tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4183361529896638002024-03-19T00:58:50.826-04:00Chic...Personal...FunChic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-68942777715981390852010-08-18T19:35:00.000-04:002010-08-18T19:35:53.632-04:00It's So Hard...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXqBP5_3ImlnTfA1lnre7YVwP1qT9S-55G0YbINYRcYD23OweN_sgP_oSpRAjFs5zIhMte0wG4N6Sne6ldbIBHA-L1uYnl_lVTIViO0sqITJEkcLLwJ2J8vEoaDHsGQkVFRIIkza4xDkW/s1600/P1000431.JPG"></a>to say Goodbye...<div><br /></div><div>One of my favorite songs that say goodbye. This was the first CD that I ever bought by the way!! If you're not familiar with Boyz II Men, you're missing out on some great late 80's/early 90's R&B.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VastXQ_hPb0?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VastXQ_hPb0?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I can't believe that I am writing this, but this will in fact be my last Weddingbee post ever. I remember way back when when I started to read WB: Mrs. Penguin was still engaged; there were barely any discussion boards; and even Mr. Bee would occasionally write a post. That was way back in the days of late 2007 (gulp!) months before I got engaged. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>When I started to write a blog and even when I got accepted to Weddingbee, I didn't know how much it would change my life. I've met a great group of interesting and fun women from all over the country (and the world). I've discovered a new hobby and form of self-expression through blogging. I've learned a lot about social media. I've also gotten to interact with an encouraging, creative and resourceful community that are the readers of Weddingbee! </div><div><br /></div><div>Now that I have been a married lady for a year and almost two weeks, I can say that marriage is fun, sometimes hard and rewarding. It's been a crazy year for me and Mr. Swan: getting new jobs, leaving old ones, and going through various types of personal change. That being said, it's all been good times, and we're learning to be better partners to each other everyday. </div><div><br /></div><div>The biggest highlights of this year:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cooking my first holiday dinner (Christmas) all by myself. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Y3Sb1yb7o5RbyhewMY8RQbjLJlCzXfB971NfWXrLxEGX0XqcgnD9bmlZRk1cewogBLImUP6iOItSpt7ZfnNC_kjh7mxEECsiFAlv552Y97cLZBe73apco4hBKiVjhfbhh_ACsUKYnkbR/s1600/DSC01520.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506884475949078386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">A few trips</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_areZd10Ra7bq7psICIckcndI0jVCSn3uf7HgHTa-GH53nr8ae5KHWtIqslmO9J3PPGXS3Twa-WLM6FcFlezdGVgjY1paaeDqsWVc3zlS2wXEggCN-Pr1wacOispTqbbgl8D-ZhaKXRGe/s1600/DSC01573.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506885428077577778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">NOLA</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXqBP5_3ImlnTfA1lnre7YVwP1qT9S-55G0YbINYRcYD23OweN_sgP_oSpRAjFs5zIhMte0wG4N6Sne6ldbIBHA-L1uYnl_lVTIViO0sqITJEkcLLwJ2J8vEoaDHsGQkVFRIIkza4xDkW/s1600/P1000431.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506883217449546498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bali </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And just hanging out....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pBbKVOcfs3k2vCIf5F9ApmaduxYmcFtyD_uXHwOieJF0fGNh4HTHqbcm6wlwXIp0p69hp-wnR2b9aqbjEpiZft9I_xBP_LD3AWc7qgEEXunlHK9VxJm9BUhLUh8acUyWMtDGNZo54gNx/s1600/P1000562.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506888393176474562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>Governor's Island in NYC. Mr. Swan took the picture, so I guess he's in this one too! :)</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div>I have not stopped blogging though. I have a blog about food and travel (two of my most favorite things). It's called <a href="http://www.tryanythingonceblog.com/">Try Anything Once</a>. The cool title is courtesy of Mrs. Lamb; and if you like the blog design, it's all Mrs. Poodle. I'd love for you to join me over there, if you don't mind hearing about what I eat and where, my travel adventures plus a little personal stuff thrown in. By the way, those of you who are thinking about or planning a honeymoon or trip to Bali, I'm currently blogging about it there. </div><div><br /></div><div>So this is it. I wish only good things for all of the brides and blogging Bees out there old and new.</div><div><br /></div><div>XX,</div><div>Mrs. Swan </div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-78549883948799173822010-08-18T17:30:00.001-04:002010-08-18T17:30:00.682-04:00You Do WHAT with Your Hair?<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Hey, all!<br /><br />I'm almost outta here, but I thought I would pop in to describe something about me that I have never addressed before: how to take care of hair like mine. Many of you, who may actually remember when I was planning my wedding in the olden days of 2008-2009, know that one of my biggest issues was making sure that my hair was looking a-okay for the big day. If you don't remember my hair adventures, take at look at <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/07/27/a-tale-of-a-hair-trial-the-rough-draft-part-1/">this</a>, <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/08/25/a-tale-of-a-hair-trial-hmmmm-part-2/">this</a> and <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/09/03/a-tale-of-a-hair-trial-a-sigh-of-relief-and-the-final-product-part-3/">this</a> (with some background <a href="http://http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/12/hair-here/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/09/up/">here</a>).<div><br /></div><div>In case you don't remember, here's what my hair looked like on my wedding day. <div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiSDpgPZPHW3gm_1NnzTDEeZ0YGhucXalIjYH94-0O-56fzCIn8jU6JkT6hylJtg9mWqXbOdv73h9n9-V-LaElhMutZWq2Q7ClnO6xoZTh4WzE8tIekK7Ph2_G8eZmTLbllF6JJY84f2T/s1600/34.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506837935303655394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Image by <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams</a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVzkdWBDkP0XKIre7co3uShlZeA4zWKnT74nohmgJw6f9DJ_7nCv-yZdXa5GE2YP9y9mNM2-X3iTPddoHCOW1k5ovzKav4ZDkKG865JcYpi0g9cU4hp8Rk1ikEPa4-Jpi4OnBoA2xR48U/s1600/0071011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506837572734373538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Ditto re: Dante Williams</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I SOOO should not be the poster child for anything hair related because I often do not treat my air with the graciousness it deserves. I should be doing way more to it on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, I'm surprised my hair doesn't jump up and backslap me. :( That being said, this post's purpose is to just give you a sense of what caring for locs entails. There are many people better than me out there who have whole blogs and websites and are WAAY more knowledgeable. I'll get to them below.<br /><br />Before I begin though, I should say that <b>I can only really speak about MY particular experience</b> with locs based on the fact that my hair would be this texture/curl pattern if I didn't have them:<div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUbuJHqGOv1MvjpCHCqCbNppMXpJsWKcm6cy1BLvOFPYf_CuAClejsNqO0IuyKetFzD8Ghep1LkVA39JUawzBHZqlRzsQt2VTyOcGhm4crW_qARM8GodAjd-JUT1ZvA3fMyJt_MJBvDyH/s1600/Two-Strand-Twist---Kinky-Twist-Out.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504258773588470018" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 300px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;">(<a href="http://www.khamitkinks.com/your_ownhair.html">source</a>)</span></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Not this ...</div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbkb6NkyvlzB9OICx0EYnQNlt8eq2JALr-BwJswV6h1AHSajISCuejrohKpVYV-yYItHmHmbcb0N-M8yxGTymY9bQi2TV6WMTzc05T56MLNF_tuFIT2fG_bx4XiW-Et106LMxix3azUx_/s1600/kim-kardashian-playstation-3-party-181x300.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504259615560231266" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 300px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">(<a href="http://www.qortuba.org/?cat=8">source</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">Or this...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATU7ZOEkc7wz7hQI9Ej-H5vtP2Ydn010aukYrTwa0sSmv4IiBJdhR7w40nea999yGv5FjPZHY7KwbYB0ZZHdBvKvCAf2ltVAsTGHYsE6t7ysfE4KMP_ronRm8qy9zcQ_Mh_qDd_pMFKnb/s1600/sienna-miller.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506833615702767170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 500px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/SUPERBATSPIDERMAN/news/?a=18016"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">source</span></a>)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div>In other words, if your hair is like Kim K.'s or Sienna's, I'm not really sure how locs work on your hair texture/curl pattern (or lack thereof of a curl pattern). I can only speak about mine. Does that make sense?</div><div><br />Okey doke. Moving on....<br /><br />I remember that I kept mentioning that my hair appointments would take a minimum of three hours (often more). Well, luckily I've switched hair salons, and that's been cut to a much more manageable two hours and definitely less than three. What the heck am I doing at the salon all that time? Usually when I arrive at the salon my hair looks like this:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jW8aMtNA7ailticUVqb_CIPZZtfwTJinVJzYMoOgKaSkeLPetbYBDpbg8VY0jZrYZIj7poJynmah3F5o-PC7J09JjpdeRHh9khC7ZMCV3QYMq2xHKg_OigpANoBpDYspJ3kG27eJ6phi/s1600/DSC01246.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504266545292149586" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 500px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i>Do you see the triangle of hair at the top of the loc? My hair can grow pretty quickly sometimes. I took the picture myself, so it is a little blurry. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div>I have a lot of new growth at the top of each loc that will require it to be twisted and fused with the rest of the loc.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E5254IXc0g">Click on this link</a> to see how locs are "groomed" (code word for washing and retwisting them) and what my hair goes through during my hair appointments. By the way, the woman in the video has done my hair before, and while she is hawking some of her products, they are good. Pretty much the loctician (cool word, huh?) has to retwist each and every single one of my locs. That can be VERY time consuming if you've got slow hands. The most "fun" part is having to sit under the dryer for about 40 minutes to an hour depending on how long your hair needs to dry (which depends on the length and thickness of your hair). My drying time was an hour when my hair was at its longest earlier this year and also depended on whether I was styling my hair a certain way. It's good reading time though. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Then after or during retwisting you can do all kinds of things that will give the locs more texture. If my locs are braided while they are wet, I go under the dryer and then the braids are taken out resulting in my hair looking crimped like this:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-ah9Ke1i8yJQJgpKZ-reAVIsU4BbA8UssOuFL4dHwgS4OaZhGV8Nvw50_nCPLgWgFElOWvnArmDqS4V0LxzSxEXN-gX3hf87XEKs02OfU7JaixsuCzEvx0vmvRWuX0Xt7wNY8TwDnrOH/s1600/DSC01022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504267844846119746" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: nnnpx;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i>My old Weddingbee profile pic!</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes I keep in the braids and take them out a week or more later. The crimp can last anywhere from a couple of days to up to a week depending on what my hair feels like doing.<br /><br />Other times my locs can be set with rod or other types of curlers for another look. Sometimes it takes a few days to get springy like this:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGc-RStuPKvyvaTfAVWoA9iooFOWPSyZNO5S8TFnFQ1DIMkkTMp9A3ZBGGAyOAR795Lqd0Cf-yuD4NbcWaO6A-zGRlTrCr9KLe41jfJXOF_qi4xLCfBx2g7H5NFsP6b_1TJs-tKXKdpOa/s1600/DSC00261.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504269595803567426" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: nnnpx;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i>This is the best picture I could find with my hair like this. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i>BIL & SIL Swan's wedding a few years ago.<br /><br />Here's a better pic with a model:<br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmd3Q2lkjo3vzn_Lcw8PBom0fuOfruJKaW6RwULQwl4KmRBjUitJE8rdPMuhT0jXAHm_hgLoDjMzw6wmxVj4e1t4BsblXUkvSe-xnz7LCKhyuopXs7fDmFdmoJ_BotLr10B5Kl2fj7JCPp/s1600/nedjetti2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506832813864126802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnx; height: 500px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">(<a href="http://africanamericanweddinghairstyles.blogspot.com/2009/06/long-locs-in-curled-style.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">source</span></a>)</span></i></div><div><br />Okay, here are some things you should know. I'll need many of you to suspend what you know about YOUR hair as whatever you do to yours, <span style="font-weight: bold;">I probably do the exact opposite</span>.<br /><br />1. <b>My locs are NOT braided extensions</b>. If I want to get rid of my locs, I have to cut them off (although some people apparently can simply comb their locs out. Again, different hair textures behave differently.). Locs are often seen as a committment. You have to really want them. At this point, I know I am not ready to break up with my locs. That being said, when I made the transition from chemically straightening my hair, I never cut my hair off completely (a method that many Black women use to make the transition from chemical straightening). I'm pretty anxious (in a good way) to see what I would look like with a cute little 'fro. I know I am not ready yet because I watched another woman getting her locs cut off completely just the other day, and I had a pretty visceral reaction. They're here to stay for now.<br /><br />2. <b>I don't wash my hair every other day....or even every other week.</b> Yes. You read that right. Ewww, Mrs. Swan!!! Hold on now. This isn't particular to locs. Even when I did have straightened hair I didn't wash it constantly either. My hair and its texture are, by nature, extremely dry and constant washing would strip it of valuable natural occurring oils that provide much needed moisture. Also if I wash my hair I have to re-twist it all over again. Time consuming!!! Instead, I use natural astringent on my scalp like Witch Hazel (using cotton balls or Q-Tips) to gently cleanse it or a dry shampoo. I have also heard that some people use SeaBreeze. That being said, there are some people with locs who wash their hair themselves 1-2 times per week. As with anything, each person knows their hair and their schedule best. I would love to be well off enough or have the time to get to the salon every two weeks or the time to really concentrate on my hair 1-2 times per week, but I don't. Also I am lazy. That I do know.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dos and Don'ts</span><br /><br />So yeah. Since I have already admitted to you that I should be better to my hair than I am, I thought I would at least share with you some things that I have picked up along the way. Again, <b>I AM SO NOT an expert!!!</b><br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">I've found that using heavy, non-see through oils are not great for locs</span>. That means no mineral oil or Vitamin E oil. Almost all essential oils are great for moisturizing locs. My favorites: jojoba, ylang ylang, and rosemary. If you don't want to make your own oil (I don't), I am a fan of <a href="http://www.carolsdaughter.com/category/haircare/hair_oil.do">Carol's Daughter</a>, <a href="http://www.khamitkinks.com/hairoils.html">Khamit Kinks</a> and <a href="http://www.nubiankinks.com/">Nubian Kinks</a> oils. Also NO BEES WAX!! NONE!!! Again, I'm only saying this from the perspective of someone who has MY hair texture, BUT bee's wax and any other heavy non-light oil based product in your hair is setting it up for disaster down the road. You don't want anything in there you can't wash out. Also moisturize daily.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Find a good loctician.</span> Seriously, it can be very helpful to find someone who understands how to care for and style your hair even if you choose to take care of it primarily on your own. Some people do fine on their own. I am not one of them.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wear something on your hair at night while you sleep, preferably a satin or silk scarf or bonnet.</span> You can buy satin bonnets in drugstores. Why sleep with something on your head? Well, the constant rubbing of the hair against a cotton pillow robs it of the oils and makes it dry. Also it prevents the locs from collecting lint.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Watch out for woolen hats and scarves</span>. In my experience, my hair is like velcro. So many things stick to it. I have to be very careful about wearing certain sweaters, scarves and hats that shed. Mohair is my enemy.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Be patient and love yourself</span>. Please know that locs will look different from person to person, and for some people it does take awhile for locs to fully fuse or "lock." Again, everyone's hair is different and is on its own schedule and journey. One of the things my hair taught me was being patient with myself and self-acceptance about the way I look. When I first started to lock my hair, I had go through yet another time of reflection and period of personal growth regarding how I thought about my appearance. I had to come to terms with the fact that I could be/am beautiful in my own way. Being happy with the way you look is important for everyone regardless of the way you choose to wear your hair.<br /><br />Here are some good resources for caring for locs (or natural hair in general) that I have found online (By the way, it's exciting that these are around now. Almost none of these resource existed when I stopped chemically straightening my hair in 1996 or when I started my locs in 2004):<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://naturalsunshine.ning.com/">Natural Sunshine</a></div><div><a href="http://www.nappturality.com/">Nappturality</a><br /><a href="http://www.locrocker.com/">Loc Rocker</a></div><div><a href="http://locentricity.blogspot.com/">Locentricity</a></div><div><a href="http://nessisary.blogspot.com/">My Locking Journey is NESSisary</a></div><div><a href="http://bglhonline.com/">Black Girl with Long Hair</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, hopefully I demystified something for ya. I hope you all don't ask me any questions that I can't answer. I may just refer you to Google:) </div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, people with locs can have Post-Wedding Chops too. Here's mine 10 months after my wedding. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRaH9g-AftdDtTj8Cexw9Sym3oIDBvzOAuLc8guBmS5Y_v79mJvUt3lsVQcFwcoKceTsNXt72UawKbRG9V6CjX8-5jhIrgrMStJUPFRihqmCqASODuJqkUJqUO3YeDHFcYyTBkqjykcL6/s1600/P1000524.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506856086980585234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: nnnpx; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>On our honeymoon back in June. This is the first time my hair's been all one length in forever! :)</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading, everyone!<br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-55893863242784416712010-08-02T22:14:00.001-04:002010-08-02T22:14:56.806-04:00Swan Tips Revisited<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScOu0hCcvfv16Qtetm9xOGbaygZt9Wg9dQFAK9Gp8Xmgx7F4gXhj5N1GX3ynAAWwXj5aMu_a_nUaCTVsZL-u3HEpuSXJ3vgv1gG774BF25Ls032sdMssH59CAmKwXCIJBkM1cI4uNihbX/s1600/10.jpg"></a>Hey, all!<br /><br />Mrs. Swan here! Remember me? I dipped out for a bit, but I just wanted to begin to bring some full closure on my time on Weddingbee. Can you believe that Sunday will be my 1st Anniversary? I can't!<br /><div><br /></div><div>I know that a reader or two had asked about a post with my Swan Tips for the day of your wedding all in one place. I thought I would just lay them out here. I've linked them to the related recap post just in case you are wondering what the heck I'm talkin' about. Also just in case you've forgotten what my wedding looks like (or have never read any of my posts), I've interspersed some of my favorite pictures from the recaps throughout the tips. </div><div><br /></div><div>So here are my Swan Tips just in case you might want them: </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">Swan Tip #1 </a>- If you can steal a few moments for yourself (or with others who have a calming effect on you) to have some quiet time to read, reflect, do some yoga, deep breathing, or whatever relaxes you, definitely do it!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">Swan Tip #2</a> - Sometimes choosing a vendor shouldn't come down solely to cost. I valued not only being able share a good working relationship with vendors/wedding elves that I hired, but also being able to work with people that I truly liked. Plus, if you're going to be around someone that's not family or friends on your wedding day, why not have someone you think is pretty cool too?</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">Swan Tip #3</a></div><div>a) Don't be afraid to accept help on your wedding day (and not just to get ready), even if you think you can do it by yourself. Allow yourself to be helped and even pampered a bit. You don't get married everyday (at least I hope you don't:)).</div><div><br /></div><div>b) - Know when to step in and take charge if you need to, but also remember Swan Tip #3a.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">Swan Tip #4</a> - As if you have enough things to think about as you're getting married, I'd like you to consider the environment that you want for getting ready prior to the wedding. For some of you, it will mean having a large wedding party with lots of family around you. For others, it will mean just a small select group of people that will be by your side. I encourage everyone to figure out what will be best for them because that preparation period really can be fun and special.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqNn7sADo5QYMQxGi7qbxC5o-J46bB6-KVyNTWH6WmBIH5mFcdb0GMAS-qhSCjzScENOR4ozdiG45GUInENGNdO4f5Il5SMyAuJC3xpWLD_WMWWJUD8dvtus8o0No8YHWeczUwgxfz2I8/s1600/0073011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500996031196510930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">Swan Tip #5</a> - I know it's generally a point of debate in the wedding world, but I am an advocate of the pre-ceremony look. We still had a very emotional ceremony even though we saw each other beforehand. We spent a lot of time with our guests, and so having the time together to greet each other, to hold each other's hands and to walk together was priceless.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/18/a-harborside-wedding-just-the-two-of-us/">Swan Tip #6</a> - Our wedding photoshoot was fun. While I agree it's important to have pictures of the two of you, your bridal party, etc., just make sure that you use your time wisely with your photographer as well as make sure that you stick to a timeline to keep the events of the day moving.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuvqHVreBBGWssrGKkfW7_tq5Np17XCCWXi40BULvya3UJnjliXyE5H-Wng9TczNR-AysQXKY51z0oOn8fD-m8BhUbyfsHrLMIpEPvof4i8ho4hy1bJTrgIxT31UDiVpZT-Kk0Q5bT2b6/s1600/10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500995066565007090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/21/a-harborside-wedding-gearing-up/">Swan Tip #7</a> - Everything is not going to go smoothly on your wedding day. If you have to break down, it's okay. When that starts, just listen to Mrs. Swan's voice in your head, "There's no wallowing at weddings!" (There's no crying in baseball either, just in case you were wondering.) :)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/25/a-harborside-wedding-we-shall-proceed/">Swan Tip #8</a> - There will be traditions that actually might end up a part of your ceremony and reception that you're not going to like. Know when to push back and when to let go.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">Swan Tip #9</a> - Everybody loves a wedding. There are going to be people you don't expect who will love yours too. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK62NuP3UyFHrgT3jAGzZ36Ct1lFLr7Q4O9DhpM61kyGuEFBfHiRWFQCQY1vVMfK8x-5jRQVOytyUNU2HgApSX-1mkAqrKD8SIPfbVoWHaNtEjh2y4S61gEXbGOApoJUsJTE8rDADLFoOj/s1600/5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500993978663201682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/03/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-or-a-ceremony-begins-part-i/">Swan Tip #10</a> - For me, the ceremony is really the meaning of it all. Without the bond between you and your partner, there really is no wedding. Pick readings that fit well with the tone of your ceremony and what you want your marriage (and maybe your life) to embody. For some of you it may be a religious text. For others of you it may be cool passages like <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/26/our-rainy-day-wedding-the-vows-the-rings-and-an-eff-up/">Mrs. Mouse's Alice Walker poem</a> or <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/15/a-star-studded-love-affair-oh-the-places-youll-go-ceremony-part-iii/">Mrs. Star's excerpt from Madeleine L'Engel's work</a>. Words have meaning and power. I hope your ceremony will reflect your future hopes for your marriage.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqwXeFmsT3hkPgCJtj0usB2UBWjIYRedDLVAQG0ZZQO9HEqVq9WMqBvC9dbaogNbz-thAji8woqkKP5a42GObO_bFaPUbV9wcagCz4peYAheOkfIVmdXeffc5y7F90xgUFgRzHvsTaQ5y/s1600/11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500993207881310450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/04/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-a-vow-a-ring-exchange-part-ii/">Swan Tip #11</a> - This is most definitely a personal choice, but I really love the fact that Mr. Swan and I were able to write vows to each other in addition to traditional vows. Even if you can't include this in your ceremony, I think it's great to be able to share how you feel about each other in your own words at some point in the day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/05/a-harborside-wedding-a-productive-cocktail-hour/">Swan Tip #12</a> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; font-family:tahoma, verdana;font-size:13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Another one of the most highly debated wedding issues: cocktail hour attendance. Attending was a great option for us. We got to spend even more time with our guests, enjoy the beautiful weather we were having that day, and eat. Who doesn’t like eating? <img src="http://www-static.weddingbee.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; " /> If you can find a way to attend even a small part of the cocktail hour, I highly recommend it.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPa7AlQapxINb8eye3gcmLCAg1kl9xhNl6LD31Zv7uGe1v8kzFWh_bu90Rw_dURCCddmQuzcmhsDjwGVGmLByPzFMZkg5biMVmQXyGoEeu-eUsW9eSKyCcS0_9OSB55Rrc62xq3d1YEI3X/s1600/6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500992554990525490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></span></span></span></div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/11/a-harborside-wedding-the-8th-grade-sway-with-a-twist/">Swan Tip #13</a> - While you might want everything to turn out a certain way during your wedding, be open to the fun surprises that may be in store.<div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/">Swan Tip #13 </a>- More Mrs. Swan Tough Love: Definitely include personal details if you'd like to, but if you're tearing your hair out about them, they're just not worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div>(That's not a typo above, by the way. The numbering gets fuzzy now because: (1) I'm getting old and senile and screwed it up during my recaps, and (2) I can't count. Carry on....)<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94_ghKWAWrL0AFDzS4awMxYD5UJmYkwf27acuuf3JsU8ybveUMgfcJGKuLqY0sAdJJZLfGhlHJ_xeIjWBlaJKUwl-lvBwOQwhOb7cmSMKGhHQcIWAdpHVPF_336XGXqBmG_YVtqe0FgOi/s1600/0457.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500990429544992786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/22/a-harborside-wedding-a-toast-the-ugly-cry-revisited/">Swan Tip #15</a> - Be prepared for your emotions to hit you when you least expect it.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKF7Wej7LgbbswxY3OSBF4xDX0S2jQaa-KS1XavZTOXmY5sJgukvbNeB2D5WBqbx7xOJjNREx_jD3Z7h3AS9PGvO-C02mxyfxS7uC2Q8mNpgjqZGjUCHAabyTQcwCH4cDGdStc42zeN4Y-/s1600/0550.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500990913578806498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/25/a-harborside-wedding-bil-swans-revenge/">Swan Tip #16</a> - Be careful if you give a toast at someone's wedding. It might come back to haunt you! :)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGS0qM9y9VsGDoW5rZyM2Gw2jzBSIuCDQ2IaweLVlfCcijfojdRhRqVG9wGgci5n14toFNPK_bcVW0i5M5P67-Tzg-Ar-qbKrt6PAf4hSkKPeuhEiE6-_8umTaS84q96hU1thUdWkp2zu/s1600/0583.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500990039571616290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/03/02/a-harborside-wedding-sure-well-eat-cake/">Swan Tip #17</a> - Savor the unplanned and spontaneous moments of the wedding!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/03/11/a-harborside-wedding-the-swans-shake-a-tail-feather/">Swan Tip #18</a> - If you're sourpuss, then everyone else will be a sourpuss. The focus, whether you want it to or not, will be on you that day, and YOU will set the tone of your reception. Get out there and enjoy yourself! Your guests will follow suit.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScOu0hCcvfv16Qtetm9xOGbaygZt9Wg9dQFAK9Gp8Xmgx7F4gXhj5N1GX3ynAAWwXj5aMu_a_nUaCTVsZL-u3HEpuSXJ3vgv1gG774BF25Ls032sdMssH59CAmKwXCIJBkM1cI4uNihbX/s1600/10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500989109080240882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></span></div><div><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/03/19/a-harborside-wedding-the-swan-guest-experience/">Swan Tip #19</a> - Think about how your reception will be experienced from your guests' perspective.