The Core

Why We Are Here => Water Cooler => Topic started by: dogboy on December 01, 2011, 09:58:12 PM

Title: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on December 01, 2011, 09:58:12 PM
I'm engaged:)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: littleman on December 01, 2011, 10:08:52 PM
Congrats DB!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: buckworks on December 01, 2011, 10:10:19 PM
Wow! Congratuations! :-)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: 4Eyes on December 01, 2011, 10:26:56 PM
nice:)
congrats
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on December 01, 2011, 10:57:10 PM
Thanks, folks.

No date set, but at least a year. But for me... if you really know me... yeah, it's a big deal.

I don't let anyone in.

Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: ukgimp on December 01, 2011, 11:04:49 PM
I saw. Congrats matey.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on December 01, 2011, 11:59:11 PM
... It just occurred to me after posting some of the craziest intimate details about myself over the years, before we went public, I didn't belt out some long a## post about how I did the most romantic boat to a helicopter to a villa overlooking the perfect sunset thing.

It wasn't like that.

I went home to MD and saw my mom.  I didn't mention it to her. We had Thanksgiving together.  I have to think it was one the best times we've had together in years.  Then I went to PA, a little wrung out from the 20+ hrs it took to get me sitting in front of my Italian American father at his kitchen table. My father (at 73, happy to see me late at night, sat with me at the kitchen table, tired but obviously pleased to see his only son) settled into his list of things we needed to do while I was home.  

It included deer hunting, as usual (which always happens the monday after Thanksgiving since I was about 11 and about 5 days after I post my yearly thread in here entitled, 'Tis the Season', which details the event) and talk of investments and the impending financial collapse.  We decided we needed to get in one of our safes and take stock of some things, and then I said a little sheepishly I needed to find a ring.

I guess he knew by the tone of the voice that the ring in question wasn't for me.

I walked back in here, after another 20+ hr ride (and a 31F night in my car at a rest stop somewhere in North Carolina) and unloaded the deer my dad shot into my freezer.  Actually, my girl did.  (I guess I need to start calling her my fiancee.) I shaved my 10 day beard off and took a shower.  Then from a bag full of random crap I found my grandfather's diamond ring.  He was a jeweler and watch repair man and had his own shop. It was obviously a man's ring and a funky one at that.  But apparently the diamond in it was of good quality, and it was of decent size. I have no idea. But the man was a jeweler, and a fisherman, so I figured it was a good one.

I walked into the kitchen, she was at the table on the computer.  I called her name as I came up beside her and as she turned I got on one knee and asked her to marry me, as I showed her the ring.  She was understandably shocked. I stood up and we hugged and then I reminded her she hadn't said anything and we laughed and she said yes.

And that was it.





Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: bill on December 02, 2011, 04:17:31 AM
Very cool. Congrats to you both.

The big question is, of course, are you going to SEO the wedding?
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Rupert on December 02, 2011, 07:47:35 AM
Bout time for the sounds of things :) 

Best thing I did was marry Sue.  We are a team. Face the world together no matter what.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Gurtie on December 02, 2011, 08:00:28 AM
awww, congrats!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Damian on December 02, 2011, 08:19:50 AM
Great news. Congrats Rob!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: thesaintv12 on December 02, 2011, 08:52:29 AM
Really great news!  Congrats!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Brad on December 02, 2011, 10:53:13 AM
Congrats!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: hungrygoose on December 02, 2011, 11:49:14 AM
congratulations!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Rumbas on December 02, 2011, 02:12:25 PM
Cool! Congrats Rob :)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Drastic on December 02, 2011, 02:29:24 PM
Congrats Rob!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: DrCool on December 02, 2011, 07:57:53 PM
Awesome dude! Congratulations!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: BoL on December 02, 2011, 08:38:41 PM
Congrats!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on December 03, 2011, 10:42:43 PM
the only place I went wrong.  Her father is a cook on a ship at sea. He speaks a little english, from what I understand.  But he is at sea right now. Her mother is on facebook, but she doesn't speak english.

Bablefish, dont fail me now...

via Facebook
QuoteDear Future Parent-in-laws ,

In my culture, it is customary that the groom ask the father of the bride, before proposing to his daughter, as a sign of respect; I apologize I did not do this. Please believe me, that I had intentions of somehow arranging a Skype video chat beforehand with you, and getting her a proper ring - but the time just seemed right, and I decided I shouldn't wait, and she should get the ring she liked...

