Sunday, July 24, 2011
Book Now!
We just found out that there is a Citadel event the same weekend as our wedding, and that means that hotel rooms will be booking up fast! So please book soon if you are planning on getting a hotel room in Charleston. We have blocks set up at several locations, but some of these are released two months before the wedding. We are getting excited!!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Coming to Charleston
I initially created our wedding blog because I was dissatisfied with sites such as the knot.com and various others that are so cookie cutter. I had only planned on it being a source of information related to our upcoming nuptials. However, as our wedding plans have recently been turned upside down and inside out I realized that this blog should be my outlet to share with our friends and family our story and the lessons we've learned and how we have become even closer to each other in the process. As it unfolds I hope to show you how God has worked in our life and how my eyes are constantly opened when I least expect it.
Our story really starts with Match Day - Ken's in March 2007, mine in March 2008. As some of you know it's that nail biting day in your last year of medical school where you stand up on a stage in front of some 500 people, open a sealed envelope, and announce where you will be training for the next 4+ years. It's a rank process quite like sorority rush and completely out of your control. (Control issues will be a recurring theme in my story - listen up!) My family, friends and grandparents were all in attendance eagerly awaiting to see where I would spend the next 4 years training for a specialty in anesthesiology. I had my mind set on Vanderbilt. It seemed the perfect fit for me. I was also prepared to match at my own medical school, UAB, in case by some chance it wasn't meant to be with Vanderbilt. Those were really the only two options that crossed my mind as to where I could possibly end up. So I waited and waited for my name to be randomly pulled out of a stack of 160 envelopes. After listening to where 158 of my classmates were going to be moving, my name was finally called. I wish someone had been filming when I opened my letter. From multiple reports my face went from nervousness to complete dejection. I was not expecting to see what I saw on that piece of paper - Medical University of South Carolina? Really? I knew absolutely no one in South Carolina and I had not even entertained the idea of matching there. (True story - my aunt Dice said to me the day before the Match that she thought I would match at MUSC. I scoffed. Whatever. What does she know.) As I returned to my seat it took about 25 seconds before uncontrollable tears started streaming down my face. Thank goodness only one person was left after me so I didn't have to sit through any more torture. My family and friends were right there beside me uttering what words of comfort they could offer. It was terrible. I couldn't understand why or how I would have matched there. It took quite awhile, weeks or months probably, before I could start becoming excited about the move. I mean, it's Charleston - one of the most gorgeous cities in the Southeast, with the beach only minutes away and more shopping and restaurants than any city I had lived in thus far in my short life. I was really quite blessed to be surrounded by such loveliness and history and opportunity.
Since I didn't know a soul in Charleston I decided to find a place by myself to rent. I was dead set on living downtown. So, my mom and I traveled one weekend to Charleston to meet a realtor who was going to show us around downtown. My grandparents joined us for part of the day as they live a short two hours away. After being shown dump after dump after dump I dismissed the realtor and told her to have a lovely day. Fortuitously, after having a less than encouraging tour of "historic" homes (aka - no washer/dryer/dishwasher and exposed plumbing) I get an facebook message from Allison Lundy. (I had just recently joined a facebook group for upcoming interns at MUSC.) She was a newly hired surgery intern who had found a house with another intern (Shaina Eckhouse), however the house had three bedrooms and neither of them had actually seen the said house. I immediately called Allie and said that I would love to be their roommate and that I was actually in Charleston and could go view the place. It was everything I had dreamed of! It was brand new. Downtown. Purple! Four stories. Lots of windows. High end appliances. Did I mention brand new?? Gorgeous hardwood floors. I was sold, and so were my grandparents (who had balked at the other places) and my mom. Finally - a suitable place with two other female interns. It was a definite God wink. Checks were sent, and I met my new roomies in June of 2008. Two years of hard work later (that also included many fun times, clothes swapping, shopping sprees, ping-pong and Halloween parties, birthdays, beach excursions, and an engagement) - and now they are two of the most special people in my wedding party.
To be continued...
