Thank You

Well today people start arriving for the wedding, which means that Project Save The Date is coming to a close.

This has been a very special project for me and has been a labor of love. I have enjoyed writing the pieces every night before bed, setting them up to appear the next morning, receiving new photos, seeing where the save the date has traveled to, and interacting with readers.

Here are some stats for you all that I found interesting.

-Made it to every continent, with Africa being the last;
-31 countries
-41 States (did not receive Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Kansas, and New Hampshire)


Thanks again for helping out, following, sharing pictures, and sharing this journey with us.

Kyle

Wedding Week: Wednesday

Welcome to Wednesday!

Sorry for the lack of post yesterday, I was traveling. We are slowly getting closer and everything is looking great.

Today's pictures are from Sydney. The opera house is one of the pictures that I really wanted when this started. It is one of those iconic images that represents an entire county. I couldn't believe it when I received these two pictures about a week apart from two individuals.  The first one overlooks the entire harbor while the second one is a close up.

Later this week I will post a few interesting statistics about the project including how many pictures received, how many counties and other interesting facts. Thanks for reading.

Kyle

Wedding Week!

Hello Hello-
It is wedding week!!! It is really starting to come together and hit Katie and I. This weekend was fantastic.

Katie and I know that next weekend will be a very crazy time. Because it will be so crazy we wanted to take some time out and create some special time for ourselves.

This weekend was planned so that it would be very low key prior to the wedding. Most of the left work had been completed except for a few emails here and there. On Friday night Katie and I enjoyed a great pizza from one of our favorite places. I had a few pizzas shipped in from Giordano's in Chicago. It did not disappoint.

We also exchanged out gifts to each other. Katie gave me a great display of my grandmother, who passed away just before the proposal. In the display it had mounted one of my grandmother's handkerchiefs along with a poem from her funeral. It is a very touching piece that is already hanging. I  gave Katie a pen an ink drawing that was framed of her high school chapel, which is also where we are getting married on Saturday. It was a great way to start the festivities.

Now on to today's pictures. This is another set that left me speechless. I mailed the Save The Date to a trekking company in India asking them to take it to Mt. Everest. I never EVER expected to even get a response from them. Sure enough, one day my inbox had an email asking me what exactly we wanted and whether there was a time frame. Later that month we received the pictures below. They are simply stunning and some of my favorites.

Thanks for reading.

Kyle

Project Rewind: The South Pole

This was one of the first pictures that left me speechless. When we started there were some that we figured we could get with ease due to the number of visitors, proximity, and availability (Like Disney). There were also some that we figured there would be no way. That didn't stop us.

The picture below was taken at the South Pole. We were able to get it to the South Pole station via the Antarctic Sun, the newspaper of the South Pole. Ironically enough, the Antarctic Sun is written in Denver Colorado.  After exchanging a few emails with the Sun we weren't sure whether it would happen.

And then one morning I opened up my email and was stunned. The pictures are from both the ceremonial South Pole and the magnetic South Pole, which is recalculated every year.

These are some of my favorite pictures because of the uniqueness.

Enjoy your weekend.

Kyle

Best of the Year: How it Started

And here we are, at the end of Project Save The Date. We are all out of pictures and unless we get some more, the remaining posts will be a reflection on he project, statistics, and interesting stories and facts.

It was always interesting to me who would respond. When we started this Project we sent them randomly to places requesting a picture of the Save The Date in front of the location. We received the first batches back in about a week and a half. The longest was the Green Bay Packers. We sent them a card in October and received a picture back last week. I am interesting in finding out whether we will receive anymore in the future. The larger the corporation or entity, the longer it takes to get into the right hands.

Without further ado, here is the first set of pictures we received that started the whole thing off, Fenway Park.

Kyle

So Long Dubai

Happy Wednesday to you all.

Today is the last of the pictures sent in by Cheryl. This picture is outside of the Emirates Palace in Dubai. Here is Cheryl with the explanation.

"This photo was taken outside of the Emirates Palace of Abu Dhabi which is the world's most expensive hotel.  It cost billions of dollars to build, has special floors where only royalty can stay, and there's a pool on every wing - absolutely nuts!"

