House photo...

Above is the front view of the house

Back of house...

Big News

We have made an offer on a new house, and it has been accepted! About 6 months after the happiest day of our lives, we have now had an offer for a home approved!

Now, it's a matter of getting through the process of getting to the closing. That will happen in 60 days. Here are a few photos of the place:

Above: The house from the outside

Above: The kitchen looking into the family room

We are very excited and are looking forward to sharing more about this next step in our lives as we move forward!!

-Bruce and Anna

What's Coming Up

So Anna and I are getting excited about the fall, and we wanted to update everyone on what we have planned. There is a great deal of fun stuff that will be happening!

• August 15 - 21 - Bruce in San Diego for the ASAE Conference where he will is beginning his service on the Communication Section Council. In addition, he will be interviewing two alumni for stories and visiting with others who are volunteers.
• September 6-7 - Anna's parents visiting us in Aurora
• September 10-12 - Bruce in Indianapolis for work stuff
• September 12-13 - ONU vs. North Central football game in Naperville. Will be visiting with Tim Glon, ONU's SID, and attending the tailgate and game!!
• Sometime in September - Anna to take her licensing exam
• Some other time in September - Visiting Don and Bridget to go to Cedar Point in Ohio!
• October - Likely attend ONU's homecoming in Ada!! Hope we can catch up with some folks!
• November 8 - Attending the Ohio State vs. Northwestern game in Evanston!
• Thanksgiving and Christmas - Going to Anna's parents for one of the holidays, and Bruce's parents' for the other... 

So, as you can see, we have a lot coming up in the coming months!!!! We hope that at some point, we'll also be able to visit Todd, Karen and the new baby, some other friends in Columbus, and some friends in the Cleveland area!!

Adios!

A Little Over Two Months...

since the wedding, and everything is going very well! We have had a great beginning to our marriage, and we are so thankful for everyone who has reached out and given us advice and information to make sure we are happy as we begin our lives together.

Earlier this month, we actually got to go to Anna's cousin Chad's wedding, and it was nice to be there and see the whole day from the other side - knowing how both of them were feeling throughout the day hoping that everything went well, etc. See a photo from that event below:

We also just wanted to let everyone know that as usual, we want to make sure that you know that if you can make it to our area, we'd love to see you! We'd obviously love to have you! We're planning on going to the Ohio State vs. Northwestern game, and that would be a great weekend if anyone is coming to the city. Just let us know when you're coming, and we'd love to see you!

Anyway, we'll continue posting every once in a while to let you know what's been going on! We're excited for a great summer, and hope you are too!

We're baa-aackk!!

Hey everyone!

We made it back to the States late last night, and have had a pretty hectic day picking up the cats from Anna's parents' house, and getting re-acclimated to not being on vacation...

We had a GREAT wedding, reception and honeymoon, and are completely happy with how everything went. It was a fabulous time, and we want to thank everyone who made it what it was - a wonderful opportunity to share our love with you all.

For those of you who wanted to see them, we have a Snapfish group room set up where people have uploaded photos they took at the ceremony and the reception. We have also posted our photos from the honeymoon, which are fantastic. Check them out at http://www2.snapfish.com/groupview/groupid=2586802/groupownerid=72828688/t_=72828688.

Speaking of the honeymoon, we went to St. Martin, in the French West Indies, which is located in the Caribbean. It was an amazing trip, and allowed us to relax a great deal and just enjoy one another's company. We were at the beach every day of the honeymoon but one, and had amazing weather - mid 80s and sunny throughout the day and mid 70s in the evenings. If you look below, you will see one of the amazing sunsets that we were able to see from our room in our fantastic hotel - Hotel L'Esplanade.

(Above) View from our hotel room's balcony

The area in which we stayed was called Grand Case, which is known as the gastronomic gem of the Caribbean. The restaurants were top notch, and we ate well every night...

Anyway, we will post some additional information on here as we move forward. Thanks again for making the wedding fantastic!

-Bruce and Anna (the new Mr. and Mrs. Hammond)

13 Days...

Less than 2 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Very exciting...

