Mi na meala

Because you've always wanted to know...

"The original Irish translation for the word 'honeymoon' is mi na meala, which literally means the 'month of honey.' Irish custom held that the newlyweds would drink Mead at their wedding feast and for a full month after the wedding. In other words, for 'one moon,' hence the term honey moon." -Irish Wedding Traditions

We learned this at Bunratty Castle in Ireland this summer, and although we will NOT be drinking mead for a month (it was nasty!), we do have a honeymoon reservation! We're going to Vilano Beach for five nights and staying in this cute beach-front cottage.

Vilano is only a few miles from St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park and Guana River State Park. We'll have lots of beach time, kayaking, exploring, and relaxing. Also, from November through January, St. Augustine puts on the "Nights of Lights" and lights up the bridges, trees, fort, streets, and everything. It looks beautiful!


Just wanted to keep you updated! love, z&j

Photo Safari at Leu Gardens

Who knew this existed in the middle of Orlando?!
These are just a few of the photos. To see the rest, click here.

the countdown begins...

Only eleven more months to go!! We can't wait!!

love, z&j

If you were a kiss I know I'd be a hug

FYI: Jessica's new obsession is with the movie Juno. It's extremely well-written, clever, and full of wonderful advice like this:

"Look, in my opinion the best thing you can do is find a person who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what-have-you. The right person is still going to think the sun shines out of your ass. That's the kind of person that's worth sticking with."

-Mac McGuff (Juno's father)

It also has an incredibly quirky soundtrack. This song is the best. It will brighten your day. We promise.

love, z&j

nice day for a white wedding

Wedding plans have started and we already have a few major things done.

• Date: December 27, 2008
• Time: Ceremony at 4:30 pm, Reception to follow
• Place: Deer Creek Golf Club

The ceremony will be outdoors on a patio with this waterfall as the backdrop. (Sub Jess for the bride on the bench...)


This is the pretty entrance to Deer Creek. We like all of the flowers and the Old Florida style of the club!

• Bridesmaid Dresses: Jess and her roomies, Colleen and Becky, went to a discount store and lucked out, finding perfect dark brown dresses for a great price! Here's lovely Becky modeling:

Jess spends most of her free time imagining, researching, and thinking about wedding stuff. It's much more exciting than school. Hopefully her grades won't reflect that. :) That's pretty much all that's been done so far, but we'll post more as things happen. Leave us comments on anything you like!

Love, z&j

a house divided

It's official. Zak is a SEMINOLE! He was formally accepted into the FSU College of History Graduate Program today. We're really excited and thrilled that Zak got his first choice. He'll be earning his History Master's, with a focus on teaching in community colleges.

It looks like we'll be starting our married life in enemy territory!

love, z&j

we're engaged!

...and only 338 days to go! (Not that anyone's counting...) Since everyone who is important to us is scattered all over the place, we decided to start this little blog to keep y'all updated. We can't wait to share our wedding with you, and we are so blessed that you all are a part of our lives! Thanks for all of the support, prayers and encouragement. We'll start posting soon, so check back for fun pictures and stories.

love, z&j