Meet the Groomsmen: Erika Sanchez

 How long have you known Chris? "Since 2004....I don't feel like doing the math."

How did you meet? "We met through the band over an email after he felt inclined to name me pointing out that I had committed a rookie act." (The nickname being Armpit Goatcheese. Never ask for a nickname.)

What's your favorite color? "GREEN!!!! There is no other color, just green and...well...not."

What is a fun fact about you that not many people know? Erika didn't have a fun fact about herself but I'm pretty sure I saw her lick her elbow once...

What is your life motto? "To live as if this is the only life."

What person from history do you most identify with and why? "I would identify with John Muir the most. He saw the gem that is nature and became its voice and was the main force in setting aside federal land that would be preserved for following generations to enjoy as he did."

Where is your favorite place to be? "My favorite place is among friends."

 If you could be any superhero, who would you be? "Willow from Buffy."

Meet the Groomsmen: Wesley "Buttercup" Hale

I first met Buttercup about 6.5 years ago when I joined the HSU Marching Lumberjacks in 2007 he was on the short list of people that I knew I wanted to hang out with right off the bat. This dude is smart and funny and a super loyal friend. Now, he's moved away to Boston to pursue his dreams of becoming an amazing historian and I don't get to pester him in person much anymore. That doesn't make him any less important to us though. Thank goodness for the internet so we can still pester each other across the miles.

What's your favorite color? blue 

What is a fun fact about you that not many people know? "I tend to get Civil War era hymns stuck in my head for days and will get weird looks from people who hear me humming and singing them." 

What is your life motto? "My life motto is "sic parvis magna" which means great things from small beginnings. I came from a small little town and moved across country to follow a dream. If that's not the essence of Sic Parvis Magna, then I don't know what is." 

What person from history do you most identify with and why? "As far as an historical figure I identify most with, I'd say it's a toss up between Nathan Hale and JFK. Hale gave up a teaching career and the chance to start a family in order to serve his country and stick to his convictions. He volunteered as a spy in an era when espionage was considered dishonorable and ungentlemanly conduct, because it was what his Commander in Chief needed. "Any action necessary to the well being of one's country becomes honorable by being necessary." He sacrificed everything for the future of a nation that was at tremendous risk of failure. And in that spirit, JFK followed. He was a maritime historian, held a deep love and appreciation for the ocean, and though he wanted to teach and write, he too sacrificed his own desires for the greater good. The sacrifices of these men are what make America great, despite our flaws. I only hope that one day I can measure up.

Where is your favorite place to be? "My favorite place to be is Boston. Either on my campus or in the Boston Public Gardens, this is my favorite city and I love it when my friends come to visit and I get to show them my life and why I love it here."

If you could be any superhero, who would you be? "And as for a superhero, that's a no brainer. I'm Batman."

Engagement Photo Shoot

In August, Chris and I ventured over to Sequoia Park, not too far from our house, to meet up with the guys of L & M Photography. Marty and Louis did a really great job capturing both the silliness and the love in our relationship in photos. We had a really great time and I have been looking forward to getting to share these great photos with everyone. If you got our Save the Date card, you've seen a couple of these photos already but here is the full set!

Photo Collage: Venue Hunting

Some lovely flowers at the Farmer's Market in Arcata.

This truck lives in the parking lot of Hartley Botanica. So love it.

Dad and I with the cool truck.

Look at that classy dude I'm going to marry!

In a secret cove at Hartley Botanica.

My Mom's "subtle" way of asking if I am taking Chris' name. Yup! I'll be a Larsen!

Fun hat shopping!

Dad and I look super dapper in top hats.

Chris looks incredibly insightful at The Odyssey. Winning hearts and minds right there.

This cute deer lives at William S. Hart park! He has two antlers growing out of one side of his head.

William S. Hart Park is beautiful but I fear bees and snakes.

The Newhall Mansion. We heard rumors that they had really agreeable rates. Turns out that wasn't so. Also, they didn't want children there due to an uncovered pool.

It is an absolutely beautiful building though.

Spiral staircase!

I will post more photos as they become available. :)