I am going to try and begin the weekly blog I set out to write in the first place...with a few exceptions on big planning days. This whole week e-mails have been flooding in...and I got my first two Nasty-Grams. The first was a woman who began like any other sweet response I had received thus far...(I suppose she chose this method so that I wouldn't immediately delete her reply) "Hello," she begins... "I just read your ad on Craigslist. My husband and I have been married for 12 years and had the most amazing wedding. It involved me, my husband, five family members and a justice of the peace. Grow up! Get over yourself...a wedding is not all about spending money and being seen." and there it was. The Anonymous poo-slinging, rain cloud hovering over craigslist.
Though I replied in the most Christian like manner I could muster, with a simple, "To each her own, God Bless...Kerry"
I would now say this... Dear Anonymous Craigslist Courthouse Bride,
Though you must think highly of yourself to aim your wrath at the dreams of random strangers, I must ask that you first READ the posts you respond to. To barter is to exchange services, in LEU of monetary exchange. Therefore your point about my wedding being all about money only serves to make you sound ignorant....which I am sure you are not. Secondly, dear, judgemental one... Of all the BIG days in a woman's life, I'd venture to say her wedding day IS in fact, a day for her to be seen. To attach a negative connotation to that is silly. The day you marry the love of your life (if you're anything like me) you want to share it with everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone in the world! If being seen were not an important part of being a bride, there most certainly would not be a market for ridiculous things like wedding gowns! (Gasp!)
So, my grumpy reminder of all that is sour in the world...on my dream wedding day, I'll hold my glass of champagne high in the air and make a toast to your reply, "That for all dreamers, all believers in miracles, all those filled with hope...may our day inspire the one who's dreams never came to pass...that she may have her hope renewed, because she was unable to discourage the most unlikely of dreams from coming true."
7/9/09
Today My post was re-posted with a small revision. This revision is a disclaimer, warding off the Craigslist trolls, asking them to refrain from making discouraging comments and not directing me to the courthouse (which YES I am well aware only costs $50.00.) Hopefully this works. As Discouragement seems to be trying to Huff and Puff and Blow my house down. (My Maid of honor, my Sister, has chosen to let me know every one of the dress choices I sent her will just not do. From the detail on one ( I'll include a picture...to the price of the other, and on the least expensive one I have found. I swear...I am just going to fire her, and hire a very quiet maid of honor. Sheesh!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Let them make cake!
Father of the Bride ruined it for me. It aparently is the bar for which I set the idea of planning a wedding. Since I have no wedding planning experience, that movie has seeped into every aspect of what I view wedding planning as being. Cake was no exception. I knew from the movie that I would get to look through designs and choose the look of the cake I wanted, but what I could not wait for, was going CAKE TASTING. Seriously, if I had known that bakers did this, I'd have spent many weekends of my past wearing a faker ring, and dragging my poor guy friends with me to pretend I was shopping for wedding cakes, just to get to sample free wedding cake flavors..mmmm.
We had a few offers from bakers, who seemed willing to barter in trade for a wedding cake, and after a few issues with some, we chose a cute little company started by identical twin sisters Hillary and Heidi Wright, who are cute as buttons, and their work (at least from the pictures I had seen was gorgeous. My Fabulous coordinator Erin Taylor, (Events Taylormade)and I met the twins at Starbucks, and along with my favorite coffee, I got to sample cake. They brought a strawberry cupcake, with vanilla bean icing, and a banana cupcake with Chocolate ganache, and then there was an actual frosted version of the cake I had mentioned wanting to sample, (spice cake with cream cheese buttercream frosting....mmmmm.
The twins had made this mini-cake for Kurt and I to share when I got home, (they knew he was bummed he wasn't right there with me consuming sick amounts of free carbohydrates!)
The girls got a pretty good idea of the style of cake design I was looking for and told me they would sketch up a few things, and send them to me. I was so excited to see what they would come up with. After trying all three cake flavors, I have to say my favorite was the spice cake. I knew it would be! I got a micro slice of that mini cake, and Kurt gobbled up the rest of it, like he was in a pie-eating-contest. men.
We had a few offers from bakers, who seemed willing to barter in trade for a wedding cake, and after a few issues with some, we chose a cute little company started by identical twin sisters Hillary and Heidi Wright, who are cute as buttons, and their work (at least from the pictures I had seen was gorgeous. My Fabulous coordinator Erin Taylor, (Events Taylormade)and I met the twins at Starbucks, and along with my favorite coffee, I got to sample cake. They brought a strawberry cupcake, with vanilla bean icing, and a banana cupcake with Chocolate ganache, and then there was an actual frosted version of the cake I had mentioned wanting to sample, (spice cake with cream cheese buttercream frosting....mmmmm.
The twins had made this mini-cake for Kurt and I to share when I got home, (they knew he was bummed he wasn't right there with me consuming sick amounts of free carbohydrates!)
The girls got a pretty good idea of the style of cake design I was looking for and told me they would sketch up a few things, and send them to me. I was so excited to see what they would come up with. After trying all three cake flavors, I have to say my favorite was the spice cake. I knew it would be! I got a micro slice of that mini cake, and Kurt gobbled up the rest of it, like he was in a pie-eating-contest. men.
"Lunch with Lori"
The weekend passed with even more drama from my sister....but I'll dismiss that. I was looking forward to our lunch date with Lori Basheda, and negativity had no place in this. Kurt was able to stay home with the kids, because today was his birthday. I got dressed and texted Becka that I'd meet her there...(A place in Irvine by the name of Taco Rosa...I'll describe the restaurant in a bit, sooooo goood!) Anyways....We Met Lori, who was not only personable....immediately putting my nerves to rest, she had a warm familiarity....that made me wonder if we had met before...? Anyways....we chatted for what must have been hours about many things, but there was special interest taken in the care of my mom. I was honest...long winded, (I tend to talk alot) and authentic....a trait I admire about myself....only because it takes swallowing pride and saying things you mean at the risk of sounding either too forward...silly...too emotional...etc. I felt when we left that she really had a true Idea of who I was....and could represent the heart of what I am doing, fairly and honestly. I must say part of me was nervous that this story might provoke nasty comments from people thinking I expect a "free" ride. We will see...it looks as though they are actually going to run the story! I am supposed to meet the photographer on Thursday.
I am not sure if she is going to want my ideas on photos....or if she'll just do what she feels will reach the audience the best....either way....this can only be good for my vendors! Seriously considering naked victory dance on my dining room table tonight! (not really)
I am not sure if she is going to want my ideas on photos....or if she'll just do what she feels will reach the audience the best....either way....this can only be good for my vendors! Seriously considering naked victory dance on my dining room table tonight! (not really)
Friday, October 2, 2009
A Kid in a Candy Shoppe....