I hope you will have me for your son-in-law:) I love your daughter and I'd like to marry her, with your blessing.

May I have it?

dogboy
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on December 03, 2011, 10:53:18 PM
Quote"I have no idea how this is going to translate, so please understand what follows is automated:

"В моята култура, е прието, че младоженецът да поиска от бащата на булката, преди да предложи на дъщеря си, като знак на уважение, извинявам се не съм направил това. Моля, повярвайте ми, че имах намерения на по някакъв начин организиране на Skype видео чат предварително с вас, и да я правилното пръстен - но времето изглежда наред, и аз реших, че не трябва да чакат, и тя трябва да получи пръстена, тя хареса ...

Надявам се, че ще ме има за зет ви:) Аз обичам дъщеря ви и бих искал да се ожени за нея, с вашата благословия.

Може ли да го има?"
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: mick g on December 04, 2011, 05:21:06 AM
congratulation Rob
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Travoli on December 04, 2011, 10:08:02 PM
Congratulations dogboy!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: creative666 on December 05, 2011, 01:53:41 PM
Congrats dude! Nice one...
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: ergophobe on December 05, 2011, 08:02:26 PM
Quote from: dogboy on December 03, 2011, 10:53:18 PM
"I have no idea how this is going to translate,

Oh Lord! I was raised in Bulgaria and dude, you are in so much trouble. Have your fiancee call right away and straighten this out!

Ok, just kidding. I only know it's Bulgarian b/c that's what Google translate says it is. I put your text into Google Translate and it came out quite sensible in English, which is a good sign that it's good in Bulgarian.

Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS! Not a day goes by that I don't think about how fortunate I am to be stuck with my wife 'til death do us part. Like one of my friends told me when I got married "It's like being with your best friend every day". Nothing better.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on December 05, 2011, 10:18:12 PM
Bulgarian?! I translated this into BULGARIAN?!?

ehhehehe yup, Bulgarian it is:) And I used Google translate to convert it and convert it back and was pretty impressed actually.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: grnidone on December 07, 2011, 09:09:47 PM
*hug*

I'm very happy for you Rob.  I'm glad you've finally found a woman who not only makes you happy, but is willing to put up with you as well.

Congratulations!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on December 15, 2011, 08:47:39 AM
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/384911_10151051572780252_587880251_22247562_456136444_n.jpg)

...there, it's official!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Rumbas on December 15, 2011, 02:48:27 PM
Damn you have gay-ish fingers dude ;)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Rumbas on December 15, 2011, 02:49:43 PM
..and awful shoes! :D
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on December 15, 2011, 03:11:32 PM
Florida makes a man soft...
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Rumbas on December 15, 2011, 03:23:51 PM
Hehe, that's ok - we know you're tough on the inside.

Nice ring! :)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: bill on December 19, 2011, 05:23:20 AM
Nice rock!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on December 25, 2012, 07:49:03 PM
Hey, I need a little help picking out a ring for myself. I'm thinking just plain white gold.  What do you all think? I can't say I'm big on jewelry. I have a stainless Rolex and a Hopi Indian silver bracelet, but I don't really wear either that much anymore.

What do you guys wear? What's fashionable these days across the pond?
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: littleman on December 26, 2012, 12:21:14 AM
I have a ring just like that DB, plain white gold, and what they call the comfort-design.  One thing I think is worth paying attention to is the thickness of the ring.  It seems jewelers want to boast about the thickness as if it is a good thing, but I think a thinner ring is more comfortable to wear on a daily basis, the thicker rings tend to push your fingers away from each other -- just a little, but it is enough to cause some knuckle discomfort if you spend all day at a keyboard.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: bill on December 26, 2012, 08:41:46 AM
White gold/Platinum is what I've got as well. I'll second LM's recommendation for thinness. I can't imagine wearing anything as large as a Hobbit sized band. ;)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on December 26, 2012, 01:51:36 PM
How thick is thick? I see mm dimensions, but that is width thickness (or whatever they call it.)