</div><div><br /></div><div>Swan Tip #20 - You know, there never was a Swan Tip # 20, so I'll just say this: Regardless of what goes wrong, the people who don't show up or the ones that act like a dang fool on your wedding day, you're going to get something out of the wedding that you'll have for a very long time: someone who loves you just as much you love them. There are no tips that I could ever give you that will prepare you for what that truly feels like. Seriously, it's the greatness thing ever. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VslcVwd0tMWBxjUwiFh1DcxdxHkNbmKhFveFPT2WKICw4hIQSGph6ahptbLoGwM43HH-Rky2HG9QQUHDia5gvlhfat1wOA1cUQ_7Ec45LeIxsZt3Lq5gzydQTK-jKjsNtPBNyNw8QgyH/s1600/6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500994504220092418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div></div><div>All Images by <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams </a></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-82393512068531378322010-05-25T13:30:00.001-04:002010-05-25T13:30:00.108-04:00Exorcising My Wedding Dress Demons<div style="text-align: left;">Hey there, hive! I've got a story for you. I don't really know how to address this issue, since it touches on some feelings that I've been harboring since my wedding. I am slowly coming to terms with this a full NINE months AFTER my wedding. What is troubling me so? My dress.</div><div><br /></div><div>Honestly, I liked my dress. I liked it a lot...but I can't help but feel that I lost out on some bridal rite of passage by not buying a brand name/designer dress. <div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>By the way, just in case you forgot, here's my dress, which is also Mrs. Nachos' dress. Great minds.....:) </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCzWDk0VUZCU1Yk3vXP9EVwFW2R7GlC81yfsFVTU2reci4Qcy5GdYMBLoUhsezV7oKsr6vyLSQ-Wu4zE-mbnaDouD6JOXCdGv6VCj2cMikjHydmfpiJl1w7DX96YtZrzBEPbbY6IGdxMo/s1600/DSC01258.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCzWDk0VUZCU1Yk3vXP9EVwFW2R7GlC81yfsFVTU2reci4Qcy5GdYMBLoUhsezV7oKsr6vyLSQ-Wu4zE-mbnaDouD6JOXCdGv6VCj2cMikjHydmfpiJl1w7DX96YtZrzBEPbbY6IGdxMo/s400/DSC01258.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473854789108826642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTugB7gOIYhr7XvtGqFw6HsDdUOPoxTJRcknWf8tJodl3iqQHdjhcB9Q2x_I7q-eKZKrEv9DGNMJJLffXNejoYUQSL6T6EXsjRAjDneNJVCrvk0yD881r6tTnbcyQUG8Vp2DPEu1sambC/s1600/DSC01256.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTugB7gOIYhr7XvtGqFw6HsDdUOPoxTJRcknWf8tJodl3iqQHdjhcB9Q2x_I7q-eKZKrEv9DGNMJJLffXNejoYUQSL6T6EXsjRAjDneNJVCrvk0yD881r6tTnbcyQUG8Vp2DPEu1sambC/s400/DSC01256.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473855895279100338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">I usually don't covet other people's stuff, especially things on the pricier end of the spectrum, even moreso when it comes to clothes. 9 times out of 10 when it comes to clothing shopping, I'll roll out to H &M, Zara or maybe splurge at Club Monaco (See, not even close to designer!). I usually shock some people who inquire about certain things I wear and get a heap of furrowed brows when I tell them it's from Old Navy. (Don't sleep on old Navy, folks!) Add all of this to the fact that during my planning process, I definitely didn't get into "I must feel like a bride" or "It must be 'bridal' or nothing" attitude, so why the heck do I still feel a sense of loss that I never had the pretty designer wedding dress from the fancy bridal store? </span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>I had been thinking about my feelings of "loss" here and there, but the issue didn't rear it's ugly head until one morning when I was futzing around Twitter. I saw a tweet that profoundly disturbed me. The tweet was about Ms. Vera Wang's decision to sell a line at David's Bridal. Someone I happen to follow (who I no longer follow, and you'll know why in a second) pretty much called the move "Barfworthy." SAY WHAT?! HOLD UP! WAIT A MINUTE!</div><div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div>Look, we are all entitled to our opinions. I also know nothing can start an angry stampede of brides than the mention of the words "David's Bridal." But come on...barfworthy? I don't judge people by what labels they wear in everyday life. I'm not about to start on their wedding day. Maybe this was my own insecurity whispering angry words into my ears, but I really don't like when people turn their noses up at others for something as small as clothing choices. Perhaps I'm a bit harsh, but I would love to see a happy, ecstatic bride regardless of what the label in her dress says. </div><div><br /></div><div>The tweeter and I exchanged some tweets. I told her to each her own regarding dress choices, and I disengaged and stopped following her. In the weeks since my little "incident" on Twitter has occurred, I think I've made some peace with my dress choice. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>My dress did what it needed to do. It made me look great the one day I wanted it make me look and feel fabulous. It's now sitting in my closet pressed and dry-cleaned waiting for me to get off my behind and do something with it (maybe publishing this post will spur me into action?). I loved my wedding day, but I have no desire to wear my dress again. I actually don't think about my darling dress very much at all. </div><div><br /></div><div>So in an effort to finally rid myself of my unnecessary insecurity and unfounded regret, I've decided to write a short letter to the Bridal Gown Industry to exorcise my dress demons and finally move on.</div><div><br /></div><div>May 2010</div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Bridal Gown Industry,</div><div><br /></div><div>Unlike many women, I didn't like my bridal gown shopping experience. It was at times disheartening, frustrating and could sometimes be a pretty big pain in the arse. There are some things I need to tell you, and I feel that by telling you publicly I will rid myself of feeling that I missed out on some quintessential bridal experience. </div><div><br /></div><div>I would just like to say that my name is Mrs. Swan, and: </div><div><br /></div><div>1. I tried on over 60 dresses, and it took me forever to find a dress I liked. Even when I did, I questioned it when as I was buying it. There were no angels singing nor did the heavens part once I found my dress. I did not cry. I just kinda bought the dress. Please don't tell me there is a "one" dress made for me. There probably could have been tons of others out there, if I was willing to spend more money. </div><div><br /></div><div>2. I know that you all strive to be creative and regale us with new designs each season, but how about something else besides strapless dresses? I promise that brides will like a little something different. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Some of us want a dress that is reasonably priced. For some strange reason, Bridal Gown Industry, you have decided that reasonably priced somehow equals beading. Why does there need to be an odd direct correlation between more beading and lower price. </div><div><br /></div><div>4. Why don't many stores let us take pictures? Would it really be that bad? If I want to copy the dress, I'll just go to the designer's website. It's not that crucial. I would have still bought your dress if you let me take a picture to show my family and friends. Finally....</div><div><br /></div><div>5. I live in New York City, and I have never been to Kleinfeld's.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, for letting me tell you those things, Bridal Gown Industry. I am now going to finish my newlywed days being at peace with my dress choice. </div><div><br /></div><div>May I never have to shop for a wedding dress ever again,</div><div>Mrs. Swan</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-66232440512679182622010-04-24T15:30:00.001-04:002010-04-24T15:30:00.951-04:00Wedding Salon<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>Hey there, hive!<div><br /></div><div>I had the pleasure of attending the <a href="http://www.weddingsalon.com/index.php">Wedding Salon</a> at the Roosevelt Hotel in midtown Manhattan on April 12. I most definitely had a wonderful time as it was my first bridal show. I never went to one even while engaged! It was a great opportunity to get a look at what vendors are offering and see some new bridal fashion. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also got to see a special someone. Do you know her? </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMvbgWGWpmLMhY37oQnK0cvby_MiBii_jFRaOBOaCd1377LSpQC4GDc8QA8m-4wGShI7bpQwiP2qewF9NVKQ2EKIOG1nHGZSASnRqHtkh5b0aZ_Sd5dJCCPIoQfjOX-4OpAZxzKr8ruWM/s1600/weddingsalon+006.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMvbgWGWpmLMhY37oQnK0cvby_MiBii_jFRaOBOaCd1377LSpQC4GDc8QA8m-4wGShI7bpQwiP2qewF9NVKQ2EKIOG1nHGZSASnRqHtkh5b0aZ_Sd5dJCCPIoQfjOX-4OpAZxzKr8ruWM/s1600/weddingsalon+006.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463139948824480162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Courtesy of Miss Hamster</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Miss Hamster and I were also joined by the lovely, MOH/Sister Hamster and Mrs. Lovebird and friend.</div><div><br /></div><div>The event was divided into various rooms connected by a hallway and also occupied the Grand Ballroom, which was full of even more vendors and live music from various bands. </div><div><br /></div><div>What I liked about the Wedding Salon was that there were vendors for every person's interests: </div><div><br /></div><div><b>For the honeymoon daydreamers</b>:</div><div><a href="http://http://www.seychelles.travel/en/home/index.php">The Seychelles Tourism Board</a> ( I soo want to go here!) and the <a href="http://www.visitbarbados.org/">Barbados Tourism Authority</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>For lovers of all things sweet</b>:</div><div><br /></div><div>Amazing Truffles from <a href="http://www.sweetperfectiondesserts.com/">Sweet Perfection Desserts</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ql7m8hHUAHzR-TNp0zVkjPHoUU8TA6kSqOmvLubiuUlQ9pgW-qWHZbeTg7pYTu0YaQDh2dApGPtJ7IxHEcxeLJgUsu4JDrWRt7pYS4bkLSfeP1urq6VmaUjYOlz85oR_oFe02mPdHYvw/s1600/Sweet+Perfection+Desserts.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ql7m8hHUAHzR-TNp0zVkjPHoUU8TA6kSqOmvLubiuUlQ9pgW-qWHZbeTg7pYTu0YaQDh2dApGPtJ7IxHEcxeLJgUsu4JDrWRt7pYS4bkLSfeP1urq6VmaUjYOlz85oR_oFe02mPdHYvw/s1600/Sweet+Perfection+Desserts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463152960467576850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div>I was lucky enough to have two of these bite-size cake truffles in Chocolate Chiffon and Lemon Chiffon flavors. Swoon! They pack a perfect little sweet punch and would make a great addition to a sweets table or as favors. </div><div><br /></div><div>A lush floral multi-tier cake from <a href="http://www.makemycake.com/">Make My Cake</a>, one of my favorite bakeries in New York City. I used to live near one of their two shops in Harlem; and yes, I needed restraint not to stop by often. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUW41jWAngXunOazpYMbUDpSXqyN4QQcxOroRCcRJnC1FUfKXJdJij6lMU9xOQMYr3obHjFEPlePUFiTeBs2RElAqI74BtoPLf0jZtppnm7Z_DEPtHdZdE410mr-BOJLQddZKSE6h_2dSA/s1600/Make+My+Cake+II-1.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUW41jWAngXunOazpYMbUDpSXqyN4QQcxOroRCcRJnC1FUfKXJdJij6lMU9xOQMYr3obHjFEPlePUFiTeBs2RElAqI74BtoPLf0jZtppnm7Z_DEPtHdZdE410mr-BOJLQddZKSE6h_2dSA/s1600/Make+My+Cake+II-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463161046088441730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>For those in search of beauty</b>:</div><div>Attendees had the opportunity to get free makeup trials and advice from a variety of beauty specialists such as<a href="http://www.courtneyakai.com/"> Courtney Akai Salon</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>And this was just the start of my trip around the event. Phew!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b_tv07DA7wVzXgVKFPDTYyGLbe1ehMtSzLWYq1GTTOTekal9AMbuoMhU-8aexqDOA0J618-CvP5TXneNOgxSBol2CfeYssFfz3JpTr0EwJbnNfBVEeyDAVW0gBT6pbT01_whoL_oYd2p/s1600/weddingsalon+007.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b_tv07DA7wVzXgVKFPDTYyGLbe1ehMtSzLWYq1GTTOTekal9AMbuoMhU-8aexqDOA0J618-CvP5TXneNOgxSBol2CfeYssFfz3JpTr0EwJbnNfBVEeyDAVW0gBT6pbT01_whoL_oYd2p/s1600/weddingsalon+007.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463771306695619442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A view of the Grand Ballroom courtesy of Miss Hamster</i></div><div><br /></div><div>When I finally made my way to the ballroom, I was definitely overwhelmed by all of the lovely tables filled with gorgeous, elegant table designs that many florists and event designers created. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flowersbytopaz.com/">Flowers by Topaz</a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4OqUMSfwPKG9Si53aV0mYGRg9HIBGX-vnuSder4PgbEeXMcobaV14X_6Y9uq4VA3K_T4JZKwkwDUMOXPX0-1TA6I5SXKBXmbi8OMbNyDjgzCHkHRVvD73LVDtFJcZuRs66cEE5uBR06L/s1600/Flowers+by+Topaz+2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4OqUMSfwPKG9Si53aV0mYGRg9HIBGX-vnuSder4PgbEeXMcobaV14X_6Y9uq4VA3K_T4JZKwkwDUMOXPX0-1TA6I5SXKBXmbi8OMbNyDjgzCHkHRVvD73LVDtFJcZuRs66cEE5uBR06L/s1600/Flowers+by+Topaz+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463329306421643586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBFZAF6ZKSG6xxejjUWFagHfj1JQVFdgncDGwmUL6qBG9H1sz4zb-tCH5Q1ulDmpux1GSZmsV1LHuhoLcU-UNvXeDDOGzw2kJCHU6I6jVnlKGWtj91b0cCGveQdc81a8B65w63zluK2g6/s1600/Flowers+by+Topaz+Table+Display.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBFZAF6ZKSG6xxejjUWFagHfj1JQVFdgncDGwmUL6qBG9H1sz4zb-tCH5Q1ulDmpux1GSZmsV1LHuhoLcU-UNvXeDDOGzw2kJCHU6I6jVnlKGWtj91b0cCGveQdc81a8B65w63zluK2g6/s1600/Flowers+by+Topaz+Table+Display.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463163371887357234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The team from In Bloom created a table that brought the natural world inside with branches, soft candles and vibrant, colorful china. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqqZdf_l_Tf0PHct7JX9XoJJdu61bL52O4BDyCQr-985IT_HvtsUf0CWQ9pOLGxmZZvQOPVdM9q4szSqqRix4rSTowg3yIevuiafDwvCSJvubw_y528VpyS-_WlROMsRK-tXEZk5uVM77/s1600/In+Bloom+New+York+3-1.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqqZdf_l_Tf0PHct7JX9XoJJdu61bL52O4BDyCQr-985IT_HvtsUf0CWQ9pOLGxmZZvQOPVdM9q4szSqqRix4rSTowg3yIevuiafDwvCSJvubw_y528VpyS-_WlROMsRK-tXEZk5uVM77/s1600/In+Bloom+New+York+3-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463164578763208226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Pure opulence from Disney's Fairytale Weddings by David Tutera (more on him in a minute!)</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYuY5mGtsbqCFBtMgl7HIAWd_0x60YY_NFIp-WdNyQX1L5n9h54hR4G8I9VDVWvjoehyh0gDEsPIJ2ecStSWfMDvrvk6qfQe2Z34JmNNPzGGXO4DuIwsjSWafeC7wD2lDic1zNCKnhDkS/s1600/Disney's+Fairy+Tale+Weddings.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYuY5mGtsbqCFBtMgl7HIAWd_0x60YY_NFIp-WdNyQX1L5n9h54hR4G8I9VDVWvjoehyh0gDEsPIJ2ecStSWfMDvrvk6qfQe2Z34JmNNPzGGXO4DuIwsjSWafeC7wD2lDic1zNCKnhDkS/s1600/Disney's+Fairy+Tale+Weddings.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463166506473247970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of my favorite tablescapes was the table from <a href="http://www.gubbyandswife.com/">Gubby & Swife</a>, a husband and wife event design team.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiNdVXngVcimqodlCMSGQY8lyvWia8dIuihE3K1l8dUtguTTO-CxfYpj6Ts508Z6RemgGIxBJAM8bpKpZtvVg20i2s8hOwVcKNIzQ5as0lTRa71AtTt37W1UEOag7eAl7TL7-1kmEAwZu/s1600/Gubby+%26+Swife.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiNdVXngVcimqodlCMSGQY8lyvWia8dIuihE3K1l8dUtguTTO-CxfYpj6Ts508Z6RemgGIxBJAM8bpKpZtvVg20i2s8hOwVcKNIzQ5as0lTRa71AtTt37W1UEOag7eAl7TL7-1kmEAwZu/s1600/Gubby+%26+Swife.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463167661593246818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div>Surprisingly, it was the only one without a tall centerpiece. I love the light, crisp, pops of color and the understated floral arrangement, especially the palm details at each napkin. Also I'd like to send an extra special shout out to Farley Green, the Swife portion of Gubby and Swife. She was very pleasant to me while I peppered her with questions. Vendors take note! Please be friendly at bridal shows. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Lest I forget: the man, the myth, the legend, Mr. David Tutera, made an appareance. There was most definitely a long line of fans waiting to meet him. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlqml04TGkqdmdIIq8gMxx4f4Jkpvm_26Nc8QnoKvCm-80TLtf3AnwZQjbWbuK7M4ofPcnt2nkkEVczQCB0poTYiSoV2F35dlbt3S_Ap9NXrhJiyKqaD-uqs341YHVUjsb1H9sw_1yA2s/s1600/weddingsalon+010.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlqml04TGkqdmdIIq8gMxx4f4Jkpvm_26Nc8QnoKvCm-80TLtf3AnwZQjbWbuK7M4ofPcnt2nkkEVczQCB0poTYiSoV2F35dlbt3S_Ap9NXrhJiyKqaD-uqs341YHVUjsb1H9sw_1yA2s/s1600/weddingsalon+010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463769683162639442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is the best pic that I could find (thanks, Miss Hamster!). Sorry I couldn't do better, DT fans!</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course the main event of the whole evening was the bridal couture show produced by <a href="http://www.bridalreflections.com/">Bridal Reflections</a>. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>I was so excited to see my first bridal fashion show, and I wasn't disappointed. The fashion show included designs from Ines Di Santo, Stephen Yearick, David Tutera by Faviana and Marina K Couture. Here are some highlights:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-Mqsthomd_Mo35bPc-RigyyB2aeQselNKATaGEUJh9i8UvRTFUVReMcvNhrVj_Atef6tJANP64QI8UYe9INJNQE1LLU60tttd53shUKkyQgL73ZwR9qA1ILJ5A1_AvkcNQkdASRg7Cc9/s1600/Bridal+Reflections+Fashion+Show+4.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-Mqsthomd_Mo35bPc-RigyyB2aeQselNKATaGEUJh9i8UvRTFUVReMcvNhrVj_Atef6tJANP64QI8UYe9INJNQE1LLU60tttd53shUKkyQgL73ZwR9qA1ILJ5A1_AvkcNQkdASRg7Cc9/s1600/Bridal+Reflections+Fashion+Show+4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463521084806715202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>I like that this dress by Stephen Yearick pushed the envelope with feathers on the bodice.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQsNJ3t1Sdgv1A0-sgVQw92ZErsjAe_pQXR_3LR-M8NziVq7QrUFUQdc_kiCBHWwtT0CaWBZJ5YEpc8lG_UkulHoPUF_C5roMhqLRU9kAz7I5mdUL6js4N-NeDERIy4U_RETUi2M3hHj0/s1600/Image+4.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQsNJ3t1Sdgv1A0-sgVQw92ZErsjAe_pQXR_3LR-M8NziVq7QrUFUQdc_kiCBHWwtT0CaWBZJ5YEpc8lG_UkulHoPUF_C5roMhqLRU9kAz7I5mdUL6js4N-NeDERIy4U_RETUi2M3hHj0/s1600/Image+4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463527535118288114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDDJ8VB2ocCzoJuvayGGkcJutqI2m3bKkzplEl2jfPTQ_fR_T0MXl2i2kD3PUenVTBIsr0m65Sz2rPoNCRxbweP4yqCZ-cX5Ov7uhPO2anpXlRrUZkFrChAWPjvxDqhbG3d1P4sgkIGe1/s1600/Ines.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDDJ8VB2ocCzoJuvayGGkcJutqI2m3bKkzplEl2jfPTQ_fR_T0MXl2i2kD3PUenVTBIsr0m65Sz2rPoNCRxbweP4yqCZ-cX5Ov7uhPO2anpXlRrUZkFrChAWPjvxDqhbG3d1P4sgkIGe1/s1600/Ines.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463529177437259122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ines DiSanto with her models</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was so much to see at the Wedding Salon, and I hope I'll be able to go back again soon. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>*All photos by Creative Compositions unless otherwise noted</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-72213229267242994842010-04-06T15:20:00.005-04:002010-04-06T15:33:51.559-04:00Never a Bridesmaid?<div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></span></div></span></span></div>So there's the saying, "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride," but what if you're like me? I've never been a bridesmaid!!! Yes, that's right. I've never gotten the chance to look like this:<div><br /></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjheD_ESYlohluoS7Teaut73XahiYTVamO-8HVXUr8w9PasbiX6z5k3a-L8TFwSw60DfpxwhZIAPibVzWsJcHSVRMwX0mqSsRfx1uHGKfdyYuVFUsPKz8aOFvCFb1uMuLqQh0zkKotBnLbv/s1600/27dresses5.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjheD_ESYlohluoS7Teaut73XahiYTVamO-8HVXUr8w9PasbiX6z5k3a-L8TFwSw60DfpxwhZIAPibVzWsJcHSVRMwX0mqSsRfx1uHGKfdyYuVFUsPKz8aOFvCFb1uMuLqQh0zkKotBnLbv/s1600/27dresses5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456759802760568146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">(<a href="http://www.worstpreviews.com/media.php?id=882&image=4&place=photos&place2=shots">source</a>)</div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><i>Katherine Heigl, you look maaaarvelous, daahling...just not in this. </i></div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><br /></i></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvy4bRcapxn9YGEMcX38iWf7Oj5R9TItQie3fsCz-zb1CRrwzEywyZeCfylsKB29VVCDmCs6aMDlXiJbf3BQ8FWaJTESTZIwj9UoXvqWtWX1EKDT_LY_tve9FJZFUo4zZYhxmLV5YNeKJ1/s1600/27dresses2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvy4bRcapxn9YGEMcX38iWf7Oj5R9TItQie3fsCz-zb1CRrwzEywyZeCfylsKB29VVCDmCs6aMDlXiJbf3BQ8FWaJTESTZIwj9UoXvqWtWX1EKDT_LY_tve9FJZFUo4zZYhxmLV5YNeKJ1/s1600/27dresses2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456760301988622178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="http://www.worstpreviews.com/media.php?id=882&image=1&place=photos&place2=shots">(source)</a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i>Sadly, my closet occasionally looks like this, and I don't have 27 bridesmaid dresses in it!</i></div><div><br /></div><div>For my adult life,* I have never had the privilege of being a bridesmaid. I've never planned a bachelorette party; held the bouquet for a friend while she's said her vows; or planned a bridal shower. The sad part is that as I get older, it's looking like there is a strong possibility that I may not have this experience. Part of me is sad about that, but another part of me is wondering if that may not be such a bad thing.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><div>Please don't think I am hating on the concept of being a bridesmaid. I actually think it's a very amazing honor bestowed on a friend or a loved one. By being a bridesmaid, you're in a position to be a source of support and comfort for that special bride in your life during what can be a busy and stressful time. </div><div><br /></div><div>As much as I know all of this, I've also come to realize that I am not in the prime position for being asked to even be a bridesmaid 'cause:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. I'm essentially an only child. No siblings means less chance to be in at least one wedding.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. I've got a small group of friends. I love my friends. I may not have oodles of them, but the ones I do have I LOVE. They are an amazing group of primarily women who awe me on the regular. They just don't have me in their bridal parties :) But seriously, I'm also the type to spend quality time with two to three people at a time and not really prone to being a part of big groups of friends. I guess less friends automatically lowers the chances of a bridesmaid invite, huh?</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Most of my good friends have had the small city hall or destination wedding; have an army of sisters and female cousins who take priority over me; or went the "no bridal party" route like I did. As a group, we're also pushing further and further into our 30's and simplicity in life and relationships seems to be taking priority over tradition. I really feel many of my unmarried friends will choose to forgo the bridal party option. Maybe someone will prove me wrong? </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know why this is coming up now. Okay, that's a lie. I do. :) A recently engaged BFF actually didn't ask me to be a part of her wedding party. She'll have her sister and one other friend. At first, I was a bit taken off guard and kinda disappointed. Mr. Swan even mentioned that I shouldn't even be caring about ever being a bridesmaid because I've already had the ultimate wedding experience: I've been a bride! I know that I am getting back what I put out into the universe, since I didn't have a bridal party of my own. Ahhh, darn you, Bridal Karma!</div><div><br /></div><div>After awhile to think about it, I'm actually almost a little psyched about not being chosen as a part of the wedding party. I didn't really understand my own change of heart at first, but now I feel like there is a bit of freedom in my continued bridesmaid virginity: no dress I may or may not like; some nice cost savings; and not having to think at all (just celebrate) the day of the wedding. In the end I guess it doesn't seem so bad, right? </div><div><br /></div><div>Is there anyone else out there who has never been a bridesmaid and has the odds stacked against their chance of achieving Bridesmaid-dom? Am I missing an important life experience? Let me know!</div><div><br /></div><div><i>*I was a junior bridesmaid in my aunt's wedding when I was twelve. I just stood there and looked cute. When I was eighteen, I did the same thing for a family friend who seemed to need some warm bodies to have an even bridal party. Her fiance had seven brothers or something like that. In both cases, I didn't really do much. I don't count these though, but should I? </i></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-35263880928748750442010-03-25T19:00:00.000-04:002010-03-25T18:54:23.968-04:00A Harborside Wedding - A Piano Man Ending<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mr. Swan didn't make too many demands during the planning process except for one: "Piano Man." You mean the Billy Joel song, Mr. Swan? Yepper doo. Can I just say that I was happy to even know this song 'cause sometimes Mr. Swan whips out names of songs, and I give him a blank stare? Mr. Swan lucked out this time because I am very familiar with and like Billy Joel. Besides Billy is a New Yorker. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>For those who aren't familiar with the song, here's a clip from 1975 of Billy Joel singing "Piano Man." I'm happy to say that this clip is older than me. :) </div><div><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/F-CQk2U0LAE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/F-CQk2U0LAE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /></div><div>I'm sure you asking, "'Piano Man', but why?" Well, apparently during Mr. Swan's college days this song signified the end to one of the many basement frat parties that occupied Mr. Swan's weekend evenings. (That's a nice way of saying he partied a lot. I doubt I need to give you <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/03/11/a-harborside-wedding-the-swans-shake-a-tail-feather/">more evidence</a>.) Don't front, you've all been to at least one of those kind of parties too. :) Apparently, this song has some significance to Mr. Swan's childhood friends too, so it was a no-brainer to have our DJ, Rob, play this song as we came towards the end of the reception. Besides, who am I to deny a group of grown men a moment to get a little sappy and sing at the top of their lungs? After graduating, playing "Piano Man" became a wedding tradition at many of the weddings of his fraternity brothers, so we continued the tradition. </div><div><br /></div><div>As the bride, my job was to stand in the middle of the group while they sang, arms linked and all. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7RxGDsJgNpSxb1t9xZ5ktPPkK45yfDBp58rqsIi8Jly14ma5AT1gdOWxGnq9S2U4RTn7GGqPlZzlXHb8qk7fXGXjxgGEfGlP_KhQfQJ4-IUXo8Sib4Yne15eeG-h8Qtev8KQk04eQ3Wo/s1600-h/0817.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7RxGDsJgNpSxb1t9xZ5ktPPkK45yfDBp58rqsIi8Jly14ma5AT1gdOWxGnq9S2U4RTn7GGqPlZzlXHb8qk7fXGXjxgGEfGlP_KhQfQJ4-IUXo8Sib4Yne15eeG-h8Qtev8KQk04eQ3Wo/s1600/0817.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450465488308117538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwE6my-_IVH9PXntuX-da_2w12CGizq7yISyC3IBNqKQPmTigmddyPklVkC4K-KXwJ24WSwnR-3sF9nKqUJ8IWHW4D1Vc2Of6xqj_8mxETV6HDtmXvBtoraLNywqHuy42rzXW3LHGU5tW5/s1600-h/0815.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwE6my-_IVH9PXntuX-da_2w12CGizq7yISyC3IBNqKQPmTigmddyPklVkC4K-KXwJ24WSwnR-3sF9nKqUJ8IWHW4D1Vc2Of6xqj_8mxETV6HDtmXvBtoraLNywqHuy42rzXW3LHGU5tW5/s1600/0815.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450466368949775218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1Ypo8CWA1U06nqXv3y0VXTf-gzyD_2VL0prriOydLB-uEL3g-rHTjMc_mEcLCGzyw5JxY__MtOoTQ4dojLNKw0uzMettVy4-CiYuiMSm41SOQT7PTboEntU59Rpc8j_tJHHiujHrnuJI/s1600-h/0822.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1Ypo8CWA1U06nqXv3y0VXTf-gzyD_2VL0prriOydLB-uEL3g-rHTjMc_mEcLCGzyw5JxY__MtOoTQ4dojLNKw0uzMettVy4-CiYuiMSm41SOQT7PTboEntU59Rpc8j_tJHHiujHrnuJI/s1600/0822.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450467314905957074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I was told I was supposed to start dancing with everyone, so I did! I think I must have danced with each man in that circle. I totally enjoyed connecting, talking and dancing with them all, especially since some of the guys hadn't been on the dance floor yet for the day. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0unNDNpZKwimuiTFW6nQI1WInMTvV1Ii_BbG6az5Au2tVhU74N4ukFKgk1Qn8i6go0L_OA7oPFFYBYyFPpXXB8SDaPZ070Zq-MQJsKGW3VLN2fbWyZDaFFi_LwjLNZJoX0dW-hSV7rg4_/s1600-h/0831.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0unNDNpZKwimuiTFW6nQI1WInMTvV1Ii_BbG6az5Au2tVhU74N4ukFKgk1Qn8i6go0L_OA7oPFFYBYyFPpXXB8SDaPZ070Zq-MQJsKGW3VLN2fbWyZDaFFi_LwjLNZJoX0dW-hSV7rg4_/s1600/0831.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451211656642355026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Qdlsan5045_lNZHqPV44RQJXtFTn29FTY-mq1nVsulfoWYdarl6bq28AL-SeQDPQMqiGVgJ85GgVKFFvdCmXyTfShZlnToCm0hdHfRcnheoCyRGiMHHFJal1AaC9iPgORYIfACjWxcx_/s1600-h/0836.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Qdlsan5045_lNZHqPV44RQJXtFTn29FTY-mq1nVsulfoWYdarl6bq28AL-SeQDPQMqiGVgJ85GgVKFFvdCmXyTfShZlnToCm0hdHfRcnheoCyRGiMHHFJal1AaC9iPgORYIfACjWxcx_/s1600/0836.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450473644374754434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I</i> <i>fi</i><i>gured I should have some fun with this. I'm glad my partner did too.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaeWy35X_eyHeopf4WQodV8gygMStATyCdDxrIkJXnsVcq2c6GksSAo9LRjH0g5uxwoXPgD4JdQnkl8h33s2JlwMBaAhn7OJxBT8-At5BZq3TrrN5fgLaFiJpPW1Igfi_2z-kmZ0SSTkq/s1600-h/0823.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaeWy35X_eyHeopf4WQodV8gygMStATyCdDxrIkJXnsVcq2c6GksSAo9LRjH0g5uxwoXPgD4JdQnkl8h33s2JlwMBaAhn7OJxBT8-At5BZq3TrrN5fgLaFiJpPW1Igfi_2z-kmZ0SSTkq/s1600/0823.