Family, Friends, Toasts & Champagne! {Rehearsal Dinner}

First things first: I apologize for disappearing. As soon as we returned from the honeymoon, my theatre company opened our second production (of which I was the production manager), and then Patrick, myself and a few other friends went into rehearsals, and opened a run of the musical Next to Normal, followed by me immediately going into rehearsals for Evil Dead: the Musical (yes, that's right...Evil. Dead. The Musical.). Needless to say, our life as newlyweds began and continues to be super busy!

I want to begin re-caping our wedding, if only for the joy of re-living it. It was the best week of our lives thus far. Let's start at the very beginning, The Rehearsal & Rehearsal Dinner!

Our rehearsal was at 11:00am on the Friday before our wedding (there was another wedding happening that day in our venue), so we woke, got ready and headed out immediately to the Towers. I wore my white strapless BCBG I told you about, with my DIY beaded necklace!

My Soon-to-be Husband wore a matching shirt! Love.

I admit I was getting nervy and stressed on the way to the Towers for our rehearsal. We had spent the night before assembling the favors (which, of course, I'll tell you all about), and there were a few things that still needed to fall into place. I hadn't seen Patrick for a few days (I had left work early to be able to finish up last minute errands/projects before the wedding, and had headed down to RI), but as soon as I saw him, I felt the nerves calm and excitement grow!

To tell the truth, as soon as our Officiant arrived and took charge, things went relatively smoothly! Our groomsmen and bridesmaids stepped up to the plate! With our friends looking on, my dad and I preceded to practice our walk down the aisle to Patrick who was waiting for me. During the rehearsal of the Ceremony, both Patrick and I suddenly became very emotional. I believe it started really to sink in that the following day would be our wedding day. We could barely make it through the vows! I looked around at my friends; some from when I was in elementary school, some new friends; and to my family, the smiles shining from their faces. I started to really feel the love and support around us that would continue to grow through the rest of the day and continue past our wedding day that still goes on today. We completed the rehearsal and finally got a clear picture of what our ceremony would be like. It was just as we hoped for, but until then, couldn't fully picture. We were so excited!

After that, we parted ways again; the girls and I to mani/pedis and the boys for lunch and maybe a game or two of disc-golf. I opted to drive with Bridesmaid Joelle, who sweetly offered to cart me around. But when we got back to the place where she had parked her car, we noticed that her driver's side rear-view mirror was hanging by a thread! Someone had swiped the car, and knocked it almost off! We headed to the police station to report it (all the while, my stress levels slowly rising). When we got there, a nice family was reporting that they had swiped a car a few moments before! We found that it was the same accident, and cheer was restored to both Joelle's and my own faces as the report was filed and apologies were accepted.

We arrived late to the nail salon, and I made a few changes to my original plan for my nails (opaque white heart on the ring finger and bright blue toes). But I went with a soft pink for fingers and toes and outlines of hearts on the ring fingers --- I think they came out really well!

Final pic of my sparkly without the wedding band!

After all the ladies were properly pampered and polished, we headed home. I gathered up the peacock fingerprint guestbook and headed with my parents to the Tower House, the beautiful bed & breakfast where we stayed the night we got engaged!

My handsome little brother and beautiful MOH sister!

Guys, I can't sing enough praise for this place. Not only was the rehearsal dinner delicious and full of family, friends and love, but they decorated for us and made the place into (seriously) an enchanted garden. The weather was perfect, everyone was outside, there were lights and lanterns in the trees, and delicious nomblies around every corner.

But the best part of that night was the toasts. It's actually quite hard to capture with words the amount of love, honesty, friendship and family that were poured into each toast; and almost all of our friends and a lot of family members stood up and said something. P and I were overwhelmed with happiness! Our best friends made us all teary with their sentiments. Patrick's cousins made us laugh and cry and our ring-bearer and my little cousin stole the show with some fantastic lines ("I remember when you two started marrying each other..."). The toasts were such a gift to us. My grandfather came up to me at the end of the night and said "You know, you have amazing friends." And I do know that. I couldn't be more grateful.

 

With a beautiful rehearsal dinner where we re-connected with far away family and old friends, laughed and cried happy tears with our dearest and toasted and ate delicious treats, Patrick and I got ready to spend our last nights as an unmarried couple. He drove me home, just like he did when we met and carpooled to rehearsal in that fateful production of Birds of Paradise. We kissed goodnight. And turned in, dreaming of our wedding day!

More to come!

