This is Where it's Going Down

I was going to apologize for writing another wedding related post but then I decided that this whole deal is only going to happen once so write I will.

Since Ben and I started talking about getting married, the big question has been

Where?

And y'all know that what with me being a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, it wasn't so much a matter of Where? but of

Which temple?

I am a freak of a girl. I'm pretty sure that as girl protocol goes, you must have your temple chosen out no less than 10 years before you plan on sealing the deal. I fail. I have never ever been entirely drawn to one temple in particular. I have never had my temple.

Let's be honest:

They are all beautiful. 

And the same thing happens in all of them.

Anyhow. I finally decided on the Provo temple for several different reasons. But usually when I tell people this is the temple of choice, they scoff and look completely incredulous.

So I figured I would share exactly why we decided on Provo.

#1. It's close and stress free

It takes me 10-15 minutes to get there. I don't even have to get on the freeway. Bargain. And, as proven by Tairsa Brown, after turning onto Main Street in Springville it is completely possible to get to the temple without coming to a complete stop. Ever.

#2. The wedding party and I will not be treated like cattle

No one is going to say that the Salt Lake temple is ugly. Because it just simply isn't. It's gorgeous. But people will say that brides and grooms who get married there are treated like cattle. Complete with numbers instead of names. Now, I obviously haven't been married there, but these are the rumors I've heard. Not to mention the fact the photographers get into fights for picture locations. Added stress on the wedding day? No thank you.

Compare that to the Provo temple. Hardly anyone chooses to get married in the Provo temple. Results? Temple workers love you if you get married there and they treat you like royalty. Smooth day with zero fights over locations. Good deal.

#3. The Provo temple looks like a fountain

Ben was really surprised when I told him that nobody gets married in the Provo temple. I told him most people think it's outdated/ugly. "Really?" he asked. "But it looks just like a fountain."

And so it does. Observe:

 Temple

Fountain
(images found here and here)

#4. The Background

I think the Provo temple's grounds are some of the prettiest. I think they are trying to make up for the structure by keeping the grounds extra beautiful. In the spring and summer they've got all sorts of flowers blooming. Not to mention the gorgeous mountains in the background. Love those.

See? So pretty. (image found here)

Anyway. For those reasons plus some others I won't expound on, that's why I'm getting married in the Provo temple. You can still judge me. But at least now you are informed.

A not so formal introduction

Well people, it's been just about 4 weeks since I got engaged and it is still blowing my mind a little bit. Can I just say that I am so excited?

Cause I am.
I am so excited.

I don't think anyone is really reading my blog these days...but I figure the people who do read it are the people who love me. And if you love me, I'm sure you're interested in the love of my life, yes?

Most people don't know him super well (on account of them living hundreds of miles away). But I figured I would do what I can to fix it. So this here post is all about him.

Meet Ben:

(yep. I've got Asian eyes and terrible hair...
but he has trouble taking pictures
and he actually looks real good in this one
if I do say so myself)

Anyway. Here is some random information about Ben that will help you get to know him just a little bit better. And for the record, I think you all should meet him because he is pretty fantastic and after reading this post you will have some awesome conversation topics.

Full name: Benjamin Daniel Brown
Birth date: August 20th, 1989
From: Jerome, Idaho
Served his mission in: Rosario, Argentina
Random piece of info: He broke his back while snowboarding when he was 18
Something he wouldn't tell you: He was the best Spanish speaker in his whole mission (from several reliable mission sources)
Major: Until verrry recently he wanted to major in accounting (I mean offense to no one when I say, "Ew. Boring.") However, a combination of individuals (i.e. me, his parents, God, etc.) convinced him otherwise. He is now excited to officially start a double major in Spanish and either German or Russian. He wants to become a professor.
Favorite food: Pancakes
Favorite dessert: Cream cheese cake (yep. You read that right)
Hobbies: Hiking, rock climbing, reading
Another random tidbit: He has had several unfortunate circumstances with hot dogs. So he hates them and won't eat them
Family info: He's the youngest and has 4 older sisters

Okay. That's all my information for now. I feel like my last couple of posts have been pretty gushy and sentimental so I apologize. It's very unlike me but planning a wedding suddenly brings out a whole slew of unnecessary emotions. It's a blessing and a curse.

I trust I'll get it back together eventually. Thank you for your patience.

They come in spurts...

Yeah. I can't believe it either--2 posts in like 3 days? Wha??? But here I am again, you lucky readers, you ;)

So I've become a slacker in the FHE department. I will go when I'm in charge (I'm FHE ma) but other than that I usually let myself think I have something better to do. This last Monday was no different. Ben tried to convince me that we needed to go, that we were starting bad routines by missing FHE. Luckily I'm very persuasive and talked him and my other roomies into having our own.

We watched a few Mormon Messages (who doesn't love those) and then Ben whipped out a Team Hoyt video. I hadn't ever seen the awesomeness of this before. But let's be real, people. I honestly get teary-eyed watching people finish 5k's. I'm not kidding you. Half marathons are a whole other story. So this little clip had me sobbing my eyes out. It's so beautiful. You have to watch it. Definitely a feel good little clip.

If You Haven't Already Heard...

Which, by the way, I'm sure you have heard because that, my friends, is the beauty of Facebook and gossipy Mormon communities, but...

I'm engaged!

Here's a picture to prove it if you don't believe me

Yeah. You've probably already seen the picture too.

Anyhow...

Being engaged is kinda weird, let's be honest. I mean, getting married is something you look forward to your whole life. You hope for it and dream about it. But at the same time you kinda try not to expect it. Like that will jinx your chances or something.

But once it comes, you realize your awesome wedding doesn't just materialize out of thin air. You actually have to plan it. And it's not as simple as one would like to think. Nope, along with the general ideas (you know, colors, food, reception hall etc.) you have to decide on very small details. Like what do you want your cake cutting knife to look like? and how many people do you think we can fit at one table?

It's crazy and stressful and I'm pretty sure this was some sort of intended insurance on God's part to ensure people only got married once. But even so, it is fantastic and fun and I love this here wedding planning junk. Yes, glad it'll only happen once. But loving it nonetheless.

Trust me, when gobs of people attack your Facebook wall with well wishes,

it's worth it.

And when a friend or aunt or cousin pulls you aside to offer you some heartfelt advice,

it's worth it.

And when you try on the right wedding dress and watch your friend tear up,

it's worth it.

And when you look at your man and realize you'll be with him for time and all eternity,

it's worth it.

So...yeah...Married life here I come!
As a side note: if anyone wants to talk wedding, I'm totally there ;)