One Wedding, No Funerals and A Lot of Heat.
Hey hey,
So, the day I, along with a couple other coworkers, one very special on in particular, had been waiting for finally arrived yesterday. THE WEDDING. One of the most darling people I have ever had the pleasure of working with and seeing on a day-to-day basis was finally taking the big step and jumping the broom with his lady. And I'm pretty sure our entire office was invited to come out and see it.
As you all know, I had been waiting for this and waiting for this and planning for it and freaking out over what to wear for no less than two months. Well, after all that fuss, the wedding finally took place yesterday. And the wait was so definitely worth it. Keep in mind that this is me you're reading from, so yes, I'll tell you the things I loved, but I'll also tell you the things I did not love (not that there were many). On to the wedding then.
Prep for this outfit, not including the actual purchasing of said outfit, started on Thursday night when I overhauled my nails and gave myself a little mani/pedi. Friday was slated for hair and make-up tests. These were some of the finished results:
I had spoken to one of my coworkers a week or two ago about carpooling in together. Because for an event like this, I very well could ride the train in and it wouldn't be an issue but I would have had to consider an extra bag for shoes and carrying that and train times and so much extra hassle. Plus, with where this specific coworker lives, we'll call her M, I figured she'd be passing my way anyway so why not pick me up. So after having a little bit of online church while I could get it, then getting ready, M arrived yesterday at about 1:30pm. I hopped in her SUV and off we went.
Just so you've got the full picture, here's what I looked like:
The wedding was in Brooklyn but in a different area. I've been near there but not there specifically and neither had anyone else of our coworkers so when M and I arrived, immediately we started looking for parking. Parking in a lot or garage was to be our last resort only, but after driving around for a solid 25 minutes, we realized the lot was what we were left with. Parking in busy areas in Brooklyn, or anywhere for that matter, can be so confusing just because you never know which side of the street you can park on when and if people who live there have special stickers you're not noticing and that's the only reason why everyone on that block doesn't have a ticket. Once we got down into the lot, it was an underground garage, we knew it was going to be an experience. The attendants took ages and we only had 7 minutes before the wedding actually started.
Luckily, we made it just a few moments before the ceremony began. We were greeted at the door by the groom who is also our coworker. The usher mentioned which side was for the bride and which for the groom but said we could sit anywhere and wasn't much more helpful than that. In retrospect, I'm pretty sure we sat on the bride's side but that's okay. After sitting for a couple minutes, you realized you were so hot, where you were sitting was not of great importance unless it was next to a window or an open door.
Fun fact: Apparently in New York, you're not supposed to throw rice at weddings because pigeons choke on it. So this couple, being animal friendly, had everyone throw seeds, that the birds may not perish. How thoughtful.
Since the cocktail hour area and reception were held only three blocks away, everyone walked over after the throwing of the seeds was done. A nice touch that the bride and groom had was they'd already taken most of their pictures beforehand and so, after only a couple extra with family members who hadn't been there earlier, they were able to join the rest of us for their cocktail hour. If you think about it, it makes sense. I mean after all, you are paying for it, you might as well get to enjoy it too.
We took a couple photos on the way to the cocktail area location, the historical significance of which the groom had briefed me about beforehand. It was held at Plymouth Church, click the link for more info.
Once we walked in, it was a little garden that I'm sorry to say I apparently never took a photo of, we went straight for the drinks and snacks. Well, they went for the drinks, I grabbed a water and ended up drinking a lot of it because after a while it was hot outside too. The snacks were good and there were some other choices floating around. A coworkers husband and I both tried this one bite-sized mashed squash with curry hors d'oeuvre. We agreed it was interesting, and definitely spicier than either of us expected, but good nonetheless. We all stood out there, and ended up meeting the rest of our arriving coworkers, mingling and chatting. Apparently, according to my co-workers at least, my hair gives me lots of added presence. I think this is a good thing. 4pm hit and we started filing in for the reception. Even though I don't drink, I am a fan of the cocktail hour. Especially when it's held outside.
