Caros amigos leitores, eu realmente espero que tenham sentido falta dos POSTs do Cueca Apertada, e por isso eu vou lhes explicar os motivos de minha ausência. Tenho certeza que vocês entenderão.

No dia 10 de outubro eu me casei. Sei que não existe casamento perfeito, mas posso dizer que o meu está excelente. Hoje, mais de um mês depois, é realmente fantástica a mudança que ocorre em nossas vidas, e é uma experiência que eu acredito valer a pena.

Porém, meus problemas não aconteceram depois do casamento, mas sim ANTES dele. E é sobre isso que vou falar aqui.

A zica começou mais de um mês antes, com meu carro indo pra retifica, e o financiamento do apartamento emperrando. Quando o financiamento foi finalmente liberado o que acontece? Os bancos entram de greve.

A respeito dos problemas pra conseguir pagar todos os custos da cerimônia eu não preciso comentar. Só uma dica para aqueles que têm intenção de se casarem: Tenham MEDO.

Na semana do casamento mais uma boa notícia: metade do teto da igreja CAIU por causa de uma chuva de granizo. Meu, quando o TETO DA IGREJA CAI você sabe que algo está terrivelmente errado… Claro que era um teto de gesso. Dessa forma, em 4 dias estava tudo refeito. Só que o 4º dia foi a véspera do casamento. Bem na trave.

Eu ganhei uma cama box de presente de um dos padrinhos. Ele depositou o dinheiro na minha conta para que eu pudesse escolher a cama que eu quisesse. Comprei uma de ótima qualidade por um preço excelente, e pedi que entregassem em minha (futura) residência, mas coloquei o endereço da minha avó também, que mora no mesmo condomínio, para que a chamassem para abrir o apartamento, já que o mesmo estaria vazio. E a vendedora entendeu tudo errado. Só colocou o endereço da minha avó. Resultado: os entregadores se recusaram a levar a cama pro meu apartamento – que é 4 andares escada acima. E a box ficou na casa da minha avó mesmo.

Entrei em contato com a vendedora, falei com supervisor, gerente… Mas não adiantou. Eu tive que levar a cama, só com a ajuda de um amigo, os 4 andares, no dia do casamento, faltando menos de 5 horas pra cerimônia.

Eu já tava sentindo vontade de sentar no chão e chorar quando o pessoal da decoração me liga e me fala que, ao tentar mover o púlpito de VIDRO da Igreja (q me foi cedida gentilmente por ser minha avó membro de lá a anos) o bendito simplesmente DESMONTOU! Nessa hora é que eu soube o que é querer chorar!

Chegada a hora, lá fui eu, tentando conter o nervosismo – não pelo casamento, mas pelo púlpito, porque um brinquedinho desses não sai por menos de 2000 dinheiros. Chego lá na igreja uns 15 minutos antes do horário previsto da cerimônia. E descubro q não tem cabo para ligar o notebook (onde estão todas as músicas do casamento) na mesa de som da igreja…

Antes de continuar, quero registrar q fui eu quem pegou TODAS as roupas do casamento, incluindo 6 ternos (meu e da família da noiva), 5 vestidos (da noiva e da família dela) e ainda saí pagando a decoração, fotos, filmagem, levando a noiva pra salão, fazendo compras pra casa, resolvendo coisas da viagem de lua-de-mel… isso tudo entre quarta (casamento civil pela manhã) e sexta véspera do casamento religioso. E o meu patrão ainda achou ruim eu ter tirado os 3 dias do casamento civil!

Prosseguindo então com a cerimônia… foram os padrinhos no Supermercado q fica próximo da igreja e voltaram com o cabo. Isso a noiva já estava a caminho.

Vamos para a mesa de som e descobrimos o que? Compraram o cabo errado! \o/

Beleza… eu não estava nervoso pela noiva nem pelo casamento. Só por causa dos pepinos!

