Love Weathers All

I wasn't a glass slipper kind of bride. But not just because, frankly, they sound exceedingly uncomfortable. No, the erratic, eclectic weather our wedding day heralded two years ago today demanded practicality.

{Cindy shot it, but just you wait hive -- I'm so excited to do this photo justice by sharing all the details that led up to the moment the camera went "click."}

I've long believed rain visits on significant days of my life. Coming home from the hospital as a newborn. Proms and graduations. The first day of orientation at Villanova University. Snow bid me farewell as I moved from Boston back to Philly after grad school in December 2006. And, of course, there were the bizarre skies that helped make our wedding day so memorable.

So while the weather this past week defies the regional norm -- tremors from the Washington, D.C. earthquake on Tuesday, gusts and sheets of rain as Hurricane Irene made her way up the East Coast over the weekend -- I can't help but wonder what these conditions are forecasting about the year ahead.

Or maybe they're not omens. Maybe the wacky weather we've experienced recently is meant to remind me no matter what life brings, my best friend -- my love of 10 years, Mr. Bruschetta -- will be sloshing through every puddle, whether in celebration or consternation, right by my side. And that's just about the best anniversary present I can imagine.

Remember These Faces?

{ all images, moving forward, courtesy of the amazing Cindy Patrick, unless otherwise noted}

What do you do when your videographer holds your wedding video hostage? Unfortunately, Mr. Bruschetta and I had the distinct displeasure of learning firsthand how to manage this frustrating, emotional situation.

The initial delay, I'll admit, was completely our fault. After our wedding, the mister and I immersed ourselves in all things house-hunting: HGTV and Zillow, learning the ins and outs of mortgages, inspections and appraisals (before closing on our "First and Forever" home in July 2010). We dragged our feet a bit getting our honeymoon pictures to our videographer (to be included in a slide-show featuring Andrea Bocelli's rendition of "O Sole Mio"), but assumed the video could easily be finalized after passing these photos along to him.

We communicated with him every two or three weeks, and each time, the promise was the same: The video's nearly complete, I'll have it for you very soon. In the end, it took the wedding equivalent of the jaws of life -- threatening litigation, and paying a surprise visit to our videographer's home, which was his office when we contracted with him back in 2008 (so, really, it wasn't too stalker-ish or creepy) -- to liberate our video from his clutches. The final product isn't free of flaws -- in his haste, I'm sure, our wedding date flip-flops between the correct year (2009) and 2011, and it ends proudly proclaiming us Mr. and Mrs. [insert Mr. Bru's last name here], despite the fact that I kept my maiden name -- but after one year of waiting, stressing and feeling sick to my stomach at the thought of losing precious day-of footage, I'll take it.

Hive, I'm so sorry for my prolonged absence. You've totally been on my mind, and I was never able to shake the guilty feeling I was letting down everyone eager to read about our special day. However, while our video was MIA, I just couldn't face the task of sifting through the 3,000+ images our fantastic photographer captured on our wedding day -- and, unfortunately, without knowing if I would ever hear our vows, relive my dad's insanely sweet toast or see our first dance (after two months' worth of dance lessons to prepare!) the thought of blogging sent me into a complete and utter panic.

I really can't wait to share our extraordinarily memorable day for you. I'm just going to ask for a smidgen more patience, while the husband and I sort through our pro pics, and I'll be back in about a month to kick off the official Bruschetta recaps -- if you'll have me, of course!

John Beckwith

Daddy Bru was already a shoe-in for the "Best Father of the Bride" title after his art-acquiring heroics one week before our wedding (sorry, George Banks).

Little did I know that, while I was stressing over last-minute details and frantically trying to earn the status of "most tranquil bride," Daddy Bru was juggling his own wedding-related load. He shared this story with us at the rehearsal dinner, and even then, less than 24 hours before the wedding, as Mr. Bruschetta and I laughed at his moxie, one thought bubbled to the surface: "I can't wait to post about this on Weddingbee!"

Inspired by "Poor Wedding Dad" -- Weddingbee reader august15bride's (now blogging / Tweeting as the fitness-loving Wannabe Athlete) father -- I asked Daddy Bru if he would recount the tale his pre-wedding antics for the hive. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! And now, here's Daddy Bruschetta (with some links added by yours truly, and our "real" names used sparingly throughout) in his own words:

Two days before the wedding...and so much yet to do. Our contact at the F.U.E.L. House had a family emergency out of town, and left the final arrangements to an assistant. Mr. Bruschetta and I had to pick up all the booze and deliver it F.U.E.L. I figured while we were there, we’d make sure that appropriate art had been placed on the walls. Chris and I arrived at F.U.E.L.'s service entrance on 3rd Street, and began unloading case after case of adult beverages. We quickly saw that another unloading process was going on at the same time: A portrait gallery of assorted local artists’ landscapes, portraits, still lifes, etc. -- a welcome relief from what had been labeled as art that adorned the walls before.

As we completed the delivery, and a sense of ease concerning the facility had begun to take hold, my mind began to wander: In two days, this building would be full of people celebrating the Bruschetta wedding. What would it be like? Would it be everything she expected? Would it be memorable? For some strange reason, as I tried to picture it in my mind, I didn’t think of my other daughter’s wedding of less than two years earlier; rather, a panorama of wedding scenes from a movie I'd recently seen: Wedding Crashers.

(source)

Wait second! Owen Wilson was one of the stars of that movie, and what did I just read about him just the other day? That’s right, I remembered: He’s here in Philadelphia...right now...filming a movie with Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd and Jack Nicholson. I'd seen Nicholson at a Phillies game just a week earlier -- and read an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer a few days earlier which mentioned they were filming this very week on location in University City – less than three miles from where we at that moment. The entire cast had to be staying in the area, and in all probability, they were staying in one of the better hotels in Center City or Society Hill.

