Tsunami Hair Flowers!

Here it is, as promised, the tutorial for how to make a Tsunami hair flower...
(Here's the official link where I got the How To)


First, what you need:
A couple of yards of your desired fabric (I strongly suggest cotton, it holds best. I also threw some tulle in there)
Scissors
A circle template (I used a small dish)
Spray Starch
An iron and ironing board
Hot glue gun
Needle and thread
Your favorite button for the center
A barrette or comb for backing
(Whew!)


Here we go! First, using the small circle template, trace eight (for a smaller flower) to twelve (for a large flower) circles onto your fabric and cut them out.

Next, using your handy-dandy Spray Starch, starch those puppies at about six inches distance from the fabric! Let that sit for at least a half an hour (it helps to have an episode of Say Yes to the Dress at the ready).

Starched and ready to go!

Moving right along! Begin folding each circle in half, and carefully ironing them down for extra hold. That done, fold them in half yet again, and repeat the careful ironing (I may or may not have burned myself several times, thus the safety reiterations I am a huge clutz).

Folded/Ironed

Now for the somewhat tricky part that lead to the appearance of the first Tsunami flower I made; a dilapidated mess. Here's what to do. First pinch the center of your petal, then pull the two outer corners in to meet the pinched fold. it will look like this:

Yes, I am wearing pajama bottoms at 1:00 in the afternoon and
crafting on my couch, what of it?

Grab your thread and needle and pass through the bottom of the newly formed petal (where my finger tips come together in the picture), leaving extra thread to tie off later. You may want to knot the first petal, so it stays in place but make sure you have a fair amount of extra thread.

Repeat that step until all of the petals are completed and threaded together on the same string. At this point, you are ready to tie off the flower. Pull the two end strings together tightly and you should have the shape of your flower. Tie them off, and pull the extra thread through the petals so that it is on the "front" side of the flower. Use the extra thread to attach the button by looping it through the holes or bottom and pull down so it sort of seals the flower together as its center.

Now, to complete the flower! Your thread should now be coming out of the "back" of the flower after the button is pulled down. You can now knot it off and trim the extra. Next, take some of the fabric you used to make the petals and cut out some center-of-your-flower sized circles (I had no idea what to used for a template so I just kind of eye-balled it). I cut out four circles. Then, if you so desireth, cut out some petal-sized circles in your tulle fabric. Hot glue the circles to the back of the flower (they should be slightly wider in diameter the the hole in the flower) and add the tulle between the layers of center circles.

To attach the barrette, cut one final small strip of petal-fabric and hot glue to the barrette.

(To attach to a comb, stitch the final flower once the center circles are glued together to that piece of fabric, pulling tightly). And...

TA-DAH!!!

There you have it. The slightly difficult, gorgeous Tsunami flower!

Yuck, the one on the right isn't looking so hot.
That's what I get for using silk instead of cotton. 

It's so amazing, I thought that I would never be able to make any remotely as beautiful as the ones found here on the Bee. Again, all the credit goes to the amazing Hive members from whom I saw/fell in love with this tutorial. I am actually quite proud of this project, and will keep practicing! Funny, what a lazy-craft day can produce if you set your mind to it! When I actually stop freaking out finish the trial flowers (i.e. if/when it looks as good as this) I will be adding fabric and lace from the two wedding somethings I showed you in my last post!

Best,

Micah

Lazy Sunday!!!

Go away, babe! This is not for you!!!

Today was a LOVELY lazy, crafty day over at my apartment! So nice! So I decided to work on some DIY stuff for the wedding. For a long time now, the decision has been made, by me of course, to *attempt* to make my own hair piece. I have tried a couple of different flowers; some using already made silk flowers, and a Tsunami flower tutorial I found on the Bee! Here are the results so far:

Tsunami Flowers
(My first try is the one on the right, a little rough, huh?)

Silk flower 

Blue silk flower and ribbon!

They're not so bad. I have a lot more trials to do of course!!! But, since Patrick is away this weekend, why not craft and watch abominable Rom-Coms while crafting? I know I want to make a white hairpiece for myself, and matching blue for the 'maids.

OH! I almost forgot. I acquired some precious Somethings at Thanksgiving...

My Stunning Grammy
(Look out Kate Middleton!)

My mom's super stylish Wedding hat-veil!