Our story really starts with Match Day - Ken's in March 2007, mine in March 2008. As some of you know it's that nail biting day in your last year of medical school where you stand up on a stage in front of some 500 people, open a sealed envelope, and announce where you will be training for the next 4+ years. It's a rank process quite like sorority rush and completely out of your control. (Control issues will be a recurring theme in my story - listen up!) My family, friends and grandparents were all in attendance eagerly awaiting to see where I would spend the next 4 years training for a specialty in anesthesiology. I had my mind set on Vanderbilt. It seemed the perfect fit for me. I was also prepared to match at my own medical school, UAB, in case by some chance it wasn't meant to be with Vanderbilt. Those were really the only two options that crossed my mind as to where I could possibly end up. So I waited and waited for my name to be randomly pulled out of a stack of 160 envelopes. After listening to where 158 of my classmates were going to be moving, my name was finally called. I wish someone had been filming when I opened my letter. From multiple reports my face went from nervousness to complete dejection. I was not expecting to see what I saw on that piece of paper - Medical University of South Carolina? Really? I knew absolutely no one in South Carolina and I had not even entertained the idea of matching there. (True story - my aunt Dice said to me the day before the Match that she thought I would match at MUSC. I scoffed. Whatever. What does she know.) As I returned to my seat it took about 25 seconds before uncontrollable tears started streaming down my face. Thank goodness only one person was left after me so I didn't have to sit through any more torture. My family and friends were right there beside me uttering what words of comfort they could offer. It was terrible. I couldn't understand why or how I would have matched there. It took quite awhile, weeks or months probably, before I could start becoming excited about the move. I mean, it's Charleston - one of the most gorgeous cities in the Southeast, with the beach only minutes away and more shopping and restaurants than any city I had lived in thus far in my short life. I was really quite blessed to be surrounded by such loveliness and history and opportunity.
Since I didn't know a soul in Charleston I decided to find a place by myself to rent. I was dead set on living downtown. So, my mom and I traveled one weekend to Charleston to meet a realtor who was going to show us around downtown. My grandparents joined us for part of the day as they live a short two hours away. After being shown dump after dump after dump I dismissed the realtor and told her to have a lovely day. Fortuitously, after having a less than encouraging tour of "historic" homes (aka - no washer/dryer/dishwasher and exposed plumbing) I get an facebook message from Allison Lundy. (I had just recently joined a facebook group for upcoming interns at MUSC.) She was a newly hired surgery intern who had found a house with another intern (Shaina Eckhouse), however the house had three bedrooms and neither of them had actually seen the said house. I immediately called Allie and said that I would love to be their roommate and that I was actually in Charleston and could go view the place. It was everything I had dreamed of! It was brand new. Downtown. Purple! Four stories. Lots of windows. High end appliances. Did I mention brand new?? Gorgeous hardwood floors. I was sold, and so were my grandparents (who had balked at the other places) and my mom. Finally - a suitable place with two other female interns. It was a definite God wink. Checks were sent, and I met my new roomies in June of 2008. Two years of hard work later (that also included many fun times, clothes swapping, shopping sprees, ping-pong and Halloween parties, birthdays, beach excursions, and an engagement) - and now they are two of the most special people in my wedding party.
To be continued...
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
registry
We have registered at the following locations:
Williams Sonoma
Bed Bath and Beyond
We have registered for dishes and other gifts at Shea Leigh's in Athens, AL - Shea Leighs - search for our name!
Honeymoon registry - Travelers Joy - click on the link to learn about our honeymoon!
Williams Sonoma
Bed Bath and Beyond
We have registered for dishes and other gifts at Shea Leigh's in Athens, AL - Shea Leighs - search for our name!
Honeymoon registry - Travelers Joy - click on the link to learn about our honeymoon!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Meet the Wedding Party!
Matron of Honor. Tracy Chang Burton.
Tracy is Heather's best friend and former roomie from their days of medical school at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. She is Heather's favorite shopping partner and they have been known to do major damage together in Anthropologie and Nordstrom. She is also married to an otolaryngologist (what can I say, we like men with scalpels) and is herself a pediatrician. They live in Tampa, and Heather can't wait for them to have half-Asian babies.
Bridesmaid. Julie Byrd.
Julie is Ken's sister and spends her days helping others as a nurse in Lexington, SC. She spent her childhood trying to avoid her brother but now thinks he's pretty alright. She attended college at Lander and then returned to her hometown to start a career. She enjoys working out, her crazy cats, reading, and cooking. She is happy that her brother finally found such a fantastic girl. :)
Bridesmaid. Bess Hamilton.
Heather used to babysit Bess during the summer and tote her around Athens in her little white Civic. They spent many days splashing around the pool, eating ice cream, and playing with dolls. As Bess grew older she spent a lot of time torturing the boys (Will, Hunter, Trip, Keith, Kyle, and Reid) and hoarding animals at the Hamilton household/zoo. Bess has grown into quite a young lady and attends college at the University of Mississippi. Hotty Toddy!
Bridesmaid. Lacey Godeaux Boyne.
Lacey is a fellow anesthesiology resident with Heather. They knew the minute they met that they were going to be good friends - I mean, her outfit was totally from Anthro and so obviously has super good taste. She is also to be credited with introducing Heather to the roadie. She is married to JB, also an anesthesia resident, and they hail from the great state of Louisiana. They make some mean boudin. Geaux tigers!
