Brooke inducted into RHS Athletic Hall of Fame

Brooke Vessey ('07) was among the inductees during last week's Redlands High School Athletic Hall of Fame dinner and ceremony. One of the youngest inductees in Hall history, Vessey was a dominating athlete in water polo and swimming during her days at RHS.

REDLANDS >> Brooke Vessey hasn’t been gone for very long. She graduated from Redlands High School in 2007.

But her resume as a swimmer and water polo player at RHS and at San Diego State made her a natural selection to be an inductee at the Redlands High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Still, she was shocked when she got the call that she was being considered for induction.

“I think I am the youngest one,” Vessey said. “It surprised me so much. I was really struck by it when they asked to look at my resume. I just graduated seven years ago. Being so young, that is why it is such a great feeling to be here.”

This year’s Athletic Hall of Fame Class also includes Wayne Braga (‘51) and his sons Dennis (‘73) and Matt (‘76); Richard ‘Red’ Simmons (‘56); Dan Finfrock (‘64); and Sami Grisafe (‘03).

The induction ceremony was held Thursday in the Orton Center on the campus of the University of Redlands.

“This is so amazing,” Vessey said. “To be as young as I am and to be inducted, I feel blessed. I felt happy that they thought I had done enough to be a part of this.”

Vessey’s water polo career at RHS is one of the school’s most successful. She was a CIF-Southern Section Division 5 Player of the Year (2006-07), a Citrus Belt League Most Valuable Player and a four-time RHS Most Valuable Player honoree.

In swimming, Vessey was even more of a dominating figure. She was the Coca-Cola Citrus Belt Area Female Athlete of the Year in 2007 and the school’s Athlete of the Year in 2007. She was undefeated in the 100 fly and 100 backstroke during her four-year stay and was a three-time CIF Masters finalist.

In all, Vessey led RHS to eight Citrus Belt League team championships.

“There is such great tradition here at Redlands High School,” Vessey said. “I loved it here. I think a lot of high schools wish they had what we have here. The tradition is special. We need to keep special.”

Vessey, however, has moved on with her life and career. She retired as a competitive, everyday athlete, and is now the strength and conditioning coach at San Diego State.

It was a natural move, Vessey said.

“Now, as a college coach, I have a different view what it is like for athletes,” Vessey said. “I can take all that I experienced and put it into coaching.”

Vessey has learned much about fitness and conditioning. But in high school, lifting weights was not a part of her athletic agenda.

“I never lifted in my life while I was at Redlands,” Vessey said. “It was very rare for me. If I knew then what I know now, I definitely would have done it more in high school. But looking back, you can do more. I did what I could with what I had.”

Vessey and the inductees visited with RHS athletes during an afternoon tour of the campus.

Like it has been for many previous inductees, talking to current high school athletes was a special moment for her.

“I really enjoyed it,” Vessey said. “Sharing my experiences with them was really nice. I talked to them about what they can do if they have dreams after high school and how to get there.”

It was Vessey’s first visit to the RHS Hall of Fame room.

“I had never been there,” Vessey said. “I had never seen it and I didn’t even know it existed. I thought it was great. I hope I can give back and make it even better.”

Brooke's Speech in 6 period to all the athletes on campus at Redlands High School 

RHS Hall of Fame Speech

Wonder what I said at the Hall of Fame induction, you can read my speech below.

I would like to start by thanking the hall of fame committee for selecting me for this great honor.  I am extremely proud to be associated with all the other nominees, the Bee Football team, Randy Orwig, John Butler and Dr. Hank Mercado, Congratulations!  I would like to especially thank Dr. Mercado for all his help in getting me nominated and his guidance during the process.

Thank you to my parents. You two amaze me. Not sure how you made it to every race, game and meet. But you were always there cheering me on. You have taught me what hard work looks like, how to be a strong and fair competitor, showed me how to care about those around you. I also have amazing siblings Brooke, Sean and Mikayla. They cannot be here tonight because they are all off doing amazing things. They like my parents have shaped me and always been my biggest fans.  

