Burlington Bride

Time Flies When You're in Love...

2009-09-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

When you're planning your wedding the anticipation is hard to imagine. Some days the wedding can't come soon enough, and some days you think "wait, I have one more project!" When the sun sets and the party comes to a close, you find yourself happily married. You giggle when you say "my husband" or he introduces you as "his wife" (that still hasn't gotten old). After all the planning you now get to start the "rest of your lives!"

Two years ago today, September 8, 2007, I married the love of my life and my best friend. And every day I fall more in love with him. I am filled with excitement and joy for all of you planning your wedding and newlyweds. I feel like I have what most people spend their lives looking for -- a partner for life and everything that comes with it. Here's to us Mr. Onion!

Thanks to Mrs. Ant for taking this photo yesterday and inviting us to a great Labor Day BBQ!

First comes loves, then comes marriage...

2009-09-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

No, no -- I'm not pregnant (although I'm thrilled with all the baby bees around here). In November of 2007 (just two months after we got married) I posted about searching for our first home. I was sure I didn't want to live anywhere but Manhattan, just like I was sure I wanted lace on my wedding dress. Things don't always work out how you first envisioned them...they usually end up even better! We bought our first apartment in Brooklyn and my wedding dress had no lace in sight!

We made an offer at the end of last summer and closed in mid-October, 2008 which was a year after we first starting seriously looking. We learned so much in that year about the real estate market in NYC, it's huge potential swings (Wall Street went nuts about the time we closed), what we wanted and the joy of building a home together (even if it's only 768 square feet)! We have spent the last year "nesting" and saving up to renovate our kitchen (it's a pre-war building), which we hope to be ready to do about this time next year.

Here's a quick look inside.

Living room/entry as it was when we found the apartment:

Painting in progress and railings removed:

All painted, windows from Vermont Salvage installed and curtains up:

With a lot of hard work:

You realize...you're never "done." But after seven months we finally felt ready enough to have a house warming party.

It felt like the next big step in our lives and we're proud to have made an investment in our future and our life now.

Did you own an apartment or house before you got married? Is it something you plan to do together after your wedding? I'm sure this is on a lot of your minds as the real estate market has dipped in the last year and perhaps this made it possible for you to consider buying. I'd love to hear about your search, purchase and renovation / decorating of your new place.

Featured on photographer's new website

2009-08-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

Long time no "see" weddingbee! I have so much catching up to do with you (Mr. Onion and I bought our first home - more on that later), but a quick post to share that we've been included on our photographer's new website! It was such a shock to come across this photo on www.dariabishop.com.

Take a look around their new website and great blog (which I still stalk about once a week)! We're coming up quickly on our 2 year wedding anniversary on September 8th. I can not believe how fast the time has flown and how I fall more in love with Mr. Onion every day. You all have so much to look forward to leading up to and post wedding! As the song says "The best is yet to come..."

I LOVERMONT!

2009-04-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

The first time I visited Vermont, I fell in love -- with the state, and with Mr. Onion. Then we got married in Vermont, and spent our first wedding anniversary in Vermont. So many happy memories.

Now, there is one more reason to love this beautiful state. Vermont has become the fourth state to legalize gay marriage — and the first to do so with a legislature’s vote! I couldn't be more pleased. And I grew up in Connecticut, which is one of the other states to have said "YES" to same-sex marriage. This is a happy day for love. I hope the rest of our country will catch up soon!

Photo: Burlington Free Press

See the whole story in the Burlington Free Press.

Short Dress Brides

2009-02-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

I was overwhelmed by the amazing response to my "Calling All Short Dress Brides" post. Thank you so much for sharing your images and stories. I'm honored that I inspired so many of you, or gave you that little push or added bit of courage to step outside the box and wear a short dress on your wedding day. There is so much talent and creativity in all the submissions I got.

Weddingbee reader Emma (from Dublin) had her dress made by Sarah Foy in Dublin Ireland. Inspired largely by my dress (this is why I LOVE weddingbee), Emma had a a top, skirt, petticoat and reversible bolero made. To go out after the reception she had a black pencil skirt (not pictured), kept the top and turned the jacket inside out so the peacock coloured side was out. She's worn the top and petticoat again already and hopes to wear all the separate pieces often (a girl after my own heart)! Photos are by Therese Aherne

Weddingbee reader MrsPeas shares photos of her Josephine dress by Stephanie James. Photos by Sara Remington of Anna Kuperberg photography

Amanda got her J.Crew Goddess dress (short) on sale for "next to nothing!"
photos by Brandi Thompson

Weddingbee reader betting_im_not bought her Galina dress from David's Bridal. It was originally strapless, but she bought another damaged dress and used the fabric to make the cap sleeves. This style has been discontinued.

Weddingbee reader EmilyinParis shared photos of her beautiful Ramona Kaveza short dress from her wedding in Paris. How chic! She bought her dress at Bridals by Lori in Atlanta, Georgia. When she started planning she Googled "short dress brides" and found my post, and hence weddingbee!

Weddingbee reader Sarah shares photos of her dress. Photos by Bellissima Photographic Artistry.

Weddingbee reader Kelly modified a long J.Crew dress. See her post about the transformation here. Photos by CaseyBower Photography

Weddingbee reader melissaofMandMWedding shared a photo of her Dolly Couture dress. It was custom made using the style of the Edmonton and the lace fabric from the the Hastings on Hudson gown.

Weddingbee reader Alisa doesn't have a photo yet, but wanted to share how excited she is to have her dress custom made by Kimera Design on Atlantic Ave. in Brooklyn. She was also inspired to hire Wes Jones as her videographer because of my posts.

Weddingbee reader Joanne is a UK based bride getting married in July and is "a massive weddingbee fan!" Her dress is from Candy Anthony in the UK. She makes 50's and 60's inspired wedding dresses.

Weddingbee reader pdxkate is getting married in May and found this vintage dress on eBay "pretty much for a song!"

Weddingbee reader Erinp123 bought her After Six style #6507 (actually a bridesmaid dress) at Melissa Ashley Brides in downtown Westerly, RI. It has ivory lace with champagne satin underneath and was a little over $200. She writes "The minute I tried on a short dress, I knew it was right because I felt like myself." I love that she said she knew because she felt like herself! This is so important -- to feel like a beautiful version of yourself on your wedding day.

source

Weddingbee reader hickchick bought a Sweetheart Gowns #2630 (seen above long) and had it altered to fit her style. She later found a dress at a consignment shop, and if I understand correctly, her seamstress combined both dresses to create the perfect dress for her!

Weddingbee Reader Msk8teohh9 custom designed her dress (impressive, right?!) and outsourced the making of it to a company in China called Milly Bridal. She is getting married in July!

Weddingbee reader and wedding photographer Alisha Clark is actually a three dress bride! She has two dresses for sale, and this is the one she desided to keep - it's from Dolly Couture.

Weddingbee reader CattyS had her dress made by Liza Rietz from Portland, OR. She hasn't tried it on yet, but can't wait!

20% off Cynthia Rowley

2009-02-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

I loved my Cynthia Rowley wedding shoes! The "something blue" of the soles were so sweet. I didn't know much about her clothes until I found these shoes and now I drool over them frequently.

I got an email offering 20% off for Valentine's day and I had to share for all of you needing to look fabulous for wedding related events! Over valid through February 14. Code = CR214.

How sexy would this be for your rehearsal dinner? Regular price: $330 - Sale price: $129 + 20% off that?! Seriously?!

Or this number -- Reg. Price: $310.00, On Sale: $219.00 + 20% off that!

See more at Cynthiarowley.com

Calling All Short Dress Brides

2009-01-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: It has been so much fun getting your emails, stories and short dress photos! Keep them coming. I'd like to have all submissions by Wednesday, February 4th. And don't forget to include your weddingbee name (or how you'd like to be acknowledged), the dress maker and where you got it to help other brides. If you're worried about surprises being ruined I can crop your head out of the photos (does that sound creepy?) so no one will know it's you!

The Ring Shots series has gotten so popular I thought I'd put out a call for photos of something I love -- short wedding dresses. Until recently I was the only short dress "bee" and always wished I could see images of bee readers in their short wedding dresses.

Are you planning to wear a short wedding dress? Were you already a short dress bride? If so, I'd LOVE to see photos of you in your dress to share with the hive in a future post. They can be from your fitting, a bridal session or from your wedding. (If there is a lot of interest this could be a few posts). Email them to onion@weddingbee.com. Please including where you got your dress (designer/store) to help other brides search for their perfect dress.

Here are a few photos of my gown, a Romona Keveza from her legends collection that I bought at Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier in NYC:

Photo by Daria Bishop Photographer.

The Women Who Came Before Us....

2009-01-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

Do you ever stop and think "Wow, I really can do whatever I set my mind to," and thank the countless women who came before us to make that possible? Seventy-one years ago Miss Ford applied to Walt Disney Productions as an artist. She received the letter below and it just blew me away. She is told that women don't do any of the creative work for Disney Cartoons but she could apply to be an "inker" or "painter" and fill in the drawings...but those places were limited and lots of "girls" apply.

Today there isn't a single job that we couldn't do if we wanted. We can choose to work, choose to be a stay at home mom, choose to work from home...but they are all our choices. We aren't expected to stay home with our children or expected to work, we can simply decide what works for us. We make choices for ourselves and together with our significant others.

So I'd like to raise a proverbial glass to the women who paved the way and women today and all that we are capable of in 2009 and beyond! Look at the path our daughters will have to lead...it brings me great joy.

Bride Wars and Vera Wang Contest

2009-01-09T10:05:00.000-08:00

THE BRIDE WARS CONTEST

Vera Wang is holding a "Bride Wars Contest" -- enter to win Vera goodies for your bridesmaids and yourself! Good luck to all you future brides :) My fingers are crossed for you. Details below:

Tell us in 100 words or fewer why you chose your maid of honor.

First Prize: Eight (8) Vera Wang Bridesmaids Dresses
Second Prize: Ten 5-piece place settings of Vera Wang Wedgwood china, ten crystal wine glasses and ten 5-piece flatware place settings. (Retail Value approximately $2500)
Third Prize: A Vera Wang Linens Package - The Sophisticated Scallops Collection.(Retail Value $1500)

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends 1/19/09 at 11:59:59 pm EST. See details and enter on Vera Wang's website here.

Parent Albums...in time for the Holidays!

2008-12-19T10:51:00.000-08:00

A week or so ago I told you I finally broke down and decided to make my own wedding albums -- for my parents, my in-laws and for us. Well -- the parent and in-law albums are done just in time for Christmas!!

You asked to see the finished project and I'm so excited to share it with you. I was surprised at how easy it was once I got started. The most time consuming part was choosing the images. I placed a large order from mpix.com. They arrived quickly and the quality was great. This is the second time I've ordered from them and both times I was very happy with the product.

I picked Kodak e-surface paper (no additional cost) which has a nice matte finish, crisp images with spot on color. I loved that they had the option for many large and odd shape prints. We ordered a few large/square images that really make each album special (make sure they will fit in your album before you order).

I bought the albums at Kate's Paperie in NYC but they are available on-line here if you're interested. I planned to use clear and kraft corners but couldn't find them in stores and didn't have time to wait for an on-line order to arrive. I happened to have blue photo corners that I used for my in-law's album and I bought black corners from Kolo (also at Kate's Paperie) for my parent's album.

So without further ado, here are the finished albums. First up (with the blue corners) is for my in-laws:

I had some brown ribbon left over from the wedding that I used to tie the smaller album to hold it closed.

The pages are interleaved with glassine to protect photo surfaces.

These two are examples of 5 x 5 inch square prints.

Second up (with the black corners) is for my parents:

On the inside front cover I included a wedding invitation and reception card.

Here is another large odd shaped photo -- 6 x 9 inches.

The pages are of this album is also interleaved with glassine to protect photo surfaces.

Another square - this one is 8 x 8 inches.

A detail shot of the spine.

The rest of the images used in both albums are 4 x 6.

Here is the last page of the album. Here you see a different layout I picked to keep it interesting.

Some tips:
1) Lay out all your images in the album before you secure any of them to the page. This way you'll be sure they all fit and are in the order you want.
2) I used two different photo corners -- lick and stick (like an old stamp) and self-adhesive which you just peel and stick. The self-adhesive made the process go a bit faster, but I would use either again.
3) To place photos put two corners on opposite corners, place, push down, then place the other two corners. This way you'll be sure to place the photo where you want it.

There are many options to make your own album...Blurb, Mpix, Snapfish, Shutterfly. The list goes on and on. But I really wanted to have prints in an album, not a magazine style book. Mr. Onion and I plan to make our own album (a 12 x 12.25 inch version of the ones I used for our parents) AND a blurb book to include vows and special memories and details of the day.

I hope this inspires the 73% of you married ladies who haven't made an album yet! For those of you who have made your own album, what kind of album did you make? Any tips for those who are intimidated to start such a daunting project!

Photo Albums

2008-12-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

Almost nine months ago I posted about procrastinating making a wedding album. There are a million excuses, but the bottom line now is that $1000+ for a professional album just isn't in the budget. We just got our hi-res photos from our photographers in October and with Christmas fast approaching I decided to use that deadline as motivation to get me started. Over the weekend Mr. Onion and I headed to Kate's Paperie and bought one of each of these beautiful albums. I really love them. One for my mother-in-law, one for my mother and the large one for our album. I was hoping to find brown photo corners on-line (what can't you get on-line these days?) but I've met with defeat. I decided to settle on a combination of Kraft colored corners and clear corners (per Miss Hot Cocoa's recommendation).

