Lauren and Wayne's Seaside, FL Wedding

LIFE'S A BEACH!!!!

2005-12-03T15:19:00.000-08:00

Holiday Inn- Destin On The Beach
I wanted to let everyone know that I have reserved rooms at this hotel.
There are 12 rooms reserved- six with a King and 6 with two double beds.

The hotel is located on the beach! I have them reserved until May 9th, but don't wait until then because they may all be gone. They usually sell out during the summer months because they are one of the only hotels around them located ON the beach. They have given us a special discount rate, so when you call just say you are a part of the Ritchie/ West wedding party!
If I need to reserve more rooms, then just let me know and I will do so immediately. I just didn't know who was coming and who would want to stay there.

Other options are the Hampton Inn (in Destin, FL), Comfort Inn (in Destin), Sun Destin (condos in Destin), and Breaker's East (condo in Destin)!!! Also, Abott Realty helps alot of people with condo rentals in Destin and the surrounding areas. One of the neatest looking places was the Inn On Destin Harbor- it was also one of the cheapest places without taking away comfort, and especially great if you aren't the biggest fan of the beach, or just want to hang around a couple of nights www.innondestinharbor.com

The wedding is in Seaside, FL, but my family and I are staying in a house for the entire week before the wedding in Destin, FL as well. The travel time between Destin and Seaside is a little under 30 minutes.
The reception will be within walking distance of the wedding ceremony! You are all free to kick off your shoes for the wedding ceremony though, its on the beach!!!

This is a picture of the Inn On Destin Harbor!!

I loved this place when I was reading about it! It sounds so cozy and personable! Plus it has been newly renovated and the rooms look beautiful!

Does the song of the sea end at the shore, or in the hearts of those who love it?

Happy Turkey Day!!!

2005-11-24T21:53:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving just wasn't the same...
This is my last holiday without Wayne!!! He comes home SOON!!!

Thanksgiving tradition in my family includes what every Southern family's tradition includes: lots of family and lots of food!

We had 25 people from just one side of my family at my house today, from all over the states. It was so fun just eating past the point of being full, sitting around watching football and talking about what everyone wants for Christmas! This Thanksgiving I was told would be my last Thanksgiving as just an eater.....next Thanksgiving Wayne and I are incharge of bringing food!! They said it was a grown-up thing... Thank goodness I love to cook!!!

This Thanksgiving was so joyful for me, I realized I have some of the best years of my life ahead of me.....I am definitely thankful for Wayne in my life. God has blessed me more than I ever dreamed possible.

A Blessing!

2005-10-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

Lydia Alexander Michael

Lydia and I have been best friends since the seventh grade. She is such a blessing in my life and has never done anything to hurt me. She is always there and even when I moved off 5 hrs away to Baton Rouge, joined a sorority, and we were worlds apart....she still loved me and was the best friend I had!

The picture above is Lydia, but the bottom one is not Lydia, but her beautiful daughter Hannah Grace Michael. I was allowed the extraordinary experience of being there for her birth. I don't think she realizes the gift she gave me that day. I don't think I have ever witnessed anything more amazing!!!! I cry every time I think about that day!!! Life is just sweeter after you witness something like that!

Lydia is a terrific mommy. I am so proud of her!!! She is truely one of the best friends that I have. She and I have logged so many memories, and my future will always include her!!!! I love her to death. Everyone should have a friend like Lyd.

Lydia and her husband, Dana, and Hannah all live in Cotton Valley, Louisiana.

The picture below is (from left to right): Marissa Ebarb, Lydia Michael, Brook-lyn Fleming, and then me in highschool. I do have longer hair.....I guess I was just having a rough day!

La Duni

2005-10-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven.

Karen Sunde

Wayne and I realized today that we have about 7 weeks until he comes home from Iraq for good!!! This is such a blessing to have him hom before Christmas! I cannot wait to see him!

Wedding plans have begun to pick up their persistent pace. We are nearing the 7 month marker till June!! I am so excited!!!

