On friends

In addition to our sisters, who you’ll get to know in a later post, I want to introduce you all to the two women who will stand up with and for me, on my wedding day and in my life.  They rock.

As soon as George proposed (let’s be honest, way before he proposed) I knew who I would ask to be my bridesmaids.  Of course, my sisters Tori and Genevieve topped the list, along with George’s sister Marika.  Sisters are non-negotiable, after all, and mine are among the most incredible women I could ever hope to know.

There are also sisters that a woman gains by choice--other women who earn their places in our hearts by sticking with us through trials and tribulations, who celebrate with us at milestone moments in our lives (and sometimes just for getting by), who pick up the phone just to share, just to vent, just to ask, just because.  They ask nothing of us in return, and because they don’t demand it of us, we’re always there for them.

Okay, enough of that.  My maid of honor, Jacqui Emerson, and bridesmaid, Caroline Romano, do not inspire warm fuzzies.  We’re frenemies, in fact.  They kick my butt out of slumps, they tell me when my jokes are stupid, and they mock me when a hairstyle doesn’t work or when that red lipstick is just too bright.  They’re women of steel, and they’re as crazy as I am.

Jacqui is my Maid of Dishonor (though she does have the better part of valor).  She and I both started in the BFA Acting program at Emerson College, and when we realized it wasn’t our path, we switched (me first, because I’m swifter) to Political Communication.  I knew that Jacqui would be a friend for life when we discovered that we share the same ridiculous hamster-like laugh when we really, really crack up--a sort of high-pitched squeal that hurts after a while, and is mortifying in public, but that cannot be controlled.  Her discerning taste in espresso and YouTube videos are enviable.  This New York City girl hails somehow from Maine and Oregon, but will stay in Boston for undefined periods of time if lured in by a Rubix cube.

Caroline is my Bridesmaid of Destruction.  We also met at Emerson College in the poli comm program, and shared many ridiculous jokes during less-than-exciting lectures and lame attempts at study sessions.  Caroline can’t decorate a cupcake for her life, but excels at sloppily written, creative obscenities in icing.  She exfoliates and moisturizes more than anyone I’ve ever met, and despite the creepy factor, I love to touch her soft, soft arms.  She also has beautiful hair.  If you really want to get in good with Caroline, call her Coraline, like the character from the movie with the button eyes.  She LOVES that.  I’m lucky that Caroline lives nearby so that I can soak up her scathing wit on a frequent basis.

There is no one I’d rather have by my side on my wedding, or any, day.  I just hope I do enough for them--on both the supportive and sarcastic fronts--to merit all they’ve done for me!

Where we are

As many times as I’d been told, I seriously underestimated just how strong the tidal wave of “experts” and interested parties would be in the wedding planning process.  Here’s a rundown for all who want the scoop!

People keep asking where we are in the planning process.  Most of the time, when I ask myself that question, the answer is “not as far as I’d like.”  In thinking about it, though, we’ve made more progress than I give us credit for.

Having been together for six years pre-proposal, we’d already discussed a lot of what we want (and don’t want) for our wedding and marriage.  There are a few secrets and surprises, but there are also some decisions made early on that we can share.

Our main color is sapphire, with garnet and gold accents.  

Our single-flower arrangements will all be white...and, if all goes according to plan, not a traditional wedding flower!

My dress will not resemble a Cupcake Doll’s.

Suits, not tuxedos.  Look for fun pocket-square alternatives, too!

I’m making our stationery suite myself...starting with engagement announcements, which will be ready to mail as soon as we get a nice photo (know any artsy photographers in the Boston area?).

Yes, I know we were engaged on May 23, and it’s nearly September.  I really want to send out those announcements!

Wedding programs will be lengthy, to explain the rather complicated Greek Orthodox ceremony.

I am making our stephana (wedding crowns) myself.  That’s right, wedding crowns.

The reception will have a DJ (or, if I win, an iPod...we’re so picky about music!) and not a live band.  We’d rather dance to songs we know the way we know them.

Centerpieces will be paper-based.

At least 80% of our food will be edible to us, a.k.a. vegetarian.  Those who don’t like this idea can have their own wedding and serve whatever they like.

The cake will be all-white, vanilla-based, and covered in meringue.

We’re gonna boogie-oogie-oogie ‘till we just can’t boogie no more.

There are my thoughts for the day.  Thanks for listening!

Going to the Chapel

It was always assumed that we’d have a Greek Orthodox wedding.  Sometimes I’m sad that all of our family and friends won’t hear us say vows or sing hymns, but I’ve made peace with it.  It’s a special way to honor George and his heritage, and God is everywhere!

As far as I know, St. George once slayed a dragon. This is a bit confusing to me, as I don't think the Greeks had many dragons, but it sounds good. Either way, St. George performed enough miracles to have a Greek Orthodox church in Hamilton, NJ named for him.

Why does this matter? It's where George and I will get married next year. My George has never slayed a dragon, though I'm sure he could if the opportunity presented itself.

If you've never been in a Greek Orthodox church, they're beautiful. They're a teensy bit like Hogwarts, insofar as the ceiling is painted to look heavenly. Always ornate, and full of icons (pictures of saints), there's a lot going on. This makes my life a little easier, since I don't have to worry much about the ceremony looking boring!

Here's where all the magic happens (okay, maybe that's not the best choice of phrase). Anyway, I'll share more details about the ritual itself in a future post!