To my husband Brennan. You are the love of my life and the best teammate anyone could ask for. You may have met me long after my high school days, but you understand where I come from, especially since you toured my high school this morning. To my grandpa you’re an amazing support! Thank you for feeding me through college! To my family friends here, I feel so blessed to have you in my life and your support in all my endeavors

I want to take the time to thank my coaches and teammates. You get nowhere in life without the help from those around you.  I was so fortunate to have amazing teammates- everyone of them I could say a million things about. Many of the alumni that I never played with helped me to be a better player.  Beth Harberts, Kendra Adama both went on to play at San Jose State. Hillary Clarendon Bluementhal who was always a rock in the goal and still one of my best friends. My sister Brooke who complimented my style so well loving to score. But to no fail watched game film every available moment.  Without all of them I would not have been half the player I became.

I have had amazing coaches from club through my college days. I would especially like to thank my high school coaches, who again took the time away from their families to be here tonight. I was fortunate to play and compete for the best coaches around. Matt Fry I could never thank you enough! For all the time and support. You always had my back as a player and appreciated my opinion. You let me shine as the player that loved defense and leading in my own style.  When swim season came around you always had the right thing to say before a big race- I can think of one instance before the 200 Free for a CBL Title. We won’t repeat it! Coach D thank you for always having good things to say and a way for me to improve my game. For letting your enthusiasm for the game flow through you and rub off on all of us. Dahnke thanks for pushing me to be the best swimmer possible. For understanding my desire to push myself and allowing me to train with the boys. For always making me laugh and give me the joy back in swimming.  For all of you for spending so many hours on the pool deck, for the weekends spent building things and spending so much of your personal money to better our aquatic programs.  I can tell you it has all paid off.

As I have gone through this whole process many memories have come rushing back. From my first cross country meet to my last time racing as a Terrier.  I have so many positive memories in between. I was taught life lessons that carry me through to today. For example never let you little sister get on the bus before you. I am going to stand tall on this Matt, she made me late.  

I love sports. Sports is what my life has revolved around. My family loves sports it is what we do together. I love sports so much that I got a Master’s Degree in Sport Management from the University of San Francisco. This is also how I met my husband.  I work for a company called PEAR Sports. We have an app that is heart rate based coaching so you can train at the highest level for you as an individual. My husband works for a nonprofit that helps individuals with diabetes be active through sports.  My true sports passion is swimming and water polo (though I do love college football).

Even at a young age- I spent hours at the pool. I still love the sports. I still coach water polo at SDSU spending free time on the pool deck. I remember being in middle school and getting out of school early to watch REV/RHS game. Melissa Fernandez an all-America mom Hillarys Aunt picked us up. At the time Hillary’s sister Chamile was the goalie for RHS. I was there when those amazing players won the CIF title in 2000. I was at multiple CIF swimming finals when so many RHS athletes (Vicky West, Shannon Cullen, Ben Worby, Evan Castro) placed and won individual CIF titles! Those were the athletes I looked up to and was going to follow in their footsteps. I like to think I did them all justice. I may never have won a title but I represented RHS in the best of my ability on a daily basis.

I could stand up here and talk for hours about my time at RHS.

I will give you three quick stories from my different sports. One from each sport you will see a common theme in them my family has and will always play a huge role in my life.  I ran cross country my freshman and sophomore year. I made varsity and I have club swimming to thank for that (I had built the engine, they say). But I was learning this new sport and there was no pressure. I can remember one of the first meets over at Prospect Park- my family is of course there. And we are a bit into the race and I am with a pack of girls (nowhere near the start line) and this man on a bike starts yelling. All these different things drive your arms, turnover, relax. Don’t let them get the jump. And this girl turns to me and is like wonder who’s dad that is. I did not respond. A little farther into the course he is back- yelling away. Well at the time I was not proud to say it but that yelling man on the bike, that was my dad. While all the other parents just waited to cheer in one area- the coach in him took it to the next level. Eventually the girls learned it was my dad, think the football coach in them scared a few. For me it was what I needed every turn he was there to get me through. I also have a picture from another meet at that same park- I look like death (though I think my running always looks that way). And the path is lined with my water polo and swim teammates with signs and they were all yelling. They had all come to cheer me on. That is the family that was built at RHS. My friends from sports where who I eat my lunch with, who I went to school dances with. They were teammates and true friends.

