The Unique Closet really came about over the course of the last 9-10 months of travel.  Everywhere city we visited someone would question Mallary about certain boutique outfits.  Most wanted to know where they could purchase or possibly even peruse such a unique collection of apparel.  So the more and more people questioned, the more the two of us put two and two together to strike out down the path of partnering to operate an online women’s boutique clothing business.  We figured we’ve already committed ourselves to friendship and marriage, so why not a business too!

So over the course of May and June, we married, honeymooned, built a full-scale online boutique e-commerce website, and birthed a dream into a reality:  TheUniqueCloset.com.  And July 1, 2010 arrived and we were met with ladies chomping at bit to get their hands on trendy dresses & rompers, tops, bottoms, and accessories.  The experience has definitely been a learning one, seeing this is Mal’s first rodeo and I’ve not been in retail in nearly 10 years.  But with the help of family and friends, and second to God, our little baby is growing up quite fast before our very own eyes.  We thank everyone for their prayers and support — it takes a lot to strike out as an individual to start a business but definitely as a couple.

Oh well, sorry to cut this post short, but our new baby is calling and time for new shipment post of merchandise.

OH, and before I forget… If you’re ever online and in our neck of the woods shopping for women’s apparel and accessories, stop on by TheUniqueCloset.com.  If you find something you like, be sure to use the following promo card to save 10% off your purchase: almal10.

Cheers,

-al

All in all, it was a great time and we had a great time… heck, I even got a nap in until I was kicked in the ribs by a stumbling toddler.  The poor lil guy must have lost his footing and thought I was a speed bump!  LOL…

The pic below is Brian, Cara, and Mal in the center of the red circle — this pic was taken after I got kicked in the ribs while sleeping.

Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve

Many people have asked me… Are you ready or excited?  Hmmm… I answer… ready for or excited about what?  For when one is on the path God has made for him or her, you’ll find great peace in knowing this is God’s divine will and purpose for your life.   And that’s how I feel right now as I stand proud to be Mallary Brown’s husband.  Sweet…  There’s no other person, place or thing, second to God, that can ever make me feel this way.  So when people ask me about being prepared or excited, I’m reminded of the scripture on the front of my King James Bible: Psalms 1:1-3.

¹ Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.

² But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

³ He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.

To each of our friends and family members… we love you and thank each of you for making our day so special.  Thank you for traveling great distances to take part in such a special day and lasting moment in our lives together.

Oh well, I hate to end this post, but we’re being beckoned for our first dance…

My bachelor weekend will be one to remember.  Check out some of the pictures and scenes from San Antonio, Texas! Click and view at your own risk!!!

Partners in Crime for Life!

Watch the video of our helicopter ride:

In preparation to make this ‘convenant’ legal in the State’s eyes, we took a little trip to the Travis County Clerk this morning to apply for our marriage license and it was uneventful (not that we were looking for trouble).  As a matter of fact, the only thing that happened was the front desk lady ribbing me about looking like I was 11 years old.  Do I really look 11?  Kati, if you answer this… there will be consequences young lady!  But applying was a surreal moment — this is happening especially when the clerk mentioned name changing with agencies!

Nevertheless, on our way back home as we conversed on thoughts and to do’s about the wedding, a thought occurred in regards to applying for a marriage license.  It is quite ironic how quick, easy, and inexpensive it is to get into a marriage, yet how cumbersome, expensive, and timely to get out of a marriage.  And to think, you get a simple piece of paper to show you got in and almost a sears catalog in some cases to prove you’re divorced.  Shouldn’t it be the other way around?  I mean, we have to take a driver’s ed schooling and a test to drive, right?  Oh well, we could go around and around as to what needs to be done and never arrive at a reasonable solution for all parties involved.

This entire experience has taught us a lot… we’re blessed being one of the most evident.  From pre-marital counseling, living and sleeping in separate quarters, making schedule adjustments and traveling, showers, parties and gifts, and making wedding decisions (I know babe, I delegated and you’ve a wonderful job) about everything from A to Z.  As the final clock ticks down to “Mrs. Brown”, I’m embracing every moment (laugh, cry, hug, kiss, meal) I have with Mal and I’m sure she shares the same feelings (you better!).    :)

Well, the next time I make a post… I’ll probably be a proud husband with the world’s greatest wife: Mrs. Brown!

Michelle, Kelly, Jackie, Mallary, Kaci, Kati

The location at Bernhardt Winery was perfect and the weather was just beautiful, couldn’t have ask for a nicer day!  In case you aren’t familiar with display showers, everyone brings their gift unwrapped.  The hostesses then displayed all of the gifts so that everyone had a chance to see all of the goods.  I’ve been to a few of these type of showers, and I think they are a great idea.  I was especially appreciative of the fact that I didn’t have to open gifts in front of everyone.  For some reason, that is just too much spotlight for me.   As the pictures may indicate, Al and I were very blessed by this shower!  When Kelly and I came home, I’m pretty sure Al was shocked as we kept unloading and unloading.

Thanks again to everyone for make this time in our lives so very special!  Here are the pictures.

There is a very good chance the next time I make a post it will be as Mrs. Brown

On the wide expanse of Auditorium Shores Thursday, vendors set up for a musically cultural weekend – the Urban Music Festival. Operators walked the grounds, checking the set up. Everything has to be right when music hits the shores.

“It really serves well to have a family environment whereby your kids can come and play as well as enjoy good music,” festival operator Alvin Brown said.

Read the entire article and watch a quick video here…

Also visit www.urbanmusicfest.com and www.texasrelaysweekend.com for more information.