Her Way Or The Highway

The Fatness comes to Brooklyn

2009-10-18T13:03:00.002-05:00

In all her glory, here are a few pix of our (tiring) weekend in Brooklyn with Natalie (aka The Fatness).

Welcome to the world, Edahn - Team Baby Shapir has been waiting for some time

2009-08-11T08:33:00.007-05:00

Aunt Brian & Uncle Stef finally get to hold Edahn.

Don't tell Stef but I think he's smiling at me.

It is with great pleasure that we welcome to the world Edahn Shapir! Gal and Elite have been blessed with a beautiful baby boy. The family is happy, momma is getting some sleep, and poppa G$ can't stop smiling (and crying)! He came into this world at 3;15 on Sunday, August 9th weighing in at almost 8lbs (7 lbs, 15.8 oz to be exact!). See below for more pix and vid. Facebook me for additional pix.

Press here for baby goodness!

...and here for more baby goodness - Liron style.

The North Fork

2009-08-02T14:32:00.005-05:00

On the way to Connecticut to see Aunt Kathy and El Jeffe, decided to cross the LI Sound at Orient Pt. Our first visit to/through the North Fork of Long Island amounted to some good eats, good wine and good sites.

North Fork

We highly recommend the Macari vineyards. Their cab franc and rose were delish. The grounds at Bedel were breathtaking and rumor has it their sister vineryard, Corey Creek, is even more reminiscent of Napa. On the way, be sure to stop off at the Cheese Shop in Mattituck for fixins. Nothing makes a picnic like some good cheese, bread, and meat. Oh - and wine.

Bastille Day - Brooklyn Style

2009-07-17T22:38:00.001-05:00

Brooklyn has a wonderful Bastille Day fete on Smith Street in Cobble Hill. The pictures, however, don't do a sufficient job showing you how many people were there. C-r-o-w-d-e-d. They definitely need to expand this to include additional streets.

The Second Honeymoon - Ireland

2009-07-02T08:49:00.004-05:00

I've made a promise to myself to refer to every trip that we take since the honeymoon as "our Nth honeymoon" - keeping the dream alive, per se. With that, there are some pictures from our 2nd.

I hope others get to see the green wonders of Ireland that we saw...

We started in Dublin...

Ireland - Dublin

...rented a car and drove South to Kilkenny...

Ireland - Kilkenny

...continued West to Kinsale...

Ireland - Kinsale

...and farther West through Cork to Kenmare...

Ireland - Kenmare

...then North to the home of me ancestors - Country Clare

Ireland - Co. Clare

Easter - Ava Style

2009-04-21T21:40:00.003-05:00

Whoa. It's been a while. Check out the great times we had down in VA (two up, two down!) with the McNamara clan over the Easter holiday.

Click here for more Ava!!!

Time to Vote!!

2008-11-01T10:07:00.001-05:00

this video is funny - in a don't let this happen kind of way.

click

Where will you be on election day???!

The Honeymoon (Continued)

2008-10-22T21:06:00.003-05:00

As promised, here are some photos from:

Turkey - Here

Egypt - Here

Capri (IT) - Here (If you EVER have the opportunity to visit Capri, please take the time to visit the Hotel Scalinatella for lunch. And cappuccino. Before the lunch, of course.)

Our Return

2008-10-09T09:01:00.005-05:00

It's been a week since we've returned and - we're back - sadly - so to speak.

Sad because who doesn't want to drop life and honeymoon around the Mediterranean - forever - or at least the next 6 months.

So to speak because we're glad to be home and sharing what we've been through.

So to speak because there's even more to celebrate now that we're back.

While I wish we had recorded everything we've stated (and restated) thus far so I just could just upload a podcast so you can listen as you go, sadly, you'll have to imagine what you can about the places we've seen.

Roma - Part 1 & Part 2

Mykonos - Here

Rhodes - Here

Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, & Athens will follow shortly...Enjoy! With more time I may be more inclined to write more. As it is, I'm being beckoned to the couch for Gossip Girl. S-W-E-E-T.

Can't Believe It...

2008-09-15T14:30:00.003-05:00

We are actually getting married on Friday (holy cow!). I still feel as if the time is just slowly passing by but I know it's the home stretch. We are both ready and very excited - It's been a long time coming. We are so looking forward to seeing each of you in three days time!!!

Hotel Accommodations for Our Beloved-Out-of-Town-Family-and-Friends

2008-07-07T21:14:00.003-05:00

Hi Out-of-Towners,

Below, you will find a list of suggested accommodations. All prices are on a per night basis, are subject to change and do not include sales tax. Also, please note that the TownePlace Suites by Marriott and the Courtyard Marriott (both in Farmingdale) are the closest hotels to the venue. We decided not to do blocks of rooms as there aren't TOO many of you traveling in from out of town. All of these will be listed in our wedding mapper section listed under Guest Resources on the right hand side the blog. Thanks and see you in September! -- The Bride & Groom

Garden City Hotel - Garden City
45 7th St
Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 747-3000
www.gardencityhotel.com
$290/nt

Melville Marriott - Melville
1350 Walt Whitman Rd
Melville, NY 11747
(631) 423-1600
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nycml-melville-marriott-long-island/
$170/nt

Four Points Sheraton - Plainview
333 South Service Road
Plainview, NY 11803
(516) 694-6500
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/photos/index.html?propertyID=1476
$165/nt

Residence Inn Marriott - Plainview
9 Gerhard Rd
Plainview, NY 11803
(516) 433-6200
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nycpl-residence-inn-plainview-long-island/
$169/nt

Courtyard Marriott - Farmingdale (closest hotel to venue)
2 Marriott Plaza
Farmingdale, NY 11735
631-847-0010
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ispli-courtyard-republic-airport-long-island-farmingdale/
$180/nt

TownePlace Suites Marriott - Farmingdale (closest hotel to venue)
1 Marriott Plaza
Farmingdale, NY 11735
631-454-0060
$170/nt

The Bridal Shower

2008-06-22T08:04:00.003-05:00

...here are the remaining pix that I took from Coco's 'surprise' shower.

I can't reiterate how great it was to see those that came. Those that couldn't come were definitely missed!

Her "Surprise" Bridal Shower

2008-06-14T09:45:00.004-05:00

Jeez - get a load of that hat!?!?

Many thanks go out to Coco's mom, Lamy and her friends for putting together a great surprise shower at Laguna Grill. Family and family friends made the event a special moment to remember.

As a man, you can imagine I really don't know what goes on at these things but I did make a few observations:

1) I now know what a wishing well is.

2) there are varying definitions of 'surprise'

3) Coco will always be snooping for something. Anything.

4) Family and friends that couldn't make it were sadly missed.

5) It's totally about the effort - never about the gift.

6) Yet gifts never hurt. Gifts of the flesh variety are especially appreciated!

More pix to follow....

Victory!!!!

2008-05-26T19:45:00.007-05:00

It's been a while...and we're back from St. Thomas!!

Consider this post our:

1) welcome back to the blogging world. Psych.

2) School's Out For Summer! Well....almost....summer class starts June 2nd. It's almost over - I think.

3) Congratulations to Glenn & Ashley on their beautiful wedding!!! Sort of like our pre-honeymoon. LOL. Neil, we missed you and the family way too much. Where were you to pick up the pool bar tab?!? FYI - I learned way too late to charge things to G&A's all-inclusive. P.U.T.Z.

Here's my first set of sort-of-edited pictures. G&A, if you want the proofs just let me know. Better yet - maybe I'll just burn them and fly them down to Winchester.
I hope you enjoy the pix as much as we enjoyed the wedding. Nothing beats spending such a special time with great (and new!) friends.

If you give it some time, I'm sure Coco will detail the highs & lows of our trip. Way. Too. Short.

Its Truly Shameful

2008-05-12T20:16:00.003-05:00

...that my brother returns from spending the past 15 months in Afghanistan only to live in the barracks that you'll see in the videos below.

One soldier's father was so up set he posted this video on YouTube.

After some quick video searches I've also found these, too.

And this one, too.

From what I can gather the Army is scrambling. SCRAMBLING.

I'm glad he's finally home and even happier he's out for good in a few months.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

2008-05-09T10:05:00.006-05:00

Spring has finally sprung in Park Slope. Ava is getting so big and more beautiful with each month. Most importantly, my future brother-in-law Brad has arrived safe and sound from serving our country over seas. We are so thrilled to have him back and can't wait to see him in June!

On to wedding stuff -

Both moms have ordered their dresses! I've seen my mom's and it's lovely, she both looks and feels great in it. I also can't wait to see Patti's. It sounds beautiful, but I would expect nothing less as she has great taste!

Our chair covers have been ordered. The Finishing Touch actually handles all linens for the Carlyle, so I'm really glad that we went with them. Being owned/operated by a close knit Irish family really struck a chord with Brian. Needless to say, we didn't look any further.

Invitations are also a check. Lion in the Sun, a local Brooklyn stationary store handled our invites. Melinda, the owner/paper extraordinaire was VERY patient with us. Especially since I didn't like the original design that my fiancé chose. I ordered one proof the way he liked it, then another with the design that I had liked better. He soon saw things clearly and we went with the second proof (which made me very happy). Please note that invitation proofs only come in black and white. Even if your invite is red and yellow, it will be black writing on white, which can be difficult to visualize. Invitations have a surprisingly fast turn around. We ordered ours two weeks ago and they should be in next week. Having your envelopes hand calligraphered is waaay more expensive then having them computerized. Most places can match the font to the invitation when addressing the envelopes. Also, Kate's Paperie charges more per envelope to have computer calligraphered then Lion in the Sun does.

Limos will be booked this weekend.

Oh yeah - I got my wedding shoes! I was/am so excited: silver, strappy, 3.5 inch heels that I will wear again and again and again and again (you get the point). However, when I put them on the other day to "break" them in around the office, I noticed that one of the straps had ripped. Thankfully the store was very accommodating and replaced them without a hitch. I don't know why I have such bad shoe karma, but it's certainly better happening now, as opposed to the day of!

Up next: Tuxedos, dress fittings, wedding bands, accessories, floral arrangements and hair trials

A Belated Hag Sameach!

2008-04-21T21:44:00.004-05:00

A word of thanks to the Green side of the Adlerstein connection. The seder we shared with our hosts (Sharon & Steve) out in Fort Salonga was nothing short of d-e-l-i-s-h. Never before have I had homemade gefilte fish - much less the homemade horseradish that accompanied it. Special kudos for educating me on Slivovitz plum brandy. If you've never had it - you must. It takes kosher drinking to a whole new level. If only I could remember the actual vintner. Meeting new family is always fascinating. And for those that may not be aware, American Jews do the Hagadah a little bit, err, shorter than my Israeli nation.

Black Or White

2008-04-21T21:23:00.004-05:00

Gone are the days when I thought I would have some classic set of wheels get me to the chapel (LOL) - a '38 Packard, an Excalibur, or some old Caddy. Logistics, Coco, the size of my wedding party, cost - just a few of the reasons my childhood hopes will remain just that.

On that note - there are times when I'm all about tradition (read: a black & white wedding) but I'm not sure I'm feeling the white limo thing. Perhaps if I were more virtuous or more in touch with some kindred spirit, I suppose the symbolism of a white limo would hit home. Luckily, our decision becomes that much easier - Coco only wants a black limo.

One Step Closer.....And Another Revelation

2008-03-30T16:52:00.004-05:00

Who'd a thunk we'd spend just as much time deciding on the wording of the invitations as we would deciding on which invitations to use. At least we're 2 months ahead of the norm.

