We Got Married!

Official pictures won't be around for another month, but here are a few pics that family took for us. It was a very smooth weekend! As a part of our beautiful/personal ceremony, we decided to forgo a unity candle and instead plant a tree together. The tree behind the arbor with the leaves changing is "Our Tree" we named him Brian. This way we may visit our tree on Ryan's parent's land for years to come.

The LA Reception is coming along very shortly. It is a casual open-house reception with snacks and drinks. Also featuring LisasCocina cakes!!! Please join us between 5-10pm. Complimentary Valet will greet you as you pull up.

Let us know if you have any other questions: Ryan 323.356.2383, Jennica 714.906.5590

LA Reception: all invited!

5pm-10pm Saturday October 10th, 2009

(Address Deleted)

Registry Problem Information

We are registered at both Target and Bed, Bath, & Beyond. No pressure, but some people might ask.

This post is to explain that Target is a little stupid. Some things on our registry no longer exist, are temporarily unavailable, or only in stores. I am sorry, they are generally wrong. Target online and Target stores are owned by different companies so...when it says that something is temporarily unavailable online, it MAY mean that it is definitely in stores...which it is. So, if you just send a gift card and write on it: "This is a set of Plates," we would understand that you disliked the website's stupidness and did your own thang. We support you. AND if it says it no longer exists, it may mean it is just in stores and you won't know what it is unless you print the registry AT a store, online has deleted it from view. Don't register at target unless you are okay with these gliches.

Bed, Bath, & Beyond is fine. Target stores are fine. But we understand you may not want to FLY with a present, but just ship it...so online would be easier for most people.

This was a rant, not necessarily an important post. Thanks.

Photographer Info

We have decided to book Phillip at The Novo Studio, LLC in Rogers, AR. He is great, check out his site at www.Novo-Studio.com if you ever need a photographer in that area. We have several family members who regularly use him there, so he came highly recommended.

He wanted all the guests to know that during the 'breakfast for Dinner," he would like you to use that time to ask him to take pictures of your various family groups or anyone else you'd like to have a picture taken with. Instead of him shooting all of us mid-bite or eating in general, he'd like you to feel comfortable and request some pictures--that way we have more of YOU!!! Use him, he's there!

**ALSO, for you picture-takers who carry your own camera:

Please be sure an send us all your wedding photos you snap as soon as you get home. Ryan and I want to have a pile of pictures to show in a slideshow at our LA Reception the week after the AR wedding, but we will not get any professional NovoStudio photos for a few weeks after that. So, as a favor to us, snap what you can and please send them to us on e-mail or facebook or whatever you use, so we can share those memories with our family and friends in LA!!! Thank you for your help.

We will also be using a few of the photobooth pictures, so have-at-it!

Map from XNA to Devil's Den State Park

I know many of you will be flying into XNA and driving to Devil's Den State Park, here is a map you can use! **Click on the pictures and they will come up full size.

A map from Devil's Den State Park to Carnall Hall, The Wedding site (Ira & Sherry Schwartzman's home), and The Post Wedding Brunch will be located in a "Schwartzman/Hampson Wedding Packet" you will receive when you check-in at Devil's Den. It will also include wedding day info, local restaurants/shops information, and any other details you may need when you are there. Be sure to let them know you are with our wedding, so you can have all the information you need!

Map from XNA to The Cosmopolitan Hotel

I know many of you will be flying into XNA and driving to The Cosmopolitan Hotel, here is a map you can use! **Click on the pictures and they will come up full size.

A map from the Hotel to Carnall Hall, The Wedding site (Ira & Sherry Schwartzman's home), and The Post Wedding Brunch will be located in a "Schwartzman/Hampson Wedding Packet" you will receive when you check-in to your hotel. It will also include wedding day shuttle times, local restaurants/shops information, and any other details you may need when you are there. Be sure to let them know you are with our wedding, so you can have all the information you need!