As you know, I already have my wedding dress and veil, but I am going to use bits of lace from these in very special parts of the wedding details: my hair flower, sewn into my dress and the ring pillow. And any other way I can! These items are so special to me because they come from very special women in my life who have taught me about love. I also plan on asking my other grandmother to send me some fabric from her wedding dress! Having pieces from their special days to carry with me is wonderful, and another reminder of the love I have been surrounded by growing up. Something Old? Check!

Any other brides out there using heirlooms from their mothers' and grandmothers' weddings?

Next up --- tutorials for the flowers!!!

Best,

Micah 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Turkey Day!!!

Soon, that's what I'll be looking like. Completely content and round
from all that food!

I just wanted to take the time to mention what I am thankful for this year:

First, of course, I am thankful for my family. My mother and father, who always have supported me and taught me to be a responsible, caring person. My little sister, who teaches me to always laugh at myself, and to be strong. My little brother; the sweetest, most selfless boy I know. My loving aunts, uncles and cousins. My Grammy, for always encouraging me. My Grandpa and Abuelita, always cheering me on and grounding me in family. I include my Future-In-Laws in my family; for they have always welcomed me, and loved me like their own. And of course I include Patrick, my fiance, my future husband and my partner in life. He brings out, truly, the best version of me, and loves me unconditionally. He supports every dream I have, while making sure I stay grounded, he's there when I fall and when I fly. And I couldn't be more grateful for him and my family.

I have no adequate words to describe the depth of gratitude and love I have for my friends. My best friends in the world, who always are there to laugh when I do something awkward, to show up opening night to a show, and to support any insane crafting idea I have for the wedding. They are also my family and inspire me. Each laugh, tear, cupcake, mafia game, Vermont trip, hashtag or Apple v. Droid argument; I love it all! And I love them all! (You know who you are :-) )

Next, I am thankful to have been able to work with amazing actors, directors and theater people in my life that have inspired me to be all that I am in my craft. I have been blessed with amazing teachers and experiences and opportunities. I am quite happy with where I am as an actor and I am so excited at where I am going!

I am thankful for my health, and for the health of my family and friends. For our comfy apartment and clothes and food in our house and my family and friends' houses. For music and art, and wonderful artistic creation. For our loving fur-baby, Peanut and for our pets.

I am thankful for the kind, intelligent, generous human spirit that is especially present around the holidays. I am thankful for Love. I am thankful for our wedding and for our marriage. For the joining of our lives and families.

I'm positive that I've forgotten something because, well, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I'll do my best.

Happy Thanksgiving! Best wishes to you and yours on this wonderful day! :-)

Micah

The Age Old Dilemma...

...Which house to spend the holidays at?

When the holidays roll around, couples everywhere are left to decide who they will be heading to to spend the days: Do they go to their in-laws? Their own parents? Neither? Or do they try to host? Gah! It's a lot to think about.

There's that intense worry about making someone unhappy: your parents, his parents, grandma, uncles, cousins, and also you and your FI. It effects Patrick and I in the same way. We love our families so much, and want to spend every minute we can with them. So, we work out compromises; which is the best you can do. For us Thanksgiving is, fortunately, quite easy to navigate. My family tends to have dinner at 1:00pm in the afternoon, and his family eats in the evening. Also, they don't live too far apart; my parents live in Rhode Island, while his are in Connecticut. We usually go down to my parents' and stay there for the mornings, have our dinner and spend some time before heading down to Connecticut for round two Thanksgiving!!! Yum! So much food. So, yes, that one's easy. But what about Christmas? This is one that we have yet to find a completely satisfying compromise for that (Usually, I only see his family on the 24th).

I've come to learn that we need to be focused on what the best thing for us is, and at the same time, we need to be sensitive to our families. It's always better to be honest about what you can and cannot do, and how you genuinely want to spend your time. I find that as our parents come together, it feels more like our family is growing in to one big one!

How do you navigate the holidays? Any tips for a newbie?

Best,

Micah

Give Thanks for Cupcakes!!!

Ok! Ok! I know this post doesn't directly have to do with weddings in general, but it has to do with our wedding: Cupcakes and Crafting! Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day, a time when family gathers together to share with each other and pause to be thankful for the blessings in their lives. And to eat. A LOT (Which I am very much looking forward to, I will probably be in the gym everyday next week to pay for it too!). Patrick and I visit both our families on Thanksgiving, so we'll get two giant dinners (food-coma).

Well, being the Cupcake-Freak that I am, I decided that these little guys would be perfect for my contribution to Thanksgiving...get ready: 

Butterbeer Cupcakes. 