I spent hours (and I mean hours) over the weekend uploading about 350 hi-resolution images to MPix.com where I ordered Mr. Onion's wedding gift from last summer. The quality of the book was great so I trust the quality of the prints will be fantastic. They were a little pricey ($.29 per 4x6 print) but for albums I hope we'll all have for years to come, I decided not to cut corners on the photos.

Cost break down:

Albums:
Small (6.25" x 7.5") = $45
Medium (10.5" square) = $105
Large (12" x 12.25") = $132

Prints:
Approximately 400 = $155.07
Shipping = $5.95
Total = $161.02

Supplies:
Kolo Photo Corners: 5 boxes of 240 corners = approximately $36
Kolo Photo Tape: 1 roll = $8

Grand total for 3 albums = $487.02

If anyone has suggestions for photo corners (know where I can get brown corners other than the beautiful and expensive Martha Stewart satin), or photo tape, or any tips on making your own album look great and hold up to years of page turns...please share! I'm nervous about this project.

Holiday Sales - UPDATE

2008-12-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

So if you saw my last post and thought -- "I have to try that amazing shave cream from Bliss -- I want to be the softest thing ever!," you're in luck. I just saw, on my dailycandy.com email, that they are offering 20% off their treatments and Bliss products. Treat yourself to a massage or facial while you're at it!

Deal: Take 20 percent off massages, facials, body treatments, and products in-spa and online (enter code DCANDY or mention us when you pay).
When: Thru Dec. 31. Treatment discount valid Mon.-Wed.
Where: 541 Lexington Ave., at 49th St.; 12 W. 57th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves.; 568 Broadway, b/t Houston & Prince Sts.; online at blissworld.com. Appointments at 212-219-8970.

I wish I'd seen this before I bought shave cream for all my girls! Do comment if you take advantage -- I'll feel better :)

My favorite holiday sales!

2008-12-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share some of my favorite holiday sales and gift ideas. Holiday sales are a great time to pick up bridal party gifts! First up, Dasha Boutique, where I purchased beautiful pearl earrings as a gift for my bridesmaids.

2) Oliviers and Co., a fantastic source for olive oil, vinegar and foodie gifts. Their items make great gifts for parents/in-laws or for the wedding party member who loves to cook! My favorite item? Their lemon specialty oil and balsamic vinegar.

3) Bliss Spa's thermal shaving cream. This is made for men, but it's one of my new favorite things (I feel like Oprah)! Seriously the best shave you'll ever have. Get one for yourself, your bridesmaids, your fiance/husband (I did)....you'll all be wonderfully soft! And use coupon code, WELCOME11, for FREE SHIPPING with $50 purchase & FREE GIFT (six pack). EXPIRES DEC 31, 2008.

4) Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

This is a splurge at over $20, but it is one of my favorite things! It's $22.50 at Fresh, but I found it online at LipstickUSA.com for $20.50. This is a great gift. And if you have a little more to spend, the Brown Sugar Body Scrub is to die for!
Usually $65, I found it for $58.50.

5) Harry & David: My favorite is their Royal Riviera Pears -- buy one box, get the 2nd box 50% off! Seriously sooooo delicious! I send these to my parents every holiday season.

I hope this gives you some holiday or wedding party gift ideas and saves you a few dollars in this difficult economy. Happy Shopping!

Age to Marry...Sooner or Later?

2008-11-10T15:12:00.001-08:00

I was taking a break today to read the news, and what do you know, there was an article about what age to marry. In 1890 the average age to marry for men was 26 and for women 22. The average age to marry dropped significantly in the 1960's and is now the highest since the census began in the late 1800's.

source

Personally I felt on the younger side -- I was 26 and Mr. Onion was 27 when we were married last September. But according to the census, this is exactly the average ago for 2007. I was the first of my friends to marry, so that also added to my perception of "average." I think a lot of your perception of the best age to marry has to do with where you live and of course your circumstances. Many couples wait until they are finished with degrees (undergraduate or graduate) while some just don't find "the one" until later in life. There is so much societal pressure for so many women to get married by a certain age. People have strong opinions -- "Oh you're too young to get married," or "What are you waiting for? You're not getting any younger!"

Also, your "plan" changes along the way. If you'd asked me when I was in college when I thought I'd get married I would have said my early 30's. But then I fell in love and suddenly the time line I had in mind didn't matter anymore.

Do you think, like John Van Epp suggests in the article, that we are so confident now in fertility treatments to take care of us that we wait longer to marry and have a family? What age do you think is ideal for women and men to marry and why?

Quick weeknight meals

2008-10-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

Most newly engaged or married couples have very busy schedules. Between work, family, social obligations and spending time with each other, you don't always have time to make a complicated meal on a week night. It doesn't mean it can't be easy and delicious!

Eating too later = cranky AND a migraine for Mrs. Onion. I try to avoid this at all costs. I thought I'd share a few of my quick and easy go-to recipes for weeknight meals.

1) Linguine Fini with Pesto, Olives and Feta CheeseIngredients:
Pesto (costco sells a very yummy pesto)
Feta cheese
Calamata olives.

Preparation:
Boil water and cook pasta. Pit olives and cut up feta, put aside. Drain pasta and toss with pesto and feta. This is so easy and yummy especially when you're in the mood for salt.

2) Vegetable baked penne (or ziti).

Ingredients:
1 lb box penne
2 zucchinis
1 medium onion
1 cup red sauce (approximately)
1 cup ricotta (approximately)
½ ball of fresh mozzarella
Pinch of salt
Dash of red pepper flake (to taste)
Dash of Oregano

Boil water and cook pasta. While penne is cooking chop zucchini and onions. Sauté onions first, then add zucchini. Under cook the zucchini a bit as it will continue to cook while baking in the oven. Then mix in a medium bowl red sauce, ricotta, salt, red pepper flakes and some oregano. Put aside. Then, cut up fresh mozzarella in 1-inch chunks.

Once the pasta is cooked (again slightly under cook as it will continue to cook in the oven), place in baking dish. Pour red sauce/ricotta mixture over the pasta and mix it up. Then pour veggies in and mix again. Finally place chunks of cut up mozzarella in dish and mix one last time so everything is evenly distributed. Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350 and enjoy!!

3) Quinoa with Black Beans and Cilantro (a new find from the September issue of Bon Appetit magazine).
4 to 6 servings
prep: 25 MINUTES TOTAL: 40 MINUTES

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups chopped white onions
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup quinoa,* rinsed, drained
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup water
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed, drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
Crumbled feta cheese

Preparation:
Heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and red pepper; sauté until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in next 4 ingredients. Add water; bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until quinoa is almost tender, about 14 minutes. Add beans and 1/4 cup cilantro; cook uncovered until heated through and liquid is fully absorbed, about 3 minutes. Transfer to bowl; sprinkle with ¼ cup cilantro and cheese, if desired.

What are some of your favorite quick recipes?! Please share them with the hive :)

Mmmm...year old cake!

2008-09-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

Mr. Onion and I joined the ranks of newlyweds to save the top of their wedding cake to enjoy a year later and I have to admit...it tasted pretty darn good (more on the cake later)!

Cake made by Alison at Mirabelle's Cafe in Burlington, VT.

Mr. Onion and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary by heading back to Burlington, VT where we were married last September. We stayed at the Willard Street Inn where it all began and enjoyed the weather and being outdoors in such a beautiful part of the county.

Here we are on the steps at the inn on our wedding day.

And here we are on the steps this past weekend. We asked a very kind guest at the inn if she'd mind taking our picture explaining our story and connection with the inn. She told us she and her husband had been married for almost 60 years and assured us that our love would continue to grow!

Our room was lovely and very romantic. It was a bit of a splurge, but we didn't get each other gifts -- the trip was our shared gift!

The breakfast at the Willard Street Inn is a major highlight! Not only is it delicious (they have a chef who comes in every morning just to make three yummy breakfast choices -- usually an egg dish, and a sweeter dish (pancakes/french toast) and a granola and yogurt for a lighter breakfast), but their breakfast room is stunning!

You might remember Mr. Onion and I had our "first sight" here on our wedding day.

The owners are wonderful gardeners and grow these amazing dahlias that make you feel welcome at the guest book table....

More dahlias at reception and on the breakfast tables. I thought this was a lovely idea for wedding reception or cocktail table decorations. This is such an easy DIY flower project and something that can be done in advance.

Then we headed to town and Mr. Onion came across a brick on the market place that was so sweet....what a way to propose! I wish I knew the story of the couple.

That night we had a romantic celebration dinner at Leunig's -- the best restaurant in town! When our waitress approached our table she smiled and said "You guys got married at Adrianas last year. I served your party and it was an amazing wedding!" Burlington is such a small town and I was pleased to see a familiar face.

The next morning we got up early to enjoy the day. We drove out to the Grand Isle, a small island in Lake Champlain that is quite close to Burlington.

Then we headed back to the Lake Champlain waterfront in Burlington where we took our engagement photos.

On the waterfront is Splash Cafe where a wedding reception was going to be held that evening -- we saw many well dressed guests on their way, but sadly, no bride and groom sightings!

The weather really turned out to be lovely...a little chilly, but sunny!

And we made a friend! He was fearless and came right up to us hoping we had bread for him.

At the end of the day we headed back to the inn to try our wedding cake and see how freezing for a year would work. MIL Onion did a fantastic job. If you plan to freeze the top of your wedding cake, here are some tips.

1) Know the size of the top layer and get a Tupperware a little bigger (round/square) depending on the shape of the cake.

2) Talk to your reception staff beforehand to let them know you plan to do this so they don't serve the top of the cake.

3) To preserve the cake put in the fridge so it sets up a bit (this way it won't get too squished), then wrap in plastic wrap, (two layers), then tinfoil (two layers), THEN place in Tupperware.

4) Bring a cooler or freezer bag to store it in and transport home.

5) Prepare your freezer (or friend/parent/in-law freezer) before hand so you know the Tupperware will fit and you can keep it frozen for a year.

And enjoy, but don't eat the whole cake!! We brought the rest home to share with our families.

We had a fantastic time and enjoyed remembering our wonderful wedding day. But the best part was to reflect on our first year of marriage and to spend a whole weekend of down-time with each other...no cell phones, no work emails...just us! We both feel so fortunate everyday and are sure to tell each other as often as we can. I look forward to all our future adventures...including closing on our first home (more on that later). Did you tell your partner you loved them today?! Don't forget...it never gets old :)

PS. A very happy anniversary to my date twins -- Mr. & Mrs. Corn and Mr. & Mrs. Emerald!!

Connecticut Wedding

2008-08-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Mr. Onion and I attended his cousin's wedding at Wickham Park, a beautiful venue in CT. You might remember them from their engagement photos or their fan-freakin'-tastic save-the-date.

This couple is what people mean when they say "made for each other!" Yes, that is the cake being cut with a battle-ready, high carbon steel, full tang replica of Uma Thurman's Hatori Hanzo sword from "Kill Bill". One of my favorite personal touches of the evening.

I'll share with you some beautiful photos of moments that as a guest, we didn't get to share. The bride and groom getting ready and one of the coolest most hard-core bridesmaid gifts I've ever seen!

The bride's beautiful gown.

Happily putting on the gown.

The detail of the back was the best part!

How romantic and old Hollywood classic is this photo?!

The groom looking very handsome.

The rings.

The bride made her bridesmaids these awesome “strap-on” knives - so Laura Croft! Also note: The music to introduce the parents was the Star Wars theme. The music to introduce the wedding party was the theme from "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly". And the bride and groom entered to the tune of "The Anvil of Crom". So freakin' cool.

Husband and wife!! The highlight of the entire wedding for me was their vows which they wrote themselves and didn't share with each other prior to the ceremony. They were so personal (but not so insider that we all couldn't feel a part of the experience), funny, touching and true to their feelings. The most amazing thing is how they really mirrored each other.

The bride went first and one of her vows was to always make him iced tea and cookies (his two favorite things). She talked about their first meeting and conversation and how she knew he was someone she wanted to know everything about. Then it was the grooms turn and he began with "You know how much I loved iced tea and cookies..." and on and on about all the things he loved almost all of which she'd mentioned..."well I love you more than all of those things combined." I laughed and cried right along with them and their 15 minute ceremony was over in a flash.

One of my favorite photos -- it really captures the beauty of the day.

See more professional photos on their talented photographer's blog. Victoria Souza Photography is a husband and wife team just like our photographers! They worked so well together and the result was just lovely.

For those of you looking for a beautiful outdoor ceremony/reception location, here are a few photos of Wickham Park before the ceremony began...just stunning!

And one non-pro photo of the happy couple taken by my cousin-in-law (Mr. Onion's cousin's wife).

More photos of us at the wedding to come when I can get them off my mother's camera which I had to borrow because I forgot ours in NY. Also, Mr. Onion's brother got some great shots of the wedding and of us all gussied up!

Congratulations to you both!! I couldn't be happier to have you as cousins-in-law!

Location: Wickham Park, Manchester, CT
Photographer: Victoria Souza
Hair: Keri Shea
DJ: After Hours DJ Entertainment

Ben & Jerry's for the bride & groom!

2008-08-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Mrs. Onion. You may have forgotten me...I was married last September and I am JUST now finishing my re-cap. Forgive me (hangs head in shame).

I love Ben & Jerry's ice cream and when I realized there was a Ben & Jerry's scoop shop directly across from our reception restaurant I knew I had to have an ice cream cone with Mr. Onion on our wedding day. I was so set on this idea that I had the smallest bite of our oh so delicious wedding cake (which killed me) so I could have room for ice cream.

Walking the few steps to the scoop shop.

Waiting in line -- it was so strange that no one seemed to notice I was a bride. I guess it's Burlington so they are soooo used to seeing brides that they don't look twice. However, one family behind us finally asked (only when they saw two photographers), "Are you a bride?" to which I smiled and said "YES! We got married this afternoon." The father said "Oh, if I'd known, I would have gotten you a present!" Only in VT. I half expected him to offer to buy my ice cream, but no such luck.