This Morning I woke up was an uncanny feeling as I rolled out of bed that today was going to be good. Not good like,"Well, I didn't get fired and traffic was not as bad as usual." But, more like finding money in the dryer good, or getting a Pottery Barn catalog in the mail...with an American Express Platinum card attached kind of good! Lastnight's e-mail spree yielded 2 responses already!
The Owners of Powell's Sweet Shoppe (the happiest place on earth) had responded to my request, and were excited to get involved! Now, if you are me, this is the equivalent of Publisher's Clearing House showing up at your doorstep with a giant cardboard check & balloons.
After a brief phone conversation, I arranged to meet with Randall Emry, co-owner of Powell's, (who might as well have been the President of the United States,) to further discuss an arrangement. Kurt and I would have the kids with us, however, considering their surroundings, we were confident they'd be occupied for at least an hour.
We arrived at what I can only describe as the most fantastic, magical, whimsical, nostalgic, candy store I've ever seen. There is wall to wall candy, artfully displayed in every nook and cranny of the shoppe. There are olde time trinkets everywhere, including retro metal lunchboxes, sock monkeys, Gumby and Pokey figurines, and all the old candies you thought ceased to exist decades ago! There are giant Jelly Bellies hanging from the ceiling, and a giant lollipop tree. There are walls of gummy candies, licorices from around the world, and a collection of foreign chocolates, as diverse as Imelda Marcos' shoe closet!
Once my pulse returned to a normal pace, and I had surpressed the urge to lick the walls, or swan dive into the gelato tubs behind the glass (thus the reason for the glass? I wonder.)I got back to the business of describing my vision of their part in my dream wedding. I would be asking for:
1. Candy for the "kid table," (I planned to make a lollipop tree and arrangements out of candy instead of flowers.)
2. Candy to fill the few vases I had for the favor bar
3. A few trinkets for the kids' gift baskets.
He saw my vision and became as excited as I was when the meeting was over. I really felt my mom's hand in this one...I met this amazing couple, and shared their passion about the shop they opened three years ago, I got to walk the store and shop for ridiculous amounts of candy to spoil my guests with....and eventually left with plans for a candy buffet that would make Willy Wonka himself green with envy! Randall generously offered to provide big giant jars, like 10 of them!! They're the cute, candy-shoppe kind. He also graciously offered to order little Chinese take-out containers for guests to fill with the candies I chose. These containers were even cute...they were crystal clear! We concluded our meeting when Randall was confident he understood my vision, and as our little family walked out of that magical place, like we had been doing every Friday for our weekly "Candy Night" I realized that this addition to an already miraculous day.....was further proof that any dream was possible.....and simply needed to be asked for.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to Mr. Randall Emry and his Wife, Victoria, for making my wedding a lot sweeter! ;)
When we arrived back home, I received a call from my dad. He had been cleaning out the garage, and found my mom's wedding gown and veil. He asked me if I'd like to cut a piece from her veil to use in my bouquet. Sniff, sniff... After a long silent weep, my voice came back and allowed me to respond to him, "I'd love nothing more, Dad."
Then I lost it...the floodgates could hold it no longer. I had a good cry, one of many I've had lately as the absence of my Mom keeps surfacing in each of these moments I would just love to share with her. When my Dad arrived later in the evening with my mother's veil, I hugged him, and that precious veil. It was so beautiful...nothing like the stuff they make now.....you could see that no machine had helped mass produce this veil, no conveyer belt had moved it and it's thousands of identical reproductions across a factory. This was hand-made right down to the leaves embroidered across the six inch bottom border. This was the veil my mom wore, the day she married my dad...this was a part of her big moment, and when I hugged it to me, and inhaled deeply hoping to find a trace of her perfume, I could almost feel her excitement, on that day...the one I am about to have. It was a wonderful, bittersweet moment...in which I felt I had her back for a moment.
Now, to top off this already miraculous day, my inbox, (aka, my treasure chest) yielded another gift!
I had sent a letter to a company in OC, that helps bluish-white people like myself, (who the gift of pigmentation illuded in the gene pool) by giving us that sun-kissed glow. I was seeking, yes folks....a tan. **DISCLAIMER** Though I am a native Californian, (which automatically binds me to the legal responsibility of bearing a year-round tan)I do not naturally have one. So, blame my DNA, or my vanity....but I do not want my gown to be tanner than me.
Tan in Time OC will come to me, and spray me & any unfortunate, pigmentally-challenged bridesmaids as well. Holy Hamburgers! A tan with no sunburn, no wrinkles, no oompa-loompa, orangy look and best of all, is mine for the taking after only 5 minutes of airbrushing?? SOLD!!! SIGN ME UP! The owner of this fantastic service, Shauna Daly, described the whole process to me, and answered all of my questions thoroughly. This sounds soooo cool.
Yes, Today was awesome. Thank you God. ;)
The Owners of Powell's Sweet Shoppe (the happiest place on earth) had responded to my request, and were excited to get involved! Now, if you are me, this is the equivalent of Publisher's Clearing House showing up at your doorstep with a giant cardboard check & balloons.
After a brief phone conversation, I arranged to meet with Randall Emry, co-owner of Powell's, (who might as well have been the President of the United States,) to further discuss an arrangement. Kurt and I would have the kids with us, however, considering their surroundings, we were confident they'd be occupied for at least an hour.
We arrived at what I can only describe as the most fantastic, magical, whimsical, nostalgic, candy store I've ever seen. There is wall to wall candy, artfully displayed in every nook and cranny of the shoppe. There are olde time trinkets everywhere, including retro metal lunchboxes, sock monkeys, Gumby and Pokey figurines, and all the old candies you thought ceased to exist decades ago! There are giant Jelly Bellies hanging from the ceiling, and a giant lollipop tree. There are walls of gummy candies, licorices from around the world, and a collection of foreign chocolates, as diverse as Imelda Marcos' shoe closet!
Once my pulse returned to a normal pace, and I had surpressed the urge to lick the walls, or swan dive into the gelato tubs behind the glass (thus the reason for the glass? I wonder.)I got back to the business of describing my vision of their part in my dream wedding. I would be asking for:
1. Candy for the "kid table," (I planned to make a lollipop tree and arrangements out of candy instead of flowers.)
2. Candy to fill the few vases I had for the favor bar
3. A few trinkets for the kids' gift baskets.
He saw my vision and became as excited as I was when the meeting was over. I really felt my mom's hand in this one...I met this amazing couple, and shared their passion about the shop they opened three years ago, I got to walk the store and shop for ridiculous amounts of candy to spoil my guests with....and eventually left with plans for a candy buffet that would make Willy Wonka himself green with envy! Randall generously offered to provide big giant jars, like 10 of them!! They're the cute, candy-shoppe kind. He also graciously offered to order little Chinese take-out containers for guests to fill with the candies I chose. These containers were even cute...they were crystal clear! We concluded our meeting when Randall was confident he understood my vision, and as our little family walked out of that magical place, like we had been doing every Friday for our weekly "Candy Night" I realized that this addition to an already miraculous day.....was further proof that any dream was possible.....and simply needed to be asked for.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to Mr. Randall Emry and his Wife, Victoria, for making my wedding a lot sweeter! ;)
When we arrived back home, I received a call from my dad. He had been cleaning out the garage, and found my mom's wedding gown and veil. He asked me if I'd like to cut a piece from her veil to use in my bouquet. Sniff, sniff... After a long silent weep, my voice came back and allowed me to respond to him, "I'd love nothing more, Dad."