Bridesmaid. Shaina Eckhouse.
Shaina was one of Heather's roomies for her first two years in Charleston. She is a surgery resident at MUSC who is currently doing a two year stint of intense research. She gets to put pigs to sleep and then cut on them. (My friends are so talented!) She is originally from Texas, is Jewish, and Cuban, and likes to put up Christmas trees. She makes the best 3am breakfast tacos ever!!
Bridesmaid. Allison Lundy.
Allie was also one of Heather's roomies in Charleston and is a surgery resident at MUSC. She is from Pennsylvania but has traveled the world in her short time. She met a fellow adventurer in her boyfriend, Chris, and they live together on Sullivan's Island. Allie likes to kiteboard (thanks to Chris!), draw (very artsy), bake yummy desserts (just like Martha Stewart), and plan parties. Her carrot cake is to die for!!
Best Man: John Gowan
Many years of friendship, dirty limericks, and Kickin' Chicken sandwiches are the glue for these two. Gowan does something governmental up in rural NC, whatever that means. Unless Tracy starts taking Human Growth Hormone, he will be the tallest member of our wedding party.
Groomsman: Steve Andreoli
Steve and Ken were lucky enough to find each other as co-residents. Steve is a chief resident in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at MUSC, starting a Pediatric ENT fellowship in 2012. He is husband of Brandie and father of Jack. He enjoys spending time with his family, marinara sauce, and man walks with the Byrdman.
Groomsman: Richard Webb
Richard is a graduate of Wofford College and MUSC, and is a current Surgery resident at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Ken and Richard became friends during medical school through their mutual love of Prince, Neil Diamond, and the bench press. We are delighted to have him and his wife, Beth, as part of our wedding party.
Groomsman: Ben Fontenot
Ben and Ken started residency on Transplant Surgery together.and found out that they were neighbors. A mutual love of live music and aged Scotch led them to be friends. Ben is from Louisiana and is applying for Plastic Surgery fellowship. We are thankful to him for introducing us to boudin, crawfish etoufee, and the Last Waltz.
Groomsman: Danny Womac
Danny is also a Surgery resident at MUSC, known well for his fanatical Saints behavior, jambalaya, and monkey dance. He is from New Orleans, and will be applying for Plastic Surgery next year. I'm not sure what else to say that is appropriate.
Groomsman: Will Scott
Will is Heather's little brother who is attending her great alma mater - The University of Alabama. He is a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity and is pursuing a degree in Engineering. He likes guns, lab puppies, diesel trucks, pretty southern girls, and fried chicken. He can make a pretty mean fried bologna sandwich!
Flower girls and Ring bearer. Brenya, Keira, and Aidan Schlutz.
These super cute kids belong to cousin Dave and his wife Kelly. Dave is a dentist and Kelly is a teacher who live in Maryland but their hearts belong to the Steelers. Brenya is the older sister to Keira and Aidan (twins!). They love going to their beach house in Fort Myers, Florida with Bunny. :) We can't wait to see how adorable they are going to be walking down the aisle!
Tracy is Heather's best friend and former roomie from their days of medical school at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. She is Heather's favorite shopping partner and they have been known to do major damage together in Anthropologie and Nordstrom. She is also married to an otolaryngologist (what can I say, we like men with scalpels) and is herself a pediatrician. They live in Tampa, and Heather can't wait for them to have half-Asian babies.
Bridesmaid. Julie Byrd.
Julie is Ken's sister and spends her days helping others as a nurse in Lexington, SC. She spent her childhood trying to avoid her brother but now thinks he's pretty alright. She attended college at Lander and then returned to her hometown to start a career. She enjoys working out, her crazy cats, reading, and cooking. She is happy that her brother finally found such a fantastic girl. :)
Bridesmaid. Bess Hamilton.
Heather used to babysit Bess during the summer and tote her around Athens in her little white Civic. They spent many days splashing around the pool, eating ice cream, and playing with dolls. As Bess grew older she spent a lot of time torturing the boys (Will, Hunter, Trip, Keith, Kyle, and Reid) and hoarding animals at the Hamilton household/zoo. Bess has grown into quite a young lady and attends college at the University of Mississippi. Hotty Toddy!
Bridesmaid. Lacey Godeaux Boyne.
Lacey is a fellow anesthesiology resident with Heather. They knew the minute they met that they were going to be good friends - I mean, her outfit was totally from Anthro and so obviously has super good taste. She is also to be credited with introducing Heather to the roadie. She is married to JB, also an anesthesia resident, and they hail from the great state of Louisiana. They make some mean boudin. Geaux tigers!
Bridesmaid. Shaina Eckhouse.
