Rehearsal Dinner

Columbia Edgewater Country Club

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

I am much more direct--if I want something, I do what I can to achieve it, whereas Darren is very much laid back--kind of lets fate do its thing. This was the case for us after we had been chatting online for a while. I do need to mention... although I sent him the first text, he made the first move to make me think he was actually interested in me....Anyway, our Facebook and text messages quickly became a daily thing-- it was just easy-- it didn't feel normal if we hadn't talked during the day. I asked him if we were going to meet face to face and he said, "I'm sure our paths will cross at some point." That wasn't going to work for me... so I suggested we plan to meet and I now know how big of a deal it was for him to have found time in his work schedule to make this happen.We planned for me to meet him in Spain for a few days and then would head to Holland for Roy's 40th Birthday Party. New Year's Day 2015 we booked my ticket for February. He asked for permission to bring a guest to Roy's party but was very secretive as far as who he was planning to bring-so he had his friends guessing, but they knew it had to be a girl. I was so nervous flying to Spain-but it was an excited nervous. I knew that we would get answers: either we had a really great friendship connection and I would be grateful to know that, or it would be more. I was so excited getting off the plane in Alicante--I practically ran to baggage claim and after waiting there a few minutes realized I needed to go to a different baggage claim for International Arrivals. I grabbed my bag and (trying to keep composure) passed through to the waiting area. I spotted him nearly immediately. He seemed to have spotted me, got a huge grin on his face, put his head down and started pacing. I got to him and he gave me a big hug and we had our first kiss there (completely airport appropriate). :)He seemed SO nervous and somehow I was totally calm. He failed to grab my bag at first, but then realized after a few paces that I probably could use some help and helped me with my bags. We sat and had a coffee (him hot chocolate) while waiting for the bus to Benidorm. It started raining on the drive and we ended up having to walk through the rain at the bus stop to his (his sister's) place. We spent the week sitting in coffee shops, tapas bars, and walking the beach front just talking about any and everything. As I look back, I don't know how I was so brave to share and ask hard questions right off the bat. I'm grateful that I took a friend's advice and was "just me". We had our first "fancy" date that week and had its ups and downs, but we decided we were going to try to make this long distance thing work... we went to Holland that weekend and started sharing with friends that we were a couple.

The First Meeting (Amy's Perspective)

As you can tell Amy like to talk more than me (lol)...I remember us chatting on FB and felt comfortable straight away. After some time passed and we felt it was time to meet, Amy decided to come and visit me in Spain. Pretty much all I can remember from of first meeting was 'why am I so nervous'. I'm a very calm person, but meeting Amy for the first time sent my head into a bit of a spin! I should have know at that point that this was no ordinary person. As the days went by and we got to know each other more, I knew she was very special. I have always said that it would take someone very special to be able to spend their life with me as I know my life is very different than 'the norm'. I remember that we got all the awkward questions and situations out of the way straight way which looking back on it really helped. After our first meeting saying goodbye at the airport was very difficult, much more difficult than I had expected. This also told me that, this was something special. So after reading Amy's hour long perspective above I hope that you are not disappointed with my little paragraph...

The First Meeting (Darren's Perspective)

