Wedding re-cap

Well, here it is.  The end of one journey and the beginning of another.  I am no longer a bride-to-be.  I am a wife.  And I LOVE it!

Now I will re-cap the wedding, with vendor reviews and lovely professional photographs.  Unless otherwise noted, these photographs are all by the talented Lisa Rigby and she retains all copyrights.

Venue: The Museum of Science 

Simon and I chose this venue without visiting any others.  We had many reasons, but the biggest was that it’s UNIQUE.  I loved getting this reaction out of people:

“Where is your wedding going to be?”

“Oh, the Museum of Science.”

“Oh my God, that’s so COOL!”

Everyone thought it was the coolest thing ever.  You really can’t beat that!  We also liked that the fee for this venue was going to an educational institution, instead of a hotel or whatnot.  Our third reason was, well, we’re geeks!  What more perfect place for us than a science museum?

We booked it for our ceremony and reception well over a year in advance.  As popular as that weekend was, it was a good thing.  They include a wedding coordinator, and catering is locked into their onsite provider, Wolfgang Puck (to be reviewed separately).  We started out with one coordinator, who left the museum two months before our wedding.  Some of you may remember my reaction to that!  Well, her manager Sheryl White Vincent took over, and she was a dream.  She was excited and friendly and happy and I loved her.

We also had two day-of coordinators included.  They ran everything smoothly and I didn’t need to worry about anything.  It was actually quite a complicated day, as the ceremony was in one wing and the reception in another; all of the guests needed to be herded through the museum and up and down two elevators.  No one got lost!  They were on top of everything all day.

The view from our reception in the Skyline Room was breathtaking.  The sun set towards the end and it was just gorgeous.  The rooms were plain, but that just made it easier to add all my own touches.  All in all, I was 100% satisfied with my venue.

Catering: Wolfgang Puck 

As I said, we had no choice in caterer with this venue.  We did test them out by going to a Father’s Day brunch they hosted at the museum (Simon’s not a father, but no one exactly checked, lol).  It was DIVINE.  They create amazing food.  We decided on an hors d’oeuvre reception to save a little money.  Well, in the end, it wasn’t exactly cheap.  It worked well for our 3-7 pm reception.  Passed hors d’oeuvres for the first hour, hors d’oeuvre stations for the next two hours, and a dessert station for the last hour.  For that, and a three-hour open bar of beer and wine (and soda, coffee, etc.), linens, tables, waiters, and such, it was $95/person.  A sit-down dinner through them would have run $120 or more, but still.  It was a disappointing price.

On the other hand, our guests raved about the food.  This was our menu:

Tray Passed Hors d'Oeuvres:

Lobster Spring Rolls with Five Spice Dipping Sauce

Traditional Pork and Green Onion Potstickers with Ponzu

Chicken Tandoori Cups with Raita

Parmesan Crisps with Mascarpone, Caramelized Pears and Tiny Arugula

Grilled Vegetable Pizza with Fresh Herbs

Accents:

Domestic and Imported Cheese with Grapes, Bread, Crostini and Crackers

Enhanced Reception Stations:

Antipasti Bar

Grilled Asparagus with Grilled Lemon and Olive Oil

Roasted Peppers with Olive Oil, Garlic and Fresh Basil

Chilled Pasta with Saffron, Tomatoes, Olives, and Oregano

Marinated Grilled Shrimp with Sweet and Spicy Mustard Dressing

Baby Greens with Shaved Manchego Cheese and Sherry Vinaigrette

Assorted Marinated Olives

Dessert Reception:

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Wild Strawberries and Fresh Mint

Chocolate Truffle Cakes with Espresso Whipped Cream

Chocolate Creme Brulees

French Butter Apple Tarts

Assorted Cookie Lollipops

Beverages:

Dark Roasted Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee

Assorted Teas and Herbal Infusions

Cream, Sweeteners and Lemon Wedges

Beer and Wine & Soda Package:

Sycamore Lane Chardonnay, California

Sycamore Lane Merlot, California

Spasso Pinot Grigio, California

Bud Light, Amstel Light, Harpoon IPA, Sam Adams

Coke Diet Coke

Sprite Ginger Ale

Dasani S.Pellegrino

Orange and Cranberry Juice

No one left hungry and everyone praised the food endlessly.  I’m glad they were happy, but I did not feel it was worth the extreme expense.  I loved the food but not the price.  I did love our catering coordinator, Keith Mahoney.  He was a great guy.

