The Engagement Craziness

One month after we were engaged , my job situation became a little challenging. A month later, in May, because of Rick's job situation and the soft real estate market in Denver, Rick went to work full-time remodeling my house in preparation to sell it after our marriage.
Meanwhile, we scrambled to find a wedding venue, caterer, photographer, and honeymoon package that met our budget (which was about 1/3 the Colorado average -- the wedding industry is crazy, man).

We have awesome relatives and friends, and many helped with the wedding plans. My childhood best friend and matron of honor, Dallas, took care of so many details and flew in from Corpus Christi, Texas, for the bridal shower, which Emily Young so graciously hosted (yay, Emily!). Jessica Tison, my other bridesmaid, handled the home front in Denver.

Emily's husband, Michael, the other groomsman, Dave Settle, and many of Rick's friends, were active in planning the bachelor party.

A little over three weeks before the wedding, Rick received a contingent job offer from Perot Systems . As many of you know, Rick was laid off in the dot-com bust from an IT position and has been working in the construction industry ever since. The Perot programming position was a blessing from God.

A week and a half later, I quit my job at Jeppesen so I would have two weeks to devote to the wedding preparations, along with a little house-selling preparation.

Next, the rehearsal dinner!