And here is the photo I promised. This is my "WHAT? No coffee heath bar crunch?! What is a girl to do??" face.

Mr. Onion points out there is mint chocolate chunk and harmony is restored.

Then we notice Mr. Onion's best friend/groomsman saw we slipped out of the reception and wanted to know what was going on so he followed us!

More cuteness...

I'm not sure what warented the hand on the hip anymore, but I'm sure Mr. Onion was teasing me about something.

I love him enough to share...

This is my favorite of this series and it will totally end up framed!

On our way back to the restaurant we ran into my mother and two family friends who hadn't gotten a chance to see my wedding ring and engagement ring together yet.

Taking advantage of the street lamp and empty street on the Church Street Marketplace.

And Daria walked us back to the restuarnt before she and Andy headed home to releave the babysitter.

[This concludes the professional photos re-cap.]

Up next...the after party and how Mrs. Onion wasn't allowed into a pub as the bouncer didn't think she was legal!!

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
Reception: Adrianas Restaurant (sadly they closed a few months after our wedding).

Sharing the Joy!

2008-07-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

I love photography and my favorite photographs are of people. When I was in high school I took 3 years of photography classes, independent studies and spent extra time on Saturday after class in the dark room. It was with that passion that I decided on our own photographer, Daria Bishop, and it is with similar passion that Mr. Onion's cousin and his sweet fiance picked their photographer, Victoria Souza.

The bride and groom are getting married in Connecticut in August and I just had to share some of their engagement photos. Vickie captured their personalities so well and I've never seen an engagement session where there are so many sweet photos as well as seriously steamy photos.

A la Mr. & Mrs. Onion, no?!

See?

So sweet - you just feel calm and sigh when you see this photo.

A subtle ring shot.

Click to enlarge this one to see the tree -- such great light too.

I'm so happy for them and I can't wait to share in their wedding day next month. Congratulations you guys!!

Vicki and Daria have something in common -- their partner in crime is also their partner in life. Both team shoot with their husbands!

See the rest of the photos on Victoria's blog. She shoots in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New England, as well as the United States and International Destinations. Check out her website victoriasouza.com for more eye candy.

Lobster, Steak and Cake!

2008-06-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

First, let me say I'm sorry for taking so long to finish my wedding re-cap. Now that I think of it, I realize I never finished my honeymoon re-cap either. Still a few good posts in this old bee, but this is my busiest season at work and I've been swamped. So, now back to our regularly scheduled re-cap!

Mmmm...three of my favorite things! After the toasts, the sun began to set and our guests enjoyed their meal.

(we took over the second floor for the evening)

We arranged with the restaurant to offer four menu choices. This is one of the perks of hosting your reception at a restaurant -- they do this every day and can be more accommodating about choices.

Sautéed Statler Chicken Breast
Mushroom Trio, Prosciutto, Green Olives, Sherry, Herbed Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Beef Tenderloin
Lobster Béarnaise Sauce, Roasted Ratatouille and Saffron Mashed Potatoes

Exotic Mushroom Ragout
Served over Crisp Mascarpone Polenta Cake and Sautéed Spinach
Paella
Lobster, Shrimp, Mussels, Chicken, Chorizo, Bell Peppers, Peas & Rice with a Tapenade Aioli

I don't have pictures of the other two dishes, but our guests really enjoyed all the options. I had the steak with lobster claw -- mmm. I didn't finish only because I was leaving room for what came next.

People ate...(wasn't the glow of the candles and low light lovely?)

They laughed...

They enjoyed each other's company...

They checked their email?!

After dinner it was time to cut our beautiful wedding cake.

This is something that you don't think about in advance and is much harder than you'd think! I made sure the servers had a plate, two forks and a knife waiting for us, there was no fondant to cut through (it was smooth yummy butter cream) and STILL it was a challenge.

I took the lead here and cute a really small sad little piece, but with everyone watching I didn't think I should try again.

But we got enough to share a bite and a sweet kiss.

And then Mr. Onion thought his job was done and he made off with the cake and left me holding an empty fork! Everyone died laughing, including me....I guess he didn't know how this was supposed to play out! At lease he didn't smash it in my face (we were very clear about this prior to the cake cutting - NO CAKE IN THE FACE)!

Up next...a trip to Ben & Jerry's and see Mrs. Onion's "What, no coffee heath bar crunch?!?!" face!

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
Wedding Cake: Mirabelles Cafe
Marzipan Pears: Marzipanworld.com
Reception: Adrianas Restaurant (sadly they closed a few months after our wedding).

What's in your spouse's wallet?

2008-06-12T08:15:00.000-07:00

According to an article on CNNMoney.com, a growing body of research shows that married couples are astonishingly clueless about many aspects of their financial life together. In a recent poll, four out of five respondents revealed that they hide purchases from the one they love. A marraige is not just about love, it's about partnership and all that involves.

Your spouse's money secrets: They ask couples point blank just how much they know about each other's money. See the video here.

The solution -- talk to each other. The topics the article suggests you discuss are:
1) All sources of income -- not just base salary.
2) Savings and investments -- do you know exactly what the other has?
3) Any debts or obligations -- this is a big one in long term financial planning.

Read the full article here and get talking!

How much do you know about your fiance's finances? I'd encourage you to have the "money talk" before you get married. If you're already married, how much do you know about each other's fiances?

The Onion Slideshow

2008-06-10T18:50:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Penguin's recent post "The Penguin Slideshow," reminded me that I never posted about our slideshow.

I seem to have taken on the role of family historian since my 8th grade genealogy project. I carefully stored all my families historic photos, interviewed my fathers great aunts (who have all since passed away) and soaked up as much as I could. When Mr. Onion and I got engaged I started asking his mother questions about their family history and a few weeks before the wedding I asked her if I could go through her photo collection.

Naturally I wanted to share some of this history with our friends and family at the wedding where we would be starting our own chapter of our families history.

We started making the slideshow in Microsoft Photo Story, but with all the time it took to scan the photos, organize them, etc., we found ourselves at my parents house the weekend before the wedding and it still wasn't finished! My mother has an iMac at work, so we decide to use iPhoto to create the slideshow. The music is a Bill Evans piano version of the song my friend sang at the ceremony - "There is no greater love."

Nine months later I finally made the time to upload the video (it was 654MB and literally took me all day), so I hope you enjoy! It's about 12 minutes long, so I don't expect you to watch the entire thing (there is only so much Onion cuteness necessary), but if you're planning on making a slideshow of your own, I hope this is helpful. I, like Mrs. Penguin, gave up at the end, so forgive the abrupt ending.

The video is in chronological order and goes back and forth between my photos and his, ending with photos of us together. We began with my historic family photos, my parents wedding, then Mr. Onion's family photos and his parents wedding, then my childhood photos, and his childhood photos, then photos of us with our family and friends (we included a photo of everyone who attended the wedding -- not an easy task, but easier because there were only 43 guests), and ended with the obligatory couple photos of our courtship and finally finished with our engagement photos.

We played the slideshow on the TV above the bar at the restaurant as people enjoyed their cake. I decided to narrate a little so people would know who people in the photos were. In the end I'm really glad that we took the time to put this together and I think everyone really enjoyed it.

See? Smiles and enjoyment! It was a great way to wind down the reception.

Are you planning on presenting a photo slideshow for your guests? Any reviews of other programs that could be used for those who haven't started this project yet?

If you are married and have done this, did you learn anything about your family history or your fiance's in the process? Anyone as interested in family genealogy as I am?!

It's all in the details...

2008-06-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, be honest. Do you notice the little details when you attend a wedding as a guest? Did you before you were engaged and planning your own wedding? I know I didn't notice pre-engagement. However, that didn't stop me from putting thought and energy into the little things that made our wedding day special. So, without further ado, bring on the details.

Mr. Onion's beautiful tie and belt were gifts from his best friend/GM. The tie was purchased in London and the custom belt was purchased in Spain. The lengths he went to make sure Mr. Onion looked his best on his wedding day! We realized Mr. Onion didn't own cufflinks so we asked my father to borrow a pair -- can you believe he just happened to have purple cufflinks that went so well??

I had my grandmother's pin converted to a hair comb for the wedding. I miss her every day and I was so happy to have her with me this way.

Mr. Onion had a custom suit and shirt made from Alan David Custom in NYC. His initials appear on the bottom of his shirt and on the inside of his jacket.

This is a photo of our wedding rings (on the right of the image -- look closely). Mr. Onion and I both had our rings custom made by a jeweler in Connecticut. In this photo you can see that the inside of Mr. Onion's ring is yellow gold while the outside is platinum. Another hidden detail.

Every bride searches for the perfect shoes. In my case, as my dress was tea length, it was even more important to me that my shoes be perfect as everyone would see them.

My dress didn't have working buttons -- the top of my dress had a zipper and had decorative buttons. Because I wanted to be sure no one could see the zipper I had Mark Ingram's seamstress remove all the buttons and put them back on the other side of the zipper so the weight of the buttons didn't weigh the fabric down and make the zipper visible. Talk about details!

Throughout the planning process I had an amazing experience with my florist. How beautiful is my bouquet? I know all brides must think their bouquet is the loveliest, but this really was perfect for me.

Photos like this make you realize how important a quality manicure is for your wedding day! I had my nails done at Dish Beauty Lounge & Spa on the Church Street Marketplace the day before the wedding.

I was really pleased with how my DIY paper projects came out. Here is our ceremeony program which I laid out in Publisher. The page didn't fold flush allowing the pattern that appeared on our invitations to peek out.

Back to our flowers for a moment. Not that this was an original idea (I was inspired by a Martha Stewart Weddings issue), but I really like how the pew decorations came out. Best part? They were repurposed as cocktail hour table decorations.

And here the pew decorations are in action along with our wish bowl, wish bowl directions card, BM bouquets etc.

MMmmm cake! Our cake was not only beautiful to look at, but it was sooo yummy. My mother's biggest regret is that she didn't get to taste both flavors. I even had marzipan (Mr. Onion's favorite) shaped like pears flown in from Italy via www.marzipanworld.com.

Our favor boxes were sealed with sage green ribbon and monogram stickers from Creative Montage.

We used two different monograms to keep things interesting, and why not?!

We used another monogram at the top of our wedding menus. Pictured is a menu and a lavender bundle which acted as a place card.

On the lavender bundles were tied mini moo cards with a series of engagement photos on one side and the guests name on the other.

To continue with the lavender we had dried lavender sprinkled around candles on each table.

Like many couples, we decided to display wedding photos of our grandparents.

My mother had pearl shoe clips made to go with her green pearl necklace. I thought it was a really nice touch and brought the outfit together.

Immediately after our first dance Moscato was passed for a toast. This was the wine we were drinking the night Mr. Onion and I first kissed.

Inside our favor boxes were three, melt in your mouth, delicious, hand made maple sugar candies.

Our florist had three vases with water waiting when we arrived at the reception for each bridesmaid to place her bouquet. It kept them fresh and it was more re-purposing making our flowers major bang for the buck!

Up next...the reception continues -- cake cutting and a trip to Ben & Jerry's!

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
My Shoes: Cynthia Rowley Trilogy
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
Wedding Cake: Mirabelles Cafe
Monograms: Creative Montage. Mouse over "Standard Monograms" and you'll see our menu!! So fun.

Join the Bees for SATC!

2008-05-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

This Sunday morning, June 1st, Mrs. Bee, Miss Lovebird and I are going to see the much anticipated and long awaited movie -- Sex and the City.

We're sorry the picnic got rained out, but would love to meet some of you. After the movie we're planning on getting a cupcake (or in my case banana pudding) at Magnolia's -- YUM.

If any New York area readers would like to join us please email onion@weddingbee.com and I'll let you know the time and place.

Here are some interviews with the cast to get you excited:

The best toast ever....

2008-05-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

After our first dance we were served our first course and the toasts began. For a very small wedding we had a number of people speak. All three of our groomsmen (Mr. Onion's brother, father and best friend) all spoke as did two of my bridesmaid's and my brother. But these are the things that make a celebration special. No one took too long and it was great for our guests to hear a little bit about us that they might not have known.

This is one of my favorite photos of the evening -- we are both so happy and are toasting with my bridesmaid who gave two toasts -- one quick and unplanned reading of our apache blessing that wasn't able to be heard due to fire engine sirens, and then her real toast later in the evening.

I love this photo of our family and friends raising their glasses to us. On the left is a dear family friend who has known me for 12 years with his youngest son and next to him is my mom. She looks so touched (and she is pretty sarcastic, so for her to be moved, it takes a lot)!

Our photographers caught us at the end of the bar (yes, the bride and groom sat at the end of a bar) in a sweet moment during a toast.

Mr. Onion's father gave a very short but very heartfelt and well spoken toast -- he is not comfortable with public speaking and he was quite nervous, so for him to get up and do this was really meaningful to us both.

Friends clapping during a toast.

My best friend (since we were 5 years old), known me better than almost anyone. She told a story to illustrate the kind of friend I am. It was so personal and she made everyone understand our friendship. She actually went to high school with Mr. Onion so she knew us both separately and together -- she basically said we were both so much better together!

Mr. Onion's father clapping for the toast.

And a sweet moment after her toast for both of us.

The second bridesmaid gave her second toast which was about the first day she met Mr. Onion (2+ years before we started dating Mr. Onion helped me move out of my first NYC apartment and my bridesmaid came to help) and how her friends with both of us has grown over the years. She is very animated and very articulate -- it was great.