Then I lost it...the floodgates could hold it no longer. I had a good cry, one of many I've had lately as the absence of my Mom keeps surfacing in each of these moments I would just love to share with her. When my Dad arrived later in the evening with my mother's veil, I hugged him, and that precious veil. It was so beautiful...nothing like the stuff they make now.....you could see that no machine had helped mass produce this veil, no conveyer belt had moved it and it's thousands of identical reproductions across a factory. This was hand-made right down to the leaves embroidered across the six inch bottom border. This was the veil my mom wore, the day she married my dad...this was a part of her big moment, and when I hugged it to me, and inhaled deeply hoping to find a trace of her perfume, I could almost feel her excitement, on that day...the one I am about to have. It was a wonderful, bittersweet moment...in which I felt I had her back for a moment.
Now, to top off this already miraculous day, my inbox, (aka, my treasure chest) yielded another gift!
I had sent a letter to a company in OC, that helps bluish-white people like myself, (who the gift of pigmentation illuded in the gene pool) by giving us that sun-kissed glow. I was seeking, yes folks....a tan. **DISCLAIMER** Though I am a native Californian, (which automatically binds me to the legal responsibility of bearing a year-round tan)I do not naturally have one. So, blame my DNA, or my vanity....but I do not want my gown to be tanner than me.
Tan in Time OC will come to me, and spray me & any unfortunate, pigmentally-challenged bridesmaids as well. Holy Hamburgers! A tan with no sunburn, no wrinkles, no oompa-loompa, orangy look and best of all, is mine for the taking after only 5 minutes of airbrushing?? SOLD!!! SIGN ME UP! The owner of this fantastic service, Shauna Daly, described the whole process to me, and answered all of my questions thoroughly. This sounds soooo cool.
Yes, Today was awesome. Thank you God. ;)
Saturday, August 1, 2009
To Bea Or not to Bea...
Well, just so that I do not mislead anyone into thinking this has all been smooth sailing and happy,loving, onlookers cheering me on, I'll give you exhibit B...or "Bea," as she signed her nasty gram. The following little gem arrived at my inbox on an otherwise perfect day. It, very much like the other rock in my shoe, sounded like it was going to be nice,but as you will read, it was anything but. Here is the actual letter from a "Bea Mumford" that I copied and pasted from the murky pits of my inbox, to this fabtastic blog of mine.
"I read your ad...
You don't need money to get married.. Having a ceremony like the one you're talking about, is only to show off to others. You can celebrate and honor your love for each other quietly and without wasting money you don't have...It's not a RIGHT to have a big wedding, if you don't have the money you shouldn't feel deprived or jipped, a wedding shouldn't be the end all be all in your life. It's honestly a pretty sad dream, I'm just being honest..
My husband and I got married, just the two of us on a mountain and took pictures and said nice wonderful things to each other, we're soul mates and it was a very special day..But it was, just a day! we spend most of our time together, and are completely devoted, THAT'S WHAT MATTERS! I thought I wanted a wedding too, but upon thinking about the financial and moral repercussions, Also, that fact that your love isn't solidified MORE when there's MORE money involved, that all made me think twice about it..
Getting married isn't about diamonds, catering, dresses, it's about you two comitting to each other forever.
If you ask me, it's pretty cruel and selfish to make your fiance work so hard only to spend it on one single day to have a party.
I know this might fall on deaf ears but there are bigger and more important things going on in the world to devote your energy to.. people shouldn't get be that selfish anymore...
check out this video, http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-513747926833909134
then maybe you'll realize that when you're older you'll wish you did more good with your life and worried less about this trivial ceremony. You have kids too! Be the example!!!"
Ok, I sooooooo wantede to blast this bitter "Golden Girl," but my conscience helped me to remember that being a good person is not only being gracious when everyone agrees with you, it is living the example and acting accordingly. (My impulsive side really just wanted to go and leave a hot steaming pile of Sparky's "recycled dog food" on her porch.)I did, however, respond and I, (as nicely as I could,) told her what I thought of her negativity. Here is my response:
"Hello Bea, I might have finished your response to my ad...had I felt that you had anything positive to say. I personally would never try and shoot somebody's dreams out of the sky...regardless of how "shallow" or "sad" they may seem to me. I am happy for you and your husband and no....a wedding like the one I am having is not for everybody, but I would never be so brazen as to tell you what kind of wedding is appropriate for you and your husband...it is a very personal choice. While I respect your opinion...I choose to continue with the planning of my dream wedding, because everyone involved has witnessed miracle after miracle and every one who signed on to help has written me and expressed how many amazing blessings have flooded into their lives. This wedding has turned into so much more than just a wedding...and I know God has been working miracles in my life. If you fully understood the barter....you would know that this is NOT about Money....but a trade....a fair market trade of services. Are you to tell me there has never been a service in the world that you could not afford? We all need a solution when the economy is in a bad way. I am no different. As far as my being selfish goes.....please save your judgements. I have devoted my life to helping others. Friends and strangers alike. In fact, I plan on devoting my vacation time each year as a nurse to go to Africa and work directly with an organization Called "Doctors without Borders" where surgeries for the poorest of poor, and severely deformed people are performed at no cost.
I spend hours sewing blankets for shelter dogs...I buy gifts every year with money we struggle for and give them to the wish tree of the salvation army. I drive to Los Angeles every 6 weeks to give blood at the children's hospital...I am on the bone marrow donor registry.... I am a caregiver to the disabled and elderly. I visit old folks homes just to see a few lonely souls....if they need a visit. I volunteer with the CWC....a center in Malibu the rescues and rehabilitates injured wildlife. I go to church every week, and volunteer at their food pantry....so as far as the judgement you have made I'm going to have to pull the ignorance card. I am well aware of the bigger problems in the world....and certainly hope you are more of a solution to these problems than you try to be to mine. I wish you a good day.....and respectfully ask that you stop browsing Craigslist if you only serve to deflate others hopes. God Bless, Kerry"
----- Original Message -----
So there. I try to ignore negativity....and usually it has no place in my life, but to be honest with everyone, I need to show the other side of my dream coming true. So There....it's not all super 100 percent perfect, more like 99.8 percent.