Water Polo I could go on and on. It was the sport I felt I was the strongest at. I used my swimming skills to outlast people, loved to play defense and lead the offense.  We had a reputation to keep RHS had never lost in league- though I can say when that loss finally happened it was with my little sister Mikayla playing at REV, many years after my time. If anyone was going to steal it I could let it go to my sister. My fondest memory is my Junior year we were playing the semifinals of CIF. Finally made it past the quarter finals, which had cursed the team for a few years. Not only that we were playing at the U of R- none of this playing over in Riverside business. We were playing the number 1 seed Riverside Poly.  Being so close the school pushed the information out people showed up. The track team lead by I believe Mr. Morris ran over. The place was packed the refs were pushing students back who were sitting on the concrete.  Poly- had a few great players (ironically I had played club with most of them). I was tasked with shutting down there best player Monique. I did my job well, we got a few good goals. My sister Brooke like usual played lights out our goalie was pulling everything down. After every big play the deck would explode with cheers. When the final buzzer sounded we had won- knocking off the number one seed. The first person I hugged was my sister Brooke we had worked so hard for this moment. Then in came Matt & Coach D. We were all swimming in victory. Sadly we went on to lose to Upland a few days later. But we had been the underdog and won.  I had played in the “big house”!  My senior year we again would meet up with Upland in the finals and lose. It was a hard way to end my high school career. But a memory none the less to play in front of hundreds. To have my sister again play amazing.

Swimming was another time in the year I looked forward to. High school swimming has much more of a team feel and I loved that. I seemed to always swim well in high school I enjoyed it more with less pressure. Not to say that pressure did not come at times. I managed to get into CIF multiple times, even when it seemed impossible. Being undefeated in league didn’t come easy either. But think my best story from high school is at the Mission Viejo invitational. This was always a good test in the middle of the year. You have prelims and finals. You have the best high schools in orange county and many times Olympians you are racing against. I had qualified for the finals in the 100 Fly and so did my sister Brooke.  At this meet you get to design your bio that they read when you get  introduced. Not sure who started the RHS tradition but you came up with something funny. We had these brothers and the oldest one started an Armadillo farm, so when the younger brother arrived he took over the armadillo tradition. But everyone’s was funny from RHS.  This particular year when Brooke and I had both qualified we were in the lanes right next to each other. So mine read something along the lines of beat the girl in “Lane 5”. While hers read something similar. It was going to be a battle. One of my teammates got a picture of us at the same moment in the same part of our stroke breathing- it hangs in my parents’ home. That was the true meaning of competition. I won’t lie and say I won the sister battle. I believe I was out touched.  

I left RHS as a confident individual who planned to make an impact at San Diego State.  I played the same water polo style and was always relied upon in big moments. I was in the water as the clock ticked down and we upset Cal at their pool (1st time in school history). I was in the room when it was announced we had made the NCAA Championship Tournament.  I played in the final four in Long Beach in front of my family. The next year my best friend and sister Brooke joined me at San Diego State. Where we both swam and played polo. That year was another year of success for us both with polo and swimming. Swimming got its highest league ranking and we played together in the NCAA Tournament. My senior year I just swam. The first time in my entire life I did not play polo. I went all personal bests and end my career with a long mile. And when I finished that mile the first person I saw was Brooke. Then to the stands to see my parents. After graduation I would stay on to coach with the SDSU swim team.  A highlight of my life- I was with Brooke when she started her career and would see it to the end. I coached multiple athletes to Freshman Swimmer of the Year, to individual’s conference titles. But the best was I witnessed my sister Brooke place in the conference and was with her when we went for that much needed celebration swim. We won the Mountain West Conference Championship with an undefeated record. The first in the programs history.