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450468735311774722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I even got a chance to dance a little more with Mr. Swan.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzKfkStV9-vwEpZyNaPFbzH81jYajdn5TEue_hyOAA5NUl2p5imdxndC95Wcgsd86-7ahP-kt7Qx6WOLk2czhIy5Zrh28X0-kkB8pKTboGynHL4qW8Y00bFUYWIfvyYLt66MFNmn4m47h/s1600-h/0834.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzKfkStV9-vwEpZyNaPFbzH81jYajdn5TEue_hyOAA5NUl2p5imdxndC95Wcgsd86-7ahP-kt7Qx6WOLk2czhIy5Zrh28X0-kkB8pKTboGynHL4qW8Y00bFUYWIfvyYLt66MFNmn4m47h/s1600/0834.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450464910305823794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>After a few minutes, MIL Swan and Mommmy Swan joined in.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0NbFIbg4SnpzSgkX4Idyno8JU3eoSGLfP75h7zunt9nJMQnKx-beC8xJMniDkQmdwVeoWXA9PvkwWfyzFpO4pHiYbZYmU_F54_vnF3oj0-Bp7Om917xlVOiOvk0lb39JrhXJjoRMqLaX/s1600-h/0840.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0NbFIbg4SnpzSgkX4Idyno8JU3eoSGLfP75h7zunt9nJMQnKx-beC8xJMniDkQmdwVeoWXA9PvkwWfyzFpO4pHiYbZYmU_F54_vnF3oj0-Bp7Om917xlVOiOvk0lb39JrhXJjoRMqLaX/s1600/0840.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451215029160749154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64usGncz4if8BhDVNdgI2mgeOiuflha2sozdYk4oJPTydVLVloh2jeg0XEofri-8jCmxBtz9pw9Y-a-EUbxMD6AMRJYdZWEs0eL0oGGJVFlCwlMy6MNQTZiOg5hvfhHtpW5LC6XUjSVvo/s1600-h/0837.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64usGncz4if8BhDVNdgI2mgeOiuflha2sozdYk4oJPTydVLVloh2jeg0XEofri-8jCmxBtz9pw9Y-a-EUbxMD6AMRJYdZWEs0eL0oGGJVFlCwlMy6MNQTZiOg5hvfhHtpW5LC6XUjSVvo/s1600/0837.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451213491349999890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ06XnwetM-fG45ZdbTs-FBNRoP_bjXk-Mt_1RnhoTlnd0GBdososvX49hp0izqZ8t3Q7WphJMEvGWAMBoboRMvzp0JAQJXs1PvNRIH1PKKccdz-eyCJMf2Dai-Ihz9mZw1O8iTdaDbSf/s1600/0853.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ06XnwetM-fG45ZdbTs-FBNRoP_bjXk-Mt_1RnhoTlnd0GBdososvX49hp0izqZ8t3Q7WphJMEvGWAMBoboRMvzp0JAQJXs1PvNRIH1PKKccdz-eyCJMf2Dai-Ihz9mZw1O8iTdaDbSf/s1600/0853.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452684617737172802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Check out MIL Swan & BIL dancing.</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We weren't done yet with our reception. We still had a bit more partying to do...</div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XJ5sKO0oegAu-7m0y3jP4MCcJvzf9punxMwXuFHZyr7dHN6bPcN4HDRkOay5Y5cYqnFoK9m2Xh3Uvkv7VZgTPn4t4R1o2WYk1v844qNjEpdscFnLSNZds5ICEkzt72s0YpvcaChSfjOX/s1600/0879.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XJ5sKO0oegAu-7m0y3jP4MCcJvzf9punxMwXuFHZyr7dHN6bPcN4HDRkOay5Y5cYqnFoK9m2Xh3Uvkv7VZgTPn4t4R1o2WYk1v844qNjEpdscFnLSNZds5ICEkzt72s0YpvcaChSfjOX/s1600/0879.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452688805824865330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4SCu5bByVNcDXALZ5xgHlKc4pJ58ylWCP1x-uZrsz5t24RdZvJBu2F3rBXaykPv4tN6RcfgQEm55oEUjvyMY-d9dFFc9uj208UtnHGE7_Om60f0D7ZKzMe_AcyVrT89wHISoouSyRSbq/s1600/0914.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4SCu5bByVNcDXALZ5xgHlKc4pJ58ylWCP1x-uZrsz5t24RdZvJBu2F3rBXaykPv4tN6RcfgQEm55oEUjvyMY-d9dFFc9uj208UtnHGE7_Om60f0D7ZKzMe_AcyVrT89wHISoouSyRSbq/s1600/0914.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452690595446331810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Will you be incorporating any traditions into your wedding that have developed among your friends? </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, this it it! My final wedding recap post! Don't worry. You haven't gotten rid of me yet. :) I still have a few wedding-related posts still left in me, and I'll roll those out before bowing out officially on Weddingbee.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading my recaps and allowing me to relive this day with you. </div><div><br /></div><div>All Images by our great photographer, <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the rest of our wedding day journey:</div><div><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/18/a-harborside-wedding-just-the-two-of-us/">A Harborside Wedding - Just the Two of Us</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/21/a-harborside-wedding-gearing-up/">A Harborside Wedding - Gearing Up</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">A Harborside Wedding - We Shall Proceed...</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">A Harborside Wedding - Our "Other Guests"</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/03/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-or-a-ceremony-begins-part-i/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (or a Ceremony Begins) - Part I</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/04/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-a-vow-a-ring-exchange-part-ii/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (A Vow & a Ring Exchange) - Part II</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/05/a-harborside-wedding-a-productive-cocktail-hour/">A Harborside Wedding - A Productive Cocktail Hour</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/11/a-harborside-wedding-the-8th-grade-sway-with-a-twist/">A Harborside Wedding - The 8th Grade Sway with a Twist</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/">A Harborside Wedding - Deets & Decor</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"> </a></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"> </a><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"> </a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/22/a-harborside-wedding-a-toast-the-ugly-cry-revisited/">A Harborside Wedding - A Toast & The Ugly Cry Revisited</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/25/a-harborside-wedding-bil-swans-revenge/">A Harborside Wedding - BIL Swan's Revenge</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/03/02/a-harborside-wedding-sure-well-eat-cake/">A Harborside Wedding - Sure, We'll Eat Cake! </a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/03/11/a-harborside-wedding-the-swans-shake-a-tail-feather/">A Harborside Wedding - The Swans Shake a Tail Feather</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/03/19/a-harborside-wedding-the-swan-guest-experience/">A Harborside Wedding - The Swan Guest Experience</a></div></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-24932339699302787212010-03-19T00:30:00.001-04:002010-03-19T00:42:26.194-04:00A Harborside Wedding - The Swan Guest Experience<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div>Luckily, our reception wasn't all about Mr. Swan and me dancing. I think our guests had a good time too because I think everyone managed to find a way to entertain themselves even if they weren't dancing. </div><div><br /></div><div>With a relatively intimate wedding, we were able to talk to many of guests throughout the reception. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkzpA007k5eherh6fH67ew7l27KnE6qku_IwgynasLLnfKaRPTvd9naLL8iyY4bZG6oyP9pdo5mwhUPa2pj7-8DjORJgfkF7MXc-24S9bEOW7acfB6CFAQpElGjz75Lp-2Ujiqz2m6rDM/s1600-h/0608.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkzpA007k5eherh6fH67ew7l27KnE6qku_IwgynasLLnfKaRPTvd9naLL8iyY4bZG6oyP9pdo5mwhUPa2pj7-8DjORJgfkF7MXc-24S9bEOW7acfB6CFAQpElGjz75Lp-2Ujiqz2m6rDM/s1600/0608.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448583809686947778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I got to meet a new friend, Baby L. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtut0hYQ4e9g3bBBGDnBDC6oePmhMMXBUEBtziCqwmHmWBxeI-D8nhSZ556Jy7IVqqRIlnGjxoUaCvHC0n0w-fyL_nU46SfyQqk_DORQG7mhhwaAy5_6lShSs4YHhhyphenhyphenPaJeXhwKJWtv8gd/s1600-h/0603.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtut0hYQ4e9g3bBBGDnBDC6oePmhMMXBUEBtziCqwmHmWBxeI-D8nhSZ556Jy7IVqqRIlnGjxoUaCvHC0n0w-fyL_nU46SfyQqk_DORQG7mhhwaAy5_6lShSs4YHhhyphenhyphenPaJeXhwKJWtv8gd/s1600/0603.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448581530032298882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mr. Swan and I ended up using the "Divide & Conquer" strategy for greeting our guests. Apparently you're supposed to do this together? Oops...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our guests also took a look at BIL Swan's pictorial spread of Mr. Swan's greatest "dress up" hits. <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/25/a-harborside-wedding-bil-swans-revenge/">Remember that?</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41u-XXzRzUeTv7WUi0kY5HFESAtutbCVP8qENgTex1o7eZcy4fdaf2scMu7nSOi0A0aewclS38_eTIRnh2cGUfP9YBrFFGPjkdjBQKDP9jmpDAexUKFNDoC7-Bj42MBib4wI95jdkXv0Y/s1600-h/0595.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41u-XXzRzUeTv7WUi0kY5HFESAtutbCVP8qENgTex1o7eZcy4fdaf2scMu7nSOi0A0aewclS38_eTIRnh2cGUfP9YBrFFGPjkdjBQKDP9jmpDAexUKFNDoC7-Bj42MBib4wI95jdkXv0Y/s1600/0595.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448580055292642770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6REZI0Ifb1likTgAaTlRKXGbDXwVjB-iHqX9dHywMakTvOQQOTuHS9JQNFpFrD8hSRMAIcD6qDsyzyvZVnGHBt1bnDFgS4dbxvKX-2LgGgtJnHAEdP6FPtpqo7IHKxWkmEiI1SQZ6SI_/s1600-h/0596.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6REZI0Ifb1likTgAaTlRKXGbDXwVjB-iHqX9dHywMakTvOQQOTuHS9JQNFpFrD8hSRMAIcD6qDsyzyvZVnGHBt1bnDFgS4dbxvKX-2LgGgtJnHAEdP6FPtpqo7IHKxWkmEiI1SQZ6SI_/s1600/0596.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448580900628952018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I liked the fact that many of our guests enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with friends and acquaintances they had not seen in years because they came to our wedding.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHjvQ-uAe_uEWebQM2r7WhKjIV-fgnI5hLoEVsR3zmDLJxwPdAetmgViu2X7OfvLhpUBxdBEkmEIzZA5sRnuk1nc6gtHAdExL4DcDdITzkKIPM-KW0L5nNXK3PgpdkoZLFXLAPi2fIyyo/s1600-h/0611.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHjvQ-uAe_uEWebQM2r7WhKjIV-fgnI5hLoEVsR3zmDLJxwPdAetmgViu2X7OfvLhpUBxdBEkmEIzZA5sRnuk1nc6gtHAdExL4DcDdITzkKIPM-KW0L5nNXK3PgpdkoZLFXLAPi2fIyyo/s1600/0611.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448582505074723602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also don't be fooled. My guests can get down on the dance floor too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuInBEV2PUT2IvWqXKniIMJQfBsLBW5aQUFk3odOyOhGK590hfdWK06q7go3kTPMOCaloqIyLNzfjLU9pYXYKge_KjF0GWza2nAyvSyQXwMmqG2XJLpR41Mt-SLQp_uLo4mg4_zwOVCQp7/s1600-h/0769.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuInBEV2PUT2IvWqXKniIMJQfBsLBW5aQUFk3odOyOhGK590hfdWK06q7go3kTPMOCaloqIyLNzfjLU9pYXYKge_KjF0GWza2nAyvSyQXwMmqG2XJLpR41Mt-SLQp_uLo4mg4_zwOVCQp7/s1600/0769.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450065783205683026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2cpoD-IZQKXJv4qKgDu4B09sZWonAiPyNqwk3zXtsnfvMJR7KDI8mvdS9yRh9Z9jATi88R5Dme9qdXYlzRkc2uA5hv7vKqyO-bz_-VnCcAzzMVf2ScMfnn84gJ4EPaufSadh2vId1dhs/s1600-h/0794.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2cpoD-IZQKXJv4qKgDu4B09sZWonAiPyNqwk3zXtsnfvMJR7KDI8mvdS9yRh9Z9jATi88R5Dme9qdXYlzRkc2uA5hv7vKqyO-bz_-VnCcAzzMVf2ScMfnn84gJ4EPaufSadh2vId1dhs/s1600/0794.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450069149476513970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2ujIYV47EDq_Fpesuwu9Nn36YxjlkcS_Z-2Wdd-b3ujvMGgKqtGZF0MZpz1p_lHzyrejuUNMCvD16Wekt1hX0mhGNngxny1_piv0gXi-CKV5cN0LlA7zpL4Vde7looiD6CSIkD1kMknT/s1600-h/0711.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2ujIYV47EDq_Fpesuwu9Nn36YxjlkcS_Z-2Wdd-b3ujvMGgKqtGZF0MZpz1p_lHzyrejuUNMCvD16Wekt1hX0mhGNngxny1_piv0gXi-CKV5cN0LlA7zpL4Vde7looiD6CSIkD1kMknT/s1600/0711.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450082019340501442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cHouOM8w52hS22fQeBG8I_MikO1T1dZyuNnjYGbuL5ANQED4R86qCK-IVITZ7KgAd1w-xdoR1TNP0arAqdvytBm45UDgGrQf18TtnuH8EwFR94U5iY2nwp1R7VV6DRJIJxBNJgmngZq1/s1600-h/0712.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cHouOM8w52hS22fQeBG8I_MikO1T1dZyuNnjYGbuL5ANQED4R86qCK-IVITZ7KgAd1w-xdoR1TNP0arAqdvytBm45UDgGrQf18TtnuH8EwFR94U5iY2nwp1R7VV6DRJIJxBNJgmngZq1/s1600/0712.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450082422458056370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>The woman in the yellow dress is BFF Swan. I'm excited for her December wedding! Her dance partner is another friend from college. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was lots of picture taking too. What's a wedding without pictures? Of course I haven't seen most of these. Bad move on my part. :( Definitely do a Flickr-like set up if you can a la <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2007/08/30/collecting-non-pro-photos/">Mrs. Lemon</a>, <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2008/03/06/my-first-diy-project/">Mrs. Cream Puff</a>, and <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/23/give-me-your-pictures-please-and-an-oops/">Miss Cheeseburger</a>. Smart ladies!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMR6m-hwFj0LX3_snCBIZ9UO9mZYyifbCdoZ4jHSffhQqT3uU4P0RVKoyJYs9-ZA-K9Ji6Uj4-8G__sXl6WyJLW5nZ7wFTOZYT0THfTSI5PhL7uG3n7bhVyc8EWbDt52ED1OnG7517P7R3/s1600-h/0738.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMR6m-hwFj0LX3_snCBIZ9UO9mZYyifbCdoZ4jHSffhQqT3uU4P0RVKoyJYs9-ZA-K9Ji6Uj4-8G__sXl6WyJLW5nZ7wFTOZYT0THfTSI5PhL7uG3n7bhVyc8EWbDt52ED1OnG7517P7R3/s1600/0738.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450064761426685202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztU6PQR8n0L9Ry8blIKBGDIZa3m-OiwrIO46orXu1SnfHpI_ujtlNtycSE_sSQHWSF2KdM7SIiaPjDhHah6DKgVCN04xnWVkxviBRX0VU_6Zhd7C4XXlmh3PmHtLlk7ZC2Csh_50dHEhY/s1600-h/0774.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztU6PQR8n0L9Ry8blIKBGDIZa3m-OiwrIO46orXu1SnfHpI_ujtlNtycSE_sSQHWSF2KdM7SIiaPjDhHah6DKgVCN04xnWVkxviBRX0VU_6Zhd7C4XXlmh3PmHtLlk7ZC2Csh_50dHEhY/s1600/0774.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450092765174048210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the reasons I picked Battery Gardens was not only for the lightness and airiness in the room, but also for the fact that our guests would be able to spend some time outside enjoying the summer day...and they did! Our reception room had two balconies for our guests to enjoy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4QiL2ST8aHM-ertqZ9X_PI8pmKP6IgubxW7gkQyykNuTQYQoiAw0LRrScQeghi60ZBNqsaaLLDBLgqse9nlDbtMOx7T73woKMnqOMmOOBA2EP93gAA0YjzyQvT0xdy5k08kop34lY6QQ/s1600-h/0775.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4QiL2ST8aHM-ertqZ9X_PI8pmKP6IgubxW7gkQyykNuTQYQoiAw0LRrScQeghi60ZBNqsaaLLDBLgqse9nlDbtMOx7T73woKMnqOMmOOBA2EP93gAA0YjzyQvT0xdy5k08kop34lY6QQ/s1600/0775.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450068382779525186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We also made sure we to take group shots with our guests. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElqoQWMqGgJaQfwQUPhE7MHFjgVweE_PrCnjwCF3yiXdvLqmmZ1AtQ4IHyjFgDJgNZ-FTyWWLN8Ysze4kEOvU-Cu5gg3oEz6XTYwoJ8HuY8OnCEbckV4ygvDAMcoKBgZAiHqskN6uLTj6/s1600-h/0811.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElqoQWMqGgJaQfwQUPhE7MHFjgVweE_PrCnjwCF3yiXdvLqmmZ1AtQ4IHyjFgDJgNZ-FTyWWLN8Ysze4kEOvU-Cu5gg3oEz6XTYwoJ8HuY8OnCEbckV4ygvDAMcoKBgZAiHqskN6uLTj6/s1600/0811.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450069846758471890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Here's Mr. Swan and me with my family.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So that's a taste of what our guests experienced during our wedding. Our guests got to have a low-key or a more active experience all in one reception. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Swan Tip #19 - Think about how your reception will be experienced from your guests' perspective. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All Images by <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We're almost done. :( Here are other Swan recaps:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/18/a-harborside-wedding-just-the-two-of-us/">A Harborside Wedding - Just the Two of Us</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/21/a-harborside-wedding-gearing-up/">A Harborside Wedding - Gearing Up</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">A Harborside Wedding - We Shall Proceed...</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">A Harborside Wedding - Our "Other Guests"</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/03/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-or-a-ceremony-begins-part-i/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (or a Ceremony Begins) - Part I</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/04/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-a-vow-a-ring-exchange-part-ii/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (A Vow & a Ring Exchange) - Part II</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/05/a-harborside-wedding-a-productive-cocktail-hour/">A Harborside Wedding - A Productive Cocktail Hour</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/11/a-harborside-wedding-the-8th-grade-sway-with-a-twist/">A Harborside Wedding - The 8th Grade Sway with a Twist</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/">A Harborside Wedding - Deets & Decor</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"> </a></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"> </a><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"> </a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/22/a-harborside-wedding-a-toast-the-ugly-cry-revisited/">A Harborside Wedding - A Toast & The Ugly Cry Revisited</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/25/a-harborside-wedding-bil-swans-revenge/">A Harborside Wedding - BIL Swan's Revenge</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/03/02/a-harborside-wedding-sure-well-eat-cake/">A Harborside Wedding - Sure, We'll Eat Cake! </a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/03/11/a-harborside-wedding-the-swans-shake-a-tail-feather/">A Harborside Wedding - The Swans Shake a Tail Feather</a></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-10147342519582492022010-03-11T16:30:00.000-05:002010-03-11T16:30:00.989-05:00A Harborside Wedding - The Swans Shake a Tail Feather<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>We danced...and danced...and danced some more. <div><br /></div><div>I will say that I was a little worried about the dancing portion of our reception. I'mma be real and say that I wasn't worried about my friends and family not getting down just some of our other guests. Then I just consoled myself by saying that at that point in the wedding it was going to be my job to make sure that I enjoyed myself and to not worry about whether other people would get out of their seats. I was going to make sure that I got my money's worth out of our DJ, Rob, who we met through <a href="http://www.djgaza.com/">DJ Gaza</a>. Rob did a great job mixing much of the music that we (okay, I) requested with some of his own choices. I had given him a detailed document of "suggestions" of the genres and types of songs we wanted to have played (really they were "suggestions" not "must plays" although a few of those were thrown in). I was really glad to hear the things we wanted. I think everyone danced at some point during our wedding even if it was just for one song. </div><div><br /></div><div>I thought I would post some pictures of Mr. Swan and me as we danced with each other and our guests. </div><div><br /></div><div>I loved dancing with my family and friends.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cw9cABn1_cv_QpH1Qm8SXjIaUpu0SNrkHTVnEHwTskMAck3S9odq7GkXokKBdDMw402JQaf_9lJ0__oHWEXjJy7qdzV7utRb44LB98JhpIo5WvM2-XKtQiRFbjpMrXflk2pM1V3UzACt/s1600-h/0690.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cw9cABn1_cv_QpH1Qm8SXjIaUpu0SNrkHTVnEHwTskMAck3S9odq7GkXokKBdDMw402JQaf_9lJ0__oHWEXjJy7qdzV7utRb44LB98JhpIo5WvM2-XKtQiRFbjpMrXflk2pM1V3UzACt/s1600/0690.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446823101094545266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqbldcJKUvZDudnoxI2yQgi8pfHW3wvhn1cBxHdHVW-GIPO6UFz3XZ9rK4aI3wN472zTlFCmcEt6FctEYIXo2txHQXHM49Z-cRSKg-kIOdT_CmbnfVGWcnCmRnjna7tIrJNW8Jsn1YC50/s1600-h/0701.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqbldcJKUvZDudnoxI2yQgi8pfHW3wvhn1cBxHdHVW-GIPO6UFz3XZ9rK4aI3wN472zTlFCmcEt6FctEYIXo2txHQXHM49Z-cRSKg-kIOdT_CmbnfVGWcnCmRnjna7tIrJNW8Jsn1YC50/s1600/0701.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446823894431613106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nh0TX_3DdvIeVFGknkPlePg8EkXDHr9r-pObqOJUA8LbwFcY84muvGb3jiOjOUGzQD58zBR8hDiZDiNQuMfLsBfOiqdiJtZ85npestBF8IMtxFNs4_izoHUQMgo9xUHcJv__juDTXcv4/s1600-h/0732.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nh0TX_3DdvIeVFGknkPlePg8EkXDHr9r-pObqOJUA8LbwFcY84muvGb3jiOjOUGzQD58zBR8hDiZDiNQuMfLsBfOiqdiJtZ85npestBF8IMtxFNs4_izoHUQMgo9xUHcJv__juDTXcv4/s1600/0732.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446832724628698162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPiKLkDc2i5TBy2ZBTWRYRaSHDaB9_1etAe3C5wZUnEv_Q4gZU8UiyRRF0jPpg4LaOc1JS2fgCWtgCDf-bCb6xRAdtNIUt-QdY659e6p5A2GzYPWAr03vvvIKQD0_TNEN3W49jIHqIoNf/s1600-h/0719.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPiKLkDc2i5TBy2ZBTWRYRaSHDaB9_1etAe3C5wZUnEv_Q4gZU8UiyRRF0jPpg4LaOc1JS2fgCWtgCDf-bCb6xRAdtNIUt-QdY659e6p5A2GzYPWAr03vvvIKQD0_TNEN3W49jIHqIoNf/s1600/0719.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446826967062207714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>This lovely lady I'm dancing with here is one of the reasons I'm married to Mr. Swan. We met at her wedding. We've been friends since we were 10 years old. If you can believe it, she's pregnant here wearing heels no less. Her son is the cutest little baby!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHLKj5NAd0-L7gn7-VntOI2IzsgWfMXDGosODOVbsRS5Efcw1YW-POYf0LvyciQoc97JylMlqVCx2xcMi_nRvppBDuWMAJpm4e7f84nkmnMbYokZN1dE3lQ8kNbn2JjC-Jt6Oan7tw6IE/s1600-h/0722.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHLKj5NAd0-L7gn7-VntOI2IzsgWfMXDGosODOVbsRS5Efcw1YW-POYf0LvyciQoc97JylMlqVCx2xcMi_nRvppBDuWMAJpm4e7f84nkmnMbYokZN1dE3lQ8kNbn2JjC-Jt6Oan7tw6IE/s1600/0722.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446826100039781090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55PvN-GMfDtK6gYDYHcDi4BP6QtdXyN5anLQn9nKnLVliSg_UYHFCxv9kPIeCTECRf69g0drcqqfxun46TtAU0hzsChEvicnuzBQtVQnwoPpFMH_BAdXY37Am0fzw71wRaRHOCvw-e0LM/s1600-h/0744.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55PvN-GMfDtK6gYDYHcDi4BP6QtdXyN5anLQn9nKnLVliSg_UYHFCxv9kPIeCTECRf69g0drcqqfxun46TtAU0hzsChEvicnuzBQtVQnwoPpFMH_BAdXY37Am0fzw71wRaRHOCvw-e0LM/s1600/0744.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446834420537385266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Do the Robot!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUA2kkrS6gsD4qefca2H_OaIXlmji5fHLWgm7FbQ7jqaZnrtP7CIoWUyE0jgXx64FF9BTrOH3V6aNMfibzH7tH4mYpaKnmVCnYrxhg-vrumiHk070pzihRSsUXAZ9w9Zske02NgUGGBa8/s1600-h/0745.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUA2kkrS6gsD4qefca2H_OaIXlmji5fHLWgm7FbQ7jqaZnrtP7CIoWUyE0jgXx64FF9BTrOH3V6aNMfibzH7tH4mYpaKnmVCnYrxhg-vrumiHk070pzihRSsUXAZ9w9Zske02NgUGGBa8/s1600/0745.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446834928198778290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Heeeeyyyyyyy!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8F3sL40mQLQlX9rCfp9DXH93i5UyDMfarxDkx9pwh9dYU7P1TjW9GcPeb5J4yL7wRA_7Y96RZRFSMFiYOpDIkKaDfkTqcM3s2I3PVfB1b-QkfdM4KXCP4I5HkmmDHMzaG_I0iMV09sPg/s1600-h/0790.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8F3sL40mQLQlX9rCfp9DXH93i5UyDMfarxDkx9pwh9dYU7P1TjW9GcPeb5J4yL7wRA_7Y96RZRFSMFiYOpDIkKaDfkTqcM3s2I3PVfB1b-QkfdM4KXCP4I5HkmmDHMzaG_I0iMV09sPg/s1600/0790.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447142068856950914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAVZv0UmvBEsrNBMdF-_RY8YwLmlu69BUlfoH2Bnsqx8Qtv8Ii0UoZCQFtb7VCYtgQlXTuDXDIPydA_FENNJ3HDfByxgTpfuCni8ABp3uxHE2ut5dfVl8L7IA6C_m9IRduJin_8WCh0uA/s1600-h/0787.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAVZv0UmvBEsrNBMdF-_RY8YwLmlu69BUlfoH2Bnsqx8Qtv8Ii0UoZCQFtb7VCYtgQlXTuDXDIPydA_FENNJ3HDfByxgTpfuCni8ABp3uxHE2ut5dfVl8L7IA6C_m9IRduJin_8WCh0uA/s1600/0787.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447140390456670658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This looks like I was recreating one of the moves from my African dance class. Hmm...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kEc5i3Afs6SMdxwgtb_w17T7Ynjb7AU2mddHyojf01xQzVOFpl1U4k3E6ceqdzl6FfzdPAV-rOrBN6vELobHpFM_HBnQVsea401Ozev266Rd6_7A_oc7UJQ3R9oYjDuq6lkr26aJn7K7/s1600-h/0737.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kEc5i3Afs6SMdxwgtb_w17T7Ynjb7AU2mddHyojf01xQzVOFpl1U4k3E6ceqdzl6FfzdPAV-rOrBN6vELobHpFM_HBnQVsea401Ozev266Rd6_7A_oc7UJQ3R9oYjDuq6lkr26aJn7K7/s1600/0737.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446833391654219506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>This is one of my favorite pictures from the wedding. I wish I could remember the song that was playing at this moment.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Don't worry. Mr. Swan got down too. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizztlXr1Cep3tyecaEcNf-sP43IO4zvNZUE38cJYWQbQnfpF0OS9vw6Gfx69iRTD0oZgsGWL5IOii_P48RX17HfuSeI-o4FUtTDs7fEot50kIuF5OQphpMrMEX9rU6XBShjoTe0sZkrWv7/s1600-h/0705.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizztlXr1Cep3tyecaEcNf-sP43IO4zvNZUE38cJYWQbQnfpF0OS9vw6Gfx69iRTD0oZgsGWL5IOii_P48RX17HfuSeI-o4FUtTDs7fEot50kIuF5OQphpMrMEX9rU6XBShjoTe0sZkrWv7/s1600/0705.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446825169372529202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Here he is with MIL Swan.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mr. Swan also decided he needed a solo. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KiLnSKtvV8ZQp4QepTm6onFAdFt0k_XXA52Zxb4kdvwkTjc67FAM8FX8PRbP-nqSxJZ6XYuKDTA-ULK8wWPKxictYi9DCsq3jSeippQxfQeDJ_XEnsOUEwmn5FbcUQinnYxZrY47af00/s1600-h/0758.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KiLnSKtvV8ZQp4QepTm6onFAdFt0k_XXA52Zxb4kdvwkTjc67FAM8FX8PRbP-nqSxJZ6XYuKDTA-ULK8wWPKxictYi9DCsq3jSeippQxfQeDJ_XEnsOUEwmn5FbcUQinnYxZrY47af00/s1600/0758.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447134676741532290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZNXP8pezHD9qZZtNz9VAPtlYOlNR6iI3ety6hEqxDFV1S_75uLOCeyim4d40UF_LXxfMLEDd59iqcdRyiSPoV4ipajVsEMKxbhaFZrxriVRyloYKcAV-GBo_i0kRthJzYw6yuYhTbd74/s1600-h/0763.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZNXP8pezHD9qZZtNz9VAPtlYOlNR6iI3ety6hEqxDFV1S_75uLOCeyim4d40UF_LXxfMLEDd59iqcdRyiSPoV4ipajVsEMKxbhaFZrxriVRyloYKcAV-GBo_i0kRthJzYw6yuYhTbd74/s1600/0763.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447137189890856338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SLteKFYp_bK6NW-CbN_4xrFtSrQVNMxqGv5OoDmklUpMUWz19BGsMFueDlfylzPh91EINccn4EyU7QSu0HmqEm5rtCQRgzW1jw1U5ic32a_PKcfKCaMiybL9IuTQ6Dn8Yq_oXlV4CSwj/s1600-h/0765.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SLteKFYp_bK6NW-CbN_4xrFtSrQVNMxqGv5OoDmklUpMUWz19BGsMFueDlfylzPh91EINccn4EyU7QSu0HmqEm5rtCQRgzW1jw1U5ic32a_PKcfKCaMiybL9IuTQ6Dn8Yq_oXlV4CSwj/s1600/0765.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447138801333010930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiDpc5cb9YSMYo96Wk7PLsPujZg4pqF-akYqEtK1Or8qadzfGP94wek_1_vPOhCp7LDS3sCg6EWAg-4vg3FjvcpRzcrIVBPlMsffdC7GZAbSUWoaVruT0B15eEjExWwS9_PkAunukUVgO/s1600-h/0766.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiDpc5cb9YSMYo96Wk7PLsPujZg4pqF-akYqEtK1Or8qadzfGP94wek_1_vPOhCp7LDS3sCg6EWAg-4vg3FjvcpRzcrIVBPlMsffdC7GZAbSUWoaVruT0B15eEjExWwS9_PkAunukUVgO/s1600/0766.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447139414994013762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you can't tell by now, I've married a ham :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We even found a few moments to dance together. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow6tQy6sgePOyrj-cBjGoO3hEC0n8wWUDA97ngKgVD-jTv1clMIBdQZRUjJZ8A0LMF3Gt_21wvZIXuKL1uQ8DLn1dmvyulf2QSp9cz2gi3kQSQR_s6ulJRMxohKSK9YbSUkD5KG8cU8eX/s1600-h/0805.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow6tQy6sgePOyrj-cBjGoO3hEC0n8wWUDA97ngKgVD-jTv1clMIBdQZRUjJZ8A0LMF3Gt_21wvZIXuKL1uQ8DLn1dmvyulf2QSp9cz2gi3kQSQR_s6ulJRMxohKSK9YbSUkD5KG8cU8eX/s1600/0805.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447142923049151362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpP3YUO3v0icmUQe7cTPqIwTx5KV1W8PxeI492ZjxBCEjw89yaHRLUb1yFlZ5AtEEPkesa4J6XkSv7RKTcJQ2PGkDyraaKYjCaXtJAsmN8FfTcPokYtOGi9OxwRGg5_7y1ZaNpqaRcEJMB/s1600-h/0730.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpP3YUO3v0icmUQe7cTPqIwTx5KV1W8PxeI492ZjxBCEjw89yaHRLUb1yFlZ5AtEEPkesa4J6XkSv7RKTcJQ2PGkDyraaKYjCaXtJAsmN8FfTcPokYtOGi9OxwRGg5_7y1ZaNpqaRcEJMB/s1600/0730.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446828557841305346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZzHFQ_qi0mlU9AfWMIHANxvje53syAQXiws4wyzFYF92kNOV2wPXzTP2QMyJG96MBnlBAomPT0Ij7NWkIOx9rJi7kkPZ3AGinS9xaT6IuONvgBBOsvC6QWwsOB6926aY7JD1y-YI5Mr6/s1600-h/0749.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZzHFQ_qi0mlU9AfWMIHANxvje53syAQXiws4wyzFYF92kNOV2wPXzTP2QMyJG96MBnlBAomPT0Ij7NWkIOx9rJi7kkPZ3AGinS9xaT6IuONvgBBOsvC6QWwsOB6926aY7JD1y-YI5Mr6/s1600/0749.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447132195177012434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yep. We had fun, but our guests did too (more shots of them later). I hope that this post calms the fears of daytime brides who are hoping for dancing at their wedding. As with all things, it comes down to the people there and YOU, which leads me to Swan Tip #18 (Wow! That many!):</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Swan Tip #18 - If you're sourpuss, then everyone else will be a sourpuss. The focus, whether you want it to or not, will be on you that day, and YOU will set the tone of your reception. Get out there and enjoy yourself! Your guests will follow suit. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All Images by the ever-talented, <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's okay if you missed something. Here's the rest:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/18/a-harborside-wedding-just-the-two-of-us/">A Harborside Wedding - Just the Two of Us</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/21/a-harborside-wedding-gearing-up/">A Harborside Wedding - Gearing Up</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">A Harborside Wedding - We Shall Proceed...