Oh, the places you'll go {honeymoon}

I've got to give credit where credit is due. I love Bride's magazine (thank you Shana for the subscription!). Every time I get stuck in my planning or don't know what to blog about I turn to the checklist page of my monthly issue. It's hard to believe I'm coming up on the 6 month mark of planning my big day! One of the things I plan on checking off in the upcoming month is our HONEYMOON!!! How exciting!

I'd like to share that although I've always wanted to, I have not done that much traveling. And when I say "traveling," I mean international travel. I've been to Canada, Mexico and the British Virgin Islands, but I've never been to Europe! Going to Europe may not happen this time around because we are getting married in November and we prefer to go when it's warm, but hey, a girl can dream ;-)

Through my research I found a very cool site where they breakdown suggestions on where to honeymoon based on the month you're getting married!!! For the month I am getting married, the site suggests:

November Australia, Bahamas, Bali, Belize, Brazil, Canada (ski destinations), Central and South Africa, Egypt, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Seychelles, Spain, U.S.(ski destinations, Southeast, Southwest)

Aside from these suggestions, here are some of the places I've been daydreaming of:

Greece! My dad is 100% Greek and I have always dreamed of visiting! My last name, Asimos, is really Asimakopoulos. Unfortunately, November is not an ideal time to travel there (though I hear May and June are awesome!) Plus, Vinnie has been to Greece before and we'd like to vacation somewhere neither of us have visited.

On that note, here are some other cool places... like BRAZIL! Vinnie trains Brazilian Jui Jitsu 5-6 times a week at the Gracie Academy... he's a purple belt ;) I know he'd love to visit Brazil, as would I!

I visited the Virgin Islands a few years ago and it was by far the most beautiful place I've ever been to! I wouldn't mind visiting again ;-)

Because we are watching our budget and we consider ourselves adventurous people, I don't think we're going to hire a travel agent. What are your thoughts on that? Do you consider yourself a DIY honeymooner? We also want to go somewhere we can relax AND play. Any suggestions or pointers on how we can find a balance of the two?

I leave you with, " you're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way!"

-Dr. Seuss

Dapper Dude {your best man}

dap·per/ˈdapər/

Adjective:
(typically of a man) Neat and trim in dress, appearance, or bearing.
When brainstorming what I should write about today it occurred to me that I haven't mentioned Vinnie's attire yet. He recently locked down his Bachelor Party, (which is in Austin, TX by the way) and it made me think to make a little inspiration board for what he may wear on our big day. As I've mentioned before, we are a pretty classic couple; we love Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin and the style of the 1950s & 60s. When it comes to our wedding I imagine Vinnie in a suit, not anything casual. I LOVE suspenders, and he looks pretty dapper (ala Mad Men) in a skinny tie ;)
What kind of look is your future hubby going for? Tux, suit, casual wear? Please feel free to share your ideas and inspiration!

Beach Day in February

Vinnie and I were engaged September 12, 2011. These photos were taken just last weekend on a sunny day at the beach in Santa Monica by our dear friend, Ricardo Bayona.

Vinnie and I met on St. Patrick's day 2007, had our first date 3 days after meeting, moved in together after 9 months, and next month is our 5 year anniversary; hard to believe how time flies!  And speaking of time flying, we are  just 8 1/2 months away from our BIG DAY!

At this point in your planning, what have your checked off of your list? Is there anything you wish you would have done sooner?

Hope you enjoy getting to know us a little bit through these pictures :)