My mom, sister, Amanda, and I are going to Dallas in November to look for a dress. We are meeting one of my favorite people, Mrs. Debbie Garrett. She is going to join us in our search and celebrate with dinner at one of the most fantastic restaurants in Dallas......La Duni. The place is unbelievable!

La Duni Latin Cafe 4620 McKinney Avenue 214.520.7300

La Duni Latin Kitchen and Baking Studio 4264 Oak Lawn 214.520.6888

The left picture is the restraurant and the right picture is the La Duni family..

The Crew

2005-10-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

"Home Is Where Your Story Begins"
A. Danielson
The benefit of being the oldest is that you remember the birth of each of your brothers and sister. I remember every rushed visit to the hospital for Clint, Amanda, and Luke.....for a while I was worried they would never stop coming!
I made the mistake one day of saying I was lonely. I remember I came in from playing outside, and asked mom why I didn't have brothers like the neighbors. Well, she solved that problem!

The oldest's position comes with alot of build in leadership; sometimes I tried to be mom and I always got the same response............"I don't have to listen to you....you are not my mom." (Luke had that line down pat.)

With a large family comes large amounts of love. We are all so close and really never argue or bicker about very much. I mean anybody who lives in a house together argues, but really we all get along great! The way I see it God had three best friends lined up for me before I was even born. Best friends for life! I love all three of you so much and know that you each have talents and gifts that will help you accomplish eveything on your dream lists. Life thus far would have been pretty boring and lonely without ya!

Luke

2005-10-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

Luke Garrett Ritchie

Luke is by far the kid in the family with the most personality. I love him to death and know God has given him this enthusiasm for life for many reasons. Having such a personality and outlook on life will get you far!! He is a little business man too! He is only 14, and has plenty saved for the future, and even has invested in stock that is doing great! He earns his money with the business he started when he was 13 years old, which is a power-washing business. He keeps up with the names and how much they give him. He is amazing. He has always been a hard worker. When he was in kindergarten he would wash chalkboards for the teachers after school for some money, and then as he got older he would rake leaves, manicure lawns.....anything that was worth the hard work...even pick up pinecones!

Luke is not only a genious young business man.....future millionaire......but an extraordinary athlete! The picture above is he and Amanda before a football game!!! He is still in Junior Varsity sports, but has been asked to move up for both the Varsity football and basketball teams. The Varsity football team at Glenbrook is going to state this year!!!! Luke is also an excellent swimmer for the Glenbrook swim team.

Luke is going to be great at anything he wants to be great at! He is a leader, with a kind and courageous heart and spirit that will win people over and take him to the top of whatever he does. He is understanding, committed, loving, hard-working, intelligent, charismatic, and handsome.....all qualities of a champion!

I love you Lukie!!! I am so proud of the young man you are becoming!

Clint Man

2005-10-26T21:42:00.000-07:00

Clint McCay Ritchie

All of those photos on the blog and nothing of two of my favorite men.....by brothers!! Yep, there are four of us. From oldest to youngest, it is me, then Clint, Amanda (one of my maids of honor), and then Luke. My next blog entry will be about my little brother Luke.

The picture above is Clint and me in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.!!!

Clint is a sophomore at LSU, and is in the Acacia fraternity. He loves it down there! Who doesn't!! Goooooooooooooooooo TIGERS!!! Oh by the way, LSU beat Auburn last weekend!!!

Clint graduated from Glenbrook just like the rest of us. There, he dominated every sport he played. A sister is allowed to say such things, but I am also just being honest! Clint's favorite sports were football and basketball. I am so proud of him for always doing his best! He and his group of guys, that were like brothers to me, always played sports diligently, and with more heart than any other group of highschool boys I have ever seen play.

At LSU Clint is majoring in Business, and thinks he wants to specialize in Fiance. I love my brother so much and know that he is going to make some woman very happy one day!

"Brothers don't necessarily have to say anything to each other- they can sit in a room and be together, and just be completely comfortable with each other."

