THE BEST WEDDING EXPO YOU HAVEN'T HEARD OF

February 26th was a life changing day. It was a chilly, Sunday morning: there was frost on the grass. Normally, a Sunday you wouldn't find yourself roaming the downtown streets before dawn, but we were shooting with THE Jen Jinkens and channeled our inner models to brave the cold. We had a busy day planned: podcast, photo shoot, yoga, brunch, and a bridal expo, all before another podcast photoshoot at 3pm. 

As much as the day had in in,  I remember every memory distinctly. 

Jose and I were on our way to a unique local market featuring wedding vendors from the valley. Jose was down because it meant podcast networking and I was excited to possibly get impulsed on the thought of planning a wedding. Then, a phone call came in through the bluetooth and not having a caller ID we both looked at each other (don't worry, Jose was at a red light) and knee who it was. 

12 Hours prior we docusigned an offer on a 4/2 Mid Century Home in Phoenix and our realtor was calling to tell us it was accepted! We were smiling from ear to ear and this car ride just become a literal vehicle to our future. 

Pulling into the Farm at South Mountain we were very open minded because not only have we both never been to any bridal expo, let alone this one,  but also couldn't see it from the parking lot. The tickets were digitally purchsed online for $5 each and upon check in we each recived a tote, map, bridal mag and local vendor booklet. #lovelanguage

The Marry Mart utilized the huge space and it was filled with gorgeous pop-up display vendors featuring everything from beignets to bridal gowns. Each station was the entrepreneur themself(ves) or a close relative who shares the same passion. Each story was different, there were no two the same. Each space inspired us to want to make our special day using the amazing local creatives of the valley. 

When this event comes to fruition again next year defintely make your way whether youre a bride to be or not it is a great chance to meet passionate creatives in the Valley in a gorgeous space tucked away! 

UNBOXED

I'm a subscription box snob. I have subscribed to 6 in the past and currently have ZERO on auto pay. I tried the meal plans, but my picky eating and need for a larger portions was not a good match. I dabbled into skincare and cosmetics, but I don't beat my face as often as the box requires. My favorite box was a crystal collection, and I subscribed until I started getting repeats in the box, only 4 months in. 

As a newly engaged woman, I thought it would be a great experience to "box." With little idea on where to start or what to do, I figured a box could offer guidance and speak my love language. From Miss to Mrs became the box for me. 

The ad jumped out at me, so don't knock indirect marketing too much. I was scrolling through the gram and came across a saving grace. A monthly box to guide me in my journey to be wifed. 

I ordered the box right after the engagement, but didn't receive it for 8 weeks.  The box was damaged on the outside ..... and inside. But upon opening my excitement went from over the moon to mild. 

Pamphlets about the maid of honor? List of things the bride forgets on her day? Cool, but all stuff Google can provide. Faux Diamond pens and a notepad, cuz the target dollar spot didn't have me stocked up enough? Paperclips! For what? I am not sure, but they are cute for my office. A reusable plastic (not BPA free) cup with a broken straw. How does the straw ship broken? A gold plated necklace with a diamond emblem.  Last..... but not least........2 balloons! "LOVE" and a DIAMOND RING balloons for any event, but air/helium extra. 

My subscription has been cancelled and I didnt mean for this to turn into a product review, but just an honest experience. If you want to see perfect unboxing you can go on YouTube for that. We always bring it to you real and raw. 

HOUSE HUNTERS

He's a landscape architect by trade and podcast host. She's a small business entrepreneur emphasizing in marketing, sales and management. Their budget is 260k. 

On this episode of House Hunters, newly engaged couple Britt and Jose look to find their forever home in historical Phoenix. With 6 months left on their rental agreement they begin the process of home ownership. 

After feeling like we were drowning in terminology we finally found some footing and got excited about the prospects. 3 months of Trulia, MLS data bases,  and 17 houses later I walked into what I had manifested. 

I saw this house online, fell in love. I showed the listing to my mom, business parter and close friends. We had our realtor preview it a day we could not get out of appointments and meetings and fell in love. The morning of me stepping inside the Roma House I attended a Tranq yoga flow and mainfested it. 

I imagined how it feels pulling up in my driveway, walking up the path to the door to the right while smelling blooming garden roses. I enter the through the classic original wood door right into the great room. From the living room I can see the kitchen to the left and feel the sunlight from the open windows. Leading to the pool in the back an open kitchen and den give me a hug. The bedrooms are off to the right and each one has its own floor plan, design, and character. 

But the backyard, the backyard is where I will say "I do," to the man of my dreams. I can see us walking down the isle, then chasing our new puppy up and down the yard and putting up the approved fence around the pool for the future little ones.  

Everything I had imagined feeling was felt. After physically being in the home and introducing myself as the new neighbor and sharing some "homemade" cookies  we asked everyone to send good JuJu to the universe to lock down this property.

