Jenna will be marrying Mat in November 2021 at The Lodge at Ventana Canyon in Tucson, Arizona. Click here to read all Jenna’s planning posts to date.
THREE FACTS: (1) Jenna + Mat have known each other all their lives – they met when they were both one-year-old at a baby class! (2) Their relationship began at the University of Arizona in March 2012 (3) Mat proposed at Jenna’s parents house in December 2018
As many of you may know by now from my past blogging bride posts, we moved back to Arizona! On top of that, I just started a new job on 4/12 (and loving it), we are trying to get back into the wedding planning, and we get our second Covid vaccinations this week. A lot going on, but it all leads to us being able to have, not just the wedding, but the wedding we want.
I’ve been volunteering at a county run Covid vaccination clinic at the hospital by our house, and it is just so amazing seeing everyone driving through, excited to get their “Fauci Ouchie” as I love to call it. It’s been a tumultuous year for everyone, so seeing this sense of hope is helping me to keep looking forward for what the future holds.
It is this same mindset that I am remembering to take as I start my new job. I left a job I had been at almost 5 years. We all know that sometimes it’s easier to stick with what you know, as change can be tough. Especially with being remote (and starting a new job remote that I will remain remote at), one can feel disconnected and it can be difficult to get into the flow.
But I can already tell I made the right decision! I not only love the company (I work in retail and I love and shop the brand), I am excited to work with and learn from my team (love all my fellow data nerds), I’m at a company that supports my career development and growth, and I have a manager to help me set goals and mentor me (something I was missing before) – plus, not doing the work of four analysts and have that ability to focus my work is such a breath of fresh air.
I know this is a short blog post, but it’s nice to have things slowing back down. I am taking these moments to enjoy getting to go for a bike ride, watching tv, playing with our cat, trying to finish my cross stitch projects, and getting back into my baking. I can’t believe Passover is already over and before we know it, Shavuot will be here.
I am planning another Smashing Life virtual challah bake for Shavuot – I have two filled challahs (one cheesecake and one boureka) plus a (more cheesecake) challah French toast casserole planned, all chock full of dairy for the holiday! And by then, I hope to be able to invite friends over to share in the all the baked goodies. Looking forward to when I can do an in-person challah bake once again!
Click here to read all Jenna’s planning posts to date.
Jenna & Mat’s Wedding Vendors booked so far:
Photography – Shelley Welander of She.We Studios
Videography – Tad of TS Cinema
Wedding venue – The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
Cake: Ambrosia Cakes
Hair: Sharon Walton (family friend & hairdresser)
Makeup: Amanda Nolan (freelance)
DJ: Fantastic Five Entertainment
Rabbi: Rabbi Billy Lewkowicz
Invitations: purchased, but not yet completed from Minted
Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Suits: The Black Tux
Florist: SavOn Flowers (not yet booked officially)
Ketubah: Susie Lubell on Etsy (shop name: SusieLubell)
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