Today's DW Knottie of the Day

beckerz03

is NZbride2011 aka Leslie!!!

I love that you're getting married in New Zealand (don't think I've ever said that to you). The landscaping alone will be breathtaking and I'm positive you and your FI will add to the breathtaking views. I cannot wait to hear about everything and see all the photos. Have a safe trip and congratulations!!!

1. First Name & Fiance's First Name: 
Leslie & Mike

2. Your Age and Fiance's Age: 
30 (31 the day before the wedding) & 36

3. What city were you born in? 
Berkeley, CA (otherwise known as Bezerkeley)

4. What city do you live in? 
Redlands, CA

5. Where did you go to college? 
Azusa Pacific University (Undergrad), Loma Linda University (7yrs of Postgrad)

6. What was your major? 
Biology, w/ Chemistry and Biblical Studies Minors

7. What is your current job? 
Pediatric Dentist

8. What is your dream job? 
I have it!!!!  But I could also do event planning.  Love it!!!!

9. How did you and your fiance' meet? 
Facebook Poker, and so not kidding.

10. When did you get engaged, and how did he do it??
May 2010, in Paihia, Bay of Islands, New Zealand.  It was a wonderful little get away for us, and it was our last of 4 days there.  I thought he'd propose on this trip, but he had so many opportunities and hadn't popped the question yet.  So I was kind of losing hope.  Then the last morning I got up really early (the time change really messes me up over there), and we went for a walk at sunrise along the beach.  It was gorgeous out!!!!!  And, there was no one around.  So we walked around this corner, and there was this beautiful stone jetty that went out into the water.  I dragged him on it (like usual) so I could take some great photos from there.  I was leaning over the edge looking down w/ I felt him tug my jacket.  I just kind of brushed it off the first time.  Then he did it again.  I turned around to see what he wanted and he was down on one knee.  He said the sweetest, most romantic speech, and then asked me to be his wife.  I started crying and said, "yes, yes, yes!!!!!!!"  Then I got me ring.  Yay!!!!!  It was absolutely perfect.  Now we're taking my parents there in November and I can't wait to share that special place with them.

11. When is the Wedding Day? 
Courthouse was on 9/27/10 (family emergency, so we were married last year, planned in 3 days),  Celebration is on 11/25/11.

12. Where is the ceremony and reception? 
Mudbrick Vineyard, Waiheke Island, New Zealand

13. What are your wedding colors? 
Chocolate Brown, Peacock Blue, Cream/White

14. Where are you honeymooning? 
Queenstown, New Zealand then we're off to Tahiti and Bora Bora

15. Favorite wedding vendor so far? 
My second florist actually.  If I had found her when we were originally planning, she would be doing ALL of my flowers.  I love her!!!!

16. Biggest wedding splurge? 
Flowers, by far!!!!!!  Then probably photography/videography.

17. What is something you wish you could have at the wedding but don't?  Fireworks.  I wanted them so bad, but the Island doesn't permit them anywhere.  Bummer.

18. Another Knottie whose wedding you'd like to attend? 
Seriously?  How do you decide?  I'd want to spend time at everyone's Weddings.  They all sound so amazing!!!

19. Favorite book? 
Eric, by Doris Lund; a true story, and the book that made me want to become a doctor when I was young

20. Favorite movie? 
Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves (w/ Kevin Costner).  I don't know, I've just always loved this movie!!!!

21. Favorite tv show? 
Tough one here, I'm TV obsessed.  But right now I'd have to say the new USA series Suits.  It's great!!!!  But all time favorite would have to be Friends.  That show still doesn't get old and I laugh all the time.

22. Favorite wedding dress designer? 
Lazaro (my designer)

23. Any advice you can give to other Knotties whose big day is coming up? 
Just breathe, and remember you can't control everything.  This was very hard for me to learn, but I'm still working on it.  And also to enjoy and fun w/ the planning process, because time just flies by and before you know it, it will all be over.  Also, cherish the planning process w/ your Fiance.  It's his day too, and it's wonderful to have them be a part of this process.  It's been wonderful having Mike w/ me every step of the way.

24. Is there anything you wish you could change about your wedding?
I wish more of my family and friends could be with us.  That is the only really hard thing for me.  But other than that, not a thing.

25. Tell us your Knottie name and how you came up with it. 
NZBride2011.  Well, we're getting married in New Zealand (NZ), I'm a bride, and in the year 2011.

 

26. Tell us about yourself! 
My family and friends mean everything to me.  They are the strength to my foundation.  I love reading, snow skiing, hiking, cars, shoes, bags, traveling and a wonderful bottle of wine.  I can't wait to start a family w/ Mike, as I've always wanted to be a mom.  The more kids we have the better; I'd love to field our own soccer team.  I love teaching dental students; it's amazing to teach and watch students learn, and then see that spark in their eyes when they've succeeded.  I've been actively participating in mission trips since I was 12yrs old.  Now I travel internationally as a Pediatric Dentist and I take teams of dental students w/ me.  It's the best way to see the world.  Besides Mike, my dog Carson is my best friend who has been w/ me through 7yrs of "hell" and back.  And I'm a cancer survivor.