But then it was Mr. Onion's brother's turn...and seriously, this was the BEST wedding toast I've ever heard. He began by reading an email I had sent him...or at least that is what he led all our guests (and me for almost two minutes) to believe. It was a made-up letter and it just got funnier. He had notes, but so much of it seemed to just flow that it will never be recreated. I wished our videographer had still be there but it was PRICELESS.

Mr. Onion and I laughing at said toast.

My brother DYING it was so funny...see what I mean? Priceless people.

Taking a little bow in our direction.

And finally surviving without being killed by the bride!

Note pictured were Mr. Onion's best friend's toast -- which was the story of the night we first kissed after consuming many glasses of wine at his house and my brother's toast -- which was a quick tale of his childhood friendship with Mr. Onion's (lots of connections with our group of loved ones) and how happy he was for us both.

Pottery Barn Clearance

2008-05-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

Such cute things on clearance at Pottery Barn. Mr. Onion and I bought a beautiful bench that should arrive tomorrow (sadly not on sale) that we'll be using as a coffee table/extra seating for guests.

The larger bench

But in the fun red finish

Now onto the fabulous clearance items for your wedding needs:

Great groomsmen gifts! Mini travel Bar Set, WAS $59.00, SALE $14.99

A miniature bar fits into the three tiers of this handcrafted leather case. The mini bar includes fine stainless-steel accessories, such as two flasks, two shot glasses, one ice tong and one stirrer.

More groom or groomsmen gifts. Emmett Boxes, WAS $39.00- $49.00 SALE $12.99- $16.99

Encase your best accessories in boxes that unite contrasting materials. On the outside, a deep espresso hand-finished, wood base is topped with a glass or silver-plated lid. The inside is lined entirely with linen. Rectangle available with a choice of lids: silver plated or glass with a silver-plated frame. Square box has a silver-plated lid. All lids are engravable.

I got Mr. Onion something similar for Christmas and he loves it. For the groom/groomsman who is too cool for school -- Colby Leather Sunglass Valet.
WAS $59.00, SALE $29.99

Stay organized with our pebbled leather sunglass holder. The sunglass holder has two closed and five open compartments for storing essentials like sunglasses, car keys and a cell phone. Lined with matching faux suede. Valet may be monogrammed with up to 3 initials for an additional charge to make a personalized gift. 15 x 13 x 2" h

For lovely light -- AND it can be used post wedding in your home.
Turned Sphere Pillar Holders WAS $34.00, SALE $14.99

The turned-wood columns in our new Turned Sphere Pillar Holders exhibit pleasing variations of thick and thin and hold 3" or 4" diameter pillar candles.

See all SALE items here. Happy Shopping.

First Dance...

2008-05-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

After our cocktail hour was over we headed upstairs to the second floor of the restuarant where we hosted our reception.

Mr. Onion's brother and one of my bridesmaids introduced us for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Onion.

Then we immediately had our first dance to the Louis Armstrong version of "Kiss to build a dream on" -- it had to be jazz!

Check out what my best friend likes to call "dance face" -- that's right! I cracked up when I saw this photo.

This is as fancy as our moves got -- we didn't take lessons as we didn't want pressure. We didn't even think we would have a first dance and decided about 2 weeks before the wedding to just go for it. We kept it simple and chose a very meaningful (but short) song and had fun.

Yay! So happy :)

At the end of the dance everyone raised their glasses for a sweet toast by my bridesmaid. Because the end of our ceremony was inturupted by fire engine sirens, she sweetly re-read our Apache Blessing that was supposed to end the ceremony.

Next up...toasts and the reception continues.

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
Flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: Adrianas Restaurant, and the Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Shoes: Cynthia Rowley Trilogy
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
GM Suits: Dante Zellar, NYC
Bridesmaids Dresses: Any Taylor Celebration Collection

Ellen DeGeneres Getting Married!

2008-05-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

As Miss Miss Gingerbread shared with us, same-sex couples now have the right to get married in California. I know that Mrs. Blueberry already shared the rumor that Ellen DeGeneres was getting married, but I wanted to share, if you haven't heard already, that Ellen formally announced her engagement to long time girlfriend, Portia de Rossi.

Hooray for them! She shares this with her audience and gets teary -- it's so sweet! I wish them a wonderful celebration and many many years of love, health and happiness.

Cocktail Hour and a Clown...

2008-04-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

After our walk up the marketplace from the church to our reception, all our guests were greeted by Amaretto Sours. Our cocktail hour was held outside on the patio in front of the restaurant. Our guitarist, Brendan Burns, was there to set the mood playing wonderful jazz standards and people really began to enjoy the party.

Mr. Onion and I steal a quick kiss as we enjoy our drink.

Mr. Onion's best friend/GM with my mom. They have known each other for almost 15 years since he began volunteering for her non-profit. He still volunteers his time each summer.

Here he is again taking some photos downstairs while Daria and Andy were upstairs capturing the tables, flowers, favors etc.

MIL Onion enjoying herself. Isn't she lovely??

Mr. Onion smiles for a photo with our friend from Curacao (left) and his brother (right). They were the life of the party!

Guests enjoying the weather and each other's company.

Me with my "aunt" -- she and her husband have been friends with my parents for 35+ years and have always been like family to me.

Look how relaxed and happy I was! I felt like this all day.

Another one of our "photographers." We have so many loved ones who are avid photographers and they all brought their cameras! We were blessed to have so many different perspectives from the day.

My mother had pearl clips made to match her earrings and necklace. I thought she looked very classy.

The day of our wedding their was a Market Festival in the center of Burlington and so we headed down the block for a few minutes to watch a clown and our photographer followed us.

He asked for some audience participation and this cute little boy volunteered.

We were dying laughing he was so funny.

I didn't realize it until we got down there, but my mother had brought our flower girl down to see the show too. Her expression is priceless!

I love the urban feeling and the energy of these photos.

Look to the left and you'll see our videographer, Wes Jones.

One of my BM's came to tell us it was time to head upstairs for the reception. Look how sweet -- our flower girl was running up behind us. Again, I didn't realize until I saw this photo.

Next up...our first dance and the reception begins.

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: Adrianas Restaurant, and the Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Shoes: Cynthia Rowley Trilogy
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
GM Suits: Dante Zellar, NYC

Product of the Day

2008-04-21T06:36:00.001-07:00

Sugar Lip Treatment by Fresh is one of my favorite skin care products. I was first introduced to Fresh from their perfume (which I wore on my wedding day). Some girls wear many different perfumes -- I wear one every day, and that is Fresh Sugar.

Then I saw they had a Sugar Body Scrub and I was so excited.

Here is a description from the Fresh website:
-- features precious evening primrose, sweet almond, apricot kernel and jojoba oils
-- therapeutic extracts include anti-inflammatory arnica and calendula, stimulating ginseng and peppermint and calming passionflower and white lily
-- balancing array of citrus oils brighten and tone skin and add an aromatherapeutic dimension

It is a little more money that I'd want to spend on myself and with all the wedding expenses I passed it up. Yesterday I got together with one of my bridesmaids who surprised me with a gift of Sugar Body Scrub! I can't wait to use it and I'll be sure to report back. I'm sure this would make a lovely addition to a bridesmaid gift or as a shower host thank you.

You can even get it in "on the go" sizes as a more cost effective shower favor, or to add to bridesmaid gifts!

I know that Sephora carries many of their products, and you can also visit a Fresh store in NYC, Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco etc., or go to the Fresh website.

What are your "must have" treatments?

The Walk Up The Marketplace

2008-04-04T18:48:00.000-07:00

After we had a little time with our friends and family outside the church, we led a processional of all our guests up the Church Street Marketplace. Fun fact: downtown Burlington, VT was designed by the same people who designed downtown Boulder, CO (known as Pearl Street Mall).

You can see video footage of the walk up the marketplace taken by a friend in a previous post. It was actually less than 400 feet from the church to the restaurant!

At the end of our short stroll we arrived at our reception location.

We had our cocktail hour downstairs on their "patio" and then moved upstairs for our dinner reception.

In the center of the patio was a table for our wish bowl and card box. We also rested the bridesmaid's bouquets and my bouquet on the table which added to the decor. Does the galvanized tin full of white tulips and purple tissue paper look familiar? Yup, those were our pew decorations from the ceremony!

I printed a tent card (placed flat so it didn't blow away) with one of our lovely Creative Montage monograms explaining the wish bowl inviting guests to write a note, wish, memory or thought for us and to place it in the bowl.

This lovely card box which I purchased for under $10 at a home goods store now holds all our wedding memories -- a few of our invitations, programs, CD's with photos, our video DVD, wish cards etc.

A sample of the yummy cocktail hour food I ate hardly any of as there was so much going on! I did have one piece of this chicken though.

Early on during our cocktail hour our wonderful florist, Dana Barrow, who runs her own company, scooted by with a box of flowers that she had picked up from the church and was bringing upstairs to finish the reception tables (all of our ceremony flowers were used again at the reception -- great money saver if you can manage it)!

We were so thrilled to run into her and ran upstairs with her to see the reception space all set up.

We had a few moments to chat with her and thank her for all her hard work. I would HIGHLY recommend all couples take a few moments to look at their reception space before everyone else enters so you can really take in all your hard work. Once people start arriving you won't have a chance to really take this all in.

Next time...back to the cocktail hour and a clown juggling swords!

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: Adrianas Restaurant, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Shoes: Cynthia Rowley Trilogy
My Veil: Two tier elbow length from Rose's Bridal, NYC
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
Monograms: Creative Montage

Our Wedding Album

2008-03-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

Like Mrs. Bee, we haven't ordered our wedding photo album yet. We were married almost 7 months ago and for the last few months our 1900+ photo proofs have been sitting our our sideboard waiting for me to prioritize them.

Daria and Andy Bishop provided us with our proof prints in these nice black archival photo boxes.

There are five of them FULL of lovely proofs. But how do I narrow down almost 2000 photos to 100 or so for our album? I keep thinking I'll tackle the task over the weekend.

And then the weekend comes and goes....

And here our proofs sit. (I have to admit I dusted them before I took these photos.)

We have started talking with our photographers about a lovely matted Queensbury album (photo sample from www.queensberry.com).

I am very excited to get the ball rolling. Because the album wasn't included in our package I think we've put it off a bit as it will be an expense we'll have to budget for now. I think a beautiful archival quality wedding album will be something our children and their children will cherish. I know I'm thrilled to have old photos of my family -- it gives me a real sense of history and belonging.

I'd love to here your thoughts. Were you quicker to get working on your wedding album if it was included in your photography package?

And a little poll...If you are already married have you made your wedding album yet?

Yes
or
No

We did it!

2008-03-23T23:09:00.000-07:00

After we came down the isle as husband and wife we had an impromptu receiving line. We didn't plan a formal receiving line, but as our guests came out of the church they stopped to hug and congratulate us.

We had a few moments before everyone made it outside so we enjoyed some time together.

I **love love love** this photo. The sheer joy on both our faces tells you everything about how we felt!

I happily took notice of Mr. Onion's wedding ring on his hand now that it was official! I love that our photographer caught this behind the pillar on the church steps -- such a great perspective.

Meanwhile, one of my bridesmaids had an emotional moment. Apparently she was tearing up all the way down the isle after the ceremony.

And here another bridesmaid is comforting the crying one!

No tears from FIL Onion! He had this joyful smile on the entire day. What a wonderful energy and spirit he has. He was so happy for Mr. Onion -- as I've mentioned before, they have a wonderful relationship.

And now...bring on the love from the wedding party!

I love the editorial feel and textures of this photo -- the energy of everything as it's unfolding. From right to left...you can see Mr. Onion's brother giving him a great big hug, one bridesmaid waiting patiently to congratulate me looking right at the camera, our flower girl being a polite young lady waiting her turn too, another bridesmaid sharing a moment with me and the stunning light from the beautiful late afternoon sunshine.

In our wedding program we asked our guests to all gather together outside the church and wait for us to walk together to the restaurant. This also allowed us to take a group photo outside the church. Here we are gathering and getting ready for the group photo.

A few different takes on the group photo! I'm really happy to have all of our friends and family in one shot -- easier to do when you only have 45 people there!

After the group photo Mr. Onion and I took a moment on the church steps.

And while that was happening, some of our male guests headed up the church tower to ring the bell!! I had no idea they had done this until I saw this photo.

Up next...the group processional up the Church Street Marketplace.

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: First Congregational Church, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Shoes: Cynthia Rowley Trilogy
My Veil: Two tier elbow length from Rose's Bridal, NYC
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
BM Dresses: Ann Taylor Celebrations Collection

Onto the the vows and more!

2008-03-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

After our readings and lovely song came the rest of the ceremony. Our minister gave a declaration of intention about what marriage means, then she asked our family and friends for a pledge of support -- to support us and share with us...and to babysit someday! It got a laugh for sure. Then it was on to the vows.

First it was Mr. Onion's turn. He was so calm and eloquent (yes we read them from a paper our minister had for us -- we didn't want to add memorizing them to the mix of nerves).

Then it was my turn. Mr. Onion and I and read the same vows to each other and worked hard on making them our own. Remember when I said everyone cried except the bride...well that was true until the very end of the vows. When I got to "I give you my hand, my heart and my love from this day forward for as long as we both shall live," I got a little teary but it was really sweet.

Next up, the ring exchange. First Mr. Onion placed my ring on my finger.

Remember, my 2 3/4 size finger?!

And then it was Mr. Onion's turn. At this point I couldn't believe how fast the ceremony was going -- I was so happy to be there!

After the ring exchange we had another musical interlude. This time solo guitar by Brendan Burns that he learned just for us "Better Together," by Jack Johnson.

And our youngest attendee was keeping himself occupied during the song! I love that our photographer caught this moment.

