Alex & Kristel Lopez

I've been reading quite a bit on the topic of men changing their last names when they get married. Believe it or not, it DOES happen. So I thought I'd ask Alex how he feels about the subject...if he'd be willing to change his last name to mine. He scoffed. Mostly because my last name is "too common," not because he's a sexist pig. ;-)

But then I received a great little letter in the mail yesterday. An invitation to Anne Marie's graduation party. And just GUESS who the envelope was addressed to!

I win. 

I guess, Alex and Kristel Lopez it is. 

P.S. Don't worry, he's not gonna change his last name...and if you're wondering, yes, I do plan on changing my last name to his once we get married. 

My French Bridal Shower

Last Sunday I finally got to celebrate my bridal shower! Along with many wonderful friends and family members. A lot of people showed up and it was great to have them all. 

The shower was held at Le Boudoir in Coral Gables (the intersection of Ponce and Miracle Mile). They were really great to work with. They took great care of us and fed us the most amazing food! Everything was delicious. The little sandwiches and salads and of course, the dessert! 

We played some games that were prepared by my sister and just had a good time talking and laughing together. My favorite game was the one that Alex showed up for. :-) Basically my sister had asked him questions about himself previously and then wrote his answers down on  separate pieces of papers. In the style of "The Newlywed Game." 

So in front of a live audience I had to answer the questions before he revealed his own answers. And I am PROUD to say that I did really well. I believe I only got one answer wrong out of 13. Not bad. I even corrected one of his answers (his first kiss). I'm curious to see how Alex would do if the tables were turned...hmmm... 

The guests took home a triple chocolate mousse prepared by the restaurant in some lovely containers as a favor. This is my favorite French dessert! And from what I've heard, everyone enjoyed it! 

So thank you to everyone who came to the shower! It was really great having everyone there. And thanks to my mom for all her hard work preparing for the party all the way from Texas! And to my sister for preparing all the games. And to my bridesmaids (Lia & Tati) for hosting games. And to my aunt for making sure people RSVP'ed. And to Merari for taking all the photos. 

And well, thank you...to everyone. :-)

[I have uploaded the majority of the photos here.]

May*hem

Just thought you should check this out...

Radio Revolution

I Love Miami - Part One

I always complain about this city.

I've lived here nearly all my life and frankly, I'm tired of it. I'm ready for a change! 

Also, there are just so many things to dislike about this city...the traffic, the rude people, the reggaeton...

However, it's undeniable that there are things that I love about Miami...and I'm going to miss these things when Alex and I are gone. 

So I decided to write a little blog series, between now and the day we leave, about all these lovely Miami things. :-)

The first is, Big 105.9. Simply the BEST radio station in Miami. There's really no other station I listen to. I love classic rock and this is what this radio station dishes out all day long. Beatles, Elton John, Stevie Nicks, Steve Miller Band, Queen...I love it all! And I love when I'm taking a long drive down the highway and they keep playing all these amazing songs, one right after the other. It's music that makes you feel good. 

Big 105.9, oh how I will miss thee... 

wedding headaches...

UGH!

APPARENTLY some people have let me know that they did not receive an RSVP card with their wedding invitations.

Again...ugh! 

Sorry about that. We must've missed some of the envelopes. Hmm.

If it's not too many people I might send out additional invitations since we have quite a few left over. PLEASE let me know if you are one of the people without an RSVP card. Thanks!

wedding firsts

This week Alex and I received our first wedding gift(s). 

My Tia Lani and Tio Gonzalo from Spain were in town for my sister's wedding and they decided to go ahead and get us our wedding gift now. The neatest microwave ever and Alex's beloved knife set. Oh, he's happy about that one! What a thrill. Our wedding is really on its way. 

(A Wedding Gift Tip: If you go to our wedding website you can click on Gift Registry and view our registries. Just click the Crate & Barrel and Target logos. Some gifts are only available ONLINE, so perhaps it would be more convenient for you to order a gift on-line and have it shipped to my house...no wrapping necessary!)

And today, another first! Our first RSVP card from our first official wedding guest. ::drum roll:: Anne Marie Fields! I can't wait for all those little cards to start coming in. It's so exciting. It's starting to feel real. 