Os padrinhos saíram de novo pra comprar o cabo certo, e eu fui ver o estado do púlpito. Aparentemente o bicho estava solto, e quando foram movê-lo ele se soltou todo. Mas pelo q eu vi na hora nada se quebrou. Conversei com o Pastor que já estava lá e ele disse para eu não me preocupar com aquilo naquela hora, porque eu devia me preocupar só com o casamento, e que ele já tinha quem mexia com isso pra ele.

Tentei ignorar o problema e fui lá fora cumprimentar umas pessoas. Pra ver se me acalmava, sabe? Depois disso tudo, a noiva chegou. Ficou lá fora no carro esperando, mas nada do cabo…

Comecei a ligar desesperadamente para o pessoal querendo saber onde eles estavam. Um tempo depois chegam eles, e desta vez com o cabo certo. Eu já tinha até pedido para eles comprarem uns 2 CDs virgens caso não rolasse o cabo. Mas o cabo deu certo e, com mais de 1 hora de atraso, a cerimônia começou…

Da cerimônia tudo correu bem, dentro dos conformes, exceto por um ou outro deslize da decoração – por exemplo, a escada que levava ao altar estava com o tapete todo extendido, o que quase provocou tombo em várias pessoas. Meu maior medo – da noiva tropeçar e se espatifar no chão – felizmente não aconteceu. A playlist do casamento foi bem ao nosso gosto:

- Música de entrada dos padrinhos: Enya – May It Be (Tema Senhor dos Anéis)
- Música da minha entrada: Stryper – Lady (Glam-Metal)
- Música da saída dos noivos: Encerramento de Star Wars Ep. 4.

Casamento übber-nerd ^^
Mtas pessoas CHORARAM na cerimônia… os nerds e “metaleiros” celebraram…

E ao final da cerimônia eu ganhei mais um presente: diária em um excelente hotel aqui da cidade para passar a noite (porque nós íamos para nossa casa, não tinha sobrado grana). É o tipo de coisa que você não sabe nem como agradecer.

E finalmente, depois de tanta urucubaca, pudemos curtir nossa vida de casados, coisa que fizemos pelos 15 dias subsequentes – já que eu só tirei 15 dias de férias – e agora estamos nos adaptando à vida normal de trabalho e a correria diária, que está bem interessante. Ademais, só o tempo dirá qual será o resultado, mas eu aposto em um bem positivo.

E no próximo POST, voltando com a programação normal, vamos comentar um pouco sobre um caso que atingiu bastante repercussão na mídia nacional e até mesmo internacional: o caso UNIBAN-TALIBAN.

Kersverse bruid onder de Grote Nederlandse Schrijvers gespot in het Koninklijk Paleis te Brussel. Schrijversgeluk. Gedeeld geluk met Cees Nooteboom, Prijs der Nederlandse Letteren 2009 … Het was bij hem thuis dat schrijfster Connie Palmen en de Nederlandse ex-politicus Hans van Mierlo elkaar ontmoetten en de vonk … Vorige woensdag was het paar pas een week getrouwd. 

Connie Palmen, pas getrouwd, in innige omhelzing met Erwin Mortier,
AKO Literatuurprijs 2009. Schrijversliefde Nederland-Vlaanderen.

  Hans van Mierlo, de bruidegom, monkelend.

Foto’s JB voor TSM goes Royalty, Koninklijk Paleis, 18 november 2009.

This piece is about that new and magical reality that “is” when you are newly wed. Remember?

