"The New Wedding - Part III"

The second most noticeable thing about the wedding we attended Friday, not including the overall good feeling this wedding projected…(it was joyous and we all had a fabulous time!)…was the use of technology.

Technology is old enough that no one's cell phones went off… i.e., no one forgot to turn their ringers off.  But new enough that it's use was still amazing to me.

When the bride was walking down the isle during the procession, the man seated in front of me was blocking my view.  No problem for me.  I just watched the bride being escorted by her father on the  cell phone screen of the woman across the isle.  She was videoing it on her phone, and I was able to watch it.  Wow!  Never would have imagined it thirty years ago…

And don't forget the app, "wed pics", available on your smart phone.  You can download it and create an event.  Then ask your wedding guests to send you the pictures they take at the reception.  I don't know a lot about it yet, but I WILL…and when I do, I'll send it on to you!  :-)
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"The New Wedding"

Yes, weddings have morphed over the years since Kenny and I were married almost 31 years ago.  I think the most striking change I noted was the number of female wedding guests wearing black.  And why not?  It's flattering, sliming, and a good color for most.  Men have been wearing black to weddings forever!  And let's just say…when MY husband noted so many women in black, and commented on it, then you KNOW it's an impressive change!

Why has this once social taboo been waived?  Well,maybe because the europeans follow their royal families, and we Americans  follow our "Royalty" - celebrities.  Note Avril Lavigne in the magazine cover below: (www.wedding-resource.com).  Could this be the driver, or are we women just smarting up, and wearing what looks good?

Some brides even take it to a higher level, note the entire wedding party, (except the bride), dressed in black in the photo after Avril, (www.theknot.com).  Everyone instead of the bride in black REALLY makes her dress pop.

I must comment... I have a dear friend/sorority sister who was on the cutting edge 25 years ago, and chose black for her bridesmaid dresses.  Who knew!?!  http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"The Wedding Last Night"

Kenny and I were talking…How long had it been since we had last been to a wedding?  You know how it is…when all your friends are getting married, there is a period of time when you may attend as many as four weddings a month.   Then there is a lull.  You may attend family weddings, but as I have no siblings, and Kenny only two, that wasn't a large pool.  And living so far from "home" we weren't able to attend many of the extended family weddings.

We both decided that that last wedding we attended was when we lived in Dallas and went to the wedding of the daughter of a business associate in Fort Worth.  That was a LONG time ago…

Last night, we had the pleasure of attending the wedding of the son of dear friends.  Yes, it begins.  Now the wedding crush of the children of our FRIENDS!  In the next couple blog entries, I'll address all the changes in wedding etiquette I observed last night.  But today, I'll tell you about the most striking thing TO ME that I noted.

It was…if you already haven't figured it out by the photo above, (www.appsfuze.com),  the mother/son dance.

Having only daughters, I had focused on myself, and never gave much thought to what the mother of the groom experiences throughout this process.  A woman raises her son, then when he marries, has to share him with another woman - and we women are not wired to share well -- well…I'M not  :-)

The mother/son dance punctuated that bond last night.  It was touching, and beautiful.  Maggie is lucky that her Rob has a good relationship with his mother, and that Debbie is such a generous soul - in many ways.  Looking forward to 13 days…and that mother/son dance!

Tomorrow…wedding guest attire…  http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"Words Of Wisdom"

From my long time, dear friend, Liz: "On Valentine's Day at the Vatican City, Pope Francis offered advice to 25,000 couples that the recipe for marital success lies in saying three simple words:  "Please, thanks and sorry."  He said that expressions of courtesy, gratitude and contrition go a long way toward conserving and enhancing love over time.  "Never finish the day without making peace!" he begged the couples.  "Because if you end the day without making peace, what you have inside becomes hard and cold and it becomes harder to make peace the following day."

This advice knows no religious bounties. It's for everyone. Food for thought. Thanks, Liz!
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"Odds and Ends…"

Here are some odds and ends to think about as the end stage of your wedding planning approaches.

1)  Consider a house-sitter on the day of the event.  Weddings and Funerals are prime-time for break-ins. Everyone knows you're going to be out of the house on those days, and they usually know the time…especially with social media and BLOGS!  We're going to employ one.

2) It's a good idea to plan your departure times to the wedding ceremony to limit confusion.  You want to know in advance who is traveling in which vehicle and at what time.  For example: Maggie and her bridesmaids will leave in a limo from our home to go to the church, but the maids will need to have a vehicle at the church to take them to the reception.  That way they have the flexibility to depart the reception at their discretion.

Remember to have designated drivers - even among the family of the wedding party, if you are not going to have limo service for all.

Also, consider getting a car service for older family members, as they may want to return home earlier than the rest of the family.

3) Consider two photographers, one to cover the groom and his party pre-wedding, and a second to photograph the bride and her attendants.  This greatly expedites the photo session.

4)  Check the weather report.  If it rains, likely in New England, you will want to be prepared with a covering for the bride as she exits the limo at the church.  No fun to rummage around last minute for umbrellas.  If it appears that it will be a hot day, talk to your baker and may sure your cake can withstand the increased heat.  Bakers usually deliver the cake hours ahead of the guests' first arrival.  Ditto the florist. Heat can greatly affect your flowers'  life span and general perkiness.

5)  And a final thought for today - I'm sure there will be more tomorrow…make sure you have plenty of tissues in your handbag --- or as New Englander's say…"Pocketbook."  :-)
Photo below of the bride: "White Pearl Photography"
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"Moving Day…"

Anyone who knows me well…knows me VERY WELL…knows that I cry often, and easily.  I used to hate it.  Now, while I don't like this about myself, I accept it.

I cry for a multitude of reasons: anger,  frustration, joy, sadness, emotion.  Let's just say, I am very anxious about the upcoming wedding.  I am beyond happy about the union of these two special people, but I am fearful my emotions will get the best of me.

Today was test.  I watched my daughter pack up her belongings for the first part of her move to her new home with her soon to be husband.  But I held my own.
No tears were shed.
Soon... I can no longer yell upstairs to Maggie, and or text Rob
and ask if he wants to cross the street and join us
for dinner.

They will no longer be coming home for weekends
as they did in college --- they will be out of state perusing
their post-grad degrees.  I can only hope they choose to
set up their medical practice close to home…
Pictures: Maggie, age 4, Robert - in the middle of picture
two, and picture 3, yesterday, at Rob's getting ready to go.

http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"Massachusetts Shower Part II"

I just received these pictures from the Massachusetts shower hosted by Rob's Aunt Jenn.  Isn't modern technology a wonderful thing?!?  I thought I'd share...

The top picture showcases the  homemade meringues created by Rob's cousin, Katherine.

The mini vases, (on the mantle to the left), were hand sculpted by Rob's cousins, Katherine and Elizabeth, and given as party favors to guests along with his sister Amanda's hand crafted Lavendar Salve from Tweefontein Herb Farm in New Palz, NY- tweeherbs.com 


Next up is a picture of the fabulous, (and I speak from personal experience!)- Classic New England Lobster rolls made my Rob's Grandmother, Jackie….Keep scrolling...

The photo to the left just may have been my favorite culinary delight of the afternoon, the Bellini Bar!  Outstanding!