We were in France and had just finished working the weekend. It was Easter Monday and we had the day to relax. We took a walk to town but everything was closed, so we wandered through neighborhoods and chatted and even had a foot race... Have I mentioned I'm competitive? I thought MAYBE Darren would propose this trip but I also had thought he would have proposed over New Year's (and THAT didn't happen!) PLUS, this is the guy who had been telling me for months that I was going to have to ask him because he wasn't going to ask me.Anyway, the lady who hired us (Karolyna) speaks French but also Spanish. Darren and my French isn't great, Karolyna's English is better than our French BUT, between my broken Spanish and her good Spanish we were able to communicate well. So when she was asking me questions about where we wanted to go for dinner--what kind of setting, what part of town, etc, I found it normal since I had been a sort of translator for the weekend ... BUT I was completely unaware that she already had planned with Darren where we would go for dinner--so it didn't matter what I had to say. She just had to make it all seem normal. I found it odd that she just left us to have dinner alone--but she reassured me she needed the rest and thought it would be nice for us to have dinner just us, since we hadn't had much time away from the group all week. She dropped us off at a cute hotel/restaurant and we found our way to the table, and had an amazing meal. Wine is incredible in France...Darren encouraged me to have a glass...and when I finished that one, another. Anyway, we had our dinner and dessert and were just chatting when he said he had a magic trick for me... not out of the ordinary for him; he's a bit random sometimes :) So he took his napkin, placed it on the table under his hand and then told me to close my eyes.. said abracadabra and nothing happened. I'm pretty sure I shot him a look at this point...so he apologized and said he'd try again... and then there was the ring box. He swears he asked, but I don't remember him asking the question.... and THEN I don't think I even responded... in fact I know I didn't because he asked if I was going to answer...whoops!I was over the moon. And shocked that he ACTUALLY asked...we returned the next day to take some pictures outside the venue, partly because my phone died as we were trying to take pictures the night he proposed.

The Proposal (Amy's Perspective)

Ok so this was a little unorthodox lol...After an event in France we decided to stay a little longer and hove so time to relax together and see some friends. One of these friends Karolyna had a arranged for us to have a meal just Amy and I together at a lovely private restaurant. The food was lovely as was the company ;-) I had planned to ask Amy to marry me at some point during the meal but didn't quite know when. After each course I was getting prepared (inside) to ask the question but it took several more courses before I finally realized that the time was right...I had a lot of things planned in my head of what to say and how to say it, But in the heat of the moment forgot them all! For some reason I proposed with an impromptu magic trick. This was definitely not part of the plan lol. to be honest I can't event remember what I actually said. But I can remember the most important part, She said yes...

The Proposal (Darren's Perspective)

Our Story

Details

Daniel Trepat

Nathan Cooke

Fred Whitehouse

Matt Shield

My best friend and sister, Emily...aka Homey has the job of standing by my side and being my Maid of Honor. I've been so lucky to have her as a sister and a friend, and she's been so supportive of Darren and my relationship. She was at my house to pick (the pieces of) me up when I returned from my first trip to Spain since I felt like I left half of my heart in Europe. She's been the first one in my family to meet (and approve of) him. We celebrated Emily's 30th birthday in Spain with Darren and Gemma and I remember her telling me when we left Spain that she's never seen me so emotional about a relationship. I knew early on that Darren was the one for me...and was so glad Homey had a chance to meet him when she did.

Emily Glass

Gemma is my future sister in law, and Darren's best friend. She was the first family member of his I met and welcomed me into her home with open arms. She's spent time as a tour guide when I've visited and has shown Darren and I different places in Spain. She has been there for me and has helped make me feel a part of their family from the moment we met. I cannot imagine marrying her brother without her by my side.

Gemma Bailey

Merrie Kay has been in my life since I moved to Portland. She started out as a mentor and supervisor and quickly became a confidante and friend. She helps me see different perspectives, helps share advice and opinions along the road of life, but she sticks by my side no matter what. I recall having spent Christmas Day 2014 in our PJ's at her house playing board games and I was texting with a certain Welshman  all day... she might have thought I was crazy for this long distance relationship (and has told me so) but she still has supported me from the beginning. 

Merrie Kay Alzola

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

Please book flights into PDX as it is the closest airport in the area.

Portland International Airport

Check www.costco.com for the most competitive car rental rates.

Car Rental

This hotel is a local hotel, but more traditional than the other hotel block option. It's located in Vancouver near shopping-though is a close drive to Portland. Please request a room that is a part of the Glass/Bailey wedding block to receive a discounted rate. Please note that the room block is available until May 20.

The Heathman Lodge

Travel

We haven't done all of these things--but know they are all possibilities for fun activities to see the city or to understand a little more about the Pacific Northwest.The region is also quite famous for microbreweries and wineries, but there are too many to mention! Some are downtown and others are a bit of a drive, but likely any of them would be an experience worth trying!

Disclaimer/ Additional Info

This waterfall is located just East of Portland. Take highway 84 for about 30 minutes and you'll come across this landmark.