Fayetteville’s Best Dining

Information provided by the Fayetteville Visitor’s Bureau

21 South Block Avenue, Suite 100 Fayetteville, AR 72701

479.521.5776, www.ExperienceFayetteville.com

--it’s right off the Fayetteville square, really close to the Cosmopolitan

For more dining info: check out www.nwaMenus.com

Dickson Street is a great spot for walking - Go out of the Cosmopolitan, take a right, walk about 3 blocks and there is Dickson Street. Take a left - it has many shops, restaurants (all different kinds - Mexican, sushi, coffee shops, brew pub) - many with tables outside on the street, Dickson Street Book Shop is there, Walton Arts Center has a nice gallery, post office, drug store, art galleries. It is the heart of the Fayetteville Entertainment District - bars with music are there also - the street leads right up to the university. Again, nice street to stroll on.

Walking distance from The Cosmopolitan Hotel

Hugo’s Sandwiches, good atmosphere, bar. Good college town place to go. Recommended by Ryan and me. Right off the square.

Willy D’s piano bar on Dickson street. Fun place to go.

Tiny Tim’s Pizza Delicious, right in the town square a block away from the hotel with a bar attached. The bar is open late.

The Flying Burrito Voted BEST PLACE EVER by Jennica Hampson, Its Chipotle times 10. Its very good, build a fantastic burrito and thank me later! Kate (Ryan’s Sister-in-law here in Los Angeles) eats there numerous time per visit, so she would probably agree with Jennica’s recommendation.

Arsaga’s: good café owned by old family friends of the Schwartzman’s who live on the land next to Ryan’s parents. Carrie Arsaga, the owner, used to change Ryan’s diapers then when Ryan went to college he had to learn to change his diapers himself. Voted best LOCAL coffee shop by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition

Bordino’s voted best fine dining, best romantic restaurant, and best wine selection by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition. It is right on Dickson street!

Theo’s Ira and Sherry's favorite restaurant (everything is delicious) - nice bar, nice outdoor seating - just off Dickson Street. They just went there for their 36^th Anniversary dinner.

Uncle Gaylord's restaurant - right off the square - definitely in walking distance - good for breakfast and more. This is where Shawn and Anita (Ryan’s brother and Sister-in-law) had their rehearsal dinner when they got married.

A Taste of Thai: good Thai food. Scratch that-- Great Thai food. Voted best Oriental food by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition.

Driving distance from The Cosmopolitan Hotel (or a long walk)

Greenhouse Grill Very California J It’s filled with all organic, vegan friendly, vegetarian friendly, and very healthy options. It tastes great. I highly recommend it! This is a very doable walk, not too long.

Café Rue Orleans Cajun food. Good food.

Penguin Ed’s Barbeque: Ryan says it is a local favorite Owned by family friends. Delicious BBQ foods!!! Worth the drive or slightly long walk. Voted best BBQ by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition

Chick-fil-A: Voted best fast food restaurant by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition. Numerous around town, find one, its worth it.

Harp’s grocery: for all your grocery needs. Voted best grocery store in Northwest Arkansas by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition.

Jason’s Deli: voted best deli by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition. www.jasonsdeli.com 479.442.5500

Sonic America’s Drive-In: Voted best hot dogs and best happy hour by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition. The happy is from 2p-4p all drinks are half off (non-alcoholic). Ryan is a fan of the slushes.

Pesto: good Italian food. Local, Finalist for best Italian food.

Noodles: good Italian food, lower price.

Mermaids: voted best business lunch venue by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition. Its where the Merrow/Schwartzman family celebrated Clinton Freemont Merrow’s 90^th birthday last September!

Fayetteville's Walking Attractions

*Be sure and drop by the visitors center to pick up a Fayetteville Free Weekly Entertainment guide and a Free NightFlying Entertainment Guide. Totally worth it, I’m flipping through one right now with good weekly updates of what’s going on in that crazy town!