</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">A Harborside Wedding - Our "Other Guests"</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/03/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-or-a-ceremony-begins-part-i/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (or a Ceremony Begins) - Part I</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/04/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-a-vow-a-ring-exchange-part-ii/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (A Vow & a Ring Exchange) - Part II</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/05/a-harborside-wedding-a-productive-cocktail-hour/">A Harborside Wedding - A Productive Cocktail Hour</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/11/a-harborside-wedding-the-8th-grade-sway-with-a-twist/">A Harborside Wedding - The 8th Grade Sway with a Twist</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/">A Harborside Wedding - Deets & Decor</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"> </a></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"> </a><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"> </a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/22/a-harborside-wedding-a-toast-the-ugly-cry-revisited/">A Harborside Wedding - A Toast & The Ugly Cry Revisited</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/25/a-harborside-wedding-bil-swans-revenge/">A Harborside Wedding - BIL Swan's Revenge</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/03/02/a-harborside-wedding-sure-well-eat-cake/">A Harborside Wedding - Sure, We'll Eat Cake! </a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-57857716470425011982010-03-01T10:30:00.001-05:002010-03-01T10:30:15.952-05:00A Harborside Wedding - Sure, We'll Eat Cake!<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yep, we surely ate cake, but definitely more of the miniature variety. As I mentioned before, we had a local baker, Keavy Landreth's <a href="http://www.kumquatcupcakery.com/">Kumquat Cupcakery</a>, provide <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/07/20/sweets-for-the-sweet/">a variety of lovely mini-cupcakes</a> for the reception. Here's a look at the set-up:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58vVWABs5wha02ZK7X4DGiUf5JeAswwstnJVB-nP82WSEzvqoIEZcpn_0tNSkDmewYRH60YsJwprOdLx5sUhl5hkxfHoJnKIh-0UWFd9Xc6fym5b5ZN8LLBPay_6M47QOP5iK7fAW4Ljz/s1600-h/0457.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58vVWABs5wha02ZK7X4DGiUf5JeAswwstnJVB-nP82WSEzvqoIEZcpn_0tNSkDmewYRH60YsJwprOdLx5sUhl5hkxfHoJnKIh-0UWFd9Xc6fym5b5ZN8LLBPay_6M47QOP5iK7fAW4Ljz/s1600/0457.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443032561020161890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMpSm-1PzxZjCb2TxCTSY_1TQ3CtoJm7y6gk33y3gkI6G61ygwL8h2mmVXI4NXQe3irZathaWOUHg6x4T6y9zird039nKbmENPGnf2Y7ijUexaxF8kgV0wNM86uyf3Pb2JTiA3H6sKcZT/s1600-h/0660.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMpSm-1PzxZjCb2TxCTSY_1TQ3CtoJm7y6gk33y3gkI6G61ygwL8h2mmVXI4NXQe3irZathaWOUHg6x4T6y9zird039nKbmENPGnf2Y7ijUexaxF8kgV0wNM86uyf3Pb2JTiA3H6sKcZT/s1600/0660.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443037953109573746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZg5nFn5cUZQduvWnWuwD2bE0RK_A0cRnqfoyvKJfdSdK1vayWtKM0mK3FMWSxq1CHFEusIe_bzFWOICweSj71aIiPZHLVfy311AKu243pjnMJ2RES-JMb5OqWFb2bq04NgeLq0X0ELXNY/s1600-h/0456.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZg5nFn5cUZQduvWnWuwD2bE0RK_A0cRnqfoyvKJfdSdK1vayWtKM0mK3FMWSxq1CHFEusIe_bzFWOICweSj71aIiPZHLVfy311AKu243pjnMJ2RES-JMb5OqWFb2bq04NgeLq0X0ELXNY/s1600/0456.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443031381047155042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>More signs! </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I figure the cupcakes should get their own close-up too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRw0wUGIgocMShGRHgxON2BmyCar_eBHkF2irhluaJd2rTrYgARJQdlj4-XRZuQkAXurmiMtLxULAgQn4XY0jg39K19t7AMrhM3J8m2fkyroPkN1fr8ZzRYA08eBn11nnhSlGsp_tPNzrZ/s1600-h/0455.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRw0wUGIgocMShGRHgxON2BmyCar_eBHkF2irhluaJd2rTrYgARJQdlj4-XRZuQkAXurmiMtLxULAgQn4XY0jg39K19t7AMrhM3J8m2fkyroPkN1fr8ZzRYA08eBn11nnhSlGsp_tPNzrZ/s1600/0455.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443034254276268530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifciHj0_tK7mLutokQzyO9IdYsfHV7-GJJQeA20O02srqxF8GyWkCCjOes56PYR4xEvd7a-tdLQEvcMyAs1XX0GW06q5EAjZbubb41hXIe8Ir91ZVh-xU5d-tFszC0AqOHlx9OyDSIOMx/s1600-h/0453.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifciHj0_tK7mLutokQzyO9IdYsfHV7-GJJQeA20O02srqxF8GyWkCCjOes56PYR4xEvd7a-tdLQEvcMyAs1XX0GW06q5EAjZbubb41hXIe8Ir91ZVh-xU5d-tFszC0AqOHlx9OyDSIOMx/s1600/0453.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443033707305049154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I now stalk these cupcakes. If any of you NYers out there care to try some, Kumquat Cupcakery is usually at the <a href="http://www.brooklynflea.com/">Brooklyn Flea</a> during the weekends. Let's just say I've been multiple times already...it's too close to my apartment for me to resist. Luckily, the gym is close by too. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had our DJ, Rob (more about him later), play one of Mr. Swan's favorite songs, Beyonce's "Single Ladies" while we exchanged cupcakes (Of course Mr. Swan will never admit to liking this song). Mr. Swan and I had to pick one of our favorites cupcakes to feed each other, which I will say was REALLY hard. Having tasted all of them before, I love them all. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VVV7SIHxEP0LvpLRgf3vYqAt2p6FPHkjKT-Kdh_H-MpJkuW8bBGwO_6rqfMQop1MEuWC_x_vb2sv0t6piXeH3D74Eq-40-qyDG2d0kTmuw_0LeSbAd47EEDjlIiAJa1oEO92CXnBdxVJ/s1600-h/0661.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VVV7SIHxEP0LvpLRgf3vYqAt2p6FPHkjKT-Kdh_H-MpJkuW8bBGwO_6rqfMQop1MEuWC_x_vb2sv0t6piXeH3D74Eq-40-qyDG2d0kTmuw_0LeSbAd47EEDjlIiAJa1oEO92CXnBdxVJ/s1600/0661.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443040167713204914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVon5LiD0cgJY7TXrnhtQ6DkN1Gin_wPvJtJarwQciUWX5Y7Z64XcO15c12uhpvehmb6hvNXpZfoxcrKLXLNxcQLKOdufF7lWcOUC6vobWoVFqrXf7pCBPR9p1SYAj6PwABEU0FJsTlsWM/s1600-h/0662.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVon5LiD0cgJY7TXrnhtQ6DkN1Gin_wPvJtJarwQciUWX5Y7Z64XcO15c12uhpvehmb6hvNXpZfoxcrKLXLNxcQLKOdufF7lWcOUC6vobWoVFqrXf7pCBPR9p1SYAj6PwABEU0FJsTlsWM/s1600/0662.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443040875312302562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Eeny meeny miney moe....</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wZvfbtPZITURUawozcaVaqe2-FCaMvgZQe_ELLFJxVw-9rlJ8XWfHORnp9lDm0xhvA0juokD7pOq0VnyFFs57LZHcAjhh2S2GtEvadsYWN-VEOXnHARWyRLFKyxH7BaHz6L_Gt9iiGVu/s1600-h/0663.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wZvfbtPZITURUawozcaVaqe2-FCaMvgZQe_ELLFJxVw-9rlJ8XWfHORnp9lDm0xhvA0juokD7pOq0VnyFFs57LZHcAjhh2S2GtEvadsYWN-VEOXnHARWyRLFKyxH7BaHz6L_Gt9iiGVu/s1600/0663.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443041611031572722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">We did a little dance 'cause who doesn't want to dance to Beyonce?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then we fed each other. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF04jE7CRhJuwcBvjgGF1t6lNNNe0CWV6TyAlVpCU2eyBjZ_wJV6HZeRlZzcWi4raXu4B_Pwdq1qwNIWFLKE0qXSAITmBFfZ8Nw2abNuCR47xUYoG1NPf9FkTxj15Vaqr5pUrT8w3OSg3t/s1600-h/0664.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF04jE7CRhJuwcBvjgGF1t6lNNNe0CWV6TyAlVpCU2eyBjZ_wJV6HZeRlZzcWi4raXu4B_Pwdq1qwNIWFLKE0qXSAITmBFfZ8Nw2abNuCR47xUYoG1NPf9FkTxj15Vaqr5pUrT8w3OSg3t/s1600/0664.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443042349323706562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgThcLsfsbAuRUjb6JQdVE_GXkkckTlRSNwpaQbq_YZq8NrK1ZQLhXr1vSfufF5dP_AnsO0n_eGBvG5rS5pm9XA2ocgNtAdOQOGL7BbWGHoRnUopapvyXmfSeL8RqVlmTpG496Hvr_6RLQ/s1600-h/0665.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgThcLsfsbAuRUjb6JQdVE_GXkkckTlRSNwpaQbq_YZq8NrK1ZQLhXr1vSfufF5dP_AnsO0n_eGBvG5rS5pm9XA2ocgNtAdOQOGL7BbWGHoRnUopapvyXmfSeL8RqVlmTpG496Hvr_6RLQ/s1600/0665.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443042777651605714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So remember when I mentioned it was sort of odd getting stared at walking down the aisle? Well, this was another time that I felt that way. After feeding each other, I looked over and saw a wall of people looking at us. Whoa! I guess I was just in my own world and forgot the whole center of attention part of the moment. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IWhKfOTPzAhTe1DM6-djk-wxYFKw-MRIsG2Hz2PxG3NusbVKv3GrgXWTbsL0eTb7tOvc2fjIt9zHoDRDVTv7sotPB_vfPN4lk4oJ4_M9XjhcOWDnGqCi9YtQW-MBhdpxs_y8GpWt5GID/s1600-h/0666.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IWhKfOTPzAhTe1DM6-djk-wxYFKw-MRIsG2Hz2PxG3NusbVKv3GrgXWTbsL0eTb7tOvc2fjIt9zHoDRDVTv7sotPB_vfPN4lk4oJ4_M9XjhcOWDnGqCi9YtQW-MBhdpxs_y8GpWt5GID/s1600/0666.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443043354441968194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Plus, we wanted our guests to come over and have a taste for themselves, but no one wanted to budge. We waved them over and everything. Um, hello?! CUP-CAKES!!! You wouldn't have had to tell me twice. Since our guests wouldn't come to us, we went to them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxZ3QdjMx7nktkp4oZ3P5bxKJFQBZf77PSgg5uwA0TuXkRlkYxUKwj00IULeUITchGzCMjBOdyiIfIEowjfJJ782a8VRkpmt4qMC3oIjAl7FYQomX_Xu4bIDp6kiPXLK6yHN6IfgX_8tH/s1600-h/0669.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxZ3QdjMx7nktkp4oZ3P5bxKJFQBZf77PSgg5uwA0TuXkRlkYxUKwj00IULeUITchGzCMjBOdyiIfIEowjfJJ782a8VRkpmt4qMC3oIjAl7FYQomX_Xu4bIDp6kiPXLK6yHN6IfgX_8tH/s1600/0669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443044009777279890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkL5MqCotKeNKujHv50dP3dWxKGfcoz3ZWgj-_G92rkSIS54ZDNhuW-NXI61Xny2wH1Nby-Vn24s1doPXvW47qQuacl-fADKKhMk2XHBWw1r62pIw6fsysyPHCqJlhRWMotWES-bdS_1bi/s1600-h/0670.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkL5MqCotKeNKujHv50dP3dWxKGfcoz3ZWgj-_G92rkSIS54ZDNhuW-NXI61Xny2wH1Nby-Vn24s1doPXvW47qQuacl-fADKKhMk2XHBWw1r62pIw6fsysyPHCqJlhRWMotWES-bdS_1bi/s1600/0670.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443044563964049490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was one of those unplanned moments during the wedding where we just improvised. Mr. Swan and I were handing out cupcakes to everyone. It was fun serving our guests for a minute. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After awhile I think they finally got the hint. ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyLPVJ_pwlbkLPdcSWdyshCoPWKsR3v76q5tPDObAscnvGUUAQheegX_FY_MA39jih_GJLv2pnXRQ_LvG453fjggu_XW2Gm4QvdK4uo6HIl73RuthyvPGBKFwrzrHPhRjs31jnrnDKgxQ/s1600-h/0673.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyLPVJ_pwlbkLPdcSWdyshCoPWKsR3v76q5tPDObAscnvGUUAQheegX_FY_MA39jih_GJLv2pnXRQ_LvG453fjggu_XW2Gm4QvdK4uo6HIl73RuthyvPGBKFwrzrHPhRjs31jnrnDKgxQ/s1600/0673.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443045812973963746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also we had some Coconut Passionfruit Mousse and petit fours just in case folks weren't into cake. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY989N0cSrDHvhE5T16VpCNNdQuAa_Ysx5Bex9aej1hXljnJp0p3mqLxXX0UGdCGnT6NK20S5bHeLIdgy40urpAEngr5LMWT850oyQ02LjLWGgtX_dalfsdWXie3e9U4isoY3ja3Ai5pmW/s1600-h/0779.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY989N0cSrDHvhE5T16VpCNNdQuAa_Ysx5Bex9aej1hXljnJp0p3mqLxXX0UGdCGnT6NK20S5bHeLIdgy40urpAEngr5LMWT850oyQ02LjLWGgtX_dalfsdWXie3e9U4isoY3ja3Ai5pmW/s1600/0779.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443049642945692850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Swan Tip #17 - Savor the unplanned and spontaneous moments of the wedding!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All Images by <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams</a>, who got great details shots. Thanks, D!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We did other things besides eat cake. Check it out!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/18/a-harborside-wedding-just-the-two-of-us/">A Harborside Wedding - Just the Two of Us</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/21/a-harborside-wedding-gearing-up/">A Harborside Wedding - Gearing Up</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">A Harborside Wedding - We Shall Proceed...</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">A Harborside Wedding - Our "Other Guests"</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/03/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-or-a-ceremony-begins-part-i/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (or a Ceremony Begins) - Part I</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/04/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-a-vow-a-ring-exchange-part-ii/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (A Vow & a Ring Exchange) - Part II</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/05/a-harborside-wedding-a-productive-cocktail-hour/">A Harborside Wedding - A Productive Cocktail Hour</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/11/a-harborside-wedding-the-8th-grade-sway-with-a-twist/">A Harborside Wedding - The 8th Grade Sway with a Twist</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/">A Harborside Wedding - Deets & Decor</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"> </a></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"> </a><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"> </a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/22/a-harborside-wedding-a-toast-the-ugly-cry-revisited/">A Harborside Wedding - A Toast & The Ugly Cry Revisited</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/25/a-harborside-wedding-bil-swans-revenge/">A Harborside Wedding - BIL Swan's Revenge</a></span></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-20454437754882421292010-02-24T21:00:00.003-05:002010-02-24T21:00:00.163-05:00A Harborside Wedding - BIL Swan's Revenge<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>One toast down and another to go...<div><br /></div><div>BIL Swan gave our other toast, and boy was it a toast!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjMKHxGT9SxpnlubvUOSx7uwItSriaEY4UZvwCEguYsRBWzp0btI4dYgKWEPhJeRFPZuEtIAoEHTNuWt_W-rbjOPxLgebGFxBD-6c8I-ewh7KIBb2gjK-dRDlsWo693FEto97smGRPkxS/s1600-h/0559.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjMKHxGT9SxpnlubvUOSx7uwItSriaEY4UZvwCEguYsRBWzp0btI4dYgKWEPhJeRFPZuEtIAoEHTNuWt_W-rbjOPxLgebGFxBD-6c8I-ewh7KIBb2gjK-dRDlsWo693FEto97smGRPkxS/s1600/0559.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441938268927703922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div>As much as I am sure he does not want me to write this, I didn't really find out that BIL Swan was one of the most consistent readers of my blog until his toast. I knew that the IL Swans read my blog, but I was pretty shocked to learn that BIL Swan is an avid reader. Et tu, BIL Swan? Really? </div><div><br /></div><div>It turns out that BIL Swan probably has read my blog more than some of my good friends have! </div><div>Why the surprise on my part? Well BIL Swan is sort of the quintessential strong and silent type. He likes to get up at odd hours to fish. He likes beer. He's a guy's guy. That being said, apparently he didn't mind reading posts about things like fascinators and dress shopping. Who knew? BIL Swan, no worries. Your secret is safe with me (and the Weddingbee readers of course). ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>As some background before I get into the details of the actual toast, I should say that Mr. Swan was the best man at BIL Swan's wedding the year before. He gave a pretty touching yet funny toast about BIL & SIL Swan, but it wasn't without some ribbing. Mr. Swan made some jokes about BIL Swan's younger days especially about his somewhat unhealthy relationship to a certain stuffed animal. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpimFfcn0BAgtdLqDTs4dAu8TxMz_CPt3eInGVUiSZvsgKXJHhImcggkYnuXxqh9CCRczFUOGT8c-Fq3dUzP0_k5ACosnbZeGG2dN5rvi_ZxqkFyqaOkBGJPMc86CR_1mtN7PGiNEsJK9/s1600-h/DSC00311.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpimFfcn0BAgtdLqDTs4dAu8TxMz_CPt3eInGVUiSZvsgKXJHhImcggkYnuXxqh9CCRczFUOGT8c-Fq3dUzP0_k5ACosnbZeGG2dN5rvi_ZxqkFyqaOkBGJPMc86CR_1mtN7PGiNEsJK9/s1600/DSC00311.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441880385873502418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mr. Swan showing off Teddy the Bear during his toast to BIL & SIL Swan</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">(I took this one)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, it was now BIL Swan's turn. After a few jokes about Mr. Swan's chosen career path (you had to be there) and a few other musings, I was getting a little nervous. I'm not gonna front. This was taking awhile. There had to be something to this....and there was.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2rOBuxuc7Ehx-LD4q_ysebtu8YsIoiR3UgYSTqBdnHVmlD2XvcRoFfRjKs3A1aRIuW8JvPBuNM0swQOQMyH-3nUacE40hPMiSw7HxIS6K0m6nnwq2nvIp-OR0gxE-kDcb8VzYNF7Oze3/s1600-h/0565.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2rOBuxuc7Ehx-LD4q_ysebtu8YsIoiR3UgYSTqBdnHVmlD2XvcRoFfRjKs3A1aRIuW8JvPBuNM0swQOQMyH-3nUacE40hPMiSw7HxIS6K0m6nnwq2nvIp-OR0gxE-kDcb8VzYNF7Oze3/s1600/0565.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441939760440529186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It's getting hot in heeerrree, aint' it, Mr. Swan? </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0IHikVJKA-ACDTGTTAjVoeVgc3ONu6AygpGy9fqu5KJFoTopCTaQHOjBv27pNTRdj0zXYvYTct5tYshNnSZcZvgDmoteAoduJ9ONF0Ys-6-c5QEEl1IyY8Tevnh5iaZ_4bdkQKlQsONT/s1600-h/0562.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0IHikVJKA-ACDTGTTAjVoeVgc3ONu6AygpGy9fqu5KJFoTopCTaQHOjBv27pNTRdj0zXYvYTct5tYshNnSZcZvgDmoteAoduJ9ONF0Ys-6-c5QEEl1IyY8Tevnh5iaZ_4bdkQKlQsONT/s1600/0562.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440423682129726210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Yes, Mr. Swan, you're gettin' clowned.</i> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have you ever heard hilarious stories aout your FI as a child? My favorite until-that-moment unsubstantiated story about Mr. Swan was about his childhood desire to be an actor. BIL Swan made sure that everyone at the wedding would learn first hand about not only Mr. Swan's love of the childhood family plays that he headlined and directed but also his love of costume design. Yup...Mr. Swan liked to play "dress up," and BIL Swan had the proof.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mr. Swan couldn't believe it. He had to see it for himself. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxR9B_MQk6BJcDFDh7nzH8CsK-2zDPfOUvpz0TMlkY-Lt9Zx3dOn5nPe_oFWByrVXD8SC2BZS7M5MJmG-5NBjMNkIPy4bp7A4-8diELuoqXmA_rWn2TFP3lSWHhM8QgBwTA5VnNRZ_uNs/s1600-h/0571.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxR9B_MQk6BJcDFDh7nzH8CsK-2zDPfOUvpz0TMlkY-Lt9Zx3dOn5nPe_oFWByrVXD8SC2BZS7M5MJmG-5NBjMNkIPy4bp7A4-8diELuoqXmA_rWn2TFP3lSWHhM8QgBwTA5VnNRZ_uNs/s1600/0571.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440422176437825826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Notice the family cheering. Apparently, this is a well-known secret. I was just happy to finally get to see Mr. Swan's creativity.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenOShrSdM4Vzhua6jcSdmZR9YbkD3pRSBByXUc3jmsQ1N5BAvh1BC-rXc9-WvaI1q6ld2fTKmIvwX2-3TFyZJEpyiY9f_UnHUspb7UaVfYVISA6m19Qf4t4pJjNmeuY0zIMK6HAMBzy8I/s1600-h/0574.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenOShrSdM4Vzhua6jcSdmZR9YbkD3pRSBByXUc3jmsQ1N5BAvh1BC-rXc9-WvaI1q6ld2fTKmIvwX2-3TFyZJEpyiY9f_UnHUspb7UaVfYVISA6m19Qf4t4pJjNmeuY0zIMK6HAMBzy8I/s1600/0574.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441951273313540722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>For a second, I thought Mr. Swan was going to tackle BIL Swan. He restrained himself though. :)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEBS0n6nBFi3-QIOpv7BP6pdbYz54KaP6n4-lyicGLdM0mdUgtblHWWS3qNxVrcp29USEJltnqhfo9DhRxSMMre7AJM4wdH_prLpmHDsA4EgjgE3wViXI5MdYU_D1im7sIvWlKLsuE1ex/s1600-h/0580.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEBS0n6nBFi3-QIOpv7BP6pdbYz54KaP6n4-lyicGLdM0mdUgtblHWWS3qNxVrcp29USEJltnqhfo9DhRxSMMre7AJM4wdH_prLpmHDsA4EgjgE3wViXI5MdYU_D1im7sIvWlKLsuE1ex/s1600/0580.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441952669517297154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I had to see it for myself too.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bxaHrjcYY4oH9jd0jo54MkmXHbvERYoaGH4jC5HZ2N2asdkpmFq4nlRqWD0KAsyRXZpzb1ky40R_JobXrEtqHSAB-RR6293U7tA488CUiGffXsdLToYStjlC9y5w1Ul1nuk16dgD8mo_/s1600-h/0583.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bxaHrjcYY4oH9jd0jo54MkmXHbvERYoaGH4jC5HZ2N2asdkpmFq4nlRqWD0KAsyRXZpzb1ky40R_JobXrEtqHSAB-RR6293U7tA488CUiGffXsdLToYStjlC9y5w1Ul1nuk16dgD8mo_/s1600/0583.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441953596532229026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> I couldn't stop laughing.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktXACDZNbBwPZYsWR20p2bEqygAk4X4mdXaNPVCOzQIQAXuPVDYFmDi220OAtwT5366nKHheD4WIUkZhTkc6pQeamgSij99LbYzYejY8Gf6PO7K8aVVYvMn70PYykJ_kosRz9NwXTKQ18/s1600-h/0584.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktXACDZNbBwPZYsWR20p2bEqygAk4X4mdXaNPVCOzQIQAXuPVDYFmDi220OAtwT5366nKHheD4WIUkZhTkc6pQeamgSij99LbYzYejY8Gf6PO7K8aVVYvMn70PYykJ_kosRz9NwXTKQ18/s1600/0584.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441954389594161618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I wasn't alone. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So what were we laughing at? Well BIL Swan found a way to make a poster size collage of Mr. Swan in some of his best costume creations. I can't even figure out what some of them are supposed to be. Which one is your favorite? Also I want to make a shout out to MIL Swan for nurturing her very creative son and being Mr. Swan's co-designer. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4y6WSjf7vE_Ws7oD59Le6bWf-74QveFzFWrbmXwZ1k458HwVknV-obpv3nVozJHHplrKL29E-LrW21LJ-dKuBHWWZt5BRq9_jICvJzO8l2rzYermGwJO3xKmlScZXALPWP-LOzltwseta/s1600-h/Poster_rev2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4y6WSjf7vE_Ws7oD59Le6bWf-74QveFzFWrbmXwZ1k458HwVknV-obpv3nVozJHHplrKL29E-LrW21LJ-dKuBHWWZt5BRq9_jICvJzO8l2rzYermGwJO3xKmlScZXALPWP-LOzltwseta/s1600/Poster_rev2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441959846230598210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(courtesy of BIL Swan)</div><div><br /></div><div>BIL Swan also mentioned my participation as a blogger on Weddingbee. I was actually happy that BIL Swan did mention the 'bee since you all have been a huge part of my planning. He did say that it was a way of learning more about me since we live apart and that made me feel all warm and fuzzy. I was really glad that he also gave me (and everyone else) the biggest laugh I had all day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Swan Tip #16 - Be careful if you give a toast at someone's wedding. It might come back to haunt you! :) </div><div><br /></div><div>All images by <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams</a>, unless otherwise noted </div><div><br /></div><div>Did you miss anything? </div><div><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/18/a-harborside-wedding-just-the-two-of-us/">A Harborside Wedding - Just the Two of Us</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/21/a-harborside-wedding-gearing-up/">A Harborside Wedding - Gearing Up</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/25/a-harborside-wedding-we-shall-proceed/">A Harborside Wedding - We Shall Proceed...</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">A Harborside Wedding - Our "Other Guests"</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/03/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-or-a-ceremony-begins-part-i/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (or a Ceremony Begins) - Part I</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/04/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-a-vow-a-ring-exchange-part-ii/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (A Vow & a Ring Exchange) - Part I</a><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/04/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-a-vow-a-ring-exchange-part-ii/">I</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/05/a-harborside-wedding-a-productive-cocktail-hour/">A Harborside Wedding - A Productive Cocktail Hour</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/11/a-harborside-wedding-the-8th-grade-sway-with-a-twist/">A Harborside Wedding - The 8th Grade Sway with a Twist</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/">A Harborside Wedding - Deets & Decor</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"> </a></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"> </a><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"> </a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/22/a-harborside-wedding-a-toast-the-ugly-cry-revisited/">A Harborside Wedding - A Toast & The Ugly Cry Revisited</a></span></div></div></div><div> </div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-1489054876615180832010-02-18T18:08:00.024-05:002010-02-21T21:06:17.880-05:00A Harborside Wedding - A Toast & The Ugly Cry Revisited<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After our first dance, we settled in to eat a little, but before too long it was time for our toasts. Our first toast was by Godmother Swan. Since we did not have a bridal party, we got a little creative with who would deliver our toasts for us. Godmother Swan has been a very special part of my life. She was a good friend of my grandparents when she lived in the Caribbean. I've never met any of my grandparents (most died before I was born or when I was a baby), so she has always been a living link to my maternal grandparents. She's also Mommy Swan's godmother and the grandmother of my goddaughter. Are you still following? Let's just say that while not blood related, she is like family to me.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqShBfZBpz3h0CNcVuBTHNEf4KK5jal6HOaYTKpHq4L8jxRySqtDKCZXe0woI_MeQulb1ySL22eSG-ft79YbqQpDDXkhTCFuVOiMBX1OeoOTS-Y9XQ-cWBZIF1Uz5BbFnvjc93bzbCAvKR/s1600-h/0542.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqShBfZBpz3h0CNcVuBTHNEf4KK5jal6HOaYTKpHq4L8jxRySqtDKCZXe0woI_MeQulb1ySL22eSG-ft79YbqQpDDXkhTCFuVOiMBX1OeoOTS-Y9XQ-cWBZIF1Uz5BbFnvjc93bzbCAvKR/s1600/0542.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440095042186032690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Her toast was sweet, and I was glad to have been able to give such an honor to someone who has been like a second mother/grandmother to me all of my life. <div><br /></div><div>There was a drawback though. I had made it all day without a major cry. Yes, I did make the cry face during the ceremony, but just a couple of tears rolled down my face.<br /><br />I started out doing pretty well at the beginning of the toast. Then Godmother Swan started to read a cute little poem that my cousin wrote. My cousins were not able to make the trip from the Caribbean to be at the wedding. Since I grew up as an only child, my cousins are like my brothers and sisters. I was really disappointed that they couldn't make it, but before the wedding I had gotten over it. I knew there would be quite a few hurdles for them to be able to attend. I had accepted it. Right? NOPE! Enter the infamous poem.</div><div><br />It wasn't Emily Dickinson or Maya Angelou worthy, but as Godmother Swan read the poem it started to hit me that my cousins weren't there.<br /><br />Hmmm..it's wasn't looking good. See the beginnings of the Ugly Cray Face?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGyp77JafcehWHx14B_ujSTedFgNsk3PCh7CevY6kfTrjehKvtMIc_93XA7Ngg9aQteMDLhFp4IWA6lLd-5cMe3CID1JNeIon2j2reapo4kfbf2MeCXG5tKHKeJMTnDY2pA98jhQvlfhyphenhyphen/s1600-h/0539.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGyp77JafcehWHx14B_ujSTedFgNsk3PCh7CevY6kfTrjehKvtMIc_93XA7Ngg9aQteMDLhFp4IWA6lLd-5cMe3CID1JNeIon2j2reapo4kfbf2MeCXG5tKHKeJMTnDY2pA98jhQvlfhyphenhyphen/s1600/0539.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440094349895830034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br /></div>Yep. I was getting worse.<br /><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-byrlDKbmeuLYjWeTP1L9juC8x6n7sTymk8vqHaSj_dz_G0ejmpoz2TQ3njGc3IUvU2vL5aq9sKc-s28KyQgNgRcMhsp9W7m0PqM63J4ETVkSsrpwbgLUzZwW0tzAgkf1Yva1FiW7O2r/s1600-h/0546.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-byrlDKbmeuLYjWeTP1L9juC8x6n7sTymk8vqHaSj_dz_G0ejmpoz2TQ3njGc3IUvU2vL5aq9sKc-s28KyQgNgRcMhsp9W7m0PqM63J4ETVkSsrpwbgLUzZwW0tzAgkf1Yva1FiW7O2r/s1600/0546.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440095475574459378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a>Wait for it....</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg43sAolNg81FuB2Z6Vtv8eJcglAZ79XRrXPzoAh2xVqVxHKsK1JkhBwa990b_RMnze8uXypdIa7CY0YqDqycoQXd8hB4bNNCgU4R8hxetSpR_9S1ZHc8B9Bih78WnwQf01Udq9tqnT2S/s1600/0550.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440377917603069330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></span></div><div>Yep, a full on sob. Oops! I feel like I had held it together enough though I felt a little embarrassed that I had like broken down like a little baby in front of so many people, a few of whom I'd never really met before. At least this time, I hid my face :) </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Zk2z3qwYIh_KUOZvCtsADar6bj3IPzWUTOZWOFh-UQYjFEGcUK6faRzKcFtoXHUC2m9NRPyjZ00kU_aUzp-amaZh9CzHxTyozG2LfmORBMmjscenOUqAQ8IQzAO3B44RQsktTDqM2i7a/s1600-h/0550.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></a> </div><div><div>I recovered, but I totally didn't expect my emotions to hit me during a toast. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6aWFsayX5wnBkUnMxBlIsix2VbLgWEUjIRBS6N0h54fSG3SXgrdG6GmdiCC_6WHVV1AfsEZruYsd2ZWNHXA4Gmj-2eM4Ah3OYTC6sDRgjC8-0YOIVquJW14pHdh22xFq67tacj_tdy6b/s1600-h/0557.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6aWFsayX5wnBkUnMxBlIsix2VbLgWEUjIRBS6N0h54fSG3SXgrdG6GmdiCC_6WHVV1AfsEZruYsd2ZWNHXA4Gmj-2eM4Ah3OYTC6sDRgjC8-0YOIVquJW14pHdh22xFq67tacj_tdy6b/s1600/0557.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440098074001517410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkQ8zgOCKuPYoJUheQaz1xuFohIu2DkjVUmug7PSPSIX3BLnI4UMIx7F4GfCI-OqpvxTgfAooVhsVYOtNj3XFwnQ1x66BeH09Q4QSj9ixSxgsrBjH36NCIa3-k-WeYzBfVcw1IAGp2mbC/s1600-h/0558.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkQ8zgOCKuPYoJUheQaz1xuFohIu2DkjVUmug7PSPSIX3BLnI4UMIx7F4GfCI-OqpvxTgfAooVhsVYOtNj3XFwnQ1x66BeH09Q4QSj9ixSxgsrBjH36NCIa3-k-WeYzBfVcw1IAGp2mbC/s1600/0558.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440100817587297810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks, Godmother Swan!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do you anticipate that any particular parts of the wedding will be emotional for you? Are you having someone special do a toast at your wedding.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Swan Tip #15 - (I screwed up my last post, which was supposed to be Swan Tip #14. Please forgive me. :)) Be prepared for your emotions to hit you when you least expect it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a><br /><a href="http:/www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/18/a-harborside-wedding-just-the-two-of-us/">A Harborside Wedding - Just the Two of Us</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/21/a-harborside-wedding-gearing-up/">A Harborside Wedding - Gearing Up</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/25/a-harborside-wedding-we-shall-proceed/">A Harborside Wedding - We Shall Proceed...