Women will never understand this concept!

Queens of Everything!!

2005-10-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

Marissa Ebarb and Jamie Wilson

Marissa and Jamie both have been amazing friends. They have taught me so much about life, love, and lessons! I am so proud of each of them, and the beautiful and talented women they have become. They represent the city of Minden well. Both classy examples of Southern Belles with southern charm and exemplory leadership qualities. I love you guys! Thanks for all of the memories and for granting me the honor of standing beside me on Wayne and I's big day! What a journey it has been to find each of our Prince Charmings!!!

Marissa and her husband, Chris, are the proud parents of two beautiful children! Cade and Gabriella are so precious and both have turned out to be the perfect combination of both of their parents. I am so proud of Marissa...she sets such an example for other moms. I am trying to soak in everything I can from her, and watch her because her children love her and respect her.

Marissa Pickett Ebarb graduated highschool with the rest of us, at Glenbrook School. She joined us in the seventh grade, and when she came to town she took all of the boys' breath away. She was gorgeous then and she is even more radiant since she has had those two children that she and Chris adore! Marissa juggles Cade and Gabriella and school. She is currently taking online classes through Louisiana Tech, and is close to graduating. She and Chris are living in El Paso, Texas right now, since Chris is in the Army and stationed there. They are due to move back to the Minden area in November. I cannot wait to have her closer to home, so I can see her more often. I am so thankful to have a friend like you in my life. You have helped me through Wayne being in Iraq, and made the whole situation more bareable. I appreciate your listening ears, confident attitude, and continuous laughs.

Jamie currently lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she is attending LSU Law School. She originally went to Ole Miss, but then graduated from Louisiana Tech in Ruston, Louisiana. Jamie is so dedicated to her dreams and passions. She is a beautiful, multi-talented, brilliant, athletic, loving woman. I have always admired her hard work at everything she commits herself to, but also her diligence to be the best sister and daughter to her family. Jamie has two brothers, Tomlin and Borden. She rarely misses one of their sporting events. She constantly amazes me. She plays the piano and sings, and will be compeating in the Miss Louisiana Pageant the weekend after Wayne and I's wedding! She would make the most amazing Miss Louisiana. Well, James....I'm proud of you and so thankful that you are going to be standing beside me on the big day!!!

What Is Big Jim Thinking?!?!

2005-10-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

WAYNE, BIG JIM, AND BEN

These three are the greatest....but doesn't it make you wonder what in the world my dad is thinking!
His daughters are madly in love with those two men!!
Truthfully, I know that my dad thinks the world of both Ben and Wayne and realizes God has blessed Amanda and I with two of the greatest!
Thanks Dad for all of your patience with Amanda and I throughout the years, and for teaching us to never settle for anything but the best!!!!!!!!!
I love all three of you sooo much!!!

A Mother's Love!!!

2005-10-11T23:30:00.000-07:00

My mom, Lynn Ritchie, is an amazing mother to each of her four children. I am the oldest of her four children, and the first to get married. When Wayne and I first decided to get married on the beach my mom jumped at the opportunity and was immediately thrilled about the idea. She is so creative! She is an excellent cook, photographer, gardener, kindergarten teacher, designer, party planner....and the list goes on. My mom helped me design the bridesmaids invitations; they are pictured on the blog already!
Most importantly she is the best mother a young woman could ask for! I am so blessed to have such a caring and loving mother. She has taught me so many things, and has set the bar high for my sister, Amanda, and I as we attempt in the future to be the champion mom that she is.
My dad, "Big Jim", and my mom have never missed any event that their children are in. If they had two of us in a sporting event, they would split up and make it to both of the events. How they have managed to make it this far is beyond me....the four of us are a handful!
My parents may never fully understand what an impact they have had on their kids' lives, but I know that each of us fills an overwhelming love for the support and dedication they have given to us all!

Best Friends Or Cousins?!?

