(Weddign Recap) The Ceremony!

Finally the time came to walk down the aisle, exchange vows & rings, and officially become husband & wife!

From my spot out of sight in the balcony, I got a good look at the crowd gathering:

 

The chuppah translates to mean "covering" or "protection" and symbolizes the new home of the married couple.  It represents our desire for our home to be under the protection of God.  The marriage ceremony in Jewish faith cannot take place without a covering and four poles.

I remember standing at the top of the stairs, sneaking a peak and waving at friends who noticed me.  I listened to Wachet Auf lead our bridal party to their positions.  I heard the laughter and "awws," telling me my niece successfully made her flower girl debut.

I popped my head phones in and half listened to the chorus of Lady Gaga's Just Dance, to get me amp'd. Truth be told: I needed no help; my nerves turned over themselves, tears welled up in my eyes.  I heard the first chords of Pachelbel's Canon softly hit the air, just as I learned to play it on the piano around age 10.

Mike began his way to the chuppah with his mom and dad on either side.

When I successfully memorized Pachelbel's Canon way back when, I knew it would guide me to my groom in the future.  And here I was.
The music filled the air as I saw our wedding planner motion for me to start down the stairs.  Surprisingly, instead of don't fall don't fall don't fall I thought This is it.

 This is it.

My wedding!

Our wedding.

My dad waited for me at the bottom, with the biggest smile on his face.  He whispered to me how gorgeous I looked.  Blinking back tears, beyond my veil I saw so many familiar faces, all in one place, all smiling back at me.  So much love. Amazing.

As I approached Mike, I saw, with out any doubt, the happiest expression to ever grace his face.  I wanted to kiss him right then and there! (I also love his brother's face in the background)

Then I began the Seven Circles around my groom.  The seven circles represent my bond to him, just as the Teffelin straps are wrapped around a man's arm.  Also the number seven nods towards the complexity of the creation of the world, just as marriage reenacts the creative process.  Interestingly, some couples share the seven circles, taking turns rotating around each other.  We went traditional and I tried not to get too dizzy and fall down as I went around him seven times. For those of you wondering, the rabbi counted for me.

In Jewish faith there are actually two parts to the marriage ceremony: Kiddushin (Betrothal) and Nisuin (Nuptials). "Both parts are introduced with the benediction over wine, the traditional symbol of joy and abundance. The bride and groom each take a sip of the wine for each." {taken from The Jewish Wedding Guide}

 

During the Kiddushin we exchanged rings, by placing them on each other's right index finger.  Apparently, long ago one used their right index finger to make a mark or signature. 

I'm honestly so excited right here.

During the Nissuin the rabbi recited seven blessings over us, love, friendship, and completeness amongst them.  
We shared our own vows here.  And let me tell you, I thought we had this one covered, but...

Well, using a stock "fill in the blank" with sentence starters, we both had the same 8 statements to make.  I added a little bit to mine and so did Mike.  We had our bridesmaid and close friend, Kathryn, read them both to ensure we were on the same wavelength and literal length.  Kat encouraged me to add a little more, but it didn't feel natural.  

After I read my half page and felt pretty proud of myself.  Then seeing Mike pull out two pages just about made me gasp out loud.  He wrote and read the most heartfelt words.  I give him a lot of strife for not being "mushy."  Not anymore!

(And so much for trying to be on the same page - I guess you can't put a limit on love!)

Our rabbi read our ketuba and hand it to me.  I "own" it now. It's mine, all mine!

Finally, after the second cup of wine, hot veil was lifted off my face.  

The last thing left to do: break the glass!

The breaking of the glass can be a reminder of the fragility of life and also an affirmation that in times of happiness there should be a touch of seriousness.  It signifies that we are still mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem.  It also serves as a reminder of the sanctity of marriage.  A broken glass cannot be mended. 

We shouted "Mazel Tov!" (good luck!)

and kissed!

We were married!

Husband & Wife.

beautiful.

{all photos taken by Studio Juno photography}

(Wedding Recap) Bridal Party Shots!

Let me start out by saying we had the best attendants.  Our groomsmen & bridesmaids (have you heard them called "bridesbabes" ?!) were fabulous.  Whats more, we couldn't imagine better people to stand up next to us as we said our vows.
Thankfully, we have these awesome pictures to prove it:

But honestly, THESE are the pictures that really show how much we love them:

Oh, those boys...