"I read your ad...
You don't need money to get married.. Having a ceremony like the one you're talking about, is only to show off to others. You can celebrate and honor your love for each other quietly and without wasting money you don't have...It's not a RIGHT to have a big wedding, if you don't have the money you shouldn't feel deprived or jipped, a wedding shouldn't be the end all be all in your life. It's honestly a pretty sad dream, I'm just being honest..
My husband and I got married, just the two of us on a mountain and took pictures and said nice wonderful things to each other, we're soul mates and it was a very special day..But it was, just a day! we spend most of our time together, and are completely devoted, THAT'S WHAT MATTERS! I thought I wanted a wedding too, but upon thinking about the financial and moral repercussions, Also, that fact that your love isn't solidified MORE when there's MORE money involved, that all made me think twice about it..
Getting married isn't about diamonds, catering, dresses, it's about you two comitting to each other forever.
If you ask me, it's pretty cruel and selfish to make your fiance work so hard only to spend it on one single day to have a party.
I know this might fall on deaf ears but there are bigger and more important things going on in the world to devote your energy to.. people shouldn't get be that selfish anymore...
check out this video, http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-513747926833909134
then maybe you'll realize that when you're older you'll wish you did more good with your life and worried less about this trivial ceremony. You have kids too! Be the example!!!"
Ok, I sooooooo wantede to blast this bitter "Golden Girl," but my conscience helped me to remember that being a good person is not only being gracious when everyone agrees with you, it is living the example and acting accordingly. (My impulsive side really just wanted to go and leave a hot steaming pile of Sparky's "recycled dog food" on her porch.)I did, however, respond and I, (as nicely as I could,) told her what I thought of her negativity. Here is my response:
"Hello Bea, I might have finished your response to my ad...had I felt that you had anything positive to say. I personally would never try and shoot somebody's dreams out of the sky...regardless of how "shallow" or "sad" they may seem to me. I am happy for you and your husband and no....a wedding like the one I am having is not for everybody, but I would never be so brazen as to tell you what kind of wedding is appropriate for you and your husband...it is a very personal choice. While I respect your opinion...I choose to continue with the planning of my dream wedding, because everyone involved has witnessed miracle after miracle and every one who signed on to help has written me and expressed how many amazing blessings have flooded into their lives. This wedding has turned into so much more than just a wedding...and I know God has been working miracles in my life. If you fully understood the barter....you would know that this is NOT about Money....but a trade....a fair market trade of services. Are you to tell me there has never been a service in the world that you could not afford? We all need a solution when the economy is in a bad way. I am no different. As far as my being selfish goes.....please save your judgements. I have devoted my life to helping others. Friends and strangers alike. In fact, I plan on devoting my vacation time each year as a nurse to go to Africa and work directly with an organization Called "Doctors without Borders" where surgeries for the poorest of poor, and severely deformed people are performed at no cost.
I spend hours sewing blankets for shelter dogs...I buy gifts every year with money we struggle for and give them to the wish tree of the salvation army. I drive to Los Angeles every 6 weeks to give blood at the children's hospital...I am on the bone marrow donor registry.... I am a caregiver to the disabled and elderly. I visit old folks homes just to see a few lonely souls....if they need a visit. I volunteer with the CWC....a center in Malibu the rescues and rehabilitates injured wildlife. I go to church every week, and volunteer at their food pantry....so as far as the judgement you have made I'm going to have to pull the ignorance card. I am well aware of the bigger problems in the world....and certainly hope you are more of a solution to these problems than you try to be to mine. I wish you a good day.....and respectfully ask that you stop browsing Craigslist if you only serve to deflate others hopes. God Bless, Kerry"
----- Original Message -----
So there. I try to ignore negativity....and usually it has no place in my life, but to be honest with everyone, I need to show the other side of my dream coming true. So There....it's not all super 100 percent perfect, more like 99.8 percent.
Friday, July 31, 2009
In Other News...
My phone rang as it had all day....and I knew it was Becka...there's a feeling I get just before I answer the phone.....and rarely do I not know who's calling...and no, it's not because of caller ID....we have not yet employed such genius methods of call screening.
She screamed through the phone..."Check your inbox......do it.....NOW....DROP WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND GET TO THE COMPUTER NOW!!" So I dashed to the computer and waited for all my mail to download....23...35...37..44 new messages. I scan the list for hers...and open it...she has written a letter to someone named Lori. She is telling this Lori about me and my Barter-Craigslist wedding. She goes on and...well...here you go this is her actual letter.
Hello Lori,
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, I hope it finds you well and having a lovely day. The reason you're finding me in your inbox is because I would like to let you know about an amazing person in my life and the very interesting story that comes with her. in this day and age of more ugliness than positivity being served up for our notice, I hope that this makes you smile for the time it takes to read it.
Kerry Coryell, my Best Friend of 22 years, is what they call a "giver". She cares for the elderly, she sews dog beds for animal shelters, she volunteers at food banks and wild life refuges, she is a universal donor blood type so she gives blood regularly and urges everyone she knows to consider getting onto the National Bone Marrow Registry. She actually hopes to be called, most of us dread the thought. She is also a dedicated Mother to 4 beautiful children and a full time student with honors at Saddleback College working to attain a nursing degree in all of her "spare time". I look at her and all that she does and am inspired daily to push myself to be more than the average OC Housewife that I am. How she does it all with a smile on her face and such grace is beyond me, but she does and it is something to see her goodness in action.
Kerry has not had an easy life and in spite of the many challenges thrown at her, she perseveres and triumphs no matter the obstacle. She has seen her Mother through her terminal illness and has come to know that helping those in pain and need is her calling after selflessly caring for her to her last day. She will be an amazing nurse, but this does not surprise me. She is simply amazing in all that she does.
She has been engaged for 9 years to a loving, dedicated man and due to many trials and circumstances in their lives, they have just never been able to pull together a wedding that would do justice to the love they share and they family they've created. She had a "Vegas quickie" wedding in her early 20's which produced a terrible, abusive and sad marriage. It blessedly was short lived. She just wants to "Do it right this time" and I agree. She's waited so long, been through so much and deserves to have her day in the sun.
So they have finally decided to make this wedding happen, however they can. Kerry, being the ever resourceful and giving person that she is has come up with the idea of "bartering" services and necessities for her wedding day.
She posted on Craigslist telling a little bit about herself and asking to
barter her abilities (which are many) and those of her fiancé to pull
together the day of their dreams. She's offered her organizational skills,
cleaning prowess, her sewing abilities, her experience as a care giver to
the elderly and sick, anything she can do with her two able hands to repay
those willing to provide what she cannot afford at this point in her life.