(I KNOW!) I found the recipe through an adorable blog called The Pastry Affair and I was instantly smitten. I love Harry Potter as much as the next gal, so this recipe became a shining achievement for me when I was done; much like catching the Golden Snitch (I'm a nerd)!

Harry Potter + Cupcakes = Magic Delicious

The recipe was fairly simple to make. Here it is!

(Taken from The Pastry Affair; the [blue] will be my commentary)

Butterbeer Cupcakes
Adapted from Amy Bites Yields 18 cupcakes

Butterbeer Cupcakes
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon butter flavoring
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup cream soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a cupcake tin with baking cups.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract and butter flavoring.[I then added a sprinkling of Crushed Cloves, for that perfect Autumn-y taste/smell. Totally optional, of course!!!]

Whipping up the cakes!

Using my best friends' wedding favor Vanilla extract
as an ingredient makes it made with love!!!

Cupcake batter

Fold in 1/3 of the flour mixture, then the buttermilk, 1/3 of the flour mixture, cream soda, and then the remaining flour. Folding in these ingredients will prevent over-mixing and will result in a fluffier, less dense cupcake. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 of the way full and bake for 15-18 minutes [I only did about 16 minutes and they were perfect], or until the cupcakes are golden and spring back when touched. Cool completely before frosting.[Definitely allow at least 20 minutes to cool, otherwise the next steps will be more challenging]

Using the Teacup Cupcake holders

Delicious!

Butterscotch Ganache
11 ounces (1 package) butterscotch chips
1 cup heavy cream

In a small saucepan on medium heat, melt the butterscotch chips into the heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature before using.

Butterscotch Buttercream
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup butterscotch ganache (recipe above)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon butter flavoring
Pinch of salt
3-3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Splash of heavy cream (as needed)

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Mix in the butterscotch ganache, vanilla, butter flavoring, and salt. Beat in the powdered sugar for 2-3 minutes, starting with 3 cups and adding more only if necessary. Add the cream a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved (I only needed 1 tablespoon).

To Assemble
Pour butterscotch ganache into a plastic squeeze bottle. Stab the tip of the bottle into cupcake and fill each cupcake with butterscotch ganache until it starts to overflow.[I used a turkey baster to create a hole, and then filled it with the ganache]

Fill a pastry bag with butterscotch buttercream and pipe onto the top of each cupcake [Now, as you can see, I had a lot of trouble, so I went home-style and just slathered the frosting on, but if you are clever, go for the piping!] . Drizzle on the butterscotch ganache. Lick your fingers clean if you just so happen to get extra butterscotch on them. If you have any leftover butterscotch ganache, it can be used as ice cream topping. [Or like me, you can add more clove powder and some cinnamon sugar to the top! Yummers!]

Store in an airtight container at room temperature 

Voila! Beautiful butterbeer cupcake!!! 

I LOVED the way that they displayed the cupcakes from The Pastry Affair pictures, so I decided to make some adorable signs as well. It was super easy, but I think it added a really nice touch! I took some orange card stock  and my awesome oval stamp (from Michael's) and punched out a bunch of ovals.

I wrote some cute little messages like "Yum," "Enjoy," and "Happy Thanksgiving" on them with a calligraphy pen. And then simply taped them to a toothpick.

Easy-peasy!

I stuck them in the cupcakes and BOOM, BAM! Done.

Took all my strength not to eat one.

So there's my Thanksgiving Cupcake love song! It was super easy and since the little signs look so cute I think I might make some for our wedding cupcakes! Maybe with Patrick's and my *s!!! I'll keep you updated!

Enjoy the recipe! There are tons of other adorable, scrumptious-looking recipes on The Pastry Affair, so check it out!

Best,

Micah

A Note on Asterisks and Our First Kiss!

Hey guys! Happy Tuesday before Thanksgiving! Last weekend, my company closed its inaugural show and I am so excited/pleased about our work! But at the same time, it has left me absolutely exhausted. I am so looking forward to this holiday, crafting and relaxing with my family before I jump into rehearsal again for A Christmas Carol this Friday! (Super yay!) Stop rambling, Micah, come on!

This post has been a very long time coming as it's going to discuss a very special part of our relationship. And our first kiss (it's a pretty goofy story to boot!). Here's the lowdown:

As I may have posted before, Patrick and I met in the summer of 2008, doing a show we both wanted no part of for various, different reasons.

