Fall is in full swing, and I am loving it. This is my favorite time of the year, and I am excited that I get to get married in the fall. We’re just 12 days away from the big day! Thank you so much to everyone who has asked how it’s going and offered to help. Throughout our whole engagement, I’ve been touched by people’s kind words and gestures, and it’s definitely inspired me to be more thoughtful in my actions.

Almost a month ago, my sister hosted my bridal shower at my parents’ house. That same weekend, John moved into our new apartment, and we also moved the majority of my things into the apartment. Currently, I am living at my parents’ house and will until after the wedding. It was a busy weekend, but a very fun one. Thankfully, due to the Pope’s visit to Washington D.C., I had some time off during the week (because of the transportation nightmare it created) that allowed me to unpack and begin decorating the apartment. I haven’t taken any pictures of the apartment, but I need to. I want to capture images of our first home together. I have a feeling I won’t really get any pictures until after the wedding is over and we’re a bit more settled. But maybe I’ll be more ahead of the game than I think.

Last weekend, we went to Harpers Ferry and walked around. We talked about going on a fall walk for a while, but between wedding prep and the rain, we just never got around to doing it. The weather was cool and crisp. The leaves had not really started changing but it was still fun.

This past week was Institute’s annual Fall Board Meeting. There is a lot of preparation that goes into this meeting. I think it all went well. In some ways I can’t believe it’s over. It’s been my measuring stick for the amount of time left before our wedding. And now that it’s done, that means the wedding is right around the corner.