Oh, the wheels were turning.

“Chris,” I meekly suggested, “ do you think Margot would be upset, or feel that her special day would be ruined in any way, if Owen Wilson were to crash your wedding reception?”

Chris didn’t think I was serious and said, “She’d love it if he crashed, especially if Vince Vaughn were to join him.”

I told him I was serious and explained what I was thinking. Chris told me it was all wishful thinking. How would we get an invitation to Owen -- especially now, only two days before the wedding? (By the way, Chris still was okay with idea, even after he realized I was serious.)

Fair question, but I had an answer ready to allay his skepticism: The wife of one of my clients worked for the Philadelphia Film Office, an organization with the mission to promote Philadelphia as a site for filming, and assist producers in all aspects of working with the city once filming has begun.

I called Jerry to see if he could put me in touch with his wife. Unfortunately, he told me she was off this week and out of town.

By now I was pumped and emboldened. Nothing was going to stop me. I picked up the phone, called the PFO and asked for Sharon Pinkenson, the director. I got through to her secretary, but she wasn’t about to put me through unless I explained the nature of my call. What the heck! I began to explain the whole crazy notion. As I was telling her this story, it occurred to me that this could actually be a great public relations stunt for the Film Office, the movie's producers and Owen Wilson’s publicist. A couple years earlier, he'd gone through some troubling personal issues and could probably use a boost in his public image. As I told Sharon's assistant what a great opportunity this would be to all concerned if Owen showed up (with camera crew in tow), had a few drinks, and then went out and did whatever rich Hollywood stars do when stuck in a town like Philadelphia on a Saturday night in August, I began to imagine that it could actually happen...despite the negativity I was getting back in return.

“I can get your message [an invitation to the reception and my cell number] to the Film Office’s liaison on location in West Philly, but I can’t be sure that it will get to Mr. Wilson. I don’t know if Mr. Wilson would want to attend. He may have other plans.”

But, at the end of our conversation, she did admit it was an original idea (no one else had thought of this -- at least no one had floated anything similar through the Film Office) and would be great publicity for the movie, the city and Owen, if he and his agent thought they needed this kind of attention.

So, all day Friday, I made sure my cell phone was charged. I kept checking for missed calls. Nada.

By the time evening rolled around, the rehearsal and dinner would be underway and my focus would shift elsewhere. We were now in the midst of the 24-hour whirlwind. Still, I would occasionally think about it. I gave the Film Office all the information: Betsy Ross House beginning at 5:30. He can bring three guests. Stay as long as he wants. Maybe...just maybe.

Even as the reception began, and guests started to arrive right up to the [edited to remove spoilers for the yet-to-come Bruschetta recaps!], I would occasionally look at the gate that opened up to the courtyard, half expecting to see that mop of tousled blond hair. I even knew what I was going to say: I would walk up to him, introduce myself as the bride’s father, and question whether he was with the groom's family.

Alas, it didn’t happen. But it makes a great story! And more importantly, it was a wonderful wedding everyone enjoyed, even without Owen Wilson. He’ll never know what a great party he missed.

Are you planning on inviting any "crashers" to your wedding? Did you have any famous faces at your reception? Share *your* story!

Two Birds (Er, Bows), One Stone

Excuse this brief pause from the Weddingbee blogging -- I'll be cooking up another post or two for next week (promise, Pengy!).

Okay, here's the background: Since closing on our "First & Forever" home at the end of July, my mind drifts easily to house-related projects. As we were preparing for settlement, Sister and BIL Bruschetta -- who are expecting in mid-November -- began preparing their first place for sale. And while Sister and BIL Bruschetta started searching for their new home, Mama Bru and I mailed the baby shower invitations -- which included a small blurb encouraging guests to wrap their presents to reflect their "gender guess."

New home, with potential rooms needing painting (especially the nursery!), plus new baby, with an upcoming pink-and-blue-themed shower to celebrate? The super cute DIY bows Jessica created over on How About Orange popped into my head, with one home-improvement-themed stand-in for the magazine pages: paint swatches.


The resulting bows are just too cute! And, in one convenient little package, six potential interior paint colors each, for either a baby boy or girl.


Flip them over, and you can even see the (in this case, Behr) color name and number on some of the bow loops!


This craft still needs a bit of perfecting, as the thick loops don't adhere to each other easily. They're definitely adorable, though, and I hope to figure out how -- Glue Dots and double-sided tape aren't strong enough -- to get these bows to stick, despite the cardstock-y nature of the swatches.

In case Sister and BIL Bruschetta stumble across this post, I don't want to reveal which color would adorn *our* gift. So why don't you guess?

Seven Day Glitch

(Or, Why Daddy Bruschetta Could Be Mayor of Philadelphia)

You're counting down to the wedding. Finishing up some projects, ditching others and trying to find the time to jot down a proper honeymoon packing list. The last thing you need right now is a curve ball. But that's precisely what we got one week before our much-anticipated day.

In early 2008, when Mr. Bruschetta and I had secured our venue -- the erstwhile F.U.E.L. House (which has since been rebranded "TRUST") -- we learned we'd be able to peruse the gallery as the wedding approached to see if we wanted to substitute any of the "stock" art stored on the building's third (administrative) floor.

We adored the F.U.E.L. House (yeah, name change be damned! At least for the purposes of my posts, it just feels wrong to call the place where we celebrated so jubilantly something unfamiliar, to which we have absolutely no connection), for many reasons, including its eccentric art displays. We loved the idea of splashes of color -- whether from abstract, three-dimensional pieces or paint-adorned canvases -- infusing the beautiful, neutral-hued space.