Photography: Lisa Rigby Photography 

What can I say?  She was the best!  I first saw her work when she photographed my cousin's wedding, who highly recommended her to me for mine. We did an engagement session with her 14 months before the wedding, and the wedding itself. Her work is unparalleled, just gorgeous. I don't have a very high opinion of my looks and even I felt like I looked gorgeous in my pictures. I cried when I viewed the slideshow she posted for us after the wedding. She was everywhere, capturing everything, without ever seeming in the way. She was friendly and fun to talk to, and an absolute joy to work with. Just an amazing photographer, and I'm SO glad we hired her!

In conclusion, above and beyond happy with Lisa Rigby!

Videography: Black Tie Video  

I know every bride says the day goes by so fast, they hardly remember it.  I wanted a simple video of the day to look back on once in a while.  Black Tie Video had a $1,500 budget package that was one of the more reasonable in the industry.  The gentleman who did the video that day (I unfortunately forget his name, and they have several videographers in their company) was polite and friendly.  He did make my very shy husband record some kind of message to me in front of the camera, and talked to guests to solicit messages when I had told the company I really didn’t want them to.  He was sometimes in the way, as you can see from the photo above, and not on top of every special moment.  Unfortunately, I cannot give them a full review yet as I have yet to receive my DVD.  They responded quickly to an email I sent and I should expect it soon.  Watch my Twitter feed for my thoughts once I receive it.

Cake: Dessert Works 

We visited Dessert Works for our wedding cake based solely on the fact that the Phantom Gourmet approves of them. And with good reason! We taste-tested three flavors of cake and chose two: Boston cream pie and dolce de leche. They were AMAZING. We described what we wanted it to look like, and they went above and beyond. Cascading fall leaves, beautiful ivy scrollwork and chocolate ribbons. It was GORGEOUS. Plus, it tasted like heaven. We're still getting comments from people that it was the best wedding cake they've ever tasted. We found the cost reasonable as well, around $400 for 70 people.  They even created a mini version of our cake to keep instead of the top tier.  Completely happy with this bakery!

Wedding Gown: Precious Memories 

I was dead-set on avoiding bridal salons for my dress. I hate shopping and trying things on. However, a friend recommended Precious Memories after getting her own gown there. Like me, she is plus-sized, and said they treat everyone like a size 2. It was three months before my wedding and I was running out of time. I made an appointment with them and brought my fiancé (we're not exactly traditional). The staff was concerned they couldn't order me a dress in time, so I tried on samples. The saleswoman picked out some dresses for me in addition to what I chose, and of course I ended up choosing one she picked! It was elaborate and beaded and I never would have picked it, but it looked amazing on me and my fiancé loved it. It was a corset style back so they extended it a size for me. The owner took 20% off because it was a floor sample. I looked like a princess in that gown and I'm so glad I gave them a shot.

Gown designer: Maggie Sottero 

Makeup: Dani Wagener

Dani is one vendor I found solely through Twitter.  I noticed she and my photographer, @lisariby, tweeted to each other a lot.  It turns out Dani does the makeup for a lot of Lisa’s clients.  My skin is difficult, as I suffer from moderate acne, so I knew I wanted someone experienced to handle my makeup.  We did the trial at her house the day before my wedding, so I got to show off the results at my rehearsal dinner.  She used an airbrush, which gave me full coverage without it feeling heavy.  I think I looked great, and so did everyone else!  I felt very comfortable, and I definitely am not a regular makeup-wearer.  She was amazing!

Lighting: Boston Uplights

Boston Uplights was recommended to us by our videographer.  With such a plain reception room, I knew it needed a little lighting to jazz it up.  We are both so glad we used them.  The effect was much more apparent in person than in photos, but it was especially striking once the sun set.  They provided 10 uplights and a tech who changed the colors throughout the afternoon.  The room looked gorgeous with their help!

Furniture Rental: Rentals Unlimited 

With our hors d’oeuvre reception, we wanted to create a more lounge-like atmosphere.  With no dancing, we wanted people to feel comfortable, drink, mingle, and socialize.  A blog reader of mine suggested couches.  The venue didn’t have any, but recommended Rentals Unlimited.  They were very easy to work with, after I contacted two other companies and they tried to quote much more complicated things than what I was looking for.  Rentals Unlimited gave me four brown couches plus delivery and pick-up, exactly what I wanted.  They were great!

For the rest of my vendors, I’d like to give credit, but don’t feel the need to write lengthy reviews on.

