...and so it begins

The Proposal
It has been a little over a month since Jacquie called to tell me that Dan had asked her to marry him. Actually, I already knew he was going to ask her since he called me the weekend before to ask my "permission". Very sweet, don't you think? I already knew that he was going to take her to a waterfall he had found in the area. I already knew that he had kept the ring in a safe place all summer, just waiting for the perfect time and place. And finally, the time & place was on September 6th at Arethusa Falls. He asked her if she would continue going on adventures with him. And she said "yes." They have gone on so many adventures...rock climbing in Colorado, camping on the beaches of Mexico, snowboarding the Rockies, driving cross-country from the mountains of Colorado to the mountains of New Hampshire, and now, they are embarking on the most exciting adventure of all - marriage.
The Planning - Part I
The wedding. I imagine such a wonderful day - and I pray every day that it will be perfect: Perfect weather (it's outside), perfect dress (I am making it), and perfect memories. With all of the things that might happen, and probably will happen, I pray that our memories will reveal only the most touching, most tender moments. Planning is going to be a challenge. Jacquie & Dan are in New Hampshire. I am in Pennsylvania. So many miles between us. I need measurements! I need the guest list! I need the Jacquie to be here with me! But she is not and we leave phone messages...send emails. During the first few weeks, I was literally calling her every day with dress pattern numbers, ideas for favors, etc., etc. I was going overboard...but it was so easy to get caught up in the excitement...to search every Web site for the latest idea...I had to slow down...
Things are starting to fall into place. Jacquie decided on the style for her dress and the patterns have been purchased along with the lining, which was on sale last weekend at Joann Fabric. My sewing machine, however, is being held hostage at the shop where it has been tuned up and cleaned. Steve will be picking it up this week so I can get started on the "practice" dress. This will be quite an undertaking...but I am determined to produce the perfect dress...as well as one for Stacey, who is going to be the maid of honor for her sister. Yes, this will all be quite an undertaking!