Know what we saw lining the walls on August 21, 2009? Nearly 100 small, square, frames, each holding its own black-on-beige sketch. Colorless to the extreme. The very definition of bland. Vanilla without the deliciousness. (Sorry for the lack of pictures, hive! Shock definitely get the best of me, and I forgot to capture the monochromatic display.)

(source)

Okay, fine. No problem, I thought. Let's take a look at the stock art, and go from there.

Turns out, though, the gallery had recently returned all these once-readily-available paintings to their rightful owners. The storage space on the third floor held nary a piece of artwork. And with our original contact out of the area for a family emergency, we weren't offered *any* alternatives to add much-needed vibrancy to the walls.

Let me stop to acknowledge that really, in the grand scheme, this pallid palate would not in any way have dampened our wedding day. But (as I'm sure many of you would agree) with the finish line relentlessly nearing, sometimes smaller details are magnified. An issue you might have simply brushed off six months earlier becomes impossible to ignore, demanding attention -- nay, resolution -- so it's no longer an indelible nag taking up valuable sanity. (Am I right? Anyone else feel like this? Or was alone in placing so much pressure for perfection upon myself as our wedding neared?)

Enter Daddy Bruschetta. Without any complaints or balking at the absurdity of the situation, this "Act Two" FOB -- having cut his teeth on Sister and BIL Bruschettas' November 2007 nuptials -- took control of the situation. After several phone calls, my people-person father realized he had knew someone closely connected to the person who *owns* the F.U.E.L. House. Was our wedding significant enough to warrant any attention to this gripe?

Daddy Bru forwarded each of the messages to me as they were sent and received. Even now, one year later, I can't skim the emails without getting choked up. Not at all the conventional wedding scrapbook materials, they're nonetheless moments in time conveying the panic I was feeling, and the extent to which my dad was going to try to make his little girl happy.

Excerpts from the initial plea for assistance:

Bert has what may appear as a small problem, but to a bride and bride's mother, small problems during a marriage weekend, I am sure, become bigger than life.

Could you please look into this, and have someone speak directly to Bert? He's a good guy trying hard to manage all the excitement of a daughter getting married.

And as the clouds parted, with the promise of new installations the day before the wedding:

I assure you that you are making an exhausted father very happy because of your efforts.

Sure, the replacement art really did add something special to the space. But the exchanges Daddy Bruschetta had on our behalf -- seriously, at times I still can't believe how many people he seems to know in the city -- were the real treasure that came out of this bridal bump in the road.

Did any challenges trip you up the week before your wedding? Or, for any to-be-marrieds buzzing around the hive, d'ya just wanna commiserate about trying to be a calm, cool and collected bride -- but not doing the greatest job?

Man Twirls* and Marriage Prep

There's just something about that oh-so perfect ballroom dip. It gets me every time.

Luckily, my mister willingly agreed, early on in our planning process (don't forget, hive, we had a practically-infinite-and-good-Lord-will-it-ever-end 20-month engagement) to assist with what would end up being one of the last DIY(ish) "projects" we could fit in before the wedding.

I'm talking, of course, about private dance lessons, and the choreographed number that resulted, and would transition our guests from cocktail hour to dinner and dancing.

Our goal: Master moves we could polish and perform during the just-over-two-minute-long song we'd selected. We didn't want to look overly stiff or obviously cheesy (subtly, sure), but also hoped to become familiar enough with the sequences that no amount of nerves, elation or tipsy guests could break our rhythm. So we signed up for 10 sessions, to be stretched over the eight weeks remaining before our wedding.

(source)

At the first of our weeknight, hour-long lessons, Mr. Bruschetta and I met Kate, who would instruct us right up through the final lesson just days before the wedding. She asked if we'd selected our song -- we did, and shared the title and group** -- and as she played the tune and started marking steps, moving, swaying, twisting and turning, an enormous grin crept onto her face.

"Oh, this is going to be great," Kate gushed. "I'm thinking a mix of swing and foxy -- a less formal version of the foxtrot," she rushed to explain, when met with our puzzled faces.

Both ballroom novices, we started out v-e-r-y slowly, learning the proper frame, and how the right amount of pressure -- hand-to-hand, and the connection between his other hand and my back -- was crucial to the entire equation. How else would we know where the other was planning (or hoping) to move?

During our first meeting, we didn't get beyond the proper way to execute the box step. Seriously. One hour on hand pressure and four straight-sided steps. Pushing aside the panicky feeling that we'd never perfect a performance before the wedding, we practiced our "snazzy" moves at BIL & SIL Bruschetta's June 20 wedding -- along with several overenthusiastic, embarrassingly unskilled dips.

And at our next lesson, we began learning the elements of both dance styles. At first, the sessions consisted mainly of stringing together counts to create some semblance of continuity across the floor. Soon, though, we had enough material to begin actually creating something. We offered input about when we wanted to transition from foxy to swing, and willingly agreed when Kate suggested more complicated moves that, themselves, took entire lessons to learn.

All the while, Mr. Bruschetta and I practiced diligently between our weeknight jaunts into Old City. (Immediately after our sessions, too. Summer's lingering lightness -- anyone else going to miss daylight saving time as much as I will? -- encouraged us to continue drilling our new moves on the way to the car each week. That giggling, lovey couple none-too-shyly performing along the brick sidewalks of Front and Lombard Streets? Yup, the Bruschettas.) We put in three to four hours each week, and soon, I was confident enough to strap on my reception wedges during our lessons and nightly run-throughs.

If one of us faltered on a new move, the other offered encouragement. When we performed a flawless sequence, we acknowledged the small milestone. Almost from the start, we joked how the entire exercise -- taking all these private lessons -- was like its own form of marriage prep. Communication, trust. Hard work and fun. We laughed at how many parallels there were between the step we were preparing to take, and the steps we were learning each week.

