Early Check-In on Saturday, Transportation, and After Party

Hi all! 

We're getting down to the nitty-gritty and cannot wait to see everybody!!

Few tidbits for you all today ...

For those of you checking in to the hotel on Saturday, November 13th...

We've talked to the hotel and they cannot commit to an early check in that day.  What this means for you is that you might want to get to the hotel a little early, dressed and ready to go, just in case your room isn't ready.  The hotel will check your bags for you and then you will be able to check in to your room upon returning from the wedding. 

As far as transportation to and from the wedding goes, we have chartered a bus to ferry you back and forth.
The first trip will leave at 3:30pm and the second and final trip will leave at 4pm sharp.  If you miss the shuttle, you'll have to arrange for your own transportation to the wedding venue.  Don't forget the ceremony starts at 4:30 pm!  Feel free to park at the hotel and ride the shuttle, even if you aren't staying at the hotel.  We just want everyone to be safe and have a great time.  No drinking and driving! 

We have also set up return trips from the reception, back to the hotel, leaving at 9:30 pm, 10:30 pm and the final trip will leave the venue at 11:15 pm.  The DJ will announce the the shuttles a few minutes before each scheduled trip. 

If you're still in the mood to mingle after the reception.  We're planning on gathering for an after party in the hotel lobby bar. 

Let us know if you have any questions!! 

See you SOON!!

Love to all,

Sarah & Kevin

Oh the places you'll go ...

For all of our out-of-towners, here are some points of interest and some ideas of what to do while you're in town. 

First off, we have Old Town Scottsdale.  Only a couple miles away from the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort, it offers many options for dining and shopping.  There are also a ton of galleries specializing in Western and Southwestern art.  You'll definitely be able to get a feel for Arizona here.  Keep an eye out for the singing cowboy on horseback!!!   

http://www.scottsdaledowntown.com/

McCormick Ranch Golf Club, the wedding venue, boasts 2 golf courses, not to mention the hundreds of others in the valley.  We can suggest a few decent courses if you're bringing your clubs.

For our nature lovers, we suggest the Desert Botanical Gardens and/or The Phoenix Zoo.  The weather should be beautiful for a stroll around them both. 

http://www.dbg.org/ 

http://www.phoenixzoo.org/

Frank Lloyd Wright's Talesin West also makes it's home in Scottsdale and is a gorgeous example of his work.  For information and tour schedules follow the link below...

http://www.franklloydwright.org/fllwf_web_091104/Home.html

Not far from the hotel, you'll also find a couple of casinos.  A mini Vegas, if you will.  There are two along the 101 and we can vouch for the Casino Arizona at Talking Stick Resort... The buffet is amazing and the casino itself isn't bad either.  Check out the link for more information on dining, gaming and entertainment!

http://www.casinoarizona.com/home.aspx

If you want a taste of the Wild West, there are also a couple of fun options:

Rawhide is an old west town located at another of the valley casinos, Wild Horse Pass.  Featuring gun fights, burro rides, stagecoach rides, gold panning, a mechanical bull and much more!

http://www.rawhide.com/index.html

Goldfield Ghost Town is the valley's only ghost town.  Goldfield started in 1892 and by 1898 it was a ghost town, with all the miners moving on after the gold disappeared. 

http://www.goldfieldghosttown.com/index.html

This is what we've been able to come up with so far.  If you have a specific interest, let us know and we should be able to provide some other ideas.

We're so close now and can't wait to see you all!!!

Love,

Sarah & Kevin

For the Sports Fans!

For those with open travel arrangements, and are looking to get your sports fix filled while visiting the Valley of the Sun, there are numerous major sporting events to take in during your stay in Phoenix:


Friday, November 12th – NHL: Calgary Flames vs. Phoenix Coyotes 7:00pm @ Jobing.com Arena. Glendale, AZ. http://www.phoenixcoyotes.com/

Friday, November 12th - NBA: Sacremento Kings @ Phoenix Suns 7:00pm @ US Airways Arena. Downtown Phoenix   http://www.phoenixsuns.com/

Sunday, November 14th – NASCAR: Kobalt Tools 500 1:00pm @ Phoenix International Raceway. Avondale, AZ.  http://www.phoenixraceway.com/

Sunday, November 14th – NFL: Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals 2:15pm @ University of Phoenix Stadium. Glendale, AZ. http://www.arizonacardinals.com/

Check any of the team websites or Ticketmaster for Ticket Info. As always, email us with any questions.