The response has truly warmed my heart and is a testament to living well and truly and offering anything you can gladly coming back to you in spades.
Many of the most unattainable services for her have been the first to be
offered by people just wanting to help her. There is still much to pull
together yet for their October wedding, but the uniqueness of the way in
which she is going about making this day happen and the generosity and
kindness being shown her by professionals and every day Joe's wanting to
lend a hand has prompted me to want to tell as many as possible about this.
As a story, it is compelling. "Economically Disadvantaged Nursing Student
and Mom of 4 barters wedding on Craigslist." But there's so much more to it.
This is a story of someone who gives as she breathes not asking for
handouts, but offering anything she can for her wedding day and many good
hearted people responding in generosity and kindness. Giving back. I can't
help but think it is a story which would inspire people to give of
themselves as so many involved in this are and to let people know that being a beautiful person from the inside out has it's rewards. Kerry is what I aspire to be at her core and to know her is to love her. I hope that my bringing her to your attention has lifted you up today and it is my wish that you might be interested in helping me to let others know of the wonderful story that is unfolding here.
If you would like any further information on Kerry and her wedding, please
do not hesitate to contact me. I have only my writing, love and friendship
to offer her in this and so I write and pray it can help to recognize her
and those who are helping her to realize her dream of a beautiful wedding
day.
Truly Yours, Rebecca Dever
PS, I have also sent this to Alan Gibbons in the So Cal Living section as
I'm not sure which of the two of you might have more interest in this story or which section it might be more relative to. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
===========================================================================
OK....so I'm crying all over my keyboard...so touched by the viewpoint of my bestie...and she goes..."Well, I just got a call....from Lori, who is a writer for the Orange County Register....and she wants to meet you...and interview you...and run your story in the newspaper next week!" AHHHHHHHH!!! So Get over Here NOW!!!!I dropped the phone, tripped over my dog, (sorry Sparky) and threw a hat and sunglasses on. This is the no-fail disguise for hair you've not even bothered to run a brush through. Within thirty seconds I was on my way with all the kids to Auntie Beckas...and when I got there she and I did our jumping up and down thing...and hyperventilated...The paper? This is perfect! If they do a story, all of the vendors I wanted to bless back could get some recognition and hopefully a ton of new clients!
We arranged to meet Lori at a restaurant midway between our homes, on monday July 13, at 11:30 AM.
She screamed through the phone..."Check your inbox......do it.....NOW....DROP WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND GET TO THE COMPUTER NOW!!" So I dashed to the computer and waited for all my mail to download....23...35...37..44 new messages. I scan the list for hers...and open it...she has written a letter to someone named Lori. She is telling this Lori about me and my Barter-Craigslist wedding. She goes on and...well...here you go this is her actual letter.
Hello Lori,
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, I hope it finds you well and having a lovely day. The reason you're finding me in your inbox is because I would like to let you know about an amazing person in my life and the very interesting story that comes with her. in this day and age of more ugliness than positivity being served up for our notice, I hope that this makes you smile for the time it takes to read it.
Kerry Coryell, my Best Friend of 22 years, is what they call a "giver". She cares for the elderly, she sews dog beds for animal shelters, she volunteers at food banks and wild life refuges, she is a universal donor blood type so she gives blood regularly and urges everyone she knows to consider getting onto the National Bone Marrow Registry. She actually hopes to be called, most of us dread the thought. She is also a dedicated Mother to 4 beautiful children and a full time student with honors at Saddleback College working to attain a nursing degree in all of her "spare time". I look at her and all that she does and am inspired daily to push myself to be more than the average OC Housewife that I am. How she does it all with a smile on her face and such grace is beyond me, but she does and it is something to see her goodness in action.
Kerry has not had an easy life and in spite of the many challenges thrown at her, she perseveres and triumphs no matter the obstacle. She has seen her Mother through her terminal illness and has come to know that helping those in pain and need is her calling after selflessly caring for her to her last day. She will be an amazing nurse, but this does not surprise me. She is simply amazing in all that she does.
She has been engaged for 9 years to a loving, dedicated man and due to many trials and circumstances in their lives, they have just never been able to pull together a wedding that would do justice to the love they share and they family they've created. She had a "Vegas quickie" wedding in her early 20's which produced a terrible, abusive and sad marriage. It blessedly was short lived. She just wants to "Do it right this time" and I agree. She's waited so long, been through so much and deserves to have her day in the sun.
So they have finally decided to make this wedding happen, however they can. Kerry, being the ever resourceful and giving person that she is has come up with the idea of "bartering" services and necessities for her wedding day.
She posted on Craigslist telling a little bit about herself and asking to
barter her abilities (which are many) and those of her fiancé to pull
together the day of their dreams. She's offered her organizational skills,
cleaning prowess, her sewing abilities, her experience as a care giver to
the elderly and sick, anything she can do with her two able hands to repay
those willing to provide what she cannot afford at this point in her life.
The response has truly warmed my heart and is a testament to living well and truly and offering anything you can gladly coming back to you in spades.
Many of the most unattainable services for her have been the first to be
offered by people just wanting to help her. There is still much to pull
together yet for their October wedding, but the uniqueness of the way in
which she is going about making this day happen and the generosity and
kindness being shown her by professionals and every day Joe's wanting to
lend a hand has prompted me to want to tell as many as possible about this.
As a story, it is compelling. "Economically Disadvantaged Nursing Student
and Mom of 4 barters wedding on Craigslist." But there's so much more to it.
This is a story of someone who gives as she breathes not asking for
handouts, but offering anything she can for her wedding day and many good
hearted people responding in generosity and kindness. Giving back. I can't
help but think it is a story which would inspire people to give of
themselves as so many involved in this are and to let people know that being a beautiful person from the inside out has it's rewards. Kerry is what I aspire to be at her core and to know her is to love her. I hope that my bringing her to your attention has lifted you up today and it is my wish that you might be interested in helping me to let others know of the wonderful story that is unfolding here.
If you would like any further information on Kerry and her wedding, please
do not hesitate to contact me. I have only my writing, love and friendship
to offer her in this and so I write and pray it can help to recognize her
and those who are helping her to realize her dream of a beautiful wedding
day.
Truly Yours, Rebecca Dever
PS, I have also sent this to Alan Gibbons in the So Cal Living section as
I'm not sure which of the two of you might have more interest in this story or which section it might be more relative to. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
===========================================================================
OK....so I'm crying all over my keyboard...so touched by the viewpoint of my bestie...and she goes..."Well, I just got a call....from Lori, who is a writer for the Orange County Register....and she wants to meet you...and interview you...and run your story in the newspaper next week!" AHHHHHHHH!!! So Get over Here NOW!!!!I dropped the phone, tripped over my dog, (sorry Sparky) and threw a hat and sunglasses on. This is the no-fail disguise for hair you've not even bothered to run a brush through. Within thirty seconds I was on my way with all the kids to Auntie Beckas...and when I got there she and I did our jumping up and down thing...and hyperventilated...The paper? This is perfect! If they do a story, all of the vendors I wanted to bless back could get some recognition and hopefully a ton of new clients!