But the best part about our lessons, the reason spending all this extra time -- driving into the city, parking, practicing, heading home and dancing the same steps again and again, with our furniture pushed aside to create as much open space in the apartment as possible -- didn't drive this time-crunched bride-to-be crazy was this: When we stepped into the studio each week, the wedding stress stayed outside. We had to focus on our routine, on each other -- and in doing so, what started out as something we hoped would wow our guests ended up being more of a treat for ourselves. A weeknight date, a haven from the otherwise chaotic weeks counting down to the wedding.

I'd love to share a video snippet with the hive -- and definitely will, once we have it. My post-wedding hiatus extended beyond the 'bee, though, and so we've only very recently finalized things with our videographer, and are anxiously awaiting the finished product.

Did (or will / would) you take private lessons to prepare for your first dance?

*Our nickname for the first move of our dance, which involved Mr. Bruschetta stepping through my upstretched arm.

**So what was this mystical, mysterious song to which we spun, dipped and (man) twirled? Ah, that, dear hive, is a post for another time.

When Life Stings Back: One Bee's Mea Culpa

::sheepishly waving hello:: Hi, hive.

Simply put, it wasn't supposed to be like this. Sure, the weeks and days leading up to our wedding were crazy, but I was...coping. (If you're guessing there's more to that deceptively-simple statement, you're oh-so very right!) All of what *needed* to get done -- and most of what we'd planned to accomplish -- was checked off our trusty giant Post-It to-do list.

The big day came.

We smiled. We kissed. We cried. We ate. We danced. We celebrated.* And then we honeymooned.**

Now, a bit of background:

During our 20-month engagement, I had begrudgingly worked in a position I found neither challenging nor inspiring. The team into which I was hired was solid, but an alarming number of these talented people had left our drama-filled, bureaucratic and, simply put, unhealthy (traceable to several long-standing, my-way-or-the-highway types) work environment.

The idea of searching for a new employer *while* planning the wedding was overwhelming. And with Mr. Bruschetta finishing his physical therapy doctorate, I was, at the time, content to hold my "meh" job which, I rationalized, at least permitted me ample Weddingbee-reading time (and provided the essential paycheck, too!). Ever the planner, I set my sights on November 2009 to launch into my job hunt.

So imagine my surprise upon learning, a mere two days after returning from our blissful (albeit jam-packed) "Giro d'Italia," that my supervisor -- who passionately loved his job (though, like others in our department, struggled with the interpersonal, um...challenges prevalent in the department) -- was putting in his two weeks' notice after accepting a position elsewhere.

My world came crashing down. I was assigned a new direct report -- a member of the aforementioned deleterious sub-division. The job I already moderately disliked became torturous. Despite having recently married my best friend, I'd never felt more alone. This was, quite simply put, the closest I've ever come to depression. By the time 5:00 rolled around each day, I was either fuming at my demoralizing situation, or so emotionally fragile I'd spend the entire evening curled up in bed sobbing, unable to even verbalize the struggles that had led me to this dark place.

Trust me though, hive, when I say the 'bee never left my thoughts. (Special thanks to the hive members who, through private message or by commenting on one of my last posts, sent "Where are you, Bru? Please come back!" messages. At the time, though, these sweet pleas saddened me more, broadening the chasm that separated me from Weddingbee.) I hated myself for attaining "fair-weather bee" status, but couldn't rationalize continuing to blog. Not when the joy we experienced on our wedding day was so harshly juxtaposed to the unhappiness that had forced its way into my life. Not while the necessity of finding and securing the position that, I believed, would fix everything was my top priority.

My excuses, however, can't explain why, after starting my new position in late December, I continued to stay away. They don't make it easier to justify my continued absence, even after the metaphorical clouds had parted.

The only semi-logical reasoning I can offer is this: The unexpected reality that so unpleasantly greeted me in September 2009 robbed us of the newlywed bliss that should have marked the Bruschettas' first few married months. With no way to get back that lost time -- one-quarter of our newlywed year -- I focused on the future.

We boxed up our wedding keepsakes, my mister patiently waiting for his verbose blogger bride to reawaken. We embraced our first Christmas, New Year's and Valentine's as husband and wife. And a few months into 2010, we started planning for the next big thing.

House hunting supplanted job searching. Home blogs filled the void left by their wedding and photography counterparts. A steady HGTV diet replaced our Food Network addiction. And we celebrated our "paper" anniversary one month early, as stacks of signed documents paved the pathway to our "First and Forever" home.

I could see it looming in the distance, though. After we'd cleaned and vacated our apartment. As we emptied each box and reassembled our furniture. That nagging feeling; the realization I had once adored blogging. Was I ready for my Weddingbee hiatus to end? Hadn't enough time passed? Or would revisiting the weeks leading up to our wedding, and those following it, reopen wounds that had only recently healed?

This is an amazing community. I consider myself *so* fortunate to have been able to chronicle my planning; I'm honored to be in the company of such amazingly talented readers and contributors. It feels great to buzz back into the hive. And, if you'll have me, I'd love nothing more than to finish sharing our story.

What do you say, hive?

* These not-so-terribly-descriptive sentences do not, in any way, constitute the official Bruschetta recaps. :-)

** Nor does this one. Come on, hive! 12 days in Italy? This wordy one's got more to share than she even knows how to stuff into a blog post!

I'm Honey Wheat, He's Sourdough...

...and we're a couple of loafing newlyweds.

(source)

Our month-a-versary was earlier this week -- love you, Mr. Bruschetta! -- and my husband and I "celebrated" by vegging in front of the television. And the next night? Well, we relaxed and enjoyed some quality tube time together. (We're just gleeful about the new show we recently added to our rotation.) Tonight? Yup, a bit more TV watchin'.

