Victory!!!!

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.

Breaking News!!!!

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.

The Carlyle Revisited...

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!!

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...

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

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:

Wedding Photography

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?

Brides Decide? - Decide What??

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.

Say It Ain't So Meredith - I mean - Ellen

Turns out that Coco's least favorite character (Ms. Grey) on her most favorite show (Grey's Anatomy) wants a "cute" wedding. [For those not hip on the jargon, "cute" is real estate speak for "small".] Is it really necessary for them to elope and save money?!? Hmmmm. Elope - now that sounds like a money-saving idea.

Read more about it here. Not our elope, silly - hers! Let's be real. Why would I publicize our elope?!?

Wedding Website?

As much as this will follow me up to the wedding I'm not sure if I want to set up one of those free sites and direct people to that for all of the juicy details. Here are some options:

WedQuarters

MyWedding

eWedding

Wedding Channel

Wedding Window

The Knot

What do you think? Did you find it helpful?

Loft 11 & The West Side Loft

So, we finally saw her favorite space. It was definitely nice but I seem to have a problem with practically every space we've seen - a logistical problem at that. We were greeted by Micheal Miller. Nice guy. Very engaging and started out by asking the right questions. He also had hair like the Gotti boys; not to their extreme but I'm sure you get my drift. And the shoes he wore just didn't go with the suit he had on. They looked like boots and he reminded me of Herman Munster when he walked around - at least from the shin down. I was thinking about telling him very matter-of-factly but I know Coco would've killed me. I was sold - we couldn't even think about using this space because of his foot apparel.

But seriously - both spaces allowed for good traffic flow considering the "order" - ceremony, cocktails, reception. I want to insert a lil lovin' somewhere in there (no pun intended) but, again, Coco would kill me. Something about not ruining her dress. Imagine that. Does she even plan on wearing it again. As if.

Oh yeah, back to the space. Loft 11 (on the 11th floor) really won't be able to accommodate more than 150 heads and if we even get close to 160 I'd be stoked. The best thing about this space was the slate-floored fountain room. He sold us this space as a 'smoking' room throughout the night which will make Big A and his cigars happy. G and Boogie will gladly partake a puff out there, too. I've ruled the first space out even with this room in mind.

However, the West Side Loft (6th floor) could easily handle a target size of 175. Again, if we can hit this number I'd be stoked. One of the downsides to this space was the size and proximity of the bridal suite. Michael did suggest that if another space of their's on the 7th floor wasn't used that they would gladly offer it as a better bridal suite at no charge. Great suggestion but I would only take the space IF the room came also. I'm not sure what it will cost to reserve the space in itself but this might detract from the space based on budget alone. We'll see.

They had a huge mirror on one of the walls but it definitely would get in the way of photos and whatnot if it were the backdrop of the ceremony. They could always take it down and re-hang it afterwards. What really seemed to eat up the space was the fact that whatever DJ (or band - not sure about that idea BTW) comes in speakers will be needed. I like my music and I like it loud so I can totally imagine square footage going bye-bye. Most of them use speakers on a tripods, right?

I'm picturing a 'squarer' space. Something less long and narrow as this one. Any ideas out there that I might have missed?

Thank G-d I didn't propose to Elizabeth Hurley!

Rumor (and Now! apparently) has it that her bridal party have to wear traditional pink saris. I'm all for the sari but pink? Does she mean light pink? hot pink? I wonder if she'll consult Pantone (c)?


Read about it here!

http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celeb_news/Elizabeth_Hurley_wedding_pink_nowmagazinecom_article_105700.html

Breaking News!!

As expected Studio 6, Abigail Kirsch's place at the Crooklyn Navy Yard is out! Way too much cash. I mean, come on, the woman has a monopoly on weddings in the tri-state area - you know you're going to pay top dollar.

The Registry

My last post of the day - maybe - but last night was our first real sit down to discuss what to register for. Man, did it bug me out. I swear I felt my blood pressure jump 20 or 30 points. I wouldn't say I'm a 'minimalist' but I'm definitely a 'functionalist'. Not, however, the traditional functionalist associated with crime causal theories or societal views and norms. I'm the "if I have it I'm not sure I need it so let's get something else" functionalist. The kind that can make do with the Crate & Barrel forks, knifes and spoons that I already have, 7,8 and 10, respectively.
The kind that can be fine with hosting for dinner 6 with a place setting for 4. Am I in the minority or the majority?

Wedding Venues

This is just a quick list of places we either have seen already or will see in the upcoming months. I've also 'bluedotted' a bunch toward the bottom. [What is 'bluedot' you ask? go here - http://bluedot.us/ ]

Without much further ado....and in no particular order:

Tribeca Rooftop - http://www.tribec.com/

Bridgewaters - www.theglaziergroup.com

The Altman Building - www.altmanbldg.com

BOYLAN STUDIOS - www.boylanstudios.com

The Faculty House - www.columbia.edu/cu/fachouse/

Stage 6 (Abigail K) -www.abigailkirsch.com/stage6.html

The Carlysle - http://www.carlyleatbethpage.com/

her favorite as of 1/10 - http://www.lofteleven.com/the_lofts/west_main.htm

and some others:

http://www.loft11.com/index.htm

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

http://www.peterwhitestudios.com/studioA.htm


BlueDot Special -http://bluedot.us/users/brmcnamara/friends/dots

The Altman Building

Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2007

URL: www.altmanbldg.com

Representative: Amanda Jassin

Address: 135 West 18th Street (btw 6th and 7th Avenues)

Details: A former carriage house, the 10,000 sq. ft. space is located on the first floor. Don't get confused and actually enter 135 West 18th since the space is right next door. Beautiful arching windows welcomed us into the space - the largest blank canvas we've seen to date. They have a selection of ceiling-length curtains that can be situated according to the desired layout between unobtrusive columns. There is a 3,500 sqft 'gallery' space down stairs that could easily double a location for cocktails.

I'm not one for messing around so I tend to see how event space will fit the different aspects of the wedding: ceremony, cocktail hour, plated dinner, catering, coat check, restrooms, valet parking, view, etc.

Being relatively new at this I'm not sure what to expect - better yet, what caterers expect - as far as space requirements go. Water supply, stove/oven, counter space, etc. This place didn't have much in the form of stove/oven fixtures but had two (1 on the ground floor and 1 in the gallery) galleys that Amanda sold as adequate water supplies and set-up space for a caterer.

The site space was $5,500. This includes the use of either the galley space and/or the main floor space. Additional $$ is needed to cover the used of mandated building security and AV/sound equipment. Valet parking isn't really an option since most of the garages in the area have monthly tenants. Coco starting chatting up a party bus which I quickly put an end to.

Long and short, we walked out thinking we had to either do too much. The lack of an adequate kitchen and valet basically turned us off.

Tonight we're seeing the West Side Loft - Coco's personal favorite. Wish me luck! www.lofteleven.com/the_lofts/west_main.htm