- Bruce

Update - Continued Excitement

So we were down in Indiana yesterday to finalize the songs for the wedding, and I realized that I really hadn't been as EXCITED and ANIMATED about what has been happening over the last month...

First, we have gotten a great deal of the details completed! We are almost done with everything, which is a really great thing.

Second, the bachelor party took place the weekend of April 12, while at the same time, a shower was held in Youngstown, Ohio for Anna. Now, what happened at the bachelor party? Well, a great deal of fun was had, and we even sat outside in 35 degree, windy, rainy weather for a Cleveland Indians game! It really was great. A few photos are below:

(Above) Bruce and the hot dogs at the Indians game

(Above) Bruce and Dad

The weekend after, Anna had her shower in Indiana and bachelorette party in Chicago, which apparently was a great deal of fun! She mentioned all of the great times she had with all of the ladies who were able to make it.

The weekend after (this past weekend), Anna had her dress fitting (which she still won't let me see), AND we finalized the songs for the ceremony! It was really fun to get together with our singer and accompanist for the ceremony.

Anyway, looking forward to everything - only 19 days until the BIG DAY!!!

-Bruce

21 Days...

ONLY 21 days left until the BIG DAY!! It is extremely exciting to know it's as close as it is, but at the same time, there is still much to be done...

We were able to finalize the prayers for the wedding ceremony today, and will have the songs that will be played at the ceremony taken care of tomorrow... That will be a relief, because we have been waiting for those to be able to finish off the program for the ceremony.

Other than that, we have seating charts to figure out, and a few other things, but things are definitely coming along.

Will be posting a little more as the date continues to come closer!

~ Bruce

One Month!!

We're officially one month before our big day, and everything is going extremely well! Lots of planning still happening, but it's all going smoothly. Right now, we're at around 80 people or so who have RSVP'd, with a number still outstanding. I have been told we'll be hearing from a number more soon!

If you are planning on attending and have not gotten your hotel room yet, make sure you do so! There was a page in the invitation with all of that information, so please go ahead and do that soon. The rooms are sold out at the Waterbird Inn from what we hear, so the Best Western or the Hilton Garden Inn are the other two options!

Hope everyone is doing well!

THIS WEEKEND - Marriage License

I wanted to share some BIG NEWS!!!!

Tomorrow, in the early afternoon, we will be traveling to Indiana for a very special reason - we will be heading to Valparaiso, IN to get our marriage license!!! It's one of the most important aspects of the planning that we still have to do... We're extremely excited about it...

In addition to the marriage license, we are going to be meeting with our photographer tomorrow evening. It should be good to put some of the finishing touches on the scheduling.

On Saturday morning, we are meeting with some folks at the church to finalize timing with them as well as readings and songs. This will assist us in putting together our wedding program, which is being designed by a friend of Bruce's who is a Graphic Designer. Should be very nice.

Anyway, things are moving forward, and we are extremely excited about this weekend's activities. Hope to see and hear from everyone soon!

- Bruce and Anna

UPDATE: 49 Days to go...

Hey everyone-

It's only 49 days until the BIG day for us! We are getting extremely excited...

April is going to be a crazy month for us, with things happened every weekend.

We're going down to the county where we are getting married to get the Marriage License on Friday, April 4, and then we're meeting with the folks at the church the next day... Should be a fun first weekend...

The second weekend will include Bruce's Bachelor Party and Anna's wedding shower in Ohio.

The third weekend will include Anna's Indiana wedding shower. Bruce will have a weekend off it looks like!

The last weekend of the month will include a dress fitting for Anna...

All of the bills are starting to come due... Not the most exciting time, but it just means that we're getting close!

Anyway, hope everyone is well. Remember, if you're coming to the wedding, the travel and lodging information was posted a while back.

Have a great weekend!

- Bruce and Anna

It's Not Only St. Patrick's Day Today...

It's also the day that is exactly two months prior to the wedding!! Anna and I are both very excited, and we are looking forward to a great day.

That's all the update we have at this point - so have a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day, and we'll post some additional updates here soon!

-Bruce

Wedding Update Video #1

Trying out video updates. Hopefully this works!!

Anniversary of Engagement - TODAY!