Sorry today's post is so short. Katie and I are finishing up a few wedding details that is keeping us occupied. Today's picture was the last one that we have so the rest of the way (unless we get more today) will be a recap and interesting facts and statistics about the project. Thanks for reading.

Kyle

Camel Market

Hello Hello-

Last week we cut "Dubai Week" a little short because of Easter Weekend. We still have a few more pictures from Cheryl to share with you all. (Coincidentally, at this time they are also the last pictures to share). I will let Cheryl explain today's pictures.

"Yes, believe it or not, but we visited a camel market in Abu-Dhabi.  Located literally behind a mall, there was this market area that had goats and camels for sale - you just drive up in your truck, inspect the camels, and make your selection!"

Amazing how different cultures have different trades and markets. I imagine if someone from Dubai come to the states they would find our markets and what we sell equally fascinating.

Thanks again for helping our Cheryl.

Enjoy your Tuesday.

Kyle

Green Bay Packers

Hello Again-

I hope everyone had a happy Easter weekend. This weekend it really hit Katie and I that the wedding is getting close. We knew it was but it really jumped up on us. Luckily we have the vast majority of things done and just need to work out a few details.

This weekend we spent the holiday weekend at the beach. Part of our plan was to go shopping for beach clothing for the honeymoon. As I have previously said about this project, one of the things that I love is the surprises. We have received so many pictures from so many places and people. Some of them we know we might get, some of them we have initiated the request and some are completely random. Well today's picture fits into all three categories. Back when we started this Project we sent one to the Green Bay Packers, along with many other venues. This was in the middle of their historic run to the Super Bowl and we figured that were a little busy at the time. Well on Saturday these pictures arrived in the inbox. What a surprise. I can't thank the Packers' organization enough. We really appreciate you all helping us out with the project after such a busy season.

This also crosses Wisconsin off the list!. It is looking like we won't be able to make it to all 50 states. The Project has two weeks left and we only have a few pictures left. The plan for next week is to to a recap with statistics of where the Project made it and some of the high lights. Thanks again for reading.

Kyle

Project Save The Date Visits The Pope

Happy end of the week. Well at least for me and Project Save The Date. Today will be the last day of Project Save The Date this week. We are taking a little break from out great pictures from Dubai. I have been saving these pictures for a while, and I think you will understand why. The first picture is of the Piazza Navona which is another fantastic fountain in Rome.

The second and third pictures are of the Vatican.

The last picture is of the Pope. This is a pretty neat picture. I am amazed that it is so close up.

Enjoy your Easter weekend. We will be back with more updates next week.

Kyle

Ski Dubai

We are now midway through "Dubai Week" here at Project Save The Date. Today's picture from Cheryl is from Ski Dubai. Ski Dubai is an indoor ski mountain. As Cheryl mentioned to me, you can go from shorts and 95 degrees to skiing in a matter of minutes. The technology that is going on in Dubai is mind blowing.

Who would have ever thought, a ski mountain, in the middle of the dessert.

Thanks again Cheryl.

Kyle

The World's Tallest Building

Welcome to the second day on Dubai.

Today's pictures is of the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world at 2716.5 feet tall. That is nearly 1,000 feet, or 52 stories taller than the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). That is quite staggering.

When I received this photo I immediately started reading up on it and I highly recommend it. The construction was very secretive and only announced after it opened. The pictures of it completed are staggering as well as it towers and dwarfs every other skyscraper around it.

Simply stunning what people are building these days.

As I mentioned earlier, all of these pictures of coming from Cheryl and her trip abroad for work. Thanks again Cheryl for thinking of us.

Kyle

Dubai Week

Hello Hello there.

I hope everyone's weekend was great. It was quite an eventful on in Raleigh this weekend. On Saturday there was a heavy thunderstorm that produced a few tornadoes. So Katie and I spent Saturday afternoon in the bathroom, listening to the news, waiting to it to pass. The lights flickered on and off and we heard the hail beat against the windows. After things were all over there were some staggering pictures on the news. An entire Lowes store was flattened. Katie and I drove around later in the weekend to make sure all everything was okay around us and our family, which it was.