(By the way, thanks TONS to Anne Marie, Merari, Alex, my mom, my dad, Lani, and Gonzalo for all the help with the invitations! I couldn't have done it without you guys.)

I went to the dress store today to FINALLY pick up my beautiful wedding gown...however, it's still a bit too long and so they have to alter it some more. I can pick it up NEXT Friday. Meh. 

I'll keep you updated on all the wedding news. :-)

You KNOW you're interested... ;-)

Good People Day 2008

Alright...so I saw this on someone's blog and I thought, "hey, why not?" Any excuse to blog. 

Apparently April 3rd is Good People Day 2008. Google it and you'll see.

Soo...here it goes...some good people in my life...

Alexander: My Love. My Best Friend. What can I say? He's amazing. So patient. So loving. There really is no one else like him. I'm a lucky girl. 

Anne Marie: The most giving person you'll ever meet. Sweet and kind and thoughtful. Now SHE'S good people.

Lauren: Great girl. Tells it like it is but still cares. I don't know what it is exactly, but I really like this girl. :-)

Lia: The best thing about this girl is she will defend you till the death. You'll never question her loyalty.

Tati: Again, one of the most loyal friends you could ask for. Sweet and always ready to give you loving Christian advice. 

Danibel: My sister. Though we once hated each other...I think we're okay now. I've learned a lot from her and I really do admire her. 

Abuelita Carmen: She has a servant's heart. There's no one in the world like her. I love her infinitely. She always takes care of me...really, she spoils me. 

Mom: Amazing! I've learned so much from her about being a modern woman who takes care of business. ;-)

Dad: Amazing! I see so much of myself in him. He sees the world through the eyes of a poet...I appreciate that.

Merari: Sarcasm and wit and photographic talent all rolled up into one neat little package. You're awesome. 

Pastor Dave: He's got some wisdom and insight...but not in that pushy overbearing way. 

Adriana: Behind every great man, there's a GREAT woman. Working with her at the school has been a blessing. 

Kat: She's just a joy...as grandma-ish as that sounds. She's really one of the most interesting people I've ever met. She's genuine and sincere and humble. 

Steph: So talented. So kind. So giving. Even when she's mad, she's nice. 

Okay...so this is where I'll stop...believe me, there are plenty more GOOD people in my life but I just can't blog about it forever. 

Love you all. 

Mrs. Lopez-Hiraldo

I've been meaning to write about my sister's wedding last Saturday...but I've been going non-stop and haven't had the chance to sit down and reflect on it. 

The whole weekend was a blast. My sister looked beautiful, despite battling a cold, and everything turned out great. I wish I had pictures to share...but again, things have been so busy that I haven't even had a chance to upload the ones I have onto my hard drive. But no worries. The amazing Maloman Photographers should post up the photos they took on the blog VERY soon. I was told they would be up today, so hopefully they come through! If not, I'm sure they will be up some time this week. Keep checking back there. 

For those who are wondering, I think my maid of honor speech didn't turn out half bad. I did the best I could. Alex made fun of me because he says I said, "Aaand..." a lot. What can I say? Public speaking is not on my list of skills. 

One of the most entertaining parts of the night were the tango dancers. Since Manny is from Argentina they had a couple perform some tango dances. Very sexy. When they asked for volunteers Alex went up to dance with the lady. Let me tell you, he didn't look bad out there! He actually looked like he knew what he was doing. It was all due to the fancy footwork of the lady. Maybe Alex and I should do a tango for the first dance at our wedding... Or maybe not. 

All I can say now is...I can't believe my sister is married! I'm really proud of her and I know that she is incredibly happy. Especially because right now she's honeymooning in Argentina. :-)

Save Polaroid

I've been reading this blog for the past month or so and I can't believe I haven't shared it with you all. Take a gander. If you know me, you know I love Polaroid.

Save Polaroid.

Mike & Kelsey

I've been slow with the photo thing lately. I had issues with my computer and external hard drive. Luckily, everything has been worked out and my iPhoto is now in proper working order. I'm glad nothing was lost! 

