Venue and Mom

A couple weeks ago, I watched my sister become Mrs. Maines. I feel so humbled by God's blessings on our lives. We had an AMAZING time. She was a stunning bride. Stunning doesn't even cover it. My dear friend, Tiffany, came out and did her make up perfectly! I'm locking her down for mine.

When it was all over, we were finally able to shift the focus to our wedding and used the few days we had in California to finalize a few details. Thanks to our dear friend, Jami Willis, we found the most beautiful spot in the universe to get married. We have looked and looked and found places that were pretty, but Rancho Las Lomas in Silverado, CA just felt right. Jason said it was exactly the place he had pictured when he imagined me walking down the aisle. I said "I have to have it' and Jami worked her magic. By the Grace of God and the generosity of our parents we were able to lock down our January 9, 2011 date at the Venue of our dreams!!!

this is my face when I saw it for the first time

My mom and step dad worked for days over the endless contracts and negotiations and finally sent out the paperwork this morning! 
Good morning,


"You are getting married at Rancho Las Lomas!! All contracts and payments were finalized this morning. Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions or concerns during your planning process. I am so happy that everything worked out for you.

Warmly,



Kara Felten

Administrative Assistant

Rancho Las Lomas

(949)548-2444

(949)548-2299 fax

www.rancholaslomas.com "

We are humbled by the generosity of my mom and step dad and dad and elsa who are coming together to make this day possible. While I am grateful to all my parents, I have been thinking of my mother recently. She has occupied most of my thoughts as I sift through the overwhelming feeling of gratitude that exists in my heart. I think of the three jobs she worked while raising 4 children. I think of the choir tours, and school plays, and detention slips. I think about crying in her arms over past heartaches and bad decisions. I think about screaming match arguments where she is usually right.  My mother is my heart. She is every good part of me and some of the bad, she is a warrior. She is the most compassionate, giving, selfless woman I have ever had the privilege of knowing. It is because of  her that I was able to do all the good things I have done. She is the foundation for every great success of my life. I am hers to give away and I will never forget the tremendous selflessness she has shown in the wedding planning process. She is, once again, sacrificing her own time, money and love, to give her children something they want. Thank you isn't enough, but it is all I have today.

Thank you, Mom. I love you. I am so proud you are my mother.