Love,

Micah

Wedding Outfits

I've obviously gushed a billion times about The Big White Dress, but, I want to take a moment to talk about the other outfits that are playing their own little roles in preparation for our wedding day! See --- I am an incredibly lucky lady; I have a loving fiance, a supportive family and family of in-laws, and wonderful friends! I am honored to know that my bridesmaids are throwing me a shower and bachelorette closer to the wedding, while Patrick and I will be attending our "Jack and Jill" shower in a few weeks! (My aunties are also planning me a special girl's night!) Plus there's rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, and my parents are generously throwing a small cook-out the day after the wedding for us. I have to say I'm feeling unbelievably loved and excited and honored to see the love that is surrounding Patrick and I as we get closer to the Wedding day. Showers, bachelorettes and other wedding celebrations besides the Ceremony and Reception itself can and almost are big planning events themselves. So for our family and friends to be creating these celebrations for us makes me feel so very loved and honored. 

That being said...knowing that these wonderful days are ahead, I have had some fun putting together outfits for them. There are some outfits pulled straight from my closet, and some that I may have sought out and had fun shopping for. So here are my Non-Big-White-Dress Wedding outfits! (Don't judge the awkward photos I took of myself...)

First up: "Jack & Jill" shower dress. (A Jack and Jill Shower is one thrown for both the Bride adn the Groom!) You may recognize this dress from our Engagement pictures!

Next is the Bridal Shower dress. My bridesmaids are the best! They're putting one together a week before the wedding but, I already knew what I wanted to wear. (Even if I wasn't going to have a Shower, I needed this dress). Guys, I was coveting this from ModCloth.com for quite sometime. If you notice, it is a Cupcake Dress. Try not to freak out. I know. I know.

Not sure if I should look for some heels or not? Thoughts?

Third outfit (sorry if this is boring) is the Bachelorette Dress. Confession to make --- I straight up stole this from my lovely little sister and MOH's closet! It's an adorable dress she wore to her winter ball a couple years ago, and I thought it would be cute!

And now, the Rehearsal dress! I knew I wanted to wear white, because I wanted to pair the outfit with the necklace I made in my favorite color. I found a white BCBG dress that was flattering and seemed appropriate for an outdoor/July rehearsal dinner. I plan on pairing it with a white short-sleeved cardigan and cobalt blue sparkly heels that I've been dying to wear for the rehearsal itself...

...And then losing the jacket and throwing on flats for the rehearsal dinner.

Lastly, I mentioned my parents were going to throw a party for the family the next day. It's going to be a small thing for the wedding party and close family to hang out the day after and relax, and we are so excited. What a nice way to wrap up the festivities of the wedding. Well, lucky for me in a trip to H&M I found a cute casual white dress on sale! That would be perfect for a casual cook-out the next day!

Not sure why, I'm doing an awkward dance pose.

So there they are! My To-Do-With-the-Wedding-Outfits! And the shoes! (All of these are pulled from the closet. Yes, I have too many shoes.

Sparkly!

I was inspired to do this post by many of the Blogger Bees on Weddingbee, and I think it's fun and a good way to figure out what to wear and when to wear it. Especially for someone who is needing to save money (About 50% of the outfits I already owned...that's kind of good....hmm)!

What did/are you wearing for the pre-wedding events? Are you, like me, trying to wear as much white as possible? :)

Best,

Micah

Beaded Necklace DIY

This was a DIY project I most certainly wasn't expecting to do! I was at Michael's Craft stores the other day picking up some no-flame candles for the mason jars, when I walked past these GORGEOUS perfect cobalt blue beads. 

They are my favorite color blue, and I had been lusting over chunky beaded necklaces for a while, so --- having never done so before --- I bought the beads and brought them home. How hard could it be?

I'm kicking myself for not taking pictures of the process, but I honestly didn't think it would turn out to be something to wear in one our wedding events, let alone the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner! I just figured I could maybe try it and when it came out terribly, find some crafty easy way to add them to some decoration I had hot glued, stitched or otherwise-d together.

Here's what I used: the beads, a length of thin jewelry making wire (I wanted something thicker/stronger than cord to support the weight of the heavy beads), jewelry pliers (borrowed from FMIL) and lace ribbon. First, I laid out the beads on a necklace making board I have had in my closet for about a year now that I'd never used before. Once I figured out what design I liked the most, I began stringing the beads onto the wire. Simple? Yes. I got about halfway done stringing when I realized I had no means of a clasp for my necklace. But now it was personal, I had gone too far stringing and I had to come up with a way of closing the necklace.

Here's where my crafty brain fired up. Easy solution! Since I had used the thin wire rather than a cord, I was able to "tie off" the ends by bending the wire around itself and making a loop. It was easy then to cut the lace ribbon, slide it through the loop and finish the necklace. What do you think? 