I like some of these Tacori bands too:
(https://th3core.com/chat/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.since1910.com%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2Ftacori-mens-wedding-band-60mm-6161-1-C.png&hash=8afe19dc0000a53eeed5be7cc6ae764cf7719c8b)
...but plain and simple is more my style, I think - given that rings really aren't my style at all:)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: buckworks on December 26, 2012, 02:53:36 PM
Platinum would wear better over time than white gold, and it's also hypoallergenic.

A tungsten ring would also wear well, but I'd have safety concerns because in case of emergency ring removal tungsten could not be cut the way gold or platinum could be.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Drastic on December 26, 2012, 04:03:30 PM
I have a simple white gold ring with a beveled edge and comfort fit. Definitely get the comfort fit.

Like this:
http://www.justmensrings.com/Polished-10K-White-Gold-Designer-Wedding-Ring-with-Beveled-Edges-6mm--JB0306_p_949.html

Thickness doesn't bother me but I have ape hands.

Platinum is supposedly not a good choice for men as it dents easily.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: agerhart on December 26, 2012, 05:22:49 PM
Order two rings so you have a backup when you lose your first one
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on December 26, 2012, 05:37:45 PM
...like it never even happened:)

Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: agerhart on December 26, 2012, 05:38:25 PM
its not a matter of if...its a matter of when :)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Brad on December 26, 2012, 06:59:11 PM
>Hobbit

Extra points if it lets you control wraiths and stuff.   ;)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: bill on December 27, 2012, 07:21:29 AM
Quote from: Drastic on December 26, 2012, 04:03:30 PMPlatinum is supposedly not a good choice for men as it dents easily.

Yeah. I've never taken mine off and doubt that I even could now...but years of lifting in the gym without gloves will do a number on platinum...even a platinum/white gold mix.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: buckworks on December 27, 2012, 12:53:07 PM
Platinum can be repolished if you want to restore the original shine. Check with your local jeweller.

Another metal to consider would be palladium. This blog article shows the color differences:

http://esdesignsjewelry.com/blog/?p=678
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on December 27, 2012, 06:40:31 PM
So, it sounds like the plain 'comfort fit' in something silvery, is the vote?  I think I'm going to go with white gold over platinum, even though at today's prices I think platinum is the better buy. I guess it's more traditional(?) I just don't like gold, gold... on me, at least. 


Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: littleman on December 27, 2012, 08:20:47 PM
Quote from: dogboy on December 27, 2012, 06:40:31 PM
So, it sounds like the plain 'comfort fit' in something silvery, is the vote? 

Don't forget thin, unless you know from experience that thickness doesn't bother you.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on December 27, 2012, 09:31:58 PM
...2 thin ones; no 'Made in Japan' on inner band; Lord loves a workin' man; don't trust whitey; see a doctor and get rid of it... got it;)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: buckworks on December 28, 2012, 05:39:02 AM
Quoteplain 'comfort fit' in something silvery

That would be totally classy.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on December 28, 2012, 01:13:54 PM
As of right now, we are thinking about having a wedding for 20 at Hemingway's house, in Key West...

(https://th3core.com/chat/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemingwayhome.com%2Fimages%2Fmade%2FHEMHOUSE-rooms-28_177_157_s_cy_c_c_0_0_100_bor1_c3b8a5.jpg&hash=c73bb207cc06e19a566d1bcf889408cdf0d81306)(https://th3core.com/chat/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemingwayhome.com%2Fimages%2Fmade%2FHemHouse-03_288_432_100.jpg&hash=b781dafaacccc5431b921e3b3c06b31857bb3d30)(https://th3core.com/chat/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemingwayhome.com%2Fimages%2Fmade%2FHEMHOUSE-rooms-07_1_538_360_100.jpg&hash=d8ab8325dce2115dd97f7450ab6f474f37f0c250)(https://th3core.com/chat/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemingwayhome.com%2Fimages%2Fmade%2FHEMHOUSE-weddings-11_504_360_100.jpg&hash=086cf1d7dd87a56e41ad71e97440f7b065d58f1e)

...and ball it old school:)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Drastic on December 28, 2012, 03:52:22 PM
Awesome spot, love the house there. They do have a lot of cats that roam the grounds, if that makes a difference.

Early spring right?
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on January 01, 2013, 01:36:51 AM
Sunday April 7th at noon, I think. (Confirming everything now.)

Ok, next question: what to wear?

