Psst....

Come home soon, baby.

Going In For The Kill

The Honeymoon is in our sites. We can almost taste it. Hotel after hotel is falling to the wayside as we narrow down only those that will do - for her.


Cabo - out.
Brazil - out.
Africa - out.
Maldives - out.
Seychelles - out.
France - out.
Greece - out.
Sedona - out.
Tahiti - out.
Hawaii - out.
Bali - out.
Maldives - out.
Spain - out.


Right now it's all about Thailand. Bangkok and Koh Sumai will most likely be our abode for a couple of weeks. We'll stop over in Bangkok for a few days to get accustomed to the time zone change and then fly into Koh Sumai and meet up with Leo and Virginie Ledoyen for some island fun. Grrrrr.

As of today, that makes it roughly 493 days until we leave. With the wedding on Friday we hope to fly out on Sunday. Forsee any problems with thinking this way?

I'll keep you posted on when we actually seal the deal and commit hard earned cash.

A Brief Update

Unless things drastically change, Brazil (a.k.a "who needs another Brazil stamp in their passport anyway??") and Cabo are sinking faster than Meredith Grey and McDreamy's relationship. Dun Dun Dun Duuuuhhhhhhh.


For mindless updates as this unfolds visit:

Derek is hot

Derek is the shiznit

Derek tickles my fancy

Derek can have my cake and eat it too

Bar sluts must die

..due to the sheer volume of Grey's Anatomy fodder on this interweb thing I have stopped linking links.

This Just In - The Honeymoon

I'd be lying if I told you there wasn't yet another honeymoon destination on the table.

Should the fact that I've been there already come into play?? Maybe. Maybe not.

ps...where's the spreadsheet I'm looking for?

Protection

When the day comes, I'll be surrounded by the right people just in case anything goes wrong - hair out of place, foreign object stuck in teeth, the Uninvited guest, etc. Whatever it is I think I'll have it covered. God forbid if something is out of my control, right?

But that's just it. Things will be out of my control. Hence this post on wedding insurance.

I haven't seen much out there on it and what little I do find, it's limited to WedSafe.com or About.com. I've also found info here but there site looks really sketchy. Regardless they do have some good info available as PDFs for download. Items that seem to be covered at first glance include:

-bridal party attire
-venue bankruptcy/closings
-wedding cancellation
-honeymoon cancellation
-wedding photography
-injury liability
-invitations

the list goes on....

Seems pretty inclusive; I just have to find out about all of the details.

The Knot has this FAQ on it.

So, did you get wedding insurance??

ps...I'm looking for quotes if you know for anyone.

Break on through.....Break on through.....Break on through

Break on through
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

499 Days Left! We've cracked into the 400s.






Let's also welcome Sean back from his super-secret, record-breaking military op that is taking tons of drugs off of the streets. He was also finally able to inform his side of the family (aka my mother and I) that the Vegas odds on his soon-to-be lil 'un dressed in pink are 7-10. My money is still on blue. I'm always - well, at least most of the time - pulling for the underdog, um, I mean, underbaby.

Honeymoon Banter

True to who she is as a person, how receptive she is to people's opinions, and exactly what I expected - Thailand got hit with the jab. It's knees buckled and it could be getting knocked down for the count. Not exactly a true statement but it is has drifted from our #1 to 1 of the top 3. What are the remaining 2 you ask? I don't know.

This morning's subway discussions have evolved into a new locale; 4 or 5 days in Sedona (perhaps here) followed by 10 days in Cabo (which I am just finding out is actually Cabo San Lucas or Los Cabos or the Cabo Corridor). Coco just loves this place and wants to stay here. Very nice. [Sidebar: Is it me or does anyone else hate TheOneAndOnly website?? I just don't get it.]

My thoughts on the matter: I just want the dollar to go as far as it possibly can. Nothing wrong with that, right? Didn't think so.

Coco, when will you have the honeymoon spreadsheet ready for my analysis?

ps...this could definitely mean more $$$ for the Honeymoon.

The "Bee Girl" - The New Me?