Breaking News-

The tabs report that the pair responsible for the Team Brefanie nomenclature have finally tied the knot! You can read about Branjelina
here but know that Coco's fab celeb tabloid, People.com, has reported that it didn't happen. Let us know if you find out the real scoop.

Revelation-

How wise it really to talk about cost?

Small World-

A HWOTH reader (and recent commenter) is not only getting married at The Carlyle on the Green during September '08 but her and her hubby-to-be are also going to Italy for their honeymoon. And they've selected Priscilla of Boston for the bridesmaids dresses! They were also up in the Berkshires this past new years! W.E.I.R.D. No, they don't live in Brooklyn.

The Six Month Mark...YIKES!

2008-03-19T09:56:00.003-05:00

We've hit the six month mark and we are now officially racing to the altar (please note that we are not getting married in a church nor are we performing any religious, sacrificial offerings). My mother had me in a bit of a panic last night and so did TheKnot.com. Their check list is HUGE and out of 189 things, we have about 60 finished. Things to tackle in the next few weeks: Limos, Chair Covers, Flowers and Invitations. Stay tuned!

Time

2008-02-24T18:44:00.005-05:00

Whoa. Not once did I think that there would be a 20 day hiatus in posting wedding-related news to HWOTH. We've experienced some ups and downs this month and our time has been very limited of late. I guess life is supposed to do that, huh? RIPSTYW

Well let's see what I put out there...

* The picture related to this story caught my eye more than anything else. Agree/Disagree? Looks the entree to a joke. Lewd, I hope.

* Um, I love when Scots (or Brits) use the word dodgy. "I tried to ban loads of relatives from my own nuptials – and not just because they might look dodgy in the photographs." An interesting perspective to say the least. I dare you to make it a part of your everyday chatter.

*Its a shame that its taken this long for this to happen down unda, mate.

* Tiffany's quality on a Macy's budget - The rise and fall of Fortunoffs. Gulp! Eek! Uh, oh!

* According to WeddingChannel.com we still need to deal with wedding insurance, hotels, and a veil for Coco. Baby, what's up with center pieces??

* Romo? Jessica? Say What?!?!?

Super Bowl XLII

2008-02-04T09:10:00.000-05:00

Congrats Giants, I can't believe the Cowboys let you get that far. Not even Johan's signing by the Mets can ease the pain I feel. At least the draft is on its way.

The Pictures We Wish We Would Could Take Over - Or Not

2008-01-30T10:48:00.000-05:00

In true G$ fashion - these wedding pix are a must look at. (Read: SFW)

ps...That means 'safe for work'.

Los Mets

2008-01-30T10:25:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Omar and the Mets (Omar. Omar. Omar...and the M-e-t-s.) for finally acquiring the best pitcher in baseball - Johan Santana. While I love watching farm hands make it up to the bigs, giving up just these four is definitely worth it.

Did anyone else hear me channeling Elton?!?

All I need now is for the Patriots to make history. Go P-A-T-S!

Come dite?

2008-01-22T23:07:00.000-05:00

With the Honeymoon quickly approaching, I think it's high time I get to learning Italian. Ideally, I'd love to find the best means via an iPod. I haven't done any due diligence as of yet, but if you have used something that has worked well for you, please pass it along. Grazie

ps...our vino del mese (read: wine of the month) is Valpolicella (Allegrini). Fitting, huh? And delicious. Perfezioni per qualcuno che stia cominciando a godere il vino rosso.

Counting Down

2008-01-22T22:03:00.000-05:00

- I would hate to be these poor folk. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope Duet is no Celebration Studios. Ouch. Sounds like a reason for wedding insurance. Wish I had a nickname like C-Note...

- In other Wedding Fotog Saves Little Girl news; its pretty miraculous I might add. See for yourself.

- 5 day? 2000 guests? Jeez.

- I've stumbled across this informative piece on choosing the right metal for wedding bands. Did know metals could be hypoallergenic??

- Talk about doing anything for love. Coco, I would if you would.

- And if Valentine's Day wasn't just around the corner; WE TV is putting the smack down on other channels as it gets ready to run a bazillion wedding shows. Who knew they also had plans to dominate the world - WEGoBridal Rulez!!

- Since Coco always seems to be bored, I thought I would put this link out there to keep her busy. I'm very curious to see what the stars have to say about our wedding plans. Can you say Brideoscope!!?!

- Why on earth wasn't I aware of this?!? I mean, she does work for Conde Nast. Oh, wait. That's right. She has already moved in. Doh.

Music

2008-01-20T12:42:00.000-05:00

I've finally updated the 'Songs of the Moment' section. The Juno soundtrack seems to work. As much as I can't stand Kimya Dawson at times, there are times when her stuff just....works - or at least is OK to listen to. The soundtrack also includes some B&S. Hope you enjoy!

Hmmm....

2008-01-09T22:17:00.000-05:00

What to report....what to report....

-Coco wants a wedding cake like THIS!! As if.
I get my piece first!

-Keeping with the theme; I wonder what we'll do about a cake?! Do we choose a sophisticated elegant look, or show our playfulness and select something more in line with the above?? I just want it to taste good. With buttercream. A hint of whiskey (the scotch kind). And chocolate. Mmmm. What IS fondant anyway?? Coco, anything here make you hungry??

-And here's our tribute to "The Biggest [Wedding] Loser"...who in their right mind would order a wedding dress 8 sizes smaller than her current size. I'm not too sure but the groom just happens to work at a health club - score. How far off is that wedding anway?

-Wedding Insurance; still didn't get it yet. Doh.

-BFAM (NC); this IS ALL YOU! ¿Dónde es el EL Producto??

A Tribute - Of Sorts

2008-01-03T21:23:00.000-05:00

or...

It's taken me a while but as a tribute to Chadley (via "Where's Brad?"), seeing that I'm 110% sure that his lil niece would certainly approve, I've added Ava (via "Here's Ava!!"). Damn - this kid is cute!

In wedding news, Coco is now the official wedding coordinator. All inquiries and requests should be directed her way. Stay tuned for news on wedding veils, mens formal wear, the best 5" heels to wear down the aisle, and "Coco's Daily Countdown". Phew - I'm done with this. Almost.

2008 - A Very Special Year

2008-01-01T21:15:00.000-05:00

2008 came with inches of powder - glorious, morning-welcoming, white powder - upon mountaintops in Massachusetts. "The Berkshires", Kathy's (via el Jeffe) country retreat
(aka "994 Hartsville-New Marlborough Road"), provided a wonderful getaway (remember The Getaway People?!?) to the twists and turns that life's ride gives you.

Coco and I want to wish everyone a happy and health new year!!

It's barely over and she's already complaining about:

1) going back to work (tomorrow, Thursday, Friday, next Monday, next Tuesday...sadly, the day does not matter)
2) not seeing Ava enough
3) being hungover (it is January 1st, afterall)
4) not seeing Ava enough
5) being hungry (read: hangover hungry is different than Coco's normal hungry.)
6) believing that the nuances in McNamara-family-communication-world will not exist in our union.
7) being hungry and missing Ava
8) still being hungry (and not wanting to go to work wherein 'attendance' is expected tomorrow.)

ps...pix of Ava's first trip to NYC to follow

Their Dresses

2007-12-21T10:41:00.001-05:00

Well, believe it or not, the bridesmaid dress selection challenge went off without a hitch. In quick fashion, H, Lamey and Coco decided on a dress (in two styles, of course) that not only come across as great bridemaids dresses but also (and I agree 100%!) pull off 'little black dress' perfectly. PofB has some great (affordable) dresses. Image 1, here, and, Image 4, here. These designs, except, obviously, in black.

I'm quite pleased - not that it really matters.

Since I'm pretty sure tux selection will be painless, I think I have some time before rounding up the troops for a fitting. Big A is with me so that leaves the mothers. I wonder what they will wear??

ps...Coco, promised she'd make this post but she's been really, really busy. Life gets that way. Happy holidays! (channeling my best GG voice....) X-O-X-O.

Since She Wont...

2007-12-13T12:53:00.000-05:00

I guess I'll have to...

Today. After work. No - not holiday happy hour, silly. Round 1 of bridesmaid dress shopping. I think it's here but obviously in NYC. She has a store here, too, you know. Yuck, yuck.

Epiphany

2007-12-02T22:42:00.000-05:00

* Updating this blog once a day - much less once a week - is mucho difficult.

* With that being said, I've heard bridesmaid dress selection is around the corner.

* We're getting to ready to book our flights to Rome. It's times like that this that I wish I knew someone - anyone - in the airline industry. Business/first class tickets are so not happening.

* Coco has done absolutely no research regarding shore excursions. Slacker.

* As much as I fancy the idea of wedding cake alternatives, I'm not sure the Carlyle has taken steps in that direction. Coco, you down?

* Somehow, I just don't feel badly for these guys, right Brad? Perhaps stupidty is contagious over there? I hope so.

* This story gives new dimension to hand me down wedding dresses. Guess the dress also classifies as the "something old", huh?

* I wonder if the Mets will have to include Reyes in a package for a top-notch starter?

* As far as wedding photography goes, I've come across a great link stressing about 20 or so things to keep in mind. I'm a huge fan of the family photo coordinator! Hmmm. Wonder who we'll pick....

* When do wedding invitations usually go out? 6 months ahead?

Chesapeake Roundup

2007-11-24T16:28:00.000-05:00

Well, Coco and I have made it back from Chesapeake in one piece. Surprisingly, the two of us thought we'd arrive back in Brooklyn, much more worn. We thought lil Ava would be up (and us with her) most of the night. If I said I heard her once through the night I'd be lying. I didn't hear a peep. Coco even claims to "not have such good sleep since being in my mother's womb". Fitting if you ask me given the theme of our trip.

I've come away from our trip with a few key points:

1) My niece, Ava, rocks. check out the pix from our trip.

2) Coco will make a great mother some day.

3) I like Jenoa as a sister-in-law more and more.

4) Even though he's a dad, Sean is still a goof. I'm sure Jenoa will agree 100%.

5) The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is l-o-n-g. At first thought, a $12 toll seems out of line but at 20 miles, I'd say it beats the Verranzano-Narrows $9 looting.

6) Jenoa's sister, Laurel, is so jealous that she'll have to wait until February to see her niece. Seeing who can (and will!) spoil her most will obviously be a 'who knows how long this will last' competition between Laurel and Team Brefanie. Bring it on, Laurel! Team Brefanie rules!!

Chesapeake Survival Guide

2007-11-21T09:04:00.000-05:00

Step 1) Try not to fall head over heels for a 12 lb, chubby-legged, blue-eyed beauty named Ava - it makes it that much harder to leave the mid-Atlantic region.

Step 2) See Step 1.

Step 3) For proof of Step 1, please see the photo below.

And no, although she may have wanted to, Coco is not eating Ava's toes.

Newsflash!! Chesapeake Warning!!

2007-11-14T15:38:00.001-05:00

Rumor has it the lil bugger below doesn't nap!!?!!? Eek! Can something that cute really not want to take a nap??

Gasp. This could be a tough weekend.

Random Thoughts of Honeymoon

2007-11-14T13:40:00.000-05:00

* I wonder if I can pay for the hotel in Rome today to get a better currency rate against the Euro? I can't imagine the rate getting any better than 1 USD = 0.682 EUR. DAMN!! European CD's anyone? A risk free score if things keep going as they are.

* The cruise - our honeymoon - I can't tell you how many times I forget what ship we'll be on; Libery of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, etc... Too many "...of the Seas" if you ask me. Let me check the intinerary to make sure - hold please - alright, it's Legend of the Seas. Note to self: do not forget. Here are some specs.