My husband likes to yell "GO AZTECS" when I get excited about SDSU. It's a testament to my love of home. I'm a true "homer" as they say.

I love SDSU.

I love RHS.

I love where I'm from. This is my home. This is my family. RHS is the place that molded me.

I'm a Terrier for life.

The people here respected my view of leadership, my view of the world. It was not just about the stat sheet but about making Jamie the best person I could be. For that I am always grateful. From the bottom of my heart I thank all of you, Redlands is who I am and who I will always be.

Thank you.

RHS Hall of Fame

I realized that I never actually talked about the RHS Athletic Hall of Fame Event. To say I was humbled would be an understatement.

When I was first asked to include my resume, I laughed. The rules are basically you have to be out of school 5 year and still continuing with athletics. I worked a few hours collecting all my accomplishments, awards, and volunteer opportunities, multiple jobs. Turns out I have done a few things in my short life. It was a fun reminder of my years of high school, college and the few years following.

I was informed a few weeks after turning in my resume that I had been selected for the 2013 Hall of Fame class. I was voted in with a unanimous vote. What a true honor. I then needed to get them pictures and approve my plaque.

Brennan & I in the Hall of Fame

The induction events would take place over two days in November. Thursday November 7^th would be jam backed with events on campus. Brennan and I would leave nice and early from San Diego, with a quick stop to grab my grandpa. We then drove to Redlands.

The first event was to meet at the Hall of Fame room on campus at 9am. I had never been into the room.  My dad would meet us there. It was the first chance to see all those previously inducted. Then to see my plaque hanging with all the others. Woman have only been inducted for the past few years, so I am truly honored to join the select few. We would then all be introduced to the group.

Chuck's plaque

After spending some time in the hall of fame we were headed to see the rest of campus. I laughed cause it does not look much different, but for others it had been three or four decades and A LOT had changed. The tour was a ton of fun in terms of getting to show Brennan my high school. We also were able to stop and see the tree and plaque planted for the late Chuck Baker. I spent a few minutes just thinking of him and knowing he was watching. In the gym I got to see Brooke’s name on the wall for CIF Division 5 player of the year! 

Proud of you Brooke!!!

Once the tour ended it was time to head out for lunch. Dad and grandpa meet up with us again (they didn’t want to do all the walking around campus). We had a great lunch with all the inductee’s, friends and family. In all honesty based on the age of everyone else being inducted my dad and grandpa fit in much better than Brennan & I.

When we finished lunch it was back to campus. The inductee’s had been asked to speak with the 6^th period athletes PE classes. I think this was one of the best parts of the Hall of Fame events. Brennan laughed at me cause I was freaking out and not sure what to say. My quick speech was basically that I was just them, time goes quickly. Life will give you what you put into it. So dream big and work hard. Remember where you came from. I think it resonated well with the athletes.

With my table

After the speech we had about two hours before we needed to be at the UofR for the banquet. We went and hung out with the dad and grandpa at the house. I then started the process of getting ready. Since I was being inducted we needed to be there early to set up my table. I had brought some memorabilia to add as well. Then my always amazing mom came strolling in!

During my speech

Since we were early it gave us some time to chat with the other inductee’s and Redlands peps. Redlands is a small town when you start to really get involved. I was truly blessed and honored by the number of friends who came out to support me through my carreer andthen showed up for the banquet. I want to thank Matt Fry my high school water polo coach and swim coach. Was great to have him sitting at our table. Then the Brown’s and West’s who have seen me progress from learn to swim to a college coach. Patty Baker, Sandi Ritchey and the Atchley’s who have known me since before I could swim.  Thank you for giving up an evening to see me be awarded, I feel so blessed!