</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">A Harborside Wedding - Our "Other Guests"</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/03/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-or-a-ceremony-begins-part-i/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (or a Ceremony Begins) - Part I</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/04/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-a-vow-a-ring-exchange-part-ii/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (A Vow & a Ring Exchange) - Part II</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/05/a-harborside-wedding-a-productive-cocktail-hour/">A Harborside Wedding - A Productive Cocktail Hour</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/11/a-harborside-wedding-the-8th-grade-sway-with-a-twist/">A Harborside Wedding - The 8th Grade Sway with a Twist</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/">A Harborside Wedding - Deets & Decor<span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/a-harborside-wedding-deets-decor/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-64806306075027260272010-02-16T00:31:00.002-05:002010-02-16T00:34:23.606-05:00A Harborside Wedding - Deets & Decor<div><br /></div><div><div>Before I get further in recapping the reception, I thought I would show you some of our receptions little personal details and decor.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I am sure I have said upteen times here, I am not a crafter. I'll show you the scary results of one of my half-way DIY below. I am also not the most creative person around either. I am always in awe of the ingenuity and overall badass-ness of my fellow bloggers and you, dearest hive members. Y'all be creative! Since I am pretty much okay with my lack of the crafty gene and visual artistry, I looked at different ways that I could add a personal touch to our wedding details.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's our reception room all set up. I love the floor to ceiling windows and all of the light streaming in. The clean, modern lines of the room really reflected the look we wanted.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidB6nNa6IpIViKB_Upvap2ZEhTctIu6a14Un9DEbuBPdioQR6TWiBa7rHK6b3PmIOOxAN-43SbcKb8Pcqlw4tssH_8TZaW1gefh2sXXKal9oB79KcCZBcD3-L8TRtWQhzIa595bVLMofsn/s1600-h/0439.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidB6nNa6IpIViKB_Upvap2ZEhTctIu6a14Un9DEbuBPdioQR6TWiBa7rHK6b3PmIOOxAN-43SbcKb8Pcqlw4tssH_8TZaW1gefh2sXXKal9oB79KcCZBcD3-L8TRtWQhzIa595bVLMofsn/s1600/0439.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436999520219703154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div>Since Battery Gardens is a restaurant, they supplied all of the tables, chairs, silverware and glasses. I will be the first to admit to you that table settings were not a priority for me during the planning stages. I could have brought in my own, but I didn't. One of the main reasons I went with white table cloths is because of our hot pink and orange color scheme. In my mind, anything else but white would have been too busy. Did I mention that the white linens were included? Yeah, that too. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRBuRb6Jq_64rAYP2Pl8h8ADP_MT9Hl8gBlRs0vGyBzqX7YG-jajKy_MWbgie8vOt_sEiJU5BlF6e69bCqW5bZMC5QyKvWTbK5Wxxszwm8F2A8XuMVdojTeV9MWx8j2a7_VFDKcIUEHlJ/s1600-h/0449.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRBuRb6Jq_64rAYP2Pl8h8ADP_MT9Hl8gBlRs0vGyBzqX7YG-jajKy_MWbgie8vOt_sEiJU5BlF6e69bCqW5bZMC5QyKvWTbK5Wxxszwm8F2A8XuMVdojTeV9MWx8j2a7_VFDKcIUEHlJ/s1600/0449.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435136548998767074" border="0" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqix7ZzS1WZ3Bd-y81bPZwIycMxos4G91bjcA7-cYVb17UVXwZMG15ptgh7YUe6TQ7z0-xTTCiVXNjK5xBeRJ9w23y0_8iwDmBRbDhg8FkOad-D7_ziXDdyIaDe_6zZh0NmZ_ZRmpnGB2/s1600-h/0442.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqix7ZzS1WZ3Bd-y81bPZwIycMxos4G91bjcA7-cYVb17UVXwZMG15ptgh7YUe6TQ7z0-xTTCiVXNjK5xBeRJ9w23y0_8iwDmBRbDhg8FkOad-D7_ziXDdyIaDe_6zZh0NmZ_ZRmpnGB2/s1600/0442.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438591625295405186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPpuHsQmN82fV8jgyk-qfNuNWXHU3cquGGYqn2a8BfJno03Wpea9Pvi8AkpGl4NqAZJHRl4atYlRdakCwX6jsv1ZOtsq5xw_HxOoRT1MyuUGEUr7JI7GPqC_8GGhghKxvVQwGktPJACvt/s1600-h/0447.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPpuHsQmN82fV8jgyk-qfNuNWXHU3cquGGYqn2a8BfJno03Wpea9Pvi8AkpGl4NqAZJHRl4atYlRdakCwX6jsv1ZOtsq5xw_HxOoRT1MyuUGEUr7JI7GPqC_8GGhghKxvVQwGktPJACvt/s1600/0447.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438588978218800962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SKk_gF2y1IkNbHlYcjKJbc-lowmVFS7yheL8tyRNxFNgdnnct4RaoVw3FbgHHbgFs7E330vcEfhX1VpSfql1Fin5_c1XyEyPA53NrMupaa7owf1AgyOg90Heaf32NbrnpY4JH8w7LT2a/s1600-h/0444.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SKk_gF2y1IkNbHlYcjKJbc-lowmVFS7yheL8tyRNxFNgdnnct4RaoVw3FbgHHbgFs7E330vcEfhX1VpSfql1Fin5_c1XyEyPA53NrMupaa7owf1AgyOg90Heaf32NbrnpY4JH8w7LT2a/s1600/0444.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438589675338912082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div>I should take this time to thank Ella Meyer of <a href="http://www.limelightfloral.com/">Limelight Floral Design</a> for her help. Remember Swan Tip #2? This was primarily based on her. Ella was nice enough to humor me when I had one of my few "I think I am having a Platinum Wedding, but I'm really not" moments. See, I wanted to have each table have a different centerpiece. Ten different centerpieces! Ella nicely talked me down from the ledge, and we had about 4 different types of low centerpieces. Also I was pretty concerned about hot pinks I was using (yes, I did write that). I just wanted to make sure that everything matched (yes, I wrote that too). Ella made sure that everything matched but not too much, and the colors of the flowers actually worked well together. Did you know that there is a difference between fuschia and hot pink? Thanks to Ella for not only listening to what I wanted but being able to point me in the right direction.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also here's a close-up of our table names. Yes, we were the crazy ones with no table numbers. The table names were places or people that meant something to us. The guests at the table, for the most part, had a connection to that person or place as well. For example, we had the name of the village in the Caribbean where my family is from. We also had a table named after my dorm in college where my college friends sat. Yeah, I know. Not original. :) Here's a close-up:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_iaSSu6k-bVTptQhfQC7Wvksi3m1YxcuJg-B_1Xhlhz9hyl7eDn2MfBg1PwBuv03SRnY39LRNgtaf0tBpRtzop4YDsxQmmc4nKBQoEIte6WyplrkRM5_FT5as4ymEEayK3cK0C_NakYG/s1600-h/DSC01583.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_iaSSu6k-bVTptQhfQC7Wvksi3m1YxcuJg-B_1Xhlhz9hyl7eDn2MfBg1PwBuv03SRnY39LRNgtaf0tBpRtzop4YDsxQmmc4nKBQoEIte6WyplrkRM5_FT5as4ymEEayK3cK0C_NakYG/s1600/DSC01583.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438597204801072930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">(I actually took this picture)</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Our table names were actually designed by our lovely calligrapher, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilflower">Fran, of Little Flower Calligraphy</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">We had menus at each place setting. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/evapaul">EvaPaul<span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none; "> </span></a>, who designed <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/30/not-the-invitation-post-youre-looking-for/">our invitations</a>, added the same modern style for our menus. At first, I was just going to do two per table in an effort to save paper, but then I just gave in and had one at each setting.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgUyfAd9SYOxWuaZIVA_Q2WC0EO0XAET_ax1O-AUhNU4Qx07k3xUd7uLbFNTmwJEzXx91vakRjB6BcCgMA2qUEOKVt9RDMWRNT5-r1TAIUn1Fo9f4eo1vmtDfp9AVvR9lk_M3y76ovcHV/s1600-h/0443.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgUyfAd9SYOxWuaZIVA_Q2WC0EO0XAET_ax1O-AUhNU4Qx07k3xUd7uLbFNTmwJEzXx91vakRjB6BcCgMA2qUEOKVt9RDMWRNT5-r1TAIUn1Fo9f4eo1vmtDfp9AVvR9lk_M3y76ovcHV/s1600/0443.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435137133707216466" border="0" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Let me introduce you to our escort card table:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vEHB86ZFKR6w6KekVC_idRueTRt7oh7Nj6GPC0ZjP4p2r0UsduQqr4ZaoJf6KodA8c_78FjKRfoGwL4QguR8oksa5P0CMxqG-vcTt3DOxlFvzgMXD1Ee1v7wd_Nk8QUybx7n_M2P9KPE/s1600-h/0266.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vEHB86ZFKR6w6KekVC_idRueTRt7oh7Nj6GPC0ZjP4p2r0UsduQqr4ZaoJf6KodA8c_78FjKRfoGwL4QguR8oksa5P0CMxqG-vcTt3DOxlFvzgMXD1Ee1v7wd_Nk8QUybx7n_M2P9KPE/s1600/0266.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437002557372028578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div>Thank goodness for Ella and <a href="http://exquisiteaffairsproductions.com/">my DOC, Christine Viola</a>, and the folks over at Battery Gardens. I don't know who exactly set this up, but it looks downright lovely.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8jsQv6jEeUhAtm5Q87usdI5x9ynWwZxhXNCqpnxb0gEyuSS23-L7vEdArHb0t5HT-3WcG1-Q2Wm9aPFQTpq5bmFb2siZFh2greo4MpJz7tKkkdL1XV5_PEJHptqWXWC6IJsUDVhsemTm/s1600-h/0269.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8jsQv6jEeUhAtm5Q87usdI5x9ynWwZxhXNCqpnxb0gEyuSS23-L7vEdArHb0t5HT-3WcG1-Q2Wm9aPFQTpq5bmFb2siZFh2greo4MpJz7tKkkdL1XV5_PEJHptqWXWC6IJsUDVhsemTm/s1600/0269.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437004006583301698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div>The oranges in the apothecary-looking jars were my idea (although inspired by so many things I saw), so I do get to claim something! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>We didn't just do any old escort cards. Our escort cards were envelopes which contained little notecards inside. Here's the outside:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEH5tZV-i6sgJI_NlW4Ot6YsPD3yspsLASUBUQGGanEiuhfNmmP4siXx2p1gKD4BYPAB85WSpDpZ_Yax3c2nO1Og_KJ-XXdn0XuW27C7NMuFfpjFH9pozQVozO_DzkYlnlnUq56zoNpui/s1600-h/DSC01587.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEH5tZV-i6sgJI_NlW4Ot6YsPD3yspsLASUBUQGGanEiuhfNmmP4siXx2p1gKD4BYPAB85WSpDpZ_Yax3c2nO1Og_KJ-XXdn0XuW27C7NMuFfpjFH9pozQVozO_DzkYlnlnUq56zoNpui/s1600/DSC01587.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438604718031450146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">(I took this one too)</div><div style="text-align: left; ">The outside of the envelopes included our guests' names and table assignments.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div>The notecard looks like this inside:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPalYcgfNT7_QX0vrHjiScYDOsKgtgx8kU4zt0ansbHg1HIKi5To9iU4XPErbxiVXcr1XIWlhLJ9yz4Yx-fQdVz0r-0pImaWE5Oe24cUS4Ieefvp03hno8iMsKzZpoK0LK-vtc5JXMfzn0/s1600-h/DSC01589.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPalYcgfNT7_QX0vrHjiScYDOsKgtgx8kU4zt0ansbHg1HIKi5To9iU4XPErbxiVXcr1XIWlhLJ9yz4Yx-fQdVz0r-0pImaWE5Oe24cUS4Ieefvp03hno8iMsKzZpoK0LK-vtc5JXMfzn0/s1600/DSC01589.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438606544340710098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">(Mine too)</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb78Zi7FYBSbb03XNN8Qw6BydghMkfCWh7NHyORqf5Q_uzR35GDsa1QgMva-gjN5Bb_04e3ifZ6ypwxb8CWEzsji9r-G-ja-nVPulM8EvcjnaJdYpmA8t46dmFh7Zquxd6P4jFWD6peV-G/s1600-h/DSC01590.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb78Zi7FYBSbb03XNN8Qw6BydghMkfCWh7NHyORqf5Q_uzR35GDsa1QgMva-gjN5Bb_04e3ifZ6ypwxb8CWEzsji9r-G-ja-nVPulM8EvcjnaJdYpmA8t46dmFh7Zquxd6P4jFWD6peV-G/s1600/DSC01590.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438608419226732882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">(Ditto)</div><div><br /></div><div>Inside we wrote notes to our guests thanking them for coming and telling them what they meant to us (Okay, I did that. Mr Swan often told jokes for the ones he wrote). Mr. Swan held me back from writing a card for each individual guest. We ended up doing one card for each couple, which definitely cut down on the work.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some other little touches included photos of us with some of our guests and other family, some of whom had passed away. MIL Swan painted a canvas for us to display them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJnhfyrTkahCC4qHGCWuW1RDczYAQnKA7t65ezGEQp6bt5wk8J_gn1M6KLd9Q5ktMMpLXOq6qpYPSs11lo5U1x0Kz30Hs-ObRCCPPwSoR2St-osKqCn121XJ7so4hgCObuCOJVvcrXsoP/s1600-h/0271.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJnhfyrTkahCC4qHGCWuW1RDczYAQnKA7t65ezGEQp6bt5wk8J_gn1M6KLd9Q5ktMMpLXOq6qpYPSs11lo5U1x0Kz30Hs-ObRCCPPwSoR2St-osKqCn121XJ7so4hgCObuCOJVvcrXsoP/s1600/0271.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437004647641060754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEHstQhnRLmJfr46vrVKSSFRhWxS_7ysl_6zwlcF44FIOjk8zisTy3yw-8MFFAd75t5dvzUtCSAqZ47WxFn7y2OQIFo14tb_obgy9JjVV0c-JQaeARbzHUmDFo7JAmAOySrGQQ1Nqh_kS/s1600-h/0437.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEHstQhnRLmJfr46vrVKSSFRhWxS_7ysl_6zwlcF44FIOjk8zisTy3yw-8MFFAd75t5dvzUtCSAqZ47WxFn7y2OQIFo14tb_obgy9JjVV0c-JQaeARbzHUmDFo7JAmAOySrGQQ1Nqh_kS/s1600/0437.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436998696228435778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div>We also placed some framed pictures that we had of us and our guests.</div><div><br /></div>Our guest book was a little something different, I guess. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeaVVQl-7zPV9_4a_cUV_O-foj3tywWzy4bGpb_W6c5uk29vCB6lHJi36R1i5lmphlGtjLDKD1eQfX1jMTcfc590WfgS4noNU9y0XQBX7fPs4-mk4yIh11GvEPEwzAnnGNlO3FCNo3vyq/s1600-h/0268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeaVVQl-7zPV9_4a_cUV_O-foj3tywWzy4bGpb_W6c5uk29vCB6lHJi36R1i5lmphlGtjLDKD1eQfX1jMTcfc590WfgS4noNU9y0XQBX7fPs4-mk4yIh11GvEPEwzAnnGNlO3FCNo3vyq/s1600/0268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437003417669576130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a>I know that I'm not the first Bee blogger to use <a href="http://us.moo.com/en/">Moo Cards</a>: <a href="http:/www.weddingbee.com/2008/09/24/photo-escort-cards-wedding/">Mrs. Candy Corn used them</a> for her escort cards; <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/04/16/a-moo-how-to-cocktail-hour-trivia-cards/">Mrs. Kitten used them as trivia cards</a> during her reception; and <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/01/22/in-the-mood-2/">Mrs. Hot Cocoa used them to tell her guests about her wedding website</a>. I told ya I wasn't original. :) I actually used Moo Cards for our guest book. Also that big ball of hot pink craziness is actually a pomander that I tried to make. There were supposed to be more, but let's just say that they didn't make it. Moving on....</div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24R-BBBx5qEPaolwdD-vKxNgv-BCFitRHFSwEMbUHlprjNwYmNUEDHiq5_TE6AzLAxpnJiQBee-jCFnHwzkpskHXLuj-rQzAGARlvwfTUMqENHRiq1Kwf868H1dRgmtZRlKdQumMfb8X1/s1600-h/0274.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24R-BBBx5qEPaolwdD-vKxNgv-BCFitRHFSwEMbUHlprjNwYmNUEDHiq5_TE6AzLAxpnJiQBee-jCFnHwzkpskHXLuj-rQzAGARlvwfTUMqENHRiq1Kwf868H1dRgmtZRlKdQumMfb8X1/s1600/0274.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437001811156019522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div>The Moo Cards were set up next to our escort cards during the cocktail hour and then moved upstairs during the reception. We asked our guests to pick their favorite photo card of us, flip the card over, and write us a message or a wish. The completed cards were put into a small jar that's now in our office.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUK0-vGhbbXVklrOl0nHkbDAjyWku6_VltmPY621rAQse9_V7xP8Vil6OQK8scFnECXdI7qJdgduXtTncR3ygDseCr00Ah270wql12Gg9SVjNbLuABwXOt70p7xczUsckUwJWkYDdUBrn/s1600-h/0536.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUK0-vGhbbXVklrOl0nHkbDAjyWku6_VltmPY621rAQse9_V7xP8Vil6OQK8scFnECXdI7qJdgduXtTncR3ygDseCr00Ah270wql12Gg9SVjNbLuABwXOt70p7xczUsckUwJWkYDdUBrn/s1600/0536.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437000873843290514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a>We used many of <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/28/shall-we-engage-again/">our engagement pictures</a> that Dante took as well as a few other favorite pictures of us.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRftR0KoStuTkeESRQ2nshgwWUcKsYHs77SyBfoQZVrtctvfwt-4yhDOwr5JnjvGBVsP4d9N2AmeYYhylm-S7-DSUVcUbNqEzbnzYsDx0Hon10q82lC9y0IyUPLmFnrxR7E_qpbai9j9C/s1600-h/0533.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRftR0KoStuTkeESRQ2nshgwWUcKsYHs77SyBfoQZVrtctvfwt-4yhDOwr5JnjvGBVsP4d9N2AmeYYhylm-S7-DSUVcUbNqEzbnzYsDx0Hon10q82lC9y0IyUPLmFnrxR7E_qpbai9j9C/s1600/0533.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437000129328298610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">We made sure to include instructions 'cause this doesn't really look self-explanatory.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">I think that our guests enjoyed leaving us messages. Some were quite....interesting :)</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrElYEGU_fXhCRIvyZfm0mbhGzuqxU-IwD7Ie7jQETIwUdwS8h0QjrT-BJF-sk0K291J_cjhKI-FDQBQyOifInDX2CxUWpi7-Y_rw6NAgmveLlXKXU6_KbelIftzgw2FDoNIj70qxDV57/s1600-h/0281.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrElYEGU_fXhCRIvyZfm0mbhGzuqxU-IwD7Ie7jQETIwUdwS8h0QjrT-BJF-sk0K291J_cjhKI-FDQBQyOifInDX2CxUWpi7-Y_rw6NAgmveLlXKXU6_KbelIftzgw2FDoNIj70qxDV57/s1600/0281.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438675347960148770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; ">So that's it! Our little details weren't super crafty, but they added a personal touch that we liked.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Swan Tip #13 - More Mrs. Swan Tough Love: Definitely include personal details if you'd like to, but if you're tearing your hair out about them, they're just not worth it.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">All Images by <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams</a>, unless otherwise noted.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">This isn't the first recap and definitely not the last:</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/18/a-harborside-wedding-just-the-two-of-us/">A Harborside Wedding - Just the Two of Us</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/21/a-harborside-wedding-gearing-up/">A Harborside Wedding - Gearing Up</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/25/a-harborside-wedding-we-shall-proceed/">A Harborside Wedding - We Shall Proceed...</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">A Harborside Wedding - Our "Other Guests"</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/03/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-or-a-ceremony-begins-part-i/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (or a Ceremony Begins) - Part I</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/04/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-a-vow-a-ring-exchange-part-ii/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (A Vow & a Ring Exchange) - Part II</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/05/a-harborside-wedding-a-productive-cocktail-hour/">A Harborside Wedding - A Productive Cocktail Hour</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/11/a-harborside-wedding-the-8th-grade-sway-with-a-twist/">A Harborside Wedding - The 8th Grade Sway with a Twist</a></div></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-1986351796104758352010-02-10T10:15:00.019-05:002010-02-10T11:50:38.294-05:00A Harborside Wedding - The 8th Grade Sway with a Twist<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>After our wonderfully productive and fun cocktail hour, our guests proceeded upstairs so that we could finally start the reception.<br /><br />I have a confession to make: I did not want to get announced as we entered the room. Whatcha talkin' about, Mrs. Swan? I was kinda uncomfortable with the hoopla-esque feling of it. In my ideal world, Mr. Swan and I would come upstairs, take a seat just like our guests did, and let things proceed from there .<br /><br />But we got announced anyway...yeah, I punked out on this one too. It was one of those times where people were saying, "You're not going to do THAT? You've got to do THAT!" Okay. We did it. Another small thing I hadn't expected to do, but it was actually fun.<div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rCMvpSl96t_sNALvobK2-9u-QKM_PwSUIPejWMKs6kprvCoa_418UZcSp45aThEJ-SSeFhI4hdeMhB1P5vyxvZ0YwjZwS0bbmnIJPJ5yrg9yNuI2ndffKrPbBNcZqVcxDjnY28feOUpY/s1600-h/0469.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rCMvpSl96t_sNALvobK2-9u-QKM_PwSUIPejWMKs6kprvCoa_418UZcSp45aThEJ-SSeFhI4hdeMhB1P5vyxvZ0YwjZwS0bbmnIJPJ5yrg9yNuI2ndffKrPbBNcZqVcxDjnY28feOUpY/s1600/0469.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436636794151243810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br />We decided to do the first dance immediately. By the way, I've never understood why first dances tend to occur as soon as the bride and groom enter the reception. Do any of you know why? Is it to "open the dancing?" Hmmm.....<br /><br />I was happy that we decided to have our first dance sung by one of my friends, Big Mitts (not her real name). <a href="http://http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">Remember her?</a> She has a lovely voice, has sung in a variety of settings, and I knew that one of the songs we were thinking of would really suit her voice. She sang <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YOQCrEHhz4">"Inseparable" by Natalie Cole.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2L9o58aGZPSDjkDRiGiwJK5PaPljq2plZNiBUY0rwvYCGLb5TWQhue8FzF9QqHNtGsxhg_Vj8tYpxnoKZI_KP64xRSdq0-JWrAftluyBDCziTsw8Rn2irlDcsdfxeT3_UoDTRGwX07no/s1600-h/0495.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2L9o58aGZPSDjkDRiGiwJK5PaPljq2plZNiBUY0rwvYCGLb5TWQhue8FzF9QqHNtGsxhg_Vj8tYpxnoKZI_KP64xRSdq0-JWrAftluyBDCziTsw8Rn2irlDcsdfxeT3_UoDTRGwX07no/s1600/0495.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436648541584493490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7CEf0bEAxPrGDcyeawueNzYUy0gedXBSc7f4IF1p-tHRxou1XQhOP6IFYuD-a-P3xmu_8zPkTwQetcmYrFBHUz2y3jXGovegOZ9aJAaJSajxFPDNB6YnS1pWS0Gp3NI93hMrR8j5yp5-/s1600-h/0490.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7CEf0bEAxPrGDcyeawueNzYUy0gedXBSc7f4IF1p-tHRxou1XQhOP6IFYuD-a-P3xmu_8zPkTwQetcmYrFBHUz2y3jXGovegOZ9aJAaJSajxFPDNB6YnS1pWS0Gp3NI93hMrR8j5yp5-/s1600/0490.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436647827696187346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0kK-3Zkt0sxG2kwdkzpUO_hB8lcKQsSMdP8cBYHULZzMpk5_KaBtxhgHJ8OW3IP1EW0jHV2So-BArZBTzrv8HP8gF5124MIUWTNNWHnzfa_vI9IKHRKcjrK24tEP7p8OIn0C6z5dN2EO/s1600-h/0476.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0kK-3Zkt0sxG2kwdkzpUO_hB8lcKQsSMdP8cBYHULZzMpk5_KaBtxhgHJ8OW3IP1EW0jHV2So-BArZBTzrv8HP8gF5124MIUWTNNWHnzfa_vI9IKHRKcjrK24tEP7p8OIn0C6z5dN2EO/s1600/0476.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436637752430287650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We always talk when we dance.</i></div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_iHxqo0pqXq3qrhHlTsAdpvrbIBi-3InMNPuxocFPxTP8xdaG_qBrjmR7-SfGeiU59nqJm6TNtvkKa4BAZIWr65S-0uWYWS6ugGi8pPCG-FY1mTAGJh80URPPZCpDbUbhKstD3AsfW9K/s1600-h/0474.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_iHxqo0pqXq3qrhHlTsAdpvrbIBi-3InMNPuxocFPxTP8xdaG_qBrjmR7-SfGeiU59nqJm6TNtvkKa4BAZIWr65S-0uWYWS6ugGi8pPCG-FY1mTAGJh80URPPZCpDbUbhKstD3AsfW9K/s1600/0474.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436638944759018658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div>I think Mr. Swan and I tried to make sure we didn't totally just do the 8th grade sway. We did try to get something going by adding a turn or two.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNYFlccKo5QkZNC0qMTLBjdW2iCuPRm5243Hzlj-pbXaQybYJi55Vew-g97oEjlaQKuhMmizDBY-ynkQYnAgHyPnv00fSzurd2EhBoL_PBgr8FtIcQQb8GEp5E67YhLoL2TD6n_VEioVe/s1600-h/0482.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNYFlccKo5QkZNC0qMTLBjdW2iCuPRm5243Hzlj-pbXaQybYJi55Vew-g97oEjlaQKuhMmizDBY-ynkQYnAgHyPnv00fSzurd2EhBoL_PBgr8FtIcQQb8GEp5E67YhLoL2TD6n_VEioVe/s1600/0482.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436646873046848290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a><br />Our song ended, and I thought, "Well, that was fun!" Little did I know that our dance time was actually not over. I'll have you remember that Mr. Swan was out of work for most of our engagement. That left him with quite a bit of time on his hands and the ability to take some dance lessons. Our DJ, Rob, piped in and said that in honor of my love of "Dancing with the Stars" Mr. Swan had taken salsa lessons and was going to put on a show....with me! WHOA! I definitely didn't see that coming!<br /><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsta4oJXBWnhNLEA-iAwD_aQx2Dnq2oQrvGnvhRvFo6xHFL8de5bLCkHce2o9Aj46xU2JyoyEIo3pcYoKcZOR88VCpxF0_E8JTIgPSGB7x_l5oregHKo-o_3Nglb-bNhq4cR_EAcy_QrU/s1600-h/0514.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsta4oJXBWnhNLEA-iAwD_aQx2Dnq2oQrvGnvhRvFo6xHFL8de5bLCkHce2o9Aj46xU2JyoyEIo3pcYoKcZOR88VCpxF0_E8JTIgPSGB7x_l5oregHKo-o_3Nglb-bNhq4cR_EAcy_QrU/s1600/0514.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436651295844323826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I'm not THAT great of a salsa dancer, but I wanted to at least get the basic step right. I really had to concentrate.</span></div><br />Mr. Swan shaking his hips was just too darn cute. Go, Mr. Swan! Go, Mr. Swan! Go, Mr. Swan!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TtKq70SVh37HqkDk7zF1xlDFgeFeliGcIRndG2BtUXBBKOBWFnJTweHfJxO_b9q_4-K1NARJd7J7lUiYw1X0z2lGxQoAWsjPc2AJUZ1GLy5BvGSUMFF_Cb9qc181ZOYxhuGz8Sk-aVuW/s1600-h/0508.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TtKq70SVh37HqkDk7zF1xlDFgeFeliGcIRndG2BtUXBBKOBWFnJTweHfJxO_b9q_4-K1NARJd7J7lUiYw1X0z2lGxQoAWsjPc2AJUZ1GLy5BvGSUMFF_Cb9qc181ZOYxhuGz8Sk-aVuW/s1600/0508.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436646134041785074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMn4tq52AR5B0ffCbsx30L_vIJ704qWoLL0IIdtufZ2QpEXaUXRCnKlUx5Dw-NgCTIceie9mckf-3H1v1FFLrjdl7r61YwMvIvpVw32r1vn8D9PVXn5zfwdw56IuCLKomqfU6zrzIdQ7Di/s1600-h/0517.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMn4tq52AR5B0ffCbsx30L_vIJ704qWoLL0IIdtufZ2QpEXaUXRCnKlUx5Dw-NgCTIceie9mckf-3H1v1FFLrjdl7r61YwMvIvpVw32r1vn8D9PVXn5zfwdw56IuCLKomqfU6zrzIdQ7Di/s1600/0517.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436652097363790242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>He even threw in a dip! </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoymaNQ83tSjOYRWtM-cOsQT9Ew4uaTaEX-vRxhE4m4iiXZuMD2efMl6aaYYwdjobanwTTAtiJmlZ24E-QL63RxH-GxKXpwg55Nm0BsVS2rkfF_X0oKZmsCYm84bGFWuY6TAvuR2MkP_Q/s1600-h/0522.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoymaNQ83tSjOYRWtM-cOsQT9Ew4uaTaEX-vRxhE4m4iiXZuMD2efMl6aaYYwdjobanwTTAtiJmlZ24E-QL63RxH-GxKXpwg55Nm0BsVS2rkfF_X0oKZmsCYm84bGFWuY6TAvuR2MkP_Q/s1600/0522.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436653816276836306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I just burst into a fit of laughter because Mr. Swan had performed a Michael Jackson-worthy spin move.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our first dance ended up being a lot more eventful than I thought it would be. Thank you, Mr. Swan!<br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoYoQYQ-iPbjB56QMKPm6Db2jKnI8FXN0C15Y_EUEWN68BUQ-lBJ_HjjSxCM5YIZ60063k5ybW0YDSKjjjn-3aI6VbunVmifeekXwmULGZJ8yP9p07T-v5sAUlFJ4UTpKJxv9smEn-65z/s1600-h/0506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoYoQYQ-iPbjB56QMKPm6Db2jKnI8FXN0C15Y_EUEWN68BUQ-lBJ_HjjSxCM5YIZ60063k5ybW0YDSKjjjn-3aI6VbunVmifeekXwmULGZJ8yP9p07T-v5sAUlFJ4UTpKJxv9smEn-65z/s1600/0506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436650526898876018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Are you planning anything special for your first dance? Does your fiance(e) ACTUALLY know about it? :)<br /><br />Swan Tip #13 - While you might want everything to turn out a certain way during your wedding, be open to the fun surprises that may be in store.<br /><br />All images by <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Senor Dante Williams</a><br /><br />Wait! There's more in case you missed it...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/18/a-harborside-wedding-just-the-two-of-us/">A Harborside Wedding - Just the Two of Us</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/21/a-harborside-wedding-gearing-up/">A Harborside Wedding - Gearing Up</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/25/a-harborside-wedding-we-shall-proceed/">A Harborside Wedding - We Shall Proceed...</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">A Harborside Wedding - Our "Other Guests"</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/03/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-or-a-ceremony-begins-part-i/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (or a Ceremony Begins) - Part I</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/04/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-a-vow-a-ring-exchange-part-ii/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (A Vow & a Ring Exchange) - Part II</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/05/a-harborside-wedding-a-productive-cocktail-hour/">A Harborside Wedding - A Productive Cocktail Hour</a><br /></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-76805655524382717462010-02-05T10:14:00.004-05:002010-02-05T10:22:24.914-05:00A Harborside Wedding - A Productive Cocktail Hour<div>Aaaah...the cocktail hour....</div><div><br /></div><div>I love making sure that I use my time with friends and family wisely. Mr. Swan really wanted to attend our cocktail hour so that we could greet our guests, eat some of the great food we'd chosen for them, and enjoy the general good times. Our cocktail hour was what I like to call "productive". Here are some things that I did during our cocktail hour that not only made it productive, but most importantly FUN! Remember <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/08/17/is-be-married-now/">I've said it's totally necessary to have fun</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div>1. We greeted many of my guests especially those that I'd never met before.