Our minister was so open to our ideas for the ceremony. One of the personal touches we added was a hand ceremony which was a wonderful. I got to hold Mr. Onion's hands (nice to connect after looking at each other all that time) as she read.

I just loved this part of the ceremony -- here is the last phrase of the hand ceremony: "And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.”

And finally, "You may now kiss the bride!"

Hooray! Look how happy we are!!

This was hilarious! The last part of the ceremony was an apache blessing. While our minister was trying to read there began a serious of fire engine sirens. She got through it -- then immediately there was another round so loud you could hardly hear her. What a great way to lighten the mood -- as you can see I was dying laughing.

And off we go to greet our friends and family outside the church.

Stay tuned for the hugs, smiles and walk up the Church Street Marketplace with all our guests!

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: First Congregational Church, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Veil: Two tier elbow length from Rose's Bridal, NYC
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
BM Dresses: Ann Taylor Celebrations Collection

Our 1 year anniversary...

2008-03-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, you're thinking, "Mrs. Onion...didn't you just get married?" Why yes I did -- just six months ago. So why am I talking about our 1 year anniversary already (other than I'm excited to eat our cake that has been safely in MIL Onion's freezer since September)? Yesterday I got an email from the manager at the Willard Street Inn where we stayed for the weekend of the wedding.

She was writing to tell me there was a picture of me and Mr. Onion in the Spring/Summer issue of Vermont Vows taken by our wonderful photographer, Daria Bishop. From what she described I think it was the picture above. Exciting, no?!

Anyway, I thought it would be romantic to spend our first wedding anniversary back in Burlington, VT at the inn so I asked how quickly she thought they'd be full. It turns out they only have 4 (of their total 14) rooms left six months in advance!! So I asked Mr. Onion what he thought when he got home and he said "book it!"

The room where we stayed for the weekend of our wedding was already booked, but an equally lovely room, the Nantucket, was free so we snapped it up!

One of the Inn's largest rooms features a gas fireplace with antique mosaic tile and original wood floors. The king-size carved mahogany four poster bed has a quilted bedspread, soft comforter and matching pillows. Blue & white wallpaper, light sconces, antique chest of drawers and stuffed armchair, plus three large windows give this spacious room its finishing touches. Large private tiled bathroom with both an antique bathtub and separate shower.

So all last night I was excited at the thought of going back to Vermont -- breakfast at the inn, lunch at Penny Cluse Cafe (a must if you've never been), dinner at Leunig's Bistro...sadly the restaurant where we hosted our reception has since closed, strolling down the Church Street Marketplace.... Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Now all I have to do is wait 6 more months :)

The Ceremony Continues

2008-03-07T18:03:00.000-08:00

After I had my big walk down the isle our minister began by welcoming all our guests. After her introduction we had both of our mothers do a reading.

I love that I'm just grinning at Mr. Onion here. I was so excited.

Mr. Onion's mom read "Marriage Advice From 1886," by Jane Wells

Then my mom read "Tin Wedding Whistle," By Ogden Nash, which was a reading at my parents wedding and she was so excited to read it at ours. She got almost to the end but when she read, "Let none, not even you, disparage, such a valid reason for a marriage," she looked at me and got a little teary.

My girls look on as my mother reads "Tin Wedding Whistle."

My mother trying to pull it together after her reading. It was too early in the ceremony for me to cry, so I tried not to look at her or I would have.

Mrs. Onion tried to pay attention to our minister's homily, but all she can do is gaze at Mr. Onion.

Mr. Onion doing a much better job paying attention to our minister.

I love this photos -- Daria and Andy were always looking for the unique angle or look at the day.

Mr. Onion's mother and brother's girlfriend looking on.

After the homily a wonderful friend of ours, Nicole Zuraitis, sang a beautiful song with our guitarist, Brendan Burns -- "There is No Greater Love," by Isham Jones and Marty Symes.

See a video and see the lyrics in my post "There is No Greater Love." (Note: Nicole will have her jazz festival debut this summer at the Litchfield Jazz Festival in Connecticut on Saturday, August 2 -- I'm SO excited for her).

Mr. Onion looking at me sweetly while Nicole sings. This is also a nice shot of my hair through the veil if you click to enlarge.

More sweet glances from Mr. Onion, this time in black and white.

OK, how cute is our flower girl?? I love the little bow in her hair that her mom picked out and her Ann Taylor sash bow. Notice she is holding her tulip bouquet AND my bouquet. What a sweetie -- it was heavy!

A big grin at my mother, still during the song.

Up next...the vows, more music and the kiss!

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: First Congregational Church, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Veil: Two tier elbow length from Rose's Bridal, NYC
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
BM Dresses: Ann Taylor Celebrations Collection

Signature Drinks

2008-03-03T22:32:00.000-08:00

A great way to add a personal touch to your reception is to have a signature drink. When we started planning I did a bit of looking for inspiration and found this lavender champagne on MarthaStewart.com.

Ingredients, Makes 16
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon dried lavender
4 bottles (750 mL each) dry Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled
Fresh lavender sprigs, for garnish

Directions
Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Stir in dried lavender. Remove from heat. Let cool completely. Strain out lavender. Refrigerate syrup until ready to serve (up to 1 month).
Pour about 6 ounces Champagne and 1 1/2 teaspoons syrup into each flute. Garnish each with a lavender sprig.

From MarthaStewart.com.

Lavender is something we integrated into our reception as our place cards so I thought it would be a nice touch. Photo by Daria Bishop and lavender bundle by Fresh Floral Design Studio.

Because Mr. Onion doesn't love champagne, we decided instead to go with an Amaretto Sour. This is a a drink Mr. Onion introduced me to and I just love. I'm a bit of a lightweight when it comes to alcohol and this is one of the few drinks I could ever order at a bar or restaurant because it was never very strong. They were so refreshing and our guests loved being greeted by servers passing trays of the yummy drinks. Here we are stealing a kiss and holding our Amaretto Sours!

Ingredients, Makes 16
24 oz amaretto almond liqueur
24 splashes sweet and sour mix

Directions
Pour the amaretto liqueur into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes. Add a splash or two of sweet and sour mix, and shake well. Strain or pour into an old-fashioned glass, garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange, and serve.

Another way to go about it is to be inspired by a color or by a particular style of drink you love. Love Martini's? Check out Martiniart.com.

I've seen some wonderful ideas for outdoor summer weddings -- lemonade and ice tea as guests are waiting for the ceremony to begin. I would feel so well taken care of as a guest to be offered something cool to drink.

What signature drink are you planning on serving? Will they be served at the cocktail hour or before the ceremony?

Here Comes the Bride

2008-03-03T22:01:00.000-08:00

After the the processional began it was my turn to walk down the isle with my dad. I know this moment is one of the highlights for most brides, but I wish it had gone a little slower. I wanted to take it all in and meet the eyes of our friends and family. It felt very surreal and almost like I was watching a movie (sort of an out of body experience). It wasn't until I was almost down the isle that it really clicked that it wasn't practice -- this was IT. I even bumped into one of our pew decorations on my way to Mr. Onion!

So happy (this was RIGHT before I bumped into the flower tin on the pew end)! The things you notice -- Mr. Onion said he had no idea.

Andy was shooting upstairs while Daria was downstairs. Check out the paparazzi -- between our family and friend and our professional photographer (Daria) and videographer (Wes) -- we had it covered. The funny thing is I was mostly unaware of any of the cameras, I was just a little nervous that everyone was focused on me.

This is funny -- when I got to the alter I forgot I was supposed to kiss my father so there was an awkward pause which felt like much longer than I'm sure it was.

Then our wonderful minister whispered "you can kiss your father goodbye."

As I mentioned, while Daria was downstairs, Andy was upstairs. Great perspective and nice shot of our white and purple tulips decorating the church.

This photo is cool, but almost looks like no one showed up for our wedding! The church was really large and of our 45 people in attendance, nine of us were standing up front, so it made it look even smaller.

This is a great depth of field shot (for those photography geeks out there) -- tulips in the foreground and the bride and groom out of focus in the background.

It really was such a bright and beautiful church.

And the ceremony begins...

Next up...the ceremony continues with readings, a song or two and a tear or two!

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: First Congregational Church, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Veil: Two tier elbow length from Rose's Bridal, NYC
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
BM Dresses: Ann Taylor Celebrations Collection
GM Suits: Rental from Dante Zellar

The Ceremony Begins

2008-02-28T12:53:00.000-08:00

After we finished our family and wedding party photos we headed to the church and waited for the ceremony to begin!

As the wedding party was gathering in the entry way of the church, I stood by the door and had one last moment to myself to take it all in. I love this photo as you can see my flower girl on the left -- she was so cute all day and just wanted to be with me. I didn't even know she was standing there until I saw this photo.

The processional began with Mr. Onion's father (one of our groomsmen) escorting Mr. Onion's mother down the isle.

Next up was my brother escorting my mother down the isle. The light in the church was so beautiful -- I felt so lucky to have such a cheery place to be married. Note: If you click to enlarge you'll see our other two groomsmen (Mr. Onion's brother and best friend) making their way down the outside isle -- I guess they weren't sure when they were supposed to enter. So much for the rehearsal, right?

Meanwhile, my father and flower girl and I patiently waited in the church entry way. She was so excited and had a smile on her face the entire time!

I love this photo -- you can see my giving my dad the "OK, are you ready?," look! I bought him a beautiful pink Valentino tie to wear on the wedding day. Even though he was a very successful business man before he retired he said "this is the most expensive and beautiful tie I have ever owned." Pink appeared no where else in the wedding -- I wanted my dad to feel really special -- but it complimented the browns greens and purples so nicely.

Next up are my beautiful bridesmaids. First, my best friend from college with her infectious smile. We met on our very first day of college orientation as we were moving into our all girls down (which neither of us choose). We have been the best of friends ever since.

Next, my best friend from the city (yes, when you live in New York, you consider it THE city -- it's just the way it is). When I first moved to NYC in 2003 for an internship we were introduced through a mutual friend. When we parted that first day she said "let me know if there is anything you need when you move in," and sure enough - the rest is history.

And finally, my best friend since we were 5! We have been through so much together and she was so excited that Mr. Onion and I found each other (they went to high school together actually). You can also see our pew decorations -- white tulips wrapped in purple tissue in galvanized tins. You can see our sweet flower girl behind her making her way too.

Here comes our flower girl holding her flowers perfectly and not walking too fast! I was so proud of her.

Mr. Onion patiently waits for me.

This is it -- it's our turn! This is my favorite photo of me and father from the day. I'm his youngest of four children and you can just see how proud he is of me. And he's such a good hugger that he broke his boutonniere before the ceremony even began. I didn't notice until I saw the photos though -- the little things really aren't important.

Up next...Here comes the bride!

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: First Congregational Church, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Veil: Two tier elbow length from Rose's Bridal, NYC
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
BM Dresses: Ann Taylor Celebrations Collection
GM Suits: Rental from Dante Zellar

Get me to the church on time

2008-02-22T22:05:00.000-08:00

After we blew through our family and wedding party photos we headed off to the church which was less than three minutes from the inn. We actually arrived about 10 minutes early so we were able to relax a bit and enjoy the stunning weather. I still can't believe it was 82 degrees and breezy in early September!

I love this close-up detail photo of my bouquet and engagement ring. And ladies -- THIS is why you get a manicure on your wedding day.

Some people set aside money in their budget for an antique car. While I think that is a nice touch, we just couldn't afford or justify this as we were walking from the ceremony to the reception.

Instead we were driven by Mr. Onion's best friend/GM and his wife in their BMW. Not too shabby! In fact, how to get to the church wasn't something I had planned in advance (I know -- GASP)! Our GM was all over this though -- honored and excited to get to spend a quite moment with us before the ceremony.

OK, I'm ready...can we go now?!

The front of the church as we arrived.

I didn't carry a purse -- it was wonderful to have nothing to remember but my bouquet! My BM carried a little extra lipstick for me (remember to ask your make-up artist for this as you will need to reapply throughout the day).

Finishing the touch-up with the wedding party all ready to go.

I just can't resist, my flower girl is so sweet!

Mr. Onion's best friend, his wife and Mr. Onion. No one remembers what was so funny -- this photo cracks me up!

More silliness before Mr. Onion went around to the front of the church to wait with our minister. He was holding my bouquet for me and Daria thought this was too cute.

My adorable dear friend from college with her boyfriend (they flew from Milwaukee to join us -- ended up taking a week vacation in New England and ending their trip with us). The night before the wedding I asked her if she'd greet people at the door and offer them a program. She was the PERFECT person for the job -- I love her smile! Note: She is wearing a JCrew Bridesmaid dress she wore in her sister's wedding earlier that year. See -- you CAN wear a Bridemaid dress again!

Here is my DIY program. Printed on additional card stock and a monogram from Creative Montage. I think they came out quite well.

Momma Onion getting excited for the ceremony to begin!

Dear family friends who have known my family since before I was born. The woman on the left I call my "aunt" and the woman on the right was my grandmother's best friend for 30 years (you might remember from a previous post that my grammy passed a few years ago).

Mr. Onion's Grandmother and his brother's girlfriend patiently waiting for the ceremony to begin.

More friends get settled pre-ceremony.

Our minister with her warm welcoming smile!

I love this photo. This is the moment that it hit me -- I was about to get married to the love of my life. I wasn't scared, just a little nervous that in a moment everyone would be focused on me walking down the isle. I closed me eyes, took a deep breath and a moment later we were told we were ready to begin.

Up Next....the ceremony begins.