The reception was a totally different ballgame. The decor was lovely but there were a few notable things I didn't like. First and foremost, it was sweltering in there. I understand that the place had charm and a historic background, etc. and it was built originally in the early 1800s but for mercy's sake, the two fans placed on either side of the back wall of the room were not enough to cool that place off. We fanned while waiting for our food, in-between courses and all. Men started taking off their jackets and you never knew if it was due to them being too warm from getting drunk, them not wanting to dirty their jackets, or if it was just too hot in that room. Another aspect of the reception I wasn't fond of was the overcrowded table. There is no need to have three different sized flower-filled vases, candles, a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, three different sized glasses, a place card AND two plates, each per guest, a bread basket and a butter bowl all crammed into one small area. Those tables would have been fine with two glasses, one plate, two flower-filled vases, candles, place cards, and the wine. I mean for heavens sake, the largest vase which was the centerpiece, practically looked like a tree was sprouting from the middle of the table. And good luck trying to see anyone around it. Speaking of trying to see, as the evening wore on, I realized it had gotten visibly darker inside the hall. I then realized it was because there was no lighting in the hall apart from the candles on the tables all over. I don't remember there being any other larger standing lights or lighting fixtures anywhere else in the room. I'm not sure if I didn't like it or just noticed it and thought, "Hm," but there it is all the same.
That being said, I did really like the direction the bride was going with for the decor but it could have been parred down a bit and the effect still accomplished. It was just much too crowded. And in this day and age, everyone has their phone on them but with that table, there was hardly any room for them. All the same, I appreciated the fact that everywhere the bride used only real flowers. It probably cost a fortune but I for one, loved it. Real flowers are always better than fake flowers and should also be chosen whenever financially possible. Also, the place cards. They were handwritten and absolutely adorable. I took mine with me even though I have absolutely no use for it. Here are some photos to help you better envision the decor:
But alas, we were not yet so lucky. L and I went outside to get some fresh air and coolness and ended up talking to some of the coolest older (60+) people I've met in a while. One lady walked up to us and firmly stated she should have just "worn [her] Chuck Taylors," and in that moment I couldn't have agreed with her more. I love the shoes I wore, they're actually my favorite heels, but after being in them for, at that point 6 hours, I was ready for flats. Too bad I didn't have any with me...
The cake, although small in portion size, was utterly delicious. By far my favorite part of the meal (probably because I'm a sucker for sweets but whatever). The outside with it's Swiss dots was just darling. The cake itself was a vanilla bean cake with lemon curd and blackberry jam filling instead of just icing. Mui delicioso. I seriously considered asking for a second slice but had to remind myself not to be a pig about it.
There wasn't much happening after the cake, apart from fruit, tea and coffee, and if we'd stayed longer, I would definitely have had some coffee. We did munch a bit on the fruit as we walked/danced out the door. On the way to the car lot, M was giving L a ride home, then dropping me off, M and I learned L had never been to the Brooklyn Promenade. This was unacceptable, primarily because the Promenade was only three blocks from where the car was parked. So we ditched the car and walked there. The view alone made it so worth it. Looking out at Manhattan from Brooklyn across the East River is a sight everyone who either visits or lives in New York should see at least once. So worth it.
After that nice little walk and a parking garage debacle that took at least 30 minutes to clear up, we hopped in the car and by 11:15 I was home kicking off my heels. The bride and groom decided that rather than give wedding favors, they would donate the money to a charity they support called Gods' Love. I'm not sure what it is and haven't taken a moment to look it up but I personally would really have preferred a favor. The groom always tells me I and his now wife have very similar tastes and attitudes in general so you can imagine both my excitement to see what she picked as well as my slight sadness at seeing there wouldn't be any wedding favor after all. Maybe that's an additional reason why I took the little mini vase and flower. They practically make up for the lack of favor too, they are just too cute to boot. What a lovely day indeed.
I'm well aware I mentioned to you all I was going to visit a couple galleries on the Upper East Side today, and that was originally the plan. But of course, New York, specifically the MTA and later the weather, had other plans for me. I couldn't wake up early because I was utterly exhausted. I also remember seeing signs posted on Friday about the main train line I needed from my house to get to the art galleries was going to be down the whole weekend. That doesn't mean we're without service but it does mean you have to take a shuttle instead and that I was not willing to subject myself to when I had no plans next weekend and the exhibitions would still be on. So I changed my plans a bit. Also, it started raining and thundering this evening. While typing this post I got an alert about flash flooding and heard rain coming down so hard it sounded like I may need a boat to get to work tomorrow. I now definitely regret not purchasing a parka last week, but in my defense, it wasn't for lack of trying to find one.
In conclusion, weddings are a blast and some of you guys need to get married so you can invite me and I'll have more to attend. Seeing your coworkers tipsy, one of them in particular, was entertaining. Fielding questions about my diet (vegetarianism and lack of alcohol intake) is always a highlight of my life as well.