The earrings I had garnered from my mom's old jewelry box. She wore them
when she was younger, I stole them to be "cool" in high school, and they
happen to be the perfect match for the color!

Here's how my version came out length-wise! Pardon
the tired eyes!

I am really happy with the way that it turned out. And it was super easy and so much more cost effective than ordering one from etsy. In fact, I may in the future make more and sell them on etsy! I'm going to do another post soon on my "wedding outfits" for lack of a better word. Til then, this is a DIY craft-risk that was definitely worth it!

Best,

Micah

It's FRIDAY, FRIDAY... Gotta get Friday Finds on Friday!

...Everybody's looking forward to the blogpost, blogpost!

Happy Friday all!!! Sorry to get that song stuck in your head yet again but did you see what I did there?

Moving on. This week, I have been thinking a lot about the outfits that one wears  around, to, or in weddings; for instance if I were to have a Bridal Shower or Bachelorette...or for the rehearsal dinner, or simply being a guest, etc. Basically everything but, you know, THE White Dress. So that's what these Friday Finds are reminiscent of! Pretty/classy dresses to wear for not only those special occasions but anytime you need to look fancy! Enjoy!!!

Le Petit Jarden
From Etsy
Gorgeous for a tea-themed Shower I'd say

Beautiful to wear to a summer wedding!
From Etsy

Oh hai, gorgeous Bridesmaid's Dress, oh hai!
From Etsy

"Bold as Ice" Dress
From Modcloth.com
SUPER CUTE for the rehearsal dinner
or a bridal shower

Gorgeous for any occassion!
"Fashion Fantasy Heel"
From Modcloth.com

"Make a Good Impressionist" Dress
So sweet to wear for a Spring Wedding!
From Modcloth.com

"Go For Brocade" Dress (Loving the names!)
Unfortunately this is out of stock
but I am obsessed! WANT!
From Modcloth.com

"Check My Moves" Dress
Super slinky for Bachelorette Parties!
From Modcloth.com

You all know my obsession with blue shoes!
anthropologie.com

Heaven! Beautiful for anything fancy!
anthropologie.com

Enjoy the fancy doo-dads and dress up!

Happy Friday :)

-Micah

Le Petit Jardin Dress: http://www.etsy.com/listing/77623092/le-petit-jardin-asymmetrical-neckline?ref=cat2_gallery_11

Marie Antoinette Dress: http://www.etsy.com/listing/69487596/dreamy-cream-misty-earl-gray-rainy?ref=sc_2

Party Dress:http://www.etsy.com/listing/88268864/2-party-dresses-with-express-shipping?ref=cat2_gallery_25

"Bold as Ice" Dress: http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/bold-as-ice-dressFashion Fantasy Heel: http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-heels/fashion-fantasy-heel
"Make a Good Impressionist" Dress: http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/make-a-good-impressionist-dress
"Go For Brocade!" Dress: http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/go-for-brocade-dress
"Check My Moves" Dress: http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/check-my-moves-dress
Cinched Satin Peep-Toes: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=22781637&catId=SHOES-HEELS&pushId=SHOES-HEELS&popId=SHOES&navCount=198&color=041&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=D
All Illuminated Heels: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23083207&catId=SHOES-PARTY&pushId=SHOES-PARTY&popId=SHOES&navCount=780&color=070&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=D

Wedding Summer 2011 Begins!

Hello all! I know I haven't posted in a long time, but it is for good reason. I have recently returned from somewhat of a destination (read: five hour drive) wedding I was in last week and this week began my 9 to 5, six days a week acting apprenticeship with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. So, needless to say, I have been running around for quite some time. But it was happy running around, for I was a bridesmaid in my dear friends' wedding on June 4th!

The wedding took place around Philly in PA, and to say that it was romantic, beautiful, and a great time would definitely be an understatement. But let me back track a little to the end of May. After my other great friend's shower and bachelorette, we had another one coming up for Abbie, our June 4th bride! I was in charge of decor for the Shower! (Remember those paper flowers I was ranting about before? Put those to good use, but more on that later!!!) Here are a few pics of how it came out. It was held at Finale; Desserterie & Bakery! (Warning: This link will make you crave sweet, sweet desserts....like NOW!)

Lunch buffet decor

"Bride" Bunting

 "Love" Bunting

I'll be sure also to post tutorials for my DIY decorations like the Bunting and the paper flowers I used for table decor, but I'm watching the length of this post so, it will have to wait for a future post. (I promise, not for as long as before). 