Besides that I've been crazy busy with wedding stuff. My sister's is on SATURDAY! It's just days away and I just don't think I'm ready yet. I realized last night as I was drifting off to sleep that I have yet to write my "maid of honor speech." Eep! I'm no good at public speaking, so you can imagine my nervousness. I haven't a clue what to say...but some time between today and Saturday evening I better figure it out.

ANYWAY...all this to say that I finally was able to do a new photo session! This time with Mike and Kelsey. We got to go downtown to the Design District. I was happy about that. Overall, I think I got some good photos in. So I have posted one to share on here and soon I will post more at Glowing Light. 

And you'll be happy to know that Alex is working on a web site! [Yay!] So hopefully in the very near future we'll have a proper Glowing Light Studios web site and everyone can view our work. 

Keep your fingers crossed. 

a quick blurb

I have mailed out my bridal shower invitations! *phew* Hopefully you should be receiving your's within the next few days. I had to limit my invites because the restaurant only fits 50 people. I invited 55, haha...so we'll see what happens. Please remember to RSVP Carmen Rodriguez as it indicates on the invitation! (She's my aunt)

My next major project will be the wedding invitations...I'll be calling those of you who so graciously volunteered in my last blog for help! 

And if you're wondering, my sister's bachelorette party in NYC this past weekend was great! I just love that city. The best part was the shopping...definitely. 

:-)

counting down...

I'm starting to feel the pressure. 

The wedding is only two and a half months away and I feel like there so still SO much that needs to get done. I'm a slacker. I finally got my bridal shower invites printed out...now I must mail them. Hopefully they'll go out by the end of the week and I can concentrate on other things that need to get done. Change the center pieces, look for a veil, make the favors, make sure Alex sets up his tux fitting, talk to the DJ, talk to the band, call the dress place... Ugh. Anyone out there want to be my assistant??? Wedding planning is just not my thing.

My sister's wedding is only 18 days away! That's ludicrous! I still don't have shoes! (Danibel, if you're reading this, DON'T freak out...I WILL have shoes for your wedding) This weekend is the bachelorette party. We're going all the way to NYC...because that's how my sister parties. I'm really excited because New York is one of my all-time favorite places to visit and we have a lot of fun things planned. Plus, I get to shop at H&M again. :-)

Unfortunately I'll be missing this event...

However I hope you all can make it and support the band. I'm telling you, they're a talented bunch. 

Studio A Tonight...

Check it out...it's only $7! (not nine)

I'll see you there!

Things I Learned in Nicaragua

• My grandma is a packrat. But a very organized packrat. Nothing is cluttered or out of place. 
• My uncle is scarily similar to my dad...in looks and mannerisms. 
• AC is a wonderful invention.
• My grandmother has a beautiful soul...despite all these grim circumstances.
• My grandma wants to buy a very elegant dress to wear to my wedding.
• My grandma probably won't make it to my wedding...
• My dad is a courageous and loving son. 
• You can drive the wrong way down a one way street and live to tell about it.
• My grandpa, despite being in his 80s and a bit hard of hearing, can drive a stick shift down the mean streets of Managua with ease.
• My grandpa has the kind of love for my grandma that I hope my husband has for me when we've been married for 57 years. It's amazing and inspiring. 
• Nothing beats gallo pinto for breakfast.
• He doesn't want to live without her. 
• My grandparents have been all over the world together; England, Spain, Israel, Brazil, etc; and now they're ready for their final trip to be with our Lord in Heaven. 

off to nica...

I'm leaving tomorrow morning to Nicaragua. My dad is already there, so I'll be making the trip by myself. I'm nervous. I mean, I've flown by myself several times before...that's not why I'm nervous. 

I'm nervous to find what's waiting for me on the other side. 

The good news is, I hear my grandma is in good spirits...she always is. : )

So anyway, I won't be taking my computer with me. I'll probably be hard to get a hold of. Please remember to send a little prayer up to God for me and my family...and for my dear grandmother. 

And I'll see you when I get back...

Etsy

I have discovered the greatest web site EVER!

Etsy.com

It's incredible. Basically it's a place for people to sell anything handmade. Paintings, drawings, jewelry, clothes, bags, paper goods, toys...anything. And there are some really talented people who have set up shop there. Everything is so unique and beautiful. I suggest you take a peak. If you know of someone who has a birthday coming up or anything like that, you could find a great present there that you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. 