2005-10-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

CARA BETH WALKER

Born only about three months apart...Cara and I have always been Best Friends! When it came time to pick who my Maid of Honor would be I couldn't chose between my actual sister (Amanda) or Cara (my best friend since well...always!).

It was really a no brainer! I had to have two Maids of Honor! I couldn't separate the two...I love them both sooo much!

Cara and I went to school together at Mt. Olive Christian School in Athens, Louisiana until we were about 13, then transfered to Glenbrook Highschool where we graduated highschool. She too grew up with Wayne when we were little! God has a way of working things out huh? Life is so much easier when we just let him handle everything!
Cara and I have been through soo much together....good and bad! We have shared and stolen several boyfriends!

The picture above is us at a Pat Green concert in Ruston, Louisiana. www.patgreen.com

For college we separated for the first time....she went to Ouachita Baptist University, in Arkedelphia, Arkansas, and I went down 7 hours away from her to LSU in Baton Rouge. Even now I can't believe we did that to each other. I think we only went to see each other at school a handful of times. We would always just meet in the middle....in good ol' Minden.

Cara has now graduated with a degree in Christian Studies, and is working at this fabulous church in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She is an incredible artist and her gift of helping and loving others is truly amazing!!! She is the perfect mixture of tomboy and sophistication....we know how to have a good time no matter where we go another words!!!
Cara, you are a ray of sunshine in everyone's life that you come in contact with!!!
I love you, and couldn't imagine how boring life would be without you!!!

Sugar And Spice and Everything Nice

2005-10-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

Brook-Lyn Fleming

Brook-lyn is always the purest form of herself...outgoing, gracious, humorous, fun-loving, organized, and honest with herself and others.
These are definitely qualities you would want in a friend. She has always lived up to my expectations as my friend...never disappointing me!
She is a joy to be around and does an excellent job putting up with me!

Brook-lyn, Cara Beth, and I all went to the same school at Mt. Olive, and then went on to graduate from Glenbrook Highschool together. We have a picture of all of us at our kindergarten graduation, and then the exact same type picture of us at our highschool graduation.

Brook-lyn too separated herself from the pack, and went on to Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana for college. She got her undergrad in elementary education at Tech, and now lives in Dallas, Texas (Big D) where she attends Argosy University in Dallas, and is in the process of getting her doctorate of psychology. She is planning on being a child psychologist at a school there. She loves it in Dallas!
One of the things she loves most though is her handsome black poodle, Mango! He is precious, and easy to love!
I am so proud of her and know without a doubt that I can always count on her for anything!
This is the Dallas skyline!

YaYa Sisterhood!!!

2005-10-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Amanda Leigh Ritchie
A.K.A. Suzie Q
My sister is this amazingly talented, compationate, humorous, giving young lady! She graces each day with a smile and always faces each new challenge with confidence and faith. She is a leader in her school, her church, and with her group of friends.
I am so proud of her and everything she has accomplished thus far. I know that God has wonderful things planned for her future!
She is only a senior in highschool now, but is quickly growing into one of the most beautiful woman. She wants to attend LSU and major in something that will allow her to work with children. She has a gift for kids, and anytime we go anywhere kids flock to her. She definitely has been given the gift of patience....we won't even go into when I substituted at my old highschool for my mom's kindergarten class!
The last picture on this post is my sister and her boyfriend Ben Abshire. He is such a cutie and has the biggest heart. Amanda is so lucky to have him in her life. He sets an example for men his age; I am very proud of him too.
Amanda and I can't talk about he or Wayne too long, because we brake into tears talking about how much we love those two men!!! We are blessed!
Amanda will be standing beside me on Wayne and I's big day! I love her so much and feel blessed to have a sister who loves me like she does!!!

Bridesmaid 101

2005-10-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

Designing the bridesmaid invitations with my mom was so much fun. We put our two creative minds together and came up with the envelope to the right and then the acutual invitation was stuffed inside (it is pictured below).