Transportation: ATR Limo

Ceremony Musician: Ian Hudson

Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse 

Men’s ties and pocket squares, bride and bridesmaids’ shoes and pashminas, bride’s purse: Dessy
  

(Photo directly above only by Allison Holcomb, bridesmaid)

Bridesmaids’ Gowns: House of Brides 

(Gown designer: Dessy 

Bride and bridesmaids’ pearl necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and headbands: LiveLoveBead 

Veil: Simple Beauty Veils 

Bride’s reception dress: Pacific Plex

Groom’s reception tie: ThinkGeek 

Mushroom earrings: Self Rescuing Princess 

“42” earrings: Kathryn Riechert Jewelry 

D20 necklace: Paw and Claw Designs 

Card and favor boxes: Creative Custom Card Boxes

(Another vendor I found on Twitter!)

Favors: American Cancer Society 

(Scrolls indicating a donation has been made to the American Cancer Society)

Favor pens, invitations and all stationery, programs, and signage: VistaPrint 

All silk flowers, décor, ceremony arch, vases, silk leaves, etc.: Save-on-Crafts 

(All bouquets, décor, etc. created and assembled by myself, the bride)

Groom’s wedding ring:  Tungsten World 

Bride’s wedding ring: Barmakian Jewelers

Rehearsal Dinner: Smokey’s Longhorn Catering 

Rehearsal Dinner Favors: Sweet Lydia’s 

(A third vendor I found solely on Twitter!  Photo directly above by me)

Whew!  I hope I didn’t forget anyone or anything.  So, that’s all folks!  I now leave the realm of brides and enter the realm of wifedom.  Keep in touch with me on Twitter at @CelestialAxis, and keep an eye out for my eventual wedding planning business to launch.  Love you all!

12 days till I get married. Go away cold, please? *cough, sniffle*

As the countdown gets closer and closer, more and more things go wrong. Of course, right?

I have my second cold in a month, when my last one was YEARS ago. My cat missed a jump onto my chair and got my neck instead, resulting in a puncture and 4 scratches down the left side of my neck and shoulder. OUCH. And wedding guests are canceling left and right; they have legitimate reasons, but it sucks. Okay, so I only lost 3, but still. I have less than 60 guests anyways, and it's Simon's relatives canceling, which there are few enough of as it is.

All I can do is breathe and try to make things better. I'm treating my cold the best I can, and it's slowly fading. I slather Neosporin on my shoulder three times a day and my cuts are healing. Nothing I can do about canceling guests.

Even as things go wrong, I'm finally more excited than stressed about my wedding. ;)

After the disaster that was my reception dress, I went shopping. Simon went with me to Burlington Mall and we must have gone into 8 stores. Not a single white dress to be seen. The next day I went to two wedding shops, neither of which had anything in my size in stock. Then Goodwill, which had nothing. I gave up at that point. I wasn't dragging myself to any more stores.

My back-up plan was dresses from PacificPlex.com. I got my rehearsal dinner dress from them:

They have a huge selection of gowns, many in multiple colors, including white. I hadn't wanted to get another dress online, in case that didn't work out either, but Simon suggested I buy two or three and return what I don't choose. Good idea! I only really liked two of them, so I ordered them on Thursday, they shipped on Friday, and arrived on Monday. Very nice for standard shipping.

I tried on both when they arrived. It's good that I ordered two, as the first one was immediately wrong. It's the one Iwanted to like, all fairy-like and handkerchief-hemmed. So cute. But the bust lining ended like three inches too high and you could see the line across my chest through the thin white fabric. The skirt was just a tad too long and the style is almost impossible to hem. The back zipper bunched up over my butt. It just didn't work at all.

I was nervous about the second dress, I didn't think it would look good on me. Luckily, it did! I was so excited. I really really love it.

I just took it to a tailor to hem it and attach the optional straps it came with. I'll have it back the Wednesday before the wedding. I feel so pretty in it, and it's LOADS lighter than my gown. Best of both worlds!

Then we got to have our final meeting with our wedding photographer, Lisa Rigby. I chose her because she did my cousin's wedding, the same cousin who's officiating mine. She's older than me and has great taste, so I'm glad I took her advice and hired Lisa! And that I did it early. She has EIGHT weddings this month. She got three inquiries for our wedding date after we booked her. So, yeah. Pretty psyched. She's ours. ;)

The meeting was to go over the day-of schedule and portraits list. That probably would have taken 15 min. total. The other hour we were there was pure chatting. She is super sweet and we have tons in common with her. We must have talked about our cats for half an hour alone! It's really a sign of a good vendor when you feel like you're their friend. I have a really good feeling about our wedding photos.

It's almost that time folks! OMG!