While I'm a bit disappointed there aren't any of those targeted restaurants like the Chops Grille and Portofino, I suspect it's because the cruise takes place a non-GINORMOUS ship - Just the way I like it. My only concern was a casino, and thankfully, the Legend has one. D'ya think they serve dinner and drinks at the Blackjack table?

* I have not clue what shore excursions will be like much less cost. I don't think their site has them posted yet. Since we're hitting Rome, Naples, Athens, Rhodes, Alexandria, Mykonos, Capri, Cyprus and Ephesus (Turkey), I wonder what we'll actually end up doing. A good deal will be cultural yet some will also include sand and sun. This is what it looks like:

D1: Civitavecchia (Rome): Depart 5:00 pm
D2: Cruising
D3: Mykonos: Arrive @ 1 pm, Depart @ 11 pm
D4: Ephesus (Turkey): Arrive @ 7:00 am, Depart @ 6 pm
D5: Rhodes: Arrive @ 7:00 am, Depart @ 5 pm
D6: Limassol (Cyprus): Arrive @ 9 am, Depart @ 6 pm.
D7: Cruising
D8: Alexandria (Egypt): Arrive @ 7 am, Depart @ 10 pm.
D9: Cruising
D10: Athens: Arrive @ 7 am, Depart @ 5 pm
D11: Cruising
D12: Naples/Capri: Arrive @ 7 am, Depart @ 6 pm
D13: Back in Civitavecchia (Rome): Arrive @ 4:00 AM

Here's a map of the route, too:

Where was I? Oh yeah, shore excursions...can anyone tell me anything about them? Do you think we should use those set up by the cruise operator or venture out on our own?

I'll try to detail some of the goings on in each over the next couple of months so Coco has something to read on the subway. I'll 'visit' Rome last since she's been there already. As opposed to following any order, I'll just select a destination at random and run with it.

What should I cover first?? Any suggestions?

The First Run Down

2007-11-06T08:59:00.000-05:00

Its been a while since I've made a post and, I must admit, its getting harder and harder to maintain this thing once a week much less once a day. With that, I thought I would do a run down of what's been accomplished so far. Some, given our recent distribution of Save The Dates, are obviously obvious.

- Venue: Carlyle on the Green
- Date: Friday, September 19, 2008
- Officiant: Minister Keith from NY Marriages
- Flowers: Vito from Pedestals
- Music: Renegade (awe-some)
- Photo/Videography: Duet
- Wedding Planner: Coco et moi
- Honeymoon: a few days in Rome and then an Eastern Mediterranean cruise (via Royal Caribbean)
- The Dress: You'll have to ask Coco...
- Registry: Fortunoffs and Pottery Barn

Here some pieces that have yet to be decided:

- Rehearsal dinner location
- Abbreviated song list
- Groom's attire
- The menu
- Political affiliations
- Floral design
- Stationery/invitations
- Wedding insurance
- Design of the cake
- Order of the wedding procession
- Ceremony Readings
- Green influence
- The rings
- Hair & makeup

Am I missing anything??

Boo!

2007-10-30T21:37:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween! Enjoy the new, Halloween inspired, Imeem playlist! Can't say for sure if any of these songs will be covered come wedding day but I'm pretty sure an artist or two will. Any guesses? Who's bad??

And here's a pick of the pumpkin that was left on our front stoop - not that we have a stoop...

I wonder if Jenoa will ever create different Picassa web albums?

In Honor Of All Hallow's Eve and All Things Black

2007-10-24T11:36:00.000-05:00

As you probably know, Coco would do just about anything to get married in a black dress holding black flowers. Alas, her mother wouldn't hear of it.

So, in honor of her affinity for black gowns and fauna AND in honor of the Celts that begin celebrating Samhain and All Hallow's Eve (which eventually became Halloween), I've come upon a dark tale of a couple that has decided to marry on a blessed holiday while playing homage to the awesomeness that are the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and the “Dungeons and Dragons” role-playing game. Can you say Elvira meets King Arthur's court?? Weird is an understatement.

Read more about it here.

ps...how on earth does someone really name their child 'Faith Charity'?

pps...oh, and for the record, she's come so far as to 1) look at the Cowboys schedule to see what week they have a BYE and 2) actually know what a BYE is. Way to go, Coco!

Just as an FYI

2007-10-19T08:17:00.000-05:00

We've gotten some really great feedback regarding our Save the Date cards! We just wanted to let the world know that our pal G$ was the one behind the lens. To see more of his work, you can either come over to our apartment (I think we represent pretty well) or go to http://embeddedinbrooklyn.my-expressions.com/index.html.

* Please note that I forgot how to do that link thingy and Brian is ignoring my plea for help. =)

Another Thing To Check Off The List

2007-10-19T07:58:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday, while Big A and I (nervously) watched the Cowboys-Pats game, Coco and her mom had an appointment to see another florist (our 2nd).

Pedestals was suggested to us by a couple of now newly-weds. Obviously I can't speak to the details of the what had gone down -I obviously didn't listen well enough when they returned just before halftime - but 1) they quoted us a much better price than Colonial and 2) Coco L-O-V-E-D the floral coordinator, Vito.

Stack the characteristics I have now omitted due to a certain someone's demands (married men, I'm already losing, aren't I?) on top (just imagine the pun intended) of a personality that LOVES designing with flowers and we've got another marriage, of sorts. All kidding aside it screams of a perfect match. (Kidding aside?? What kidding??) He loved her (our) vision and is very excited to work with us. As are we. We've heard he only gets the best reviews.

Bring it on, Vito.

ps...because I can no longer say/write what I want on this blog, I may stop saying/writing. Or at least leave it up to her.

pps...Disclosure: If I have selected your skills for my wedding, no biases exist no matter what may or may not be written about you. Unless you're a Yankee fan, of course.

ppps...IM demanding removal of post:

loveforfire15: nooo no nooo
loveforfire15: it's funny and you're a great writer but if he reads it i don't want him to be offended
loveforfire15: seriously, I love you but the wedding may be off if you don't remove it
BtotheMC: what. you know there's no mal intent on my part..
loveforfire15: about the gay and the growing up gotti
loveforfire15: it's a great post but i dont' want to offend him in any way in case he reads the blog as it's in my email. I'm not sure why I care so much since no one really reads it save 3 maybe 4 people. and you're harmless.
BtotheMC: not picking up [she was calling me at work]
loveforfire15: brian i'm serious, i may call the whole thing off.
loveforfire15: it's a little on the mean side although you don't have a mean bone in your body - except when i need bugs squished
BtotheMC: it is? its not meant to be. i love that show. i'm pro gay. i love hot, italian sausage when you put it in with the meatballs.
loveforfire15: and i really don't think it's necessary to bring in what he looks like
BtotheMC: i'll try and fix it so it doesn't come across like you say. thats not my intent.
loveforfire15: you are making fun of his appearance although i really know you're not
loveforfire15: which isn't nice
loveforfire15: please fix about the gay and the spikey mikey and growing up gotti
BtotheMC: can i leave the picture?
loveforfire15: nooooo
loveforfire15: pretty please no - you'll get good lovin' if you take it down
loveforfire15: i wouldn't want to read anything like that about myself although i'm not sure what you say about me that is negative
BtotheMC: just so we are clear it was never meant to be mean

pppps...Some of Coco's IM responses have been doctored. Blame it on me.

The Honeymoon - An Addendum

2007-10-17T13:02:00.000-05:00

As discussed, we decided to front load our honeymoon with 2 nights in Rome. Having never been before, Coco stressed staying near the Trevi fountain (pictured) and the Spanish Steps; "I'd like to be near it all."

I couldn't locate a Comfort Inn on that side of the Atlantic, so after a heated discussion we've opted for the Hotel di Russie. Sweet.

Dude.

Sweet.

Dude.

A Time To Celebrate

2007-10-15T15:18:00.000-05:00

Happy Second-Wedding Anniversary to G & E!!

ps..they're in our wedding party.

The Dress

2007-10-14T19:03:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's missions was accomplished - The Dress was procured - not that I have any idea what it looks like....but it supposed to be that way, no?! For that may wish to read about the final decisions, she may not divulge all of the details publicly. Alas, you may be in my boat - having to wait until our wedding day. Sorry.

STDs

2007-10-11T10:29:00.000-05:00

Save The Dates, silly. Get your mind out of the gutter.

We've been patiently waiting to get them so Coco can personally, hand address each one - yeah, right!! Believe it if you can but her penmanship is WORSE than mine. Perhaps I'll just have them printed up at work.

She was mumbling something about calligraphy stencils - say what?!

S-L-O-W

2007-10-08T11:31:00.000-05:00

With things as slow as they are, I've only got the following to report:

1) I'm hoping to accompany Coco to our next floral shop visit this Sunday (Pedestals in Garden City) but it doesn't look likely - silly girl scheduled it at 3pm on the Sunday the 'Boys play the Pats.

2) This Saturday will mark the second Wedding Dress day. Only two - whodathunk.

3) We're tossing around what hotel to stay at in Rome on the front side of the cruise. Have you been? Where should we stay in? What's a must to see (since I've never been)?

4) Imagine if it's this warm come next year?!?

5) There's got to be more - there has to be.....

More Of The New Addition To The McNamara Clan

2007-10-03T21:19:00.000-05:00

While Seannie is off training and Jenoa politely doesn't return our calls, I thought I'd post their web album with beaucoup pix of lil Ava Shae.

Enjoy!!

Rumor has it they're still trying to catch up on their sleep. The pictures do a nice job detailing their attempts.

This Is The Worst...

2007-10-01T12:01:00.000-05:00

...day ever to be a Mets fan.
Ever.

Last year wasn't even this bad.

The Honeymoon

2007-09-27T08:24:00.000-05:00

Finally.
At last.
Conclusively.
Its settled.
Irrevocably - well at least until October 1.

The honeymoon is finalized.

I'm not really sure why we didn't explore this option earlier in The Honeymoon Game but I'm elated to know that most of the plan is in place. We're thinking Rome, Naples, Athens, Rhodes, Alexandria, Mykonos, Capri, Cyprus and Ephesus (Turkey). 12 days on the eastern Meditterranean sounds sweet doesn't it?! I've never done the cruise thing before but I've only read great things about the ports of call, the ship, you name it...

Read more about it here!

Prelude To A Wedding Dinner

2007-09-24T08:10:00.000-05:00

Part of the package that The Carlyle offers once you go to contract with them for the big she-bang, is to be invited back for dinner at The Oak Room - on them - as a means to sample the menu. Friday night we did a whole 'o sampling.

While not every item on the menu will be available for us to select and include during the wedding, our waiter notified us of such before ordering. He, I think his name was Alex, was very helpful in detailing any variations in how plates might be served on the wedding side of the house.

For appetizers, we started with crab cakes, calamari, stuffed artichoke hearts, a medley of salads (ceasar, blue cheese, and some bacon bean concoction), and my favorite, blue cheese batter shrimp. De-lish.

Entrees included filet mignon, mahi mahi, baby lamb chops, a greek chicken cutlet, and pasta.

Dessert included an assortment of chocolate molten something, brandied bananas, and an ice cream dish. All very good on the eye and the palate.

Unfortunately, I can't tell you what will make the wedding day menu because I'm being threatening by Coco. (Bad, Coco, bad. Now you must be punished ;) Besides, I would think that the menu might evolve between now and then. Let's just hope the menu selection process is easier than choosing a spot to honeymoon. BTW, I think we're going to cruise the eastern Mediterranean. S.W.E.E.T.