Choosing my bridesmaids was an easy decision. I chose the women who have helped me survive life thus far. I have know each of them my entire life, and could not have asked God for better women as friends!

Each of them has been a comforter when all the wrong boys broke my heart, a supporter during the best and worst times, loved me when I was the purest form of a woman (difficult and moody), uplifted me, hugged me when they really felt like hitting me, and stuck by me no matter what. I am so proud of each of them! These 7 beautiful and strong women will always be so special to me and I know that I can count on them forever! I don't know where I would be without them! I love you all so much! Thanks for being the truest of friends!
Maids of Honor:
Amanda Leigh Ritchie
Cara Beth Walker
Bridesmaids:
Lydia Michael
Marissa Ebarb
Brook-lyn Fleming
Jamie Lee Wilson
Melissa Wilkie

What A Wonderful World

2005-10-08T23:07:00.000-07:00

True love is a gift from God.
I never understood all of those who said, "when you find the right person for you...you just know." This was completely foreign to me until I met Wayne. It is suppose to be the easiest decision, and it has been. Now we truly understand this and have excitedly joined the love struck group! I have a feeling that a smile will never leave my face. You know that feeling in your cheeks where your face gets numb from smiling so much.

This picture is us after we got engaged in Dallas, Texas. We ate dinner at this fabulous restaurant named Nana's. Atop the Wyndham Anatole Hotel, where the restuarant is located, you can see for miles. It was dark when we went for dinner, and all the beautiful lights of the city just twinkled. The whole night was magical!
Wayne did a wonderful job of designing the whole evening. We walked in and had the best seat in the house reserved for us...our table was the only one adorned with flowers...and we were treated like a king and queen. My mouth watered when I skimmed the menu. Everything looked so delicious! It was divine..Wayne had steak and I had salmon. For dessert the owner brought out a bottle of dessert wine to go with our chocolate bunt cake full of warm chocolate sauce. He said it was his wife's favorite and so it was very special to him; he shared it with us (two glasses) on the house.
It was after dessert that Wayne asked me to marry him!!! I said OF COURSE, then kissed him. The ring is exactly what I dreamed of...Wayne even designed it himself! What a man!
I am so blessed to have a man that loves me as much as he does. He constantly makes an effort to show and tell me how much he cares and appreciates me.
I have always loved Louis Armstrong's version of What A Wonderful World. I have loved it since I was a little girl. That night definitely reminded me "what a wonderful world" God has given me!

Thanks to all of you who helped orchestrate the entire night!

Charming Seaside

2005-10-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

These are a few pictures from Seaside, Florida!
The top left photograph is one of the many sandy pathways to the sea.
The middle photograph is an arial view of the town.
The photograph on the right is Seaside's charming little post office.

Seaside has forever been one of my favorite places to visit. Everyone who is drawn to this magical place, falls in love with it. Everything that you need in one location....BY THE BEACH! I couldn't imagine getting married any other place. My family has taken a beach trip every summer since I was one. My mom and Dad, Lynn and Jim Ritchie, started this tradition before they even had any kids.

It is not only the spectacular sunsets, the crystal clear water, the incredible fishing in the Gulf, the delicious food, or the fabulous tan you get that lures me to the beach...but the refreshment you get when you wake in the morning to the waves rushing against the shoreline and the hope of making a million more new memories with the ones you love the most!

Love Is A Sweet, Sweet Thing!

2005-10-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Wayne is such a blessing in my life and words cannot begin to describe just how much I love him. He is not only my fiance', but also my best friend. Our love, trust in God and friendship will carry us throughout our entire lives together. We have so many things we want to accomplish, and we know that together we will. We have a list of over 200 things we will accomplish before we die, and are continuously adding to it. That may seem a bit overwhelming to some, but these goals inspire us to constantly work to improve ourselves and our relationship with others. This list consists of everything from sky diving and swimming with sharks, to learning other languages, to devoting ourselves to certain political aspirations that we have, to not only traveling around the world, but also living in other countries.

