I am working on putting together another site that documents all the information, DIY projects, ideas, and lessons learned from planning my own wedding. However, because I personally know three couples that are just recently engaged, I thought it best to post some information asap so that they may benefit.
These were the books that I bought, read, dog-eared (especially the second book), and recommend very highly for anyone planning a wedding. Erica and Jen, you’re more than welcome to borrow them any time.
Intimate Weddings by Christina Friedrichsen
This is a great what-type-of-wedding-do-I-want book that discusses the gazzillion different possibilities for a fantastic wedding that suits any budget. It is full of many great and inspiring real-life examples as well. I didn’t know what kind of wedding I wanted, initially… but this book inspired me to put together a wedding that best reflected Paul and me. I recommend reading this before you select either a venue or a date.
Bridal Bargains by Denise and Alan Fields
This book ought to be titled “The Essential Step-By-Step Wedding Planning Handbook.” It goes way beyond just finding good bargains. It offers very detailed coverage of all the ins and outs of the different parts of a wedding as well as potential scams and price gouging that you should watch out for. I found the suggested questions that you should ask the different vendors especially helpful.
Joining Hands and Heart by Susanna Stefanachi Macomb
This book helped me to put together an actual ceremony that incorporated all of our different multicultural heritages. If you are looking to incorporate traditions, quotations, etc. from other cultures into your ceremony, I would highly recommend this book.
Now, about those bridal magazines… that’s a whole other topic for another blog altogether.
[Disclosure: The links above are make-me-rich-one-penny-at-a-time Amazon Affiliate links.]
I have not used paper calendars ever since I purchased my first PDA — a first generation Palm Pilot. And now with the iPhone, I don’t think I ever will again.
But this “calendar” roundup for 2009 by Holly Becker of Decor8blog.com makes me wish otherwise. They are essentially gorgeous though dated wall art. Want some for yourself? Need a gift idea? Take a peak at Holly’s excellent blog entry.
Paul, Phann, and I were at the Boylston Street Apple Store opening last night. It was my first of such event, and it was even more fun and exciting than I had expected.
We arrived at 5:30pm, and end up in line several blocks away past Newbury Street.
When we finally made it in, it was quite the warm welcome indeed. The staff lined the entrance clapping and high-fiving all the customers.
Among the highlights of the evening was the cool free t-shirt (as worn by by-stander in top image) and…
I was on the glass spiral staircase, taking pictures of floors beneath through the glass steps when Paul said to me, “Honey, turn around. Your man is on his way up.”
“Eh?”
“Your man, Ellsbury.”
And there he was, Jacoby Ellsbury, the Red Sox outfielder walking up the stairs past us. I just stood there and gawked. When Paul asked me if I wanted a picture with him, I remembered to snap this one blury shot after I shyly said, “nah…”
Here is a better picture of him that I found on Flickr. I’m in agreement with this photographer. He is even cuter in person. :-)
If you’re a Mac geek living in the Boston area, I’m sure you’re organizing a pilgrimage to Boylston Street this Thursday evening to see the exciting unveiling of the new flagship Apple Store. (I will be among the said geeks lining up at Boylston Street with three other friends tomorrow.)
Apple Store photo courtesy of Chad Barraford, via Ifo Apple Store.
If you are interested in the outdoor shopping experience, this weekend will also be the opening weekend of Boston’s South End Open Market.
“The Market hosts a wide variety of vendors, whether you’re looking for hand-crafted accessories, original art, antiques or just a fresh loaf of bread, you’ll find painters, sculptors, photographers, clothing and jewelry designers, milliners, handbag designers, house wares, antique dealers, florists, bakers, local farmer’s produce, and much more every week!”
The Brimfield Antique Show is coming up between May 13 to May 18. I have never been… but it sounds awesome. It’s a gigantic flea market with over 5,000 dealers. “Dealers come from all over the world as do visitors. From millionaire world-famous rock stars, to the local resident down the street, the Show is a Mecca for serious and casual collectors of all kinds of antiques.” Found via decor8.
I am thinking of going that first Tuesday. Would anyone be interested in joining me?
Update on 4/28/08: Paul found photos of the event via Boston.com.