I should note that the house could do a better job of noting the meal comps on the reciept. While they were clear in what was being comped, you had no idea what the amount of each comp was. Big A was clearly befuddled when trying to tip the waiter. Big A is a big fan of service and wanted to make sure the waiter received his grat on top of the freebies.

Breaking News!!!!

2007-09-19T08:44:00.000-05:00

Not only is it one year to the day of our wedding but it's also the day that Sean and Jenoa have brought their baby girl into this world. Ava Shae weighing in at 7 lbs 4 oz, 21", was born at 7:46 am. Mother is out cold sleeping and Ava Shae keeps blinking those baby blond eye lashes at her dad. Awesome news. Just awesome.

Rumor has it her eyes are blue. Pictures to follow when available.

Proud parents & little Ava*

*Thanks to Jenoa's mom Vicki Potter (not relation to Harry) for the photos.

Man, oh, man....

2007-09-18T14:20:00.001-05:00

What's with planes crashing in Thailand??!

Our honeymoon is now completely on the rocks. You should see Coco scrambling...

Why am I not scrambling, you ask??

Because I would be just as happy poolside at the Motel 8 on Country Road 52 in Omaha, Nebraska. You know the one a 1/4 mile down from the Nelson Pig Farm & Slaughterhouse. Mmmm - bacon.

Dress Shopping - Take One

2007-09-16T17:24:00.000-05:00

Dress Shoppping. It was certainly an experience and there are some U-G-L-Y bridal gowns out there, that's for sure. So many beads, so little time. Since we had a kick ass night out on Friday with G & E, 8 am definitely came early. I gave myself a pep talk and the minute I heard my stomach grumbling for some food, I knew I'd make it through the day sans hangover.

I met my mom and Lames at 9:30 am at Kleinfelds. The store is on 20th street in Manhattan. We waited about 15 minutes in the lobby (BTW - its by appointment only) before we were matched up with our "consultant". The only problem - I would have killed for something to drink - anything to drink. Anything. A.N.Y.T.H.I.N.G. I wish I was offered water or coffee or iced tea or iced coffee - just SOMETHING while we waited. Trying on dresses is tiring and us brides-to-be need to keep up our energy level, people!

Our consultant, Barbara, came out to greet us and promptly escorted us to her dressing room; it was labeled as such - "Barbara's Dressing Room". I have heard mixed opinions about Kleinfelds from various brides-to-be saying that the consultants were, mostly, difficult to work with. This was anything but the case. Barbara was perfectly lovely. She listened ever so patiently while I gave her my list of requirements for the gown of my dreams:

1. Nothing too poofy (read: poofy = bad)
2. Nothing that looked like The Bedazzler had something to do with the design and manufacturing process.
3. No Tulle. Absolutely. No. Tulle.
4. No Bunching. I like the occasional frech croissant but I don't want to look like a french pastry.
5. Simple and elegant is key. (read: simple and elegant = good)
6. A-line or Trumpet cuts look best on me as I have childbearing hips (read: child-bearing = good; the groom-to-be says so.)
7. Mermaid cut is bad as are skin tight dresses.

I didn't think my list of demands was anything too outrageous and thankfully, neither did Barbara. She had sent us into "the racks" where there were hundreds upon hundreds of dresses to choose from. Barbara said to grab 5 and bring them back to the room while she pulled a few dresses that she thought I might like. I felt like I had walked into Macy's in Herald Square. Completely overwhelmed, I felt my first jolt of panic. Thankfully, mom expected as much and went to right to work grabbing armfuls of dress and mumbling something that sounded like; "Stefania, sweetie, calm down. This is so exciting! Breath, sweetie, breath." Lamey did the same - without the mumbling of course - and I even started to get on the action. After finding about 8 or so, I decided it was time to start trying them on.

Kleinfelds, thankfully, supplies all brides-to-be with a strapless/backless bra to wear while trying on dresses. Barbara, thankfully, reminded me to NOT go out and buy any undergarments until after my first fitting. AS I found out, most stores tell you exactly what you should purchase. Also, practically every dress I tried on was a size 10 which meant they had to be clipped in the back to fit my hopefully-soon-to-be-size-4-but-still-a-size-6-figure.

I started trying on a few dresses but I wasn't getting that "holy crap this is THE dress" feeling. Uh-oh. Lamey was cute; while she liked every dress she wasn't exactly thrilled to the core about any of them. Barbara was a real trooper and kept at it, leaving me every so often to pull another dress off "the racks". Like a golden (and wonderfully gay) ray of sunshine, Randy knocked on my door. Randy is the Fashion Director at Kleinfelds and absolutely loves his job, and I, absolutely love him. He started pulling dresses for me to try on as well. He has vision. Every time I remotely semi-loved a dress, I took a walk, put on the matching veil and shoes and took a walk down the aisle, err I mean, hallway. He offered his best criticism and gave the proverbial thumbs up or thumbs down.

Finally, nearing the end of my appointment that just happened to run 30 minutes over, I put on a dress by Christos; a dress that gave me my first "holy crap - this is the dress" feeling. But alas, I almost started to cry, my mom had goose bumps and I thought this was it. Well - almost. To me, there were more dresses to be tried on. Much like a great pair of shoes, there is always something better around the corner.

Randy, my new found confidante, equipped with his honest, and best, opinion, thought that this dress was the best dress - so far. (What does that mean really??) As expected, he talked me and my mother out of my other goose-bump factor dress; a beautiful Ulla-Maijer design. You know what?!? Randy was 100% correct. I left Kleinfelds feeling confident that that would be the dress...

Next stop - the Saks Fifth Avenue bridal salon. Again, unfortunately, we were not offered anything to drink -what gives anyway!?! Champagne would have been perfectly acceptable and appreciated. Hopefully when the dress is purchased I'll get my glass of Champagne. Hopefully. Champagne aside, I met with our bridal consultant Stephanie, who, totally got me.

She brought in a variety of designers - Vera, Carolina, Ulla-Maijer, Melissa Sweet,and Amsale, to name a few. When I first heard her say Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera, I thought "Um, yeah that's definitely out of budget, but alright, twist my arm, it can't hurt to try them on." But I was in for a nice surprise when the Herrera dress came in within budget! Cha-ching.

Alas, Vera, was not....but can you really put a price on beauty (dad)?!

To my shocked surprise, Charles Bunstine (aka the designer from Ulla-Maijer) was at the bridal salon. We small talked and got along great but I'm pretty sure my mom insulted him. She didn't like the first dress I tried on that just happened to be his design. GASP. She said something about "the bunching" and "draping" and how she didn't like it. He wasn't too pleased. Oh well. "On to the next dress" I said.

After more than a dozen or so dresses, I didn't think that I would find anything I loved more than the Christos dress until I tried on two dresses; a black and ivory Carolina Herrera dress and a different Ulla-Maijer dress. My mother, forever perplexed, had an even more perplexed look on her face. I wasn't sure she liked it but as it turns out, she was too confused about which dress she liked best! As am I. Or was. I left Kleinfelds so sure that I had found my dress, and now, I just can't decide!

After all is said and done, the deciding factor will be this: I need to see the Ulla-Maijer dress with the detachable train. Somehow Saks "misplaced" it. In fact, Saks was disappointing over all. A lot of their dresses were missing pieces, a bow here, a train there. The dresses looked as if they had been through a war - white should never look gray. I was shocked and I'm an SFA groupie. Also, they did not have the sample size 10 in all of the dresses. Some were made for mannequins! The mannequins I know are clearly diminutive, zero or maybe a 2. I couldn't get most of them zipped up which was a real letdown. Charles reassured me and asked me to go check out the dress I was interested in "in all it's glory" (aka with the train) on the Ulla-Maijer website. I have to say, he was right. Once I saw it with the train I fell in love. This might be the dress. I just now need to find it with the train.

Randy, of Kleinfelds was nice enough to give me his cell phone number if I had any questions at all. Well, I had plenty of questions today and I am currently waiting for him to return my call so I can find out if he can get the Herrera and the Ulla-Maijer dress in stock. I need to see them side by side and then my girls can come and give me their opinion. If not, then I will start making phone calls all over the city to find this darn dress and train. But let's wait and see what Randy has to say...

The Carlyle Revisited...

2007-09-12T15:01:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday we returned to The Carlyle to look at the Lenox Room set up for a ceremony - I'm so anal about size I need to see it set up - imagine that.

Unfortunately, the Lenox Room wasn't set up. Fortunately, the wedding scheduled was set up outside AND in the round. It looked great. Imagine a rose-petal-strewn path leading up to a beautifully decorated huppa (L'shana tova to all you Jews out there!!!) surrounded by an audience of white chairs and candles. It really looked great. The weather couldn't have been nicer; low 70s and breezy.

No matter the weather, we're still getting married in the Lenox Room. My fears of not having enough room for guests, chairs, and Coco's HUGE wedding party, etc. were calmed. The room is much longer and wider than I remember (75'l x 29'w).

We were fortunate enough to have one of The Carlyle's maitre d's on site (Gerald) as he walked us through this weddding's entire set up. The table linens, the flowers, the themed food stations, even baskets of WC essentials (ie. breath mints, Tide StainStick, dental floss, you name it!) I must admit - it all looked stunning. Very classy. I'm sure the bride & groom were happy. I'm sure we will be also.

I definitely walked away with some things to remember:

- Enough photography lighting (reflective devices might be nice if our fotog isn't bringing them. I wonder if The Carlyle will charge me extra for some tin foil??

- I've only been there 3 times and each time I'm thrown off as soon as I turn off the Bethpage Parkway. Too many damn roundabouts if you ask me. One or two signs, placed strategically, can only do wonders for guests.

- To me, this is the biggest one yet. I'm not sure if you can tell in the pictures or not but The Carlyle has a beautiful circle cobble stone drive that welcomes guests to the clubhouse. I distinctly recall I speaking with The Carlyle representative, Cynthia Benard, about making sure Carlyle or NY state staff do not park in the spots that seem to be available due to sheer available space. I'd be livid if I pulled up an hour or two before my wedding and saw cars circled like wagons getting raided by injuns. The more I think about it the more I'm realizing I may not be able to control this - damn Friday afternoon golfers. It's killing me. Seriously.

A Toast Is In Order!!

2007-09-07T13:22:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Lori & Bart on their wedding down in Curacao! Here's what went down straight from the horse's mouth:

Hello!

We arrived along with the hurricane and without the luggage Saturday night. Then the bar had no Kettle One and no decent Tequilla and we were NOT happy! Whatever the island saw of the hurricane came as we were sleeping for the most part- a lot of wind and rain! It cleared up by mid day though. We walked around town commando in our jeans and had some very funny little arguments along the way- miss and mr crabby!! Bart abruptly pulled the car over at one point, got out, opened my door and told me to drive. I laughed. I was being a brat and wouldn'y give him directions, you see. We all have our moments!

The luggage finally arrived at midnight Sunday night and from that point on we've had a fabulous time! Our wedding day was spectacular and the wedding planner did an amazing job executing what I had asked for. The ceremony was on Cas abou beach, a small white sand beach bordered by cliffs on the western end of the island. We were married under a thatched hut with beautiful flowers and shells, etc. Maria, our tunic-ed island local "metaphysical consultant" read a variety of poems and shared some wise words. She was the most warm and lovely person and we could not have asked for a better officiant of our personally written vows.