It's really common to do the gratuitously casual khakis and open white shirt, when you get down even this far, let alone all the way to the tip of the US...
(https://th3core.com/chat/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.groomgroove.com%2Fimages%2Fbeach_wedding_groom.jpg&hash=a1d05d1570fc6cb22f0f14db28143a31b347af2d)
...but I just can't do that. I'm not taking this marriage casually, so I don't want to look like I'm taking it casually.

At the same time, even-though a tux is always appropriate, for some reason it just seems out of place.
(https://th3core.com/chat/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F_HijhRK2BkjA%2FSiSx6aVz4pI%2FAAAAAAAAALs%2FW-oYxWz112Y%2Fs400%2Fwedding%2Bsuit.jpg&hash=d7be0e3d09723674c49a2f33d20d8e9770d08508)
...I'm not sure if its really the wrong style so much as the wrong vibe

This would be a little better:
(https://th3core.com/chat/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fash2013.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F08%2FDeutsch-style-mens-wedding-suits-top-e1334050889503.jpg&hash=4fcebd5dbd00e2601adb501945bc15bbc37543f4)

I don't know what to say here...  I want to be appropriately dressed. How about a tan suit, long tie?
(https://th3core.com/chat/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.xoedge.com%2FImageStage%2FObjects%2F0003%2F0019492%2Flarge_image.jpg&hash=c59b32a077385ecbf4facff9b4ce8431282b9acd)
I doubt I'd wear it again, but it seems like a nice balance.

Thoughts? Wedding, Florida, immediate family and absolute closest friends (<20).

This ain't it:
(https://th3core.com/chat/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Freidreport.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F06%2Fmiami-vice.jpg&hash=cce2c3b43f69c1db868f8c35eb9cd6f6b9311f0c)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: littleman on January 01, 2013, 02:26:47 AM
I got married in a basic suit, I think it worked out well. 
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: IrishWonder on January 01, 2013, 04:22:37 AM
What will the bride wear? It kinda makes sense to match that vibe/mood/style
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on January 01, 2013, 06:33:15 AM
I really don't know what she's wearing. I think it's a white dress, kinda puffy.  I bought it but I didn't want to see it.

Yeah, I think I like the suit idea too. Tux and all that is just too formal. I could use a light weight black suit and could see me wearing that more than a tan suit.  But then all of a sudden I think black is too somber - something to wear to a funeral, not a wedding. I do like that white tie and vest in that pic above.  That dresses it up to look like a wedding suit.

NFFC? Your the only guy I know that could wear 3 different plaids and still get away with it. Which way should I go?
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Gurtie on January 01, 2013, 08:33:36 AM
brown? blue?

Honestly, I would ask your bride to be what she thinks you'll be wearing. She will have a picture in her head, and if I were you, I'd try to match that omage :)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on January 01, 2013, 03:48:52 PM
>I would ask your bride
ok, I showed her this thread and she liked the same one I did - the guy in the black with the white on white tie/vest.  I have a blue Ralf Lauren suit I could wear - it's alright, nothing special. I dunno.  Kinda wanted to surprise her.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: nffc on January 01, 2013, 06:02:02 PM
>Kinda wanted to surprise her.

Well it is an informal wedding, daytime too I guess?

I'm a big fan of tan suits, very usable at many different occasions, smart without being stuffy.

I wouldn't think too much about how often yo will wear it, I don't imagine you wear a suit that much. Having said that be a good, solid, smart but with just a touch of casual for meeting up with VC's :)

On the tan side I like this look a lot, think it suits you and would also surprise her. As a nice twist a pocket square in her countries flag colours could be a nice twist. Tan shoes, tan belt.



Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: nffc on January 01, 2013, 06:05:39 PM
A blue shirt with white collar and cuffs good add just a little wedding flavour to the outfit.



Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on January 01, 2013, 07:02:03 PM
I like the vibe:)

I guess it's time to go shopping.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on January 26, 2013, 11:51:56 AM
I'm struggling to come up with a wedding announcement for those people that are NOT getting an invite... she said it's not polite to tell someone they aren't invited and I say it's not polite to let them find out in passing.  I have something like 27 cousins... I think it's ok to say we just are having immediate 'family and friends'.... although the friends part is what is screwing me up.  If you hold it to just immediate family, that's one thing, but soon as you say 'friends', it opens a nasty bunch of worms.