Dickson Street is a great spot for walking - Go out of the Cosmopolitan, take a right, walk about 3 blocks and there is Dickson Street. Take a left - it has many shops, restaurants (all different kinds - Mexican, sushi, coffee shops, brew pub) - many with tables outside on the street, Dickson Street Book Shop is there, Walton Arts Center has a nice gallery, post office, drug store, art galleries. It is the heart of the Fayetteville Entertainment District - bars with music are there also - the street leads right up to the university. Again, nice street to stroll on.

For Banking: Arvest Bank, voted best bank by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition

Farmer’s Market Right next to the Cosmopolitan, Fayetteville’s delicious farmer’s market is open from April through November on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 7am-1pm. Find out more about the locally grown produce and location at www.FayettevilleFarmersmarket.org. It’s a great idea to check it out before the wedding on Saturday!!! Voted best fresh produce by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition.

Wilson City Park home of the castle, greenhouse, and gardens. 675 N. Park Avenue. It has plenty of picnic space and recreation sports fields. Check it our for a good walking trail! It was highly recommended by the Schwartzman family and voted best park in Fayetteville by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition.

Fayetteville Trails for walking or jogging were voted best in Northwest Arkansas by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition. (This is for YOU DAD) A Trails guide brochure can be picked up at the visitors center in the town square. The best (closest) trails are the Dickson Street/U of a Loop, Wilson Park, and Mt. Sequoyah/Historic trail. http://trails.accessfayetteville.org Also check out jogging around lake Fayetteville, it’s a driving attraction, but may be worth it!

Dickson Street book shop: Ryan’s favorite bookstore, its huge, seriously huge! Specifically here for Lisa Farnham! Used and Out of Print books - Fantastic

Historic Walking Tour a brochure/tour can be picked up at the Visitors center and begins at The Old Post office. The self-guided tour takes a little over an hour and fills you in on 26 different buildings of notable historic interest. This scenic step back in time takes you through downtown and stops by Carnal Hall, Old Main, Old Washington County Jail, The Ozark theatre from the 20’s, and Fayetteville’s oldest standing home. Visit www.fayettevilleTourism.com

Carnal Hall (1906) Previously an all women’s dorm, it has been converted to a hotel (The Inn at Carnal Hall) and restaurant (Ella’s). Voted best Bed & Breakfast by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition. This is where our rehearsal dinner will be.

Old Main (1875) One of Arkansas’ best-known and loved academic landmarks. It is the oldest building on the U. of A. campus. It once housed one of President Clinton’s most memorable campaign stops in October of ’92. SEE CLINTON HOUSE MUSEUM

Blair Public Library (2004) The Fayetteville Public Library is one of the most comprehensive and modern in the region. The lobby hosts a locally loved Arsaga’s Coffee Shop. In 2005 this library was voted Library of the Year by the Library Journal.

Bikes, Blues, and BBQ is the sixth largestmotorcycle festival in the country. It roars into Arkansas the weekend before the wedding, so if you’re early—come have some BBQ on Dickson street with us. It’s a big deal. A complete list of events is on www.nwatourism.org

Shopping

*Nice local shops right off the square, on Block Street and on Mountain Street

Cheap Thrills Fun resale shop, on East Street (right off the square)

Dark Star Visuals - owned by a good friend of the family

The Dragon's Lair - gift shop on South School (close to the square) - owned by a family friend. She does beautiful art glass and has many lovely gift items, including her own jewelry.

Fayetteville’s Driving Attractions

Parks, Trails, Recreation Information provided by the Fayetteville Visitor’s Bureau 21 South Block Avenue, Suite 100 Fayetteville, AR 72701 479.521.5776, www.ExperienceFayetteville.com

*Be sure and drop by the visitors center to pick up a Fayetteville Free Weekly Entertainment guide and a Free NightFlying Entertainment Guide. Totally worth it, I’m flipping through one right now with good weekly updates of what’s going on in that crazy town!