It feels strange. Now that I've gotten past THE WEDDING, I don't have any big events to look forward to for a while I don't think. Gracious. Well, I'm sure I'll find something to do... ;)
Until next time lovelies,
xx
So, the day I, along with a couple other coworkers, one very special on in particular, had been waiting for finally arrived yesterday. THE WEDDING. One of the most darling people I have ever had the pleasure of working with and seeing on a day-to-day basis was finally taking the big step and jumping the broom with his lady. And I'm pretty sure our entire office was invited to come out and see it.
As you all know, I had been waiting for this and waiting for this and planning for it and freaking out over what to wear for no less than two months. Well, after all that fuss, the wedding finally took place yesterday. And the wait was so definitely worth it. Keep in mind that this is me you're reading from, so yes, I'll tell you the things I loved, but I'll also tell you the things I did not love (not that there were many). On to the wedding then.
Prep for this outfit, not including the actual purchasing of said outfit, started on Thursday night when I overhauled my nails and gave myself a little mani/pedi. Friday was slated for hair and make-up tests. These were some of the finished results:
Andy Warhol napkin status
Messing around
I had spoken to one of my coworkers a week or two ago about carpooling in together. Because for an event like this, I very well could ride the train in and it wouldn't be an issue but I would have had to consider an extra bag for shoes and carrying that and train times and so much extra hassle. Plus, with where this specific coworker lives, we'll call her M, I figured she'd be passing my way anyway so why not pick me up. So after having a little bit of online church while I could get it, then getting ready, M arrived yesterday at about 1:30pm. I hopped in her SUV and off we went.
Just so you've got the full picture, here's what I looked like:
Top.
Bag I edited.
Head-to-toe.
The wedding was in Brooklyn but in a different area. I've been near there but not there specifically and neither had anyone else of our coworkers so when M and I arrived, immediately we started looking for parking. Parking in a lot or garage was to be our last resort only, but after driving around for a solid 25 minutes, we realized the lot was what we were left with. Parking in busy areas in Brooklyn, or anywhere for that matter, can be so confusing just because you never know which side of the street you can park on when and if people who live there have special stickers you're not noticing and that's the only reason why everyone on that block doesn't have a ticket. Once we got down into the lot, it was an underground garage, we knew it was going to be an experience. The attendants took ages and we only had 7 minutes before the wedding actually started.
Luckily, we made it just a few moments before the ceremony began. We were greeted at the door by the groom who is also our coworker. The usher mentioned which side was for the bride and which for the groom but said we could sit anywhere and wasn't much more helpful than that. In retrospect, I'm pretty sure we sat on the bride's side but that's okay. After sitting for a couple minutes, you realized you were so hot, where you were sitting was not of great importance unless it was next to a window or an open door.
Just enough time for me and M to snap a selfie
Front of the church.
The decor in there was fabulous.
Flower girls
The groom walked in, then came the flower girls and ring-bearer etc. The little girl pictured above on the left had to be coaxed down the aisle. Halfway down, she started asking for her daddy and nearly bailed completely. She was so adorable though, just trotting around later, happy as a lark. Then came the bride.
"...you can do it all be yo'self let me see you do it"
Her dress was so insanely gorgeous I can't begin to tell you
Her dress was absolutely divine. It fit her like a dream and was off-white which I also liked. Her hair, (shown later) suited her so well too. All in all she just looked fantastic. A job well done indeed. The ceremony was Catholic and, since I'm not Catholic, there were lots of recitations and confusing things happening that I didn't understand but I appreciated the significance. Also, they had a marvelous organ player and singer in the back. I was hooked once the singer belted out "Ave Maria."
Some more minutes, recitations, vows, a bathroom trip, lots of fanning, and a kiss later, the happy couple pranced down the aisle to us the audience's resounding cheers and congratulations.
Vows
They were practically running...
While walking out, another coworker, L, joined M and I. As we all walked out the door, we were presented with baskets holding little cloth sachets. We went outside and opened them to find not rice but seeds inside. We also learned it felt nicer outside than it had inside because at least there was a blessed breeze.
Seeds
Fun fact: Apparently in New York, you're not supposed to throw rice at weddings because pigeons choke on it. So this couple, being animal friendly, had everyone throw seeds, that the birds may not perish. How thoughtful.