Honestly, I'm surprised we've been this couch potato-y. True, there were plenty of times in the weeks leading up to our wedding -- when every. single. evening. was consumed with wedding crafts and vendor emails -- when I thought longingly of sitting back at night and just doing nothing together. I was also so focused on blogging, and frustratingly found I had more posts to share with the hive than time to write them. (Silver lining: I'll be writing my little heart out over the next few months, discussing everything from rehearsal dinner favors to Italy's tastiest trattorias.)

I didn't imagine I'd crash like this, though. I'd envisioned transitioning from a planning-focused fiancee to a much less stressed version of myself, still crafting and blogging with gusto -- and getting back into cooking more frequently, too! And, while I'm at it, why not get into photography! Yoga! Knitting! Heck, the sky's the limit! After all, I really wasn't much of a DIY-er until I found Weddingbee several months into our engagement -- and now have a Cuttlebug, embossing gun and a slew of other scrapbooking supplies to show for it.

But after our whirlwind wedding day and run 'em ragged honeymoon, we're tired. The stack of blank thank you notes mocks me every time I walk past our den, and while they remain unwritten, our wedding gifts are quietly biding their time in their boxes. (Oh, and on top of our still-to-be-sent expressions of gratitude, I've identified Newlywed Stressor #2: the unpleasant realization that our apartment doesn't seem quite big enough for us and all our shiny new kitchen goodies.)

My theory is that over the course of our 20-month engagement, I became so accustomed to being a bride-to-be -- drafting to-do lists, saving inspiration pictures and crafting my way through DIY projects -- that by comparison, this new wife life (and the freedom that comes with it) is, for someone like me who loves structure, a little scary. I don't know what to do with all the photography and wedding blogs I've collected in my Reader -- I'd welcome suggestions, though! -- and I'm slightly intimidated by the thought of crafting something that isn't orange or purple (our two main wedding colors). What other hues would I use?! (Unless I get focused fast and cough out a number of Halloween projects with these perfect-for-the-season shades.)

I'm terming it post-wedding exhaustion, with a side of post-wedding panic. (It's definitely not post-wedding depression, since I'm loving life and my husband, and we're both oh so happy with our chill nights in together.) Miss Lamb recently baaaa-ttled out a very similar issue when she wrote about people pleasing, and the role it's played in her wedding planning -- and I'm thinking it's coming into play here, at least in the back of my own mind. I mean, aren't I supposed to be savoring every moment of every day with my husband? Shouldn't I be the personification of marital bliss?

It's just that without a deadline looming in the distance, and a series of projects I've gotta complete by that date...well, I'm a little lost. And (at least for now) a lost Bruschetta feels right at home in front of the telly.

So, hive, can you help me get out of my rut? Married bees and readers: Anyone else experience something similar to what I'm describing here? If so, how did you shake these feelings and get on with life as normal? And to the to-be-married crew: What are you looking forward to doing post-wedding to fill the "no more planning!" void?

You Complete Me

There's nothing like a wedding to create a lengthy to-do list. And as Mr. Bruschetta and I have recently discovered, that list doesn't magically disappear after the last piece of cake's been eaten. Nope, we're still plodding along wrapping things up with vendors, starting to tackle our thank you notes and finding spots in our tiny apartment for our shiny new cooking tools.

Which brings me to...our registries. Mr. Bruschetta and I plan to spend our monetary wedding gifts -- and shower gift cards -- stocking our kitchen. (And our nonexistent china hutch; we were gifted two flatware settings and one china set -- which would make for a reeeeally awkward dinner party -- so we definitely need to add some more Kate and Vera to the family.) We'd discussed giving our exhausted credit cards a much-deserved reprieve, and revisiting our registries in early 2010.

But then Macy's called. Turns out our china and flatware are buy three get one free through October 4. Not tempting enough? Well, how 'bout an extra 10% off? Yup, Macy's dangled the carrot. The completion discount carrot.

(source)

Mr. Bruschetta and I had fully intended on taking advantage of the completion discounts each of our registries* offers. (We'd even started dropping hints to family -- and each other! -- that our unfinished registries are filled with perfect Christmas gift ideas.) But clearing out our registries less than a month after the wedding? Neither of us planned on doing this, and as a result, I'm not sure what we should do.

What say you, hive? Should we indulge in our spending spree now? Or save our pennies and shop 'til we drop some time in the future? I'd love to hear your registry plans: Will you be completing your registries, and if so, when?

*Williams-Sonoma and Bed Bath & Beyond are also enticing us to go shoppin' with 10% registry completion discounts. (I'm not sure if our last store, Sur La Table, offers a completion discount -- but I'll definitely be looking into it!)

Grazie Mille!

There was only one aspect of our co-ed wedding shower I didn't love: Being unprepared -- since it was a surprise -- with nary a thank you gift on hand for the party planners and hosts!

I worked quickly over the next few days to remedy this situation -- the mister and I felt so loved and knew a ton of work had gone into the shower, and as a result, I had trouble focusing on other tasks until I had this one all wrapped up -- and then realized everyone wouldn't be together again until the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. So the gifts waited patiently in our den, and with them completed, I was free to continue hammering away at our to-do list.

Inspired by our festive Italian-themed celebration, I created green, white and red gift bags. Each contained a package of pasta and jar of gravy. We also included gift certificates to Moore Brothers -- a specialty wine shop located a hip, skip and a jump from Philly. And to round out the feast, I semi-DIYed goofy, wordy pizza party vouchers. Wanna read the small print?

"This coupon entitles the aforementioned recipient(s) to one (1) homemade pizza party with the dough-making duo listed above. Said party must be scheduled on a previously agreed upon date after the wedding craziness has passed. Furthermore, at this carb-tastic gathering – the location of which will be determined when consulting all necessary calendars to plan the soiree – the recipient(s) retain the right and privilege of selecting the preferred method of cooking, given the choice between baking and grilling, and bearing in mind the limitations of the venue at which the ultimate homemade pizzas will be constructed and consumed."