On to today's picture. This week we will be doing something a little different. This week is "Dubai Week" here on Project Save The Date. Every day this week we will feature another picture of Dubai with the Save The Date. Our friend Cheryl traveled abroad for work and took some great pictures of Dubai.

To start things off we have a picture of the most iconic place in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab. This hotel is world famous for its design. It is modeled after a sail on a boat. There have been many PR campaigns including Tiger Woods hitting off of the helicopter pad and Federar and Nadal playing tennis on the helicopter pad. It is such a unique structure and is the world's only 6 star hotel.

Check back later this week for more great pictures of Dubai.

We only have three weeks left and need your help to get there. Please let us know if you can help.

Kyle

Bachelorette Weekend

Well today's pictures are extra special. These are from Katie's Bachelorette Party. Katie and most of her bridesmaids spent the weekend in Washington DC. During the weekend they went to a few wine tasting at a few vineyards. The first picture is from the lobby of their hotel.

On Sunday morning they went to "drag queen brunch". From what I understand it is quite humorous. The second photo is a picture of my bride to be with one of the lovely ladies. As I have been told the brunch was full of laughter.

All in all I understand that it was a great weekend. I really appreciate the five of you taking along the Save The Date. Thanks Anna, Elly, Ali, and Danielle.

Stay tuned for a very special set of pictures next week.

Kyle

Masonic Temple

Happy Thursday to you all. 

Today we have another great picture from Melanie and her family. This picture is of the Masonic Temple in Alexandria Virginia.  The Masons are a secretive group and there are always conspiracy theories surrounding them. Many of our Presidents have been Masons. It is a very interesting organization that has always intrigued me.

Next week will be a very special "Dubai Week". Every day we will have a different picture taken from my good friend Cheryl. More details on Monday.

We really need about 10 more pictures to make it to the wedding. Please let us know if you can help.

Sorry for the short post today.

Kyle

Queensland

Good Day-

Today we go back down under and make our way back to Australia The pictures is of the Coolangatta Beach in Queensland Australia. The water looks perfect with the shades of blue and green. It makes me excited for our honeymoon where we will be in the tropics. We can't wait. 

This picture is from Queensland and comes courtesy of the Polka Dot Bride

The Polka Dot Bride is an Australian Wedding Blog that helps people design their weddings. Feel free to check out the blog by clicking on their banner above. There has been such a positive response from other blogs. If you run a blog or website and help us by getting a picture we will gladly link to your blog and put up a banner.

Thanks for reading and let us know if you can help. We are running low on photos but have a week long surprise in store for everyone next week. 

Kyle

 

Glenveaugh Castle

Hello Again-

As I mentioned yesterday, this past weekend we spent in Cleveland for a shower. This shower really got Katie and I excited for the wedding. It was so great to see old friends, catch up, share some stories and laughs. It had been a while since I had seen some people and it was just so nice to share this with them. It was also Katie, and her parents, first time meeting some of our family friends and visit to where I grew up. It gave them an idea of where I came from. 

The only downside is that the weekend went by so quickly. I have been told that the wedding and reception are a blur because they go by so fast and I can certainly see why. I wanted to spend much more time talking with everyone than I was able to. By the time I knew it, the shower was over. That will be tough at the reception, but I am looking forward to seeing everyone. 

As for today's picture, this is the last one on Susan's trip to Ireland. These two pictures are views from Glenveaugh Castle in Ireland. Seeing all her pictures of Ireland certainly makes me want to visit. The greenery, history and culture are all very appealing and and I hope we make it there someday. 

Thanks for reading. 

Kyle

Washington DC

Hey everyone.

What a weekend we had. It was fantastic. Katie, her parents, and I went up to Cleveland for the weekend. The weekend was packed full of activities. Friday night our flight was delays (causing us to scrap the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) and instead we went out to a nice dinner with the families. It was great seeing everyone together. It has been a while since Katie's parents, my parents, my sister, brother in law, and their kids have been together. The last time was my graduation. It was a real treat seeing everyone together.

One Saturday we had a great shower planned by my family. It was great seeing old friends and new and being able to spend time with them. That afternoon Katie's parents got a tour around Cleveland and spent some time at the Christmas Story House and the West Side Market.