Mary Lee & Larry, a cheerful Chicago couple, said, “ I do” this October at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.  The ceremony took place in Edison’s tropical Coconut Grove on the Caloosahatchee River.  Click on the images to enlarge:

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / www.efwefla.org / info@efwefla.org

Reception Location: Royal Palm Yacht Club / 239.334.2176 / www.royal-palm-yacht-club.com / rpycbqt@embarqmail.com

Photography: Images Wedding Photography / 239.283.9811 / www.imagesweddingphotography.com / jdean0001@hotmail.com

All Flowers, Arbor, & Centerpieces: JH Designs / 239.277.0544 / www.jhdesigns.invitations.com / jhdesigns@embarmail.com

Ceremony Chairs: Creative Events / 239.786.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Table Linens: Connie Duglin Specialty Linen / 239.784.9733 / www.connieduglinlinen.com / naplesdiv3@connieduglinlinen.com

Cake: Mason’s Bakery / 239.334.4525 / www.masonsbakery.com / chrisk@masonsbakery.com

wish you all the best and many many happy years together!

more at Pink is the New Blog

You so know this wedding guest.

She comes across as slightly overzealous at first, but seemingly harmless.

Yet, just as you’re knee deep in tabletop mayhem, she will appear at your side, to provide unsolicited guidance + opinion on the layout, décor and overall feel of the wedding design.

Didn’t she tell you?

She Just Got Married.

You didn’t get the memo?   Just Married Girl = Expert Wedding Designer.

Prepare to hear interjections like, ‘Don’t you think she’d want more candles near the buffet?’, or ‘Do you think she really wants the flowers to look like that?’, and the ever popular, ‘I did it a bit differently at my wedding.’

Wow, thanks for sharing. And just FYI – - – this ISN’T your wedding. The bride has chosen décor, flowers, food & entertainment to reflect HER taste + aesthetic.

When did this wedding gig turn into Sorority Rush?

And get ready. Because the conversation is about to change abruptly….she’s been waiting with baited breath to share with you this stunning revelation.

‘I’ve been thinking about starting my own wedding planning/coordination business.  Are you ever looking for an assistant?  Can you give me any pointers?  You must keep so busy!  What a dream job!!’

Yeah, it’s a blast.

In her mind, you’re constantly reading wedding magazines, fawning over fabric samples, and going to killer cocktail parties to schmooze with the elite.

Let’s get real. That all sounds grand and some of it may very well be true. But, we all know that running a wedding business is not for the faint of heart, or those obsessed with fluff.

Clients don’t fall out of thin air, and wedding production isn’t about looking pretty in your dress.

So, how to let her down easy?

• Be kind. We’ve all been at the beginning stage. No reason to squash her dream.
• Answer a few simple questions if you can. You never want to burn a bridge.
• Keep your professional distance. Give her your business card, but let her contact you.

1. Observed from above while riding the MAX over I-205. The blue, black, red and grey squares are vehicles whooshing by at freeway speeds. The purple circle parked precariously among the melee is a car, broken down, flashers on. Decorated with tin cans and streamers and paint, it announces in big letters: “JUST MARRIED.”

2. Does anyone realize that academics have a monopoly on post-secondary education? No matter what college or university you go to, you will find academics teaching all the classes. Is this not terrifying?

3. I hate bacteria. They tried to kill my boyfriend twice. You too, yogurt. Even you, you rad extremophiles that live in the deep-sea vents. I’m done with all of you.

4. In long restroom lines, can we think about setting up a pee triage? Whoever has to go the worst should be able to get cuts.

I feel the ground tremble beneath me. I look around, and no one else seems to notice the disturbance.

Was that real, or did I imagine it? Do I have some super-sensory skill that others lack? or am I just hypersensitive? I feel the shift, the change that is coming, albeit slow; it is suddenly approaching, gnashing it’s ugly teeth, grimacing at my demise, my defeat.

I am not prepared. I want to be prepared; I say I am prepared in a rather cocky manner, but am I really? Can I really handle facing my biggest fears? How can all of the world seem to function, move on day, to day, to day, when my world is in such chaos, and has come to such a stand still that the slightest movement throws me off-kilter? That I stand in a dark alley facing my biggest fears, which may seem small to the outsider, but that are huge and overwhelming to me.

