House!

That's right, we bought a house! We are moving back to Dogtown, where it all started! We love this neighborhood. Our first date was @ Felix in Dogtown, and for the first 2 years of our relationship we lived across the street from each other on Louisville. We love how close we are to Forest Park and all those amazing restaurants. And save the date for next year's St. Pats, bc the party is at our place! Our closing date is August 13th. We cannot wait to move into our new home.

Ryan signs the offer.

This image of Old San Juan was hanging on one of the walls.

Our backyard.

Front of house.

FOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!

This week, Andrew Zimmern's Bizzare Foods was set in PR... Here's what he had to say about the island:

By Andrew Zimmern on June 9, 2009 12:07 PM

Why go to Puerto Rico: Well, because it's the best secret hiding in plain sight in the Caribbean! ...and due to massive migration to the US over the years, it is said there are more Puerto Ricans living in New York than in San Juan. Growing up in New York City, I long ago got a big taste of Puerto Rico's culture and cuisine but not the full flavor of the island's diversity. I wanted to visit the "real" Puerto Rico - and believe me, this Caribbean island is no West Side Story. Steeped in an amalgam of complex influences, the cuisine clearly reflects the island's history: from original Taino native tribes to its Spanish occupation and subsequent influx of African slaves, to its current status as a Commonwealth of the United States. Nothing reveals the history of Puerto Rico more than the impact it has had on the cuisine. Spanish, African, and native Taino influences can be tasted in nearly every traditional Puerto Rican dish. Sound intriguing? I thought so.

Not staying too long, want a hotel room...

So, I have been asked a lot lately for recommendations of hotels if you are not staying for too long. Here's are my suggestions:

If you want to stay in a hotel close to Loiza, where Ryan's family and some friends have rented vacation homes, your best option for hotels will be the area of Isla Verde. This is going to be really close to the airport and about 8 miles away from the vacation homes. It will also put you about 25 minutes away from all the wedding activities. I found two business type hotels in the area: Howard Johnson Hotel - Islan Verde ($89.25) and Holiday Inn San Juan ($167). These hotels have the basic hotel ammenities and no beach access.

Here's the contact information for all the hotels described above:

Howard Johnson Hotel - Isla Verde

4820 Isla Verde Ave

San Juan, 00979, PR

787-728-1300

Holiday Inn San Juan

8020 Tartak Street

Carolina, 00979, PR
787 253-9000
787 253-9007

Let me know if you need more information about any tavel accomodations. I will be more than happy to help answer your questions. :)

New Beginning

Sorry for the lack of posting this month. I have been really busy wrapping things up at work. Today is my last day at Washington University. I start the one-year MBA program at SLU next Tuesday! I am really excited about this new adventure!!

On the wedding front, I can confirm we have a DJ! They are called Monument Sound, and the company is run by two of my mom's students. They will also be recording the wedding. I'm excited to have them, they are young and professional and awesome! They will be taking music request so send in your suggestions to make sure we have all the great music you love at our wedding.

Also, Ryan and I are looking for houses! Stay tuned....

Ceremony Music

I just signed contract for the ceremony music. We will have a guitarist, Gabriel and a vocalist, Monica. I first heard them play at the wedding of my high school friend Jo Ann. I was really impressed by their sound. They are members of a band called Dias de Enero (Days of January). During the ceremony, they will play more modern music. I am not a big fan of the traditional wedding march, etc. And wait for an experience out of this world when you listen to Monica's Ave Maria. I invite you to go to their website and check out some of the band's music samples. Enjoy!

Video

Here's a video about Puerto Rico put together by the Tourism Company. It's a little long but it is a great introduction to the island.

Getting things done

I spent a week in Puerto Rico getting all the wedding details finished. In the picture above you can see my mother and I (center) talking with my wedding coordinator, Hilda (left) and with the owner of the reception hall, Olga (right). My face says it all... when it came to choosing flowers and tablecloths I was very confused.

Choosing a decorator was tough. We got quotes from 3 different places and ended up with Forever Brides. They will do all the flowers and decorations for the wedding. Everything will be very tropical, colorful, and elegant. We will have orchids, cala lilies, anthiriums... I also chose a tablecloth.... the design is called Shakira :). I can't wait to see it when its all done!

After going to see 3 different bakers we chose Granito de Azucar to make our cake. I was imagining I would get to the bakery, sit in a beautiful table, and eat cake samples in every flavor imaginable... but that did not happen. We still ate cake but we got it to go in aluminum containers. By far, Granito de Azucar's cake was the best. Every tier will be a different flavor... and trust me, they are all good! But it will be sad to cut it because the design is spectacular! It sort of looks like the picture... kidding!!!!

I also did a trial with my hair dresser for my hair. My hair dresser is Any. She has been doing my hair since I was born. She also gave me my first bath! After getting my hair done I went David's Bridal with Lydia, Lorena, and Denise to try on bridesmaid dresses and wedding dresses. We had so much fun!

I also bought Ryan's wedding band! I got it in Old San Juan, at a jewelry store in Calle Fortaleza. The great thing about shopping for jewlery in Old San Juan is that there's a ton of jewlery stores very close to each other and you can shop around until you find the best price. Also, there is no tax!

So now, what is left? Music. Start sending your song requests to us!!!!!