Given the state that I find myself in these days, a state, I realize, that I have no one to blame, err, exculpate but myself, a label (read: nickname, alias, insult, slur) is being thrown my way. You see, planning a wedding (or honeymoon) has presented someone with the opportunity to toss a label at me (ep, you label-tosser, you!!).

As The CLE suggests, I've donned the mask, albeit wiser and older, of the "Bee Girl". The "Bee Girl" you ask? Who, pray tell, is that? Surely you know. Come on. Everyone knows the "Bee Girl". The "Bee Girl", circa 1993, was the pivotal character in Blind Melon's "No Rain" video. A happy-go-hippy take on what exactly I am not sure - hence the forthcoming analysis.

Is it because:

-we both have freckles

-we both wear corrective lens (glasses)

-we both like the color yellow

-we both have an affinity for dancing (tap)

-we both can be found wandering the industrial landscape of certain cities (new york)

-we both enjoy the feeling of form-fitting spandex

-we both take pleasure being elevated in worship by our peers

-we both have shed a tear or two attempting to understand the plight of man (and bee)


Perhaps its just because said label-tosser comprehends the joys (and resulting financial freedom) that will eventually present themselves when certain milestones of this project have been completed.

It's strange. The more similarities I dig up the less slanderous and contumelious it sounds. I think a "Thank you" is in order.




No Rain - Lyrics (for those interested)

All I can say is that my life is pretty plain
I like watchin' the puddles gather rain
And all I can do is just pour some tea for two
and speak my point of view
But it's not sane, It's not sane

I just want some one to say to me
I'll always be there when you wake
Ya know I'd like to keep my cheeks dry today
So stay with me and I'll have it made

And I don't understand why I sleep all day
And I start to complain that there's no rain
And all I can do is read a book to stay awake
And it rips my life away, but it's a great escape
escape...escape...escape...
All I can say is that my life is pretty plain
ya don't like my point of view
ya think I'm insane
Its not sane...it's not sane.

An Epiphany - JoVon Photography

No wonder there's nothing about package prices on their website! The reason - because they are cash! (Read: expensive) - at least at first glance, and videography is wrapped into the price. We could separate the two but I think you lose the value in getting both services from one shop. I think integration is key when dealing with a photographer and a videographer.

Their pictures are great and their portfolios (CN Portfolio shout out!) are in line with what we are looking for - something scripted yet photojournalistic. That seems to be the thing these days in case you weren't aware. They offered us a cocktail (*points) during our interview which was, strangely enough, in The Caroline, a residential building on 23rd @ 6th Avenue.

I have yet to breakdown the total cost and compare it to Bella Pictures and the other photographers we will interview so I can get a good grasp of the value each package brings per dollar. That will be a weekend project. I am trying, successfully I may add, to instill this logic on Coco when she thinks about The Honeymoon. Hence Thailand. The USD seems to kill the Thai Bhat. (1 Thai baht = 0.0307337687 U.S. dollars) [Sidebar: 10 decimal places?!?!]

2 photographers down. How many more to go??

Question: I wonder if there is a correlation between fotog HQ and the prices they charge?

JoVon = Brookville

[Disclaimer: Wiki (shall we open the can of worms on wiki reliability??) tells me that the median income for a household is in excess of $200,000 but I would tend to think that's a bit deflated since the southern most points of Brookville are actually in Westbury and North Hempstead. The income per head in those areas is significantly lower and population density should be taken into account since the houses in Brookville are on "..huge tracks 'o land" (god bless Monty Python); the weight of lower incomes clearly tips the median income scale with that of the common folk. I think net worth (total assets minus total liabilities) would be a much more accurate variable in looking at the correlation but access to that information is hard, if not impossible, to come by.]

ps - Does it even need to be said that JoVon himself charges the most?

Didn't think so.

More on Wedding Day Photography

We had our first sit-down with Bella Pictures on Friday evening. It went well but I can't say that I didn't expect it. I think the two of us have done enough research to know what we'll like and what we won't like. I think it just really comes down to what the marginal utility per dollar will be of the services they are offering. One of most useful aspects was that the meeting allowed us to see and feel what producing an album will be like. Needless-to-say we disagreed on what the final product will be/look like if we choose to go with Bella.