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: First Congregational Church, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Veil: Two tier elbow length from Rose's Bridal, NYC
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
BM Dresses: Ann Taylor Celebrations Collection
GM Suits: Rental from Dante Zellar

Wedding Rings

2008-02-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

Looking for unique wedding rings? I came across Dawes Design today and just got lost on her website looking through all the stunning pieces. I love unique jewelry and each of these pieces are so interesting. Many of the pieces are designed to be stackable so you could wear multiple rings together.

The designer, Jennifer Dawes, recently launched Sustainably Beautiful, her initiative in creating jewelry in a socially and environmentally responsible way. She only uses recycled gold, conflict free diamonds and responsibly mined stones. "I try to leave as small a footprint on this planet as possible." I love the conflict free diamonds! This is so important to me.

I'm planning on checking out some of the NYC locations where her pieces are sold to see them in person. Check out her website for more eye candy!

Wedding Party & Family Portraits

2008-02-20T20:43:00.000-08:00

Last time I shared photos of our wedding party and family getting ready for our quick portrait session. Now I'll share the portraits with you. No matter how much you love "documentary" style photography, you really want to have a few pictures to frame for parents and grandparents when all is said and done. Daria and Andy had a way of making everyone feel and look relaxed so these images don't feel stuffy.

Mr. Onion with his brother and parents.

With Mr. Onion and my soon to be in-laws.

With my parents and brother.

With my parents.

With Mr. Onion's family - mom, dad, brother and grandmother.

Mr. Onion with his brother. I love this picture because it's so them -- laughing and smiling!

Mr. Onion's parents -- aren't they a handsome couple? They celebrated their 35 year wedding anniversary the weekend before our wedding.

My beautiful flower girl -- she turned 8 a few days after the wedding.

Great photo of her tulip bouquet. Because she is such a mature little lady I wanted her to have a bouquet too, and tulips are my favorite flowers.

My girls! The bridesmaids are wearing Ann Taylor Celebration's dresses and our flower girl's sash is also from Ann Taylor. Their beautiful dangly pearl earrings were part of my gift to them and are from Dasha Boutiques.

The entire wedding party.

A fun moment of me with the guys.

This is Mr. Onion's favorite photo from this part of the day. From left to right -- His best friend/GM, Mr. Onion, his brother and his father.

My lovely bridesmaids. Don't they look elegant?

Stunning photo of their dresses and beautiful bouquets.

Up Next...the ceremony is about to begin

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: Willard Street Inn, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Veil: Two tier elbow length from Rose's Bridal, NYC
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
BM Dresses: Ann Taylor Celebrations Collection
GM Suits: Rental from Dante Zellar

Wedding Party and Family

2008-02-15T21:18:00.000-08:00

After Mr. Onion and I took pictures at UVM we headed back to the Willard Street Inn to take photos with our family and wedding party. At this point we were a bit behind schedule so the photo sessions got cut short. I felt a bit rushed but was amazed that Daria and Andy still managed to get so many great shots. We literally had about 20 minutes to take all the family/wedding party photos before heading over to the church with 5 minutes to spare before the ceremony! Note: Photos galore below!

This picture was important to me because we had a picture of us taken on the back steps at the inn from our first trip to Burlington (2005) early in our courtship (do people even use that word anymore?) -- see it here.

We are running up the back steps at the inn so we can take pictures with everyone before the ceremony. Starting to get really excited.

With my beautiful flower girl. She is the daughter of a dear friend and colleague of mine who surprised us later at the reception (stay tuned) with an unexpected treat.

I've known our flower girl her whole life -- here we are when she was little. Photo: Stuart Feldman

My MIL looking lovely. When we finally decided that Momma Onion would be wearing black I gave my MIL the green light to wear black as well. It was then I remember I'd picked out this beautiful black dress for her the year before for their 35th wedding anniversary dinner that she could wear again! Hooray to not having to spend more money.

As I mentioned in earlier posts, my brother wore formal Scottish attire -- a kilt (in our family’s tartan) and what they call a "Prince Charlie" tuxedo jacket. I have to say, he looked pretty sharp. We bought this outfit on a family trip to Scotland almost 12 years earlier!

Here is a full length photo of his outfit.

And this is my favorite picture of me and brother Onion in years! We clean up pretty well don't we? And he's single and in medical school -- look out if you have single friends :)

BIL Onion hugging Brother Onion.

BIL Onion hugging Mr. Onion (he likes to hug as you can see).

Mr. Onion hugging his grandmother (so cute, right)?

Mr. Onion's best friend/GM (also a great friend of mine for 11+ years) smiling at me proudly -- he's like another big brother really.

With my best friend (since we were 5 years old) -- one of my beautiful BM's.

Mr. Onion with his best friend/GM.

Another BM looking stunning. She was my first friend in NYC when I first moved here in 2003 for an internship. I love this photo of her -- she's smiling in the middle of a conversation, the earrings look great, the flowers look great...

And my third BM/best friend from college. Her laugh is totally infectious! Aren't my friends lovely? I'm pretty lucky!

Another one of Andy's cool angles. I am quite little (5'3/4") but here I look like a doll!

Wonderful BM who turned into the expert at putting on boutonnières.

MIL proudly snapping a photo of her boys.

BM taking a photo of our cutie pie flower girl with her parents.

Casual shot of me. I love how my veil is blowing in the wind.

Daria catching a smooch in the mirror in the enrty way of the Willard Street Inn.

Up next...family and wedding party portraits.

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: Willard Street Inn, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Veil: Two tier elbow length from Rose's Bridal, NYC
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
BM Dresses: Ann Taylor Celebrations Collection
GM Suits: Rental from Dante Zellar

OK, Bee Honest

2008-02-08T23:47:00.000-08:00

So Miss Penguin's recent post about being a weddingbee addict had me laughing so hard and I love that so many of you responded. Mrs. Butterscotch was the first to chime in and admit she started a blog just to apply to be a bee.

**raises hand** I did too.

So after I read the ENTIRE post out loud to Mr. Onion I said, "I wonder how many other bees started a blog just to be a weddingbee?" to which he said "Forget that, how many bees AND readers started a blog to apply to be a bee?"

So ladies...come clean. Did you start a wedding blog just to apply to the bee like I did?!

PS. For all of you girls who aren't married yet and think you'll "kick the habit" post wedding -- you are sadly mistaken. It's like West Side Story (cues music) -- "Once you're a bee you're a bee all they way from your first DIY to your last dying day!!"

PPS. Note: I wrote this post at 11:47 PM...enough said.

My First Etsy Purchase

2008-02-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

So Etsy is all the rage on weddingbee. I had never purchased anything on Etsy (or Ebay for that matter) but was sucked in today because of Miss Lovebug's post about cufflinks for Mr. Lovebug.

She blogged about Etsy seller Keys And Memories so I had to check it out. And I ended up, in a matter of minutes, ordering the beautiful cufflinks pictured above as Mr. Onion had admired a similar pair months ago that were almost $100 more expensive (the above were a steal at $40). I'll put them away for his birthday (love having a great gift months in advance).

So this is where you come in -- I need your help bees and bee readers. I had intended to have custom cufflinks made for Mr. Onion for the wedding but ran out of time (and to be honest, money). Here was my idea: Mr. Onion is a car enthusiast and he used to own a first edition VW R32.

Photo from www.thecarconnection.com

If you didn't know, you would think it was a GTI, but it was actually a pretty awesome sports car. He pre-ordered it because there were only 2000 being sold in the US, so it was a big deal. He LOVED that car. But he loves me more, so he sold it when we moved to NYC. I wanted to have custom cufflinks made with the cars logo.

Can any of your help me find a custom jeweler? I'd love to start on this project now so I can have it for our 1 year anniversary. He gave up the car for me so I'd like to give him a little piece of it back.

Thank you kindly,
Mrs. Onion

The Bride and Groom

2008-02-05T00:31:00.000-08:00

After we saw each other for the first time back at the inn, we (Daria, Andy, Wes, Mr. Onion and I) piled into Daria's car and headed over to UVM to take some photos of just the bride and groom before our wedding party photos. The campus is beautiful -- there is some great old architecture and a lovely fountain. We had a really nice backdrop for our photos.

Can't you just see how much we love each other?!

Here is the great angle I was talking about. Andy was actually on his stomach on the grass while Daria was off to the right shooting away. I love the texture of the building and the depth of field (the blur of the grass in the foreground).

Another great detail photo -- I love that you can see my shoes and my short skirt.

This is the "newspaper announcement" photo. Every couple needs a proper portrait.

Then we did a little bit of walking to the center of campus.

I love the composition and the energy of this photo -- Mr. Onion looking at me...me looking at Daria.

Great composition again with the fountain blurred in the foreground.

I was thrilled Daria caught this expression -- this is my "man I love you" look that I give Mr. Onion. I knew I did it but I never saw myself -- she caught me "in the act" as it were.

This is a nice portrait -- great shot of the earrings my grandma gave me and her pin I wore in my hair too.

One of the few times Daria got Wes Jones in action

This is actually the only picture of us hugging all day. It was so nice to just take a deep breath and hang onto each other for a moment.

A gem -- I am 5'3/4" and Mr. Onion is 5'11" -- I was wearing 3 inch heels and I STILL had to stand on a fountain!

Great "in motion" photo. I still can't believe I just hopped off that fountain in my heels. But Mr. Onion caught me safely.

And before we headed back to the inn to take our wedding party and family photos Daria got a great photo of my beautiful bouquet.

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
Videographer: Wes Jones
My Bouquet: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: University of Vermont campus
Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Veil: Two tier elbow length from Rose's Bridal, NYC
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom

At First Sight...

2008-02-03T23:07:00.000-08:00

Mr. Onion and I decided to see each other before the ceremony for pictures. I posted about this a while back and asked what your plans were -- to see each other or to wait for the walk down the isle. I was fascinated to learn that out of almost 550 votes it was almost 50/50. For us, seeing each other first was the right decision. We got to spend time with our friends and family at our cocktail hour and -- one of the highlights of the entire day -- we got to lead everyone from the church to the reception on foot! Plus we got our portraits while we were fresh and the light was great.

Mr. Onion and one of my bridesmaids walk down the stairs at the inn to wait for my big entrance!

Mr. Onion patiently waits for me. Poor guy was dressed and ready for almost an hour already.

Mr. Onion gives my mom a big hug before he sees me. They are really close -- it makes me really happy.

It's my turn down the stairs...

Our photographer asked Mr. Onion to turn around so he didn't see me coming...but there I am!

Mr. Onion's first reaction to his bride! He was totally speechless. I smiled and said "Hi honey -- what do you think?!," as if it were any other day. I don't know why on earth I was so casual -- maybe I thought it would put Mr. Onion at ease.

He was still a bit overwhellmed.

And finally he said "you look ready to marry me," and twirled me around. I said "I feel ready to marry you!"

I love this shot of our shoes and the beautiful floor at the inn.

Did I mention we had an audience?? They were all supposed to be getting dressed, but they wanted to share this moment with us.

Here our best friend's wife has a teary moment with one of my bridesmaids.

A sweet moment. I loved the light in this room and the door frame behind us.

Great angle -- I loved that Andy was always looking for a different perspective. Later, when we went to UVM he was on his stomach shooting through the tall grass.

Our bridesmaid puts Mr. Onion's boutonniere on for him.

A stunning photo of my bouquet -- seriously magazine quality if you ask me.

Our photographer caught a nice moment when we were waiting for her husband to pull the car around so we could go play around the University of Vermont campus to take some portraits. It was really nice to have this "play time" before the big moment.

All photos: Daria Bishop Photography
Flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Accomodation: Willard Street Inn
Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
Shoes: Cynthia Rowley's Trilogy
Mr. Onion's Suit: Custom from Alan David Custom

The Bride Gets Dressed

2008-02-01T15:26:00.000-08:00

After I gave my girls their gifties it was really time to get dressed! In fact, our photographer's husband popped by my room to see how we were doing to discover a bride NOT dressed and that Mr. Onion was dressed and ready for me. Great things come to those who wait, right? For most of the week the weather forecast had called for rain on our wedding day. I brought cute pink galoshes and hoped for the best. Imagine my surprise when I saw the forecast that morning.

Mostly Cloudy - High of 82 degrees!

I got my dress ready in a quiet moment. With me in my room -- my mom, my three bridesmaids, my photographer Daria Bishop, and my videogrpher, Wes Jones. It was quite a "full house" but we made it work.

My Cynthia Rowley Trilogy shoes were waiting for me! These were a gift from Mr. Onion's best friend/GM's wife. We are all quite close -- this was a really thoughtful gift.

When I heard that Dana from Fresh Floral Design Studio had delivered our flowers I asked one of my bridesmaids to run downstairs and bring my bouquet up -- I just couldn't wait any longer. Here is where I saw it for the first time -- It was love at first sight. I almost cried it was so perfect for me! I am half dressed here in my long line bra from Bra Tenders in NYC.

When I started to put my dress on I realized the strap tabs that hang the dress needed to be cut out. The last thing you want is a strap sticking out of your dress driving you nuts and ruining your photos! Note: Keep them and safety pin them on later so you can hang your dress back up.

My mom was so excited and just wanted to be helpful but I just needed calm support from my bridesmaids. One of them saw this on my face and jumped right in to get my dressed.

My veil was two tiers and elbow length so we thought we'd give the blusher a try. I had decided earlier that I didn't know how I felt about this so I would go with my gut on the morning of the wedding.

We decided better to have the veil be a nice accent than to cover my face.

A last minute lipstick touch up, a moment with my girls and I was ready to see Mr. Onion. I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I was so calm it was almost strange. I'm not saying I wasn't excited to see Mr. Onion, but I was just enjoying each part of the process and I don't think the magnitude of the day had hit me yet.

As always - click to enlarge any of the images.

All Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
Bouquet: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Accommodations: Willard Street Inn

Butterfly = My Grandma

2008-02-01T13:55:00.000-08:00

OK -- so that sounds crazy. My maternal grandmother was a major presence in my life. In an earlier post about our ceremony music I wrote a bit about how I was lucky enough to discover some family music when she passed away. But the story I haven't told is very personal and you might think I'm nuts.

My maternal grandmother is the only grandparent I ever knew -- the rest had passed before I was born. She moved to our town when my older brother was born and we saw her pretty much every day growing up. Anyway, loosing her was very difficult for me. At her funeral I sang a hymn and while I was singing a monarch butterfly flew around me three times (try singing and crying -- it was really overwhelming), then flew over to her coffin, hung out for a few noticeable moments and then flew straight up over the tree. My mom and I tease that she was taking a head count to see who showed up!

Since then, I've seen a monarch butterfly on a few occasions, all meaningful. On my first trip to Vermont with Mr. Onion when we began dating, while shopping for a dress for my mom to wear to the wedding and at my bridal shower. So I was really hoping that I'd "see her" on my wedding day. I had her with me in a few ways -- I wore a broach of hers in my hair and my "something blue" was earrings that were a gift from her.

But I never saw her. One of my bridesmaids knew the story of my grandma and the monarch butterfly and the day after the wedding, when I mentioned I was a little sad I never saw a monarch on our wedding day, she said, "She was there." She told me that our photographer Daria's husband Andy had seen a monarch in the garden at the inn earlier. Upon hearing the story Daria ran to tell Andy and sure enough -- when we got our proofs back there she was!

Anyone else get a special sign on their wedding day that a loved one who had passed away was with them in spirit? Or did you carry them with you somehow - a locket, a piece of their jewelry, a handkerchief?

All Photos: Daria Bishop Photography

Everyone cried except the bride!

2008-01-29T22:16:00.000-08:00

Before I got dressed to meet Mr. Onion for pictures, I took some time out to give my best friends and bridesmaids their gifts. Their presents were one of the first things I blogged about on the bee. I was so excited to see their reaction and I fully expected water works from all of us. It began, but no tears from the bride!

Here they are ready the mushy cards I wrote. Notice I got more use from my OOT welcome bags that I used to wrap the girls gifts!

And the tears begin...

Two of the three Lill 1154 Studio make-up cases I made for them. You get to pick your own fabric and bag (so many styles to choose from) -- I'd HIGHLY recommend them for your bridesmaids or yourself. (See Miss Penguin's recent post about her Lill 1154 Studio Party). Look -- they even match their shirts -- how well do I know my girls, huh?!

This was a huge winner -- pearl earrings to wear with their bridesmaids dresses. They all LOVED them and swore they'd wear them again (I sure hope so -- I wish I'd gotten myself a pair). From Dasha Boutique -- see their wedding jewelry here.

Personal note cards for each girl. Hand written by Michele Clark, calligraphybymichele@verizon.net

Reacting to the "tip toes" from foot petals I got so their BM shoes would be more comfortable.

I love this photo -- so much love!

All this emotion and nothing buy smiles and calm from this bride. So strange because I'm usually a little wound up and cry at EVERY episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. When one of my bridesmaids saw that I was all smiles and no tears she said "you haven't cried at ALL this weekend?!" She couldn't believe it! Calm and collected -- that was me! Or at least that's what I thought -- more to come :)

AWESOME Save-The-Date!

2008-01-29T11:45:00.000-08:00

I interrupt my wedding re-cap to bring a smile to your face and to encourage you to think outside the box. I loved our save-the-dates, don't get me wrong. But they were very traditional -- they matched all our other stationary. I wanted to encourage you brides-to-bee (pun intended) with a sense of humor to not take your save-the-date's too seriously.

Click to enlarge. Personal information has been blurred for privacy

Mr. Onion got the mail a few days ago and paused at something, then said "OOOOHHHH" and handed it to me with a smile. Mr. Onion's cousin and his fiance are getting married this summer and it was their save-the-date. When I asked the the bride to tell me a little more about it she said they had the picture taken while in Florida (at Disney MGM I believe) and it was digitally done for them right there.

Let this be inspiration to you all -- be creative and have FUN with your save-the-dates!! It's on our fridge and makes me giggle whenever I look at it. Thanks for sharing cousin-in-law Onions!

Our rings in the bird's nest

2008-01-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

A while back I posted about Ring Shots, and now I want to share with you all the great shots of our rings that our photographer took the morning of our wedding. It was fun to see these when we got our proofs back because I had no idea they were even taken.

Our rings in the bird's nest! This one just made me laugh -- this hangs outside the door at the inn where we stayed.

They didn't even know this, but I LOVE Chinese checkers. This board was at the inn for guests to play with -- in fact, now that I think about it, Mr. Onion and I were playing a game when Daria came to get us for our engagement photo shoot nine months before the wedding.

The flower/ring shots were just pretty and the colors vibrant.

This was the first photo we saw of our rings -- Daria and Andy Bishop knew I was a singer and so it was natural to find our rings on the piano at the inn.

All pictures by: Daria Bishop Photography

Monograms to jazz up DIY projects

2008-01-24T12:16:00.000-08:00

I realize that sounds like a press release subject line -- "Monograms to jazz up DIY projects!" (Wow, I'm lame - a publicity joke). I blogged a while back about our monogram stickers on our yummy maple candy favor boxes. Now I wanted to share with you other ways we used the monograms I purchased from Creative Montage, who also made our save-the-dates, invitations and thank you cards. In fact, Aimee, the owner/designer, started a blog and asked Mr. Onion and I to be her first featured couple. Check out her blog here.

We purchased 5 monograms and they really personalized and enhanced my DIY projects. In fact, people thought our paper products at the wedding were professionally made. I bought extra card stock from Aimee at Creative Montage and designed and printed my own programs and menus. I'm really proud of how they came out.

We also used another monogram on a sign I made with directions for our wish bowl (used instead of a guest book).

And here are some images of our favor boxes at the wedding with both our monogram stickers.

The little money we spent on these monograms made a huge impact on the look and feel of the day. The colors and design elements I was able to carry through from the save-the-dates, to the invitiations, to the program, menu and favor boxes really pulled everything together.

Tip: When picking monograms, remember to think about what you'll be using them for. For instance, you're really not "supposed" to use your new married last initial until after you're married -- so only on reception stuff (menus, favor boxes etc), thank you cards and post wedding stationary. For your ceremony programs and anything else pre "I do," you'll want to use just your first names or first initials.

All photos: Daria Bishop Photography
Monograms: Creative Montage

Aimee is currently offering special discounts on her monograms -- learn more here.

Mr. Onion and the Double Windsor

2008-01-21T23:54:00.000-08:00

After Mr. Onion and the guys had their shave, a walk on the Marketplace and a bit of lunch, Mr. Onion went up to his best friend's room at the Willard Street Inn to get dressed.

Mr. Onion's initials on his custom made shirt from Alan David Custom. It's the little details that make things personal.

Mr. Onion's best friend and his wife helped him get dressed -- here they are putting his cuff links on.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Mr. Onion from the entire day. Watch the mad tie tying skills as they unfold...

Perfect on the first try!

Mr. Onion began to tie a double windsor knot and Andy, our photographer's husband/second shooter and our videographer, Wes Jones, were so shocked. Andy said "I've never seen a groom tie a double windsor with no mirror in one try!"

It occurred to me, many guys don't really know how to tie a double windsor so I thought I'd share a video I found on-line so you can share this with your groom before the big day and he can impress your photographer and videographer too! ;)

Great detail shot -- beautiful tie from London, custom made belt from Spain (both hand selected gifts from his best friend/groomsman and his wife) and happily matching purple cuff links on loan from my father.

A gift from his bride (me!) -- Hugo Boss dress shoes on sale at Bloomingdale's.

This looks like it was posed, but Mr. Onion assures me it wasn't -- Andy is just that good.

Mr. Onion's best friend's wife was so excited for him that she couldn't contain herself on the king bed...shhh don't tell the inn's staff that she did this!!

A nice portrait before Mr. Onion gets to see me for this first time. Little did he know, he was dressed and ready before I even began to put my dress on.

Custom shirt and suit: Alan David Custom in NYC
Accommodations: Willard Street Inn, Burlington, VT
Photography: Daria Bishop Photography

Win a honeymoon from Ann Taylor

2008-01-21T17:19:00.000-08:00

I am a huge Ann Taylor fan -- I shopped there for years (love their petites) and bought my bridesmaids dresses from their Celebrations Collection. They have just announced their NEW Celebration line plus they holding a Honeymoon Giveaway (but you don't have to be a bride to enter -- you can already be married).

Enter here for your chance to win a honeymoon to the Bahamas, Paris, Hawaii or Jamaica...it’s your choice! I just entered and am hoping for an anniversary trip to Paris!

For those of you looking for a patterned bridesmaid dress, check out their floral jacquard dress (similar to the dress I got for my bridesmaids):

To find an Ann Taylor near you that carries the Celebrations Line check out their Store Locator.

Siblings and Wedding Parties

2008-01-15T22:20:00.000-08:00

Who to have in your wedding party is a difficult decision. Many brides have their sisters and best friends and I've seen many grooms include their brothers, fathers and best friends (huh, I've never seen the bride's mother in the weeding party...have you)? But when it comes to the bride's brother and the groom's sister, things get big quickly.

Mrs. Snow Pea's large and lovely wedding party. Photo by Henry Chan

Knottie Nova726 with her sister-in-law/bridesmaid, her husband and her brother/groomsman

When we started planning neither of us had to think much about our wedding party -- my bridesmaids would be my three best friends and his groomsmen would be his brother, father and best friend. That left my brother out and my mother was NOT happy about this. She pushed and pushed for us to include him. I was frustrated that she was trying to make this decision for Mr. Onion. Yes, they were friends when they were young, but that doesn't mean he would want to have him in his wedding party. It was a big back and forth and a fighting point for months.

In the end it all worked out. Brother Onion didn't have to rent a suit, he didn't have to come home for the bachelor party, he didn't have to take a day off of school to make it in time for the rehearsal, he got to wear his kilt AND he made a toast anyway. I suggested he read a poem at the ceremony or speak at the reception -- however he wanted to be involved was fine with me.

My parents and brother (note my brother's kilt -- wouldn't have worked with the wedding party attire, that's for sure).

I imagine this is an issue for many of you. Did you or will you have your husband's sister in your wedding party? Did he have your brother in his? Was this a choice for each of you, or something that was "expected" or "encouraged" by your families? How did this change your vision of your day? Did it force you to have a much larger wedding party than you'd hoped for? Feel free to share your experiences and stories.

Wedding Venue Closed

2008-01-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help but feel a bit sad and disappointed to find out that our wedding reception venue had closed. I heard rumors on my local board on the knot, but yesterday I went to their website and the rumors were confirmed.

We were married at a beautiful restaurant called Adrianas. The space used to be owned and run by NECI (the New England Culinary Institute) and was bought by new owners about 3 months before we discovered it. I was looking forward to romantic anniversary dinners there. Mr. Onion, always the optimist, said, "It's not so bad. Now no one will ever have our wedding." It's a great location, I'm sure it will change hands again. Perhaps I'll get over the idea of it being the same restaurant and just enjoy the space.

I was very lucky to have my wedding at my venue before it closed. What if my venue had closed BEFORE my wedding?! It could always be worse. A friend of mine who I met on the NY knot board had her wedding venue close FOUR months before her wedding! She, along with 27 other brides, lost their venue (a beautiful mansion in Westchester that was sold) and none of their contracts were honored. This left her with little time to find a new location and finish her planning. She turned it into a triumph. Her pictures were stunning, her vision slightly tweaked, but if you didn't know the saga, you would never know it was a Plan B.

I wanted to share a few of my favorite photos/details from her knot bio (photos by Julia Newman, who is a "up and comer." I saw all of her proofs over a glass of wine a few months ago and they were wonderful). I am pretty much in love with their wedding -- I hope you enjoy a peak at their beautiful day.

They were married at the Round Hill House in Westchester, NY<

Really, how cute are they?

Her dress was so ethereal, romantic and totally her! It was an Elizabeth Filmore she got at a Bergdorf Goodman sample sale. Let this be inspiration for you as she got her dream dress 70% off!

And her yellow bridesmaids dresses were so lovely for an outdoor summer wedding. They were custom made by Kimera Designs, who bee blogged about a while back.

Here is her invitation and menu card by Nic-Events. The designer did all the design work for her own NYC wedding and opened her own business (so many brides get "the bug" after their own DIY projects). Really unique, unpretentious and personal designs. My friend's invitations are featured on her homepage.

Anyone have experiences with the venue they'd booked closing before your wedding? How did you handle it? How did it change your plans or your feelings about your wedding?

Real Simple Weddings

2008-01-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

Real Simple Magazine is releasing their first "Real Simple Weddings." Advanced copies are on sale at Crate & Barrel stores and on-line starting today. It's $12.95 and I'm looking forward to stopping by Crate and Barrel to check it out (yes, I know, my wedding is over...but a friend might need my help, right)? It's 160 pages of tips and there are bound to be beautiful photos. Real Simple magazine is just so sleek and packed with great tips and ideas. I have high hopes for their wedding guide.

On the marketplace -- the guys

2008-01-09T17:22:00.000-08:00

After Mr. Onion got his hair trimmed and a professional shave, the guys hung out with Andy Bishop, our photographer's husband and second shooter, on the marketplace.

Front to back, Mr. Onion's best friend, Mr. Onion and his brother on their way from The Men's Room.

Mr. Onion's best friend loves rock climbing...well climbing anything, as you can see, and in flip flops even!