We then shared a private dinner under the stars lit by torches at a different beach about 30 minutes drive. It was divine! Except for the 79 mosquto bites I got. We both agreed it was all dreamy and exactly what we wanted. The photographer took loads of pics which we share once we return.

We went sailing yesterday with some old salty dogs- great time, great guys.

Today we went swimming with the dolphins- a truly once in a lifetime experience everyone should do. They are incredible. I think it was Bart's favorite activity thus far. We have some great pics from that too.

The food's been great- and the service at the hotel is amazing. The people of the island are lovely. We have no complaints!! (Amazing what having clean undies and your own toothbrush does!)

Hope everyone is well- love to all and we'll check in once we get back late Monday night!!!

We'll be at the pool having pina coladas if you need us!!!
xxxooo

[Note to self: Buy bug spray in Thailand.]

ps....here's a great photo of them!

I'm Not Sure Why But...

2007-09-04T10:13:00.000-05:00

I really don't find save-the-date magnets that offensive. Go figure, right.

But regarding save-the-dates, I think the following are important:

* A picture of the bride and groom must be used. How many times have you been to a wedding where you didn't know who the bride or the groom was??

* Make sure said photo doesn't look too.....[insert word of your choice that's nicer than gay.]

* Both the bride and groom must agree on the format to be used. Horizontal, vertical, seasonal, 1 image vs. multiple images, etc.

I'm sure I'll have other constraints when it's time to pull the trigger.

The Center Of It All - Well Sort Of

2007-08-29T10:50:00.000-05:00

Centerpieces are but one element that should carry the theme (wait, there's a theme?!) of the reception throughout the night. They can can either tie everything together, provide an unnecessary barricade or fall flat and be overlooked. There are a myriad of options out there ranging from candles like hurricane candles and candleabras to vases overflowing with your choice of flowers to centerpieces with both candles AND flowers. I have not doubt that most florists can assemble something to most people's liking (& budget!). I, however, am not like most people.

With that being said, I may be a bit opinionated when it come to planning this wedding but I expect what I want - It's that simple. Almost a year from the date and I have no idea what the perfect centerpiece will be - yet. Here are some of the points to consider:

* size (small, short, tall, narrow, etc.)
* style (candles, flowers, potted, vase, other fauna, etc.)
* motif (classic, modern, country, symmetric and uniform, etc.)
* table layout (size, shape, # of seats, etc.)
* season (ours is a fall wedding)
* time of day (afternoon, evening, night, etc.)
* locations (tables, washrooms, cocktail location, welcome table, ceremony, etc.)
* HER bouquet (flowers, color)
* clean up (or will the guests just take them home?)
...and last but not least
* cost

Above all else I think a centerpiece shouldn't be overwhelming. I want guests to be able to see each other either across from one another at the table or across the dance floor. Height is key for me. I'm not sure what the perfect height is but I would sacrifice girth for height no question. The problem then becomes one of stability. Tables get bumped into (for drunken and/or other reasons) and a centerpiece toppling over during the night is not an option.

Resources are out there but they are limited. I've found these to be helpful at first glance:

* Better Homes & Gardens
* The Knot (Obvsiously)
* Centerpiece Building Blocks
* The Wedding Channel

While there is plenty of time to argue - achem - negotiate over the details here are a few that I'd like to use as inspiration:

Random Thoughts of Weddingness

2007-08-27T10:48:00.001-05:00

* With almost year to go, Coco and I are finalizing our plans for the Honeymoon. As much as I'm sold on hitting Thailand, I am having a hard time pulling the trigger on flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui and finally from Koh Samui back to Bangkok in order to return to NYC. [Here's a map] Seems like a lot of flying, no? I haven't quite worked out the total time commitment needed but think it might eat into time at the actual destination. Perhaps we cut Bangkok short - I've seen plenty of dirty city in NYC.

* We've countdown past the 400 day mark and are QUICKLY (almost too quickly if you ask my man purse.) approaching the 365 day mark. Whoa. It will definitely be here sooner than we think.

* We're going to visit the Carlyle in a few weeks to check out the grounds for photos and lighting. Around the same time we'll partake in our discounted din-din at The Oak Room with Big A and Mrs. Big A. (Mom, have no fear, I want you to see and taste what the Carlyle has to offer the next time you're up in NY!)

* We just got back from a great trip to the Berkshires; we hit John Williams at Tanglewood on Saturday night for his film night tribute to the great British director, David Lean, creator of Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge on the River Kwai, A Passage to India, and Doctor Zhivago. Here's the program.

Sunday was all about betting the the ponies at Saratoga. I know it wasn't for the Travers but it still was a great time! What a beautiful race track. (pix to follow shortly!) I'm still trying to figure out why I didn't bet our wedding savings on War Pass in the 3rd?? Big A said "pound it". You think I listened?? It was a losing day for me but here are the results in case you're interested - [here]

* We got a letter from Brad that says he hopes to be done with this war on or around July 4, 2008. Should I count on that given the state of things??

* Wedding Dress decisions are upon us (or Coco for that matter) and I'm sure tensions will rise. Her first venture out is in a week or two I think. My opinions vary and I've had my say, LOL, and think Coco will make the right choice. Big A and I will be passing the time at Shea as Los Mets take on the Phillies. Is it me or has the progress on Citifield exceeded your expectations?! Be sure to check out the time-lapse constructions web-cam on the right of the page.

* Not that I need another distraction but classes start up today for the fall term. Hear me now, but listen to me later, children - if you can afford to do it full-time - do it. 60+ credits across almost 4 years isn't as much fun as it's cracked up to be.

A Request Regarding Brad

2007-08-27T08:06:00.000-05:00

At the request of Boogie via Chicago:

For those that may be interested in sending a holiday care package (yes, they are already thinking about Christmas!) to Brad, here's his snail-mail address:

Sgt. Meetze, Brad
A Co. 2-508 PIR
FOB Ghazni
Jalalbad Airfield (JAF)
Bagram
Apo, AE 09354

Be prepared to receive a letter of thanks. I am no doubt sure that it will also include a list of items not to send him next time.

Wedding Photography

2007-08-21T12:30:00.000-05:00

Even thought we've finalized who our photographers (& videographer) will be, I came across this contest sponsored by the Wedding Photography Directory. It's a reach but I wonder if any of the photographers from DUET have entered or made the cut. Check out the 100 finalists! [Here] Take the time to look at them all. It's worth it.

I'm not sure who it's open to but I have my suspicions that you must be member before
you can submit. Bummer if you've got some good stuff out there. I know a few friends might want to look into this when the contest for 2008 opens.

My comments after viewing:

~The site could be set up in such a way that you can get to the next photo from the preceding as opposed to having to return to the index. (Read: use 'Next' arrows)

~There are some really great shots. Very creative. Very artistic. I hope that some of ours come out the same.

~What's with wearing masks on your wedding day??!

~I wonder how many are Photoshop-free?

~There may be only a few I don't like. Pretty impressive.

~Angry Bride is classic!

Some of my favorites:

In no particular order...

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5] I like the concept but the photo isn't sharp enough.

[6] Again, good concept but I think it is overdeveloped.

Do you have a favorite?

Familial Update - Afghani Style

2007-08-20T21:52:00.000-05:00

Via Momma Mac, I've received a slew of pix from Brad. Most are from his tour of duty with the Army either on the way to Afghanistan (ie. boot camp, Shannon - Ireland), in Afghanistan (Ghazni) or on a short leave down in Florida. Take some some time to see what he sees. I'm always amazed by the climate in Afghanistan.Come home soon, kid.

Brad's Army Pix - v1

Starting The Week Off Right - Sort Of...

2007-08-20T08:28:00.001-05:00

Television
It looks like Coco will be a bit disappointed as one of her favorite shows is bound to have trouble on the set. It seems Chase has backed out of his upcoming nuptials to House kitten Allison Cameron. Booo. What a way to spoil a romantic proposal atop Le Tour Eiffel. Read about the details here. I wonder if it had to do with the lack of success on their movie "Flourish"??

Politics(???)
I haven't figure out yet if this quote is legit or not but it's fitting none-the-less ; rock on Jenna Bush:

"The president's friend and long time adviser Karl Rove has graciously consented to remain on board past his August resignation deadline to serve in the capacity of Chief Wedding Coordinator and strategist as a favor to the president," offered Dana Perino. "Negotiations are underway to have the president's personal pastor, reverend Luis Leon officiate the ceremony but there is a minor sticking point over a mandatory series of prenuptial birth control counseling sessions." - Gotta love Unconfirmed Sources.

Unfortunately for the blue team, popularity ratings for GWB are likely to soar (perhaps out of sight??). Can you say publicity?? I hear the White House wedding of Alice Roosevelt took up the entire front page of The Washington Post — every column — and a song about her was the No. 1 hit in the country, and they named a color (Alice Blue) after her. GASP. I wonder how The Post will counter??

Humor
Jimmy Fallon is officially off the market as he popped the question to long time GF Nancy Juvonen (who??). Ohhh, that's who. Am I the only one annoyed with Metromix's report?? - "It's the first engagement for the former "Saturday Night Live" star and Juvonen..". Presumption of 'multiple engagements' is not only uncalled for but eerily American, n'est pas?

Not So Humor
aka Buzzkill. And people say there's a god. As if.

Addendum - Baby Related

2007-08-15T22:34:00.000-05:00

Ps...I forgot about the third baby item...[Buffalo, baby, Buffalo]

3) Big ups to Baby EP (really, Lil Hugh Parker) - I hear he has more than two teef..(Coco would call them toofins, right??) Rumor has it has he can stand all by his lonesome but I wouldn't know - I haven't seen pix since C-Town days. Insanity isn't it...

pps......I'm running Memphis-style with tons of southern hospitality tomorrow night at JT's H-O-T show. Holla.

Baby Related

2007-08-15T10:42:00.000-05:00

Tough times call for tough measures - and by tough I mean "I've terrible about making regular posts"! It's time for a change people!

And with that I have two pieces of baby-related news:

1) One of my mates from UB (TK in the house!) has had his first baby. Tom and Summer have brought Siena Rose Kassmel into this world. (I'd post a pic but I don't have one - Sorry TK & Summer)

2) Coastie bro Seannie and his wife Jenoa have received a 99.99% confirmation that they are expecting a baby girl. And here I thought they'd be blessed with triplet boys - twins at the least...

Brides Decide? - Decide What??

2007-08-13T08:22:00.000-05:00

Using Google's Reader I clearly get a picture of what's going on in the world specific to news I am dying to read about.

Get a load of this juicy, and I suspect controversial, tidbit; David Liu, the money-making genius behind TheKnot.com, is taking bridal decision making skills to a new level. BridesDecide wants brides (& bridegrooms, I suspect) to get more involved in the 2008 presidential election.

They provide some pretty interesting features like side-by-side comparisons by issue (abortion, health care, education, etc.), a voter registration link and various polls about *important* issues.

They've gone so far as to dig up the particulars of each candidate's nuptials complete with real wedding photos. (Oooh.) As expected, former NYC Mayor Rudy Guiliani's wedding profile is a bit lacking. I'm not sure their programmers knew how to take into account the whole second-cousin thing. Here is NNDB's run-down on him. Please note "Mistress" classifier. Ouch. (disclaimer: I helped elect him into office)

Since I'm knee-deep in guest list F-U-N, I'd love to see what the guests lists look like and what their lifetime political contributions tally up to.

Come to think of it, I'd like to see BridesDecide include *potential* candidates, too; Al Gore, Fred Thompson, Newt Gingrich, Bloomberg, Chuck Nader... Why not, right?!

