistication". ;-)

Apparently the Lansing Center and LEPFA (Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority) also found the decor beautiful as they are using pictures of our reception decor in their advertising material. 

Also hanging from the tree branches were these beautiful, cream-colored orchids. 

The menu cards were made by one of the fabulous artists on Etsy and were done to perfection with a slight, metallic/gold shimmer.

I was able to get a great deal at Hobby Lobby for the frames and had the same artist that did our menu cards do the table numbers.

The Cake

Our cake was simple, sophisticated and DELICIOUS. Opting again for simplicity and elegance, I wanted our cake to be monochromatic and to actually be GOOD TO EAT. (Sorry fondant-lovers, I just can't do fondant, even though it's pretty!) 

During our "first dances", we included one for my two eldest nieces. (A "Niece Dance") The DJ played Taylor Swift's "Mean" song. (My nieces' FAVORITE song at the time!) Love those girls. 

After first dances, speeches, delicious food, lots of laughter, dancing and cake cutting, Thomas and I were able to enjoy fireworks that just happened to be going off in TWO locations that evening. (And thank you to our chef who gave us a tip-off at our tasting that these fireworks may be happening that night!)

I considered the fireworks as God smiling down on our day.

I was so pleased and happy that everything turned out perfectly and I would not have changed ONE thing about that day. However, the most important thing was the feeling of happiness and closeness I felt on that day to Thomas and the love we felt from family and friends all day long.

Every day since our wedding has been happier than the previous one.

Thank you for indulging me on my little trip down memory lane.

Cheers,
Samara

I've Been Busy, but I'm BACK!

My life has been a whirlwind of activity lately and I feel like I'm just starting to catch my breath. I hate taking blogging breaks, but sometimes it has to be done.

In the last few weeks, I have:

1. Wrapped up my finance course. (Which meant a huge paper and presentation. Uck. Got an A-, though. Pretty good for a subject that is not my friend!)

2. Interviewed for a new position at my company (This meant a ton of prep as I hadn't interviewed for a job in over six years--eek!) 

3. Landed the new position!! (Which meant wrapping up my union secretarial duties.)

4. Started the new position, which is always rewarding, but mentally and emotionally exhausting in the first few weeks or so. (I am now an Associate Manager in the Benefits department of my company. Loving it!)

5. Celebrated my first wedding anniversary!!

6. Celebrated my brother and sister-in-law graduating from their masters program! 

7. Celebrated Mother's Day with my family over a fabulous brunch.

Phew. That was just within the last three weeks. 

With that said, I wanted to share some photos of my brother and sister-in-law's graduation and celebratory dinner the following weekend. 

Hats Off to the Grads

This is my brother, Adam, and his wife Angie. They both graduated from Central Michigan University with a Master of Arts in Education. 

Way to go, guys!!

They are both local educators (Angie in an elementary school, Adam in a middle school). My brother posted this picture, post-graduation, of his report card that came in the mail. Both he and his wife graduated with perfect scores across the board. AWESOME!!!

This accomplishment is particularly astounding as they did this with full-time jobs, THREE children (ALL under the age of FIVE, oy...), lots of extracurricular activities, and lots of friends and families having constant events that Adam and Angie always found time to make it to. 

 Here's a shot of all the grads!

And here's Angie (in front) and Adam (near the podium) at different stages of accepting their degrees.

The following weekend, our families went out to a celebratory dinner at Claddagh's. We sat in the "Library Room", which I absolutely love as it's cozy and also the place where Thomas and I had our wedding rehearsal dinner.

The food at Claddagh's is always dee-lish!

Group shot! (Husband taking the photo) :) Sorry, Grandma, we caught you in mid-bite. Oopsie. :)

After dinner, we noshed on cake from my favorite cake place in town--Bake N' Cakes!

The cake!

Upon leaving the graduation dinner, we wanted to get a shot of the grads with their family and their big, fun balloons.....

It's really difficult to get a picture with everyone looking at the camera when you have three little ones....

Really, really difficult. :)

Congrats, guys! This summer, when you wrap up your final grades and close the door to your classrooms, you can actually have a lazy, fun-filled summer!

Cheers,
Samara 

Happy Mother's Day

Sometimes I think about how young my mom was by the time she had both my brother and I--just 25 years old--and can't imagine the level of responsibility she had at such a young age. It's hard for parents to raise kids as a parent team, let alone all by themselves. My mom always worked two jobs, seven days a week as we were growing up, and we are all the better for it. We're not distant from our mom the way some families seem to be these days. We're a tight-knit little family who are all still in eachother's business on a daily basis. :) 

From L to R: Me, my brother Adam, my mom Jody

Recently, my mom posted this status message on her Facebook page and I wanted to share it because, well, it made me tear up and it shows the sacrifices we all made together. The sacrifices were the rewards, though, because our little family has moved small mountains and we have the leader of our little pack to thank--our mom, Jody.

Facebook page post:

There were 2 small minority children raised by a single mom that worked 2 jobs 7 days a week. They had no paternal contact or monetary support--no grandfather, no uncles. Other children wore brand named clothing, they wore hand-made clothing. Other children ate school lunch, they ate lunch packed at home. Other children always played outside, they had to help with household chores. Other children went to the movies, they watched t.v. on blankets in the living room. Other children went out to eat, they never ate away from home. They never had help from outside resources. Other children got in trouble, they never did. Other children in the neighborhood had babies, they went to college. Both children married, and have amazing families. Both children are professionals. One finished his master's last week, the other 1/3 the way through. One is an incredible educator in Waverly, the other is part of the administrative staff at MESSA. Adam and Samara, I am so proud of you and you make being a mom a joy! Thanks so much for making every Mother's Day an honor!

It's a chilly day here in Lansing, MI, but I hope this post brings some Mother's Day warmth to all of your hearts. We are having a brunch in a little while for the mothers in our family. What are you and your families up to today? Whatever it is, I hope it is BEAUTIFUL!

Cheers,
Samara