So here we are, less than 2 weeks away, and I am still completely confused to where all the time went. Just as my anxiety began to minimize and my checklist was becoming fulfilled, we received more devastating family news (especially to me) - leaving me to completely rework (what feels like) everything that I've spent so much time planning out with the Ceremony and Reception. Even better, everything that pertains to the Wedding, through Carnival, needs to be FINALIZED by this Monday (as in 1 day from now). This is turning out to be a terrible year so far and I sure hope that our Marriage will turn it around for the good, because I don't know how much more stress I can take! On the upside, our Wedding will be here before we can blink and I will finally be able to Marry the man I love so much! (Although the thoughts and temptations to just run away and get it over with has crossed my mind, with the marriage license in our hands...) Everything happens for a reason, they say, and through everything that I've been through thus far, it has held true...so I must suck it up and take my own damn advice to push through these last 12 days! I have also received confirmation of the time and location of the Ceremony and Reception on the Cruise Ship. Of course it is subject to change, but my Wedding Coordinators will confirm this information again when boarding that morning. It is as follows (however it may not truly make sense until you view a layout of the ship): The Ceremony will be held at 1pm on April 28, 2011 in the Phantom Lounge Located towards the Bow of the Vessel on the Promenade - Deck 2 The Cocktail Reception will be held at 1:30pm until 3pm in Frankie and Johnnies Jazz Club Located across from the Ceremony on the Promenade - Deck 2 *****NOTE*****: All Guests must arrive at the pier by 10:45am in order to board the ship together, as a Wedding Group - Guests who do not arrive in time to catch the group, may need to stand in line with the other 2,000 Sailors boarding the Vessel. **Guests must also bring their Driver's License to provide to US Customs upon boarding the ship - IDs will be returned once Guests depart the ship, after the reception. I will try to send out reminder, as soon as possible, to be sure that everyone fully understands what will be happening on this day. Your Bride-to-Be, <3 Crystal

With one month to go this is my first blog on here. The date is coming near and so is the end of my bachelorhood. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the special day and thanks to everyone for their love and support. Looking forward to a much needed vacation after a very long and draining year. As some of you know I helped open Dinosaur BBQ in Troy, New York. Voted "Best BBQ in America" by Good Morning America and "Best Ribs in the Capital Region." A special thanks to my soon to be wife Crystal Champlin for being patient, holding down the fort, and just being there for me while I was away for almost seven months in Syracuse for training and then the ninety plus hours I was working during the opening while she basically had to plan this special day on her own.I am so proud of her for everything and know now matter what this will be one of the best days of my life. I also want to send a shout out to everyone who help with the Bridal shower and for all the gifts we have received. Love you all. Also thanks to everyone who helped with Crystal's Bachelorette party, she needed a night out. Michael Vrana

And so, the Count Down Begins. My soon-to-be Mother-in-Law has been announcing to family and friends all day that Mike and I will be getting married "NEXT MONTH"!!! What a shot of reality! Yes, tomorrow is March 1st and therefore, 'next month' we will be getting married, but officially, it's exactly 2 Months from today! Things have been moving along with the wedding planning, not always smoothly, but, none-the-less, moving. On Wednesday, we had experienced the loss of Michael's Grandmother, Catherine Vrana, who was a day shy of 90. Grandma Vrana's health has been declining in the few years that I've known her, but her passing was still not the easiest thing Mike has been through. As we attended the service this afternoon in New Jersey, there was a lot of talk from family and close friends of a sense of peacefulness knowing that Grandma is finally where she belongs, beside Grandpa Vrana. Mike and I chose to place Grandma's corsage, that we had already purchased for her for our wedding, with her as we made our farewell. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, it was nice to finally meet a few more of Mike's family members and to see a few we haven't seen in quite a while. On a lighter note, the thought of our Wedding approaching quickly has triggered some anxiety in tasks that need to be completed....soon. After our long day, Mike and I have decided to sit back and relax and start to get our heads spinning over Wedding To-Dos. My list-making has resumed and all of a sudden is expanding to many more things than I thought I needed to do...but it's all good! We'll try our best to make this all that it can be. I just can't wait to be Mrs. Vrana!!

Want to send a more personalized gift? Go to: http://www.carnival.com/BonVoyage/Default.aspx and send it straight to our room! Booking #80Z2V6 Room #6175 Love ya! Crystal
Cobalt Coast Resort: Cayman Islands Resort