So, although the proposal was a big surprise on my part, and I know my family was very shocked, I WAS actually expecting it since we have been planning our wedding for a few months now. I am SO happy to finally have the BIG secret out! It's been so difficult talking to my dad and brother through e-mail all the time and not being able to tell them, and also seeing them on skype and not saying anything. However, we wanted to keep the proposal special and the big surprise of the whole event.
We've actually been planning the wedding since January ...for many reasons! First, we knew we wanted to get married either next winter or the summer afterward. However, because we have decided to resign for one more year and therefore have more vacation time this particular summer, and because we didn't want to deal with traveling home during the winter weather into Chicago and possibly having trouble with flights for the next winter, and since we really have been excited about starting our married life together, we were looking around at possible destination wedding locations (this is the type of dream wedding we have always talked about), and we came across an amazing deal at a beautiful resort in a unique, wonderful location...Samoa! We probably did research for over a month on the best deals, locations, looking at reviews, etc. and finally we were sold with Sinalei Reef Resort.
This resort was actually made in honor of The Rock, since he is from Samoa (Apia). Also, the island and resort are very isolated so will be a perfect place to have a nice quiet, relaxing wedding and honeymoon. If you do not know where this is, it's in the Polynesian islands near Fiji. We will be flying into Auckland, New Zealand, and then will fly to Samoa, where we will stay for 7 nights and 8 days. We will be getting in on a Wednesday and will have a few days to relax, get to know the staff, and get ready for the wedding. The wedding will be on that Saturday, August 7th. We will be taking part in the “Canoe wedding package” where I will come in from the ocean on two canoes connected by a floral archway (I will be sitting in a nicely decorated white chair) with about 5 Samoans paddling and blowing conch shells to announce my arrival. Then they will drop me off at the pier, which is a little off into the ocean, and right off the beach, were I will meet Keith and we will have our wedding ceremony. Then we will enjoy a celebration and romantic dinner on the beach. We will have a videographer and photographer so that we can share this special, unique experience with you!
The rest of the honeymoon will be spent exploring the island and possibly the other connected island of Savaii, swimming with the big turtles, snorkeling, kayaking, and many other activities. There is also a Fiafia night featuring an island buffet and cultural show with an amazing fire knife show performed by the World Champion Fire Knife Dancers.
After the honeymoon, it will be time for the big reception celebration party back in Chicago! We cannot wait to celebrate with all of you! We will be returning home around the weekend of August 14th and we hope to be home for 1 1/2-2 weeks. We will be having the reception celebration on AUGUST 21st....so PLEASE keep that date open! Once we finishing planning the details, we'll send invitations with the specifics. However, we want you to know the date ahead of time before you start booking up your summer. Also, if you'd like to be apart of planning this celebration, please let me know!!! It should be fun to plan and to have all our family and friends together in one spot!
For all of you who are living in Jeju/ South Korea...we will also be having a big pre-wedding party on the second weekend of July (Saturday July 10th). We are hoping to have a day event with co-teachers and friends at a park/ temple, then we will move to the beach at night with friends for a big bonfire/camping on the beach for the night. We have met so many wonderful people here in Jeju and are excited that you can be apart of this special event. We also hope to have this event be one more big celebration with those that are leaving in August. We will miss you and we must, MUST stay in touch!
Again, we're sooo excited and very happy to share this news with you!! It's been such an amazing year for us, with such new experiences....moving overseas, having our first teaching jobs, and now getting married!! Can't wait to see you all and talk to you all soon!
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