We have meeting planned with JoVon Photography this Tuesday. I can't imagine it will go much differently but you never can tell.

Am I wrong in expecting a celebratory cocktail at these meetings?? I mean, we are celebrating a wonderful moment in our lives. Perhaps when we actually go to contract. It just seems like the right thing to do.

I am also shocked that up until just recently, I haven't hit Craigslist in search of wedding day services. Craigslist can seem so hit or miss at times. I did, however, come across this wonderful photographer, Farnaz K, who seems to be offering her wedding services at a considerable discount. She is building her wedding portfolio so this might be a great match in terms of value. Check out her stuff here. Thoughts? Preferences?

Rain Rain Go Away

I'm back on the honeymoon kick. I'm making an executive decision to travel far, FAR AWAY. My reasoning is this: Because a country is somewhere on the other side of the world, does that mean I should not travel there at ANY point in my lifetime? I can't really take a two week vacation every year ( unlike a certain someone I know). So I think that we should travel as far away as humanly possible. My parents have tried to dissuade us from taking a long flight (Please note that my mother has traveled to Japan), that I'll get more value if we traveled a shorter distance. I don' t know, those flights to Hawaii are pretty darn expensive and those pesky flights to Roma are over a grand. Who knows what's going to happen, for now, I'm a dreamer and I'm dreaming HUGE.

How does a 22 hour flight to Thailand sound? Sounds great to me! My wonderful, former boss Terry has kindly put me in touch with a gentleman by the name of Stan. Stan is a world traveler and is currently in Tokyo right as we speak. Terry and Stan traveled together to Thailand before the tsunami and both say that it's FANTASTIC. Even though September gets more rain than any other month, I've been reading that it's like Miami: It pours for 20 minutes during the day and then is beautiful and sunny soon after. I don't know, I'm conflicted. I just feel it's so much more exciting than Tahiti. Thailand has culture, beaches and great food. If we go, I promise to make a full comparison of the food in Thailand to that of Song/Joya. Man, I love their Pad See Yue. =)

Terry also suggested that we should fly through Hong Kong and stay there for a couple of days before heading down to Thailand. Thoughts on that people? Could be fun!

Random Thought of Weddingness

How will she and I incorporate ethnic customs or cultural traditions into the wedding?

Politely speaking, we're mutts whose families are at least 3 generations removed from whatever coasts they left from. What little culture or ethnic traditions I have, and please note that I am not including my like of scotch, I'd like to tie them into the wedding. Somehow. I don't know about you but when I see ethic weddings I get jealous.

Latin weddings make me want to tango and salsa and samba and all that good stuff. (Man, I hope Renegade can do something with a latin twist and I don't mean 'Santana-inspired'.) Indian weddings are so beautiful with endless floral displays and eye popping colors. (Ash rocks.) Asian weddings are equally rich with color, movement and meaning. And Israeli/Jewish weddings, as large as they usually are, are chock full of tradition. And if I may, to G$'s benefit, I'm always involved with the chair lifting. His body can't take the abuse anymore.

So, where am I going with this? [Pause] I'd like to incorporate who we are culturally into the wedding. I almost guarantee that Coco may not be up for this since this means messing with her Vision but here's how I see her responding:

"Culture? You want to infuse culture and tradition in my, I mean, our wedding? Culture? What does that even mean? We're not cultural. You're only cultural on St. Patrick's Day. And then you're annoying and can't keep your hands off of me after drinking all day. The only culture I think we have in us is NYC and Brooklyn. That means the only color you'll see is Black and White. Besides, you'll see color in the bouquets - dark, blood red, almost Black, flowers. How's that for color?"

My response:

"Great. Sounds just like a funeral." [Feel free to insert your own wedding-day-really-a-funeral-for-a-bachelor joke here. I'm not that brave.]