All of these amazing adventures that we have ahead of us, will officially begin on June 9th, 2006, in Seaside, Florida. Here we will be married on the beach, with all of our most charished friends and family. With the Tupelo Beach Pavillion as our backdrop and aisle, we will begin our sunset ceremony that evening.

Deciding on the location was easy...there was no discusion...we were having it on the beach. Seaside, Florida is a quaint town, which was architectually designed to creatively cordinate each and every cottage's personality. It's painted in charming seaside hues, and since its successful beginning in 1981, has built over 345 cottages throughout the town. The cottages can be rented by families or groups of people for a week, or even the entire summer. www.seasidefl.com

Wayne and I plan to share with all of you the memories of our wedding from the planning to the actual ceremony in Seaside, Florida, to our honeymoon, throughout our entire first year as newlyweds. Also, we wish to share helpful information, pictures and tips we gather from all of the wedding drama that occurs.

Other Seaside, Florida sites are:

www.budandalleys.com

www.criollas.com

2005-10-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

Love At First Sight

Wayne and I have a very unique story...we did not meet at college, or at work, or have some damsel in distress type metting occur, but instead have known each other our entire lives.Although separated and in two very different places throughout highschool and college, we had managed to stay in touch through a mutual friend, Randy Stevenson.

I am from Minden, Louisiana, and found myself never straying too far from home. My highschool, was only five minutes from my house, and for college I went to none other than my childhood favorite...LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Wayne, on the other hand, went to highschool in Chattanooga, Tennesse at Baylor, where he played baseball and aspired to play pro baseball. God however, led him in another direction...closer to me. Wayne attends Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. Wayne was wrapping up his junior year when he was called to active duty in Iraq. Yeah, to help pay for school, Wayne bravely joined the Mississippi Army National Guard, and has been serving in Iraq since January 12, 2005.

Before Wayne left for Iraq, he spent some time in Minden, Louisiana with his Dad...where I was. So, it was here that we met on August 11, 2004. I had been in Dallas that whole summer with a real estate internship for the company Sperry Van Ness, and had cut my time short for unforseen circumstances...which put me in Minden at the same time as Wayne.

The moment I laid eyes on Wayne my heart began to race, and after a day of none stop talking and laughing, I was off to Hot Springs, Arkansas to see his mother.We were in love, and my mother, Lynn, explains it clearest....."It is the closest thing I have witnessed to love at first sight."

Prince Charming Returns...

2005-10-08T17:43:00.000-07:00

By the picture we can all see the relief and joy

I felt when I finally had my man back home. The fact that it was nearly 2 A.M. did not phase us a bit...we didn't get a wink of sleep that night, all we could do was laugh and smile and well, laugh and smile.

We had been waiting since January 12, 2005 to see each other...and the date he stepped off that plane was August 26th...about 260 days later!

My heart was racing so much that day I drove to the Dallas Fort Worth Airport to pick him up...I called my friend Marissa Ebarb, a bridesmaid in Wayne and I's wedding, and she talked me through the first half of the day, before her two beautiful children, Cade and Gabriella, had to go to bed. I was a nervous wreck...it was like going on our first date...I wanted my legs shaved, my hair done just right, and of course, I had searched for perfect outfit.

I was told that Wayne would be arriving at 12:20 A.M., but that wasn't happening, so patiently I frantically called my bestfriend, and cousin, Cara Beth Walker (one of my maids of honor) for support. Needless to say, that moment Wayne came around the corner and ran and picked me up in one of his endearing bear hugs...I forgot all about the hair, and nails and outfit...the tears never came, because I have never smiled brighter than at that exact moment, which is captured above by Jim and Terry Everett, who were waiting for their son.

That night God brought about 400 soldiers home for RandR leave, some had other connecting flights, some were from surrounding areas, and others were finally home...safe in the arms of their families.
This is the verse I read every day Wayne was gone:
Have no anxiety about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6

We are praying that Wayne comes home before Christmas...what a present that would be!!!