Shaina was one of Heather's roomies for her first two years in Charleston. She is a surgery resident at MUSC who is currently doing a two year stint of intense research. She gets to put pigs to sleep and then cut on them. (My friends are so talented!) She is originally from Texas, is Jewish, and Cuban, and likes to put up Christmas trees. She makes the best 3am breakfast tacos ever!!
Bridesmaid. Allison Lundy.
Allie was also one of Heather's roomies in Charleston and is a surgery resident at MUSC. She is from Pennsylvania but has traveled the world in her short time. She met a fellow adventurer in her boyfriend, Chris, and they live together on Sullivan's Island. Allie likes to kiteboard (thanks to Chris!), draw (very artsy), bake yummy desserts (just like Martha Stewart), and plan parties. Her carrot cake is to die for!!
Best Man: John Gowan
Many years of friendship, dirty limericks, and Kickin' Chicken sandwiches are the glue for these two. Gowan does something governmental up in rural NC, whatever that means. Unless Tracy starts taking Human Growth Hormone, he will be the tallest member of our wedding party.
Groomsman: Steve Andreoli
Steve and Ken were lucky enough to find each other as co-residents. Steve is a chief resident in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at MUSC, starting a Pediatric ENT fellowship in 2012. He is husband of Brandie and father of Jack. He enjoys spending time with his family, marinara sauce, and man walks with the Byrdman.
Groomsman: Richard Webb
Richard is a graduate of Wofford College and MUSC, and is a current Surgery resident at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Ken and Richard became friends during medical school through their mutual love of Prince, Neil Diamond, and the bench press. We are delighted to have him and his wife, Beth, as part of our wedding party.
Groomsman: Ben Fontenot
Ben and Ken started residency on Transplant Surgery together.and found out that they were neighbors. A mutual love of live music and aged Scotch led them to be friends. Ben is from Louisiana and is applying for Plastic Surgery fellowship. We are thankful to him for introducing us to boudin, crawfish etoufee, and the Last Waltz.
Groomsman: Danny Womac
Danny is also a Surgery resident at MUSC, known well for his fanatical Saints behavior, jambalaya, and monkey dance. He is from New Orleans, and will be applying for Plastic Surgery next year. I'm not sure what else to say that is appropriate.
Groomsman: Will Scott
Will is Heather's little brother who is attending her great alma mater - The University of Alabama. He is a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity and is pursuing a degree in Engineering. He likes guns, lab puppies, diesel trucks, pretty southern girls, and fried chicken. He can make a pretty mean fried bologna sandwich!
Flower girls and Ring bearer. Brenya, Keira, and Aidan Schlutz.
Friday, January 21, 2011
OR 3 - 9.10.10
I always told him that he couldn't surprise me. I was wrong.
I had been working in the ambulatory operating room at MUSC for a few weeks, which is where most of Ken's outpatient cases get done. It was nice, since we got to see each other more often than usual. On Friday, September 10, I was to be in the eye surgery room until 4pm and Ken had one short case. I saw him that morning, seemingly himself. After his case, I thought he had gone home. My attending anesthesiologist, Dr. Grace Brown, paged me during lunch and asked if I could set up in Room 3 for an add-on pediatric ear foreign body case. I hurried over leaving half of my lunch uneaten and started setting up the room - then Ken walked in. I may have complained a little about the add-on and proceeded to tell him about saving a kid in recovery when I realized that he wasn't paying a bit of attention to me and that he was visibly shaking.
I asked him, "What's wrong with you?" He said, "I have a confession, you don't have an add-on case." I started to argue with him until he pulled out a cute little velvet blue box and got on one knee :). I honestly cannot remember what all he said after that except that it was sweet and ended with, "Will you marry me?" All the anesthesia crew was eagerly waiting outside the OR to congratulate us and send us on our merry way to celebrate! I called and texted my friends and family and enjoyed spreading the news the rest of the day and weekend. After a terrific dinner at Circa, a concert on Daniel Island, and a sparkly on my finger I went to bed on cloud nine.
How I Met My Byrd
Ken tells stories best:
She was working in the Peds ER when I was on consults as a 2nd year resident. I may have been "slightly" annoyed by getting another consult, but managed to keep my cool when I found that a petite brunette in green scrub pants, a gray shirt, and a pony tail had called it. I never forgot her name afterward. I later found that her two roomies were mutual friends. We became friends over the next year, despite my teasing her in the OR every time we had a case together.
It was business as usual until the next fall (football season), when I got some rude text messages from an Alabama number regarding the Bama-USC football game. A few weeks later, she came to watch football and eat some chili with me at a friend's house. I was supposed to go to another girl's birthday party that evening, but she talked me into going to Trio (a less than classy dance club). We danced, she kissed me, and the rest is history.
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