The ladies:

Such hams! Love it!

I wouldn't have it any other way!

(and yes, there is double meaning in the title of this post...hence the great photos)

{said great photos, by Studio Juno}

Pretty Pearls

When my friend and bridesmaid, Kathryn, visited China recently I asked her pick up four pearl necklaces.  Since China is known for its pearls, she purchased these necklaces for $20 total. Wowsers, eh?
I knew I wanted her to buy these to then gift to my bridesmaids (even though she is one of them).

Then it came time to think about my necklace.  With the shape of my dress (nuh uh! not telling!) I knew my necklace needed to be simple but with... oh nevermind. It's too hard to explain.
However I found a wonderful pearl necklace on Etsy (duh, of course) that really spoke to me.  The seller is from China and ships for free (amazing!).  She also has great reviews (600 positive) so I figured why not take a chance.  If this necklace doesn't work out with my dress, I'll wear it on any other fancy day!

Here's a lovely picture of my necklace:

{source}

I'm excited. Hopefully it will arrive before my next dress fitting!

Are you a fan of pearls?
What else can I gift my bmaids?!

Bridesmaid's Dresses - a Decision!

For some reason I firmly straddled the line between caring too much and not caring enough about my bridesmaids' dresses.

In my crazy head, it went something like this:
-I want them to be able to wear the dress again.
-I want the dress to suit their different body types and needs.
-I want my sister (Maid of Honor) to not feel like the dress is too cutesy.
-I want my friends to feel like the dress is cute/stylish.

with a side of:
-I really don't care what the dress looks like because I'm not the one who has to wear it.
-There's no way to meet everyone's needs.
-If I'm not wearing it how can I choose it?
-They won't like anything I pick.
-I have no idea what color.

You can easily see how this became a dilemma, and thus something I avoided.

Then I found the designer Alfred Sung, in the Dessy Group.  I liked all his designs and options.  There was one particular dress that Diana fell in love with, and in turn Kathryn, too.  But of course they were different dresses.  Then it dawned on me: all my girls are different, why not have them all wear a different dress by the same designer, in the same color?
It was almost too easy.

Requirements: must be by Alfred Sung, in the Peau de Soie fabric, color: majestic (aka dark purple), & cocktail length.

And so I bring you the possibilities of bridesmaids' dresses you might see at my wedding (sorry the pics are so small):

Finally, piece of mind for me!

What did your bridesmaids' dresses look like?
or What was the best dress you wore as a bridesmaid?

7 Months away!

Here's what we've been up to this month:
-Not one, but two catering tastings and a cake tasting!
-a phone planning session with premiere wedding consultant, Steve Kemble (in which I finally pick my color scheme)
-chose a day-of wedding planner
-rented a photo booth as our favors!
-thought we won a photography package, but then lost it -- update: the previous photog we were working with before the fail went down, is back in the picture.  We will be paying full price, but love her and her work. Plus? We trust her 110%.

We're working on:
-choosing a caterer (We set a personal deadline of Thanksgiving)
-bridesmaids dresses (no really, for real this time)
-florist arrangements (meeting on the 29th!)
-our engagement party (a bit delayed, but still a party!)
-joining our finances (we got life insurance, we're legit)
-my hair and makeup (I have someone's card - this is a step)
-my figure (keeping the weight off)

We're kinda-sorta thinking about:
-invitations
-meeting with the rabbi soon

{image source}

Phone Consult with Steve Kemble!

When it comes to premiere, big-name, celebrity-status wedding planners, the first name that might come to mind is David Tutera (thanks to TLC).  But the name you will soon be hearing a lot, and need to learn now, is Steve Kemble.

Steve Kemble spotlights as the wedding planning guru of Weddzilla.com.  (And according to the first page of his site, the "American's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru")  Notice my lovely blog award over thar (right sidebar) from Weddzilla? Well that is the same wedding planning site where Steve Kemble contributes his event planning knowledge.

You might recall back in March I attended the launch party for Weddzilla.  It was, as Steve Kemble says, "Fabulous!"  While there I participated in a silent auction to benefit Children's Hospital. I bid and won a 30-minute phone consultation with Steve Kemble!  The most I knew of him at that time was that he was wearing the shiniest blazer ever (who knew they made sequined tops like that for men) and that this Weddzilla thing thought he knew his stuff.