We arranged to meet Lori at a restaurant midway between our homes, on monday July 13, at 11:30 AM.
When The Flowers Fell Off....
Just when you think you've got all your ducks in a row!! I had gone a few days without an e-mail from our fab floral girl before, but now we were going on a week and a half without a response to my last e-mail. I sent another, and another...and then I tried calling her. Unfortunately, the only phone number I had for her was her business number, which was "no longer inl, service" aparently. I tried again and again, obviously in disbelief that I was really getting a "disconnected" recording.
So, in my semi-panicked state, I did what any other red-blooded bartering bride would do and drove out there to make my debut as a stalker official. I pulled up to the adorable Santa Ana shop I had fallen in love with, and crossed my fingers that I'd find the adorable bubbly shop owner, whom I'd come to know and love, busy arranging flowers...but that was not the case. The shop was closed, there were still items left outside as though someone had closed quickly... it was then that I began to worry about Miss angela and her safety. I knew she was the mother of toddler twin girls....and being a mom myself, well, let's just say I was worried.
When I got home, I tried googling her name, and the name of her flower shop, but there was nothing. I did find her on myspace, and sent her a message saying how worried I was...and not aboout the flowers.....about her...and I wondered if she needed help with anything. She responded about a week later and assured me everything was ok....and that yes, we absolutely could still count on her to do the flowers. That was the last time I heard from her. Erin, my coordinator drove over to the shop two weeks later and found that it had an eviction notice on the door. At this point I safely assumed we needed to find another florist.
We had the option of going to downtown Los Angeles, and buying the flowers ourselves, and arranging them the night before the wedding if we could not find a florist. At least we knew this.
So, in my semi-panicked state, I did what any other red-blooded bartering bride would do and drove out there to make my debut as a stalker official. I pulled up to the adorable Santa Ana shop I had fallen in love with, and crossed my fingers that I'd find the adorable bubbly shop owner, whom I'd come to know and love, busy arranging flowers...but that was not the case. The shop was closed, there were still items left outside as though someone had closed quickly... it was then that I began to worry about Miss angela and her safety. I knew she was the mother of toddler twin girls....and being a mom myself, well, let's just say I was worried.
When I got home, I tried googling her name, and the name of her flower shop, but there was nothing. I did find her on myspace, and sent her a message saying how worried I was...and not aboout the flowers.....about her...and I wondered if she needed help with anything. She responded about a week later and assured me everything was ok....and that yes, we absolutely could still count on her to do the flowers. That was the last time I heard from her. Erin, my coordinator drove over to the shop two weeks later and found that it had an eviction notice on the door. At this point I safely assumed we needed to find another florist.
We had the option of going to downtown Los Angeles, and buying the flowers ourselves, and arranging them the night before the wedding if we could not find a florist. At least we knew this.
To All of the Haters...
Well it appears as though the whole Craigslist experience has not let me through unscathed. I got my first nasty gram this week, and found myself trying to understand how what I am doing is offensive? My first nasty-gram came from a woman who's replt began as though it were going to be as nice as the others, which I am sure was her intention, so that I would not simply delete it. She says, "Hello, I just read your ad!" She goes on, "My husband and I have been married for 12 blissful years..and had the most AMAZING ceremony. It involved me, him, 5 family members and a justice of the peace. Get over youself...it is not all about being seen and spending money." And was of course left anonymous. I replied in the Christian way, and thanked her for her response, God Bless! -Kerry.
Of course my first inclination was to remind her that had she actually READ the ad.....there would be no jab at me and how much MONEY was being so frivolously wasted..considering the word BARTER! But I also would have wanted to point out that if there were any day in a woman's life when it absolutely IS about being seen....even if only by the smitten gaze of her new husband.....it would be her wedding day....duh. If...and I'll play with her here....there were no element of being seen involved in the wedding....there would be no market for wedding Gowns. We'd all just get married in our sweats and fuzzy slippers with rollers in our hair.....because being "seen" would not be relevent. So there....got that off my chest....but I still wonder why people think they are doing the world a favor by bringing a dreamer back down to earth? I am just so flabbergasted that certain people take time out of their day simply to spread negativity....it makes no sense to me.
I must say, though...it makes me glad I am me. I would rather invest the same amount of energy into supporting someone's dream....insted of trying to discourage it. Haters...go away!
Tuesday July 9th, I arrived early in the AM at Becka's home, to watch her three younger girls while she took her oldest daughter (who will be my flower girl) to an appointment. She got back home about 4pm and excitedly told me about the Jessica Mc Clintock outlet in Montclair. This was of interest to me because I had spent he week scouring the internet for bridesmaids dresses, and all of my options were met by compliments and oohs and ahhhhs....except for my sister. She had already expressed her inability to afford any of the options I loved (which if anyone understands financial woes it is me)....although when I suggested she coulld barter a days work for the dress....as i had A WEDDING....she replied"that's your thing not mine...I don't barter. Then she proceeded to tell me she'd do me the favor of wearing the dress I like the most.....but I needed to have the ruffle taken out...because she did not like it. OK folks....correct me if I'm wrong....but isn't the whole concept of being a maid of honor...to help the bride...to wear whatever is chosen....like it or hate it (thus the collection of poofy frocks in the movie 27 dresses) I was now wishing I had made her sign a pre-nup...but one that would explicitly ban complaining. Well, this outlet just might yield an affordable option for my maids! Off to Montclair at 5pm with 7 kids in tow, we went and prayed the whole way we'd get there before they closed at 6 pm. We walked into the store at quarter to six, and raced to the first flash of espresso brown we could see. Two panicked mommies, 7 whiney, tired kids..1 stroller and all of 15 minutes to find six dream dresses. DONE!! Ok....rather like every other miraculous happening in this wedding....the first dresses we found were perfect and fit like a dream. And their prices left the complaining without merit. Or so I thought. Through no fault of ours...pleasing my sister was a futile effort. She tried her dress on..after still complaining about the price....and proceeded to say "well this is the most unflattering dress you could have picked...I'm so disappointed." Sigh....
I only mention these little bumps in the road to express that not everything has been super easy and smooth...yes, we have had negative elements try and run our joy...but we refuse to cave. Negativity will not play a part in THIS wedding.
