Get Going Already!

Hello all! I feel like I have been gone for years, it has been far too long. Here's what I have been doing for the past summer:

As you may know from my other blog, I have been doing an apprenticeship with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company in Boston! Little did I know that besides classes from 9am-5pm everyday, 6 days a week(...for 10 weeks!) I would be cast in the mainstage "All's Well That Ends Well," the show that the professional company put on this year on the Common. It. Was. Amazing. And truly and deeply exhausting. To keep this lame excuse for not blogging very much this summer brief, let me simply say that I learned so much, gained invaluable acting experience, and a lot of strength of endurance physically, emotionally, and mentally. (If you'd like to know more about my experience this summer with CSC, please go ahead and visit my other blog!)

From this program, which ended a mere five days ago, Patrick and I are diving right into a musical production being opened next week! (Thank goodness we have each other! And we are playing lovers, so not too difficult of roles ;-) ) So, as you might have guessed wedding planning this summer has been kind of slow.



I know what I need to do...I'm just so tired!


But here's what I have been doing a lot of is a lot of thinking about things. Making little decisions with Patrick verbally and mulling over caterers and photographers. What I need to be doing is GETTING ON TOP OF THINGS! Because now there are 325 days left, (according to my Wedding Plandroid app on my new Thunderbolt phone! - I have two other Wedding apps. I need to stop) so I need to get on it. And believe me, the motivation is there, there is just one little thing that still needs to fall in place before I can go all-in wedding planning cray cray: I need a full-time job. One of those 9-5ers that can support me. So, in the midst of all my and Patrick's glorious wedding dreamings, I am interviewing like a madwoman!

Never fear! All is not lost! This post is not to say I have gotten nothing done whatsoever! I have in fact; started making paperflowers for our archway for the ceremony, gone to David's Bridal (a second time, I never got to post about the first) and I may or may or may not have decided on THE dress! I've also emailed a bunch of photographers, made a giant Excel document listing all the DIY projects I would like to do, added about 40 things to it, and we are planning a family budget dinner to discuss who is paying what for what (I know, joyous) for the wedding.

But guys, I am SO excited that now I can really start planning and getting things done. I am so looking forward to evenings of crafting with my bridesmaids, giggling about the honeymoon plans with P, and starting to really solidify our big day! From now on, there will be more frequent posts because this girl is getting her butt in gear and going forward!

Best,

Micah

P.S. Remember when I showed you a sneak peakie? All the waiting will soon be over!!!!



July 14th

One year from today is our wedding day. One day to celebrate us and our decision to commit forever and always to one another before our friends and family. I do not have the words to describe how amazingly excited, honored, and happy I am to be marrying my best friend, my equal and my greatest love.

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.


-Sonnet XVII by Pablo Neruda

I know there will be times when there will be stress and times when we will be on top of the world. But I also know that we are a team, and that no matter what, the greatest thing about our wedding day is our marriage itself. 

I love you honey! I can't wait!

**********************************************************************************

Fireworks forever!

Three years ago, on July 4th, Patrick gave me a beautiful blue rose, a hand-written piece of music he wrote that I love, and a joker card with the words "Will You Be My Girlfriend" written on it. I excitedly accepted. From there, we grew together and fell more in love with each passing day. He is my best friend in the entire world, and I cannot wait to marry him.

On Monday, to celebrate our anniversary, we had a relaxing breakfast and spent some time together and then headed over for a day at the Museum of Science! It was such an amazing day spent in each other's company. With my apprenticeship taking over most of my time and his job during the days, it was really nice to spend all day together. Especially since there was a DINOSAUR exhibit!

Watching "Waking the T-Rex" in 3D!

We traditionally exchange gifts for our anniversary, and this year we did GOOOOD! I got Patrick a print of one of his favorite paintings by Francisco Goya:

"The Dog" Francisco Goya circa 1819-1823

Patrick got me an Amazon Kindle, which I am LOVING! He also had the most gorgeous bouquet delivered (from the place he had gotten the blue rose bouquet that we had on the night of the proposal) to me of blue roses....with Peacock feathers!

Swoon!

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but we are going to have a Peacock colored wedding! Patrick tells me that he didn't have them add the peacock feathers specifically, it was a glorious coincidence!

We had a wonderful day to celebrate us, not to mention a happy 4th of July! Patrick later told me that he wanted to ask me on July 4th so that we would always have fireworks on our special day. (I'm the luckiest person ever!) Although our wedding will be on the 14th of July next year, I know that we will have always fireworks everyday. Happy anniversary, honey!