Since the goodies wouldn't be delivered until about a month after the shower, I crafted up some simple cards -- using adorable food shape and deliciously cute pun stamps -- and sent along notes to everyone who helped brainstorm and execute the shower, including a teaser line in them mentioning we had thank you gifts, but that they wouldn't mail easily.


The gift bags -- which we presented to Bruschetta 'maids Carey, Kris and Steph, MOH Sister Bruschetta & BIL Bruschetta (who hosted the shower at their home) and Mama & Daddy Bruschetta at the rehearsal dinner -- were a big hit. And now that the wedding craziness has passed, I'm looking forward to everyone redeeming their pizza certificates!

Did (or will) you give shower thank you gifts that followed a specific theme?

We're Ba-ack!

Dearest hive,

Phew! It's been a really tiring past few days. We got in Sunday night and were chatting it up with my parents for a bit before heading back to the apartment. (And later found, in the fridge, that Mama Bruschetta had cared for and maintained a portion of my bridal bouquet -- sooooo cute! We also saw the first bit of evidence that Mama and Daddy Bru DID in fact have a dowry for their younger daughter...a fresh gallon of milk [though we're still waiting for the rest of the cow] -- and a carton of OJ, too -- which made our initial American breakfast much easier, thanks again to the parental units.) Heads hit pillows that night at what -- to our bodies -- was about 4.15 a.m. Roman time. Exhausting.

We're still not totally back to a normal sleep schedule. Mornings are easiest (though they start between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. when my eyes just refuse to keep closed any longer!) and we're tired by 7:30-8:00 at night (crazy, I know!). Espresso (hiya, girl! -- loving the recaps!) has been playing a pretty key role in our days so far to keep us going, and keep me from caffeine withdrawal after one doppio too many in Italy. Mr. Bruschetta is in the midst of trying to jump through all the hoops to ensure he can take his PT certification exam (um, why does he need a brand new passport photo?) and be working by about this time next month (give or take), so for us, it's sorta back to life as normal.

The apartment is almost not a mess anymore -- hope to get a handle on that this weekend, and I've put out a plea to my bridal besties seeking any company who wants to watch me fold laundry and sort through the remaining boxes of wedding stuff Saturday late afternoon to evening ('cause, um, yeah apparently my life really is that boring), as Mr. Bruschetta continues with his waiter gig. And we're just gonna do a bit more wrap-up for the wedding before putting that bad boy to bed and waiting for our photographer's pro pictures. We hope more guests will post their wedding day shots to our Flickr page, and are considering ordering Mini Moos to stuff into our thank you notes for a little dose of good ol' fashioned Catholic guilt.

And then...what's next? We're considering a new apartment (something where the ceilings won't collapse and the walls won't be covered in bugs, and our neighbors will have the class to not leave their trash right outside their [and by extension, OUR] front door) in early 2010 while saving for a house. I'm chomping at the bit to do a full Harry Potter series reread. Bruschetta 'maid Kris dangled the carrot that she'd be my book buddy before the wedding, since this chica's seen each of the movies, but has yet to break the binding. (Kris, are you still game for this? Name the day and I'll be right there with you!) And we can't WAIT to go shopping with our wedding monies and gift cards, and start cooking with all the awesome gifts we've received. (That is *ahem* AFTER we've written thank you notes for these items.)

Don't let my chipper tone fool you, though -- I'm still exhausted, and going from walking everywhere in Italy (we estimate we did five to seven miles a day) to sitting at my desk at work all day is sorta freaking sucking.

I really hope to get back in the (blogging) saddle now, and share with you the posts I didn't get around to writing before the wedding, while also trying to whittle down the 1,000+ pictures we took capturing our Italian honeymoon. (I'll cut my teeth on recaps with that monstrosity, and then hopefully we won't hafta wait too long after for our pro pics!)

Anywhoozles, just wanted to send out a quick "Ciao!" message, and letcha all know we're alive, well and very happy. How YOU doin'?

Love,

Mrs. Bruschetta

P.S. Remember when I scouted locations in Philly for our post-ceremony, pre-reception photo jaunt? Seems our photographer loved the same part of Elfreth's Alley that had me smitten. (Don't hate, but Cindy Patrick did in fact share this shot with me pre-honeymoon, along with our lovey-dovey arms picture. I wanted save something special for my first post back!)


*Sigh* And now, we wait.

Birds Do It, Bees Do It

And this bee -- and her mister -- did it this past weekend!

We've just finished packing up -- the post-wedding cleaning up will hafta wait -- for our dreamy dozen days in Italy. As much as I want to sit and replay every. single. moment. of our wedding (and the days leading up to it) with our nearests and dearests, I'm also giddy at the thought of having my husband (!!!) whisk me away. I couldn't board the plane, though, without giving the hive a little something to buzz about until we get back...

We watched in awe as our friends and family came together Saturday to celebrate something so simple, and yet, so significant: our love. The day -- 5:00 a.m. 'til midnight -- was filled with unexpected surprises, intense emotions...and amazing photography.


(Cindy Patrick's responsible for the drool you most likely now have dripping on your computer keys.)

Much, much, much more to come!

Lotsa love,

MRS. Bruschetta

Day #638

Time has been significant for the Bruschettas. In 2001 when we officially acknowledged each other as boyfriend and girlfriend, six days separated what would become our dating anniversary from my high school graduation. For the next few years, our own routines kept us busy during the week -- but weekends often meant visits, whether for movie dates or (more frequently) study dates. And in 2005 when I began grad school, months became the new marker, filling the time between my visits home to Philly or Mr. Bruschetta's several treks up to Boston.

