I have been helping them and their family plan for their wedding coming up in May at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
The Story of Us
Tom (TC as I call him) and I have been together for almost 2 years! In fact, we’ll be celebrating the 2 years the night before we head to Vegas with friends as our last vacation prior to the wedding madness! How did we meet? Not one of the greatest stories—nor will it be one we’re proud to tell our children until they’re of legal age-- but nonetheless, it’s OUR story!TC’s best friend went to Indiana State in Terre Haute, as did I. (Jocelyn is writing this story). His best friend had been invited back to town to a basketball game and was allowed to bring two guests. TC being one of them. As for me, I still lived in the Haute and was throwing a baby shower for one of my best friends. A couple sorority sisters came to the Haute as well for a night out at the most popular watering hole in town, the Ballyhoo. Normally, I spent my weekends in Indy and rarely went out in Terre Haute, but, as fate would have it, I went out that night in Terre Haute.
TC is a Michigan State Spartan from head to toe. VERY rarely does he not wear his State hat. Michigan State had lost that day, I had had a couple drinks, so the second I saw him with his hat on, I started giving him grief about the loss. Not going to lie though, I did think he was cute? The night went on, and we talked quite a bit. When it was time to go, he searched for a business card to give me (in hindsight, only a person with a couple drinks searches for a business card), but didn’t have one. Have no fear though, I pulled my card out and handed it over! The rest, as they say…is history!
The BIG moment! I’m hardly one for surprises or keeping fun secrets. Last February, TC and I went to a jeweler in Indy to design my ring! The jeweler happens to be in the building I work in, but he did a very good job keeping information from me. We did the basic design together but TC picked out the diamond and decided all pertinent information (that I CLEARLY thought I needed to know) from me. I knew the ring was coming, I just didn’t know when. So, in the meantime, my mom and I met with Tonya. The next night, she had an event at the Crowne Plaza and she invited us. We walked in to Grand Hall and were sold.
We booked the wedding that night (it was March 5), nevermind that I didn’t have my ring! He got my parents permission and did all the right things. But then, I waited. And waited. And waited a little more, all the while driving TC crazy trying to figure out when my ring was coming. TC’s birthday is April 6. Nada. My birthday is April 8, but he swore he wasn’t going to do it on my birthday. However, I happened to stay in Indy most of that week since it was both of our birthdays. I woke up on my birthday and he’d left me something that said…Present #1. (He’s a personal trainer, so he leaves VERY early for work—waaaay before I’m out of bed). He told me there was more to come and to leave my bag for him to bring down later in the day. We had dinner reservations downtown and we were staying there. So, he came to get me from work, envelope sticking out of his pocket. (It turned out to be my ring appraisal—I’m awful!)He told me we were staying at the Crowne and we were going to go drop my stuff off there before dinner, but wanted to take a detour. SO, we went through the ballroom entrance and there it was, where we’ll be introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Owen, that he proposed. People ask what he said and I tell them…I have NO idea. I don’t remember a thing.
When is THE REAL Big Day? As you already know, reception is at Crowne Plaza, but the date is May 8! Our ceremony will take place at the Meridian Street Methodist Church—though neither of us are Methodist, I’ve always loved that church. They’ve been so accommodating too! We have a huge wedding party—I still am VERY close to both friends I grew up with and college friends so there will be 10 girls standing up with me! I would’ve had 20 if that was acceptable. Tonya has been SO helpful guiding us along this path. I had NO idea what went in to planning a wedding and I think my mom and I have survived this adventure thanks to Tonya :)
What’s next?…I thought when I wrote this, I’d make a short list of the 5 things I love the most about TC. But then I started the list. And it got longer and longer, and there was no narrowing it down. As we grow together, the list will tweak itself during our adventures through life. But for now, we have a house in Carmel we recently purchased where TC lives. Our golden retriever, Braxtyn, and I will be moving in after the wedding.And our life together begins…
1. Know your limits. Once you and your family agree on the budget, it’s important to respect the bottom line. You think it’s important at the time, but later you will look back on the money spent and realize that you didn’t have to have that custom made ice sculpture. Don’t go into debt to impress!