Multnomah Falls

Depending on the seasons, you'll find a beautiful assortment of roses in these gardens. Check the link for additional details.

Portland Japanese Garden

There are 2 outlet malls in the Portland area--one just East of town (Troutdale) and the other South of town (Woodburn). If you feel like doing some tax-free shopping, check out either of these locations.<a href="http://shopcolumbiagorgeoutlets.com">http://shopcolumbiagorgeoutlets.com</a><a href="http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/woodburn">http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/woodburn</a>

Tax Free Shopping!

Swerve into the bike lanes to get an essential introduction to Oregon's largest city. Ride along the waterfront of Old Town, past buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, and then turn your handlebars downtown, along the Willamette River and through South Park Blocks.
Begin on 2nd Street and make your way to Tom McCall Waterfront Park, and then turn to Burnside to see Erickson's Saloon, established in 1895. See the Merchant Block in Japantown before rolling through the gates of Chinatown and into the Pearl District—viewing shops and restaurants like the Bridgeport Brewery and Nossa Familia Coffee Roasters. Ride through Jamison Square, past Powell's City of Books, Henry Weinhard's 140-year-old brewery, Zoobomb Bike Pile, and even the food carts at 9th and Alder.
South Park Blocks has been called Portland's &quot;extended family room&quot; and is seen by many as the heart of the city's cultural life. Pedal into this 12-block park, through Oregon's largest university—Portland State University—and then downhill, back toward the Willamette River, the lifeblood of the city. Ride downriver on paths free of cars, see the famous Hawthorne Bridge, and end right back where you started.

Historic Downtown Cycling Tour

Set off on a fully guided Segway tour to see the best of Portland's beautiful waterfront area. Follow knowledgeable and charismatic tour guides to explore the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the locally beloved Riverplace Marina, the historic government district, and more.
As your instructor briefs you on Segway safety and operations, get acquainted with the self-balancing 2-wheeler and prepare for your ride through the city. When you're ready, cruise alongside the picturesque Willamette River and learn about the creation of the scenic Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
Cross the historic Steel Bridge to reach the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade, a 1.5-mile-long (2.4 km) park lining the Willamette. Along the way, take the chance to learn about the city's vibrant culture and rich history from your guide.
Venture towards the Riverplace Marina, where you can marvel at the city's iconic skyline and waterfront landscape. Pass through the government district for a visit to the Portlandia statue, the second-largest copper statue in the United States after the Statue of Liberty.

Portland Waterfront Segway Tour

Tour the best that Portland has to offer, exploring famous districts like Nob Hill, the Pearl district, the Cultural and Financial districts, before heading to Washington Park to wander through the beautiful rose gardens. See amazing views of the city and mountains with a ride on the Portland Aerial tram and explore the famous Lan Su Chinese Garden.
Start from downtown Portland and meander through the Cultural District, the Park Blocks, Portland State University, and the financial district. Check out the Tom McCall Waterfront Park on the Willamette River, home to numerous Portland festivals throughout the year including the Oregon Brewers Festival, the Waterfront Blues Festival, and the Bite of Oregon.
Take a ride on the famed Portland Aerial Tram, one of only 2 commuter aerial tramways in the U.S. The tram will sweep you from the South Waterfront district to the top of Marquam Hill (also known as Pill Hill), where you will you get amazing views of downtown Portland and the surrounding volcanic Cascade mountain range.
Swing by Pioneer Courthouse Square, also known as Portland's living room, and continue to Washington Park. This 400-acre urban park is home to the International Rose Test Gardens, the Japanese Gardens, the Hoyt Arboretum, the Oregon Zoo, and the World Forestry Center. When weather permits, stroll through the rose gardens, where you find over 7,000 rose bushes of over 550 varieties.
Continue to the Nob Hill (Northwest 23rd) district to check out Portland's happening restaurant scene, before delving into the famous Pearl District. Drive by Powell's book store, the largest independently owned book store in the world! The last stop on the tour will be to explore the magical Lan Su Chinese Garden, before making your way back into downtown Portland.

Amy & Darren

Amy & Darren

Registry