See you all soon!

Love,

~ Kevin & Sarah

RSVP DEADLINE - OCTOBER 2ND

Hi everyone!

We are 43 days away from the wedding!! 

We really need those of you that haven't responded yet to let us know whether or not you'll be able to make it to celebrate with us.  We have a meeting with our venue coming up very soon and need to provide a firm head count and we absolutely want to save you a spot if you plan on coming!

If you haven't mailed in your RSVP card, no worries.  Just drop us a quick email to let us know. 

kevsarwedding@gmail.com

We're so excited to see all of you that will be able to make it and will be thinking of those that can't.  :)  Things are really coming together and we can't wait to see it all in action on the big day. 

Take care!

Love,
Sarah & Kevin

SLIGHT CHANGE IN HOTEL INFO

Hi All!  We've been hearing that some of you have been having trouble with your hotel reservations.  We are SO sorry!  We've contacted the hotel and it sounds like we have it all ironed out.  It seems that due to a slight communication error, we conveyed the wrong codes for the group rate at the hotel.

When making reservations online, the only part of the code you'll need is the last three characters.

Courter Wedding:  60E
Behrmann Wedding:  60A

Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort

We've also been able to extend the group rates for those who are staying a little longer.  The rates will apply from 11/09/10 to 11/16/10. 

Please let us know if you have any questions!!  kevsarwedding@gmail.com

See you soon!

Love,

Sarah & Kevin

You've Got Mail!

We crossed another HUGE milestone off the list today! 

Wedding invitations are officially in the mail and on their way to our beloved friends and family!

Make sure to RSVP at your earliest convenience and no later than October 2nd!  We want to make sure to save you a seat if you're able to come celebrate with us. 

Time is flying by and everything is really beginning to come together.  We're both so excited and can't wait to get this show on the road.

Please let us know if you have any questions about the hotel, rental cars, transportation to the wedding, or anything else you're wondering about.  We can be reached by email at :  kevsarwedding@gmail.com.

Happy planning!

Love,

Sarah & Kevin  

GET THEM BEFORE THEY'RE ALL GONE!!!

ATTENTION OUT-OF-TOWNERS!!!!

Looks like our wedding weekend is going to be a busy one in the Phoenix area. 

November 12-15 is a NASCAR weekend out at Phoenix International Raceway for the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500. 

What this means is rental cars will be hard to find, if not impossible, at the last minute.  If you are planning on renting a car, we recommend making your reservation ASAP. 

Don't forget, the Doubletree Hotel has an AVIS rental car desk on site. 

http://www.avis.com/car-rental/location/startNewReservation.ac?LOCATIONCODE=SCO

Please contact us with any questions! 

Happy Planning!

Sarah & Kevin

Sarah's Lovely Ladies

Michelle Cariveau - Matron of Honor

Sister of the Bride

Michelle is the best big sister a girl could have, even though we’ve had our fair share of ups and downs, what pair of sisters hasn’t? Michelle and I would pal around almost exclusively during our childhood summers. Whether it was swimming at the neighbors; movies, or quick trips to Circle K for Icees and Airheads; we were always together. She’s taught me a lot over the years about life, love, how to dodge an airborne hair-dryer, how to mend a broken heart and how to drive a stick shift. Now that we’re both adults, we sometimes still fight like kids but love each other just the same. Much time is spent together reading, drinking wine and laughing, and watching her children grow. I’m over the moon that my big sister will be by my side as my matron of honor on my wedding day.
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Marie McKay - Bridesmaid

Oh Marie. My spunky best friend / conscience / life coach. Marie and I met during my freshman year of high school and have been friends now for over half our lives. My favorite memories from my teen years include Marie. Our epic sleepovers where we’d stay up until the wee hours of the morning just giggling and talking, a ritual I’m happy to say has extended to our adult years. Marie has always been there for me, no matter what. She knows me better than I know myself and is definitely not afraid to tell me when I’m being an idiot. She’s always been there for me, to make me laugh, to dry my tears and to be my rock when I feel unsteady. Kevin and I have Marie to thank for matching us up. If it weren’t for her 30th birthday weekend, we’d probably never have met. And now, we’re both so very excited to have her a part of our big day. She’s my best friend, my forever friend and it wouldn’t be the same without her next to me on the day we dreamt about as silly teenage girls. MONKEY UNICORN NEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Misti Azbill - Bridesmaid