So today is the one year anniversary of our engagement! We are busy planning for the final details of the wedding, and are excited that it is coming up so quickly! Only a little over 3 months left...

Last night, we were looking at some interesting ideas for things to do on the honeymoon in St. Martin, including a sunset cruise on a catamaran, parasailing, etc. We're going to finalize those details as we get closer to the date!

Anyway, hope everyone is doing well. Let us know what's going on with you!

- Bruce and Anna

Cake Ordered and Other Updates...

Updates abound as we continue to plan for the wedding...

1. We have ordered the cake from a small bakery in Chesterton where the reception will be taking place. We tasted them a few weekends ago, and they did a great job! So, that is taken care of.

2. Anna has selected a headpiece and veil and has scheduled her first fitting for her dress. Very exciting for her.

3. We picked up my wedding ring last weekend. Very cool to see what I'll be wearing for the rest of my life come May.

4. The showers are being planned for Anna. One will be in her hometown, and one will be in Ohio held by my Aunt and Mom. It should be pretty fun for her. The same weekend as the Ohio one, I will be having my bachelor party in Cleveland. A round of golf and an Indians game will be the highlight, as well as seeing everyone who I haven't seen in a while!

Next up: I need to finalize the tuxes.

Everything is going extremely well, and we are excited that we are moving forward!

- Bruce

Update #2: Travel and Lodging Information

Hello again...

We also wanted to let everyone know some information regarding travel if you are coming from out of town, and also lodging information...

Travel Information

If you are flying in from out of town, there are a number of options that you can take advantage of:

Gary, IN - Gary Chicago International Airport (GYY) - Serviced by SkyBus only - 29 miles from reception and hotel site
South Bend, IN - South Bend Regional Airport (SBN) - Serviced by a number of airlines - 49 miles from reception and hotel site
Chicago, IL - Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) - Serviced by Southwest, and a number of other airlines - 55 miles from reception and hotel site
Chicago, IL - Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - Serviced by a number of airlines - 67 miles from reception and hotel site

Driving

The reception site, Waterbird Lakeside Banquets, which is adjacent to the hotel sites as well, is located at 556 Indian Boundary Road Chesterton, IN 46304. You can use Yahoo Maps or Mapquest to find out how long of a trip it will be. For quick reference:

From Youngstown, OH - 360 miles
From Columbus, OH - 338 miles via Indianapolis
From Dayton, OH - 280 miles via Indianapolis
From Cleveland, OH - 302 miles
From Cincinnati, OH - 277 miles via Indianapolis
From Indianapolis, IN - 166 miles

Lodging

At #s 1 and 2, you may ask for the Mann/Hammond wedding room rate.

1. Waterbird Lakeside Inn and Spa (Adjacent to Waterbird Lakeside Banquets)
556 Indian Boundary Rd. in Chesterton, IN
www.waterbirdinn.com
(219) 928-1511
Rates:
Lakeview Standard Rooms - $99/night
Deadline for Waterbird Reservations: May 10, 2008

** Waterbird Lakeside Inn does not permit children.

2. Best Western Indian Oak (Adjacent to Waterbird Lakeside Banquets)
558 Indian Boundary Rd. in Chesterton, IN
www.bestwestern.com
(800) 552-4232
Rates:
Lakeview King (including pullout sofa) - $89/night
Lakeview 2 Queens - $109/night
Deadline for Best Western Reservations: March 16, 2008

3. Hilton Garden Inn
501 Gateway North
Chesterton, IN 46304
www.hilton.com
(219) 983-9500
Located approximately 3 miles from Waterbird Lakeside Banquets
No rooms are blocked at this hotel, but you are welcome to stay here as well.

Update #1: We have Registered for Gifts!!

In the first update of two that I will post today, I wanted to let everyone know that we have registered for gifts at the places below. Anna will continue to add things throughout the process, so these are certainly not our complete lists.

Target - www.target.com/clubwedd (Under Bruce Hammond or Anna Mann)
Macy's - www.macys.weddingchannel.com
JC Penney's - http://tinyurl.com/yo4asx (or you can go to www.jcpenney.com and find the Registry on there...)

Just wanted to let the hundreds and thousands of loyal readers of this blog know of our progress. More information to come...