If I were to write a book, that would be the name. Some may say Ryan and mine’s dating timeline is short compared to many others who date for years before getting married. However, the intensity we both had in the getting to know you phase was unmatched and unlike anyone I’ve ever talked to as I finally MET MY MATCH for intense interrogation and not playing games.
With that said, it is true! Ryan and I went back and forth relentlessly with What about this? Not this. Not that. I like this. I like that. Not this. Not that. That. What about this? Do you like this? What about that?

We have an entire wedding planned in two and a half weeks for a small wedding with the people I love and care about most getting to see it and all with staying below budget. We are getting married in the same place my parents had their reception and many of my family members. One of my requests to family members was to email me one of their wedding photos. I plan to make a display from various weddings over the years and am excited about the specialness of that and will eventually figure out exactly what I’ll do with that idea.

Meanwhile, Ryan mentioned texting people the date to save money, to which I replied, “I know I don’t have THAT much etiquette or class, but we are sending invitations in the mail.”
“Were you raised in a barn?!”

I looked at DIY invitations from Hobby Lobby, but his mom sent something she saw on Etsy. They were on sale and worth the shipping cost, which would have probably equated to my printer ink and frustration/time.

DONE.

His mom: You’re both so intense. I didn’t mean those. I just sent it for ideas??

Ryan and me: “Do you like it?” “Yeah.” “Done.”

I submitted the final draft, and they should be in this week. The wedding isn’t until March, but you can never be too prepared, and now that is one less thing to think about.

We are most excited about going skiing in Colorado, and in true form, we bought all of our gear NOW from Amazon. I joked that we were getting married so soon, so we did not miss ski season.

A few weeks ago, Ryan was in Lafayette, LA, so after working with Brent, I headed that way, and it was the first time we spent time alone together. When I say that, I mean we were not at my house with my family or running around town doing things or with his family. He rented a room for me and slept in his truck. We hung out in the pool, went for sushi one night, and bought salad and sandwich fixings for our remaining meals. It was the first time we did NOTHING together, and it was so nice. I think all of the condensed wedding planning had us both drained, but of course, we worked on wedding and honeymoon stuff, but it was so lovely just to relax and spend time together. We ate breakfast together in the lobby, and he brought his George Foreman grill he travels with to the room and made grilled sandwiches for lunch.
I am so thankful to get to marry my best friend. That sounds so cheesy and cliche, but now that I am living it realize what people say and how important it is. We were both always adamant about being friends and calling each other that. Some say “Babe” or “Baby” or other pet names. We say, “Friend.” and it happened organically. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with my friend, and I am so thankful the man I waited for is finally here.

While I shared Ryan on my blog because I treat it as a journal, a lot of people did not know Ryan even existed. Having a long distance relationship made it easy to “hide” him, but after years of hearing everyone’s comments about my life decided nobody needed to know.

Over time, more and more did know, but I waited for the shock value and it was worth it. I went from ‘being single’ to suddenly asking people if they would be interested in coming to my wedding.

A favorite was when my aunt called to tell me she went to breakfast and saw one of my neighbors (who was also my former teacher).

“How is Aimee doing? I see a boy every now and then down the street.”
My aunt said she replied, “You might want to sit down for this.”

I laughed so hard. Mission accomplished.

I do not know who is more excited about the honeymoon.

Important note: I am wearing all of our Amazon purchases that were delivered in one day in that photo. I am wearing Ryan’s ski jacket and am bringing my thrift store find to Colorado. I am not a traitor. 🙂