Ok, So it has been 8 weeks and 1 day since I started growing Nov. 10. I have done very little in the way of maintenance so far. I have been keeping my neckline shaved to where I originally established it. This past weekend I also shaved some high stragglers on my cheeks and trimmed up the edges of the beard a little to keep it from looking messy. The beard has kept the lower part of my face warm in this surprisingly cool South FL weather we've been having. I know I have nothing to complain about.

Looking at some of the pictures below, my neckline looks a little low for this length. However, I think some of this is due to the way it is combed. I combed this area straight down right before these pictures. I usually comb it more back toward the ear which is how it naturally grows. Either way I think I will keep it where it is for now. If I were planning on keeping it the same length I would probably bring it up a bit, but I would rather let my beard grow into it and beyond.

Which brings me to...
I think I am going to grow my beard significantly longer and bigger. I was originally planning on growing it a little longer than it is now and keeping it that way. However, I have seen GammaHermit's update and been inspired. I really like the way his beard looks. From what I can tell, we have very similar growth patterns and I think I can grow something very similar.

There is only one obstacle to this goal I can foresee. I am getting married May 30. My fiance has already mentioned trimming the beard for the wedding. I plan on handling it this way. If she starts to mention how it's getting too long, will simply say that I would like to grow it out until the wedding. Before the wedding, I will trim it to a more "reasonable" length. I figure by about mid May, my beard should be right about to the point I want. My thought is that with a big bushy beard, I can trim it down to a shorter style, but still keep it fairly long. Otherwise if I keep it fairly short, and then trim, it will be really short. Hopefully just the act of trimming it down fairly substantially will please her. It will be her day, and I want her to have it the way she wants. I will probably keep the beard at this shorter style until the brutally hot South FL summer is over and then regrow it to my goal. She gets everything she wants for the wedding, I get to plan the honeymoon. I am planning a 15 night trip to Alaska, which the beard should come in handy for.image

And so my journey for a big beard officially begins. I may need all the support you guys can give so I don't chicken out. Please see the photos below and offer any comments desired.
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