Did any of you send out announcements, in addition to invitations and if so, do you happen to remember how you phrased it.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: bill on January 26, 2013, 02:27:45 PM
Do what I did, hold the ceremony on the other side of the planet. Let that natural selection cull out those who are not worthy. ;)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: grnidone on January 26, 2013, 05:53:54 PM
What about telling "the cousins" and extra people an announcement that says something like you want to keep the ceremony small and you'll see them next year for a barbeque or whatever on teh one year anniversary or in the summer?

That way, you'll be able to introduce her around, AND keep the small ceremony.

Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: grnidone on January 26, 2013, 06:16:13 PM
OK...It just came to me that this is very simple.

You tell the "non-invitees" that SINCE your fiance's family is coming over from Europe AND since not many of them can make the journey, you felt it was better to have a small ceremony with only close family so that your HUGE Italian family doesn't seem overwhelming.

That makes total sense, as, if you invited all of your family, one side of the wedding would be crowded and the other side (hers) would have maybe 5 people.

I think, though, inviting them to your house for a barbeque/ celebration at a later date would be appropriate and nobody would have hurt feelings.

Love the ring choice, btw.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: littleman on January 26, 2013, 06:58:25 PM
Just leave off the friends bit, even though you are inviting them.  There isn't much difference between close friends and close family anyway.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on January 27, 2013, 12:46:09 AM
LM, I am right there with you.

Grnidone, that will be the informal version of the story, complete with BBQ:)

Bill, that was as far as I could go and still be in the country:)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: bill on January 29, 2013, 05:12:41 AM
Quote from: dogboy on January 27, 2013, 12:46:09 AMBill, that was as far as I could go and still be in the country:)
You're forgetting the many territories and protectorates of the US... ;)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on April 09, 2013, 12:13:17 AM
Here is the condensed version:
https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=387353394714195

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/528545_10200842314602849_449931717_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: littleman on April 09, 2013, 02:04:02 AM
Congrats DB!  Looks like the video is down?
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: bill on April 09, 2013, 02:05:26 AM
Congrats DB! Looks like you had an idyllic backdrop for the ceremony.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Rumbas on April 09, 2013, 10:40:47 AM
Congrats buddy!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Brad on April 09, 2013, 11:22:16 AM
Congrats!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Drastic on April 09, 2013, 02:14:03 PM
Mazel tov!
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: Mackin USA on April 09, 2013, 02:18:42 PM
Why is she wearing WHITE?  ;) :o 8)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on April 09, 2013, 06:19:29 PM
 ;D thanks folks...

>video is down?
you have to be logged in to Facebook?  I was hoping to bypass any permissions, but if you aren't even logged in maybe it wont show you anything(?)

>Why is she wearing WHITE?
For the same reason I wore black, you old bastard;) ...and that's her hand, BTW; I'm not that bald yet - but I'm getting close lol!! :)

>idyllic backdrop
That's Hemingway's gutter in the top left of whoever's instagram that was...it was a nice day, a little on the hot side, but pleasant. Food was good, the company better:) I'll get one with the house in the background.  

...talk to you all later;)

Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: nffc on April 09, 2013, 06:47:58 PM
Congrats!

Looks like she got one hell of a catch and to be frank you too!

Enjoy life.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: grnidone on April 10, 2013, 01:17:11 AM
It's beautiful, DB.  Congratulations.
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on April 16, 2013, 12:43:29 AM
(https://photos-4.dropbox.com/t/0/AADabT-pnC2oDrXj1IA7Z8evYOnhVJ6MJoBH8p35FcTLFw/12/117072627/jpeg/32x32/3/_/1/2/DSC_3074%20copy.jpg/-m0wS-GbC-Ph06JmyDndZGIj01kA6nz1coVM_kegDnk%2CTQsD0j7iVhPVRIWAtAluu3EsZdBifGXi9tszsOzODAU%2CMQMzZQnEm5wn7crMiFAYRPy3JJf_YU1QoZtPQaW03wQ?size=1280x960)
Title: Re: Last man standing...
Post by: dogboy on April 16, 2013, 01:53:56 AM
...then Grand Cayman for 5 days.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/549088_10152735306710252_1717017767_n.jpg)