Best,

Micah

A Romantic-al, Theatrical Wedding!

On June 25th, two of Patrick's and my best friends, Erica and Andrew got married! It was an AMAZING wedding at the Calderwood Pavilion, one of the most beautiful and prestigious theatre houses in Boston! Erica, as I may have mentioned in talking about her Italian-themed bridal shower my friends and I put together, is an actress, and Andrew is a composer. Their wedding ceremony and celebration were held in Deanne Hall of the Calderwood, and what an amazing, glowing space it was!

Erica and Andrew were married by their good friend, and Erica's director in Light in the Piazza

Their ceremony was beautiful, honest and truly heartfelt. It included promises of love and praises of character as well as a few hearty laughs, for what is more "Andrew and Erica" then some good chuckles! Also included in the ceremony were references to Light in the Piazza, including the title phrase of (in my opinion) one of the most beautiful love songs ever written: "Love to Me".

Andrew's younger brother read a beautiful excerpt from Nietzsche, of whom the groom is an ardent fan, and the couple prepared to listen to Erica's brothers; Michael and Sean and my Patrick sing another piece Patrick composed. The text was from the poem "Love" by Billy Collins, and it was perfect for the couple. Patrick truly captured the essence of the relationship Collins was describing in the melodies of the three tenors. I was moved to (happy) tears.

Then, Andrew and Erica exchanged their promises to one another. They were perfect, each capturing themselves and each other in words and promising to love and cherish one another always. After exchanging their vows and rings, it was official! And the celebration began!

For dinner, we got to greet the bride and groom on the way to a buffet-style serving of BBQ and sides from the delicious Red Bones Barbecue! with, OMG, CUPCAKES for dessert! (Chocolate or Vanilla iced cupcakes to be precise). Yes, I was freaking out.

Then we kicked off an evening of dancing, karaoke and fun with dear friends surrounded by the glow of those two, Andrew and Erica, celebrating their love and friendship. It was an amazing night!

They are kind of a big deal!

Ladies...

And, this is happening...

Patrick and I just before the party begins!

Beautiful, happy couple!

It is amazing to see such close friends share something so special. Patrick and I are honored and blessed to have been present for two weddings like that, that truly touch the heart. We love you guys, Congratulations!

Best,

Micah

Bride Woes

I was sitting on the crowded shuttle bus to get to work yesterday when I could not help but overhear a woman speaking on the phone. She clearly had just gotten married and instead of talking about married life, or the honeymoon or even any sort of normal conversation she was ranting on about everything she regretted about her wedding. This was about a fifteen minute bus ride, and the whole time she was getting more and more negative and all I could think of was how I felt sorry for her and how I really hope to learn from her situation.

She was getting more and more upset as the conversation went on and it was apparent to me that the person on the other side of the phone was trying to pacify her, to no avail. Don't get me wrong, I do not eavesdrop, nor am I nosy when it comes to strangers' conversations, but she was increasing in volume as she increased in temper. She spoke of the cake not being what she "paid for," some unruly guests, and ill-attentive bridesmaids. She didn't sound joyful or happy about her day at all, which is so unfortunate.

I realize, not fully yet, how stressful planning a wedding can be. And how there is all this pressure to make it the best day of your and your spouse-to-be's lives. But things can and will go wrong. All the best advice I've heard is to enjoy yourself and be grateful for the love that surrounds you on that day. I am writing this post now as a way to help myself and other brides-to-be know that the wedding day will be imperfect: but it will be perfect for you if you relax and be yourself and be with your new husband and your friends and family. Do what is right for you and your fiance and your family and friends, and you'll be sure to have a wonderful day!

Patrick is really good at reminding me what the best thing to keep in mind is, and that is our marriage. When I think of it, I really don't need the extra stuff, all that's just part of the celebration. When the planning and coordination gets crazy, I hope to remember this advice:

Best,

Micah

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 "Taste of the Towers"

Hey guys! Sorry, I know I have been a terrible blogger lately! I am getting ready to head out of state for a friend's wedding, where I am a bridesmaid and Patrick is the best man! (#wewewesoexcited, you know who you are :) ) Anyways, more on that, of course, later!

Here's what has been going down in Wedding-World, well, MY wedding-world lately. On May 13th, Patrick and I, (and his parents) attended what is called the "Taste of the Towers." It's an event held at our venue that is held annually where all the caterers that are affiliated with the Towers make presentations and have samplings of some of their best menu items! How perfect! (I KNOW).  Here are some pictures from the evening!