Have a lost my mind? Is it time to lock me up and throw away the key? Is there no hope for me? What will my little retarTed kitteh do without me? He seems so dependent on me, like I’ve become dependent on him, and yet, I love his adoration, his need, his innocence, his desire to be by my side, like a child, like I can protect him from ALL evil, except the pots and pans, he has to face those demons on his own.

And yet, HE cannot stand me, loathes me, like I’ve crawled under his skin like some unwanted never fleeting parasite, but I’ve been there so long begging for attention, and to be itched, that he can’t just go to the doctor’s office to get the cure. To rid me of him for life, for eternity. So he ignores me, ignores my pain, my tears, my sincere cries for help, and I know, it’s because I am an irritant. I used to soothe his skin like aloe, and now I’m nothing more than some misquote bite that you don’t scratch, but that refuses to go away. Instead it gets larger and larger, and more noticeable. Others mention it, and say you might want to seek medical attention, but he thinks: if he ignores it, it will go away in time. Either that or it will be part of him eternally, which in turn he will eternally ignore.

What is he hanging on for? What is he waiting for? He cannot stand me, nor my adoration, and desire to be loved and needed. He said once upon a time he did, and I wasn’t those things anymore, so I changed, I really changed, but it was too late. He loves another. I am not good enough, but he refuses to admit this. Instead he strings us both along like beer cans tied to the back of a car reading “just married”. Kicking and jumping about until one of us, the weakest of the two, disconnects on her own accord, until she frees herself from the inevitable. I cannot keep up, and I can’t even keep a steady jog next to you, to get you to listen or to understand what I feel, want, and desire. Not that you cared. She can provide you everything you need, even for a short while. I do know the truth about her, and that is yet for you to find out. I hope she never shows that side of you, but I know from a reliable source that she suffers from “depression” which is why you run from me.

It’s so hard when you believe in soul mates, and fairy tales, because dammit, I thought I deserved it, I thought I was a good enough person, and an honest enough person that I deserved just that in return, but, alas, I was wrong. I’m a lover of literature, of respect, and art, and anyone who attended my wedding, can attest to that. Hell, I thought you could attest to that. I wrote the WHOLE ceremony from my heart, and yet, it’s not enough.

I’ll end this blog as I ended our ceremony, as we end our journey.

It is a Jewish tradition that the groom break glass before the kiss unites us husband and wife. Reverend Sims said, “May it be as easy to break apart this marriage as it would be difficult to put this glass back together.” With a smash and a kiss, we were bound legally, and emotionally, for life. What a beautiful symbol, that is now forever ruined in my mind and I”m sorry for anyone that experienced that with us that day, and thought it was so beautiful. It was for me, and I meant it to the very end, but sometimes it’s easier to just sweep the broken glass up and throw it away, than to repair it.

And so it is. Such is life. I should have known better than to believe in silly things like rituals, fairy tales, soul mates, and dreams.

We had our party here with our English family and friends last night!! As you may remember, 20 guests from England joined us on our wedding day almost one month ago (tomorrow!).  Fortunately we were able to celebrate with everyone here at a small venue with approximately 70 guests.

We did all the decorating and food ourselves….which took ages, all day long – but looking back- it was worth it!

Steve and our friends worked on the food all day while I went out with the girls and bought candles and balloons.

The food! These were just the sandwiches in the making.

Steve & his brother trying to enjoy the making of trying to feed 70 people.

Holy balloons Batman!

My dress turned out great, with only a few tiny marks on it.  Washing it last weekend was definitely worth it!  On Thursday this past week I got out the iron and steamed/lightly ironed the bottom of the dress where it had been wrinkled from the wash. 

So it wasn’t done professionally, but it still looked fab!

I had so much fun wearing my dress again! I kept telling everyone I wanted to have another party next weekend so I could put it on just one more time!  What bride wouldn’t love to wear her dress multiple times right? haha.

Steve and I re-created our first dance, to the same song “Making Memories of Us” by Keith Urban.