Of course my first inclination was to remind her that had she actually READ the ad.....there would be no jab at me and how much MONEY was being so frivolously wasted..considering the word BARTER! But I also would have wanted to point out that if there were any day in a woman's life when it absolutely IS about being seen....even if only by the smitten gaze of her new husband.....it would be her wedding day....duh. If...and I'll play with her here....there were no element of being seen involved in the wedding....there would be no market for wedding Gowns. We'd all just get married in our sweats and fuzzy slippers with rollers in our hair.....because being "seen" would not be relevent. So there....got that off my chest....but I still wonder why people think they are doing the world a favor by bringing a dreamer back down to earth? I am just so flabbergasted that certain people take time out of their day simply to spread negativity....it makes no sense to me.
I must say, though...it makes me glad I am me. I would rather invest the same amount of energy into supporting someone's dream....insted of trying to discourage it. Haters...go away!
Tuesday July 9th, I arrived early in the AM at Becka's home, to watch her three younger girls while she took her oldest daughter (who will be my flower girl) to an appointment. She got back home about 4pm and excitedly told me about the Jessica Mc Clintock outlet in Montclair. This was of interest to me because I had spent he week scouring the internet for bridesmaids dresses, and all of my options were met by compliments and oohs and ahhhhs....except for my sister. She had already expressed her inability to afford any of the options I loved (which if anyone understands financial woes it is me)....although when I suggested she coulld barter a days work for the dress....as i had A WEDDING....she replied"that's your thing not mine...I don't barter. Then she proceeded to tell me she'd do me the favor of wearing the dress I like the most.....but I needed to have the ruffle taken out...because she did not like it. OK folks....correct me if I'm wrong....but isn't the whole concept of being a maid of honor...to help the bride...to wear whatever is chosen....like it or hate it (thus the collection of poofy frocks in the movie 27 dresses) I was now wishing I had made her sign a pre-nup...but one that would explicitly ban complaining. Well, this outlet just might yield an affordable option for my maids! Off to Montclair at 5pm with 7 kids in tow, we went and prayed the whole way we'd get there before they closed at 6 pm. We walked into the store at quarter to six, and raced to the first flash of espresso brown we could see. Two panicked mommies, 7 whiney, tired kids..1 stroller and all of 15 minutes to find six dream dresses. DONE!! Ok....rather like every other miraculous happening in this wedding....the first dresses we found were perfect and fit like a dream. And their prices left the complaining without merit. Or so I thought. Through no fault of ours...pleasing my sister was a futile effort. She tried her dress on..after still complaining about the price....and proceeded to say "well this is the most unflattering dress you could have picked...I'm so disappointed." Sigh....
I only mention these little bumps in the road to express that not everything has been super easy and smooth...yes, we have had negative elements try and run our joy...but we refuse to cave. Negativity will not play a part in THIS wedding.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Here Come the Bridesmaids!
As many decisions as I've had to make for this wedding....the Bridesmaids dresses is bar none my favorite! Once I had chosen colors I knew what to search for....er...yeah, that's what I thought. Finding Bridesmaids dresses that matched the formality of this wedding, and would look good next to the golden-ivory color of my gown was challenging.....but the real thorn in my side was finding a dress that 5 separate, very different women could agree on. Hey, I'm a liberal bride...I'll give them pictures of three of my favorite dresses and they can vote on their favorite! Then I'll tally up the votes, and then average the numbers and we will have a winner folks!!
So Brilliant!(and no one will be able to complain....not that they would...I mean every bridesmaid understands the unspoken law of "hate the dress, love the bride...so suck it up"...Right?) I mean isn't that the thing we former bridesmaids laugh about? The awful get-ups the bride picked? The poofy...lacy....bright.....bow-adorned frocks? Isn't that what the movie 27 Dresses was about? I am actually a really great, benevolent bride. Yeah,not so much, aparently. Despite my best intentions (and my hopes for normal bridesmaids)the battle over who liked what began and my sister led the pack. In order to skip all the negativity that followed,I'll move onto what we ended up doing.
Rebecca came through the door in a panic and said let's go to Montclair!!(An hour or so drive in traffic to the "armpit" of California) The Jessica McClintock Outlet is out there and Susan, (our friend and guru of all things fabulous) said they have Espresso colored gowns!! I knew when she is lit up like this with an idea, not to argue or ask questions.....so at five in the evening we hit the road, seven kids in tow, two giant mommy SUV's, racing from Lake Forest to Montclair as fast as our safety conscious driving would allow. (Picture old Grannies in a hurry) We made it with 20 minutes to spare...and ran straight to the back of the store where espresso colored satin shouted out to us. We grabbed whatever we could in our size...and ran for the dressing room. The kids chose this opportunity to play hide and seek in the racks...grrr. One of them let the baby out of the stroller as well....so 7 kids...being told to sit still and behave outside the dressing rooms went over something like flooding an anthill with the garden hose... a fire ant hill....while you stand next to it in shorts and bare feet. Luckily...the sales girls were too busy chatting on their cell phones, and ignoring any customers to care about what chaos the kids were causing. And boy, if those clocks weren't set to the millisecond...exactly fifteen minutes after we arrived the lights in the dressing rooms went out...and... Oh...ok, the lights in the rest of the store went off too. Subtle. (Does this mean the store is closing?)
We scrambled through the racks frantically grabbing every dress in every size remotely close to what we thought the bridesmaids would wear. We ran with as many as we could hold, up to the register....and then I panicked. Surely Becka knew I had 17 cents to my name...oh God,she has to know....so I will ask them to hold the dresses, Cause Lord knows I cannot buy them right now! Becka must have whipped out a credit card while I was digging through my purse in an attempt to try and save face, with an "OH, Darn! I forgot my wallet at home, can you hold these?" (like it mattered what the teenager behind the counter with the cell phone glued to the side of her head thought of me,)Because next thing I knew the other teenager handed becka a huge garment bag, with a receipt stapled to the side and half-heartedly thanked us. Becka looked at me and winked. I swear, could a girl have a better best friend? She only asked that I try to get the bridesmaids to pay her back for their gowns before her husband saw the bill. I agreed, and there we were....with at least one dress we knew would not need alterations and five others, that most likely would need some serious help. My ten year old daughter, who is going to be a Junior Bridesmaid got a women's size 16, because it was all they had and for the price of $20 dollars, we thought, well, all we have to do is cut the dress in half....and sew it.... ummm.... we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
So Brilliant!(and no one will be able to complain....not that they would...I mean every bridesmaid understands the unspoken law of "hate the dress, love the bride...so suck it up"...Right?) I mean isn't that the thing we former bridesmaids laugh about? The awful get-ups the bride picked? The poofy...lacy....bright.....bow-adorned frocks? Isn't that what the movie 27 Dresses was about? I am actually a really great, benevolent bride. Yeah,not so much, aparently. Despite my best intentions (and my hopes for normal bridesmaids)the battle over who liked what began and my sister led the pack. In order to skip all the negativity that followed,I'll move onto what we ended up doing.
