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

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

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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.

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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?