My wedding reception dress came...and I hate it.

ARGH.  Simon and I went to visit friends in Canada for the weekend, and came home on Monday night to a boat-load of wedding stress.

First, my reception dress had arrived.  Yay, right?  I excitedly tried it on…and immediately hated it.

The brown sash is too light of a brown.  The over-layer isn’t really lace, it’s sheer mesh with some floral designs and sequins.  The back is too low to wear a bra.  It looks frumpy and thick and makes me look 10 lbs. heavier.  It sucks and I won’t wear it.

AWESOME.

So now I have yet another dress to sell on eBay.  I’m not too worried; it’s really quite pretty and unique and should sell easily, it just wasn’t right for me.  This means I now have THREE dresses to sell on eBay, since I bought and changed my mind about two others.  And while I still love my actual wedding gown, I can’t help thinking I should have bought something just a little more comfortable so I wouldn’t have to worry about a reception dress.  It’s GORGEOUS, and looks amazing on me, but it’s hot and heavy and tight.  I will not be able to eat much in it.

Back to the drawing board.  Going dress shopping ASAP, in actual stores so I can try them on.  I don’t expect to find much; white, preferably lace, dresses are rare even in summer; but I’ll do the best I can.  I’m sure I can find something…right?

So while I’m pissed about that, we worked on the other bomb that was dropped WHILE we were on vacation: Simon’s mom not making it to the wedding rehearsal.  Which, obviously, is NOT an option.

Here’s the story: Simon’s dad, Charles, comes from PA, and most of his relatives still live there.  Simon’s grandmother (Charles’s mother) is coming to the wedding, and was going to get a ride from her daughter and son-in-law, who were also attending our wedding.  Well, her son-in-law’s mother became gravely ill, and they are no longer attending our wedding.  In order to get his elderly mother to our wedding, Charles wants to drive down to PA and pick her up.  His plan is to do this the day before our wedding, Friday, and meet us all at the rehearsal.  Charles and his mother would then spend the night in a Boston hotel.

This leaves Simon’s mother, Barbara, to drive alone from CT. This wouldn’t be so much of an issue, except she is responsible for driving Simon’s brother John, and Charles and Barbara’s housemate Adam, from CT to Boston for the wedding. Their solution was for Barbara to skip the rehearsal, and have me “fill her in” on what she’s to do in the ceremony on the day of the wedding.

Um…NO.

I’m going to be more than a little busy on my wedding day. While I love her to pieces and don’t want to start any fights, this is NOT an option.  The ONE thing I need from his family is to have both parents attend the rehearsal because they have a part and a spoken line in it.  I wrote a part in for both sets of parents because family is important to me.  Simon briefly suggested I take that part out to solve this problem, but I shot it down before he could finish the sentence.  I want the ceremony to remain how I wrote it.  Whether they’re in it or not, his parents should be there anyways!

I know it seems like this shouldn’t even be an issue, but here are the other problems: John and Adam, for various medical reasons, cannot drive themselves to Boston on Saturday.  They cannot all come and spend Friday night because Barbara has cats and John has a bird that all need to be fed.  No, no one else can do it.  NOW his parents are saying Barbara can drive up here Friday night for the rehearsal, but drive home before the dinner so she’s not doing a 2-hour drive late at night.  I also don’t like this plan, because the mother of the groom should be at the rehearsal dinner, dammit!

Simon and I have this solution: Charles picks up his mother in PA and meets us, with her, at the rehearsal.  Barbara drives herself to the rehearsal.  Charles, Barbara, and grandma all spend the night in Boston.  Simon and I hire a driver, or allow a friend to volunteer, to pick up Adam and John in CT on Saturday.  That way Adam can feed the cats and John can feed his bird Friday night.  Adam and John drive back to CT with Barbara after the wedding.  We have pitched this and are waiting for Simon’s dad to stop making excuses and agree to it.

My other issue…I don’t for a second trust that Simon’s dad can make it from PA to Boston by 5 pm on a Friday without being late.  He just isn’t reliable enough for me to be confident in him.  We have one hour to rehearse; the space is booked after us.  We cannot start late.  What if we make all these arrangements for Barbara to make it and his dad misses it?  Do you realize how PISSED I will be???

Simon and I really don’t care THAT much if his grandmother comes.  Simon barely knows her, and she and his mom do NOT get along.  This could all be solved by her just not coming.  But Charles is a momma’s boy and won’t in a million years accept that solution.  So we’re stuck.  There are SO many things that can go wrong here, and it’s still not 100% solved anyways.

STRESSED.  OUT.