Alas, fear not, for I have a solution. I'll start with one suggestion and see where that gets me - I plan on incorporating the McNamara tartan. (Have I mentioned this before because it sounds awfully familiar?) Here, have a look. Not bad right. I'm not sure how just yet to incorporate it but what about as a ribbon around the boutonnieres for the groomsmen? A tartan tie? A pair of suspenders? Handkerchiefs for the wedding parties? Or as a garter - hubba, hubba. I think it can be done with style and class. It's not like I want to wear a kilt. I'm not asking for a lot - just a bit of color. A splash, per se.

I'm rather confident The Mothers will support my efforts. Thoughts?

[Coco, care to parry and riposte?]

The evolution of a post (or lack thereof)

Hmm...




What about...




Or...




But...




If we...




Alas...




...




[sigh]...





Mais naturellement...elle qui est ma muse m'amuse.

Our Foray into Wedding Photography - Wish Me Luck

So, we've booked our first consultation with a photography group, Bella Pictures. Check out their site here. What do you think? (Is it me or is the guy's hand in the photo that first appears on their site a little out of place??) Thoughts? Comments? Other?

Date: Friday, April 20th
Time: 5:45pm
Location: 116 West. 23rd Street (btw 6th and 7th), 5th floor

Wedding / Marriage Humor

In no particular order-

#1: One day, a man came home and was greeted by his wife dressed in a very Sexy nightie. "Tie me up," she purred, "and you can do
anything you want. So he tied her up and went golfing.

#2: A man came home, screeching his car into the driveway, and ran into the house. He slammed the door and shouted at the top of is
lungs, "Honey, pack your bags. I won the lottery!" The wife said, "Oh my God! What should I pack, beach stuff or mountain stuff?" "Doesn't matter," he said. "Just get out."

#3: Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the other is a husband.

#4 (AKA my personal favorite): A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband. Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen. "Careful," he said, "CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my GOD!
You're cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my GOD! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They're going to STICK!
Careful. CAREFUL! I said be CAREFUL! You NEVER listen to me when you 're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY? Have you LOST your mind? Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!"

The wife stared at him. "What in the world is wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?"

The husband calmly replied, "I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving."


Proudly brought to you by the bride-to-be's father

For those readers that are already married...

The topic of "Wedding Photo/Videography" is on the floor. What say ye? We want to hear the good and the bad. Some things to keep in mind when attempting to recall the happiest day of your life:


-image negatives/files
-digital vs. digital only
-CD/DVD production
-indoor vs. outdoor lighting
-when is the perfect time of day?
-before or after the ceremony
-tips on dealing with family
-how much time to alot?
-what would you differently?

Am I missing anything other than cost?

Ugh

On the way to The Cloud Room show, actually right outside the venue (Hiro Ballroom), as I was fighting the arctic April winds of Jersey, I stepped behind Bri to shield myself ONLY TO HAVE THE HEEL OF MY FAVORITE PAIR OF BOOTS BREAK. EEEKK! OMG!! UGH!! That was the quintessential "straw that broke the camel's back" AKA let the tears commence. Needless to say I am now home and having to listen to Cloud Room show attendees insinuate that Bri and I happily bailed. Hey, now, now. That's not his style. That's it! The wedding is off!

Just kidding. But I am still in a terrible mood. I'm allowed to be, aren't I? Imagine how pissed I am going to be if I actually have to replace these boots even though I got them for free. Anyone know of a miracle worker/cobbler?

But in other, much happier news...Congratulations to Glenn and Ashley who just got engaged! Welcome to the club. We are both sooooo excited and thrilled and wish them both all the happiness in the world. We also hope that they comment on our congratulatory remarks, that way we'll know if they are actually reading this blog. =) It would seem like a severe injustice if only people in Zurich and Tanzania and Seoul and Beijing and Tasmania and Cleveland and Wantagh read this thing.

ps...don't worry. If you're reading this and we know you, an Engagement Party invitation is destined to reach your doorstep. Just give it some time. For those that can't wait, it's Saturday, June 30th.

pps...EP and Mrs. EP (our biggest fans), if lil' ep isn't too busy being so darn cute and his schedule allows for it, his presence is requested. Feel free to come as chaperones - you might not want him flying alone. =) Invitation to follow.