Beaver Lake If you get a chance to extend your vacation, check out www.beaverlakefrontcabins.net. Beaver lake is a beautiful attraction, the Schwartzman family got a chance to hang out, innertube, boat, and ride wave runners there just last September. It’s a great place to rent some gear of any kind and spend a day relaxing. You’ll find luxurious resorts, rustic cabins, and clean campsites. For more info, check out www.nwatourism.com www.beaverlake.com

Lake Fayetteville (652 acres) 1330 E. Lake Fayetteville Rd. contains a boat dock, botanical gardens, disc golf, environmental study center, softball fields, and veterans memorial. It has a beautiful jogging trail and much much more. A map of Fayetteville parks can be picked up at the visitors center. For Fayetteville parks and recreation: www.accessfayetteville.org 479.444.3471

Malco Razorback 6 Cinema Voted best movie venue and movie popcorn by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition. www.Malco.com

Walton Arts Center (1922) Joint project between U of A and the city of Fayetteville. The Walton Arts center is frequented by many broadway tours and recently housed the “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Avenue Q,” and “Legally Blonde” national tours. The weekend of the wedding, the U of A’s production of “Death of a Salesman” will be playing Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For tickets and more information, call: 479.443.5600 495 W. Dickson Street Fayetteville AR 72701 Voted number one entertainment venue and best live theatre by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition.

The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

4703 N. Crossover rd Fayetteville 479.750.2620. www.bgozarks.org Never been, but would like to go.

Gator Golf is a popular mini golf place Ryan's nephews love!!

Ozark Bowling Lanes is a fun local bowling alley, good place to bond!

Shakes known for great custard. Its all icecream and custardy things. I'm excited to try it this trip.

Razorback Stadium and Frank Broyles Athletic Complex, which houses the Jerry Jones-Jim Lindsey Hall of Champions museum.

Devil’s Den State Park 17 miles southwest of West Fork on Hghwy 170. Its deep in a valley of the rugged Boston Mountains, close to the Schwartzman home in Winslow, and has 2,500 acres of the most spectacular Ozark Mountain scenery in the state. 11333 W. AR Hwy 74 West Fork, AR 72774. 479.761.3325 www.ArkansasStateParks.com Check this one out for great hiking trails and beautiful cabins. It also has a cozy café, gift shop, and store with camping and picnicking supplies housed in a rustic log and stone building overlooking the lake. Many of our wedding guests will be staying at Devil’s Den instead of The Cosmopolitan in Fayetteville. Trust me, it has everything and more, just go there and enjoy, please! Voted best camping facilities by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest-Arkansas Edition.

Fine Arts Center (1949) The first campus fine arts center in the U.S. Designed by native son Edward Stone (foot access only).

Clinton House Museum and Clinton Tour ,930 California Blvd. The first residence of President Clinton and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. They were married in the living room in 1975. A self-guided tour brochure can be found at the visitors center. It is filled with interesting facts about the area and the couple. I’m really interested in doing it, myself. I hope some of you get a chance!! Open for tours: call 479.444.0066 or see our website at www.ClintonHouseMuseum.org

Arkansas Air Museum Fayetteville Municipal Airport, 4290 South School Fayetteville AR 72701. 479.521.4947 A showcase of aviation history from the golden age to the space age. Open Sunday-Friday 11a-430p, Saturday 10a-430p. Admission by donation ($8.00 Adults) The museum is housed in a majestic 1940s-era all-wood hangar, its worth a visit by itself. www.ArkAirMuseum.org

112 Drive In Ryan has spent a lot of time at this classic drive-In with friends growing up. We are going to make sure and catch a flick while we are out there, we suggest you visit it on Hwy 112 right off of Hwy 540. http://112driveintheatre.com $12 per car, plays pretty new releases.

Shopping

Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers (north of Fayetteville) is new and has a lot more shopping to offer than the Fayetteville Mall, if that’s what you’re into.