After our conversation it was more than apparent he knows a thing or five thousand about event planning, and planning it well (with "a dose of sass" like his blog would say).

We talked about so many things, but mainly focused on things that drive me crazy: my color scheme, bridesmaids dresses, the chuppah and lots of peacock feathers (which don't drive me crazy).

For the color scheme he suggested focusing on the colors in a peacock feather: teal, shades of blue, lime green, and purple.  The lime green scared me, but it definitely shows up and accents things nicely.  It offsets the focus color, teal.  The purple does the same, however he recommended a lighter purple, but not lilac.  Royal purple shows up and does not wash people out.  And I like it. I can totally see teal off set by a lighter (not deep) purple and accented with lime green.  How fun and summery! Fabulous!

{Image from Peacock Invitations Etsy Store}

I know you can see the colors coming together!

As for the bridesmaids, you all know how deciding what they are to wear drives me insane.  I simply cannot pick clothes for other people.  Steve agreed that cocktail or tea length dresses work well for summer.  He also highly suggested matching shoes since everyone will see their feet.  Nothing expensive though.  I can totally get on board with that idea (sorry ladies, I promise the dresses won't cost an arm and a leg!).  Steve suggested that a royal purple (not deep, not washed out) will look good on any skin tone.  It is also versatile and suggests an opportunity for additional wear.   Fabulous!

 {image source}

All the colors to give you a mental idea of the color scheme, but only purple for the girls.

And not necessarily that dress. Actually, not at all. 

He gave me great chuppah decoration ideas, too that incorporate hanging crystals! Gah! So beautiful (and fabulous).  Now how, or who, to make it?!


Before I wrap this post up, I'd like to thank everyone for their support yesterday.  Your comments meant a lot to me; it's good to know when things get rough I've got my bloggy friends to cheer me up! Mike might call you my "imaginary friends" but your words are real and meaningful!

Bridesmaids Dresses, Round 1

This past weekend I experience real inner excitement for my wedding.  It came from having 3 of my 4 bridesmaids together and shopping for bridesmaids' dresses!  I felt giddiness for the day all four of my girls come together to witness Mike and I say our vows.  (I even Squee'd a bit!)

What am I looking for in a bmaid dress? Um, well, ya know, coverage ... something so that no one goes naked.  [read: I have no idea] Most likely something knee length (aka "cocktail length").  Also I like straps.  Apparently the bmaids dress world thinks all female attendants wear strapless dresses and all brides totally dig that style.  Show me something that will keep the girls up!  Not those wimpy spaghetti straps!

It also complicates things a bit that each of my girl's body type differs from the next.  Honestly, who thought that women of varying body types should all wear the same dress?!  Along with the same-dress-same color option, I am also considering the same-color-same-fabric-DIFFERENT-dress option.

We began our search at a boutique in Georgetown.  Thankfully this mom-and-pop store actually relaxed a bit and allowed us to do our own thing.  At the same time, a little direction is nice sometimes.  It was more like a small store with easy going owners than a true boutique.  The girls pulled different items off the rack and made use of the dressing room, sporting some great and not-so-great ridiculous options.  I found that I like the designer Alfred Sung by Dessy.

After, we found ourselves in a true boutique (well, big store but small store mentality) whose collection paled in comparison to the first store!  Again the girls dived right in and pulled almost everything to try. You never know how something will look on you, versus on the hanger.

I think the hardest part of bridesmaid dress shopping is not trying to find the right style for 4 different girls, but finding something you (the bride) love yet they are going to wear.  It's really hard and honestly might be my least favorite part of wedding planning thus far.

Don't get me wrong - I LOVE my girls!  I LOVE shopping with them! I do NOT love trying to please 5 people at once.

My trusty How To Plan A Wedding Book thankfully agreed with me.  (I should really start reading these chapters BEFORE, instead of after, each endeavor)
Knowing that I'm not the only bride who finds this tedious makes me feel tons better.
Also, knowing that honestly I'm the only one who needs to be 100% in love with the dress is nice, too.

So as of now, there are two great bridesmaids' dress options:
1) 4 different styles by Alfred Sung
or
2) a Lorenzo style that may or may not be around in 10.5 months

But I need to put it aside and focus on bigger pictures items.   If I focus on this detail for too long my head will explode into Bridezilla, and no one wants that!

The bright side: I have awesome bridesmaids!