Minster Keith (of NY Marriages)

So, I've had our very first officiant interview. Progress. See what happens when I get a week off from school!?

The interview, albeit via phone, was pleasantly uneventful and sufficiently informative - just what I wanted. Minister Keith has been ordained for almost 2 years and in that time has wed 30-40 couples. He grew up going to Catholic school (Nan should love that, huh.) but has since, I think, drifted to more liberal views. He's wed inter-faith, same-sex and non-demoninational (hee hee) marriages and understands that not every faith answers all questions. Personally, I liked that about him. He's 34, was married almost 2 years ago and has a set of twins (a boy and a girl). Do you think the twin thing is a sign?? He also provided 2 references that he has married as early as November 2006. He seems very professional and strongly urges a meeting before we go to contract. Chemistry is key.

Our conversation wasn't forced and he answered all of my questions, and to be honest, was impressed with how thorough I was - imagine that - me being thorough. As expected, there will be a contract with a a 'back up minister' provision just in case triplets strike.

His website is pretty complete, has an FAQ, a list of services, sample vows, and some sponsor links. [Here] I would really only change one thing - some more pictures. What can I say - I'm a picture kind of guy. Either of him and couples he has wed or just him. Image is important to us regardless of how old (or young) someone may be. Here's a picture of him. He will also ask us to complete a brief questionnaire so that he can incorporate some of the answers into the ceremony. That seems cool.

Here it is:

Where did you meet?

What’s your favorite thing about one another?

What religious faith do you most closely adhere?

What is your perception of the ideal marriage?

If you had to choose one adjective to describe your fiancé, what would it be?

Any other comments you would like to consider adding to the procession narrative:



Seems pretty straightforward, no?

Since this is the first of what we hope will be only a few interviews, the cost structure of the various packages that he offers seems OK (read: affordable) - $350 & $400 for 3 different packages. Does that seem on par?

I'm only worried about one thing though - after following the link to the group that did his website, their contact form playfully suggests an email address that I find rather offensive - joe@YankeesRule.com - see for yourself. I mean, come on, as it stands they can't even beat Tampa Bay on opening day (as of the 6th inning). I think this is the only strike against Minister Keith. Pun intentional.

He gets points back for believing that Stef and I are students studying the Lordosis affect on hermaphroditic internal fertilization in mammals. Silly minister. We're just students of love.

ps. I'm not sure if it was me or not but I think he said "Stefi". Eeek.

pps. The above ps is ruled null and void since he spelled Coco's name right on the sample vow and contract. Go Minister Keith.

ppps. Mets. Rule.

pppps. Minister Keith, if you're out there, thanks for taking time to speak.

April's Fools Day? - Sike! (Or is it Psych?)

Sadly, April's Fools Day is but a different day for Coco and I this year. It's not the time of year where we can play silly childish jokes or hoaxes on each other (she'll wish that were the case after reading this post!) - instead it marks Day 1 of....wait for it..................waaaiiiittt...........Wedding Savings!!!! Booyah!

I know. It puts life in such an expensive city in a whole new light, doesn't it? But in order to make this work - correction - in order to give her the wedding that she's been planning in that beautiful but big noggin of hers for the past 25 years, 14 days and X number of hours, minutes and seconds - savings must happen. We are extremely fortunate and grateful to have very generous "familial" contributions to assist us with this wonderful day but, alas, personal contributions are a must. A. M. U. S. T.

We're not really sure what this will mean at the end of the day but at the very least this provides us the opportunity to tackle something together. Personally, I'm excited - consider this "training" - training for the collection of other, more "appreciative" assets. Get me.

Happy Birthday Mister President...

Happy Birthday baby! I hope you enjoy the golf bag. I'll even let you use it to play the day of our wedding...just don't be late for pictures. <3

Because I've Been Told To Do So

Like a dog with his tail between his legs, I'm being told to make a post about my groomsmen. Now.