Fayetteville/Northwest Arkansas Mall 4201 North Shiloh 479.521.4267 www.northwestarkansasmall.com

Radio Stations: FM

KXUA 88.3 Alternative Jazz, R&B, Country

KUAF 91.3 Classical, News

KKEG 92.1 Modern Rock

KIGL 93.3 Classic Rock

KAMO 94.3 Classic Country

KSEC 95.7 Oldies

KSEC 95.7 Oldies

KTPV 96.9 Variety

KQMO 97.7 Jazz

KQSM 98.3 Country

KBVA 106.5 Standards

Car Rental Agencies

Avis…………..479.205.0227

Budget………...479.205.0100

Enterprise……..479.205.0900

Hertz…………..479.205.0388

National……….479.205.1125

Thrifty…………479.205.1130

Cheap Flights for Wedding!

If you're flying from LAX, this is the site for you!

Allegiant Air

They have started doing really uber cheap flights from LAX to XNA. The only problems are that it is probably at an inconvenient time and only flys Mondays and Fridays. 

Website: www.AllegiantAir.com

Los Angeles, CA to Bentonville/Fayetteville, AR or NorthWest Arkansas (same airport, both XNA)

If you leave on Friday October 2nd and come back on Monday October 5th, it is $79.00 each way...pretty cheap. For two people round trip, it would come to $385.40 (Or $192.70 round trip per person).

Drawbacks: There is only one flight on each of those days for this price and family would miss the rehearsal dinner and be leaving Monday night...much later than necessary for the weekend.

*We thought this might be helpful if you wanted to do a one-way cheap ticket and then get a convenient second ticket on another airline. The only cheap flights we found for other airlines was from LAX to XNA on Thursday October 1st is $160.00 one-way, Ontario to XNA is $144.00 one-way, we found them both on Orbitz. 

Airport information

We usually fly into XNA, (Springdale/Bentonville)Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport. According to Yahoo maps, its about a 40 minute drive from the airport to The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Fayetteville. Its just a little ways north...but the closest you can fly now. *You may see a Fayetteville Mun. Airport on some website pages, but that Airport is no longer in use.

Another option is FSM, Fort Smith Regional Airport. Its about an hour south of Fayetteville, but still a good option.

A third option is LIT, Little Rock National Airport. It is 3 hours southwest of Fayetteville...it better be a good deal for the tickets for me to drive 3 hours after a long flight...

Also, you can try TUL, Tulsa International Airport in Oklahoma. Its around 2 hours east of Fayetteville...and in another state.

And our last suggestion is Branson Airport in Hollister, Missouri. 2 hours northwest of Fayetteville.

**Please email us if you have anymore questions regarding airports or if you cannot rent a car and need to plan a trip landing alongside other wedding travelers and need info on shuttling together.

Please stay at: Cosmopolitan Hotel in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Ryan's wonderful parents reserved a block of rooms at the Cosmpololitan Hotel in Fayetteville for the nights of October 1, 2, 3, & 4. 

Its a fantastic place right on the main drag of Fayetteville. Its nestled in the heart of the downtown entertainment and historic districts, close to restaurants and overlooking the picturesque main square. We recommend you book a spot there, we'll be sure to have maps/wedding information available to you as you check-in.

 In order to make reservations: Please call 479-442-5555 and ask for the "Schwartzman/Hampson Wedding Party" (in order to receive the discounted group rate of $89.00 a night).

The Cosmopolitan Hotel

70 North East Avenue

Fayetteville, AR 72701

www.cosmofayetteville.com

please e-mail us if you have any questions.

RSVP LA Reception Invitation

If you have received an invitation to the Los Angeles Reception and would like to RSVP, Please click on the link below and enter the code. We thank you for your RSVP before August 1st.

Click Here to RSVP

Enter Code: 19943 

RSVP Wedding Invitation

If you have received a Wedding Invitation and would like to RSVP, Please click on the link below and enter the code provided. The RSVP page includes whether or not you are planning on attending the LA reception as well. We Thank You for entering your RSVP before July 1st.