Truth be told, Misti and I were not big fans of each other when we first met, and that’s a little bit of an understatement. We were in training together at Bank of America when we bonded over the Beastie Boys song “Paul Revere” and from then on, we were set. Misti has taught me how to be a stronger person just by example. She’s a tough lady with an amazing heart. She’s raised an amazing kid, who I jokingly claim to have had some influence on since I’ve known him since he was 3. She’s witnessed some of my more embarrassing moments and I’m glad to have witnessed hers; that makes less room for blackmail attempts. She’s made my life much more interesting for being in it and much less scary knowing she’s always got my back. I know we’ll be lifelong friends and I’m excited to have her a part of this very special day. Tuck and Roll!

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I'm such a lucky girl to have these three in my life.

The Dudes Next To Kevin

Zach Perry - Best Man

(referred to as The Good Son)

Zach and I met in 8th grade. Many a night was spent at the local roller rink, or sleepovers at Zach’s house – after all he had a pool table and sound system in his basement. Reunited late in High School through the track team, we have been inseparable ever since. When we both departed for college, we remained friends, with Zach even moving in with the Behrmann family in the summer of 2000, and quickly rose through the ranks to become the #1 son. Zach is responsible for my addiction to metal music, tattoos, and missing my flight back to school after my 21st birthday bash in Miami Beach. It was promised over our many years of friendship that we would be the best man in the others wedding, the only question then was would be it side by side, or standing at the back of the room pumping the keg. BRUDERSHAFT!

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Jason Parsell - Groomsman

(Street Cred name – Parsells)

Jay and I met as freshman roommates at Duquesne University and formed an immediate and lasting friendship. Friends throughout college, many a beer, soccer game, and road trips later, we ended up as housemates again in the legendary residence formally known as “63 Dilworth”. We both enjoyed hours of Madden wars late into the night or early morning, sharing stories about working for the man, women, and stabbing attempts with paperclips. We are a defensive force to be reckoned with on any soccer field and a juggernaut tandem on any beer pong table, from NJ, to Pittsburgh, to Louisville, to Miami Beach. Jay is personally responsible for giving me the nickname “Big Perm”.

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Keith Behrmann - Groomsman

Brother of the Groom

(also known as Little Perm and Baby Bear)

They say you can hand pick your friends, but you are assigned a brother. When I found out I was going to be assigned a brother, I immediately named him Gladys. Lucky for him, the parents disagreed with that and named him otherwise. From a young age, we were inseparable, except for when dad came home and broke up the wrestling match, wrestling football, wrestling street hockey, or wrestling soccer game in the street, yard, hallway, basement, living room etc. Keith seemed to always be in my room, mostly because I had put Keith’s head through the wall and hid the hole with wall decorations. Young Keith returned the favor by pushing me through a glass table. (NOTE: no brothers were seriously injured in the destruction of the house) When I returned to NJ from PGH, the Behrmann boys became staples at the local drinking establishments, concerts, golf courses, soccer fields, and ice rinks. It was Keith who got involved in Hockey first that awakened my excessive passion for the sport, allowing us to form two-thirds of one of the most formidable offensive lines in Bender league history, not to mention a level of goonery not quite seen before.

I am honored to have my 3 brothers by side on my wedding day.

The All Important Flower Girl and Ring Bearer

Josephine Cariveau - Flower Girl

Niece of the Bride

My niece Joey; our family’s curly headed tornado, is making her debut as our flower girl. A job she’s so excited about, the first question out of her mouth when she heard we were engaged was, “Do I get to be their flower girl?”. She’ll turn 7 the month before the wedding and will be in the middle of her First Grade year. We’re excited to have her with us on our big day and can’t wait to see how adorable she is in her pretty little dress.

Liam Cariveau - Nephew of the Bride

Ring Bearer

I met Liam on my first visit to Phoenix in February 2009. After meeting the family over my first Wineburger, Liam famously told me and Sarah, “I want cousins!” At that point, he officially sealed the fate of this relationship. His demands have not changed thus far. We enjoy throwing baseballs around and engaging in Nerf Dart gun fights in the yard at family functions. I think it’s swell having a nephew and look forward to having Liam to hang with for years to come.

(Editors Note – While visiting Phoenix, please visit the Original Wineburger on 19th Ave & Bethany Home Rd. for the best burgers in town!)