In no particular order they are:




Brad


Relation: Brother
Description: Twin #1
Alias: Chadley, Studly, I-can-turn-any-story-into-a-story-about-me McNamara,
Residence: Afghanistan via Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Interests: nose jobs, monster trucks, Motley Crue, Lickenstein, bare-knuckle brawls
Favourite Colour: Army green
Comments: Be safe, brother.


Sean


Relation: Brother
Description: Twin #2
Alias: Seannie, Did-I-tell-a-story-about-me-for-the-2nd-time-yet McNamara, SMac, Toes McNamara,
Residence: Soon-to-be-Virginia-currently-in-SD,CA-via-the-USCG
Interests: Volleyball, Jenoa, Packing, Baby names, The Finger
Favourite Colour: Coastie Blue
Comments: Sean Jr. is on the way!!


Chris


Relation: Brother-From-Another-Mother
Description: No One Can Do It Better
Alias: Kid (or was it Play?), Trouble, El Producto, GraphxKid, The Bandit, Punk A$$ B!tch
Residence: Strong Island, NY
Interests: The D.O.C., The Skankees, Sega, Errs
Favourite Colour: Day-Black, Night-White
Comments: What's up black. Name's Jamal. Want a bean pie?


Gal


Relation: The Israeli Brother-From-Another-Mother
Description: Nuff Said.
Alias: G$, Gilfriend
Residence: The. Slope. Brooklyn.
Interests: E, metsblog.com, EmbeddedInBrooklyn, chick lit
Favourite Colour: (Johnnie Walker) Black,
Comments: Check out what I've downloaded.



Chris


Relation: Cousin
Description: the suburban kind
Alias: C Chubs, Retiree's Son, Nissan Chris
Residence: GCLINY
Interests: Shuttle flights to Florida, Helicopter to the Stars
Favorite Color: Green
Comments: Nothings better than the back 9.


Ryan


Relation: Cousin
Description: The city variety
Alias: The Youngest, Don't-ask-me-when-I-saw-my-grandmother-last Moore, City Kid
Residence: 106 WEA
Interests: Chickadees, College Essays, Discovering Metro-North
Favorite Color: Cigarette brown
Comments: Where's the nearest bar now that I'm legal?

And Then There Were Fifteen (gasp!)

The Wedding Party.

I know, I know! FIFTEEN people seems like a lot but I think it's necessary. The day after we got engaged I started thinking about who I wanted as my bridesmaids. After I rattled off the names, my husband-to-be almost fell over and demanded that I cut down the number. He said "TK did it the best - You should have one person representing each group of friends." I scoffed, there was no way in hell that I would cut out my friends, some of whom I've known since middle school. Middle school I say! Do you know long a friendship that is?! And besides, it's my bridal party and I wasn't about to listen to him. We can negotiate on silver patterns but not on bridesmaids. He picks his and I pick mine. End of story! I have spoken! I am woman. Hear. Me. R.O.A.R!

The truth is, I really truly love my friends. I am EXTREMELY lucky to have obtained and maintained these relationships over the years and, of course, to have picked up a few new ones along the way (even though most of them don't read this blog. They say they are too busy or whatever other lame excuse they've given me. You know who you are your bridesmaidship is in JEOPARDY! Haha.) Alas, I digress. I've settled on nine lovely ladies to do me the honor of walking down the aisle with me. I also promised they wouldn't have to wear something like THIS!

Point to note; there are less groomsmen then there are bridesmaids. What can I say, I guess I'm just more popular than he is (kidding sweetheart). He has chosen six fine gentlemen to do him the honor but I'll let him tell you a little bit about them. I'll stick to the ladies. We'll have more pics of them up soon. These are just a few. There are just too many good ones to leave out!

And in no particular order, they are:

Amy! - My lovely, much-wiser-then-thou younger sister, will be my Maid of Honor. She is an extremely special person in my life. She never ceases to amaze me in how smart she is. She's a little quiet but when she wants to say something it's usually quite profound and it sometimes stops me in my tracks even though she thinks everyone (read: Mom) interrupts her. Yay for Amy, she's gorgeous and will be the best maid of honor anyone could ever ask for (she's super excited to plan certain festivities).