The US divorce rate (1st marriage is 41%, 2nd marriage is 60%, 3rd marriage is 73%) keeps flashing into my mind - The cynic in me hopes this doesn't somehow project to voter turnout.

We're Back NYC....Did You Miss Us?!?

2007-08-08T10:27:00.000-05:00

Briefly...

*Chicago rocked. Lori and Bart = great hosts.

*The Mets not only took 2 of 3 from the Cubbies but the team also stayed at our hotel. S-W-E-E-T. Sightings at the Westin include David Wright, Howard Johnson, Marlon Anderson, Ramon Castro, Jorge Josa, Pedro Felicianco, Paul Loduca, Tom Glavine, Jerry Manuel, Aaron Heilman (& wife), Moises Alou, and Lastings Milledge. Not bad, huh!?!

*Chicago seemed much cleaner than NYC and locals seemed exceptionally nice. Almost too nice if you ask me.

*We saw Bulls stalwart Will Purdue checking out of our hotel. Damn, he is t-a-l-l.

*The only way to see Wrigley is from the Skybox on Sheffield. OMG. I'm rethinking my bachelor party destinations as we speak.

*While edible, Chicago-style pizza doesn't have anything on NYC-style pizza (Smiling Pizza on 7th Avenue @ 9th street in Park Slope rules!) - one shouldn't have to use a knife and fork to eat pizza, right?

*The Peninsula Hotel Bar is swanky. Men, be alert. Ladies are on the prowl. Try not to fall for the "Can you teach me something about cigars?" line. Remember how Clinton fell for it?

*Until January 1, 2008, bar (& restaurant I believe) patrons can smoke inside until their heart's content. G-A-S-P.

On The Road Again...

2007-08-02T10:16:00.000-05:00

The HerWayOrTheHighway wedding couple is off to the Land of Capone to see 1) another wedding couple and 2) support the Metropolitans as they take on the H-O-T Cubbies.

See you on Tuesday.

Goes Together Better Than (crunchy) Peanut Butter & (anything-but-grape) Jelly

2007-07-31T08:16:00.000-05:00

See if you can follow along...

1) Beckie Newton portrays a fab Amanda Tanen on "Ugly Betty". Check out this spotlight next to Damn-I'm-too-cute-Kelly Ripa.

2) I'm sure Beckie has been called 'Becks' at some point in her beautiful 29 year old existence.

3) The real Becks has finally made it across the pond to magical land called LA. I think it was worth the $250m.

4) David (we're close like that) is married to Posh Spice (aka Victoria Beckham) who just happens to blog about the trials and tribulations of learning to call 'sneakers' sneakers and not trainers. Read about it here. This normal girl from London (who just happened to travel to elementary school in a Bentley) chronicled her recent move stateside in NBC's "Victoria Beckham: Coming to America". Sadly, it was streamlined down to one episode instead of six. Bad NBC.

...coming full circle......

5) Posh, achem, Victoria, is reportedly set for a guest appearance this fall on - you guessed it - "Ugly Betty". The scene, a wedding scene, duh, pits the new Becks vs. Mrs. Becks. (Wo)mano e (Wo)mano. One can only guess who will seem fatter than the other. Check it out here.

For more Brit-inspired laughs, check out the Beckhams and Borat having a meeting of the minds.

Brief Hiatus

2007-07-27T10:49:00.000-05:00

Gone camping....

Non-Wedding Babble - Harry Who??

2007-07-26T09:39:00.001-05:00

Ever notice the similarities??

Harry Potter: Harry Potter (orphan living with uncle and aunt)
Star Wars: Luke Skywalker (orphan living with uncle and aunt)

Harry Potter: Bearded rescuer Hagrid
Star Wars: Bearded rescuer Obe-Wan

Harry Potter: Magic
Star Wars: The Force

Harry Potter: Wizard
Star Wars: Jedi

Harry Potter: wand
Star Wars: light sabre

Harry Potter: adventures with friends Ron Weasley & Hermione Granger
Star Wars: adventures with friends Han Solo & Princess Leia

Harry Potter: Lord Voldemort
Star Wars: Darth Vader

Harry Potter: Lord Voldemort killed Harry's father
Star Wars: Darth Vader killed Luke's father.

Harry Potter: movie score composed by John Williams
Star Wars: movie score composed by John Williams

Downright uncanny, isn't it. Way to go J(o)K(e) Rowling. Here's even more.

Wedding Questions Of The Day

2007-07-23T14:31:00.000-05:00

Q - I wonder how I should wear my hair that day?

The Bride conglomerate at Conde Nast doesn't seem to have much.

Q - If I had to rename this blog what should I call it?

A Chaordic Affair to Formember.

Q - What should the wedding cake taste like?

Buttercream. Chocolate. Rocky Road ice cream. Fondant. Vanilla-almond.

Q - How can we reduce the green footprint of the wedding?

Adopt an animal through the World Wildlife Fund.

Purchase carbon credits for the travel related to our affair.

An eco-limo; a Prius limousine. Yes, that's correct. A car that I could shoehorn into my own trunk and use as an emergency escape pod is now the Eco Limo calling card.

Use ecofetti - now that's a splash of colour if I do say so myself.

New Song Of The Moment - (die) Pilot

2007-07-20T22:49:00.000-05:00

Colorado-based (die)Pilot tops the charts this week. It should be noted that new music can be 'found' anywhere. This find comes a la, how you say, "adult cinema". Enjoy. I know Rocco did. The rest of the album kicks.

Random Ramblings

2007-07-20T12:22:00.000-05:00

Wedding Insurance

With the cost of weddings forever rising, it seems only natural to provide oneself a safety net just in case things don't go as expected. I still haven't pulled the trigger on this. My only real concern is how far in advance do I need to secure it. I obviously understand that going to contract a fews days before is most likely not an option. Thoughts?

I would tend to argue that insurance should be procured as soon as we start putting down deposits on the reception venue, band, photographer, etc.

Doh! Better get on it.

The Dress Ordeal

Rockstar designer Monique Lhuillier has this to say about dress shopping:

1. Go in with an open mind. You may think you know what you're looking for and what works for you, but you have to try on several different dresses.

2. Don't shop with too many people. You'll just get confused, because everyone has an opinion. Listen to the little voice inside of you.

3. Fit is key. Be as comfortable as you can in your wedding gown. The better it fits, the happier you will be on the big day.

Talk about enlightening.

Did you also know that she is teaming with Royal Doulton in October to launch a fine china and stemware collection??

Here's more juice on her.

Watch out Vera Wang - your designs seem to resemble targets.

The Magic Of Potter

2007-07-19T09:11:00.000-05:00

Somehow these soon-to-be newlyweds are preoccupied with JK Rowlings writings a bit too much, no?

Readers, can I get a show of hands how many are planning on procuring the final book this Saturday at 12 midnight?? I know Coco plans on lining up outside our local Barnes & Noble in full regalia. That means dressing up like my FAVORITE character - Hermione Granger aka Emma-can-you-believe-I-am-only-17?!-Watson. Grrrrrr.

(ps...Jenoa, sorry you may have been duped into reading this post just because the title mentions a 'Potter'. There are others in this world you know!!)

Happy Birthday Amy!!

2007-07-18T15:51:00.000-05:00

You're legal now.

Hotel Review & Locale Suggestion

2007-07-17T08:36:00.000-05:00

You may recall this post where I ponder the logistics of hotels come wedding time. Well, it turns out that Aunt Kathy and Jeff (of the Great Barrington Construction Camp) stayed at the Garden City Hotel the night of the engagement party and gave it two thumbs up. How can they not - it's supposed to be one of the nicest hotels on Long Island. It's also only about 25 minutes from The Carlyle. See for yourself. I've never been there so I have absolutely no idea what's it's like but if Aunt says it's ok and Jeff can justify the expense then there must be some good value in it.

I'd like to append one piece of information to my recent post about the changes to The Carlyle website. In fact, this is a tip to all wedding venue websites - "Please include a list of suggested hotels that are near the event."

Is that too much to ask? I didn't think so.

Carlyle On The Green Changing It Up

2007-07-13T10:13:00.000-05:00

I was struggling to find something to write about until I happened upon some changes the Carlyle on the Green has made to their website. It's a definite improvement and gives viewers a better feel of the facilities and layout.

The "Weddings" and "Corporate Events" selections on the left-hand side of their site show some nice pictures of the chapel where we will be having our ceremony. I believe it's called the Lenox Room. This room sold us on the Carlyle. Our thinking was that we have to have a contingency for bad weather - this will always be a game day decision in my opionion- so we decided that this room, adorned with candles & "all things romantic", will look amazing regardless of the weather. We haven't really decided how we are going to decorate it but by itself the room looks stunning.

"Social Events" has a photo of the Conservatory which will host the reception. We love this room and how it opens up right onto the practice putting green and the first tee of the Red Course. Score.

The Heritage Room will host the cocktail hour. With huge cathedral ceilings, 2 bars, a fireplace and a piano, this will surely kick of festivities the right way.

Also on site is a great restaurant called The Oak Room. The culinary staff here will be in charge of preparing the dinner we'll select. One of the 'perks' in going to contract with The Carlyle for our wedding, an expected perk nonetheless, is the option for the two of us to have dinner at The Oak Room on them. I'm really looking forward to sampling the menu at some point. I wonder what their specialty is?

Enjoy the weekend campers! Keep an eye (or two) out for Jason. I hear the Vorhees family never really dies...

Hot Off The (Very Slow) Press - Engagement Party Pix!!

2007-07-11T14:19:00.002-05:00

It took me a while to compile them since there were a little over 500 to choose from, but these 423 made the cut. Enjoy! Thanks again, Alan and Susan. The party was great! Sorry again to those that couldn't attend as you were missed - and don't worry - we believed every excuse you gave us. See you in September??

(To view them just click on the link/picture below. Special thanks to Gil, Yehuda & Liron as they manned (and womanned) the cameras. If you'd like to see more of Gil's work check out his website Embedded In Brooklyn. )

For those that may be visiting for the first time; stick around and read about what we've been planning. This 'thing' is called a blog.

Brian & Stef's Engagement Party (Team Brefanie Rules!)

2007-07-11T14:19:00.001-05:00

P(ark)S(lope) Wedding Dress Blues

2007-07-10T14:55:00.000-05:00

Damn! I feel so (not) badly for this lil lady. Her PS dry cleaner shut down abruptly whilst still having in their possession her wedding dress!!! Eeek!

Who gets a wedding dress cleaned these days anyway?? I hope it was after the wedding and not during some "at home alone" time. And here I thought the latest trend was trashing a wedding dress. What? Don't believe me? Read about it here and here. For the record - this guy started it all.

In any case, trashing one sounds like a great way to salvage a dress that will be worn only once granted it's actually being purchased. Is renting one that wrong?

A Blessed ( & Logical!!) Union

2007-07-09T14:52:00.000-05:00

I wonder if Dave from Renegade (our kick ass wedding band!) knows about this yet??! Is it me or should all things "music" have a mySpace page??? It seems that a "wedding" search returns the following:

*The Real Wedding Crashers (NBC spoof reality show)

*A Santa Cruz Wedding Photographer

*Various HYSTERICAL clips of Wedding Crashers the movie; "Listen, do you smell something?", "Motorboating-son-of-a-bitch" , "She has man-hands" and "Balloons are my enemy's friend"

*A wedding 'group'

* An actual wedding; they really do happen!

*A "DIY Wedding Video and Dress Guide". Props for creativity. That color would look great with my blue eyes. Word.

*UK indie-rock collective The Wedding Present. Of course.