Birds of Paradise cast

After our silly flirtation when we began to realize we were rapidly falling in "like" with each other, I would take him after every rehearsal to what would become our spot; Narragansett Beach. Now, we were very good, nothing naughty transpired; we would go for walks and talk, and finally head home (he had over an hour to drive). We had already been on our first date (Hulk, Applebees, etc) and he didn't kiss me then! I had really thought he would and I was being coy (wanted him to make the first move) and I even snuck a piece of gum to insure fresh breath (which I found out later that he noticed my awkward sneaky move and thought it was cute). So, needless to say I was ready for the big first kiss! (Note: we were still not "officially" dating, but I considered us exclusive at that point). Back to the story: We had just spent the night with my family outside watching fireworks at Westerly's annual "Pops in the Park." A family tradition, which afterward, I suggested we go to the beach. All the while, an evil headache came creeping into my temples. No matter, I thought, I will pretend not to be tired! I wanted so badly to hang out with P, that I disguised the growing headache and pretended I was fine. And no, I didn't take any medicine or try to make myself better; that would have been admitting defeat! And I was determined not to be ill.

We headed to our spot and parked our cars. Went for our walk, talked for an hour, and as we walked my headache got increasingly worse. To the point where I couldn't hide it anymore, and had to admit that the night needed to end. We headed back to our cars, where at a last desperate attempt to elongate the date (ha!) I played him some music. At this point I was practically doubled over in the driver's seat of my car; the headache having turned into a definite migraine. This is where Patrick, my smooth hero, comes in. You see, he thought I was faking it to get him to comfort me, and therefore kiss me. And so, he did! And although I was all for it, I was definitely not faking the headache. And you know what, sparks still flew! He left for home, and I blasted "I've Just Seen A Face" from Across the Universe. And I wouldn't change it for the world. (Our second kiss happened a few nights later, same beach, sans-headache with a shooting star whizzing by above us right before!!! Swoon!).

First picture ever taken of us shortly after that night.
 Explains a lot, huh?

And now, for the asterisk-explanation...*

You know emoticons; :-) >:-( :-D etc, etc. Well, here's where I got my idea, the general emoticon for a kissy-face looks like so :-* One day, I was at work; and Patrick texted me something awfully sweet, and I responded simply with an asterisk* He asked me what it meant, and I said "That's a kiss." From then on, we began to use it all the time! Little notes around our apartment, texts, on birthday, Christmas and anniversary presents. Basically anything. It's another way of us telling each other that we love each other!!! And it's a little thing that has stayed with us. So, of course it's gotta somehow get into the wedding. Some of my ideas include; bunting, cupcake flags, and I bought P some awesome typewriter cuff links for Valentine's day last year that he plans to wear in the wedding!

The one on the right!
Aren't they adorbs?
From Etsy

I love them! And I will be updating with my crafty ideas once I can sit still for two minutes to begin experimenting! What about you guys? Does anyone have a little secret way of saying "I love you" to your SO? Anymore ideas for asterisks in my DIY decor?

Best,

Micah 

Friday Finds!

Yes! Back on target in the Micah-Blogging-World! I've been scouring the interwebz to bring you these delightful Friday Finds! Lately, I am obsessed with Bridal accessories; earrings, right-hand rings, necklaces, hairpieces, shawls, boleros, you name it. With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, I must confess, my finds are geared toward the cooler months. So while I definitely will be keeping to simpler accessories and light materials for our summer wedding, you guys should see these!!!

This would look sweet with a vintage-y tea-length dress, I think!
Loves it!
From Etsy

Ivory French Lace Bridal cuffs!
So classic.
From Etsy

I'm in love with this for a fall wedding!!!
Romantic Capelet
From Etsy

Stunningly gorgeous.
Bridal clutch from Etsy

Ahhhh! I'm in LOVE!!!
From Etsy

For a gorgeous splash of color!!! Or for Bridesmaids?
From Etsy

Swarovski Crystal Clear Diamond Earrings
From Etsy

On sale??? Yes please!
Something Blue Bridal Bracelet
From Etsy

Oooo! Maybe a right hand ring?
Thule ring
From anthropologie.com

This speaks of a destination beach wedding to me!
Bold Merriment Earrings
from anthropologie.com

I hope you enjoy these! I know shopping for them was certainly fun! ::Ahem:: now back to work!!!

