More pictures of the ceremony

Thanks to Sara Bluhm for sharing her pictures. As some of you know, my mom's pictures did not come out. So, if you have any pictures of the wedding, please let me know by emailing me at annalisa(dot)esposito(at)gmail(dot)com.

And they lived happily ever after...

I can't believe we are married! The time just flew by leading up to the wedding. It was very stressful and trying but in the end, absolutely worth it. Everything but the weather cooperated!

The day started out for the future Mrs. Bluhm at 9 am with hair and make up. Quickly the house filled with lovely ladies getting ready for the big day. The boys on the other hand watched the Michigan game, played poker and made fun of John Standhart for his "creative" SpongeBob squarepants apperance.

We left for the church at about 2 and there was not enough room for all of the girls to sit with me in the "brides room" so my matrons of honor Christina and Sandra kept me company in the steaming hot room! The guys and maids stayed out in the hall and greeted guests

I was fine, not crying at all, until my dad came to get me and we walked down the isle. I heard him crying and then it was OVER! I couldn't help it. But everything was beautiful... all the attendants looked stunning, the church was decorated and all the guests!! oh my god. so many people! Its nice to have so many friends and family who love and support us :)

someone told me that the rain stopped and the sun came out during our vows. Rumor has it that a rainbow even appeared (thanks grandma fanny!). But after the ceremony, the weather got worse - windy and hailing!! So no outdoor pictures for us! Coming up, reception post!

THe Joys of home improvement

So, you see this kitchen? nice - huh? Well... it didnt start out that way.... let me take you on a journey..













It all started when Chris and I bought the house. I moved out of my old apartment. Durring the move, however, Chris suffered an injury to his forehead....
YOu see, a big post (aluminum fence post) hit Chris on the head - which lead to 13 stiches. 2 tubes of neosporin and mederma later, the gash is healing quite nicely.











Eitherway, My cousin Brian got to work in the kitchen almost within 2 weeks of us purchasing the home. He tore up the floor, put in ceramic tile, tore out the formica and put in granite and a tile backsplash.


Kitchen before brian Kitchen during Brian














Kitchen after Brian.










Much nicer! I cannot tello you all how excited I am to have a peice of the puzzle come together. Now we just have to refinish the floors, put in carpet, get a new front door and paint. Keep your fingers crossed.... I would like to have this all done by the time I move in after the Honeymoon.... I simply cannot wait to have you all over!

-annalisa

100 things to do in Detroit

58 days!!

For those of you who are coming from out of town, or are just looking for something fabulous to do, please check out the following article: 101 things every Detroiter must do


http://www.hourdetroit.com/101things.php

It's filled with great ideas and suggestions!

Bridesmaid Brunch and Bridal Shower

Last week was AMAZING!!

Friday was my birthday, and my co-worker's decided to throw me a wonderful birthday/bridal shower at Sue's house. The food was great, and the company was even better. We all had a great time - but I am pretty sure that Tom "earned his degree" as he continues to earn his MA in Women's Studies...


On Saturday, I invited all the bridesmaids to come over to my mom's house for a bridesmaids Champaign brunch. It was an excellent opportunity for all the bridesmaids to meet one another , as so many of them are from out of town. We ate, swam and assembled gifts for the shower. Of course, Li'll Chiara stole the show! She is too adorable and POSES every time she sees a camera! Atta Girl, Chiara! Suffice it to say, I am very thankful to have such wonderful family and friends. My bridesmaids were very helpful and kind, and I am fortunate to have them as my dearest friends. I can't wait for the wedding!








On Sunday, we had our shower. HOW BEAUTIFUL! My mom did a wonderful job of coordinating and planning the shower. It was simply perfect. Well, except for the fact that I was SO EMOTIONAL. It caught me by surprise. I expected to be nervous. But I did not expect to cry so much. I was just so touched that everyone came out and was so supportive and caring. I was floored when my mom presented me with the "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue gift"... My Nani gave me the necklace her mother in law gave her the day of her wedding, my mom bought Chris and I our wedding bands, Chris' mom gave me a hanky to dry away tears, Chris' stepmom gave me a blue garter, and my mom gave me a ring from my grandmother with a post-partum note from her. I was so touched and honored. It was very moving. I haven't taken off the ring or the necklace since...



If I learned one thing from the shower, its that my Nani and Aunt Gina make the BEST COOKIES IN THE WORLD. Those suckers were gone in seconds. I've never seen anything like it. GONE!! Not one left!! I'm glad I stole one before the party got started or I would have missed out.

Engagement Photos

Harold Jankowiack of Modernphotoglyphs did an AMAZING job.. i think you can tell how comfortable chris and i felt.. and we dont like taking pictures.

It was akward, however, doing so many "kissing" shots... particularly because I wore flats that day and stand a foot shorter than Chris...

but view them at your leasure and feel free to purchase whatever photos you would like!

Click On: http://www.modernphotoglyphs.com/clients.php
Click On: Annalisa and Chris' Engagement Images
User Name: photos
Password: bluhm

We are homeowners!!

Hello there!

Last night, we closed on our berkley home. Its great! There is some work to do in it before we show it off (like wash walls, paint, remove carpet, etc), but i think you will all love it as much as we do once it is done. Chris and I are really excited. He will start living there on Tuesday (thats when the internet and cable will be in) and I will move home with my parents when my lease expires in September, then move in after the wedding.

But if anyone wants to come over and help wash walls, etc. feel free to come over!!