Twelve hours from putting in an offer for full asking price on this mid century historic neighborhood home it was accepted. We were driving to Marry Mart and got a call from our realtor. Josh calls and begins with small talk and I all can think is SPIT IT OUT! It still feels like a dream and my cheeks hurt from smiling.

How cute is this photo by Jen Jinkens taken after the offer was put in and before it was accepted.

MEET THE FOCKERS

San Diego was the scene for a 2018 remake of Meet the Fockers staring the Acevedo Family and the Johnson-Dolan Family. A tale of two families spending a weekend experiencing each other's lifestyles while their offspring begin to plan a wedding.  

Unlike the 2004 classic movie, our parents had met each other prior to the weekend retreat, but for only a few hours. My parents were visiting Arizona for a weekend and we were invited to a "Meet the Parents" BBQ in Peoria. They immediately clicked and it was hard to separate them. 

After staying connected on Facebook our families needed a more in depth get together since Jose popped the question. What better way to realx and let loose than a weekend in San Diego. 

3 days & 3 nights in America's Finest City. My parents live 1 mile form the Pacific Ocean and with an itinerary of brunch cruises, Mexico border trips, and yard games it was set to be the best trip ever. 

And it was. We went to the dentist: no cavities, extra guac. We went on the cruise: flowing champagne and harbor tours, yes please! We played Washers till we found a champ: Congrats, Tony! 

But the never ending Wedding Questions hurt my head. "When's the date? Where? What do you mean its not a destination wedding?" I am ready to go to the courthouse and call a taco truck for a backyard party, but Parents are not ready to hear that. 

This weekend brought our families closer together, but me further a part from wanting to "plan a wedding." Help! 

ADVICE FOR LOVERS

February, the LOVE month, is here. To get in the spirit at the office I themed this month's company magazine appropriately. Aside from the 2 page spread on crystals, my favorite page is the "Advice for Lovers."  

These 4 quotes really stood out to me because they capture a little of everything. From kissing and making up to sharing goals and ambitions together this advice can help any relationship from 4 months to 4000 months in.

ADVICE FROM RACHEL S.

"Be with your best friend, you’ll spend more time as friends than lovers."

ADVICE FROM ADI T.

"When people show you who they are believe them. You shouldn’t have to convince yourself that their actions and their intentions are two different things. If you SAY you love someone you need to SHOW them. It shouldn’t be a guessing game because love is absolute and you should be too.”

ADVICE FROM PUNEH N.

"Say you're sorry fast. Mean it. Say it once. If you screw up, as you undoubtedly will, man up, own it, and apologize. But only do it once. Make it a good apology. Followed by a really good kiss can't hurt."

ADVICE FROM CARLEY P.

"I think its really important for your sig other to know your priorities and goals for your self come first. to me love is pushing one another to be the best versions of yourself."

THE ART OF A LOVE LETTER

How perfect is that letter? Jose sent this to me after our 44th President of the United States expressed his love to his better half during his final speech as the Chief. 

When we fist met, exchanging notes were a constant thing. Its juvenile, but lovely how a post it would be stuck to my office door and I would leave a reply stuck to his car handle on my way out. 

When is the last time you wrote a note to someone you love? 

There is no RIGHT or WRONG way to do it. Start with a greeting and follow the past, present a future rule. Why is your past so amazing because of this person? What do you presently look forward to everyday because of them? What future do you envision with them? 

Love Letters are the original "Thank You" cards. 

To this day we take the time to write terms of endearment out to one another to find in passing and turn any moment into a memorable one. 

#TRENDING

I flipped through my FIRST bridal magazine this week. It was during a vision board exercise to manifest our goals for the year. I already cut out libraries, kitchen islands, fireplaces, everything for our Honeymoon House (post to come). Browsing through, I was looking for inspiration, but was overwhelmed by the fluff, flowers, and frills. 

Bridal Guide Magazine's January/February 2018 issue has an article entitled, "Trends 2018." I was hopeful to find and inspiration, a light , a guide, for this next chapter. Instead I'm still scratching my head. Here are the 4 categories that sttodout to me of wedding trends this year and my thoughts.

THE EVENT: According to Bridal Guide, "Intimate gatherings and grand affairs are both having a moment." So to stay on trend this year invite few people or invite a lot of people. How can you have both opposites trending? We plan on a ceremony at our Honeymoon House and to keep trendy we will obtain a maximum occupancy number in our new space.  

THE DECOR: "Color is back, and so is black." LIKE WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? In 2018 everything is trending! As for us, we are classically considering black and white and a color #winning (is that still trendy to say?)

THE EATS: "View food and drinks as entertainment." Well good, because I always do. Suggestions of interactive stations like trucks and taco bars are appealing to us, but one trend we have been early adopters for are keeping it local. Phoenix has some of the best food and we want to showcase that

THE GUEST EXPERIENCE: "Send guests home with a smile," is Bridal Guide's reason for hiring dueling DJ's or aerial acts. No thanks, mama is going to be smiling because her baby girl started the next chapter of her adult life with the man of her dreams, not because a character artists captured her on paper. Our experience will blend culture, not because we want to have our guests learn how to properly sip tea from China, but rather our culture, our family. 

