Our 2nd Official Gift Registry

I guess 4 hours of Macy's wasn't enough for the day. After triumphantly returning home for a breather and BBQ dinner, we headed back out. This time we dropped into one our favorite decoration outlets Z Gallerie. The final list is still a work in progress, as there have been some issues getting all of our items onto the website, but don't hesitate to view what's already online. Feel free to utilize your own personal creative touch as well! We are in search of many varieties of stylish lamps, vases, flowers, mirrors, and artwork.

Our First Official Registry!

After 2 long sessions at two different Macy's locations (the first one just wasn't large enough!), we've completed our first registry... and just in time for Memorial Day Weekend sales! Please visit http://macysweddingchannel.com/ and enter either of our names to locate the list of items. A list can also be acquired at any store location. We are still working on a 2nd registry location, and although Home Depot would normally be atop the list, we are having a tough time deciding on which house project we'd like to undertake next. If someone really wants to buy us marble tiles for the entry or gallons of paint for the spare bedroom and media room, gift certificates would be perfect for such occasions. Otherwise, please check back again in the next weeks for our 2nd registry location! Thank you for your patience, this groom is hardly a shopaholic.

Hotel Recommendations

Due to the fact that Austin has such a diverse culture and number of things to do, and since some people have already made accommodation arrangements, we're recommending 2 hotels - 1 downtown and 1 up north. We have not blocked out rooms, but we've based our list in part on the room rates (quoted on Hotels.com) and have created a list of nearby attractions.

1. Hilton Garden Inn - downtown, 500 North I35 - $108

This gem is a couple block walk from the hippest and most extensive downtown nightlife scene I've witnessed short of Mardi Gras. For those young-at-hearts, 6th street offers upwards of 50 bars within just a few minutes of walking. Suggestions?! Check out the underground club Barcelona and then wander over to Pete's Dueling Piano Bar. If the sky is clear, check out Maggie Mae's or Blind Pig with their live bands and rooftop access for a view of the commotion below. A few blocks further west, 4th street presents young professionals with some very savvy hotspots. Stop by SIX (Lance Armstrong's creation), Canvas, or Cuba Libre for some great dancing. If you'd rather have your choice of 100 draught beers instead of 100 bars, stop by Gingerman.

2. Springhill Suites by Marriott - north Austin, 10936 Stonelake Blvd - $75

10 miles north of the downtown commotion, set near the quaint Arboretum shopping area, this hotel rests a bit closer to home with a more relaxed setting. Plenty of restaurant choices including NXNW (an Austin native) and Baby Acapulco. Just across MoPac is the Domain, the newest all-inclusive living/shopping/dining conglomerate. With easy access to MoPac (Hwy 1), downtown is just a short drive away. Head in the opposite direction and you'll be making your way to the wedding ceremony location.

Engagement Portraits

Our good friend Jenny offered to do an engagement portrait session with us. We are so thrilled with the photos!! Thanks Jenny, you rock! Check out her blog (jennyndesign.blogspot.com) and the full set of images (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennyndesign/sets/72157616227053285/). At the beginning we were a little timid not knowing how to sit or pose, but by the end we were just carefree and laughing while Jenny crawled all over the ground getting some of the angles!