When I came across this photo in the proofs I almost died laughing. Apparently, my father-in-law, after seeing Mr. Onion's best friend do it, wanted to do it too! Click to enlarge to really see their facial expressions. This is priceless!

I mentioned before about Mr. Onion's love of life and happiness -- and again you can see where he gets it from!

My brother and father joined them for a haircut and lunch later..here they are coming up the marketplace.

Right before they headed to pick up some sandwiches for lunch, Andy got a great shot of the guys on the steps of the town hall where Mr. Onion and I had picked up our marriage license not two days earlier!

Photo Creidt: Daria Bishop Photography

On The Marketplace (Part IV)

2008-01-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

Part I
Part II
Part III

After my mother, mother-in-law and I were all finished with our hair and make-up at the Aveda Salon I decided to spent a bit of quality time with my wedding party. The only stressful part of the entire day for me was the time it took for us to get rounded up and down to Mirabelle's Cafe (who made our beautiful wedding cake) for lunch. One bridesmaid had her hair done at a different salon, another was out early for a run as she was training for the New York Marathon, and the other was running around town looking for white back up shoes for me for the reception...it was hard to keep track of everyone.

Our sweet photographer, Daria Bishop, joined us for lunch and got a couple of cute shots between the salon and the cafe.

Bride and groom dolls in the window of the toy shop

The fire juggling clown setting up for the street fair...you'll see more of him during the cocktail hour

We had to wait to be seated for what seemed like forever -- I'm sure it was only 10-15 minutes -- but when you're getting married in a matter of hours your concept of time it totally warped. All I could think about while waiting was how much of our "just us" photo time was being eaten up.

Once we were seated and served Alison (the owner/baker) came out to say hello and see how everything was. She is a lovely woman with a fantastic business. Every time I've ever been there it's been packed. The website says, "Mirabelle's -- where everything is good," and it's really true. If you find yourself in Burlington you'll have to stop in for lunch or a treat.

Daria snapped a quick picture of me with Alison, the owner and baker of our yummy wedding cake

And this is one of my favorite pictures of the day -- my best friend since childhood was one of my bridesmaids and she LOVES sweets. Here she is eating her cupcake which, if I remember correctly, is all she ordered!

Did you plan a breakfast, luncheon or any quality time with your girls before the wedding? My advice, if you're planning on this, is to pick a place where you can make a reservation and know that there won't be a chance you could loose 30-45 minutes. This was my one big oversight. The guys just bought sandwiches and brought them back to the inn (more on their QT later)....I might have done that if I'd known we'd be so behind.

Photo Credit: Daria Bishop Photography

Money matters...

2008-01-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

There has been a bit of talk around the hive lately about money matters -- savings, how to handle finances as you merge your lives as husband and wife, buying your first place etc.

One of the few other blogs I enjoy reading, other than weddingbee, is a collection of blogs called "Team Sugar." There are a number of different "sugars" -- popsugar (all about pop culture fluff), yumsugar (all about cooking and entertaining), fitsugar (to help you live a healthy lifestyle -- what girl doesn't want that?), geeksugar (all about the latest in tech -- they have blogged about wedding websites here), lilsugar (you guested it -- babies), and the newest additions is savvysugar (all about finances, savings etc).

To celebrate the launch of savvysugar they are giving away FOUR macbooks! One each week for four weeks. All you have to do to enter is sign up and comment. Wouldn't it be great to get organized with all your wedding planning or household budgeting with a shiny new computer? Click here to learn more about the giveaway. Good luck ladies.

How to address your new family

2008-01-06T00:40:00.000-08:00

I was wrapping Christmas presents for our families over the holiday and started to write a tag for my father-in-law's gift from me and Mr. Onion and I wrote "for Dad" because that's how he would address his father. Then I was writing my mother-in-law's gift tag and without thinking wrote "for [her first name]."

It got me thinking -- what do you call your in-laws and how did you come to that decision. "Mom" and "Dad" just don't roll off my tongue.

Do you call your in-law's

a) Mom and Dad
b) "Jane" and "John" (ie. by their first names)
c) Mr. [so and so] and Mrs. [so and so]

And if you're not married yet, is this something you've discussed with your boyfriend/girlfriend/fiance? Might be an interesting topic of conversation.

Family Holiday Treats

2008-01-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

You can't have a holiday meal without family recipes. This year I made a few of my grandmother's dishes for the first time since she passed away almost 5 years ago. It really made everyone think of her and it got me thinking. Our children won't have had the opportunity to know her, but through her food, she will live on.

Sour cream pound cake

Wine Cakes. This is something I have never seen in an Italian bakery, nor could I find a recipe or even a mention of it anywhere on-line. They don't look very appealing, but they are delicious and addicting. They are little dough balls made with red wine, fried and then dipped in hot honey and lemon zest.

"Spaghetti and crumbs". This is a Calabrian dish that my grandmother served as our fish course every Christmas. I hated it as a child (it has anchovies and olives) but have grown to love it.

I also made her almond butter cookies which I forgot to take a picture of, but know that I spend a lot of time baking over the holiday. My mother doesn't bake, but after this holiday she thinks she should buy a stand mixer that I can use while I'm at her house!

It was such a treat to share these special dishes with Mr. Onion. He doesn't have the same connection to them as I do, of course, but he appreciated how hard I worked and thought everything was delicious. My mother-in-law gave me a recipe for her fudge in my stocking on Christmas morning and I look forward to making it for Mr. Onion.

Do you have any family recipes you're excited to use as you build your new family with your fiance/husband? Have you experienced any of your in-laws specialties?

If anyone is particularly interested in the recipes feel free to email me: onion at weddingbee dot com.

Wearing your wedding dress....after the wedding

2008-01-02T11:40:00.000-08:00

When you pick your wedding dress you are thinking of how beautiful you will look on your wedding day. You think about what your fiance will think when he sees you. You might think about your daughter wearing it for her wedding. But how many of you think about wearing your wedding dress again?

On New Year's Eve my family hosted a formal dinner party and I got to wear a part of my wedding dress again! My Romonda Keveza gown is actually a top and bottom and it was such a great experience to wear it again.

Photo: Daria Bishop Photography

At one point during the evening Mr. Onion and I found ourselves alone and I smiled and said, "Does it bring you back to our wedding day to see me in the skirt?" He said, "Of course it does," with a big grin and kissed me. It was really romantic.

Happy New Year from Mr. & Mrs. Onion!

Here we are together in front of my parents Christmas tree. And yes, Mr. Onion is wearing his wedding suit! We will both get a lot of wear out of our wedding attire in the years to come. Now I just have to find a skirt to wear with the top of my dress. Or perhaps jeans and my wedding shoes? Do you or your fiance or husband plan to wear any of your wedding day attire after your wedding?

Getting Ready Part III (the guys)

2007-12-27T20:52:00.000-08:00

Getting Ready Part I
Getting Ready Part II

While I was getting ready with my mother and mother-in-law at the Aveda Salon in Burlington, Mr. Onion was with his father, brother and best friend (his groomsmen) at The Men's Room getting a shave and enjoying some time together, just the guys. I was so glad our photographer's husband Andy went with the guys so I could feel like I didn't miss anything! It was important to me that Mr. Onion got some papering that morning too so he felt taken care of and special.

Mr. Onion enjoying a face massage after a hot towel. It looks like such a peaceful way to begin his day.

Mr. Onion gets a little trim so he looks his best

A little styling while the guys look on

Mr. Onion's best friend got a shave too and Mr. Onion and his brother look on. Andy was standing on the counter to get this photo from above -- the Bishop's will stop at nothing for a great photo!

A few quick photos before they leave The Men's Room. Mr. Onion gets his genuine happiness and sense of joy in life from his father and you can see that on both their faces in this picture (his father far left and Mr. Onion far right).

I got to get my nails, hair and make-up done with the girls -- I think all grooms should get a little relaxing guy time too! I know this was a great thing for them to do together before the day started rolling.

More to come...

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography

How does it feel to be a bride?

2007-12-21T10:35:00.000-08:00

Well, I inspired Mrs. Snow Pea to begin her wedding recap from her stunning August wedding, and she's inspired me to share how I felt on my wedding day instead just sharing the who/what/when and my photos. I hope you enjoy.

This photo really says it all -- I felt happy, calm and ready to get married. Let me back up a little. I am not typically a morning person, but for the days leading up to my wedding, I simply couldn't sleep past 5 or 6 AM. I woke up each morning like it was every childhood Christmas morning rolled into one exciting day literally kicking my feet and squealing while still in bed (much to Mr. Onion's dismay while he was still trying to sleep). Thursday morning we woke up at 5 AM, got dressed, packed the car, and were off at 8 AM for a 300 mile drive to begin the rest of our lives together.

The best part about the weekend, and this will sound like a given, was we just had so much fun -- in everything we did. As long as we're together we can make anything fun, even a 300 mile drive or waiting in line to get our marriage license. We ran all our errands and headed back to the inn to relax before our last dinner date before we were married. On our way back we saw a car and I had to take a picture of the license plate:

It says CHEESE! You've gotta love Vermont :) It made us both laugh so hard. When we got back to the inn I decided that would be the perfect time to give Mr. Onion his wedding gift. Then we got dressed up for dinner and headed to our favorite restaurant in Burlington for a romantic date.

To be continued....

Upcoming Celebrity Weddings

2007-12-20T19:05:00.000-08:00

Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley

Katherine Heigl and her fiance, musician Josh Kelley, met when the Grey's Anatomy star appeared in a video for Kelley's song "Only You" in 2005. Later, Kelley wrote "Katie's Song" for his lady love. "There is really nothing more romantic than that," Heigl has said of the gesture. "It was one of the most thrilling and romantic things that I've ever experienced, and it makes me really like him bad." The couple got engaged in June 2006 and plan to wed before the end of 2007.

Ali Larter (from Heroes) and Hayes MacArthur

Ali Larter and her boyfriend, actor Hayes MacArthur, are officially set to tie the knot. Though the couple have been together for more than two years, Larter knew that MacArthur was the one from the very beginning. "I told my boyfriend after three weeks that I wanted to marry him and that we could do it tomorrow," the Heroes star has said. "He just brought light to my life. I feel lucky every morning when I wake up and see him." While the pair have yet to set a date, Larter is also sure what the future holds. "I look forward to that time when I'm home with babies," she told Cosmopolitan magazine in October.

Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ross McCall

"It's the first time I've ever been in a relationship where you don't have to try," Jennifer Love Hewitt told People magazine when news of her engagement to Scottish actor Ross McCall broke in November. "And I think that's the answer. That's when you know that you're in something really good and healthy and right." The couple—who have yet to set a date—have been an item for two years.

See more upcoming celebrity wedding at InStyle.com.

Wait until you see who Salma Hayek is marrying!

Album Help

2007-12-20T14:15:00.000-08:00

We recently got our professional proofs in the mail -- 5 archival boxes of prints with almost 1,900 images. Now I have to start narrowing those down and pick an album style and I need your help.

Daria Bishop Photography offers three different albums -- Queensberry, Leather Craftsmen and Cypress. Based on the information I've found on each companies website, I think I've ruled out the Queensberry albums as I don't love the "magazine style" albums that they offer that are so popular right now. I want our album to stand the test of time both physically and esthetically. So now it's down to the Leather Craftsmen or the Cyress.

It looks like the Leather Craftsmen albums will really hold up over many years and I love the look of the mounted prints -- very classic.

If I was picking just based on what I liked the look of best, I'd pick the Cyress. The hand made paper and the cloth cover is so visually pleasing, sweet and romantic. I'm just not sure that years from now it will be in very good shape.

I'd love to hear feedback from brides who have used Leather Craftsmen or Cyress Albums. What did you like and dislike about your album. Any tips -- it's hard to make this big decision without actually holding samples in your hands. For those of you who aren't familiar with these album companies, you can check out their websites.

www.leathercraftsmen.com
www.cypressalbums.com

Note: These companies will only work with a professional photographer so if you want to make your own album with them you'd have to have a photographer do this on your behalf.

Where's Wes?

2007-12-19T13:22:00.000-08:00

Let's play a little game. It's like Where's Waldo, except it's called Where's Wes (Jones)?

This is the first time I'd met Wes in person. He looks a lot like my brother, which shocked me at first. He greeted me, then he said, "OK, this is the last time we'll talk today -- now ignore me!" It was so funny.

All photos above by Daria Bishop.

Can you find Wes in every picture? Of over 1,800 professional proofs and 400+ non-professional photos, these 6 photos were all I could dig up of Wes in action at our wedding. He prides himself on being unobtrusive, and most of the day I really didn't even know he was there. I think I noticed him twice -- while I was getting dressed and once I saw him over my shoulder at the cocktail hour, but for the most part I was totally unaware of his presence. This is exactly what you want in a videographer!!

One of the most amazing things about Wes Jones is he shoots with a digital camera and a super-8 mm film camera at the SAME time! He doesn't have an assistant, he is a one man show. Mr. Onion and I watched all the digital footage first, then the super-8 footage and found ourselves thinking "What a minute, he got that SAME footage with the digital camera!" That's when we realized that Wes has seriously mad skills!! Worth every penny and we were so glad we're hired him.

Stress Less

2007-12-19T11:14:00.000-08:00

Stressing less is something every bride wishes she could do. Well, I got a great gift at my shower called "arOmaremedy," which I blogged about right before the wedding.

I actually kept it in my purse for the few weeks leading to my wedding and brought it with me to Burlington. I decided to take a deep breath the morning of the wedding as I was getting my hair done and my photographer got such a kick out of it that she had to get a picture of it! It is actually very calming.

What ways do you ease your nerves when tensions are high planning your wedding or even on your big day? I know Miss Magnolia was considering running a 5K race the morning of her wedding and wondered if she was crazy. Any other ideas, small or large?