Wedding Cake Ideas: Best Wedding Cakes Ever!

Change of Wedding Date

As most of you know, school has been rough this year and we have decided to move the date of the wedding back from June 20th, 2009 to October 10, 2009. We actually wanted to have it in October originally, but thought it would be too cold. June, on the other hand, is too hot. I think we both prefer a cooler climate anyway. Our anniversary is actually October 10th, so it does make more sense to have it on this date instead.

Navajo Wedding

This past weekend Keem and I had the privilege of going to see a Navajo wedding. It was held in Many Farms, Az at 3pm. It was really wonderful to see how much and entire side of the bride's family work together to make food and such. (I'm excited to see my aunties in that same position, hilarity will definitely ensue)

I think the most exciting part for me was when the groom rode up on his horse to the hogan. It's so romantic and this reminds me of a simpler time. I asked Keem if he wanted to ride the horses with his male relatives and he said he would think about it. So naturally I rephrased it and said, "You better practice riding a horse for the wedding." :)

**Horse riding attempts (pics) should be making it's way here soon**

Navajo Wedding Vase Predicament Solved

The upcoming ceremony will include the use of a Navajo Wedding vase. Keem and I looked at different wedding vase designs at various places and didn't really find one we both liked. I really like the vases made with "horse hair" designs (picture #1) and he liked one with a hummingbird design. So we decided to have one made for us. At ASU's annual powwow we met a pottery maker that made gorgeous vases and we requested a vase with both designs. It's a bit similiar to the pieces above, only it will have both the horse hair and hummingbird designs. It's really a beautiful piece you'll have to see.

Moccasin Fitting Pt #1

This past Mother's Day weekend we were fitted for moccasins. My uncle's brother, Nathan, is going to make them for us. He explained the elaborate process of making the shoes to us and we looked over his scrapbook to choose the style we liked. Joaquim and I decided to go with the red moccasins. This was really exciting because it's a confirmation that the wedding is nearing.

My father showed us, mainly Joaquim, his 31 year old wedding shirt. I was amazed at the care he took in preserving it. The burgundy material was really thick, so needless to say, I was concerned about the weather and heat for next June. Wish us luck!

Wedding Locale

Joaquim and I decided to have our wedding at my parents' ranch near Canyon de Chelly in Chinle, Az. We chose the spot for the open beautiful lush scenery and sentimental reasons (where he proposed). Since we wanted to have an outdoor reception, this would be a perfect location. We decided to have a traditional Dine (Navajo) wedding on either June 20, 2009 or October 10, 2009 (I think we're leaning more towards June).

As you can see from the pictures, my father, Wayne Sr. and Joaquim surveyed the area for the best possible locations. It was a tough decision because location one had more scenery, but too many trees and location two was perch more on a small hill and had more space, but not much of a scenery. We chose location two.

We're still undecided about having the actual ceremony indoors or outdoors. It really depends on whether or not a hogan can be made in time. At least that's what we're shooting for now. We'll see....

Thanks for reading

Dawn and Keem~ Partners in Crime

"Will You Marry Me?" he says...

...so this weekend, as you know, I visited my parents. I really wanted to spend time with them because I knew it would be awhile before I could visit them again (because of school). After a three day weekend, Joaquim and I decided to return to Mesa on Monday in the afternoon, the 21st.

On the way past Chinle, Joaquim said he wanted to stop by to say goodbye to my father, who was at the ranch near Canyon de Chelly during our departure. I hesitated and said it probably would be better to call him and let him meet us half way because we might get stuck in the mud, believe me-it was MUDDY, but Joaquim insisted that we go. I said okay...but in my heart of hearts I knew if we got stuck, I wasn't pushing :) . On the way up we got stuck twice in the mud, but we trekked on. We came to the front gate and stopped a few yards away. Joaquim suggested that we both go open the gate and walk in the snow.

It was really cold and I started getting second thoughts. I said, "Maybe we should call my dad to come meet us." Joaquim said, "We can walk there since it's a little way." I agreed and asked if I should go back to get Cookie (my kitten). He said, "No, leave him, we're just going to check if the gate's locked."

We walked a bit in the snow and Joaquim then turned to me, kissed me and grabbed my hands...I thought he was going to ask for a hug, but he pulled out a pretty little box. As he opened it I could hardly believe what was going on and started shaking. He started to tell me that he loved me and asked me to marry him. I shed a few tears of happiness as he put on my ring (which fit perfectly by the way)...and I said, "I love you so much." I was so excited when Joaquim placed the ring on my finger I totally forgot to respond. He said, "So....is that a yes?"
I said, "Yes, yes!"

We went back to my tell my family, they were so happy and congratulated us.

So here I am...engaged and opening a new chapter of my life with my best friend in the whole world.

Another Year Wiser (With Lots of Cake)

Happy New Year!
So far this year has surpassed my expectations and it's only the 23rd of January! I just celebrated my 2Xth birthday on the 18th. I feel a lot older...and wiser, I guess. Joaquim and I went to visit my parents for our three day weekend since we both had Monday off. My oldest-younger brother and boyfriend, Joaquim, made me two birthday cakes over the weekend. I had a lot of fun and rest.

It was a beautiful visit because there was snow left over from the previous weekend. Although I don't really care for the cold, I enjoyed seeing the snow and all the water it brought to the ranch and Canyon de Chelly. The simple beauty of the area is overwhleming at times, especially at night when you can actually see the stars clearly..not just smog covered flickers Tempe has to offer. :)