Clearly, patience has been pretty important, too. After the mister's on-bended-knee and with-ring-box-in-hand moment, 638 days separated us from our wedding day. But today, the wait will finally end when I marry my best friend.

To the hive and my fellow bees: I'm eternally grateful for this opportunity to share the whirlwind journey that has been the last six months. I truly hope you've enjoyed following along at least half as much as I've enjoyed writing each post. (And since I still have much to share with you all -- including surprises I didn't want to reveal before the wedding, as well as details and reflections I shifted to the back burner as the end of August rapidly approached -- rest assured I'll remain a presence until you've heard our entire story!)

To our parents, siblings, family and friends: Thank you for the love you've given unconditionally over the years -- and for the support and encouragement you've provided throughout our engagement. Our hearts are fuller and our lives are richer because you are with us.

And to my mister: We knew years ago that we were perfect for each other; we've since shared countless memorable (and often tasty!) experiences and shaped one another into the people we are today. I'm so proud of all you've accomplished, how you've created a solid foundation for your -- and our -- future. This next year will be amazing -- we've worked toward it for the past eight years (can you even believe that?!), and I can't wait to continue our adventure together. You're my bestest, and I love you more than these simple words can convey.


Rain or shine, I just can't wait to get married!

XOXO,

Miss Bruschetta

Urbane Playground

The mister and I recently revisited our church (on the beautiful Villanova University campus) and reception neighborhood (in the Old City section of Philadelphia) to scout out the most "photogenic" areas for our post-ceremony pictures.

Since we're crossing off the formals and posed pictures in the morning, this portion of the wedding day will focus much more on photojournalism -- and perhaps will include a bit of TTD (but no actually trashing, don't worry) in the mix!

I've mentioned before how strict our church is, so while we're hoping to sneak some pictures in the church after the wedding, no one will be surprised if we get unceremoniously booted after the mass. (Especially since there still might be a 3:30 wedding after our 1:30 hour-long ceremony concludes.) Weather permitting (and at the moment, we're all keeping fingers and toes crossed in the Bruschetta household), we could retreat to one of the grassy areas in front of the church...


...or the shady grotto right behind it.




Before we return to the city, we're hoping to swing by the Villanova R5 train station to grab a few grittier shots. The mister and I have a special connection to this spot, since he used to hop the train to come visit early in my college days.


Our limo ride will end at 2nd and Race Streets -- and hopefully, Mr. Bar Stool (which was closed for the evening by the time I took the picture below), will have some chairs outside on the sidewalk (as the store usually does) that we can include in some shots with the bridal party.


After making them feel so loved and included, we'll request the bridal party hang tight for a few minutes while Mr. Bruschetta and I wander down Elfreth's Alley. Quaint historic homes? Enchanting alleys? Check and check.




Brightly-colored walls will be our next stop with the bridal party. I love that both these locations are right along our planned route!




We hope to free our friends around this time, and continue to a few more locations -- including one of our favorite restaurants (thanks again for the sangria recipe!) and an adorable candy shop.




And our last stop will be the F.U.E.L. House, to preview the setup and practice our first dance (for the first and only time in my dress before we perform it for our guests!).

Anyone else plan out ideal places to take day-of pictures before your wedding day? What are some of the spots that really caught your eye?

"Turtled" Treats

So when we last left the Bruschetta wedding favor saga, the mister and I had triumphantly exited the supermarket. Not ten minutes earlier, I was stooping to grab an item off a low shelf, and noticed a box out of the corner of my eye. A picture of delicious-looking popcorn covered the front, and -- I know this sounds a little silly -- I felt my pulse quicken. (Seriously, this favor situation had been stressing me out big-time!)

My glance fell next on the flavor: Cranberry almond. Damn. Almost immediately, though, I wondered if other varieties existed. I started pawing through the boxes -- and almost didn't believe my eyes when I found the most perfect, purple-accented one. The key ingredients? Chocolate, caramel and pecan.

I hurried off to find Mr. Bruschetta and share my discovery. We agreed to sample the product before committing to purchase one for each of our guests; I tore open the box and ripped into a packet as soon as we'd paid for our items. Was it as delicious as the pricey gourmet sample we had almost ordered? Well, no. But the supermarket version had a more prevalent nutty flavor -- thanks to tiny little nut pieces throughout the mixture, instead of just one or two whole nuts per handful. And since the treat isn't enrobed in chocolate, we wouldn't have the seasonal concerns (or expensive shipping costs) that would have come with the fancier option. (As one more bonus, the SMARTFOOD popcorn baggies are only 120 calories each, so this selection also reflects our attempts to eat healthy!)

The next day, I returned home from work to find a surprise awaiting me.


(I later learned Mr. Bruschetta had visited five supermarkets to find all the boxes we'd need!)

With the arrival of the popcorn packets, we were finally able to assemble our favors. Sister and BIL Bruschetta joined me and the mister for a craft-a-thon, and we started the multi-step process.

First, our ever-attentive men assembled 4 x 4 x 2 inch boxes while catching up on Entourage episodes.


Sister Bruschetta cut the slips explaining about our charity donation down to size -- I was working on our ceremony programs (stay tuned for a post about these!) -- and then we used double-sided tape to affix them to the inside of the box lid.


The next morning, Mr. Bruschetta and continued the assembly line by wrapping each packet in white tissue paper and affixing a "turtle crossing" sign sticker to the front of each little bundle.


This is what our guests will see when they open their favor boxes. I think they're adorable, particularly since the sticker-on-white-tissue-paper look reminds me of my unofficial turtle rescue "uniform."


Sister Bruschetta returned for an afternoon crafting session, and used a hot glue "pistol" -- it was so tiny! -- to affix the Mrs. Emerald-inspired bows we'd assembled a few weeks previous.




Mini favor boxes took over our living room as they dried.