*A tragedy entitled "My Big Fat Italian Wedding (Please note that I am refraining from using the derogatory euphemism "dago" that I sometimes like to use along with "mick".)

*Another wedding videographer whose handle just happens to be `6'8 "Black Male`. Scary.

*A classic spin on commitment.

*An advertisement for dental work.

The Engagement Party

2007-07-02T14:59:00.000-05:00

Much thanks to Big A and Mrs. Big A for a hosting an awesome party! It was great to see those that could make it.

Those that couldn't attend were missed - and don't worry - we believed every excuse you gave us.

More to follow...

Just Something To Talk About...

2007-06-28T21:10:00.000-05:00

So, what is a French cake anyway, Mr. Eva Longoria?? Is it one made of champagne? Escargot? French bread? French fries? [Coco wishes!!] I'm not sure either but you can read about it here.

Maybe they'll both enter that ridiculous wedding cake eating contest that WE, as in Women's Entertainment Network, is having as part of that ridiculous show Bridezillas. Read for yourself.

And in glad-I'm-not-in-their-shoes wedding news, the sale of a $17M (not a typo and all in cash) has forced the former Sky Studios to tell brides-and-grooms-to-be that are already in contract, that they have to find someplace else to get ma-weed. Turns out it's now a primary residence with size limitations of only 75 people. Read about how sucky it is here. And here's the actual letter to the brides. D. A. M. N.

(I'd be lying if I told you I didn't have my own fears about the Carlyle undertaking major renovations with the US Open coming to town in 2009. Rest assured - I was assured.)

How Many Have You Been To?

2007-06-26T08:58:00.000-05:00

Quick answer: 7
True answer: see below (and in no particular order)

1) Tiny (Cleveland (Rocks!), OH)
2) TK (Vail, CO)
3) Gillott (Miami, FL)
4) Laquinta (NY)
5) DLJ (NJ)
6) Hetman (LI, NY)
7) The Mayor (Grafton, VT)
8) Michelle Walsh (NYC)
9) The Unit (NYC)
10) The Ohayons (LI, NY)
11) Coastie-Bro-who-is-a-daddy-to-be (Sea-town, WA)
12) Stephanie & Chris (LI, NY)
13) Chris & Andrea (LI, NY)

(Am I missing any?)

I'll stop at this lucky, prime number knowing that there are probably 2 or 3 more that I've been to in the past 5 or so years that I cannot nor probably wish to recall. Please insert you're own reason.

So, what is my point?? My point is ducats. Cash. Cheese. Bread. Dineros. Call it whatever you'd like to but know that attending one, in as much as throwing one as I am experiencing first hand, costs money.

Between the flight, rental car, hotel, wedding gift, new outfit, etc., - it all adds up. Add to that the expenses incurred at the bachelor party and the cost probably doubles if not triples. (It's amazing how money seems to teleport almost instantaneously from one's savings account to the college fund of a red-headed junior named Cherry. Or Amber. Or Chastity. Or Destiny. Or...)

Needless to say, it can be overwhelming and the last thing Coco or I want is for our "blessed union" to cause undue, financial duress. After all, it was this link that prompted this post. (Thank you, Google Reader.) We understand we are popular people and that the wedding and stag & hen parties will be something to talk about, but we aren't reason alone to extend oneself. Or are we?

Spend responsibly people.

New Feature!!

2007-06-22T08:50:00.000-05:00

So, I've embedded a new feature that I'm labeling "Song of the Moment". As of now, it will sit right above the most recent post. I started with it over on the right-hand side with the rest of the page elements (that's what Blogspot calls them) but I think it gets lost. And besides, I didn't want to mess with the current order. Order is key. I like order.

I'm sure not what the switch is yet to have it play automatically or play an entire playlist but I'm working on it. Until then you'll have to hit play. I'd love to see how else I can tweak this app[lication].

As for the song choice - The Funeral by Band of Horses - it cannot be played loud enough nor just once. Find our for yourself. In fact, the entire Band of Horses repertoire is pretty amazing. Feel free to make some suggestions. If I can find the song I may showcase it.

I'm sure Coco will want to 'showcase' various wedding songs that she likes. Be prepared. ...And go....

Hope you have speakers. If not, get some!

What do ya got, Lames??

An Ode to Bundling

2007-06-21T13:09:00.000-05:00

The WSJ had an eye-opening piece on the latest rage in weddings - perfect for 2008 - weddings as bundling initiatives. It's ingenious if you ask me.

It started out as a half-joking comment from fiancee's Alex Heckler and Tiffany Zientz: "Why not convert the wedding reception for 250 guests into a per-plate fund-raiser for a presidential contender?" As it turns out, such a far-out idea is far from far-out since the very same groom-to-be actually met his bride-to-be by lifting her email address from a political fund-raising list. Gasp. (Whatever is takes to get the woman of our dreams, right fellas?)

Mr. Heckler's devotion to fund-raising is characteristic of few. At least dating back to Kerry's run for president, he's been a bundler - "one of the few hundred Americans underwriting the early rounds of the campaign by cajoling friends, relatives and contacts to dash off checks for a few thousand dollars to their favorite candidate."

Could such an endeavor work for Coco and I? Let's explore the possibilities:

a) We are Americans.

b) We have friends.

c) We have family.

...looks pretty good so far.

d) Said family and friends most certainly own checkbooks filled with........wait for it....checks just waiting to be filled out. Nevermind that I deftly left out Mr. Heckler's $2,300 per-plate asking price.

e) Said family and friends, some WAY more outspoken than others, most likely (and hopefully!) vote. It is our right and hopefully your voting so aspects of the President's Immigration Bill (like "amnesty" via Z visas & council paid by our tax $s) never make it to fruition. Anyway you look at it, this bill will cost a pretty penny. And at the very least, said family and friends must prefer one candidate (or candidate's features!) more than the another, no? If that ain't reason enough to vote, I don't know what is.

f) Said family and friends will conveniently be convening to celebrate our upcoming nuptials. Could there be second reason to celebrate?

g) If you read the right rag, you may have caught on that a certain gentlemanly candidate from a state whose northernly brother loves vinegary BBQ (and is very close to the state where Seannie and Jenoa are moving to) will be front-and-center on a certain familial CN pub. How's that for a cryptic blind item!

...the stars seem aligned thus far...

i) If we pull out the cost of the Honeymoon that I've included in our spreadsheet, the per head 'contribution' seems very affordable.

j) Can you say tax write-off??

k) We would let attendees select the campaign of their choice.

l) 'Contributions' are anonymous. (Please maintain current registered political affiliations, Heather. Anonymity doesn't mean you can now use blue ink because it's in vogue and you dig Hil.)

So, what do you think? Compelling argument if you ask me. The chances of us 'bundling' our wedding for the 2008 Presidential election look pretty good, huh?

[I was really hoping I could think of 26 (A-Z, get it?) reasons but I just don't think I'm as witty as you think I am. Sorry to disappoint.]

Because You Asked...

2007-06-20T11:45:00.000-05:00

In blogging fashion, I thought I would provide readers (frequent or other) with some information that we may incorporate into our wedding ceremony.

The Unity Candle - I've seen it used before but I can't quite recall if it's use was indicative of a religious ceremony or not. Either way, I think it could be used as-is or tweaked to make it more personal.

As one can probably imagine, the bride and groom each take a lit candle and simultaneously light a third larger "unity candle." They may blow out their individual lights, or leave them lit, symbolizing that they have not lost their individuality in their unity. Personally, I'm not fond of blowing out the candles since I think its a bit too easy (and unnerving) to find something symbolic in extinguishing them; me being symbolic and all. [For your trivia buffs, this is similar to the South African !Kung ceremony in which fire from the hearths of the homes of both families is used to start a fire in the newlyweds' home.]

Minister Keith (of NYMarriages) mentioned an alternative yet similarly symbolic ceremony, the sand ceremony. I like the idea but I just don't think it comes off as clean as the candle ceremony. Way too messy if you ask me. What if we use white sand??

I'm a fan of the wine ceremony where the bride and groom each take a carafe of wine and pour it into a single glass, which they both drink from. Heck, I'll drink anything. Even something as weak as wine.

Perhaps we can combine them as follows:

1 part Big A's Campari
1 part her mom's Wild Turkey (Gobble! Gobble!)
1 part Coco's (crap) Bud/Coor's light (no link necessary)
1 part Black Label (I wouldn't dare ruin a single malt doing this!)
1 part Mom's white wine with ice

Shake - because 007 never had it stirred. Pour into holy grail. Sip (or at least pretend to). Take said Holy Grail and attempt to break via foot like the Israeli Nation (representin! hoooo!). I think I've covered all of the bases, no?

In all seriousness, I like the idea of the unity candle and will figure out how best to incorporate it. Logistics within the chapel will most likely drive this.

More Puzzle Pieces - Wedding Imagery

2007-06-18T07:47:00.000-05:00

Slowly but surely, the pieces are coming together.

Tuesday we hope to go to contract with Duet. After searching high and low, I think they provide the best value for what they offer: 2 photographers, a videographer (not sure if there is an assistant or not), 10 hours of 'activity', an engagement session, 1 large album for us, 2 smaller albums for the parents, 600+ 4x6 prints select prints used to build the album, DVDs of all of the images, a video DVD, an option to purchase the raw footage (I think we'll do this) and either an 11x14 or 2 8x10s.

I'll be glad to get this out of the way and incorporate the overall hit to our schedule (aka wedding spreadsheet). I don't recall exactly what their payment expectations are but I think we only have to pay 20 or 25% upfront. Retaining the balance for almost a year is always good when interest is concerned. Behold! The power of compounding interest.

A day late, but Happy belated Father's Day to all of the dads and dads-to-be that read the blog. That goes for you to, mom - you were the only father figure I had growing up (besides Uncle Hank but he's a Yankee fan). It's a wonder I didn't end up batting for the other team. Not that that's a bad thing....just not my thing.

Another Piece Of The Puzzle

2007-06-14T09:21:00.000-05:00

Yes, that's right. Another piece to the wedding puzzle has been put into place.

Last night we had our officiant interview with Minister Keith from NY Marriages. Coco was running late (Men's Vogue beckons) so Minister Keith and I talked shop and baseball at the bar for a while. (I must admit there are still times when I just don't know where I am when I come above ground from the subway. Does this happen to every New Yorker?? Surely it must.)

The conversation quickly moved away from Mets & the Yankees (sorry, Minister Keith. Let's hope the Metropolitans can stop their losing streak!) as soon as we had cocktails in hand. For the record, Minister Keith, only ordered a Coke. Stella for me and a vibrantly floral 2007 Roisin Dubh for the bride-to-be.

Minister Keith reviewed for us his history, his perspectives on marriage, religion, and naturally, talked a bit about his family. (He and his wife (a Mets fan!) are expecting their 3rd child. They also have a set of one year-old twins - Twins?? Sounds like kismet to me!)

He ran down a 'typical' ceremony and graciously answered ANY questions we had about ANYTHING, either related or unrelated to the ceremony. I can't quite recall what specific questions we asked but the materials he provided covered all of the bases. Baseball pun intended. We spoke about a union ceremony (candle or sand), our vows, readings, who we might like to witness the signing of the marriage license, amongs other things. Needless to say, we're both very excited to work out the details in the upcoming months. He was very positive, over extended himself, and was glad to incorporate anything we wanted into the ceremony that would personalize it. He didn't stop there and as we exited, offered to answer any questions we might have about anything.

Other Minister Keith points of interest:

-He's owned up to using my "pleasantly forgettable" description of officiants with other clients.