Introducing Our Ushers

Bill Cariveau - Brother in Law of the Bride

The only big brother I’ll ever have. Bill entered my life when he won the heart of my sister Michelle. I stood by them on their wedding day and am honored to have Bill a part of ours. Over the years, Bill has been there for me with a quiet word of advice and sometimes a shot of something a little stronger. His sense of humor keeps everybody laughing and his carefree spirit makes it impossible not to smile in his presence. We’re all hoping for a repeat performance of “I’m too Sexy”, that he debuted at his and Michelle’s wedding reception. Thanks Big Brother, for always being there.

Brody Azbill - Buddy of the Groom

( aka Lil Homey)

Brody has become my little sidekick. Brody can be seen at most of my hockey games, and is always the first to come over and congratulate me for being put in the penalty box. We enjoyed going to a D-backs game last year, and I gave Brody his favorite birthday card ever. I am partly responsible for Brody keeping his grades up as I promised “If Brody gets A’s and B’s, I’ll take him to see some C’s and D’s” The offer still stands, pending grades and a football scholarship to USC (in which case, the trip may be on the USC Boosters!)

Wedding Registries

Hi All,

We've been getting asked about where we've registered soooo, I figured I'd throw you all a quick post to let you know.

We are registered at Crate&Barrel, Macy's, and Bed Bath and Beyond.

Crate & Barrel

Macy's

Bed, Bath, and Beyond
Please let us know if you have any questions.

See you all in less than 6 months!

Love,

Sarah & Kevin

Rental Car Information

Hey there,

Just a quick heads up for our out-of-towners...

The Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort offers AVIS Rental Car service on the property. Check out the link below or call the hotel directly for more details.

Avis @ Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort

If the link gives you trouble; search for the location by using code SCO.

So, you could skip having to grab the shuttle to the gigantic rental car center and just grab a cab to the hotel and grab your rental car there. Also there is a significant difference in tax rates by location - About 22% tax rate at the airport for state, city, tourism, and stadium funding, versus 8% normal sales tax at the hotel.

Directions from the Airport :
From Sky Harbor International Airport, East on 202 (take the Scottsdale Road Exit) go North 5 miles Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort located on the Right (East) side of Scottsdale Road between Jackrabbit and Vista.

Happy planning!

Sarah & Kevin

Hotel Information

Whew! After a lot of web surfing and a couple hotel tours, we have finally decided on our homebase for the pre and post wedding activities!

We'll be staying at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort in Scottsdale, AZ.

Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort Scottsdale

We've been able to set aside a small block of rooms running from $135 to $159 a night. When making reservations, use group code CDT60A for the Courter Wedding or CDT60E for the Behrmann wedding. We had to create 2 different Groups in order to block enough rooms.

Please make your reservations as soon as you can, to lock in the lower rate. These group rates are only good until 10/28/10. We may or may not be able to block off more rooms, depending on availability, so the sooner the better.

Please let us know if you have any questions or problems making a reservation.

Thanks!!

Sarah & Kevin

Save the Dates - 2.0

Keep your eyes peeled everybody...

Save the Dates are on their way.

♥ - Sarah & Kevin

Save the Dates

We're working on our Save the Dates right now with the help of our great friend (who's really more of a brother), Micah Elliot.

Once we get those out, we'll be posting LOTS and LOTS of information about our big day here on the blog. Probably even more than you could ever want to know...

Keep checking back for updates!

Love,

Sarah and Kevin

Engagement Pictures

We had the opportunity a few weeks ago to get our engagement pictures done by our WONDERFUL photographer, Lisa Eley. We've posted them all on Facebook, but here's a few of our favorites for those of you who haven't jumped on the social networking bandwagon just yet. Enjoy!

THE Place

We fell in love with our venue the minute we saw it. Our ceremony and reception will take place at McCormick Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ.

McCORMICK RANCH GOLF CLUB WEBSITE

Check out their website for directions and other information.

We're off and running!!!

Wow! Oh my, how time flies. Seems like it was just yesterday that Kevin proposed and now we're on the wild and wacky ride that is wedding planning. We have our date and venue all set and now just working on getting all the other big items checked off the list. Seems to be going really well so far, no major injuries to report as of yet. ;)

This will be where we post updates on our progress for our family and friends. We'll also be posting important wedding information as it becomes available.

For now, mark your calendars for 11.13.10!!

More to come and we can't wait to celebrate with all our loved ones!

♥ Sarah