The Shower went off splendidly and I created a Ribbon Bouquet that she actually did use in the rehearsal the day before the wedding.

Ribbon Bouquet, the Second

Abbie, the bea-yoo-tiful bride!

For the Bachelorette, we slipped out of our garden party sundresses and into some slinky black dresses. Abbie wore hot pink and a "Bride-To-Be" sash, completed with a glowing crown. She, being lovely as she is of course, rocked it! We got together, just us bridesmaids and Abbie and had a nice dinner in Boston at Lolita's Cocina and Tequila Bar where we shared a lot of laughter, stories, and some delicious guacamole. I think this was especially nice to have some quality time with Abbie before the Wedding and just with us girls. Then we met up with some more friends and headed over to Limelight Karaoke and sang our little hearts out! We of course made a night of it, and had a wonderful time!

Bridesmaids and Bride!

At the Bachelorette Dinner!

A week or so later, it was time to head on down to Philly! We packed our little backpacks and carefully placed my bridesmaid's dress and Patrick's Best Man suit in the car and set off! We arrived to be greeted by the happy couple, their parents and more of our good friends. Wedding Summer begins. We celebrate a successful rehearsal by gathering for some delicious Italian food and touching speeches from family at the rehearsal dinner restaurant. And then, the big day arrived!

Bridesmaid dress and Best Man suit!
Looking snazzy, I might say!

It was a beautiful ceremony, personalized to suit Devin and Abbie perfectly. It was presided over by Abbie's friend, boss and priest from an Episcopal church in Boston. He traveled down to preside over the wedding and both Patrick and I really enjoyed and appreciated and felt connected to what he was saying. (It is something that we will be looking into). It was religious, and also specific to Devin and Abbie, and was meaningful for all. I cannot wait to explore this more for our own wedding!

Not only were we honored enough to be a part of the bridal party, but Patrick composed a piece of music that we, and our friends sang just before they exchanged their vows! It is a letter from Abigail Adams to her husband John set by Patrick to his utterly romantic and compelling music.

I am unable to truly define the beauty of our friends' wedding on June 4th and we are more than happy for them. It was wonderful to eat with our closest friends and dance the night away, but more importantly, it was so powerful to witness our two friends truly come together in the commitment and ceremony of marriage. It was a wonderful time and Patrick and I were so honored to be a part of their special day!

(We love you guys!!!)

A Bridal Shower Tradition....Altered!

In my last post, I mentioned an impending tutorial. Well...TA-DAH!

So, you all know the tradition of creating a ribbon bouquet for the bride at her bridal shower to use at her rehearsal dinner as a stand in bouquet. Each ribbon or bow that was that extra detail on the gifts at the bridal shower is saved for this ribbon bouquet as the bride opens her gifts.

Yeah---Kind of like this...

Well, as my friends and I planned for our friend (and one of my bridesmaids) Erica's shower, we realized that she was not doing a rehearsal for her wedding. So, since I had volunteered to make the ribbon bouquet, I decided to create instead, a ribbon fascinator. (Was I inspired by the royal wedding? Yes. Can Erica wear anything and still look beautiful? Of course.) Here's my tutorial. Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures as I worked, but its a simple project...

Me, a little too excited over the creation of the Ribbon Fascinator

Needs: 1 paper plate, Ribbons from gifts from the shower collected as the bride opens them (or to be safe, bring some of your own), scissors.

Before the party:
1. First, find the center of the paper plate and cut a small, circular hole. This is for the ribbons to be tied through and may have to be adjusted as you add more!

2. (You can skip this step if you don't have the time). Decorate the underside of the paper plate! I chose to go simple: used a black calligraphy pen to inscribe the couple's names and wedding date.

At the party:
3. Layer on the ribbons! (Hopefully, the gifts brought to the shower will have tons of varieties of bows and ribbons and strings, we were lucky and got a load of different kinds. Also, the ladies tended to buy purple bows, which matched our theme. Perhaps this is because of the Bed, Bath, and Beyond wrapping!) If you are adding a stick-on ribbon bow, make sure to leave room for the larger ribbons. Loop the longer ribbons through the hole. Knot them at the bottom, close to the surface of the underside of the plate.

4. Be creative! You can leave some spilling over the sides of the plate, you can braid some of the ribbons for texture, but be sure that at least two long ribbon strings are knotted and still dangling to tie under her chin for the fascinator.

5. Tie it around her head crowning her the most sophisticated of the Bridal Shower brides!

She's so regal!

Gorgeous!

There you have it! A fun twist on the Ribbon bouquet! 

Enjoy!

Micah