Alison & Saul's Wedding!

It was fabulous, and southern, and lovely. As an added bonus, Todd and I did a bunch of sightseeing as well...and finished off our whirlwind trip with a visit to World of Coke in Atlanta.

Friday - We flew in to Atlanta on a 7 am flight (ouch!), picked up our Prius, and drove to Prattville, Alabama, stopping on the way at Waffle House for lunch. Mmmm. It was our first experience of the famed Southern hospitality - our waitress couldn't have been nicer - and by the end of the trip, I kept thinking "Do we really deserve to be treated this wonderfully?!" We also stopped at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama so Todd could see the football stadium where USC has played the Auburn Tigers.

We arrived at the beautiful Legends Marriott Hotel where Alison's wedding was, checked in, and relaxed before driving to downtown Montgomery to explore. The town was hopping because of a Travis Tritt concert (!) and we drove past the baseball field where the Montgomery Biscuits (a minor league team) play. I kept asking where we could buy the team, dip them in syrup, and eat them. We had a delicious pizza dinner at the Mellow Mushroom (complete with cinnamon and honey pizza dough pretzels as an appetizer!) and then stopped by Alison's room (right across from ours) to give her a hug and say hello. She gave us our out-of-town bag and we chatted and wished her an excellent night's sleep before the big day!

Saturday dawned bright, beautiful, and HOT. Like 95 degrees with 95% humidity. Ah, the South in the summertime...We got all dolled up and wandered around the hotel's grounds (there was a gorgeous, Scotland-ish golf course behind the hotel and fountains and pathways througout) until it was time for the ceremony at 11 am. My voice was nearly gone because of my cold, and I was nervous as all get-out and trying not to burst into tears (much like at Chrissie's wedding!) as Alison and her bridesmaids walked down the aisle. It was such a beautiful sight. She looked radiant and calm. The officiant was a good ol' boy judge - very smooth - and my reading of Shakespeare's Sonnet 116 went okay, although my voice squeaked and cracked a bit. Then Saul's mom did a long, hilarious, sweet Auden reading - "Oh, tell me the truth about love" - and she turned out to be a terrific dramatist! She also had the coolest British style - a red and white flowered dress with small feathered red hat! Alison and Saul then exchanged vows and rings and kissed and before you knew it, they were married!

There was a little pre-reception in the lobby outside the ballroom, and Todd and I got to catch up Suzi and meet James! They're such an adorable couple :-) Then the reception began, with a yummy brunch of grits, biscuits, eggs, and fruit - with sweet tea, a mimosa fountain, and bloody marys to wash everything down! Suddenly, clouds gathered outside and there was a strong tropical thunderstorm. Rain fell in buckets and lightening lit the sky and all the guests could watch the beautiful landscape of the golf course being drenched with rain from an enclosed balcony right outside the ballroom. It was dramatic and perfect - for a moment I thought of the movie "Monsoon Wedding" and before you knew it, the sky lightened, the buckets and torrents of rain stopped, and the sun reappeared. Alison and Saul had their first dance, cut the cakes (a white three-tiered classic white cake, and an awesome golf course chocolate groom's cake), Alison did the bouquet toss, and after chatting with a bunch of very nice people, and taking pictures with the bride and groom, we still had four hours until the after-party at Alison's parent's house!

So we did a lot of Montgomery-area exploring: saw the Baptist church where MLK, Jr. preached, saw the Alabama Supreme Court, went to two malls - one classy, one not so much - and explored the grounds of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, including the fragrant Shakespeare Garden. Then we made our way over to Alison's parents lovely house, and spent a great evening meeting new friends, talking with Alison, Suzi, and James, and having strawberry cake.

That night, we fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillow.

Sunday, after saying our goodbyes (and have fun on your honeymoons!) to Alison and Saul, Alison said something really sweet: "we'll be celebrating your wedding in 364 days!" Our wedding is officially less than a year away. Whoa. And I'm so glad that we get to share our day of the month, July 26, with Alison and Saul.

We drove to Atlanta and hoofed it over to World of Coke, where we went on a fun 4-D ride, sampled over 30 different sodas from all over the world (there were 70 we could have tried but seriously, how much carbonation can one stomach take?!), saw a pop art exhibit dedicated to Coke, watched Coke ad campaigns from the 1920s to today, watched the Coke bottling process, met the Coca-Cola Polar Bear, and picked up some wonderful souvenirs in the gift shop. I purchased inexpensive silver earrings made with pieces of coke bottle glass, and little coke bottle salt and pepper shakers, while Todd chose a t-shirt and a very cool aluminum coke bottle.