We literally partied all night long.  I danced more last night than I did at our reception in Canada!

The food turned out great!

We had sandwiches, pizza, chicken legs, sausage rolls, salad, scotch eggs, peanuts, chips, coleslaw, potato salad and loads of desserts!!

While we didn’t spend a ton of money on our post- wedding party, what meant the most was that we could have a celebration with our friends and family in England with those who couldn’t make it to Canada (and even the ones that did!).  We tried to keep costs low, like doing the buffet ourselves (thank you Costco!), having a small venue, and using loads of candles and some balloons for decor.  I think it definitely worked out really well in the end.

By the end of the night we were exhausted, and my husband showed off how much fun he had all evening! By fun, I definitely mean cider! lol

As we were leaving we had some fun with the balloons.

It was a great night!

Of course, all good things come to an end – and there is always a Monday morning looming after a weekend..

Back to work (ie: reality!) tomorrow!

No big plans this week… other than trying to sort out Thank-You cards, and getting back to a bit of a low-key/less-busy lifestyle… and back to the gym!!!

I have come to realize that fabric shopping can be so much fun.  Every time I go out to buy some supplies to make a purse, I always see some new fabric print that catches my eye and I have to buy at least one yard of the print.   Well, case in point, I went looking for red dupioni silk and I saw this print and I could not walk out of the store without buying a yard.

So, I buy the fabric and I get home and my roommate asked can she take a look at the new fabric I purchase and she sees this print and goes “WILD” about it.  She keeps asking me everyday, for a week, when am I going to make a bag from it and I keep telling her that I need to finish my orders first before I can branch out and work on the new purses.  Finally, I got caught up with my orders and then I got a chance to make this new clutch.  I must admit that since I have made this purse, the fabric design looks even more gorgeous.

Anyone can check out my designs at www.juliasherrydesigns.etsy.com.  So, take a minute and have a glance and please feel free to leave me any comments.  By the way, this clutch purse is named after my roommate, Janet.

Sherry

You are now introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Nash!

The-Dream and Christina Milian have officially tied the knot. The couple got married last week in Las Vegas at the Little White Chapel, the same place Britney Spears and Jason Alexander had their infamous 55-hour marriage. According to Milian’s marriage licence, the two said “I Do” at exactly 12:00 AM Friday morning.

The wedding was very recession proof, with C. Mili renting her wedding dress for $200 (which includes a veil and shoes) and The-Dream renting his tux for $100 (including shoes, tie, and vest).

The two began dating in January and announced their engagement in the spring. Rumors swirling around the couple suggests that they are pregnant with their first child.

I knew it was only a matter of time. From Christina naming her new album Elope to a snippet of a new track leaking a couple of weeks ago by the name of “Welcome to Vegas,” the signs were all there. I joked a few times about the “f***ing for tracks” story, but congrats to the happy couple.

Well, today is Labor Day, but I am still working!  Since, I wasn’t able to go to the great state of Alabama to see my family because of work obligations, I decided to take a second look at my bags.  So, as I was glancing at the collection, I felt that something was missing.  Sure, every purse was made from a great print and the inside linings gave each clutch that extra ”pop” of luxury, but they still felt off balance.  Then it just “dong”  on me that each of the clutches need a name, something that me and my customers could always identify with in the years to come.

So, I laid out all 34 bags and gave each one of them a name.  The two best sellers are named Julia and Delia.  The name ”Julia” belongs to my mother and the name “Delia” belong to my great-grandmother.  The two women who taught me how to sew and gave me my passion for fashion.  The bag in the picture above is named after my godmother “Judy”.  She always has some type of flower in her house that is blooming  year round.

My collection can be found at www.juliasherrydesigns.etsy.com, so take a minute and have a peak. My goal is to have at least 100 purses to my collection by the end of October, so this means that I am going to need a lot more names and if you have any suggestions, please leave it in my comment box.  Keep smiling and have a great week!