They are so cute together
Since the cocktail hour area and reception were held only three blocks away, everyone walked over after the throwing of the seeds was done. A nice touch that the bride and groom had was they'd already taken most of their pictures beforehand and so, after only a couple extra with family members who hadn't been there earlier, they were able to join the rest of us for their cocktail hour. If you think about it, it makes sense. I mean after all, you are paying for it, you might as well get to enjoy it too.
We took a couple photos on the way to the cocktail area location, the historical significance of which the groom had briefed me about beforehand. It was held at Plymouth Church, click the link for more info.
L and I
Cocktail hour fare
V important historic statue
Once we walked in, it was a little garden that I'm sorry to say I apparently never took a photo of, we went straight for the drinks and snacks. Well, they went for the drinks, I grabbed a water and ended up drinking a lot of it because after a while it was hot outside too. The snacks were good and there were some other choices floating around. A coworkers husband and I both tried this one bite-sized mashed squash with curry hors d'oeuvre. We agreed it was interesting, and definitely spicier than either of us expected, but good nonetheless. We all stood out there, and ended up meeting the rest of our arriving coworkers, mingling and chatting. Apparently, according to my co-workers at least, my hair gives me lots of added presence. I think this is a good thing. 4pm hit and we started filing in for the reception. Even though I don't drink, I am a fan of the cocktail hour. Especially when it's held outside.
The reception was a totally different ballgame. The decor was lovely but there were a few notable things I didn't like. First and foremost, it was sweltering in there. I understand that the place had charm and a historic background, etc. and it was built originally in the early 1800s but for mercy's sake, the two fans placed on either side of the back wall of the room were not enough to cool that place off. We fanned while waiting for our food, in-between courses and all. Men started taking off their jackets and you never knew if it was due to them being too warm from getting drunk, them not wanting to dirty their jackets, or if it was just too hot in that room. Another aspect of the reception I wasn't fond of was the overcrowded table. There is no need to have three different sized flower-filled vases, candles, a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, three different sized glasses, a place card AND two plates, each per guest, a bread basket and a butter bowl all crammed into one small area. Those tables would have been fine with two glasses, one plate, two flower-filled vases, candles, place cards, and the wine. I mean for heavens sake, the largest vase which was the centerpiece, practically looked like a tree was sprouting from the middle of the table. And good luck trying to see anyone around it. Speaking of trying to see, as the evening wore on, I realized it had gotten visibly darker inside the hall. I then realized it was because there was no lighting in the hall apart from the candles on the tables all over. I don't remember there being any other larger standing lights or lighting fixtures anywhere else in the room. I'm not sure if I didn't like it or just noticed it and thought, "Hm," but there it is all the same.
That being said, I did really like the direction the bride was going with for the decor but it could have been parred down a bit and the effect still accomplished. It was just much too crowded. And in this day and age, everyone has their phone on them but with that table, there was hardly any room for them. All the same, I appreciated the fact that everywhere the bride used only real flowers. It probably cost a fortune but I for one, loved it. Real flowers are always better than fake flowers and should also be chosen whenever financially possible. Also, the place cards. They were handwritten and absolutely adorable. I took mine with me even though I have absolutely no use for it. Here are some photos to help you better envision the decor:
Such gorgeous stained glass in there
Those massive centerpieces/trees got in the way so much
Table decor after most of the eating was over
I ordered the vegetarian option, because I don't eat meat, but the salad was for everyone. It was a kale caesar with the saltiest croutons and, because of the anchovies, the saltiest dressing I'd ever tasted. I haven't eaten caesar salad in a while, possible because I'm aware of the anchovies and would rather not. The menu stated there being a vegetarian option for the salad but, after requesting it, the waiter who went to check never came back... so I guess the answer to that question is no. As for dinner, I had stuffed tomato filled with quinoa, tofu and some other things I can't remember. It was delicious. If I remember correctly, it was also vegan. Extra points to them for that!! When I finished it, I knew I wasn't full, but it tasted good and I mean who wants to be stuffed to the brim when there's dancing to be done. The music was good and the band did a superb job. They played lots of good hits from the 60s and 70s and you couldn't help but sing along to your favorites aka all of them.