(Sister Bruschetta insisted I take a close up to show all the colors together, including the ones we made for me and the mister.)


Phew! I'm really pleased with the finished product -- and thrilled that we were able to keep the cost of the favors to a shade over $1 each.

I never would have imagined we'd find our wedding favors in the supermarket! Anyone else find a wedding purchase in an unlikely location?

Just the Two of Us & Other Table Talk

It's dorky, and even a tad snobby. Since mister and I fancy ourselves foodies, when we're dining out, we usually order two dishes we'd both like to try. Our meals arrive, and we taste our own first -- but quickly load a fork with a bite for each other to sample. We often end up passing our bread plates back and forth, filling and refilling them -- or we just swap entree dishes halfway through the meal. And if we're really enjoying the cuisine, we'll trade notes and attempt to guess any secret ingredients.

We never really even discussed the possibility of not having a sweetheart table. Mr. Bruschetta and I will attend most (hopefully all!) of our cocktail hour, and during this time, we'll make the rounds and greet our guests -- so we can spend our first married meal savoring each other's company, and the delicious dishes!

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What about everyone else? Well, way back at the start of our planning, we found the F.U.E.L. House. And we realized we could go a bit crazy with the other tables! Since second floor (where we'll serve dinner) overlooks the entry and dance floor below, we opted to rent a variety of shapes, so everyone will encircle the wraparound balcony. (Floor plan courtesy of the F.U.E.L. House.)



We're mixing it up, combining 60" rounds with two banquet tables, each seating 12 people -- long-ish, but still small enough to maintain and intimate feel. Two family tables will sit closest to our sweetheart table; the banquet tables will run along the left and right sides of the space surrounding the atrium; and the remaining rounds will complete the circle. Each of these three "groups" of tables will have its own distinct centerpiece -- floral arrangements following along with our quaternary color scheme. I can't wait to see how it all comes together!

Do you prefer circular or long tables at a wedding reception? Which did (or will) you use?

Twisted Tiers

After we nixed the plan for plain cake with gourmet sauces -- um, yeah, I'm going back to one of my posts from mid-May -- I realized I was pretty jazzed about our new, traditional dessert. Why? Complimentary tastings!

One afternoon + two bakeries = a LOT of cake. (Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.) Mrs. Cupcake's tasting had sounded delicious, so I made sure we stopped into Sweet Jazmines first. The second spot was yummy, but it focused on pound cake and fondant (rather than layer cake and buttercream) so in our opinions, it really didn't compare.

We received a generous sample platter of just some of Sweet Jazmines flavors. (Thanks for taking -- and labeling! -- this picture, Mrs. Cupcake!)

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Mr. Bruschetta immediately loved the "Lemon Delight" -- lemon pound cake, lemon curd and lemon buttercream -- but imagined adding a ribbon of raspberry marmalade to the party. And I gobbled up the "Cinnfully Southern," which combines sweet potato cake, cinnamon cream cheese and caramel buttercream. Is it a little less summery and a bit more autumnal? Yeah, maybe. But it's also insanely delectable. So we'd quickly figured our bottom (his flavor pick) and middle (mine) tiers.

And for the top spot? We agreed our cake could use some antioxidants -- or just some chocolately goodness -- and opted for chocolate cake filled and finished with chocolate buttercream. How could we taste, and then walk away from the "Chocolate Decadence" flavor? By keeping our budget in mind! A few forkfuls confirmed it lives up to its name -- chocolate cake and flourless chocolate cake with ganache, chocolate mousse and chocolate buttercream -- but the increased price for these special ingredients made it easier to resist. (Sweet Jazmines will be gifting us a 6-inch first anniversary cake in the flavor of our choice, so we won't feel badly about serving up the top tier on our wedding day.)

Seeing this cake...

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...convinced me that square tiers -- set ever so slightly askew -- would be the perfect complement to the F.U.E.L. House's stunning architecture. Somewhat traditional, with a modern twist, like our reception venue. I loved how it adds an unexpected quirk to an elegant confection -- so I promptly set out to find more offset cake inspiration photos.

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I wish I had more to share, but it's pretty tough to find pictures of this style!

Will your wedding cake have circle tiers, square tiers...or another shape altogether?

Thanking the PPC

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Yesterday, my coworkers "surprised" me with a wedding shower. My supervisor had asked me last week to block off Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. for a meeting, and was extremely evasive when I inquired about specifics. So I was already suspicious as he led me down the (uncharacteristically quiet) hall. When he started pushing open the conference room door, I heard giggles and shushing...and realized I was dreading this little party!

In the almost two years I've worked in this office, the unofficial party planning committee has pulled together nearly a dozen baby showers -- but not a single wedding-related soiree, as I was the only engaged employee.

I didn't quite know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised with several gifts...

(All images from Bed Bath & Beyond.)

...as well as a very cute recipe book (of which I forgot to take a picture, sorry!) filled with my coworkers' favorite dishes. There was also a very impressive spread, and many of my associates had whipped up the recipe they also were sharing as part of the joint shower gift. Again, I lack pictures, because none of my colleagues know about my blogging, and I would've felt even more uncomfortable whipping out my camera to grab a shot of the goodies.

Anyway, I'm wondering now what the proper way is to thank this large group -- there are 45+ people in my office. (I noticed, as I was finishing this post, that Weddingbee reader hellopanda posted a thread on the boards pondering how to express her gratitude for a similar work party. Great minds, huh?) I'm also on a bit of a time crunch, as our entire office will be participating in a retreat from Monday afternoon through all day Tuesday -- which will be my last two days at work before the wedding.

I've already sent out an email to everyone in the office, but am wondering what else -- if anything -- I should do to thank my colleagues for their time and generosity? Did your coworkers plan any pre-wedding festivities for you?