Finally, it was time to head to the airport - after wandering around Centennial Olympic Park (and seeing the Memorial for the 1996 bombing) and happening upon the National Black Arts Festival, and eating a very late lunch in the massive CNN Headquarters building.

As we sat on the plane, we watched the season finale of "Next Food Network Star" on our seatback TVs and Todd said something funny: "This is exactly what we'd be doing if we were at home right now." So true!

A wonderful trip, a memorable and fantastic wedding, and now it is time (sadly) to get back to work!

Ben Stein, on the Economics of Love

In the New York Times today:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/business/13every.html?em&ex=1216353600&en=7bd9ffd7ca313b8f&ei=5087%0A

Something Old, Borrowed, AND Blue

In Grandma Bib's birthday card to me, there was a note with "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue" on a post-on, and a beautiful embroidered hankerchief with flowers and a "B" for Bibbiani (my Mom's maiden name).  

Next to "Something Borrowed," Grandma wrote "veil" for the veil Aunt Lisa has generously offered to let me borrow for the wedding.  

Next to "Something New," Grandma wrote "dress," since I'll be getting a new wedding gown. 

And the hankerchief is the perfect "Something Blue!"  

I was so touched when Grandma sent me such a special family memento to have with me on the day of our wedding...

Ring Pillow Trial Run

Today, I finished the "trial run" ring pillow that I blogged about earlier in the year.  Some lessons I learned to use when I make the actual ring pillow:

1) iron silk before sewing into pillow form

2) get thicker thread to sew stuffing opening shut

3) figure out a way to cut the gold cording without it splaying (as in upper right corner in pic)

I like the way the opaque gold ribbon looks that will hold the rings...

Will post the final pillow soon!

Disney Planning Packet!

On Friday, we received our Disney planning packet - filled with a questionnaire to gauge our preferences for every aspect of the ceremony and reception, plus pre-events such as the bachelor party, rehearsal dinner, and bride's tea, sample menus and cake options, preferred vendor information, our sample Save-the-Date...and bride and groom Minnie and Mickey pens! So cute :-)

We were also pleased to  find a "Fairy Tale Weddings" pin.  I remarked to Todd that it was nice of them to include it for free and he said "Actually, honey, it cost $2,000 (the deposit)..."  

Good point!

Thanks Rick, Lynn, Bree, and Marc - and Vera Bradley!

I had originally intended to get a weekend bag with the generous gift card given to me by Todd's family for my birthday but then I set my eyes on this...

and this...
1. It is almost impossible to find a decent, non-leather wallet.  For the last couple of years, I've taken a break from awful-looking faux leather and been using an oversized fabric change purse for all my cards, bills, and change.  Until I saw the above wallet! It has a change purse on the side, and plenty of space for cards and bills inside.  And, being Vera Bradley, I know it'll be durable.  What a find!

2. When I saw the "Hannah" in mod floral pink, I immediately thought of after the wedding, when Todd and I, and a few assorted friends and family, will head into the park to see the fireworks.  Todd convinced me that I don't need a purse for the ceremony and reception, but don't I need one for the park? Absolutely!  I love the styling on this one - rounded bottom, with pleating on the sides, a single strap, and a ribbon band along the top.  It's beautiful, and I can't wait to where it on the night...although I might just cheat and bring it to Alison's wedding in a couple of weeks, too!

Monterey - Part 3

We ate this fabulous little pizza place called Gianni's Cafe on Saturday night.  When I talked to Mom about our trip, it turned out she and Dad used to go there all the time when they lived in San Fran!  The pizza (and breadsticks!) were great, and I MUCH preferred it to a hoity-toity restaurant.  Birthdays should be about relaxing and enjoying :-)

We took a quite lengthy after-dinner ramble, following the "Path of History" past Monterey's Town Hall, the oldest theatre in California, and several former Governors' adobes.  It was perfect night, warm and breezy.
Sunday morning, we went down to the beach behind our hotel early, and found sea lion pups on the rocks! We tiptoed up to them on the tide pool rocks, and took some pictures.
On our drive back to Daly City, we stopped at a couple of awesome farm stands.  At the first, famed for creating "ollalieberries" - which are hybrid berries made from other hybrid berries, and taste a bit like tart strawberries - we bought a little ollalieberry pie with a heart cut-out, some jam, and the best scone (pecan/strawberry) I've ever had!
I bet the shortcake would have been delicious too!
And thus ended an absolutely wonderful birthday getaway weekend :-)

Philosophy of Life?

Recently read in The World According to Bertie by Alexander McCall Smith:

A quote by W.H. Auden - "If equal affection cannot be, then let the more loving one be me."