On Sunday, after brunch, we even got to enjoy some nice weather, a rarity in Cleveland this time of year.

All in all I couldn't have asked for any else, except for maybe a longer weekend. It is great when I get to see my family and spend some time in Cleveland. I enjoy every moment of it.


On to today's pictures. These come from my good friend Melanie who had her family take some pictures around Washington DC. These pictures include the Air Force Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Monument. They also took a few other pictures that we will share with you later.

Thanks for reading.

Kyle

Ten States Left

We have ten states left.

Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Wisconsin.

Please let us know if you can help.

Email ProjectSaveTheDate@gmail.com or download the Save The Date by clicking on the link up top which will take you to a page letting you know how to download the Save The Date.

Thanks for reading.

Cleveland Browns

Hello-

This will be the last post of this week. We are taking tomorrow off but have a very good excuse. Tomorrow Katie and I, along with her parents, will be heading to Cleveland for a shower. Before we go Katie and I will be swinging by the Register of Deeds Office to pick up our marriage certificate. It is a big step and we are getting excited for the big day, though there is still plenty today.

This weekend will be a great opportunity to show Katie's parents where I grew up and where I am from. We have lots of great things planned including the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame.

In honor of our visit today's pictures are from Cleveland Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns.

Have a great weekend.

Kyle

Kenya

Hello Hello

One of the continents that we haven't received nearly as many of is Africa. I am not sure why this is to be honest. We recently received our third picture from Africa courtesy of Diane. Diane and here husband visited Kenya for ten days and took the photo below at a public school in Nairobi. As you can see the children were very excited to be in the photograph.

Great work Diane. Thanks for thinking of us on your trip.

If any of you are taking trips soon we would appreciate it if you took our Save The Date along.

Enjoy your day

Kyle

 

Grand Ole Opry

Hello Hello-

Welcome to Tuesday. Yesterday while I was driving to pick up my wedding suit I was listening to a classic rock station. As I pulled into the parking lot there was a contest where the tenth caller would win free concert tickets. Normally I don't call into radio stations but I was feeling lucky. Lowandbehold I ended up as the tenth caller! Katie and I will be going to the Sheryl Crow/Kid Rock concert in Raleigh on August 25th!!!! We are very excited about this. It will be a great time out and it is great to receive free tickets before they even go on sale. I great way to start the week.

In honor of the concert I wanted to post a musical picture. Well you don't get much more musical than the Grand Ole Opry in Tennessee. These pictures come from Nichole who took them on a trip through Kentucky and Tennessee. I have heard so many great things about the Opry and it is on our list of places to see. Can't wait to see it in person.

Thanks for reading.

Kyle

Nebraska

Hello again-

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. The weather in Raleigh was pretty nice and I spent most of the weekend outdoors working in the yard. Katie, on the other hand, had a bit of a more eventful weekend than I did. This past weekend was Katie's Bachelorette party. Katie and the bridal party spent the weekend in Washington DC and went to two vineyards. The also took along the Save The Date. I haven't seen the pictures yet but I have heard they are pretty funny. 

And speaking of today's bridal party, today's picture comes from Katie's Maid of Honor Danielle. She has been a great help with the project. Through her friend she was able to help us cross off Nebraska. The first comes from the University of Nebraska and it is of their football stadium. The second picture is of the Capital Building. And lastly, the final picture is of the open fields of Nebraska. 

Thanks for reading. 

Kyle

Final Four

Welcome to the end of another great week. This weekend is Katie's Bachelorette Party which means that I am on my own. I have a few Projects that I will be talking care of. I am sure I will also watch a little bit of the NCAA Final Four on Saturday night.

In honor of the Final Four I was hoping to post a picture from an area where one of the remaining teams is located (Virginia, Indiana, Connecticut and Kentucky). Lucky for us we received a picture from the state of Kentucky this week, though we still need one from Connecticut.

Today's picture is from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Headquarters in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. This is one of the most prestigious divisions in the US Army. A big thanks to all those that have served our county. We appreciate all of your sacrifices.

Take care of yourself this weekend.

Kyle