Heather! - My other, lovely, almost lawyer sister. It's odd because we are opposite in our beliefs, she wears a lot of pink (while I prefer black), she's going to be a lawyer and wear nude stockings for the rest of her life and is okay with that (the thought just kills me)! But we can actually finish each other's sentences, it's like we share a brain sometimes.


Joanna! - One of my oldest friends. We first met in dance class at the age of 5. Met again in middle school and by high school we became the greatest of friends. People actually thought we were lesbians because we spent so much time together! We've been through an insane amount together: high school, college and have survived many fights. I have a friend for life in this extremely talented and slightly crazy lady. (the handsome gentleman with the glasses happens to be my fiance!)



Mara! - Another friend of mine from high school. (Wantagh Warriors!!) She is currently living HERE . She has been living there for 2 years now and I can't wait for her to come home! Only a few more months and she'll be back in NY. Mara is one of the most loyal friends I have ever had. She's the one with the mohawk!


Diana! - Again, one of my oldest friends. Me, Jo, Mara and Diana go together like peas and carrots. We met in the gym locker room when we realized that both of our families went to the RACES every year. After that, we became great friends. DA (as I like to call her) is FUN, smart, loyal and extremely caring, with a touch of OCD. We like to move things around in her room and watch her put them back in its rightful spots without even thinking about it. It's fun.


Elite! - I met E three years ago and I admit that I was slightly intimidated by her at first (She's in HR afterall. Is it me or does everyone in HR intimidate?? Soon enough, I realized that I had found a fantastic friend. Someone once said to me that E is a WOMAN, that she defines the word and I agree with that 100%. I've learned a hell of a lot from her over the last few years and I'm lucky to have her in my life. She's also married to G$, another amazing friend, who will be a groomsman (I'll let Bri tell you about him).


Sara! - I met Sara in college. We were randomly put together as roommates and before you knew it we were inseparable. She became another member of my family. We survived living together for three years at school - she was very tolerant! We don't get to see each other as much as I would like b/c she is busy becoming a doctor
! Sara is sweet, a little shy, extremely thoughtful and to this day, one of my favorite dancing partners. Falucka in the house!!!


Lori! - Lori went to college with Bri. What an awesome woman. I happen to look up to Lori very much. She's super smart, charismatic, successful, a ton of fun and she doesn't take anyones sh!t (everything that I hope to be someday). We are very sad b/c she's moving to Chi-Town very soon. Booo. It's for a good reason though b/c she's also engaged and her man lives there. We'll miss you Lori!! I wonder if she'll dance on the bar at the wedding??

And last but certainly not least:

Amanda! - I met Amanda less than a year ago. We work together and quickly became friends. Amanda is another one who is a ton of fun. Whether she is pushing me around the office in a moving cart, at the gym together, or out dancing our tushes off we have a blast. She's become one of my closest friends and I have a feeling that this friendship will be around for a llllllloooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnggggg time.


So there they are folks. The nine lovely ladies who will proceed me down the aisle. Now for the groomsmen, take it away Bri....(he's napping on the couch so it might have to wait until tomorrow. Or Monday.)

Due To Time Constraints...

I was unable to make a post about a most important topic. I'm a day late with letting the world know you're one year older but believe me, I had their best interests in mind. I mean, come on, you're only turning 25. Two-Five. Damn. I. Scored.

Happy 25th, baby!



(psssss...She's thinks she'll catch me. She won't. It's IMPOSSIBLE.)

They Say It's "The Trip Of A Lifetime"

About once a year I seem to get the travel bug. I LOVE to travel. It's been such a huge part of my life thanks to my parents who are/were both in the hospitality industry. And boy does my dad know how to travel. I admit that I am a tad on the spoiled side b/c of this and I believe my husband-to-be once dubbed me the "Hotel Snob." That being said, I have certain requirements for the honeymoon portion of the marriage. There are so many options. Where to begin? I've already ruled out the Caribbean and Mexico - it's hurricane season. Plus, while beautiful, I've been to several islands and to Mexico and would like to try something different.