Click Here to RSVP

Enter Code: 19941

Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas

Ryan's father has been so awesome as to reserve a few cabins in Devil's Den State Park as an option for a place to stay...these will go quick, so speak up if you're interested :) Worth checking out that weekend even if you stay elsewhere.

The cabins are the closest to The Schwartzman home in Winslow, just 15 miles up a gravel road. It takes about 36 minutes to drive  or ...4 hours and 42 minutes to walk...

The Dress

The Dress is very important for a lot of women...apparently so important that I bought it over ten years ago...

My mother and I frequented thrift stores like some people frequent their local coffee shop. I remember being quite young and shopping with my mother for...whatever costuming thing she was doing. I would often pick a piece of clothing or two that I wanted and she was great about letting me get really nice items. 

I saw this beautiful, old fashioned, slightly yellowing lace dress in the back room (where nice costumes usually were in thrift stores--so I camped out there most of the time). I told my mom that that was my wedding dress and I wanted it. Now my mother is awesome and she humored me. She payed the ridiculously large price of maybe $9.99 and gave it to me. I was thrilled. It didn't fit, I couldn't play with it...but I got it.

Years later I received beautiful dress covers from my mother and stored my 'wedding dress' in one. I have recently taken it out and tried it on while my mother was visiting after the engagement...and it fits!

I am definitely wearing it. I love it now. And I can ask for ludicrous things from Ry and say, "But at least we're saving money on a dress."

--Jennica Renee

Wedding Plans begin

We had planned on a longer engagement, then got to thinking...Why not sooner?

So we have decided upon a small gathering on October 3rd in Winslow, Arkansas. We are going to have the ceremony in a field on his parent's land. Ira and Sherry are lovely for letting us use their space, thank you. Our colors are Green, Chocolate Brown, and Orange accents.

The next weekend we will be having an informal reception in LA, so that more friends and family can join in the celebration with us in our city of residence. 

We will begin posting details, directions, and parking as soon as we have confirmations from our locations.

--Jennica Renee

We're Engaged!

So this is how he did it...

Our first date was themed: "The Night of Lights," which included a lovely drive down Santa Monica Blvd full of traffic lights, Griffith Park's Festival of Lights, Eating home-made pizza (dairy-free, Gluten-free, wheat-free, from scratch!) in front of a fire, and chocolate/berries/wine overlooking enchanting downtown LA city lights from our friend's rooftop in Korea town...

Flash forward a year and a couple weeks, We are house-sitting for our friend (Hello Cliff!) with the amazing rooftop and Ryan asks me on a date for the Sunday before we leave for the Holidays with his family in Arkansas.

This date is also themed: "The Night of Firsts and Seconds," He took me to the Griffith park Festival of Lights for the second time...and the line was too long and we couldn't go. Next to Ice Skating outdoors in Downtown LA in pershing square, a first for me...they were sold out for hours and we couldn't go. By this time Ryan didn't seem to happy and I kept reassuring him that I'm having a lovely evening. Then we go back to our apartment for our Christmas gift exchanging and watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" Which was a 'first' together

Then back to Cliff's to spend time with his dogs and have dinner, he wanted to make dinner for our date again as a 'second' for us...and I ruined it by making dinner. Finally half way through "it's A Wonderful Life," Ryan says "You want dessert?" And I say "I didn't know we had dessert!! Yes Please!!"

So, he gets some dark chocolate, strawberries, champagne, and takes me to the roof where there are tons of pillows and blankets to combat the cold and snuggle. So we sit and talk and look over gorgeous downtown lights reaching closer to midnight...so we get up to go downstairs and he grabs me and starts slow dancing. We dance to him singing "our song" in my ear and telling me wonderful wonderful things, and then he got down on one knee...

...And Proposed, It was so beautiful, I had him do it again so I could remember what it looked like. A first for us and a second for us. Then he proceeded to tell me how he had called my father and all my brothers to ask for their blessing earlier that day...I cried. (The ring is gorgeous too!)

He can't help being awesome, he's Ryan.

--Jennica Renee