I couldn't bare to read the remaining trends, and if you so dare to the link is above. All I know is it will be a one of a kind kinda day. 

HOW HE ASKED

He knew for an entire year when, but not how. I knew for an entire month if, but not when.

In December of 2017 America and Jose were celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary and the whole family was to be in attendance. Cousins, brothers, aunts, and uncles were to fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico to celebrate the original love that brought their family together. We bought our plane tickets a year in advance and that is when he knew, this would be a perfect opportunity to bring more love into his family. 

About 1 month before the trip, Jose and I were returning from a late night food run and he dropped something from his pocket while reaching for his keys. The noise was so delicate and metalic so I picked it up and mentioned he had one of my rings. He nervously answered he must have been playing with it and picked it up on accident. 

About a week before the trip, my business partner and best friend demanded I get my nails done before the trip. So when I put 2 + 2 together........ #iknew

The entire flight his stomach was a nervous wreck, but I thought normal for him. The day of we had an argument, but I thought its just me bring pre-mensies. Saturday, Dec 16, 2017 was the day to celebrate 50 years of marriage be renewing vows at the Catholic Church, then family photos on the beach.  After photos Jose and I took a long walk on the beach that made my first day butterflies of seeing this tall, handsome, tan man for the first time come back all over again. "That can't eat, can't sleep, reach for the stars, over the fence, world series kind of love." 

We took a limo ride from a Puerto Rican catholic church to a private beach. I ran to the sand to look for shells and when the rest of the family arrived I grabbed the camera to take photos. Before I knew it Jose's dad, grabbed the camera from me and I was swept away on the last single walk of my life. 

It all happened so fast....He asked me to make him the happiest man ever and marry him. He got down on one knee, 100 yards away from his entire family, 1 hour after his grandparents re-expressed their ever lasting love for one another, and I said "Of course!"

UNWEDDING

While researching for this blog I wanted to find inspiration from other bloggers sharing their engagement story. Please help me if you have found one, but I can only find companies that blog about other couple’s engagement shoots and big days. I want a first person narrative of the struggles to trust during one of the craziest times in a couple’s life. I want to hear about the journey, the tears of joy and stress, his perspectives and hers.

The Finding AZ Engagement is a chapter I want to share about my journey from Miss to Mrs. Why do we feel the need to rush to the “I Do’s” when we need to learn to enjoy the present moment.

I had a conversation with my fiance yesterday about the pressures of our WEDDING. I have to capitalize it because the connotation of that word is different per person. He is the oldest grandson of his family and oldest son and the pressure for a WEDDING was felt the second the ring went on my finger. I am an only child and don’t know what should be “expected” from the Bride’s family, or let alone myself, the Bride.

When Jose and I went to visit my family for Christmas my uncle made a joke about a dowry, asking Jose to prepare his family chickens and goats. We all laughed, but their is truth to that humor.

Some cultures don’t even get to meet their significant other till their ceremony date, some cultures trade livestock upon union, the extremities continue….

So before I read another list of what to expect, or contemplate creating checklist before the wedding day I chose an Unwedding Wedding. Why do I have to wait till 3 months before "the day"  to decide what cake I want to eat, or 2 months before till I write my vows? I am going to have a piece of chocolate cake and tell Jose how much I love him tonight and every night till the wedding and every night after.

FROM NEUTRAL TO BLUSH

Hello future Acevedo children, honestly, you are the only ones who will be reading the first blog written on the Finding AZ Engagement. You see, just 3 short weeks ago, Jose asked Brittany to make him the happiest man ever and marry him. But, did he know he was also making me the happiest woman ever? Okay enough with the cliche love quotes. Because 6 days after the “engagement” sheer panic sunk when I lost one of my pink diamonds in my ring setting, then, moments later realizing I have to plan something most girls have spent their whole lives planning.

I plan for a living. I plan for my day, week, month. I plan for myself and  my future and now I’m planning with my future husband and our next chapter. I planned to take a look at my Pinterest page just a week after the “engagement” and realized my boards are about mindfulness, dream homes, and yummy recipes, no wedding cakes, dresses, or invitations. But, this is more than just not having a Pinterest board. It is about understanding this engagement to be wed is planning for our dream life not just 1 day for our family and friends to party.

This blog will take you through our first journey as a unit, a couple creating the next chapter for themselves. It’s more than “planning.” We are getting married and buying a house and wanted to make sure this journey can be reflected on forever. I want to share "How He Asked," advice from other love inspirations of ours, traditions old and new, and many more.

Just 1 thing.... Please don’t expect anything, I’m not. Each day I know I fall more and more in love with the man I get to spend my life with and whatever falls into place with us, I look forward to embracing and incorporating into our lives forever. My checks and life when from neutral to blush.

OUR FIRST PHOTO SEPTEMBER 2015