Since it's supposed to be the trip of a life time, I'd like to travel to a place I've never been to before and a place that we most likely won't get to again in our lifetime.

I'm driving myself crazy with all of my prospects. Once I get an idea into my head, there is no living with me, especially when it comes to traveling. I become obsessed, and I think I've changed my mind about 10 times already. I've learned that September is a tricky time of year weather wise. Thailand is automatically ruled out due to monsoon season, same with the Caribbean (hurricanes), Europe presents the problem of not being hot enough. It's cold in the southern part of South America and in New Zealand.

My requirements:
1: Beach
2: Tropical climate
3: Beach
4: Must have other activities so my fiance won't go crazy from boredom.
5: Beach
6: Must have people willing to serve me one of these while basking in the HOT, HOT sun
7: Beach
8: Hotel must be nice (read: my definition of nice is most likely better than yours)
9: Beach
10: an Anti-Kid Hotel
11: Beach
12: Would like to experience a different culture
13: Beach

Ideally, I'd like to take my experience that I had here and transplant it somewhere far away from Brooklyn.

So far, I've wanted to go to New Zealand, Cabo, Tahiti, Tanzania, France, Italy, Spain, Hawaii, Maldives, Mauritius, Bali, and Seychelles.

I have since ruled out:

Tanzania: While beautiful, I'm not sure that it would be a great spot for a honeymoon...too much moving around, a girl needs to relax.

Cabo: Too close and I think that it's a place where we can spend a long weekend away at some point.

New Zealand: too cold

Hawaii: I feel like I'll get there at some point in my life.

France (Saint Tropez): I simply adore this country but I think it won't be warm enough - even down south. I worry when the average temp is only 69 degrees F.

Maldives: If I hit the lottery, I will be staying HERE and taking all of my friends with me.

Mauritius: Please see above

Seychelles: WAAAAY too expensive. It costs almost 3K to get there!

Bali: Too far - yet I hear that once there the dollar goes a looong way. Any thoughts on that?

So now my top choices are Tahiti and Italy, and Maldives if I win lotto (of course).

What do you think we should do? Island hop in Tahiti or hit up Rome and the Amalfi Coast, part sight-seeing part beach.

In the words of my favorite AI Host. "The lines are open for at least two hours...You've got to vote, Vote for your favorites..."

Help us decide!

Killing Me Softly With...

Honeymoon Choices.

Question - The Right Attire?

Tuxedo tie avec vest?

Tuxedo tie sans vest

Bow-tie et cummerbund?

Bow-tie sans cummerbund?

Ou absente de ce qui précède?

Decisions. Decisions.

Interesting...but not as special.

I'm not sure if people are aware or not but there has been a crazy-sic-unbelievable rush to get married on July 7, 2007. Imagine that - getting married on 7/7/7. Some are calling it lucky (Lucky 7 - get it?) while grooms-to-be love it because they're sure it's a date they'll never forget.

Hotels and wedding venues across the country love it and have been hitting future husbands and wives with jacked up prices. Price gouging - yeah or nay? You be the judge. I wonder what the bookies in Vegas are giving as the over-under??! I mean, I know 7 is supposed to be a lucky number but you can imagine if they just held out until October 10, 2010 (read: 10/10/10) - now that's a lucky wedding date. 9/19/08 is even better.

Team Brefanie rules.

Go us.


In other Team Brefanie news, we've just booked our hotel for the Mets-Cubs series during the first weekend of August. The Mets are playing Fri-Sat-Sun but I was only able to score 2 tix for Friday. (Virtual waiting rooms suck!) We'll be watching Saturday's game from the rooftops surrounding Wrigley. A-W-E-S-O-M-E. This also doubles as a great "kill-two-birds-with-one-stone" since Boogie is moving to be with her man.

Mets rule.

In Omar We Trust.

Viva Los Mets.

How long??!

It's been over a week since my last post?! Holy-crap-I'm-busy Batman! It'll come soon. I promise.