Best,

Micah

Lace and Pearl Headband: http://www.etsy.com/listing/84670441/lace-and-pearl-headband?ref=sc_13
Ivory French Lace Bridal Cuffs: http://www.etsy.com/listing/72049019/ivory-french-lace-and-satin-tie-bridal?ref=cat2_gallery_6
Off-White Romantic Capelet: http://www.etsy.com/listing/58661380/off-white-romantic-capelet-s-m?ref=cat2_gallery_2
Ivory Bridal Lace Clutch: http://www.etsy.com/listing/80902861/ivory-bridal-lace-clutch-with-rhinestone?ref=cat2_gallery_11
Vintage Silk Peacock Clutch: http://www.etsy.com/listing/70077178/ellenvintage-silk-peacock-clutch?ref=cat2_gallery_21
Romantic Pastel Bridal Bracelet: http://www.etsy.com/listing/84959604/bridal-bracelet-romantic-pastel-vintage?ref=sc_1
Swarovski Crystal Clear Diamond Earrings: http://www.etsy.com/listing/85449282/swarovski-crystal-clear-diamond-earrings?ref=af_you_favitem
Something Blue Bridal Bracelet: http://www.etsy.com/listing/85620313/sale-25-off-wedding-jewelry-something?ref=cat2_gallery_28
Thule ring: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23536840&catId=JEWELRY-RINGS&pushId=JEWELRY-RINGS&popId=JEWELRYACCESSORIES&navCount=126&color=011&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=D
Bold Merriment Earrings: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23686124&catId=JEWELRY-EARRINGS&pushId=JEWELRY-EARRINGS&popId=JEWELRYACCESSORIES&navCount=18&color=072&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=JEWELRY-EARRINGS

A word on the Precious...

...My Precious (engagement ring) that is!

Lord of the Rings - Gollum

I know I have posted before some pictures of my ring, but I wanted to take a moment to talk a little about engagement rings, and in particular, my beauty. 

Of course, here are some pictures...

Swoon!!! Anyway, besides the fact that I love my ring, Patrick found it without any information or preferences from me. The other day when we had gone shopping for wedding rings, I was SOOOOO nervous about helping Patrick find the right one, and he bought me the perfect ring without any specifics! It must have been nerve-wracking.

When I thought about what I would want for my engagement ring, I never really had a true preference. To be completely honest, I thought I'd like a diamond, but had never really cared about the cut or setting. The ring Patrick found for me is perfect. I wouldn't ever change it. In fact, I am a little obsessive about it's care and cleaning, and also about staring at it when I think no one is watching. And now that I have it and it is a diamond, I wouldn't want any other stone. I am so grateful that P knows me so well, and gave me such a glorious gift, not only the diamond but the promise it stands for.

The thing is; yes he bought the perfect ring and I could wax poetic about it for hours, but (that would be really annoying, and) I do want to say that if he had given me anything; a pearl, a moissy, a ring-pop, a plastic spider ring from a vending machine --- I still would have said yes! 

Engagement rings were first used as a symbol of betrothal as far back as ancient Rome, and were first introduced into Western culture in the 13th century. The first well-documented use of a diamond ring to symbolize an engagement was by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria in imperial court of Vienna in 1477, when he became engaged to Mary of Burgundy. Another interesting tidbit is that t sewing thimbles were often used to symbolize engagement. Diamond rings and other expensive sparklys began becoming the new norm in proposals as the material image for the human sexuality. Also to visually symbolize the marriage prospects. Now, although diamonds are custom, we see all sorts of engagement rings as well as rings for the men or one who proposes in addition to wedding bands. 


I love that the engagement and wedding rings become an outward symbol to the world of the union of two people. And although, and I mean this, I would feel just as engaged to Patrick if I had no ring I am very honored to be able to wear a beautiful ring everyday that when I look down at it, I think of us. 


Best,


Micah


P.S. Now we have amazing shiny wedding bands to go with it! EEEK!

Music to my ears!

Now that I am sitting down to write this post, I realized, I have not talked about music at all! Being an actor that gets herself involved in musical theatre all the time, and simply being a fine arts lover; music is and always has been a huge part of my life. And Patrick, of course being a composer, has music woven into his heart. Needless to say, it's going to be a big part of our ceremony and of our day!

Some decisions were easy to make: we're not doing Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" for my walk down the aisle.

Well, yes, I did. Or will.Whatever.