It really struck me. 

I don't think Auden is speaking about just romantic love; rather, he means this precept to apply to all kinds of love.  Like if you see someone on the street who frowns, but instead of frowning back, you smile.  Or if a co-worker is being petty and small-minded and it would be so easy to just reciprocate, you instead go just a bit out of the way to be nicer and more accommodating.  Or if you feel tired and frustrated and snappy, and instead of lashing out at someone, you make a conscious effort to relax, take a deep breath, and be kind.

The quote could describe a whole ethical system; a way of living morally.  It's simple yet profound.  Something not just to remember, but to instill in oneself and live by...

Monterey Bay Aquarium!

The Kelp Forest tank.  On our awesome behind-the-scenes tour, we dropped krill into the top of this tank from the roof of the Aquarium, and then ran down to the tank to watch all of the fish eat it up!

These African penguins (yes, from South Africa - who knew that there were penguins in Africa?!) were so graceful, flying through the water.  On land, they were awkward and wobbly in a very cute way.  We watched a feeding in which they all lined up and opened their mouths to have fish dropped in...
Of course, sea otters.  They are fabulous, interesting, and exciting...and (like many children) have the attention span of a fly.  They're just so playful.  I could have watched just these creatures all day.  The river otters (longer, sleeker) were also wonderful.  We even bought a little Asian river otter in the gift shop!
The jellies.  There was a magnificent exhibit called "Jellies: Living Art" which juxtaposed real tanks of jellyfish against backdrops of all different colors, with abstract art by Kandinksy, Calder, Chihuly, and others.  It's one of the best exhibits I've seen - in a museum, or elsewhere - and completely unforgettable.  The extent to which art imitates life is amazing, and this exhibit outlined the connections that show just how closely art mimics (or takes as its inspiration) nature.
An massive tank in the Outer Reef area.  Like a moving painting...

Monterey - Day 1 Cont'd

Todd on the rooftop garden of the Inn.  We watched fireworks up there in the evening!

Me on a small landing, with steps leading down to the beach.
The Thomas Kinkade National Archive.  I mean, really.  The discovery of this led to an interesting discussion of whether the term "art" could be applied to anything that claimed to be art, even if it was as terrible, soppy, and completely unoriginal as...oh...a Thomas Kinkade painting, for instance.
The leafy entrance to Old Monterey. Cute touristy shops, an arthouse cinema, and a theater.  Even a bridal shop called "Never on Sundays" which was, unfortunately, closed.  (Although since we are getting married on a Sunday, I didn't mind too much...)
The harbor...very calm and peaceful, and with a pier at which twenty different cafes sold twenty different "best clam chowder of Monterey"'s!

Monterey Birthday Weekend - Day 1

On the drive down Highway 1.  It was so foggy that we could barely see when we left Daly City, but by Pacifica, it had turned into a gorgeous day!

The Spindrift Inn, right on the beach on Cannery Row...
Our room, with a lovely brocade canopy bed, window seat (binoculars included, for all the sea lion and fishing boat spotting one could wish for!), gas and wood fireplace, and comfy armchairs. It was nice to have the modern convenience of a flat screen TV as well :-) from which we watched part of Jaws on July 4th!
A great little bistro called Tillie Gort's, which has been in Monterey since 1969.  Plenty of vegetarian options, and a sweet ambiance.  We happened upon it as we were wandering...
Todd lighting the fire the first night :-)

Happy (almost) Fourth of July!!!

There is something both adorable and slightly absurd about otters.  I suppose the same could be said about quite a few things, really.  

This weekend, we're going to Monterey for my birthday.  And the main thing Monterey is known for, aside from its associations with John Steinbeck, is its world-renowned Aquarium, and especially the otter exhibit.  I can't wait! I haven't been to the Aquarium since I was in high school and Dad and I took a drive down the coast from San Francisco.  I remember being mesmerized by the otters, watching them play, crack clams on their stomachs, and generally cavort with one another in their expansive enclosure.

Todd's booked us a room at the lovely Spindrift Inn for two nights.  We'll wander through the history-filled filled streets which were Steinbeck's inspiration for Cannery Row and Tortilla Flats, spend as much time as we want at the Aquarium, walk along the beach behind our Inn, have some good meals, and perhaps even see some fireworks on the Fourth.  Although I'm sad that we won't get to go to Chrissie's for the holiday, I'm looking forward to our little adventure, and to just spending some time with each other in a new place.

