let the countdown begin

Sarah and I met the weekend we moved into college. 

I still remember what she was wearing. 

(weird? creepy? still true. it was a blue sweater vest, by the way)  

We soon became the best of friends. 

We even planned our Spring Semester classes around watching the Young and Restless together each day. 

again, weird? pathetic?

who cares. it's true. 

   In the ten years since we met, 

we have walked through life together.

our friendship has always been a constant.

we have celebrated the highs and cried over the lows.

we have traveled together and traveled distances to see each other. 

we've enjoyed many a cup-o-coffee and a glass of wine. 

    

She is an incredible mother. daughter. sister. friend.

and in one year she's going to make one beautiful BRIDE.

(and, yes, ultimately that means she's going to make Ziya one lucky man, by becoming his WIFE!)

I'm so stoked for her.

not only because we have been praying for a long time that God would bring

a man into her life who would partner with her as she raises her

daughter and supports her as she pursues her dreams. 

I am also excited because I think that marriage can be pretty rad.  

read: difficult, frustrating, but oh-so-very worth it. 

This past weekend Sarah's bridal party threw them  a fall themed engagement party. 

I made this banner out of burlap and pom-poms. 

I wish I could say I painted the landscape above the mantel...but no.

         

Their wedding is set for November 3, 2013, 

so the theme of the party was a One Year Countdown.  

-- When Harry Met Sally

- See more at: http://www.romancestuck.com/quotes/movie-quotes.htm#sthash.szNrVHNH.dpuf

When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

-- When Harry Met Sally

- See more at: http://www.romancestuck.com/quotes/movie-quotes.htm#sthash.szNrVHNH.dpuf

Here's the group of women who helped put 

 the party together. I'm excited to get to spend more time with them over the next 12 months. 

the celebrating has only begun. 

 

Sarah and Ziya-

I am so glad we live close to you guys now. We are honored to call you friends and get to witness your journey. We love you and can't wait until NEXT November. 

love, Rob and Erica  

 

"It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together." - Tom Hanks, Sleepless in Seattle

side note: I got a new camera (yipee!) but I am still figuring out how to use it, especially with indoor lighting. so be easy on the photo judgment. :)