In the beginning of our relationship, Patrick composed a piece of music for me; a Variations for String Quartet. The piece is in seven movements, each breathtakingly beautiful. But it is the theme of the piece that really hits me. From the first time I heard it, way back before we had really talked about marriage, I knew that this would be the music that I would walk down the aisle with my father to marry my best friend to. It paints our love in the best, most truthful way possible and it makes me feel like I am home. I can't imagine any other piece. I, unfortunately, am unable to upload a music file of it right now, but I am working on that with P, so hopefully we can remedy that so you can hear for yourselves. In the meanwhile, we are hunting for a great string quartet to play it at the wedding!

We've also recently come to the wonderful decision to include a beautiful a cappella setting for male choir of Shakespeare's "Shall I compare thee..." or Sonnet XVIII. You may remember why this particular text is important to us. And since a big part of Patrick's undergraduate career and a large number of his friends were in a male a cappella group called "The Accidentals" at Trinity College in CT, we thought the best people to sing it would be our good and talented friends from the group. The whole thing makes me tear up just to hear it! And since Shakespeare is one of my greatest loves about theatre, and the meaning of the text is perfect, AND Patrick MEMORIZED IT and RECITED IT to woo me in the beginning stages of our relationship, it's a perfect choice for us. We are planning on having it sung just before our vows!

As I have said before, we are very fortunate to have such talented musical friends surrounding us. And I am so excited because Patrick and I just commissioned our good friend, Andrew (one of our groomsmen) to write an original piece for us; a setting of Pablo Neruda's Sonnet XVII for cello and soprano:

I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz, or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off. I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul. I love you as the plant that never blooms but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers; thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance, risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body. I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way than this: where I does not exist, nor you, so close that your hand on my chest is my hand, so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep. *** No te amo como si fueras rosa de sal, topacio  o flecha de claveles que propagan el fuego:  te amo como se aman ciertas cosas oscuras,  secretamente, entre la sombra y el alma. Te amo como la planta que no florece y lleva  dentro de sí, escondida, la luz de aquellas flores,  y gracias a tu amor vive oscuro en mi cuerpo  el apretado aroma que ascendió de la tierra. Te amo sin saber cómo, ni cuándo, ni de dónde,  te amo directamente sin problemas ni orgullo:  así te amo porque no sé amar de otra manera, sino así de este modo en que no soy ni eres,  tan cerca que tu mano sobre mi pecho es mía,  tan cerca que se cierran tus ojos con mi sueño.

We are thinking we might have it set in the original Spanish, to honor the Costa Rican side of my family. I love it either way and cannot wait to hear it! (Oh, and Erica (Andrew's wife and my bridesmaid and best friend) will be singing it as Andrew plays the cello)!!!

For our recessional song, we were thinking of using an arrangement (done by the mister for the string quartet) of "I've Just Seen a Face" by the Beatles. 

Here's the cute/awkward reason as briefly as I can tell it: On the night of our first kiss, we had been listening to songs from "Across the Universe", and after the kiss, when he was leaving to go home (he had forgotten his keys in my car and had to come running back), I was listening to that song. So, we think it would be fitting that after our first kiss as husband and wife, that song should be played. 

Other decisions, that have not been made yet, are proving a little more tough; like the first dance song.

At first we were going to go with "our song" which is gorgeous: "My Favourite Thing" by Silverchair. It has been our song since the summer we met for many reasons. 

Another contender that Patrick just brought up a few days ago is "Married Life" from Disney/Pixar's "Up" by Michael Giacchino. (Used in Mrs. Lioness' wedding from the Bee!)

Patrick and I saw the movie in theaters and were left sobbing in each other's arms (we'd have to end the dance before the sad part). The love between the two characters Ellie and Carl is depicted in one song that chronicles both the happy times and the sadder times in their marriage. It is love. Both songs are beautiful, and emotionally tied to us. It's just down to us picking just one! 

I'm 110% positive that there will need to be more music posts, but this is where we are at so far! I've got to say, I'm quite pleased!

Best,

Micah

P.S. There's a whole funny story to the first kiss that I may or may not plan to post on. Stay tuned!!!

Save the Dates, Part Two!

Guess what arrived in the mail the other day...?

Squeek!

The rest of our Save the Dates! Again, guys I cannot recommend Vistaprint enough! Such great and quick service and we already have our final copies! I was so worried that the whole process of DIY Save-the-dates would take forever and it was such an easy project. Maybe it's because I have an extremely talented fiance, and we were so lucky to have Studio Nouveau to make us look snazzy in the pic, but I am so glad we decided to make our STDs (giggle). I feel like they represent us!

Just waiting on my stamp, and getting the rest of our lovely guests' addresses!

Stay tuned!

Best,

Micah