Here are a few of my favorite shops that I have discovered so far...

Hoolala

Deadworry

Disco Belly (when I get pregnant in ten years, I want these shirts!)

JellyBeans

MatteArt

And I have absolutely fallen in LOVE with this necklace from adorapop. 

(hint hint, to anyone who is looking to make me feel special)

So go take a peak around the website and let me know if you find anything beautiful and inspiring. :-)

Enjoy!

Journey

On most Monday nights we have ZEAL meetings at Pastor Dave's house. A group of us gather together to plan out the services and try to figure out what exactly God wants us to do with our efforts and talents.

The next ZEAL worship gathering is entitled "Journey." Alex usually comes up with a little flyer or something to post on-line to help promote the event. This time the image he came up with was that of a tree. I remember thinking, "Okay, I don't know what a tree has to do with a journey, but sure...why not?"  And then during the last meeting he explained his reasoning...I found it very interesting. Allow me to paraphrase what he said...

The tree goes on this journey. It starts as a seed and then the roots begin to grow deep into the ground. From there the tree begins to spring up and grow. As Christians we need to get rooted in the Word so that we can grow higher and closer to God. 

Sometimes things get in the way of the trees growth...like a bridge or an electrical wire, but the tree finds a way to go around it and grow somehow [this is true, I've seen it, I think it's amazing]. In the same way, we encounter obstacles in our life and we must find a way to grow. And as our roots grow go deeper we become more firm and grow higher. In order to grow higher, we must grow deeper. 

Hm. Made ME think. Who knew Alex had such profound thoughts?? ;-)

Anyway...I wanted to mention that my grandmother (my dad's mom) has been diagnosed with cancer. She's very old and has many other health problems as well. The truth is, we don't know how much longer she will be with us. I have decided to travel to Nicaragua (where she and my grandfather live) in order to be with her perhaps for the last time and to comfort my father. I can't imagine the pain he must be feeling in losing his own mother. I will be leaving on Sunday, March 2nd and returning that Wednesday. Please pray for my family. My grandmother is such a wonderful lady with a beautiful soul. She and my grandfather have been married for over 55 years. She has been a mother to 7 children who love her dearly. And a grandmother to many others who think the world of her. I remember when she would come to visit us in Miami and she would play guitar and sing songs about Nicaragua. She was always so happy and vibrant. She would always sleep in my room and we would talk about...everything. I know that since I last saw her (over a year ago) she has been struggling with alzheimer's. I haven't seen how the disease has affected her firsthand, but I have heard stories from my dad. It's very sad. I love my grandmother like you just wouldn't believe. 

She's not gone yet. But like I said, who knows when her time will come...I'm looking forward to making the trip down there and seeing her and my grandfather...but I also know the trip will be a difficult one. 

As I said before, please pray for her...for my grandfather...for my dad...for us to continue on our journey of life and become more deeply rooted in the Word of God so that we may grow from this experience and rely more on our God. 

I am happy to inform you...

I received my acceptance letter from Southeastern Seminary!

So it's official. I have a Student ID number and everything. I applied for housing as soon as I read that letter! Hopefully Alex and I will get our number one choice. If not...oh well. We don't find out where we will live exactly until about four weeks before the move in date (beginning of August). So we'll see how that goes!

They're up!

Stephan Maloman posted up our engagement photos. They're just a few of his favorite. So go check them out now!

Leave him a comment telling him how much you LOVE the photos. ;-)

Lia & Eric: Engaged!

Lia is one of my very good friends. when we first met we never thought we'd grow to love each other or even like each other. We're two completely different people...but despite our differences we have grown to trust and love each other. 

It just goes to show you that Jesus brings people together. :-)

Well, on new year's eve, she got engaged! Eric is a great guy and certainly the best man for Lia. I'm really happy that they're getting married and that I get to be a part of their wedding. 

On Saturday I had the opportunity of shooting some engagement portraits for them. It was a lot of fun and I'm really pleased with the way they came out. I posted them up on Glowing Light. Let me know what you think.