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAa5YXoa9G33TywcRmBpYWVt66fJhdiACFBPLmG57JUMVuL2CRvC2FjQG7YzYIF-bAJELvW9sInJRmEG56ilf0UaQbflI3j8wPQAhlndBAYTYgkXA8Zv9O4wxVG6B4bHfODzdCYs9LDrWG/s1600-h/0408.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAa5YXoa9G33TywcRmBpYWVt66fJhdiACFBPLmG57JUMVuL2CRvC2FjQG7YzYIF-bAJELvW9sInJRmEG56ilf0UaQbflI3j8wPQAhlndBAYTYgkXA8Zv9O4wxVG6B4bHfODzdCYs9LDrWG/s1600/0408.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434536923198393378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>2. I hugged friends both old and new... a lot.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw5YVYEWWPQP9T-kYRxdSPgyiLAwvakNXIjgqz8ytQcVbwvmOpqkJmrJHmqB7tiqAsZ60oOOJdakXS2zDXmrXg0pmXiqBc7znxMhEEFfHtlTZckv2m78WIc3v6F5Y8_ElxhBxANPw7nSA/s1600-h/0415.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw5YVYEWWPQP9T-kYRxdSPgyiLAwvakNXIjgqz8ytQcVbwvmOpqkJmrJHmqB7tiqAsZ60oOOJdakXS2zDXmrXg0pmXiqBc7znxMhEEFfHtlTZckv2m78WIc3v6F5Y8_ElxhBxANPw7nSA/s1600/0415.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434538344369227106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTDibH4L9mBGl883fXOYQKgXJpqyPkaTwzkD0Cp_R0_EyXJ_jvtrv1kd-vLX4kIJjNqy19CnUvtGHD4I0kjqrF1y2Mpt2njR8ceo6hBF4jd2c0g4leBdf2Yzu5O6h1LVJ6QIXB0r4Od7N/s1600-h/0424.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTDibH4L9mBGl883fXOYQKgXJpqyPkaTwzkD0Cp_R0_EyXJ_jvtrv1kd-vLX4kIJjNqy19CnUvtGHD4I0kjqrF1y2Mpt2njR8ceo6hBF4jd2c0g4leBdf2Yzu5O6h1LVJ6QIXB0r4Od7N/s1600/0424.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434546260788974370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllhgSctAprYEwaj7r87gCLmP7CFL-XPmT_jTDhC9dWv7PppdDUxHy0Dl0Tb1ZUrUc9HY8egksjmMv2MZp9We15pgbMziepNQ9wpYknvQPQMRQygrUAHp91y8smoz7fksZR94HNbSmkXYa/s1600-h/0417.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllhgSctAprYEwaj7r87gCLmP7CFL-XPmT_jTDhC9dWv7PppdDUxHy0Dl0Tb1ZUrUc9HY8egksjmMv2MZp9We15pgbMziepNQ9wpYknvQPQMRQygrUAHp91y8smoz7fksZR94HNbSmkXYa/s1600/0417.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434539495793209730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>3. I posed for pictures.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWIOOpENVN9SXVQWlnYXOC5VZgBn58IJTXDdW71R64rNyh_irEBJJUCdYCyFt0aRSdOCAzffbnmttONAZn8XLliW_LUOM7QFft6zR7eynoutVYnkB4WDRzuE4vdFKscCpif19pRbyFNS8/s1600-h/0422.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWIOOpENVN9SXVQWlnYXOC5VZgBn58IJTXDdW71R64rNyh_irEBJJUCdYCyFt0aRSdOCAzffbnmttONAZn8XLliW_LUOM7QFft6zR7eynoutVYnkB4WDRzuE4vdFKscCpif19pRbyFNS8/s1600/0422.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434539024173185506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>4. We made sure to get some laughs with our guests.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlUNFlnLlfNGgV0fGj10vFgN_VUP-I61SwdNlq96n-aXdsP4_vQsTAT_SKKGKYxDEankVwqY8_v0rEuHL3KLkmbweZHwW__Tmb0Te9m9QrGKo4nnVvjRmb8RXcKnbhM2gILSyhWYVfZmt/s1600-h/0429.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlUNFlnLlfNGgV0fGj10vFgN_VUP-I61SwdNlq96n-aXdsP4_vQsTAT_SKKGKYxDEankVwqY8_v0rEuHL3KLkmbweZHwW__Tmb0Te9m9QrGKo4nnVvjRmb8RXcKnbhM2gILSyhWYVfZmt/s1600/0429.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434540545191941714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>5. We watched our guests as they enjoyed themselves.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_dGTXxS2iR_OfN57oAIOL6rl9lDjKoA1FtxHhLZ-roAVXYfSgejUWC9osiAy0S1c03rZkrytvtjo6e7Cm03xObk7LlZj9iErAJC56H5S6QkeEmJWa-u7t8y-9Z19F-605l00cgh54Ld_/s1600-h/0420.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_dGTXxS2iR_OfN57oAIOL6rl9lDjKoA1FtxHhLZ-roAVXYfSgejUWC9osiAy0S1c03rZkrytvtjo6e7Cm03xObk7LlZj9iErAJC56H5S6QkeEmJWa-u7t8y-9Z19F-605l00cgh54Ld_/s1600/0420.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434539990843067186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ0KQGxMF77bTHwHhdQu3IsOcpB-z4FsQi2rCkJc-BDDy1YqxRoFHcul00SX8MqwMitzRMOo7l2VLm9DARmwk_NtRMOeo5iRS_laJp0FdrAv9fycQhwxMPvzCbi_urriJtoIxbnrkYeo9/s1600-h/0416.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ0KQGxMF77bTHwHhdQu3IsOcpB-z4FsQi2rCkJc-BDDy1YqxRoFHcul00SX8MqwMitzRMOo7l2VLm9DARmwk_NtRMOeo5iRS_laJp0FdrAv9fycQhwxMPvzCbi_urriJtoIxbnrkYeo9/s1600/0416.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434537521993756434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>6. We took in some of the great sunny weather we had that day. <a href="http://www.batterygardens.com/">Battery Gardens</a> has a great patio area that was exclusively for our group.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mRjaaWUAnzWPj02PWKoXdBjGaQ1DnxL4ebFKyLC3G_5srmowoR55i83d9WQjqsshY0t8YU3J9c-2EoqUG3N53H3QPts7UXau_rBiDvCyMIomPcWufIyOKZfgJMWICnhyRy7p6UD1feqX/s1600-h/0438.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mRjaaWUAnzWPj02PWKoXdBjGaQ1DnxL4ebFKyLC3G_5srmowoR55i83d9WQjqsshY0t8YU3J9c-2EoqUG3N53H3QPts7UXau_rBiDvCyMIomPcWufIyOKZfgJMWICnhyRy7p6UD1feqX/s1600/0438.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434542891099084370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>7. We got our grub on with our guests. Well, actually, the Batterry Gardens folks set aside some food for Mr. Swan and me to make sure that we actually ate something before greeting everyone. Here's a sample of what our guests enjoyed (Did you think I was going to NOT show you food shots? Au contraire, mis amigos):</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWORBRchUOOZgtY7mSORh0RtTPQLtFOoIDXM0V3rlHXqRz3aqzDTVUjaMz0TTPH4Y_ZREG0ZaAD85-xPVRIIsl0iCmWd64OZ9sF_eFm96Fyu9VusPMzp7YP4SMTuINxboOYopsvjWgup8w/s1600-h/0412.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWORBRchUOOZgtY7mSORh0RtTPQLtFOoIDXM0V3rlHXqRz3aqzDTVUjaMz0TTPH4Y_ZREG0ZaAD85-xPVRIIsl0iCmWd64OZ9sF_eFm96Fyu9VusPMzp7YP4SMTuINxboOYopsvjWgup8w/s1600/0412.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434545485523557682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><i>Lamb chops..I don't think I had one, but I heard that they were great.</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkN1mAjeN5XCFSUw80tl1VnpiZwlwmVJ0g-AEQw-XEwvbwYUvA0PuNtOQFRhCguOkmf1X5J-nFCmmVYotdGKnhYcDviBYSG-qjYxWfTIptdpLCwcHA6qsua1gMY916DPC_Tih9jtA1q4-/s1600-h/0409.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkN1mAjeN5XCFSUw80tl1VnpiZwlwmVJ0g-AEQw-XEwvbwYUvA0PuNtOQFRhCguOkmf1X5J-nFCmmVYotdGKnhYcDviBYSG-qjYxWfTIptdpLCwcHA6qsua1gMY916DPC_Tih9jtA1q4-/s1600/0409.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434544619010216978" style="text-align: left; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><i>Crab cakes, a classic favorite</i></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw53Ijy8qutlcyR4dvtUBCZRLo5GQ6XEFET95TZrnlOVnzT-4mdqWd1FMy3ASQ93llN9pPvs1heOMR_bBlPsmjIRfKf6WrjxaYGm8VLfwX4pIujh5s9xbJXFcLpirpDYYglA11u469ATbP/s1600-h/0403.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw53Ijy8qutlcyR4dvtUBCZRLo5GQ6XEFET95TZrnlOVnzT-4mdqWd1FMy3ASQ93llN9pPvs1heOMR_bBlPsmjIRfKf6WrjxaYGm8VLfwX4pIujh5s9xbJXFcLpirpDYYglA11u469ATbP/s1600/0403.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434544034008209826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><i>A cheese station. Cheese is a must!</i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKH0uClGJJngLr2IVAZ3HZDx15ffKO9nHC91T0QvCmxyVAclpMhn_M2g4nYeBwCS5XCeE6MaPflKkJqHWE5-3flNJeNQMZs_pApp6nA-DTtu8IQcLJZhOet-NFEutP5zhXZ7aQqr-A4YuA/s1600-h/0404.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKH0uClGJJngLr2IVAZ3HZDx15ffKO9nHC91T0QvCmxyVAclpMhn_M2g4nYeBwCS5XCeE6MaPflKkJqHWE5-3flNJeNQMZs_pApp6nA-DTtu8IQcLJZhOet-NFEutP5zhXZ7aQqr-A4YuA/s1600/0404.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434535284110009394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></span></i></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><i>Our guests also got to chow down on a Mediterranean station with all the fixins'. Hummus, olives, baba ganoush, pita...oh my!</i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left; ">We had a relatively smaller wedding (compared to many) of only about 95 people, and I think we got to see almost all of our guests during the cocktail hour. I made sure I got the attention of some of the waiters to bring over some of the hors d' oeuvres. Um...hello! I was the one in the big white dress, so I figured they'd stop if I waved them over :) Yes, I know I am a bad bride, but I was HONGRY!</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Yay for using our time during our cocktail hour wisely!</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Swan Tip #12 - Another one of the most highly debated wedding issues: cocktail hour attendance. Attending was a great option for us. We got to spend even more time with our guests; enjoy the beautiful weather were were having that day; and eat. Who doesn't like eating? :) If you can find a way to attend even a small part of the cocktail hour, I highly recommend it.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">All Images by <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Mr. Dante Williams,</a> wedding paparazzo</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">How did we get to the cocktail hour already?!</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/18/a-harborside-wedding-just-the-two-of-us/">A Harborside Wedding - Just the Two of Us</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/21/a-harborside-wedding-gearing-up/">A Harborside Wedding - Gearing Up</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/25/a-harborside-wedding-we-shall-proceed/">A Harborside Wedding - We Shall Proceed...</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">A Harborside Wedding - Our "Other Guests"</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/03/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-or-a-ceremony-begins-part-i/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (or a Ceremony Begins) - Part I</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/04/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-a-vow-a-ring-exchange-part-ii/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (A Vow & a Ring Exchange) - Part II</a></div></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-1361360882996027652010-02-03T17:28:00.015-05:002010-02-03T22:50:06.075-05:00A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (A Vow & a Ring Exchange), Part II<div style="text-align: left;">So here we were ready to make our vows to each other. As I mentioned before, we did both traditional vows as well as wrote vows to each other.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD2u7GCLF_YbFPwYWC_OyTDsNOUTUJ-NyQra1Cj8JEL57-0eYN5E9y5-gPKT9GT9XXUxF3VEjfBILd0swSV9-nogpU4NYOgtYVJrsy12CwUiKGz2EWQCie8fFYFxvIC0muuBoRyyNXpxt/s1600-h/0339.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: nnnpx; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD2u7GCLF_YbFPwYWC_OyTDsNOUTUJ-NyQra1Cj8JEL57-0eYN5E9y5-gPKT9GT9XXUxF3VEjfBILd0swSV9-nogpU4NYOgtYVJrsy12CwUiKGz2EWQCie8fFYFxvIC0muuBoRyyNXpxt/s1600/0339.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434150311294250306" /><br /></a><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Rev. Dease first asked Mr. Swan to repeat after her:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"I, Mr. Swan</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">, take you, Miss Swan</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">, to be my wife, to live with you and to love from this time forward until death separates us. I promise to be </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">understanding</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">, forgiving, and seeking of your happiness as we grow together in God’s grace."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Then it was my turn:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"I, Miss Swan</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">, take you, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Mr. Swan</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">, to be my husband to live with you and to love from this time forward </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">until death separates us. I promise to be </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">understanding</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">, forgiving, and seeking of your happiness as we grow together in God’s grace."</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">It was finally time for the part of the ceremony that I was looking forward to the most: hearing Mr. Swan's vows. Here they are:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Miss Swan</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">, when you accepted my proposal 364 days ago by the </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Brooklyn</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Bridge</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> you made me an extremely happy man. That happiness is only surpassed by the way I feel today as we have reached the moment of our marriage. I knew I loved you deeply based on the amount I missed you and your loving smile the first time we spent a week apart early in our relationship almost 4 years ago. </span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And later in our relationship, I knew I wanted to marry you after visit</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">ing </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Ireland</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> together in 2007. In fact, several of the old Irish </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">g</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">uys</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> we met in the pubs said to me if I did not put a ring on your finger that an Irishman would. My love for you and desire for you to be my wife has grown only stronger every day since.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I feel so fortunate that you have chosen to share your love and your life with me.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I am honored </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">to have you as </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">my best friend, the </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">future </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">mother </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">of </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">my children</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">,</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> and the </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">one</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> I get to grow</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">old </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">with</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I promise to love you, laugh with you, honor you, care for you, and be faithful to you for the rest of our lives."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Okay, so I had done a pretty good job on keeping my composure, but it just wasn't working. I had the scary cry face going on, and I just couldn't hold it together as Mr. Swan spoke. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMyHyP04QmiRJVZRdZF8kPz8WUgLIJ77dqFCrfYlUlxdQOeCTfqyLYn5Jn0ZxigzbKPn0cad7RkbF62BjV8WpgkRfmw7prFK2IAAtVlaP6Ee647LrUWpR_EiTw4pM7F_O_CBSPv63x2N9/s1600-h/0349.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMyHyP04QmiRJVZRdZF8kPz8WUgLIJ77dqFCrfYlUlxdQOeCTfqyLYn5Jn0ZxigzbKPn0cad7RkbF62BjV8WpgkRfmw7prFK2IAAtVlaP6Ee647LrUWpR_EiTw4pM7F_O_CBSPv63x2N9/s1600/0349.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433084287619502626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoURIWhYpLx5Aen8_IfhPoVc98ausFS0op3trLMnvFaR9m6TI0SkDuBI65vGKdoiaOxJeyI2WbyK1Rru1IBQSD3OTBkXMiQMu_8U-4B6F3uVHIsAvaxdUbxXhzbELAwi79f265QQSgSpX/s1600-h/0354.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoURIWhYpLx5Aen8_IfhPoVc98ausFS0op3trLMnvFaR9m6TI0SkDuBI65vGKdoiaOxJeyI2WbyK1Rru1IBQSD3OTBkXMiQMu_8U-4B6F3uVHIsAvaxdUbxXhzbELAwi79f265QQSgSpX/s1600/0354.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433087858101057730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It was my turn to speak to Mr. Swan. Well, I kinda ad-libbed the first part. I mentioned that fact that I was never sure if I would get married, I did a lot of prayer and reflection about who I wanted to be with. I told him that he was more than I could ever imagine I could want or need in my partner. Here's the written portion:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Mr. Swan, thank you for believing in me when I did and for supporting me through the ups and downs of life. Thank you for being someone that I respect and admire. Thank you for accepting me as I am. I promise to enjoy the sweet, sour, joyful and painful parts of life with you. I promise to be intentional in my love for you as it is only with purpose that we can only love each other fully. I will trust you, respect you, laugh with you, and cry with you loving you faithfully through good times and bad. I give you my heart and my love from this day forward." </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I kinda held it together this time around. I recovered as I spoke because I really wanted to say these words to Mr. Swan in a clear and strong way. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF3P0E6gQ45hMAMK4g3bcEQc7Avg1so884pz885purkPpjeVrU5d_jlv3kizOh_9JVrCw0Kg-ybQQqJkGhWgyg4Ebzaxq3FpdQ3zKtrFyRgR1uz67xhfyiK_IrqFFwWh1nTZjFuw1WrxJ/s1600-h/0361.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF3P0E6gQ45hMAMK4g3bcEQc7Avg1so884pz885purkPpjeVrU5d_jlv3kizOh_9JVrCw0Kg-ybQQqJkGhWgyg4Ebzaxq3FpdQ3zKtrFyRgR1uz67xhfyiK_IrqFFwWh1nTZjFuw1WrxJ/s1600/0361.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433089567535241602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We then exchanged rings after we each repeated this to each other: "<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I give you this ring to wear as a sign of my promise to love and grow with you</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">."</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There was one problem though. Mr. Swan had decided to forget which hand was my left one. You see I had confused him by putting my engagement ring on my right hand. No, Mr. Swan, it's your other left! :)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBpNOTRC6JBd49HeRKbrJb9LX3o50yiwcqhQpHfSgeBqmIsRKAsBvuHWt-OeWcp1jtkVWJ36XWOyd0Qaz2lya6DZGhQ3rucnoyExt0d2T1yelaoK0rMkHCn90TNCNKm6nv2w8-GkW2LAd/s1600-h/0365.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBpNOTRC6JBd49HeRKbrJb9LX3o50yiwcqhQpHfSgeBqmIsRKAsBvuHWt-OeWcp1jtkVWJ36XWOyd0Qaz2lya6DZGhQ3rucnoyExt0d2T1yelaoK0rMkHCn90TNCNKm6nv2w8-GkW2LAd/s1600/0365.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433090354627542658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSsN0lqFRG8DwosulmKNVj6T5HtWj7kHuuc9QWIVt2phkdh4RZJFVGGGFZUpdadEm358K5GGF53piaB3mHihYtRkGdkyH4fg2qKhLJ_w1MmBlyOcYxtC_W023NFNThWAAbxmxwj8YYRtB/s1600-h/0367.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSsN0lqFRG8DwosulmKNVj6T5HtWj7kHuuc9QWIVt2phkdh4RZJFVGGGFZUpdadEm358K5GGF53piaB3mHihYtRkGdkyH4fg2qKhLJ_w1MmBlyOcYxtC_W023NFNThWAAbxmxwj8YYRtB/s1600/0367.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433092428681335458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After a brief prayer, Rev. Dease said...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zJgma7IpwE5uq8Gdk13qAGnbILfRtyM_0ktmk5HkiS5Ud2h9fsAk3F-qiIDNfu-L7p2KG03oYSBG16vckix1YMgQjpZgqSExnN1wNwvCHNy6iCMNiiXECyrMn7licsgHU9x1eN_9p2yn/s1600-h/0370.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zJgma7IpwE5uq8Gdk13qAGnbILfRtyM_0ktmk5HkiS5Ud2h9fsAk3F-qiIDNfu-L7p2KG03oYSBG16vckix1YMgQjpZgqSExnN1wNwvCHNy6iCMNiiXECyrMn7licsgHU9x1eN_9p2yn/s1600/0370.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433091479580753010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:'Times New Roman', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">"For as much as Mr. Swan and Miss Swan</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"> have exchanged promises of mutual love and have professed before those of us gathered here that they will live together as understanding, mature persons in God’s sight and by the authority committed unto me as a Minister of the Gospel, I now declare that they are husband and wife in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. You may kiss your bride!"</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Mr. Swan liked this part. :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_B4pTbr-B9F23UD_qqfk41YH9zq93lR8KtKBDM-bhc-iIPOUxKuZwfAGxuRNpjpdnYGJi-TsFoPZgJ9eMxu6DKwr70ekZsXA_vhyUAN2xAVmO-kNjQNsFewPhzTZigcyosvZiaW8Udwy/s1600-h/0379.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_B4pTbr-B9F23UD_qqfk41YH9zq93lR8KtKBDM-bhc-iIPOUxKuZwfAGxuRNpjpdnYGJi-TsFoPZgJ9eMxu6DKwr70ekZsXA_vhyUAN2xAVmO-kNjQNsFewPhzTZigcyosvZiaW8Udwy/s1600/0379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433093564148586546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">We turned around to face our guests, and we were announced as Mr. & Mrs. Swan!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-_rrVReqUJnoPoA3OpB2IlTV1v596h-pXzUfbxUMZ_uKH3knbcBQ1BivxPdzNk1jN6HKsYipSvbScJkGi4LiyNatHnDn1riI5qCTe6ILCkVhCvXLQ7lvB9LRzppM2ijYAL3K7DKCNMu9/s1600-h/0384.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-_rrVReqUJnoPoA3OpB2IlTV1v596h-pXzUfbxUMZ_uKH3knbcBQ1BivxPdzNk1jN6HKsYipSvbScJkGi4LiyNatHnDn1riI5qCTe6ILCkVhCvXLQ7lvB9LRzppM2ijYAL3K7DKCNMu9/s1600/0384.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433096349923104258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">And we were off!</span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WW5Zp1dUtMJTxam6D4PLHKWYfG9KxskpBByIiJm6y0tu9Iqqjr-TY4Y26tStRKJE2f24munzxQ5BWJ-0KMMyKKVgnnSbODcz7_eq66aDiAf-GJsexVX1KgriUJ1rVgziLq-IsxTfDHjP/s1600-h/0389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WW5Zp1dUtMJTxam6D4PLHKWYfG9KxskpBByIiJm6y0tu9Iqqjr-TY4Y26tStRKJE2f24munzxQ5BWJ-0KMMyKKVgnnSbODcz7_eq66aDiAf-GJsexVX1KgriUJ1rVgziLq-IsxTfDHjP/s1600/0389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433099819629961858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, Mr. Swan. We did it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MdwEdsuRd53MGnkH0vDsiXFvUtdhNtYkJjaL6Hl1waCKKy5EkyVzMu6SSlfKPzn_5hTvu7n26dwv9G7KeLRbFJU_q6f0hAjy53xGwmE5QruOqAyVaF5L018hp96I5UwCKrGgVm-mR4T5/s1600-h/0394.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MdwEdsuRd53MGnkH0vDsiXFvUtdhNtYkJjaL6Hl1waCKKy5EkyVzMu6SSlfKPzn_5hTvu7n26dwv9G7KeLRbFJU_q6f0hAjy53xGwmE5QruOqAyVaF5L018hp96I5UwCKrGgVm-mR4T5/s1600/0394.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433098809912888738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Swan Tip #11 - This is most definitely a personal choice, but I really love the fact that Mr. Swan and I were able to write vows to each other. Even if you can't include this in your ceremony, I think it's great to be able to share how you feel about each other in your own words at some point in the day. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All Images by the very talented <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/18/a-harborside-wedding-just-the-two-of-us/">A Harborside Wedding - Just the Two of Us</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/21/a-harborside-wedding-gearing-up/">A Harborside Wedding - Gearing Up</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/25/a-harborside-wedding-we-shall-proceed/">A Harborside Wedding - We Shall Proceed...</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">A Harborside Wedding - Our "Other Guests"</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/03/a-harborside-wedding-the-meaning-of-it-all-or-a-ceremony-begins-part-i/">A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (or a Ceremony Begins) - Part I</a></div></div></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-25164530788012191362010-02-02T15:47:00.012-05:002010-02-02T22:23:36.645-05:00A Harborside Wedding - The Meaning of It All (or a Ceremony Begins), Part I<div style="text-align: left;">So let me set the scene for you:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had beautiful, sunny morning in Battery Park.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U3WyaSAzP6sq8qEAqtYTFh7WD73N92edzAvGjmkKXX7JRTTLTcyDC9BatLJHfSukHrwYmM4QRCDckjvJbc-mjyYPXCngxuzxJ6r1yX31-hZ-bB2Fdk3GdvpPhV0zo0Hnaut2Br97zYYd/s1600-h/0335.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U3WyaSAzP6sq8qEAqtYTFh7WD73N92edzAvGjmkKXX7JRTTLTcyDC9BatLJHfSukHrwYmM4QRCDckjvJbc-mjyYPXCngxuzxJ6r1yX31-hZ-bB2Fdk3GdvpPhV0zo0Hnaut2Br97zYYd/s1600/0335.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433111627650918850" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px;" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had FINALLY made it down the aisle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was time to start what I like to think of as the crux of the wedding, 'cause if there ain't no vows, there ain't no party. Word. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had a very simple, relatively traditional ceremony, and I liked it that way. The simple theme seems to be a constant throughout my wedding story, I guess.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After the invocation, we opened with two Bible passages that were read by my goddaughter. She's such a sweetie and really the first person in my life that I have watched grow up. I remember when she was born, holding her as a baby, tickling her as a little girl, and now she'll turn 14 the end of this month. I'm getting old.... :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkwELQO4e47yWtFizpBc6kwxlDXUeE9BJCroP0Vor-_91ei3m1s73DEYMh_RWGMTwY9hzPNaHxnL5ZdCp6YiyNRibm9e9c_N-jwJV-br1J9eqW-zzG_tUXy13cZdA1JpHMM4tUVfyS3tf/s1600-h/0329.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkwELQO4e47yWtFizpBc6kwxlDXUeE9BJCroP0Vor-_91ei3m1s73DEYMh_RWGMTwY9hzPNaHxnL5ZdCp6YiyNRibm9e9c_N-jwJV-br1J9eqW-zzG_tUXy13cZdA1JpHMM4tUVfyS3tf/s1600/0329.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433079240811497506" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px;" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">She read the now 'bee popular passage from Ruth (Ruth 1:16) that <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/10/10/the-story-of-ruth/">Mrs. Lamb</a> wrote about as well as <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/01/27/favorite-words/">Mrs. Cheese</a>. I love it because of the picture it paints of a committed married life (even though Ruth didn't say this to her future husband, Boaz). We were asked to pick a second passage from the New Testament, which I have to admit was a bit harder. We chose Romans: 9-13:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Be devoted to one <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Never be lacking in <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Be joyful in hope, patient in <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>affliction, faithful in prayer. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Share with God's people who are in need. Practice <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>hospitality." (New International Version)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I liked this passage because of the suggestions it had for living your life in general and not just being married. I hope that I can be patient, hospitable and sincere not just to Mr. Swan but to my friends, family and to others I meet through life.<br /><br />Rev. Dease asked us the following question:<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Mr. Swan, will you have Miss Swan</span></span></span></span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> to be your wife, to live with her, respect her, and love her as God intends with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness, as long as you both shall live?"</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Don't worry he said yes! :) Then it was my turn to promise the same thing:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Miss Swan, will you have Mr. Swan</span></span></span></span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> to be your husband, to live with him, respect him, and love him as God intends with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness, as long as you both shall live?" </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3Ho1KDue9wAo7C2C0YDRjrgnYS_OPKixZuu67EXO3wy3_TYzmhiZCaxZoPbLuxNwl__Iej2K9ytmGUTlI9h1MZ8B26-2D_i5NDk2LeGmbpRvf2OEaBmmlWmdQX9V1gR0mCfoPwUzmLsp/s1600-h/0337.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3Ho1KDue9wAo7C2C0YDRjrgnYS_OPKixZuu67EXO3wy3_TYzmhiZCaxZoPbLuxNwl__Iej2K9ytmGUTlI9h1MZ8B26-2D_i5NDk2LeGmbpRvf2OEaBmmlWmdQX9V1gR0mCfoPwUzmLsp/s1600/0337.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433084982954816690" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px;" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Rev. Dease then asked our families and guests to get involved by asking them for their love and support to us throughout our marriage. She delivered a brief message about marriage and provided some words of encouragement to me and Mr. Swan.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyDghHtk2fDBd_rdIimVTgeFnDjnZ_Qz3W1VK4478Uug11gGpmus2-uZeQvFHjbqqBuqkYzfxRqaDPH5vcqG4cIneeIW6AMvpiHoNQdaQlpwa8EI6MqsmQUja3J1tzfNHynj-dIvgkWZj/s1600-h/0336.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyDghHtk2fDBd_rdIimVTgeFnDjnZ_Qz3W1VK4478Uug11gGpmus2-uZeQvFHjbqqBuqkYzfxRqaDPH5vcqG4cIneeIW6AMvpiHoNQdaQlpwa8EI6MqsmQUja3J1tzfNHynj-dIvgkWZj/s1600/0336.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433080094125528802" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px;" border="0" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Finally we were ready for our vows!! But that's for another post.<br /><br />Swan Tip #10 - For me, the ceremony is really the meaning of it all. Without the bond between you and your partner, there really is no wedding. Pick readings that fit well with the tone of your ceremony and what you want your marriage (and maybe your life) to embody. For some of you it may be a religious text. For others of you it may be cool passages like <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/26/our-rainy-day-wedding-the-vows-the-rings-and-an-eff-up/">Mrs. Mouse's Alice Walker poem</a> or <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/15/a-star-studded-love-affair-oh-the-places-youll-go-ceremony-part-iii/">Mrs. Star's excerpt from Madeleine L'Engel's work</a>. Words have meaning and power. I hope your ceremony will reflect your future hopes for your marriage.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What kinds of readings are you including or did you include in your ceremony?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All Images by <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Did you miss anything?! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/18/a-harborside-wedding-just-the-two-of-us/">A Harborside Wedding - Just the Two of Us</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/21/a-harborside-wedding-gearing-up/">A Harborside Wedding - Gearing Up</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/25/a-harborside-wedding-we-shall-proceed/">A Harborside Wedding - We Shall Proceed...</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/28/a-harborside-wedding-our-other-guests/">A Harborside Wedding - Our "Other Guests"</a></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-6366118721557069312010-01-28T00:15:00.005-05:002010-01-28T01:02:20.494-05:00A Harborside Wedding - Our "Other Guests"<div style="text-align: left; ">Before I begin to talk about our ceremony, I want to tell you a little bit about our "other" guests. Who are they? Well "they're the people that you meet when you're walking down the street each day." (Thank you, Sesame Street!)</div><div><br /></div><div>No seriously...as a New Yorker, I'm used to doing everything "on the street". The notion of public space is real to me. I've done darn near everything out in the open or on a sidewalk (um...well...not EVERYTHING, but you know...): I eat and buy food on the street; I stumble onto to street fairs almost every weekend in the summer; and I buy clothes on the street (my favorite summer dress for years was one that I bought, guess where? On the street!!). You get the idea.<div><br /></div><div>When it came to our wedding, I guess I didn't really think about the fact that it would end up being super public in the middle of a very touristy park on a Saturday morning/early afternoon with perfect weather. I guess subconsciously I just I didn't mind or rather put it out of my mind. I saw our wedding ceremony as a public declaration of my love and commitment to Mr. Swan. It ended up being that in the literal sense of the word "public." In that way, I wasn't fazed that the only separation between us and passersby in Battery Park was essentially a barrier that our venue, Battery Gardens, had provided. We had guests that I hadn't anticipated, but I was more than happy to share our loving words and promises of commitment with them too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our first run in with our "other guests" came before we even had our ceremony. During our mini-photoshoot, a lovely Italian family of tourists noticed us. In between the daughters' and the mother's squeals, shooting us begging puppy dog eyes and yelling "Sposa! Sposa!" (Italian speakers, I assume this means "bride"?), Mr. Swan and I gave them a look that said, "Okay, sure. You can take a picture with us." Besides, the Dad was wearing one of our wedding colors. It was serendipitous!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvIL_OSwvpguk7bOwIS1SegpbX26J_tzigTm1H7SrCMxYC0CgUpGYvvhEYVgb8HmyXMNHl606ORWZUfJJxHwGm7qcYUgDvgVF462El0dzZp9kAMwQDjK9spKkD1rf-iR5kqGiHIKqtjld/s1600-h/0155.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvIL_OSwvpguk7bOwIS1SegpbX26J_tzigTm1H7SrCMxYC0CgUpGYvvhEYVgb8HmyXMNHl606ORWZUfJJxHwGm7qcYUgDvgVF462El0dzZp9kAMwQDjK9spKkD1rf-iR5kqGiHIKqtjld/s1600/0155.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431645261042806866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div>Wherever you are, Italian family, I hope we made the final cut in your vacation album.</div><div><br /></div><div>Little did we know that our Italian friends were not the norm, and that most of our "other guests" would decide to join us at our ceremony. I was honestly too caught up in the moment to notice them when I was walking down the aisle and finally reached the end, but apparently they were there for that too.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUFVmV5KzFFyq8OxPG3JVKUIZzAOAyr0EjKyO-ObZ-b_dL00WAJ5L7F2CJwKlrF5yGdMPYrrQ83vgHHXcC08mGQzSkgzqfXTKgUcClxwuQgZfz9YJ1yvMFbpY0DnBHvhBhhemkNY9ncVs/s1600-h/0311.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUFVmV5KzFFyq8OxPG3JVKUIZzAOAyr0EjKyO-ObZ-b_dL00WAJ5L7F2CJwKlrF5yGdMPYrrQ83vgHHXcC08mGQzSkgzqfXTKgUcClxwuQgZfz9YJ1yvMFbpY0DnBHvhBhhemkNY9ncVs/s1600/0311.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431618081110953266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div>There was definitely a point in the ceremony where I broke concentration, looked up and noticed a guy videotaping the ceremony. Now come on! Are you really going to watch the video of my ceremony when you get home, brotha man?! I barely even have a video of my ceremony (It's on a friend's video camera, and we haven't seen it.). I gave myself a mental kick in the pants, reminded myself that I was actually getting married and refocused. Geesh....</div><div><br /></div><div>So how many "other guests" did we actually attract? Take a look!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmY5BQqGOHXb2tzHpHWtHEV2TtXT-eg_hGfYC0Yzv7nAC-zGwvW08qVNyYc7Vi1DgdemjYBD3cKHFTEk1zQlRWOKCFd7pKrphGDCtmAVaUIfg89KZZgO5h330UpSOEOrlmOgR8QFfeQgD/s1600-h/0326.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmY5BQqGOHXb2tzHpHWtHEV2TtXT-eg_hGfYC0Yzv7nAC-zGwvW08qVNyYc7Vi1DgdemjYBD3cKHFTEk1zQlRWOKCFd7pKrphGDCtmAVaUIfg89KZZgO5h330UpSOEOrlmOgR8QFfeQgD/s1600/0326.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431615355453060050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29zfaXRBm_Oir0rxObK8NnQHl2NWjMDCpT9bVaF_RTHNVymmy2wYFIf9ipqFHfrKqMjTxyFQeA2ayHjdWSLK2RZCXBXoMB9pb7-k22VM-WI6ARGHB9BhqhGmGuiaTUdFuOrLf6P53vo8A/s1600-h/0328.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29zfaXRBm_Oir0rxObK8NnQHl2NWjMDCpT9bVaF_RTHNVymmy2wYFIf9ipqFHfrKqMjTxyFQeA2ayHjdWSLK2RZCXBXoMB9pb7-k22VM-WI6ARGHB9BhqhGmGuiaTUdFuOrLf6P53vo8A/s1600/0328.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431614750820273410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Everybody wanted a picture. Who knew that people found weddings this fascinating? It was like having our own paparazzi. I don't know who this guy is, but this may be one of my top 20 favorite pictures Dante, our photographer, took for us.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJdUfotDgRnsd0K1tmEkmG9wQojcrxISn-b48X0k5b_PnDAxrIR7U-UsHRAdbHloqJLojRL9kPguoGjisVknH_VhQWMWX3qrO5_gVAr7M3w69IJ-rVv7OOQqQkEUM3ih-RzKC1_M1R3qP/s1600-h/0323.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJdUfotDgRnsd0K1tmEkmG9wQojcrxISn-b48X0k5b_PnDAxrIR7U-UsHRAdbHloqJLojRL9kPguoGjisVknH_VhQWMWX3qrO5_gVAr7M3w69IJ-rVv7OOQqQkEUM3ih-RzKC1_M1R3qP/s1600/0323.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431614088833532834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div>Luckily for us everyone who ended up watching our ceremony was so quiet and respectful. There was barely a peep, which is why I probably didn't realize how many people had stopped to look. Well, actually that's not true. Mr. Swan's Uncle V. did tell us one story. Apparently during our vows, he heard someone softly crying. I guess they were feeling the love in the ceremony. He looked around and couldn't figure out who it could be. It turns out that one of our "other guests" was moved to tears. How sweet :)</div><div><br /></div><div>So there you have it. I shared my wedding day not only with family and friends but also with some of my other favorite people.....my fellow New Yorkers (and tourists from around the world), my "other guests."</div><div><br /></div><div>Is anyone else having/had their ceremony in very public place? Would you mind sharing this moment in time with non-family and friends?</div><div><br /></div><div>Swan Tip #9 - Everybody loves a wedding. There are going to be people you don't expect who will love yours too.</div><div><br /></div><div>All images taken with the foresight and artistic flair of <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams</a>. D, thanks for taking these!</div><div><br /></div><div>So what happened before this? Check it out:</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/18/a-harborside-wedding-just-the-two-of-us/">A Harborside Wedding - Just the Two of Us</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/21/a-harborside-wedding-gearing-up/">A Harborside Wedding - Gearing Up</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/25/a-harborside-wedding-we-shall-proceed/">A Harborside Wedding - We Shall Proceed...</a></div></div></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-41367125314274754352010-01-24T23:40:00.004-05:002010-01-24T23:59:52.125-05:00A Harborside Wedding - We Shall Proceed....<div style="text-align: left; ">and continue to rock the mike! That's a hip hop reference. Anyone? Anyone? I haven't hit you with one of those in awhile :)</div><div><br /></div><div>It was time to make the grand entrance into our ceremony. I felt a little bad that we let our guests wait a little in the bright morning sun. We had orange hand fans for them to beat the sun.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsW6Axve-UCf6M-_HKoMcPld5YjfA5zDgTro9ZMdB9tzOC2Gdzlj9OigbfDPR57plj883do4AabRKjGkFpxFl0o4lYEcQzFXh2CQpPHQ2zLRbZ08ByqSmK_e7rkgOtTESDPnX_eYG9XFQN/s1600-h/0283.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsW6Axve-UCf6M-_HKoMcPld5YjfA5zDgTro9ZMdB9tzOC2Gdzlj9OigbfDPR57plj883do4AabRKjGkFpxFl0o4lYEcQzFXh2CQpPHQ2zLRbZ08ByqSmK_e7rkgOtTESDPnX_eYG9XFQN/s1600/0283.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430493688933893474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Before we get to our processional, I want to say a few words about our ceremony music. As I've mentioned before, I am from the Caribbean and was searching for a way to incorporate that into our wedding. Being from the English-speaking Caribbean, there aren't necessarily different traditions associated with weddings (at least none that I could think of...although there are some great cakes, but I digress.). What better way to incorporate a little Caribbean culture than a steel band? Mr. Swan told me yesterday that when I said I was getting steel drummers to play our ceremony, he thought it was going to be a couple of dudes kinda doing their thing. Nope!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtn1xoHqF8Dq66DBrlWWGHV-_4DpduKdxJTfHmtl-yb-bPm31Nr81_YqLNsWZ9idX-Thuac4xKziYD4hyLHXc9Je-dMLsQgmW3D62bPUD8n_fj2b0uglJYWhvPGLQ_ZhCNmN9Brfj50Jw/s1600-h/0251.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtn1xoHqF8Dq66DBrlWWGHV-_4DpduKdxJTfHmtl-yb-bPm31Nr81_YqLNsWZ9idX-Thuac4xKziYD4hyLHXc9Je-dMLsQgmW3D62bPUD8n_fj2b0uglJYWhvPGLQ_ZhCNmN9Brfj50Jw/s1600/0251.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430495148098556226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDUgh-WSBmNm6kla3_tAVNHEGCLJ2s5s0XssDy6rFcRSZPXqokdnccNp3-WEdenr1nDg_IKXHMbDczPf5HXEE1Qkn5BRibVkYfDPgn6R0s7pMp8roJV8FccblTQvQRw7xqnJ6BDcXCjPS/s1600-h/0258.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDUgh-WSBmNm6kla3_tAVNHEGCLJ2s5s0XssDy6rFcRSZPXqokdnccNp3-WEdenr1nDg_IKXHMbDczPf5HXEE1Qkn5BRibVkYfDPgn6R0s7pMp8roJV8FccblTQvQRw7xqnJ6BDcXCjPS/s1600/0258.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430496121778453826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div>I was really happy to have the Grace Steel Ensemble there because they all go the church that I attended growing up. Of course when I went there, they didn't have this. Bummer.. :( They play both secular and religious music, so it worked out well as they have a variety of songs in their repertoire. For our procession, I had them play Bach's <i>Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center; ">First out of the gate was our minister, Rev. Dease.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-h3abCNN4giRbGB2-9qIhf2Y0SOOmu-qai0JPVoPxvFm59Z6tf-CbfqBlpZ43AwSrR85z4eklnUXDIEycIo6jpn9-f261sUJNw0-zzVnHNko46rpBHhClKuXDtxT5Bdar7vfg9k9WZ_p/s1600-h/0284.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-h3abCNN4giRbGB2-9qIhf2Y0SOOmu-qai0JPVoPxvFm59Z6tf-CbfqBlpZ43AwSrR85z4eklnUXDIEycIo6jpn9-f261sUJNw0-zzVnHNko46rpBHhClKuXDtxT5Bdar7vfg9k9WZ_p/s1600/0284.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429354044520000562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Then Mr. Swan made his last walk a single man.</div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCUoUL68TiBUjCr56rjFWc_eU43I_XPs2onxihkIH42mIitNiyVYEkmV5BiyojyADw2d-DxBB47bS2Hl_yBakLqKGJrMpegsaZItbfsy9RTT09YVPL9X21P-Aj_Tk2nxyuSnxHjlAquiY/s1600-h/0287.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCUoUL68TiBUjCr56rjFWc_eU43I_XPs2onxihkIH42mIitNiyVYEkmV5BiyojyADw2d-DxBB47bS2Hl_yBakLqKGJrMpegsaZItbfsy9RTT09YVPL9X21P-Aj_Tk2nxyuSnxHjlAquiY/s1600/0287.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429355337625773842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwdwNEDTf_2YRerpwF0jA2Zt8ehrCMNqOck7EfmlQVzM9ApZcRQ5FsnQIpBxRHj7OPNsIpkSlvLPJLtS6hLmd9XJHBXXmwiX6kW3MhxhDeHecs9aCJRxxHT7EsGuoH1ybyiZJW_5kXxQM/s1600-h/0286.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwdwNEDTf_2YRerpwF0jA2Zt8ehrCMNqOck7EfmlQVzM9ApZcRQ5FsnQIpBxRHj7OPNsIpkSlvLPJLtS6hLmd9XJHBXXmwiX6kW3MhxhDeHecs9aCJRxxHT7EsGuoH1ybyiZJW_5kXxQM/s1600/0286.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429354727070493650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">MIL and FIL Swan came next.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3QV6NvPvBMxKdPYttdHECRvlstFRwGK_bVMx9UXuuubeuU420akZmpl9ebp6m9gJdiZ19MN_tnsjT1DgodeOQ0RPdY8G5za43iwc3pOW4Xz_3u024prIS1jgGZiM9Y7fK5KAIdgTRTa8/s1600-h/0289.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3QV6NvPvBMxKdPYttdHECRvlstFRwGK_bVMx9UXuuubeuU420akZmpl9ebp6m9gJdiZ19MN_tnsjT1DgodeOQ0RPdY8G5za43iwc3pOW4Xz_3u024prIS1jgGZiM9Y7fK5KAIdgTRTa8/s1600/0289.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429356421388416450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">They took their place next to Mr. Swan, Rev. Dease and BIL and SIL Swan who were already standing at the front. </div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_yGXHNHdNg7CRjfe6XMFBjagwqGN2IdWMv-drewc9YApM6MEf-xwI7X67rksMVAbCOW_iQKtmT2kTTY7iXAf5Fm8HwK68ECCa1rNkU_ZocWR1uN_QrX3tT8DFpY-nh0fp31uJeSIaqks/s1600-h/0294.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_yGXHNHdNg7CRjfe6XMFBjagwqGN2IdWMv-drewc9YApM6MEf-xwI7X67rksMVAbCOW_iQKtmT2kTTY7iXAf5Fm8HwK68ECCa1rNkU_ZocWR1uN_QrX3tT8DFpY-nh0fp31uJeSIaqks/s1600/0294.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429357237270095426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Since we didn't have a wedding party, we decided to have our immediate family stand up with us. In a way, I really like this idea because it emphasized the joining of our two families. </div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Then it was my turn with Mommy Swan. Mommy Swan made sure that we waited a bit after the IL Swans made their entrance. Something about dramatic effect..um, okay :) </div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSLLJy_Gjd6-dtDKrjsP_nxDQp00GvBt1XxwRnj2ySM8f1VP35sPSCsuEZgxVjk7-ML8MPbiiVU66ty27a4wJn_WN0O2fBN-k0AMwPDyWHs9Fp52f8ZcqEe7HNlXnmd_98z39axN6F2Hx/s1600-h/0295.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSLLJy_Gjd6-dtDKrjsP_nxDQp00GvBt1XxwRnj2ySM8f1VP35sPSCsuEZgxVjk7-ML8MPbiiVU66ty27a4wJn_WN0O2fBN-k0AMwPDyWHs9Fp52f8ZcqEe7HNlXnmd_98z39axN6F2Hx/s1600/0295.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429358498153990258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibD_oc24ukhSEVbJb9ocMs3VKK-2s1_gsQXwnnIJkzFgYn1etxZtM-r3q39G2CR3hd0Em1ocx5LZJHXTsBzGjgrylv7ug2YJlrG-gLhgrtvAsshSqGcoYSAixJRdOscEyUC1jPz3ZjJsBl/s1600-h/0298.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibD_oc24ukhSEVbJb9ocMs3VKK-2s1_gsQXwnnIJkzFgYn1etxZtM-r3q39G2CR3hd0Em1ocx5LZJHXTsBzGjgrylv7ug2YJlrG-gLhgrtvAsshSqGcoYSAixJRdOscEyUC1jPz3ZjJsBl/s1600/0298.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429357863811554114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBpFVS7S9ljQjPPoTPvCWnBeL2Ix3uP1s2M7b9wTtVDWveLh5ieGf8Z38ZnFcMUx2rhk0kxETNxKmIwgfdTZRBpyFv5iUvR9FaV71FiNelAnk1Ydi1MwRJel_MYXmTNUO-k_24tjx2_Ma/s1600-h/0297.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBpFVS7S9ljQjPPoTPvCWnBeL2Ix3uP1s2M7b9wTtVDWveLh5ieGf8Z38ZnFcMUx2rhk0kxETNxKmIwgfdTZRBpyFv5iUvR9FaV71FiNelAnk1Ydi1MwRJel_MYXmTNUO-k_24tjx2_Ma/s1600/0297.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429359183598387234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15jSMK1CFhaUKnhuLJI-wRQS1tQQj2VygmXgBEitiN3sgETdjML77LlH6_9-tl2mYWTFujvOqalRIoH3d1VQD04hCcWYSDPevojoTqt7Vr8GwtBgbGKb-idzkyv70xImYws_AcktSYLTR/s1600-h/0303.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15jSMK1CFhaUKnhuLJI-wRQS1tQQj2VygmXgBEitiN3sgETdjML77LlH6_9-tl2mYWTFujvOqalRIoH3d1VQD04hCcWYSDPevojoTqt7Vr8GwtBgbGKb-idzkyv70xImYws_AcktSYLTR/s1600/0303.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429360945324868258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; ">One thing that I didn't realize was how weird it was to walk down the aisle. Err...come again, Mrs. S? Yes, indeed. No one tells you that it feels kinda odd getting stared at. I mean, I knew I was getting married, but did everybody have to look at me :) ? I usually don't feel odd being the center of attention but walking down the aisle definitely was one of those times. </div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Also nobody told me the aisle runner would bunch up like that. Oops! </div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1mq6DrWfNngwKqtPcN1HqrizlZZ49DNm9rMVfKTFu9vPZzPCy9-SLDK4Ji65wLYXuCvoCk-lbUE9K7HJ_KixioSmJ0ZMZ4Gag6mViXQH-Vu9xH1ATq2y_f2VXq9f9exxCmXwIDdGMrXP/s1600-h/0307.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1mq6DrWfNngwKqtPcN1HqrizlZZ49DNm9rMVfKTFu9vPZzPCy9-SLDK4Ji65wLYXuCvoCk-lbUE9K7HJ_KixioSmJ0ZMZ4Gag6mViXQH-Vu9xH1ATq2y_f2VXq9f9exxCmXwIDdGMrXP/s1600/0307.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429361752077221586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">When we made it to the end of the aisle, Rev. Dease began with a short invocation. </div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY30Zr-aD6t5H6EfnnpmZPFq9t1wmrf4vSbmjIDpqr1FHX4jqy74gLT-sfnXdvuu2IvwgBUk02x8H3Vrk6qFJtGud4SK9C7ALG7da-NgwTZ-j2aQYBsEHmbKOMaNoFxqaQCLyGmO1hr1HQ/s1600-h/0313.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY30Zr-aD6t5H6EfnnpmZPFq9t1wmrf4vSbmjIDpqr1FHX4jqy74gLT-sfnXdvuu2IvwgBUk02x8H3Vrk6qFJtGud4SK9C7ALG7da-NgwTZ-j2aQYBsEHmbKOMaNoFxqaQCLyGmO1hr1HQ/s1600/0313.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429362850056507074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; ">We also did the whole "presentation"/"giving away" thing. Not my thing and not my style. I fought back and lost this one. Oh well. </div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">I turned to give Mommy Swan a hug. It was finally time to let go.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPY2TGp2PKr5rCR63ayDMJQFynxkWw9YtudXm_eNkqOK47dMCheOx8YzBDo8qv7EAGgmWNBAZCS_hzsZZOdiZwcqxY946IFb3r7dpeelSk5H72bnptlFYjSkaCuqGeVoT6L6zgQ95borkL/s1600-h/0317.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPY2TGp2PKr5rCR63ayDMJQFynxkWw9YtudXm_eNkqOK47dMCheOx8YzBDo8qv7EAGgmWNBAZCS_hzsZZOdiZwcqxY946IFb3r7dpeelSk5H72bnptlFYjSkaCuqGeVoT6L6zgQ95borkL/s1600/0317.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429363391154778434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">And there you have it.....Mr. Swan and I were FINALLY ready to get married. </div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizh6DQ-YuiT5FHC9bYgFS_YATK9ejdBGj2AYOdkttWJrmpHZof1SCwHa-FP2Hr37BAz5-IjFG4AeTu2_fY8yeWQJzqW5AfGug9NwTHoF1UCOXrvdnp3Ied0MafCq5jNmY75wTZrsSYzm_x/s1600-h/0318.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizh6DQ-YuiT5FHC9bYgFS_YATK9ejdBGj2AYOdkttWJrmpHZof1SCwHa-FP2Hr37BAz5-IjFG4AeTu2_fY8yeWQJzqW5AfGug9NwTHoF1UCOXrvdnp3Ied0MafCq5jNmY75wTZrsSYzm_x/s1600/0318.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429363948799106306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Swan Tip #8 - There will be traditions that actually might end up a part of your ceremony and reception that you're not going to like. Know when to push back and when to let go. </div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">All Images by <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Miss something? Here are past recaps:</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/18/a-harborside-wedding-just-the-two-of-us/">A Harborside Wedding - Just the Two of Us</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/21/a-harborside-wedding-gearing-up/">A Harborside Wedding - Gearing Up </a></div></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-66706656493798514562010-01-20T22:18:00.002-05:002010-01-20T22:30:03.283-05:00A Harborside Wedding - Gearing Up<div style="text-align: left; ">At this point, I should probably introduce some people that will be in a whole lotta pictures going forward. I present to you, La Familia Swan.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0E-PDv-hDiqkXFlQRKPiBc9UAsWtsnnPN3b_1HLggb2L7MNBEewdjGsB_qRJ4hQvJJ0tsW45dzSNoKSWhCxAvoUUBOQ4lAolljba43CChtuvRsiFBTrwqaaNN6u5X6ya9kySzswQjZI5G/s1600-h/0219.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0E-PDv-hDiqkXFlQRKPiBc9UAsWtsnnPN3b_1HLggb2L7MNBEewdjGsB_qRJ4hQvJJ0tsW45dzSNoKSWhCxAvoUUBOQ4lAolljba43CChtuvRsiFBTrwqaaNN6u5X6ya9kySzswQjZI5G/s1600/0219.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428638551645820578" style="text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">From left to right: SIL Swan, BIL Swan (Mr. Swan's brother), Mommy Swan, I think you know what we look like now; MIL Swan and FIL Swan. There is a Daddy Swan, but he didn't make it. That's another post.</span></a><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">After our little mini-photoshoot, we finally made it to Battery Gardens to meet up with the family, take some portraits, and take a breather before the ceremony started. We decided to take care of a little bit of important business: getting all the proper signatures for the marriage license. I figured we should make sure that we are actually married after all that planning, ya know?</span></div><div><br /></div><div>BIL Swan started off.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBP9CuYTwjihTfWquJmP_wrFhJ0XIBOHPEZn-JQ4AktSq-1WYw4khhoHwsfvTN3WUiIkqropIYrOXXj-RLby-qdDJ99-2ZQm2cnu54qFimKjjEtRbjoXLnSHw-lV4jZjR3IbYE5jL-qrsA/s1600-h/0223.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBP9CuYTwjihTfWquJmP_wrFhJ0XIBOHPEZn-JQ4AktSq-1WYw4khhoHwsfvTN3WUiIkqropIYrOXXj-RLby-qdDJ99-2ZQm2cnu54qFimKjjEtRbjoXLnSHw-lV4jZjR3IbYE5jL-qrsA/s1600/0223.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428204123090524386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mommy Swan was our other witness and signed next.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIzU52IKVzNjMXeQDJohwu6i6iqDAerNFYGhUkGsWEYqX-NIF7IEM-1OZ911FrD3m9GqlXFGhIHneU25qo1FY_40oOwGDIfURr1AuK9XIQPI8VmjMSsNwjESwsGvHgvZyTCMegd1NSG78/s1600-h/0225.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIzU52IKVzNjMXeQDJohwu6i6iqDAerNFYGhUkGsWEYqX-NIF7IEM-1OZ911FrD3m9GqlXFGhIHneU25qo1FY_40oOwGDIfURr1AuK9XIQPI8VmjMSsNwjESwsGvHgvZyTCMegd1NSG78/s1600/0225.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428205278794337810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mr. Swan and I realized that we actually had to sign too! Oh, that's right....</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TMSEAgbAUnI7byMqZIn7qJ5zj2_WgmRpQaJckLBw21j2sYhliCM4H8NOSr-8YfifyhLLhRaBS7yctp0uMAnZerwIysn5kKXzzSXRoRZiqHde23w-FLA2qE50xrMFP0ySpgw7sfSkp6aS/s1600-h/0235.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TMSEAgbAUnI7byMqZIn7qJ5zj2_WgmRpQaJckLBw21j2sYhliCM4H8NOSr-8YfifyhLLhRaBS7yctp0uMAnZerwIysn5kKXzzSXRoRZiqHde23w-FLA2qE50xrMFP0ySpgw7sfSkp6aS/s1600/0235.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428630215309520018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GXpu-87D0so3uTH2sSjGj0dNCw6c6skhEpAnM9D-CayCHdtaBMml__EzYzpQl5kxdKY_cPT9O7wGlDrxuXwN3gJzdQwb2IiY0DfEolsBvrmAeliSt_-vzxKkoobePMx4pYQdkh5d__B2/s1600-h/0229.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GXpu-87D0so3uTH2sSjGj0dNCw6c6skhEpAnM9D-CayCHdtaBMml__EzYzpQl5kxdKY_cPT9O7wGlDrxuXwN3gJzdQwb2IiY0DfEolsBvrmAeliSt_-vzxKkoobePMx4pYQdkh5d__B2/s1600/0229.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428627934562511842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div>Mommy Swan was looking at our small present to our mothers: a framed copy of one of our engagement pictures. Yeah, un poco narcissistic? Maybe. I think they appreciated them though. The woman dressed in the robes is Rev. Dease, our minister. I loved the fact that we had a female minster marry us.</div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, these pictures are in the "bridal suite" of sorts that <a href="http://www.batterygardens.com/">Battery Gardens</a>, our venue, set up for us. It's a partitioned area of their main floor. It's a nice space and pretty comfortable for our very small group. They also had lots of goodies for us too.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxgIoEGpFNyMai_Y3LfgZySslL3iK3UDfLO3LPJhspyYInnVT-bYJYEj2u4v0U6btmkdxs_y4JI8QjBolpgwbrhVv-PoG1E5g1J0qFMNSuM5DAyfjLOyLXv9MRSM3OcEjixM6TPb43RXI/s1600-h/0249.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxgIoEGpFNyMai_Y3LfgZySslL3iK3UDfLO3LPJhspyYInnVT-bYJYEj2u4v0U6btmkdxs_y4JI8QjBolpgwbrhVv-PoG1E5g1J0qFMNSuM5DAyfjLOyLXv9MRSM3OcEjixM6TPb43RXI/s1600/0249.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428637343904105170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a><br /></div><div>Then we waited........</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWy63PGu3PG1D7j2sS6TeUkHfrkrD3a-Xym_6OTmpzfiNFTTf0jSubBsUPtkWpNYTo9MdhdMLCrOVjkycc_qFCH9SWK8xy-NyvfK-yMdRQLXQLZtfzbmgNMBlfKLExBD5vXSdJLPguisC/s1600-h/0240.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWy63PGu3PG1D7j2sS6TeUkHfrkrD3a-Xym_6OTmpzfiNFTTf0jSubBsUPtkWpNYTo9MdhdMLCrOVjkycc_qFCH9SWK8xy-NyvfK-yMdRQLXQLZtfzbmgNMBlfKLExBD5vXSdJLPguisC/s1600/0240.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428988990074400754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hI4zFgHSPPyrcDIpiMxZ8_VxCSYpw-NKQdOqJDZeJ_FP-QPbBEZzLOlar9RAIlFIsiSdiqI6JAuBf2T-XpGXQLdT1SSVFbI3oXeTeNRoV6dCIlCdxC5kzK6pORAs2yzyhYC7nXVY8hGv/s1600-h/0242.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hI4zFgHSPPyrcDIpiMxZ8_VxCSYpw-NKQdOqJDZeJ_FP-QPbBEZzLOlar9RAIlFIsiSdiqI6JAuBf2T-XpGXQLdT1SSVFbI3oXeTeNRoV6dCIlCdxC5kzK6pORAs2yzyhYC7nXVY8hGv/s1600/0242.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428634516285872306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-IfdD7oBe9hj-sCUFmaKrXdPWif16PoF0t6VpQoOUA5JHYoc1xpo_psRQs-5FMRmvGPPkp3nXrCcuM9UQSKj2LtvA4-IqCOWQRciMydZJqXGVCqmluGVMQNgd7NKvCMdwRAMXUs9-M0Q/s1600-h/0236.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-IfdD7oBe9hj-sCUFmaKrXdPWif16PoF0t6VpQoOUA5JHYoc1xpo_psRQs-5FMRmvGPPkp3nXrCcuM9UQSKj2LtvA4-IqCOWQRciMydZJqXGVCqmluGVMQNgd7NKvCMdwRAMXUs9-M0Q/s1600/0236.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428633589146354050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div>I will say that we started late. On purpose! With our late morning start, we figured that we would give folks some extra time to get there. Also we were missing some members of my family, especially one who was going to do our ceremony readings. After lots of slightly frantic phone calls and parking mishaps, we got them there! Unfortunately, that was after I had small crying fit. Yes. I cried. Miss "Don't Stress About Your Wedding" had a moment. I guess it was inevitable, right? It lasted for five minutes, but I still had my meltdown. Luckily, in the middle, I got it together and stopped crying; and yes, it was in part because I thought I was going to jack up my makeup :) No seriously, just as we decided to start the missing family arrived and got seated. Crisis averted.<br /><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Swan Tip #7 - I'm going to dispense some tough love: Everything is not going to go smoothly on your wedding day. If you have to break down, it's okay. When that starts, just listen to Mrs. Swan's voice in your head, "There's no wallowing at weddings!" (There's no crying in baseball either, just in case you were wondering.) :)</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: left; ">Jonesin' for some recaps? Here are some more:</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/18/a-harborside-wedding-just-the-two-of-us/">A Harborside Wedding - Just the Two of Us</a></div></div></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-89923063220510280782010-01-17T16:54:00.007-05:002010-01-17T18:14:40.071-05:00A Harborside Wedding - Just the Two of Us<div><br /></div><div><div>Mr. Swan and I were finally together and used some time before the ceremony to have a mini-photoshoot. We got a chance to take lots of purty pictures of ourselves. I wasn't sure if we ended up with enough. Actually how much is enough really? I've been going back and forth about this. As much as I love wedding photography (and Dante, my photographer), I didn't want our wedding day to turn into too much of a photoshoot. I guess since we did do our photos before the ceremony and since we had a late morning start, there was really only so much time we could spend in front of the camera. Sometimes I wonder if we should have taken more pictures, but I feel like we did enough. I know Mr. Swan's patience can be a little um....short...and I think we might have reached his limit anyway. This post contains some of my favorite pics of the two of us. </div><div><br /></div><div>We mosied down the promenade in Battery Park and figured we'd just let things unfold from there.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyogiPvTXpE54a4HrQ68jq_phBTAvl5klTMXeabcnDmf4yJ-jB3Qo-qDn-zXtcrgV9ncGvyBN4UwEAWFjzexCZycUGOX-sPo6uHwQeSezA1d-hMoB14Unlyci4S55TaWa1sUycRHQMmXxn/s1600-h/0119.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyogiPvTXpE54a4HrQ68jq_phBTAvl5klTMXeabcnDmf4yJ-jB3Qo-qDn-zXtcrgV9ncGvyBN4UwEAWFjzexCZycUGOX-sPo6uHwQeSezA1d-hMoB14Unlyci4S55TaWa1sUycRHQMmXxn/s1600/0119.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427489190027833730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">It was such a clear morning that you could see the Statue of Liberty pretty easily.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjmM5h3wEAhHzWwKjUSn7_JsNZlz5m1k0JXhD8ZgxdnqX3RBchkKE1-OgVvCrWOvqGQ1RDKwRwZY9OT8ntyix7g7e7stGqMTaRaPKAd35hjqL8KuXUMlFcYOkct8htpZMHYn2Inb7knsV/s1600-h/0163.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjmM5h3wEAhHzWwKjUSn7_JsNZlz5m1k0JXhD8ZgxdnqX3RBchkKE1-OgVvCrWOvqGQ1RDKwRwZY9OT8ntyix7g7e7stGqMTaRaPKAd35hjqL8KuXUMlFcYOkct8htpZMHYn2Inb7knsV/s1600/0163.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426763531346218066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bb7Gdjc8XF4dejdjNIvnIpe8-B0z7S2ylKlL9BJZnD3X-t1JwfhECFYvTrI-0fuZOmt4GuPeRAVBxRu9ZubIuOCcHOOMebkWtLrEwJWTnM3Q45kytW9Y-_0kO6DkueQcP4TiEeVZGBT0/s1600-h/0168.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bb7Gdjc8XF4dejdjNIvnIpe8-B0z7S2ylKlL9BJZnD3X-t1JwfhECFYvTrI-0fuZOmt4GuPeRAVBxRu9ZubIuOCcHOOMebkWtLrEwJWTnM3Q45kytW9Y-_0kO6DkueQcP4TiEeVZGBT0/s1600/0168.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427481400739693810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDbr0u77IEKpUGTgtas2K8eY-MO0rV02JkKVMpG-TpJ-lvUTTJHQ5Shqrb3UMB52vWUY2NCnsJdz0OxzvFTKItsVOpU4c1C19smpJ7iBX3bWIz2ADUe0UvP3-KrMxvsnDt_Cn7yiWHZ-F/s1600-h/0172.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDbr0u77IEKpUGTgtas2K8eY-MO0rV02JkKVMpG-TpJ-lvUTTJHQ5Shqrb3UMB52vWUY2NCnsJdz0OxzvFTKItsVOpU4c1C19smpJ7iBX3bWIz2ADUe0UvP3-KrMxvsnDt_Cn7yiWHZ-F/s1600/0172.