-He's taller than I anticipated (due to his photo on the website). 6', maybe 6'1".

-This is not his full-time occupation. He also works in IT.

-He's done 1 ceremony at The Carlyle. I'd be just as happy if we're #2 or #10.

-He participates in a fantasy season-long HR derby that could pay out $$$$. I believe the Mrs. does, too.

(Sorry, Aunt T but The NYSEC is out. A great idea but I think we'd be foolish to pass up Minister Keith. I think I'll refer to him as MK for the rest of this post.)

Coco Strikes Gold - The Registry Kind

2007-06-13T11:23:00.000-05:00

I missed the boat but was miraculously thrown a life preserver by the bride-to-be. Whew. I'm not sure how I missed it but it's definitely good blog fodder. A job well done, baby.

Discussing the very concept of a registry is fraught with deep, complex issues: What do we register for? What do we want vs. what do we need? Do we really need that? What should we not register for? What will most of our friends and family pick off? What will be left that we have to then pick up to complete a set of something? This list goes on.

And sadly, the issues do not disappear just because you're on the other side of the line actually building a registry. (I use the term 'building' because one must really give thought to this. Slapping together a hodge-podge of wants & wishes can actually be a detriment and cost something.)

I'll be the first person to tell you that I avoided registries; I thought they were too impersonal for the relationship I have/had with the bride and groom. I like to make sure there's meaning behind the gift. Coco has appropriately slapped me out of my fantasy. Hello real world. Registries - consider me your slave.

What I failed to read, and Coco so graciously pointed out to me, was an inquisitive and insightful Gawker post. [Gawker - a cog in the Nick Denton Gawker Media machine; the blog that you love to hate; Other blogs include Wonkette, Defamer and one of my personal favs - Gizmodo. The list goes on. Just google him and see for yourself.]

The post, that I am sl-ow-ly getting to, is an expose` on The Worst Wedding In The World. With brevity in mind, I'll attempt to consolidate most of the important points.

1) I didn't know a Modern Bride Of The Year crown even existed. I'd like one please.

2) How can someone really invite 200 guests to a destination wedding and expect them all to show up? Rumor has it the destination was Cali wine country.

3) The couple is "ready to take the sickest honeymoon of all time." That's so rad.

4) And as such, have registered with Starwood for said sickest honeymoon of all time. Yes, I said registered. See how they have been doing here!

5) The groom-to-be states the following "With Heather in school, etc., unfortunately we're not really at the life juncture of copper cookware, roasters, and 400 count Egyptian [sic] cotton sheets". 400 thread-count sheets? Sounds so Martha, n'est pas?

Here's the link again in case you missed it. [Here] Be sure to read the comments. Here are some of my favorites. (Warning: not for the faint of heart)

"if there is a god, she will be waiting for them"

"This has MD telethon written all over it."

"Also, in browsing the "Our Friends" section of the website I can't help but think that if her girlfriends were as good-looking as she is, she'd have a pool of wealthy older husbands to mooch from. That's what you get for being one of those girls who likes to be surrounded by less attractive women. "

"Can you say 'Cash Bar'?!"

"In my day, this was called 'begging'."

"And Heather, do you take Mike to be your lawfully wedded husband? I douche."

I'm in line with the majority that have commented; I think the bride and groom might be extending themselves a bit too much. But I'd also be lying if I said I never, ever, ever, ever mentioned something along identical lines. It's almost as bad as registering for assistance in clearing personal debt. Or how about registering to assist with mortgage payments? If guests are willing to contribute to starting a home, why not suggest what it is they should be getting. Sort of sounds like the whole idea behind a traditional gift registry, no?

Daniel Gross at Slate takes a defensive position dropping topics such as socially-accepted-recipient-directed giving, the emerging field of happiness studies, 'transumers' (people who are driven by experiences not objects) and frictionless transactions. It really makes for an interesting read.

Wedding Attire Threads

2007-06-12T19:38:00.000-05:00

Conde's Glamour ran a brief piece under the MSNBC banner about a bride's style Dos and Don'ts. I'll quote (and possibly comment one) the important points:

1)"DON’T spend the down payment for your home on a wedding dress."

I concur.

2)"DON’T obey the old rule that bridesmaid gowns must always match! There are very few dresses that flatter all body types and your bridesmaids will thank you for taking their sizes and shapes into consideration."

Umm. I'm not sure how Coco will take to this but I think she'll forgo 'staying on their good side' for the same black dress they can actually wear after the wedding.

3)"DO make sure your groom fits in with the rest of the bridal party."

Well, yeah. Obv.

4)"DO find an 'of the moment' It dress that is timeless and classic."

This seems like a home run to me. If there is one thing I can count on is Coco picking something timeless & classic. Go Coco. Team Brefanie rules!

In true related fashion (pun intended), all Dress Day references will heretofore be referred to as D-Day. Dress Day = D-Day. Get it? Similarly, all Tuxedo Day references will fall under the T-Day moniker.

Question: If I am purposefully excluded from D-Day, does this imply that Coco is excluded from T-Day? Seems only fair, no? I'll take it from here, baby.

Reducing The Size Of Our "Footprint"

2007-06-12T09:07:00.001-05:00

Every time I bring up the topic of ways we can incorporate green aspects into the wedding, Coco goes off, rightfully, on a tangent about recycling. To be honest, we do not recycle and I blame it fully on the fact that we just don't know what the rules are in our 'hood.

Fitting, via Brownstoner to OnlyTheBlogKnowsBrooklyn, I've learned that Park Slope (aka The Slope) is #1 in the city. The Department of Sanitation rates the highest PS with a 30% recycling rate, that's capturing 60-65% of recyclable waste. Sadly, we do not contribute to this feat. This post provides some great tips and links directly to the newly created Office of Recycling Outreach and Education. You can read about it here if you're interested. Tell me I'm not the only one who didn't know that people shouldn't be using blue bags anymore - at least in PS??!

I'll see what we can do as far as our building is concerned. Changes need to happen.

Cool New Feature!!!

2007-06-11T13:51:00.000-05:00

I've just figured out how to embed a Picasa slideshow as a new page element. Sweet!

Don't take offense if you don't see your picture up there - either you don't read the blog (enough), don't comment (enough) , or we really don't like you (enough). Seriously, it started out as pix of "just us" and then grew to pix of either "one of us and someone else". Who knows what it will grow into next??!!

I also may not have photos of you, your parent(s), your sibling(s), your loved one(s), or child(ren) readily available to include. If you have a PG photo you'd like me to include send it to our home address with a check or money order for $14.99 made out to "Team Brefanie - In Support Of All Things Pure & Chaste". Come back and keep checking to see if you've made "Roll Call".

Inspiration? Eh - I Don't Really Think Its Necessary

2007-06-11T07:26:00.000-05:00

I've seen a few articles online and in print about the proliferation of people "publicizing" their journey from engagement to wedding. Call it a crime of passion....a crime of love....or just a crime in need of attention. We are indeed guilty of such a crime.

So, too, are the newly married Tuff's. They have a nice website (not really a blog, Aunt T, but here is a nice piece on the differences in each) with a clever and catchy URL (www.doublemintwedding.com). As you can imagine they are both one half of a pair of identical twins. (Redundant? Yes, but I like it that way!)

They, too, list information on the bridal parties, resources for out-of-town guests and history on couple. It's cute. Perhaps this will be impetus enough to incorporate some more pictures and stories? I'll leave the stories up to Coco since she remembers (and hears!) everything. Everything. E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G.

Coco, tell some stories or post a picture or two or seven. Do something. Please. Thankyouverymuch.

Something New

2007-06-09T19:08:00.000-05:00

I received an obnoxious request (happily via a comment on this blog) requesting the weather in a 'foreign' city (Chicago; I wonder who was the requester was, Boogie??). I've decided to do one better.

Located on the right side of the blog, I've added a new page element giving readers the weather in Brooklyn. Its a cool tool from WeatherReports. Feel free to enter any zip code. It could even be one from Chicago for all I care.

Don't forget to check back when you're in town for the engagement party and wedding.

Hot Off The Presses - Officiant News

2007-06-08T09:51:00.000-05:00

It seems Minister Keith of NYMarriages has to reschedule next week's meeting. It seem he "made a critical error in setting up our meeting." Tuesday (June 12th) is actually his wife's birthday. For some reason, he thinks if he met with us, on Tuesday evening he would go home and the locks would be changed and all of his stuff would be on the front lawn.

This just reeks of foreshadowing.

Note to self:Do not forget wife-to-be's birthday.

Wedding News

2007-06-07T22:12:00.000-05:00

Whoa. Thank heavens were not getting married in Wisconsin. Turns out this mouse of a photographer skipped out on giving the wedded couples the wedding day pics after collecting their cheddar. Ouch. Even more disturbing (gasp!) he pocketed the sales tax and never passed it along to the state. Double ouch. Dirty rat. Read about it here.

Green weddings are all the rage this year. Green is definitely the new black. (You've heard it hear first!!) It seems this couple from down under is taking it a bit too far. 101 ways to use to elephant dung. Must make the stamps stick better, no?? Who on earth do they think they are - Bear Grylls??

For real though, Bear is sick. Can't wait for the new season to kick off.

Thoughts on Hotels

2007-06-07T11:04:00.001-05:00

I have absolutely no idea what we're going to do about hotels. Its early, but I can only imagine how many conversations I'm going to have about this.

Do I reserve a block of rooms at a hotel near the venue? If so, selection is limited.

Do I reserve a block of rooms at a hotel in the city? If so, selection is unlimited. (note: this has huge implications on transportation.)

How many people do I need to consider and by when?

Is there a standard number for a given size wedding? 20%? 25%?

Will those already 'in town' stay at a hotel?

What will the average length of stay be? (note: there will be a golf outing - most likely Thursday. Friday is definitely out of the question, right?)

Should I block rooms for just the night of the wedding and have guests decide for themselves?

Where will Coco and her maids be getting ready? Casa de Big A? Hotel? Other? (note: again, huge implications on transportation.)

Where will me and the groomsmen be coming from? Hotel? Bar? Hotel Bar? Other? (note: again, huge implications on transportation.)

When do I have to decide by? G-d forbid we select a hotel that also happens to host similar events and blocks rooms we may want.

And then there are the Bride-To-Be's wishes? (note: I will do my best to keep these in check but just so we are all on the same page, I also refer to her as............wait.................wait for it..............Hotel Snob. Thank you, Big A.)

What are my obligations with all of this? Am I overlooking anything? Who has some great insight for me? Someone? Anyone?

The Market - A Potential Play

2007-06-05T14:29:00.000-05:00

Here's the evolution of what I'll eventually get to - please keep up:

A) According to USA Today, a study by Modern Bride states the average wedding costs roughly $27,852.

B) I am planning a wedding. If you are reading this you probably already know this.

C) Studies show that for approximately 1% or 2% of that cost, a wedding can be insured. See my post from early May about looking for a provider. [The Fireman's Fund also provides wedding insurance.]

D) I am interested in wedding insurance. Again, if you are reading this you probably already know this.

E) This is supposed to be a very active year with 17 named storms and 9 potential hurricanes. Read about it here.

F)Mom lives in Florida. Her house is equipped with hurricane shutters.

What does this all mean? (keep scrolling...)

Insurance stocks might be a good play with increasing premiums (& love - the Branjelina kind).

Related, how is Affinity (Parent company Aon Corporation - AOC) not a good play seeing that WedSafe seems to be the primary wedding insurer out there. I've yet to dig into their financials. Thoughts?