Ryan and Rachell

Not for the light stomach, here are some cute, but mostly gross, tidbits about us…

• We both drink soy milk, but still enjoy the occasional ice cream and cheese
• Both of our homes have a room with the same deep red colored walls
• Our first names both start with the same letter
• In Scrabble, our full names are worth the same amount of points: 43
• When we started dating, our cars had the exact same mileage on them
• Both of us have relatives born in Argentina (I have hundreds, Ryan has one)
• We both don’t burp
• We both think Kelly Clarkson is anything but a guilty pleasure
• Both of our cell phones have always had the same ringtone (the old phone ring)

Much love to my brother and his beautiful fiance, Michelle, in their recent engagement. After 3 years of mostly long distance, the two love birds are finally going to tie the knot! Sean proposed in style over champagne on the coast of California near the dunes at Morrow Bay. And it looks like he took notes… she was most definitely surprised.

There are all sorts of perks to getting engaged. We’re just starting to learn some of the least expected, but fun benefits preparing for marriage. For all other engaged, or soon-to-be engaged couples, be sure to get out on the town and celebrate your upcoming marriage in style with some free events. You may be broke after the wedding, so why not start taking advantage of freebies now!

Reception Hall Cocktail hours

If you’re looking for us on Wednesday early evenings, we’ll be at the Garden Court in Palo Alto, drinking fine wine and tasting delicious delicacies that the staff prepares for engaged couples to learn their menu. They truly want you to come by, bring your family, etc. Marla took us around the facility, while Victor fed us amazing hors d’oeuvres and entrees.

Registering

Pretty much any larger retail store will allow you to register. So head to Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Home Depot, or your other favorites to play with the special register laser gun. Of course, you can register online at most of them, but it isn’t nearly as fun. And just because you register, doesn’t mean you need to tell anyone… so go ahead, make your way to the local Toys-R-Us and make a Christmas list that will make Santa fill his pants.

Although Todd warns that you’ll start looking around the kitchen for the pot you just registered for. So don’t let your mind get too carried away.

Anyone have any other tips on fun activities for newly-engaged couples?