The evening was a lot of fun, just chatting over dinner. Then we got to listen to speeches from those who are on the board of the Hall of Fame, which are all volunteers. Then all inductee’s were given a chance to speak. Some speeches were very funny, some to long. I was starting to get really nervous about mine. I had a speech I was well aware was to long, but Brennan reminded me that no one would be mad and this was my time. I gave my speech and only managed to tear up!

With my fellow Aztec

It was a long night but jus very exciting. The banquet was amazing and packed. They had sold out and went to extra capacity! Which made it even more amazing.

Friday would be restful. Brennan and I would spend most of the day at Panera working. Then it was time to get ready for the football game. I took a lot of heat for Brennan since I decided to wear my letterman’s jacket. In Redlands that was what everyone wears to the games. I probably wont have many chances left, or none if Brennan has his choice! We all headed to the football game where we had field access. We watched the team warm up. Then I was announced prior to the game. It was a funny introduction, “ I got the just look at her jacket, and we can’t even tell you everything she has accomplished”. I was a bit embarrassed hearing that. I then got to shake all the captains hands. Only to have one say are you Mikayla’s sister? I responded, “Well yes she is my sister”. He replies “I see it really runs in the family”. That made me laugh. Turns out he went to REV with Sean and KK but then transferred to RHS. Small town!

I have attended my share of football games. I always wonder what it would be like in the coin toss. I finally got my chance. I was asked to join the coin toss, where the refs and athletes congratulated us. Dad told me to go out there and be ready. Say we are calling heads, we want to defer and we will be going toward the East. It would have been funny if I did, but I did not!

Then the family headed into the stands to watch the game. On our way to the stands all different RHS fans congratulated me. My parents were congratulated on all my accomplishments. It was a fun moment. I then got to spend a bit more time with the inductee’s, they were all so amazing in there own right. What I appreciated the most if for being a smaller sport they were all so amazed and kept informing me of that!

At half time the team was not playing well. Brennan, grandpa and I needed to drive back home. I had to be at San Diego State Saturday morning by 7am. My club team was hosting a pre-season tournament. It never ends for those looking to be the best!

Mr Morse and Me

I want to thank all those that have supported me over the years. To my parents who are just amazing, my siblings that were my biggest fans! My husband Brennan who took in a lot of Redlands for a weekend. My grandpa for the support and coming to see me being honored. My coaches especially Matt Fry, who always believed in me.  For my dentist Hank Mercado who is on the board of the Hall of Fame, also another inductee. Thank you for telling my dad about it, for helping me through the process. Thanks to the rest of the Hall of Fame board for putting together an amazing event and including me in it! Thanks to Kenny Morse who I had as a teacher and is now in administration. For all your work with the board of the Hall of Fame, for taking us on a tour, getting us on the field and everything in between. 

Redlands High School Hall of Fame

  Hundreds attend RHS Hall of Fame induction ceremony

 (left to right) John Butler (Class of 1960, football, basketball & track) Hank Mercado (Class of 1964, football, basketball and community), Jamie Vessey (Class of 2005, Swim, water polo) and Randy Orwig (Class of 1968, basketball, baseball), pose for a group photo at the 11th annual Redlands HS Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, on Thursday, November 7, 2013. (Photo by Frank Perez for Redlands Daily Facts)

By Ed Castro, Redlands Daily Facts

                                           

REDLANDS - The honorees during Thursday’s Redlands High School Athletic Hall of Fame all took home a little something.
New memories, new tales to tell and perhaps a renewed appreciation for being a part of such a storied tradition.
“This is what the Hall of Fame is all about,” said Mercado, a two-sport athlete and community activist from the class of 1964. “This brings all the folks together to celebrate the Long Blue Line.”
Mercado was among a group of inductees that included three sport star John Butler (Class of 1960), and two sport stars Randy Orwig (Class of 1968) and Jamie Vessey (Class of 2005). Also inducted was the 1968 Bee Football team.