Sherry

A modern twist on an Italian wedding. From the red trolley that chauffeured the bridal party around the city, to the ultimate dance off at the end of the night, this was a very special day. We can’t wait to see the good looking babies from this couple.

Ivory Room’s favorite memories of this day:

- the big red trolley in lieu of a traditional limo (courtesy of The Vancouver Trolley Company)

- the Soul Train inspired dance-off by the wedding party

- the touching speech by Marco, Michelle’s brother

Photography = Chris + Lynn Photography (what a great team!)

Michelle’s entrance with Papa Guadagni. *sigh* stunning.

This wedding was fun + classic, just like the couple!

Ivory Room’s favorite memories of this day:

- The guests singing songs with the word “Love” in it to get the couple to kiss

- Two of the groomsmen re-enactment the story of how Colin + Amor met and fell in love

- The very cool bamboo guest favors (ours is still alive and well!)

Photography: Pelaez Photography

Dress: Pronovias @ Isabelle’s

Transportation: Excel Limousines

Flowers: Niki Trading

Absolutely fun! It was all about throwing some traditions to the wind, while holding others very close. At 380 guests, this has been one of our biggest weddings to date!

Ivory Room’s favorite memories of this day:

- working with Hong Photography (We LOVE working with Ellen + Brian)

- influencing our first “green” wedding favor – reusable shopping bags!

- the fun reception games and the out-going guests that participated (see pics below)

- the feel good vibes from DJ Bles-sed and DJ P-Luv (We’ve never received such positive feedback on music!!)

Transportation: Time Limousine

Flowers: Tala Florist

Ceremony: Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden

Bridesmaids Dresses: BCBG

*pictures coming

The searing heat from the sun did not affect the cool couple as they celebrated their day their way.

Simple + easy were the key words when planning the wedding. It was the perfect blend of family tradition and simple elegance. The pictures are beautiful and reflect the couple’s love of art and photography.

Ivory Room’s favorite memories of this day:

- our first MC gig!!! how nerve wracking being on the other side of the speaker.

- how BEAUTIFUL Kari looked when we peeked inside the limo

- the touching speech by Boris, toasting his new wife, his amazing dad and his very proud mom.

Photography = Morgaine Owens

Click here for more photos from Morgaine’s site!

Congratulations, Kari + Boris. Thank you for sharing your very special day (and show plates!) with us.

Celine + Allan are a creative couple, very involved in music + dance. We wouldn’t expect anything less at their wedding! We think this was the first time we were referred to as “the adopted daughter” in a thank-you speech!

Ivory Room’s favorite memories of this day:

- Allan’s gift to Celine as she was getting ready in the morning – Heart Themed Nike Air Max 90s.

- Celine’s surprise dance for Allan at the reception (with the help of FlowEthics)

- The entertaining entrance of the bridal party. They did a traditional Filipino dance called Tinikling…well they tried!

We’d love to shout out to our friends, Heather + Chris of Spark Photography for doing an amazing job. We love working you guys.

Cake = April Cakes

Flowers = Buy The Bunch (Sam, we love the pride you put into your work)

Reception = Crystal Ballroom @ the Pan Pacific Vancouver

Ceremony = St. Augustine’s Parish (Father Cook, you’re amazing)

The Big One

Buy The Bunch

Full Choir ft. Vanessa + Vince

That's right. Our clients get naps.

mr + mrs B

April Cakes

Kapabayang Pilipino

Jill Quinto singing her jazzy rendition of "The Way You Look Tonight"

Flow Ethics

Celine's surprise dance for Allan

This collection of photos and video reflect some special moments spent with the bride and represent only a portion of the excitement she experienced planning, coordinating and celebrating while creating her dream wedding. She truly brought her vision to life in an event to remember. Glorious Christi! – Love Auntie

• Bridal

•  Venue

• Reception

• Event

• Video

• Photo Gallery

on slide.com

!!!