Rebecca came through the door in a panic and said let's go to Montclair!!(An hour or so drive in traffic to the "armpit" of California) The Jessica McClintock Outlet is out there and Susan, (our friend and guru of all things fabulous) said they have Espresso colored gowns!! I knew when she is lit up like this with an idea, not to argue or ask questions.....so at five in the evening we hit the road, seven kids in tow, two giant mommy SUV's, racing from Lake Forest to Montclair as fast as our safety conscious driving would allow. (Picture old Grannies in a hurry) We made it with 20 minutes to spare...and ran straight to the back of the store where espresso colored satin shouted out to us. We grabbed whatever we could in our size...and ran for the dressing room. The kids chose this opportunity to play hide and seek in the racks...grrr. One of them let the baby out of the stroller as well....so 7 kids...being told to sit still and behave outside the dressing rooms went over something like flooding an anthill with the garden hose... a fire ant hill....while you stand next to it in shorts and bare feet. Luckily...the sales girls were too busy chatting on their cell phones, and ignoring any customers to care about what chaos the kids were causing. And boy, if those clocks weren't set to the millisecond...exactly fifteen minutes after we arrived the lights in the dressing rooms went out...and... Oh...ok, the lights in the rest of the store went off too. Subtle. (Does this mean the store is closing?)
We scrambled through the racks frantically grabbing every dress in every size remotely close to what we thought the bridesmaids would wear. We ran with as many as we could hold, up to the register....and then I panicked. Surely Becka knew I had 17 cents to my name...oh God,she has to know....so I will ask them to hold the dresses, Cause Lord knows I cannot buy them right now! Becka must have whipped out a credit card while I was digging through my purse in an attempt to try and save face, with an "OH, Darn! I forgot my wallet at home, can you hold these?" (like it mattered what the teenager behind the counter with the cell phone glued to the side of her head thought of me,)Because next thing I knew the other teenager handed becka a huge garment bag, with a receipt stapled to the side and half-heartedly thanked us. Becka looked at me and winked. I swear, could a girl have a better best friend? She only asked that I try to get the bridesmaids to pay her back for their gowns before her husband saw the bill. I agreed, and there we were....with at least one dress we knew would not need alterations and five others, that most likely would need some serious help. My ten year old daughter, who is going to be a Junior Bridesmaid got a women's size 16, because it was all they had and for the price of $20 dollars, we thought, well, all we have to do is cut the dress in half....and sew it.... ummm.... we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Swimming in the sea of Choices!
July 1, 2009
Today began with and ended with online searches for everything from flowers to bridal hairdos. It appears to me, that as far as wedding resources go…the knot has got it going on! I think most of my favorite saved pictures and ideas came from them. I've spent all afternoon over at my dear friend Beth’s house… immensely enjoying the glow from her enthusiasm about my big day. We spent hours looking at every venue from here to Arrowhead. I peered up from my computer screen, as I laughed at how long we had been sitting around looking at this stuff!It was already six o’clock… Hmmmmm….Six o’clock…huh, funny. Why is six ringing a bell?……OH (insert explitive for poop here) NO!!!!! Ok…totally forgot about Kurt’s appointment for the tuxedo place!! Dang gummit!! I can not believe I forgot! With that I jump up and run out of Beth's house like my pants are on fire!(Bless her heart, she kept all of our kids with her!) Fifteen minutes later, I stood in the cubicle-sized tux shop, and lost my focus on the excuse for our late arrival as my eyes scanned a vast sea of penguin suits.
All I could think of as I browsed the racks of generic grooms attire …with the astounding variety of single button jacket closure, perhaps....two buttons…? Or shall we "live on the edge" and go for…dare I say it? Three buttons…oh the choices!!Oooooooh…and the possibilities are endless when you add the hankie pocket! OMG!!! Honey....to hankie or not to hankie…it is all just too much for me! Ok…one more gripe and my proverbial finger will plug up the leak in the sarcasm dam. Why, oh why does EVERY pair of Tuxedo slacks have to have that stupid satin stripe on the leg? Really? It’s like the pinstripe on a car…why is it there? I even asked the sales manager, “Do you have any tuxedo pants without the racing stripe?" She looked at me like I just knocked the Captain off the Morgan! To which her reply was “No, all tuxedo pants must have that detail, otherwise, it’s just a black suit. In that moment, I understood....she actually thought this was VARIETY. All I have to say, Is WOW. With this endless abyss of choices the poor groom has to make......tie, or bowtie? Vest or cumberbun? We brides have it soooo easy. Oh no....we haven't even chosen cufflinks yet!
Today began with and ended with online searches for everything from flowers to bridal hairdos. It appears to me, that as far as wedding resources go…the knot has got it going on! I think most of my favorite saved pictures and ideas came from them. I've spent all afternoon over at my dear friend Beth’s house… immensely enjoying the glow from her enthusiasm about my big day. We spent hours looking at every venue from here to Arrowhead. I peered up from my computer screen, as I laughed at how long we had been sitting around looking at this stuff!It was already six o’clock… Hmmmmm….Six o’clock…huh, funny. Why is six ringing a bell?……OH (insert explitive for poop here) NO!!!!! Ok…totally forgot about Kurt’s appointment for the tuxedo place!! Dang gummit!! I can not believe I forgot! With that I jump up and run out of Beth's house like my pants are on fire!(Bless her heart, she kept all of our kids with her!) Fifteen minutes later, I stood in the cubicle-sized tux shop, and lost my focus on the excuse for our late arrival as my eyes scanned a vast sea of penguin suits.
All I could think of as I browsed the racks of generic grooms attire …with the astounding variety of single button jacket closure, perhaps....two buttons…? Or shall we "live on the edge" and go for…dare I say it? Three buttons…oh the choices!!Oooooooh…and the possibilities are endless when you add the hankie pocket! OMG!!! Honey....to hankie or not to hankie…it is all just too much for me! Ok…one more gripe and my proverbial finger will plug up the leak in the sarcasm dam. Why, oh why does EVERY pair of Tuxedo slacks have to have that stupid satin stripe on the leg? Really? It’s like the pinstripe on a car…why is it there? I even asked the sales manager, “Do you have any tuxedo pants without the racing stripe?" She looked at me like I just knocked the Captain off the Morgan! To which her reply was “No, all tuxedo pants must have that detail, otherwise, it’s just a black suit. In that moment, I understood....she actually thought this was VARIETY. All I have to say, Is WOW. With this endless abyss of choices the poor groom has to make......tie, or bowtie? Vest or cumberbun? We brides have it soooo easy. Oh no....we haven't even chosen cufflinks yet!
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