The dinner and ceremony capped off a long day for the inductees. They toured the campus, strolled through the RHS Hall of Fame and talked with athletes. “I spent the day hearing things I had never heard about before,” said Vessey, the youngest inductee. “The school doesn’t have a Bee team anymore. It was quite an honor to be so young and inducted so quickly.”
A 2005 graduate, the campus hadn’t changed much. For some of the other inductees, however, it was their first tour in years.
“It was fun to be here,” Orwig said. “I explained to the kids about some of the big games I was in and to deal with them. I spoke with a couple of the pitchers on the baseball team. It was good.”

The Bee Football team seemed to be a crowd favorite. The team was based on size - they were sophomores who hadn’t fully grown in their bodies yet. They managed to produce an undefeated season.
“It was unique,” said Fred Venegas, a safety on the team. “They broke it down. There were so many kids. But it gave us the opportunity to play.”
John Butler appreciated the group of inductees.
“I think it’s a great class,” Butler said. “They are great. “Overall, it’s a class that is to be proud of.”
The ceremony itself drew more than 100 more attendees than last year’s event, which is a good sign for the RHS Hall of Fame.

“I want them to leave with the thought that Redlands history lives on,” said Clarence Butler, president of the Hall of Fame. And we want to share it with the kids at school. Maybe one of those kids will be in the hall of fame one day.”

Ice Cream Tradition

There is a tradition in the Vessey house the night before school starts.  We always go to Ice Cream the night before. Not sure my parents ever thought it would last as long as it did. It was always like the last little treat to hold on to summer and then looking at a new year with a fresh attitude.

Maybe this ice cream tradition is where my love and absolute weakness (ask Brennan and my family) was started.  At a young age with a treat that meant time together holding on to that list bit of summer.  While getting excited for the new year to come. Though I really think my love of ice cream comes from my dad who also loves it!  I spent many a nights scooping for just the two of us!

No matter tonight ends a long standing tradition. The Vessey's have gotten ice cream the night before school starts since I started Kindergarten and I am 25.  So you can see it has been going for some time.  Other family and friends have been lucky enough to join the once a year celebration.  There was a year the tradition went on without my parents due to dad being in the hospital.  But it has always been a tradition! 

When I was younger and we lived on Hastings street we would walk to the end of the street to TCBY (yes we have them on the west coast).  It was always an enjoyable adventure with a tasty treat coming.  We have always sat on the same wall enjoying our treat and talking.

There are always two questions that are asked.

1.  What was the best part of your summer?

2.  What are you most looking forward to this year?

We would all have different answers and it would almost always lead into laughing and talking about the awesome summer we had. 

Even once we moved across town the tradition continued.  For about two years we would park in front of our old house and walk down the street. Then a few years we just drove straight to TCBY and maybe a trip down memory lane by driving by the old house and pointing out the changes.  In the last few years we may have even had a year or two when we went to Cold stones.  

I am sad to say that I have missed a few here and there.  We did move tradition a few years to make so that we could all be there together even if that meant school for some of us was later.  College has a way of changing things.  However I am sad that I will miss tonight's Ice Cream treat.  It is the last time my parents will make the trip to ice cream with one of my siblings still living at home. KK is going to be a senior tomorrow.  I am sure my parents are wondering where the time went. I mean we started it a day before I started Kindergarten. 

I am sure I will get a text and call.  My mom will even send a picture of them eating there ice cream.  And I will have a scoop or two in tradition.  What I do know is that the tradition will not stop.  We will probably do it till Sean and KK both finish college. I mean why stop something so special.  Even once we are all through school if my parents are still working (for there sake I hope they are retired) I hope we continue going the night before school starts for them.  I mean they are teachers- they deserve a treat to end there summer! So maybe we will carry the tradition for my parents. I look forward to starting it up with my own family (in about 10 years!).  I am sure other families have there traditions and this is one of my favorites. 