On a call, but enjoying the view!

Centerpieces anyone?

Maybe the cocktail hour location?

Glowing reception room=Gorgeous!

We tried some AH-MAY-ZING foods, had delicious wine and beer, and most importantly to me, got to stroll around the place that we will wed! (This allowed me to take obnoxious photos of the towers, so exciting!) It was an amazing night, and I am so glad we did it. We got to speak directly to the caterers, ask them questions, take notes, cards and menus home, and sample some delicious food. I will delve more into it, I have about 20 menus and booklets to go through with Patrick to see if we can decide on 3-5 to actually narrow it down and consult with, so again, more on that later when I get to it!

Best,

Micah

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

A beautiful Shower and Bachelorette for a beautiful bride!

I have been DYING to do this post, but as I'm not sure if the lady in question reads this blog, I didn't want to spoil any surprises! A couple of weekends ago, my friends and I threw a bridal shower/bachelorette party for one of my best friends (and one of my bridesmaids) in the entire world, Erica! 

The hostesses!

Since Erica is a spectacular actress and had the female leading role in an amazing musical called "The Light in the Piazza," which is set in Italy....we decided her shower would be Italian-themed because she is our "light" in our lives. :) We had Blushing Bride Bellinis as the signature drink, and had a Chianti wine-tasting with a prize for the winner of the best wine! We shared our favorite moments we've had with Erica and chatted and opened gifts. Instead of the traditional ribbon bouquet, I made her a Ribbon Fascinator (my tutorial will follow this post)! Which, of course she rocked! Here's a few pics from the shower! Hostessing props go to Erin and Lisa for amazing food and good ideas, and Abbie for holding the shower at her place!

Yum Yum! Italian food!

Our wine charm favors!

My Strawberry/Lemon Meringue Spring Cupcakes!

Signature Blushing Bride Bellini!

The other star of the shower...A Cannoli kit!

Chit-Chatting away!

The bachelorette party that ensued after the shower was tons of fun! We headed back to our friend Nikki's for a few games before heading to the ULTIMATE bachelorette destination for this group of girls...DO RE MI Karaoke! Here are a few fun shots from the night!

Dancin' the night away!

Personalized punch bottles

What a great time!

We had such a great time planning the party and an even better time enjoying it! I feel so blessed to have such great friends to hang around. We loved celebrating Erica and can't wait for her wedding!

Best,
Micah

Newly Aquired Wedding...Somethings!

I just wrapped up a WONDERFUL run of the play Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl, at the Boston Center for the Arts. It's a wonderful show, kinda out there, but it was so much fun! (Note: In case I have failed to mention before, I am an actress, and ALWAYS looking to do fun, expressive work in theatre, hence moving up to Boston and it's also how I met Patrick)

So yeah, Eurydice happened and it was amazing! I played a "Stone." Before you toss your head back and laugh, let me explain. You may know the myth about Orpheus and Eurydice, when basically a newly wedded couple lose each other as the bride, Eurydice, is killed and descends to the Underworld. Orpheus, not only one of the Argonauts, but a legendary musician also descends to the Underworld and charms even Hades, the Lord of the Underworld with his music. Hades agrees that Orpheus can bring his wife back to life on Earth if he walks all the way to the surface without turning back to see her. Unfortunately, he fails. In the Sarah Ruhl version, amongst many other differences, Eurydice actually calls out to her husband, causing him to look back at her and lose her again. In the Underworld in this play, the Stone characters are the inhabitants of the Underworld. In my director's fantastic vision, we were clowns, and the Underworld was our circus.

ALL of that aside! (The reason why I am even writing this post) Our set was a big tent circus theme with platforms rising to a staggering height of four feet. :) Anyway, another theme in the play is water; it's through line is that it contains the power of forgetting and thus destroying memories and ultimately, love. In the show's Underworld, after death, you would "dip yourself in the river," or drink from one of many glass jars around the stage. Here's where the Wedding Something part of this post comes in!

My many mason jars of various heights and widths.

I am now the proud owner of those jars! There are at least 75 pieces, not including the wine bottles I also snagged (that's for another post!).  So what do you think guys? What can I use them for? I was thinking flowers, maybe even for drinking signature drinks out of with paper straws (like I am loving and seeing a lot lately in the wedding blog universe!). Any other cool ideas? 

Best,

Micah