One of the animals on our bed (I know, isn't it shocking that we have about seven? They've seemed to multiply over trips and holidays...For instance, the Okapi and Adnap (Panda spelled backwards, haha!) were both bought on our trip to San Diego last year, and Snuffles the Polar Bear (aka Kobe) was bought at the Bellagio, on the weekend that Marc proposed to Bree! ) is an otter named Webster, which we bought at the LA Zoo on our trip there at the very beginning of our relationship.  He just might be popped into one of our bags so he can see some of his friends and enjoy the sights in Monterey too!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July!!!

WALL-E and Eve, or Alternate Cake Topper?

Last Friday, Todd, Brian, and I saw the movie WALL-E over my - slightly longer than usual- lunch break (don't tell anyone!).


It was surprisingly touching. Pixar deserves much credit for taking a plot about robots from the future (one in which earth is so polluted that no one lives there, and people, who live on a spaceship, have basically become big babies) so affecting and relevant.

The way in which the love between WALL-E and Eve develops is so poignant. He cares for her so sweetly. There's a scene in which they fly around outside the spaceship, Eve under her own steam and WALL-E using a fire extinguisher, and it's one of the best representations I've ever seen - on film, in art, or elsewhere - of just that peculiar happiness two people feel when they've just fallen in love.

Todd sent me a Facebook gift like the picture below with a message reading, "You're my Eve." The funny thing is that I sent him the same gift at about the same time, only mine said "Wouldn't this be an awesome cake topper if we didn't already have one?" Obviously, Todd's a total sweetie, and I have a one-track wedding mind... In the end, the point is this: WALL-E is a fantastic movie! Not a great kid's movie, or a great animated movie, just a great movie. With the moral that the whole point of being (even for robots) is to love and be loved in return.

A Troubling Reality

Below is the link to a fascinating interview with the author of "One Perfect Day: The Selling of the American Wedding" by Rebecca Mead.

http://www.indiebride.com/interviews/mead/index.html

The part about wedding dress sweatshops is really sobering (and in stark contrast to my previous, giddy post about the fun of trying on wedding dresses!) because it forces you to realize that the women making the gowns that every American girl "needs" for her dream wedding, have lives and loves and dreams and weddings of their own, at which a wedding dress of the kind they make every day for a pittance is too expensive to afford. Most consumer goods - especially apparel - are like that. The people making them can't afford to buy them. Which kind of sucks, but is difficult to avoid in this global economy. But is it impossible to avoid? Next project: is there a company that makes "sweatshop-free" wedding dresses? It seems like there must be at least one that has a shred of social responsibility on the subject.

Two Wedding Dress Shop Weekend!

First stop: Forget-Me-Knots Bridal

The place is on bustling, chi-chi Union Street. The whole boutique is tiny - just a large, open space on the second floor of a Victorian house - and the selection is small - about two dozen dresses - but it was a great experience altogether.

They only take one appointment at a time, so I had the place to myself, and since there are so few dresses (all designer though, and of discerning style) I tried on about half of them! They're all custom ordered, and there's an in-house seamstress to take care of all alterations (which I'll need, since I'm on the petite side, and most dresses are made for women who are 5'7" or taller!).

The first dress I put on was perfect - completely unlike what I had imagined would look good on me (isn't that always the case?), but gorgeous. Strapless, quite heavy ivory satin, with a small ribbon bow just under the bustline and a lovely full skirt. It's made to be "French bustled" for the reception, and has an internal corset, with a long line of buttons on the outside. I loved it! It had just come in as one of the '09 collection, and Catherine told me that there was no rush in ordering it because it would be available for the entire year!

Another dress I tried on was also fantastic - strapless and satin with a long, intricate lace overlay, and ruching in the bodice with small sparkly beads to accent the lace.

Both dresses had chapel length trains (because I don't need anything too long for a morning garden wedding!) although the lace one would definitely be much cooler than the first one. It will be July in Southern California afterall...

At the end of the appointment, Catherine gave me a card with information about the two dresses I liked so I can mull it over for a bit.
----
Second stop: Bridal Image of San Francisco

This was definitely a larger scale operation than Forget-Me-Knots. Located in the SoMa district (South of Market), it had a waiting room filled with bridal magazines that I saw one slightly disgruntled-looking fiance perusing when I arrived. Todd, on the other hand, took the opportunity to go to Best Buy for a hands-free headset!

Through a velvet curtain, there were rows and rows of dresses, of all styles. My consultant, Marie, gave me a little tour and then I wandered about choosing a few to try on in front of a three-panel mirror with a little platform. I spent about an hour putting on several beautiful dresses, but nothing that made me catch my breath like that first one at Forget-Me-Knots. The service and environment were terrific, though, and I'd certainly recommend the place.