Kale salad of salt
Reception selfie
This happened a lot just because of centerpieces and people being in the way but it was okay
Din din
First dance cuteness
More first dance cuteness
So during the couple's first dance, my coworker told me to clink my glass. Then she told me it's really annoying to the bride and groom but everyone expects it to happen anyway. I also don't think she wanted to start it. Anyway, I clinked and it took three times before it finally caught on with the rest of the crowd but it did and the couple kissed and it was really cute. I don't think they minded awfully but when it happened a second time, not by my doing, they looked less pleased but acquiesced all the same.
So they danced then we danced and everyone was up and dancing. I ran to the bathroom real quick, which was actually cooler than the reception hall purely because there was an open window in there, and when I came back, I was surprised but chuckled to see the entirety of my office and their spouses congregated around one of the fans at the back of the room. Because yes ladies and gents, it was that hot. By this time, we were all also wondering when dessert would be served. You could tell people were starting to get hungry because all of sudden, all we were talking about was food.
Groom's cake
Swiss dot wedding cake
But alas, we were not yet so lucky. L and I went outside to get some fresh air and coolness and ended up talking to some of the coolest older (60+) people I've met in a while. One lady walked up to us and firmly stated she should have just "worn [her] Chuck Taylors," and in that moment I couldn't have agreed with her more. I love the shoes I wore, they're actually my favorite heels, but after being in them for, at that point 6 hours, I was ready for flats. Too bad I didn't have any with me...
Photo op realness
Bride's editable dress. I love everything about it
When we went back inside, it was finally time to cut the cake. Everyone was excited and crowded in to take photos.
I'm not sure if this youngin on the left was taking a video or shining a light so everyone else could get a good photo or what but I was like dang, could you maybe move?
Flowers in vases the size of a double shot glass. You best believe I took that little darling home too
Cake cake cake
The cake, although small in portion size, was utterly delicious. By far my favorite part of the meal (probably because I'm a sucker for sweets but whatever). The outside with it's Swiss dots was just darling. The cake itself was a vanilla bean cake with lemon curd and blackberry jam filling instead of just icing. Mui delicioso. I seriously considered asking for a second slice but had to remind myself not to be a pig about it.
There wasn't much happening after the cake, apart from fruit, tea and coffee, and if we'd stayed longer, I would definitely have had some coffee. We did munch a bit on the fruit as we walked/danced out the door. On the way to the car lot, M was giving L a ride home, then dropping me off, M and I learned L had never been to the Brooklyn Promenade. This was unacceptable, primarily because the Promenade was only three blocks from where the car was parked. So we ditched the car and walked there. The view alone made it so worth it. Looking out at Manhattan from Brooklyn across the East River is a sight everyone who either visits or lives in New York should see at least once. So worth it.
Views
After that nice little walk and a parking garage debacle that took at least 30 minutes to clear up, we hopped in the car and by 11:15 I was home kicking off my heels. The bride and groom decided that rather than give wedding favors, they would donate the money to a charity they support called Gods' Love. I'm not sure what it is and haven't taken a moment to look it up but I personally would really have preferred a favor. The groom always tells me I and his now wife have very similar tastes and attitudes in general so you can imagine both my excitement to see what she picked as well as my slight sadness at seeing there wouldn't be any wedding favor after all. Maybe that's an additional reason why I took the little mini vase and flower. They practically make up for the lack of favor too, they are just too cute to boot. What a lovely day indeed.
I'm well aware I mentioned to you all I was going to visit a couple galleries on the Upper East Side today, and that was originally the plan. But of course, New York, specifically the MTA and later the weather, had other plans for me. I couldn't wake up early because I was utterly exhausted. I also remember seeing signs posted on Friday about the main train line I needed from my house to get to the art galleries was going to be down the whole weekend. That doesn't mean we're without service but it does mean you have to take a shuttle instead and that I was not willing to subject myself to when I had no plans next weekend and the exhibitions would still be on. So I changed my plans a bit. Also, it started raining and thundering this evening. While typing this post I got an alert about flash flooding and heard rain coming down so hard it sounded like I may need a boat to get to work tomorrow. I now definitely regret not purchasing a parka last week, but in my defense, it wasn't for lack of trying to find one.
In conclusion, weddings are a blast and some of you guys need to get married so you can invite me and I'll have more to attend. Seeing your coworkers tipsy, one of them in particular, was entertaining. Fielding questions about my diet (vegetarianism and lack of alcohol intake) is always a highlight of my life as well.
It feels strange. Now that I've gotten past THE WEDDING, I don't have any big events to look forward to for a while I don't think. Gracious. Well, I'm sure I'll find something to do... ;)
Until next time lovelies,
xx
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