Best wishes to everyone starting another school year! Enjoy every second cause they go to fast.  Proud of you Sean and KK enjoy your senior year.  Brooke enjoy your first year not in school. Mom and Dad thanks for all the memories..

Mom to answer your question:

1.  The best part of my summer has been the time spent when we are all together. I look forward to going to St. Louis in two week and then to Seattle for the Aztec game with the best family in the world.

2. I am most looking forward to planning my wedding! I mean who wouldn't when you are marrying your best friend and the man of your dreams!

One Year- Small Steps

It has been one year since I said “Yes”.  To what is considered a very important question.  A question every girl waits to hear.  And her parents just hope she hears that question from someone they like.  Luckily I can check off all of the above. 

A year ago (July 30, 2011) Brennan proposed.  I can’t believe it has been a year.  How quick the time goes.  In that year we have made many more great memories and I can officially say not much progress in the way of actually getting married.  Woops. My plan was to basically be done planning- but with a new job, coaching, training (sometimes) and just enjoying life. I have not really done that much in the way of actually planning our dream wedding.

I can official say let the planning begin. I filled out all the paper work for the church and placed a deposit.  They confirmed our date.  Then gave us all the information need for our pre-marriage workbooks and classes. Just have to turn in all Brennan's certificates (which are sitting on the kitchen table).  That was the first positive step. 

Then with our busy schedules we made time to spend a Sunday in Redlands (my hometown) to check out the last option for our wedding reception.  I was pretty sure that we would leave with what seemed like the right place.  Turns out I was right.  

We spent about two hours Brennan, myself, my parents and our family friend Sandy touring all the options of the University of Redlands.  Turned out the hot walk was well worth it because we found where we want to have our reception. I had been to a wedding at the Alumni House and thought it might work but needed Brennan's approval.  Turns out he was thinking exactly what I was thinking. Maybe we do think alike :).  

Once Brennan saw it he was also sold. After a fun time of looking around and starting to talk about idea's.  And we have some great ideas. Plus the University of Redlands has many beautiful backdrops.  Backdrops in which we will be able to take many pictures at.  Because lets be honest I want amazing pictures.  Remember a picture is worth a thousand words.  I want tons and tons of pictures.  After getting a basic idea of how we wanted the reception set up we headed back to my parents’ house to discuss more details and have a great BBQ with friends.  So in just about a year we have made baby steps of progress.  I am still waiting for a contract from the University of Redlands for our reception.  So cannot confirm our date till that happens- but we are moving forward. 

Then this last weekend we picked colors for the wedding.  What colors the bridesmaids and the groomsmen will wear.  Decided what Brennan will be wearing.  I already have my dress :).  Then working on our wedding website. Once that is finished we will send out the link!

I am not sure what our next steps of progress will be- but I think once our contract is finalized it will be easier to plan my next move of attack.  Like hearing what they say about lighting, tables, those things.  Then I can plan for decoration. Just want to start with all the information before I have to back track. 

Brennan and I debated on making one of our classic home made videos while we toured the University of Redlands venues. But decided against it.  Thought we should maybe seem like grown up's.  Do not worry though we decided the old school save the dates are over rated.  We will be sending you a video of us announcing our wedding date!! Kind of excited for that!

Stay tuned for updates and information for Brennan and Jamie wedding of 2013. I also want to mention Brennan who loves excel and creating charts/ spreadsheets has made this amazing spreadsheet that we will use for tracking our invitations. It has categories for mailing address, email, then will calculate for us how many people we are inviting then when we start getting RSVP the math for that.  Then I am sure it does all kinds of other great things that will help us keep organized between the two families. I can’t thank him enough for just deciding this was something that we needed. Basically he is going to keep all that organized and simple.

Well I may not have planned much in the last year.  But we have had a great engagement thus far with more adventures to come.  As well as a lot of planning!