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427482061721869538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">After a few moments on the promenade we looked for a little more shade.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGbSRPn77_64f_HxHrYvDLt5sezngPSJNXAWtTwKop_xM1_vdwojebOAIJEx1pbbC_p9jw_44b1ni7M-5Fg59j4kVnkO6TDKRwtT5tN5dcycXw-6mt0UHS90TONIEhf-ueMGjzwz2aAkq/s1600-h/0127.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGbSRPn77_64f_HxHrYvDLt5sezngPSJNXAWtTwKop_xM1_vdwojebOAIJEx1pbbC_p9jw_44b1ni7M-5Fg59j4kVnkO6TDKRwtT5tN5dcycXw-6mt0UHS90TONIEhf-ueMGjzwz2aAkq/s1600/0127.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426706492180399010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BtI88H4p-wP1qOrh_4fewjGuB2ZE48OUr0wUaX1vW-lW4SX4aKYZrVOUYoc86cc327-Li2KQikQLEFyzWE1jQnhSJ1nL_FCZiLmUK0SBimCZ4IF1GHaEZk6zuq6sfjdzvOpysPBwEw5W/s1600-h/0133.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BtI88H4p-wP1qOrh_4fewjGuB2ZE48OUr0wUaX1vW-lW4SX4aKYZrVOUYoc86cc327-Li2KQikQLEFyzWE1jQnhSJ1nL_FCZiLmUK0SBimCZ4IF1GHaEZk6zuq6sfjdzvOpysPBwEw5W/s1600/0133.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426708109760893458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuXj9kEUbpLrzxBMZv7-sdhtUmSRER297p_7n2YIVmNnLCswhrM7dEezBz_JZm_bvch3f8YQqKAF-zjQCkEVmxJWfyYwqt1jpRRU5IJhvR5b85Y-Dz4BWlFMZ7Zi8lKGbvTvyZQ02dRbs/s1600-h/0132.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuXj9kEUbpLrzxBMZv7-sdhtUmSRER297p_7n2YIVmNnLCswhrM7dEezBz_JZm_bvch3f8YQqKAF-zjQCkEVmxJWfyYwqt1jpRRU5IJhvR5b85Y-Dz4BWlFMZ7Zi8lKGbvTvyZQ02dRbs/s1600/0132.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426704935224194722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There is this cute little contraption (for lack of a better word) in the park that makes chiming noises when you step on it. I had a little fun with it. I guess I had a lot of energy that morning. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4IzE4MZKC5h1I9pn81wtNIx4xPTcca80GB6kEv0vS8x3GdXFKAl4ADqooljavLCH8HNvl5vW9DqoHZyz5HcqKQA7pB0ITsIfzu-7PEXRkrtCK8s8WlDvKvW_nx5FqqFy6VOG_HF-Ct6Z/s1600-h/0140.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4IzE4MZKC5h1I9pn81wtNIx4xPTcca80GB6kEv0vS8x3GdXFKAl4ADqooljavLCH8HNvl5vW9DqoHZyz5HcqKQA7pB0ITsIfzu-7PEXRkrtCK8s8WlDvKvW_nx5FqqFy6VOG_HF-Ct6Z/s1600/0140.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426710791982469714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-MGk_fzynws6V9rgjL1DiomLfjwkRHUQqqkLuMVHCTAJXBZCo8NrnzNf9j1VtqdqIZ5ZMYg5mnDYv8JJRYSg8NJL6lrY9J2Wm_S2Ky0Kuhn6kxC8cOt3R4xvehzVpNQpDuNvLOOU9XDA/s1600-h/0139.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-MGk_fzynws6V9rgjL1DiomLfjwkRHUQqqkLuMVHCTAJXBZCo8NrnzNf9j1VtqdqIZ5ZMYg5mnDYv8JJRYSg8NJL6lrY9J2Wm_S2Ky0Kuhn6kxC8cOt3R4xvehzVpNQpDuNvLOOU9XDA/s1600/0139.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427755027009438642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Then we switched into fashion shoot mode.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-wxlIs0aIjEMWDrbfQqn7rgjlGs3fxMXIijAgH6bQSN25BKc1pkoxQ6ucRDzvZAJ55RE2FROoo0MliikMH19JO_ln-hVtwNaEFknGCEaVIvUPnDc-TXUHptPbSsIhN6ANhWHV1R0jf4r/s1600-h/0146.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-wxlIs0aIjEMWDrbfQqn7rgjlGs3fxMXIijAgH6bQSN25BKc1pkoxQ6ucRDzvZAJ55RE2FROoo0MliikMH19JO_ln-hVtwNaEFknGCEaVIvUPnDc-TXUHptPbSsIhN6ANhWHV1R0jf4r/s1600/0146.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426711356782035090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIupTVKjp4kwfZyo0gkkmHh9lAosXP-iFOWa8McRBzc73IUqkeYcyMcNDVPAYu9H4ZGJUaAB8-DZOYv5nIuMcp-eeXtT_DEhzr7XQfcI2saCEIywKTm78zEwjlNacbw52wAMJ23AEEvp-3/s1600-h/0148.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIupTVKjp4kwfZyo0gkkmHh9lAosXP-iFOWa8McRBzc73IUqkeYcyMcNDVPAYu9H4ZGJUaAB8-DZOYv5nIuMcp-eeXtT_DEhzr7XQfcI2saCEIywKTm78zEwjlNacbw52wAMJ23AEEvp-3/s1600/0148.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426712246972740770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CZNMvlOTGw6yDzJ7x-JEMHhM13mtKmOY047hUoWnbAGGhmGnAPjGay5VT07QYV-t2VcWOWEbcJFPm9648_pNDUoCbhWZPHohFZruqlKUMVll9qk_TyKHA5t7uXkJPBni3iDtzNT2MgNh/s1600-h/0149.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CZNMvlOTGw6yDzJ7x-JEMHhM13mtKmOY047hUoWnbAGGhmGnAPjGay5VT07QYV-t2VcWOWEbcJFPm9648_pNDUoCbhWZPHohFZruqlKUMVll9qk_TyKHA5t7uXkJPBni3iDtzNT2MgNh/s1600/0149.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426713528752442370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Being so close to Lady Liberty, we just had to take a picture with her. :)</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtporkPkLZgwepPRUTl9tULNcyESEMOgvJmLrBLePPky_DKuNgqG3OTLyp6T_5RzrUK2KaJyBv36btSmw54MBFp62gjd7ta_cOx6_DCL0_ODWFNfWqb-avM-LHz2FuentUWr3A2YJDXuEK/s1600-h/0184.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtporkPkLZgwepPRUTl9tULNcyESEMOgvJmLrBLePPky_DKuNgqG3OTLyp6T_5RzrUK2KaJyBv36btSmw54MBFp62gjd7ta_cOx6_DCL0_ODWFNfWqb-avM-LHz2FuentUWr3A2YJDXuEK/s1600/0184.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427486935576823842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left; ">Swan Tip #6 - Our wedding photoshoot was fun. While I agree it's important to have pictures of the two of you, your bridal party, etc., just make sure that you use your time wisely with your photographer as well as make sure that you stick to a timeline to keep the events of the day moving. </div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">All Images by the wonderful <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams</a> </div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Need a refresher? Check out past recap posts: </div><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/12/a-harborside-wedding-the-first-moment/">A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment </a></div></div></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-12015725192892629652010-01-11T21:28:00.001-05:002010-01-11T21:29:40.394-05:00A Harborside Wedding - The First Moment<div style="text-align: center; ">With all of this talk about me, I am sure you've been wondering where Mr. Swan is. Here he is!</div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsAhtZz_gZIUeJpSdpE-JwoStzJVaPjbf3eqUZDqGclDo5lPaI0Li8vP7_0K6Y-RSahlDmqSmGLMlWsMEsbIF-4RS-L7eeoHX14Q0OoGT5Himj5Bw9QVVTaT_fl31pobvO37M3UaqLQUx/s1600-h/0081.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsAhtZz_gZIUeJpSdpE-JwoStzJVaPjbf3eqUZDqGclDo5lPaI0Li8vP7_0K6Y-RSahlDmqSmGLMlWsMEsbIF-4RS-L7eeoHX14Q0OoGT5Himj5Bw9QVVTaT_fl31pobvO37M3UaqLQUx/s1600/0081.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425162317908044178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /><br /></a><div>Mr. Swan was pretty adamant that we do a first look in part because he really wanted us to spend as much time with our family and friends during the cocktail hour as possible. I didn't mind a first look moment because I saw this time as an opportunity to have some quiet time just the two of us.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left; ">I started walking through Battery Park from the hotel to meet Mr. Swan, and many people offered me compliments and congratulations.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkvNiuXFo4kNjEUUcuv5Id_oZfHjmL_yiklUNMMmlqhKLW6x-rtxRgYpVVl8zSWmWP7GsQ-nQf3AR3oarRYnj8ZJ8QQGVJH9RzAUhWetHh9GQDi-25A1_FpFt7eTh-VAPMl0GLRgLAS5I/s1600-h/0083.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkvNiuXFo4kNjEUUcuv5Id_oZfHjmL_yiklUNMMmlqhKLW6x-rtxRgYpVVl8zSWmWP7GsQ-nQf3AR3oarRYnj8ZJ8QQGVJH9RzAUhWetHh9GQDi-25A1_FpFt7eTh-VAPMl0GLRgLAS5I/s1600/0083.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425162827918470626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Mr. Swan stood waiting at the end of the promenade in Battery Park watching the water and boats (including the Staten Island Ferry!) and waiting for me. There were quite a few moments during the day where I just wanted to cry because I was so overcome with emotion. Watching Mr. Swan waiting for me at the end of the promenade and seeing my future ahead of me was one of them. I had to get myself together and say, "Swan, hold it together." (I did this a couple more times during the day).</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsX2wGlcQoQpHXz98O43OVn8VSI4B-ZrfJRqxscZLTHsSrnAf8DGjaPrjWdYyMLkcz22pkqI9Zn7j8wy73HOZQCt94T2xJhDv_QbhdnmnW9-csYs9GqXOIT-6maiA5RAN3uj8XGmSNAnJ/s1600-h/0085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsX2wGlcQoQpHXz98O43OVn8VSI4B-ZrfJRqxscZLTHsSrnAf8DGjaPrjWdYyMLkcz22pkqI9Zn7j8wy73HOZQCt94T2xJhDv_QbhdnmnW9-csYs9GqXOIT-6maiA5RAN3uj8XGmSNAnJ/s1600/0085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425163311900322418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaSDcJ95otwOpwBKMxK6G2byysp4SINh-Hawrkq9zW3KfR6tP3wzGm8Keuk7pJIK0lfu_U_fDI6PUZUhtf9zn5C8LEPIp2pTa_U7Ro7Cidi3_zxq1mB8GDAJCVItV2ReevJVLL_iNcXex/s1600-h/0086.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaSDcJ95otwOpwBKMxK6G2byysp4SINh-Hawrkq9zW3KfR6tP3wzGm8Keuk7pJIK0lfu_U_fDI6PUZUhtf9zn5C8LEPIp2pTa_U7Ro7Cidi3_zxq1mB8GDAJCVItV2ReevJVLL_iNcXex/s1600/0086.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425163833737561698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xxaTNNxCTpPI9IM-q1MtXz0y6wT3zcdUO19_xg434ZKQUpDQ9yIDFOB9-0_qLzFHL68wB47e1MxB5BmJcPNhDW1U7fuWCcPNlBawzIsvglCdVgS8cSu-C_4Zlnp1PCwEZNmDtbE6xJSz/s1600-h/0087.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xxaTNNxCTpPI9IM-q1MtXz0y6wT3zcdUO19_xg434ZKQUpDQ9yIDFOB9-0_qLzFHL68wB47e1MxB5BmJcPNhDW1U7fuWCcPNlBawzIsvglCdVgS8cSu-C_4Zlnp1PCwEZNmDtbE6xJSz/s1600/0087.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425164737563024226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">I walked slowly towards him and...</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHb_jfNneyVtQzZgV4HEQVjlt10xPGPnlGQIE2SBSrUKOgvmZtA0ckV5aG_B7k0rFTxMGlS2pDZ06DGH7ogRJc5BpHoRypf1OpXZGdZfpPeIOgEmrj02JoflDRowdO2bEFTPVUxvPlzv1/s1600-h/0088.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHb_jfNneyVtQzZgV4HEQVjlt10xPGPnlGQIE2SBSrUKOgvmZtA0ckV5aG_B7k0rFTxMGlS2pDZ06DGH7ogRJc5BpHoRypf1OpXZGdZfpPeIOgEmrj02JoflDRowdO2bEFTPVUxvPlzv1/s1600/0088.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425165384001224242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">and got closer..................</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilq-W55vq_UkGT4c4ClE3zv7QWDiDDS63IhINnnhhQz3Ukhoksjt9hrm_envyT6CRzrEGTvMkL5g1BNty8rFfa7ZYQewluQKcxQ9UjWmehTlDXWM_hz6EKiHQW9AqT85CrPGgMwCYNMw_w/s1600-h/0090.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilq-W55vq_UkGT4c4ClE3zv7QWDiDDS63IhINnnhhQz3Ukhoksjt9hrm_envyT6CRzrEGTvMkL5g1BNty8rFfa7ZYQewluQKcxQ9UjWmehTlDXWM_hz6EKiHQW9AqT85CrPGgMwCYNMw_w/s1600/0090.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425165944449998338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">and closer.................... (at this point we told Mr. Swan to close his eyes)</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdBtaf4KoGAkWn0_TRoH260dh3BFvYtYOYI4WdloBbVh3Y8K2fkbp2wdivy-g1fFBZ5rcs3SJHKxl7CNx6MnP4k8otlpF6d_mUir64MCs7EBUN6PoLNi1Cukjoa9jh3IBv2k8F9T0phio/s1600-h/0091.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdBtaf4KoGAkWn0_TRoH260dh3BFvYtYOYI4WdloBbVh3Y8K2fkbp2wdivy-g1fFBZ5rcs3SJHKxl7CNx6MnP4k8otlpF6d_mUir64MCs7EBUN6PoLNi1Cukjoa9jh3IBv2k8F9T0phio/s1600/0091.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425168570312234130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">and closer..................................</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfHrTcAei-VNvBF4dtumqvKZJnO2uzdyrqiN4QOk-xkVSQmvsbmsb38kTNFlihgI1TfVlqsyvWEWDKja7X6_F4M87TRg3ymGcZfr5tdJ58u-pVt839X9EgptfpIIKJ9EQxoOoH-S7wXnZ/s1600-h/0095.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfHrTcAei-VNvBF4dtumqvKZJnO2uzdyrqiN4QOk-xkVSQmvsbmsb38kTNFlihgI1TfVlqsyvWEWDKja7X6_F4M87TRg3ymGcZfr5tdJ58u-pVt839X9EgptfpIIKJ9EQxoOoH-S7wXnZ/s1600/0095.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425211546813133522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">....until I finally gave him a hug.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijl3zy1OYo5IBc8pdhAkUtZDqPpszSi5uozvVR5huYzL4AJi8KUWSlUiyVzZ8hMH0CQhzMbXQzrE8x7G0ZMZRqqQivM2lycWrKj-57ZYDpibI8kzVmDbAPmM2z4EJ85aSDw6LCfzkzgwe/s1600-h/0097.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijl3zy1OYo5IBc8pdhAkUtZDqPpszSi5uozvVR5huYzL4AJi8KUWSlUiyVzZ8hMH0CQhzMbXQzrE8x7G0ZMZRqqQivM2lycWrKj-57ZYDpibI8kzVmDbAPmM2z4EJ85aSDw6LCfzkzgwe/s1600/0097.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425167245420543714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">We finally got a chance to give each other the up and down look. We spent the next few minutes oohing and aahing over each other. I'd seen Mr. Swan's suit but not his whole outfit put together. He looked so good! I have to remind myself that I am lucky to be with a man who doesn't mind wearing pink (hence the pink tie). I actually think pink is a pretty good color for Mr. Swan.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s-sCR8olSR5aYKCfWuWiiEv6CwnVYGYwsc3_KyJ-aJgkN7omfSAgcajTk0B6MSIrdU2qDe0V-O2zxjMlNepUucq7xCXLR6cqO0-Om_qcFSN9mAAMZyYQa7wLR21PNNVk0ZUekmdX8CeL/s1600-h/0101.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s-sCR8olSR5aYKCfWuWiiEv6CwnVYGYwsc3_KyJ-aJgkN7omfSAgcajTk0B6MSIrdU2qDe0V-O2zxjMlNepUucq7xCXLR6cqO0-Om_qcFSN9mAAMZyYQa7wLR21PNNVk0ZUekmdX8CeL/s1600/0101.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425212321713459234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">We shared a quick kiss.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENwiOYsq8bkunkpwqo3GokA6Em6-wyaZ6KJ9XzYIGIsusfgZKaySBKQcwomAN57Cdz45Y6nGWm0VDqeo8D_PL8h58_xcWIDrVX_HkY7GaFhryiYBQTuSUy12jl0R28YDqbTGUIm9bny8g/s1600-h/0104.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENwiOYsq8bkunkpwqo3GokA6Em6-wyaZ6KJ9XzYIGIsusfgZKaySBKQcwomAN57Cdz45Y6nGWm0VDqeo8D_PL8h58_xcWIDrVX_HkY7GaFhryiYBQTuSUy12jl0R28YDqbTGUIm9bny8g/s1600/0104.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425220856653013810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Oops! I'm always wiping lip gloss off Mr. Swan.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PTMTIz9tS0GKl0jhyhwAkNTDOJvJmBzjElbFIKOEFy7mrEmMuK59rYsUqHRFwk1uj7P083Hb97f0nI9HYCgfZ1G_RZkxka8NQ61t5qwzpLh85hcPaRfQjAc4qTVCOOMPDFfV1HjK6qUy/s1600-h/0106.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PTMTIz9tS0GKl0jhyhwAkNTDOJvJmBzjElbFIKOEFy7mrEmMuK59rYsUqHRFwk1uj7P083Hb97f0nI9HYCgfZ1G_RZkxka8NQ61t5qwzpLh85hcPaRfQjAc4qTVCOOMPDFfV1HjK6qUy/s1600/0106.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425221430351118946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">We hugged.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginCiLRDPLKSW8Jxwdc82u2ivXjYm__wAwiAfK6DLWTN3iHU5bS4s0qOHybWtIgENh0AzIALecTdhVpENhq9dkE_HQ3g4ex_VilFkRZXyIeavenAnKi8u3TN_OfngB9hTiq6UJ6DWWJ_kP/s1600-h/0115.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginCiLRDPLKSW8Jxwdc82u2ivXjYm__wAwiAfK6DLWTN3iHU5bS4s0qOHybWtIgENh0AzIALecTdhVpENhq9dkE_HQ3g4ex_VilFkRZXyIeavenAnKi8u3TN_OfngB9hTiq6UJ6DWWJ_kP/s1600/0115.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425246192584661858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">We laughed and joked.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zH1XtKHRhTzfVFLz4E0hKCQjHP7C7sBMiOjqk2UkdhsZuKZVX9U8kDz3eglVBaa92DGqPg48L3gpvguo78sR-nTv3XyDqJEG6dCNDRU4jlQIq7CcDtkHDPfxs62OlATtviJh5WF_t5qy/s1600-h/0107.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zH1XtKHRhTzfVFLz4E0hKCQjHP7C7sBMiOjqk2UkdhsZuKZVX9U8kDz3eglVBaa92DGqPg48L3gpvguo78sR-nTv3XyDqJEG6dCNDRU4jlQIq7CcDtkHDPfxs62OlATtviJh5WF_t5qy/s1600/0107.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425242209066823154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvfZOZ9irCPj_qzb7hGuAqWgrNaSCe8ibeVI2N3pnzKWxGm6mY6mINU_ALo18auH2M2btfm24EpOO0tPiaJ4Rwz3wCslz6C-3NW7L6swxX3IwmHNuhGIBU46jBO-TpT2Z221SV7vqBbQ1/s1600-h/0109.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvfZOZ9irCPj_qzb7hGuAqWgrNaSCe8ibeVI2N3pnzKWxGm6mY6mINU_ALo18auH2M2btfm24EpOO0tPiaJ4Rwz3wCslz6C-3NW7L6swxX3IwmHNuhGIBU46jBO-TpT2Z221SV7vqBbQ1/s1600/0109.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425240935458342114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">In general, we enjoyed quiet moments together. It was nice to be in each other's presence preparing to face the world (and a mini photo shoot).</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNX5wOcZB_TYrsMHYuSfwe5L69DctRywKKa5HM4eN8KAqk7UDL-OpmoPmRWicErUTrZQaAKSTnV6C_nBCwbEVPJg_wS2bako13TGU3jv3RLPdTEM62YzcUACnxNHAL7pNbbELpyTxoBhv/s1600-h/0117.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNX5wOcZB_TYrsMHYuSfwe5L69DctRywKKa5HM4eN8KAqk7UDL-OpmoPmRWicErUTrZQaAKSTnV6C_nBCwbEVPJg_wS2bako13TGU3jv3RLPdTEM62YzcUACnxNHAL7pNbbELpyTxoBhv/s1600/0117.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425243576179326194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">We were finally together and ready to start our wedding day.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfJA03G7uPdx1xE6RSAphyr3E62n4Z4pAgzpDaCX-s3a7wloEMJFbNyjZoSjb96Stsxr8Vg09JDDnAFfRI1j7-px4QJrcnzJe12rAgG7HclHadKxiK40vDE7r7HofPaZj7kkFLbTMDp5I/s1600-h/0113.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfJA03G7uPdx1xE6RSAphyr3E62n4Z4pAgzpDaCX-s3a7wloEMJFbNyjZoSjb96Stsxr8Vg09JDDnAFfRI1j7-px4QJrcnzJe12rAgG7HclHadKxiK40vDE7r7HofPaZj7kkFLbTMDp5I/s1600/0113.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425244394234123906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Swan Tip #5 - As you may have guessed I am an advocate of the first/pre-ceremony look. I know it's generally a point of debate in the wedding world, but I am going to be advocate for it here. We still had a very emotional ceremony even though we saw each other beforehand. We spent a lot of time with our guests, and so having this time together to greet each other, to hold each other's hands and to walk together was priceless.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">All images by <a href="http:/www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Feel free to catch up if you need to:</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding - Early Peace?</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Da</a>y</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/11/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-veil-etc-edition/">A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition</a></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-70602574679148768542010-01-10T11:55:00.005-05:002010-01-10T23:34:24.933-05:00A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Veil, Etc. Edition<div style="text-align: left; ">When we last left Swan Wedding Prep 2009, I'd made my way into my dress and shoes, but I was about to put on one of the trickiest parts of my wedding outfit: my veil. My lovely <a href="http://kasiafink.com/">Kasia Fink birdcage veil</a> was so light and delicate...I loved it! I loved it so much that in the weeks leading up to the wedding I had manhandled it trying to make sure that it fit they way that I wanted. In the process, I sort of almost FUBAR'ed it. :( By the time the wedding rolled around, my lovely delicate veil had a little bit of a...dent (hangs head in shame). It still looked lovely, but even I recognized that I didn't handle it with the care that it deserved, so that morning we tried to revive it just a little. First <a href="http://exquisiteaffairsproductions.com/">Christine, my DOC,</a> tried to cover up my mistake.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "></span></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypuIu-iCWiEfS652j7_xB_oZy1EGplfb2IhTQ_z-lZRoVxfyEOeYk5WCZciCxX_YX5DuLf7sh13m26l5ZNc3D9tWZMbWquSYX82xZTi2l41Vy_dZac5Ftd0lZKBkB6C_SutNTs4pv6guc/s1600-h/0044.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypuIu-iCWiEfS652j7_xB_oZy1EGplfb2IhTQ_z-lZRoVxfyEOeYk5WCZciCxX_YX5DuLf7sh13m26l5ZNc3D9tWZMbWquSYX82xZTi2l41Vy_dZac5Ftd0lZKBkB6C_SutNTs4pv6guc/s1600/0044.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423598315677613458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">I even messed with it myself again...not that it worked. That's Big Mitts in the background taking a look at my primping.</span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRkZo4QJDTgehkjxq4kYqrgQI5iHP4bR7fvCABJuWLMeh3WVuX3Ridfr4XM5YTTSC-1NfVfL-JcjQJjMYvx_yduFfp9MA4rG-t2gmMzzYNkqUqgyZh8FnK9gLzAGQ2RI043cD8u1gxrAF/s1600-h/0047.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRkZo4QJDTgehkjxq4kYqrgQI5iHP4bR7fvCABJuWLMeh3WVuX3Ridfr4XM5YTTSC-1NfVfL-JcjQJjMYvx_yduFfp9MA4rG-t2gmMzzYNkqUqgyZh8FnK9gLzAGQ2RI043cD8u1gxrAF/s1600/0047.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424560306351898578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Even Mommy Swan tried to get into the act. I think we all kinda gave up in the end. I was only planning on wearing my veil for the ceremony anyway. </span></div></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitV1mzaDsyDOtE0B-NCILYlWGmPlO4HVtyauztdeO_xhC7OrebcGjYCzVNKDUF2GTR8wlhVU7fAEF9GCtc7pcirD82V4ixTCyxsKpHGw46Cn7wYzxI73u5NznOVnvo39AQUGUKAHK41iUf/s1600-h/0053.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitV1mzaDsyDOtE0B-NCILYlWGmPlO4HVtyauztdeO_xhC7OrebcGjYCzVNKDUF2GTR8wlhVU7fAEF9GCtc7pcirD82V4ixTCyxsKpHGw46Cn7wYzxI73u5NznOVnvo39AQUGUKAHK41iUf/s1600/0053.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423600397400014722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Some brides have two dresses or two pairs of shoes. I had two pairs of earrings. I picked a couple pairs of earrings from <a href="http://http://www.etsy.com/shop/PowderBlueBijoux">Powder Blue Bijoux of Etsy</a> and really like the price points and how quickly everything arrived (from Canada!). Mommy Swan helped me put on my earrings. </div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvf5PMaouUL-hUoHnd8TLHzwJOAeEyVot9WIuckx4rxt2YWBJSUzLhgK3MLx6dOeTT6QIRN7FXhsP4IbmQDEOdQBYoQd_xf_VKLITNQfTxDqFxUHmZFdl6yBOLY_5J-yIORVlWv-YMnTxO/s1600-h/0057.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvf5PMaouUL-hUoHnd8TLHzwJOAeEyVot9WIuckx4rxt2YWBJSUzLhgK3MLx6dOeTT6QIRN7FXhsP4IbmQDEOdQBYoQd_xf_VKLITNQfTxDqFxUHmZFdl6yBOLY_5J-yIORVlWv-YMnTxO/s1600/0057.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423602029070425602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmzAN-jImD8Cngsuq5mfuGW4lcEzDBbysKU9KztgfkL0tLo6KovJ0R1DHrRvZnqh-XmRttzcUJFHa_NImb7_ad_ie0GzC58jb7xxDzedk_FeTsmCFRnlM882OGzhyphenhyphenf9DKTXEvKktNCwTk/s1600-h/0062.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmzAN-jImD8Cngsuq5mfuGW4lcEzDBbysKU9KztgfkL0tLo6KovJ0R1DHrRvZnqh-XmRttzcUJFHa_NImb7_ad_ie0GzC58jb7xxDzedk_FeTsmCFRnlM882OGzhyphenhyphenf9DKTXEvKktNCwTk/s1600/0062.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423605401896008466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMv-c5r8o4_8x8jy_2_AK1fBtE0pw8bxityEJJ_DtXJaJgkARmqVl2F0q3Q-XzlWxRJ5vX6VWaIqXN0buSX77FG1ouLSqs4KmS5GCfdhEI7XdEYk2xI0kDV49VOLMEFS_0pciyv1mrqwO/s1600-h/0059.jpg"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">My bracelet was a gift from Mr. Swan given to me the day before. We were alone together before the rehearsal, and he gave me a bracelet (or two). I was so overwhelmed and sad. Why sad? I didn't get anything for him! That's right! I am admitting in the blogosphere that I didn't get my husband a wedding present. To this day, I feel bad about it. Mr. Swan is the world's hardest person to shop for. If he wants something, he just goes out and buys it leaving me to rack my brain for birthday and Christmas presents (by the way, those two events happen to be within days of each other...no pressure for me...HA!). Needles to say, I was very happy for a last minute addition to my wedding ensemble.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnivbwTSCGUn2jKFsezRXg1CS2iNf9dVC0rNQ5aFlpxd4_hcEg5j-sy3nzp0dioMdMapimNbfPMBoT6XBPTZssb7wpYCHb78P99IsaC76500oa5Oe9_HJg7-L-p8NlPxvcpXYZl4jfKhW/s1600-h/0064.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnivbwTSCGUn2jKFsezRXg1CS2iNf9dVC0rNQ5aFlpxd4_hcEg5j-sy3nzp0dioMdMapimNbfPMBoT6XBPTZssb7wpYCHb78P99IsaC76500oa5Oe9_HJg7-L-p8NlPxvcpXYZl4jfKhW/s1600/0064.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423604420444226194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTP5Bk6d3DIkXHzLYTRiigtQdibLW52njL5DVH6ts1X_vOqgn7ngFRu1IuRYUPDzEq5jan9ofvFfRphThLH-2wI2N_UVxZxRpzMqENCQyiCfmTmSGR2ieyyUEESld7-M_Ne3K9jFWKusF/s1600-h/0066.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTP5Bk6d3DIkXHzLYTRiigtQdibLW52njL5DVH6ts1X_vOqgn7ngFRu1IuRYUPDzEq5jan9ofvFfRphThLH-2wI2N_UVxZxRpzMqENCQyiCfmTmSGR2ieyyUEESld7-M_Ne3K9jFWKusF/s1600/0066.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423610028749046098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">So, In case you're keeping tabs on my overall look:</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcL6kMxJ2gICQr7cQyV78KtsAexuzqpmXwnh0TnGXdxJfvME3LfiyyxbdX32fO6S0s0d4h8pz1b2MjD5VfAWxC3v4rfzRjVjEBARof7g8mILu7MqNdDp3BxeXxbkN0acvzqcLtrKFk25s7/s1600-h/0069.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcL6kMxJ2gICQr7cQyV78KtsAexuzqpmXwnh0TnGXdxJfvME3LfiyyxbdX32fO6S0s0d4h8pz1b2MjD5VfAWxC3v4rfzRjVjEBARof7g8mILu7MqNdDp3BxeXxbkN0acvzqcLtrKFk25s7/s1600/0069.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423610744012871698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">A birdcage veil</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoTaj58ASi6r-1EW8g4C6iOj9BS7aAPj1cItscrRgqnToiKsttVL-RdOqWS9m4_MSixkEhwWP6I6KIuJcPixv3Q91KrCDunBiHM7DaHP859SpKBSIusT4frJk9Tkh3UW7qwRTUb_L0f6u/s1600-h/0070.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoTaj58ASi6r-1EW8g4C6iOj9BS7aAPj1cItscrRgqnToiKsttVL-RdOqWS9m4_MSixkEhwWP6I6KIuJcPixv3Q91KrCDunBiHM7DaHP859SpKBSIusT4frJk9Tkh3UW7qwRTUb_L0f6u/s1600/0070.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423611394187638402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Simple drop earrings</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifm8QHGydtpWMHaSfJT0U7GguN_KnsfxRb1gLh60UO62D64A_xYrEWvKAMYhtQX4jGEYZWyUGXrwuY3-i1ssjkbpARENIp-0kjYVn1XstWija1v2VohyjQfHc8ifM5UGcOSMsfwSfJUQni/s1600-h/0071.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifm8QHGydtpWMHaSfJT0U7GguN_KnsfxRb1gLh60UO62D64A_xYrEWvKAMYhtQX4jGEYZWyUGXrwuY3-i1ssjkbpARENIp-0kjYVn1XstWija1v2VohyjQfHc8ifM5UGcOSMsfwSfJUQni/s1600/0071.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423615717478113666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">My hair</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Hmmm...I think I'm missing something here. Oh yeah....a bouquet!</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbca_LZk2cy6LbW38gHV5VoAXHqn5SdheXsTGb2mTfXn4enfPzgt_ZZ-gW3kACpxa-DLNV5Vg4EY32OEsrstO-ln3iCgnzyTPAE0KOW6R2a0FHaAO-0-BZR0RWBokZKQVwZz3xT9RRhzO/s1600-h/0015.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbca_LZk2cy6LbW38gHV5VoAXHqn5SdheXsTGb2mTfXn4enfPzgt_ZZ-gW3kACpxa-DLNV5Vg4EY32OEsrstO-ln3iCgnzyTPAE0KOW6R2a0FHaAO-0-BZR0RWBokZKQVwZz3xT9RRhzO/s1600/0015.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423617118447041746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ro_7VK48RsQpFZaTuRm03zCuCC9FLFirgWBx0OGfevVaeUHWJMS1MRGutQUpvuSdRqgmD4FcYZd7ANN5J_RI9D-mYh1FJUDngaQeKI-a4mb5qdlmym8z70Op9K3w7ilktprZY5hNv_D3/s1600-h/0014.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ro_7VK48RsQpFZaTuRm03zCuCC9FLFirgWBx0OGfevVaeUHWJMS1MRGutQUpvuSdRqgmD4FcYZd7ANN5J_RI9D-mYh1FJUDngaQeKI-a4mb5qdlmym8z70Op9K3w7ilktprZY5hNv_D3/s1600/0014.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423618629143191634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wQFcrb7L0NY1239CTM4xzUmswTPEPZhWV8oGXljeHFbs0Kvprr8rmna6cFa-UGDEoYlAMzqJWJoJleO3FYDVxVGDtUobm2lWObAp48fI3nT6ndPsWmERAYWTe6J6mArygdEY2MFubHv_/s1600-h/0073.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wQFcrb7L0NY1239CTM4xzUmswTPEPZhWV8oGXljeHFbs0Kvprr8rmna6cFa-UGDEoYlAMzqJWJoJleO3FYDVxVGDtUobm2lWObAp48fI3nT6ndPsWmERAYWTe6J6mArygdEY2MFubHv_/s1600/0073.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424563681636242466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; ">I was happy to be finally ready, but I definitely was starting to get butterflies and nerves. It was almost time to see Mr. Swan, and I just really didn't know how I was going to react. I'm a crier. I have dibs on the "ugly cry" and the "scary sob". More on that later....</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Before I left, I got a quick tutorial from Christine on how to hold my bouquet. Apparently, the best position is below your boobs and close to your body.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpBdm4rIhH4gPQ2v8ae6NYGfU43oewWXkxCJeAcw_IDeF0Br3KpJIiMVjaJMBZYQoteaq6pX3xhYahIiz52pL1ee7adzRrI86g75s5UOavXhfdyn0-VmSTQ-K9yz_U0QjvailryxMgN9U/s1600-h/0074.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpBdm4rIhH4gPQ2v8ae6NYGfU43oewWXkxCJeAcw_IDeF0Br3KpJIiMVjaJMBZYQoteaq6pX3xhYahIiz52pL1ee7adzRrI86g75s5UOavXhfdyn0-VmSTQ-K9yz_U0QjvailryxMgN9U/s1600/0074.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423728415123402402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Well, I was finally done getting ready, and proceeded through the hotel lobby where people congratulated me and shot me huge smiles. Let me warn you: Everybody loves a bride.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfJjgHHiJt41UChCNDkguzXpdbrmYuT9SHhyphenhyphenmdYZFVm4LRJzOeEMlEO6dYKnGmTB4Cz1wKRFIhI8hNkrBVxjM8Ogh4y-WdNDKxCzuzD-cwwo7LVkLDQ0V2xv-JwCAvCsbQOA_xXFbCHfd/s1600-h/0079.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfJjgHHiJt41UChCNDkguzXpdbrmYuT9SHhyphenhyphenmdYZFVm4LRJzOeEMlEO6dYKnGmTB4Cz1wKRFIhI8hNkrBVxjM8Ogh4y-WdNDKxCzuzD-cwwo7LVkLDQ0V2xv-JwCAvCsbQOA_xXFbCHfd/s1600/0079.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424567722776742914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo0hupxsUMnX7uQbmr6CbheM8RYZWBBEyx-b_d5U-eeWKGuSphz_qNmfgb1odjm8WgBE8xWEwySxVU730sUGptwDLNDtE11jkFuHjKVKd1mo2s85dYNWBP4t6jvDZwix7L4AgOYyV7cTg/s1600-h/0077.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo0hupxsUMnX7uQbmr6CbheM8RYZWBBEyx-b_d5U-eeWKGuSphz_qNmfgb1odjm8WgBE8xWEwySxVU730sUGptwDLNDtE11jkFuHjKVKd1mo2s85dYNWBP4t6jvDZwix7L4AgOYyV7cTg/s1600/0077.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424569218755231106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Next up: Mr. Swan and I give each other the up and down look for the first time on our wedding day. Yes, it's a first look post.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">I had so much fun getting ready, which leads me to my next tip:</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Swan Tip #4 - As if you have enough things to think about as you're getting married, I'd like you to consider the environment that you want for getting ready prior to the wedding. For some of you, it will mean having a large wedding party with lots of family around you. For others, it will mean just a small select group of people that will be by your side. I encourage everyone to figure out what will be best for them because that preparation period really can be fun and special. I love the fact that Mommy Swan helped me get dressed. To me, it felt as if she was she physically preparing me for my new stage in life as a wife. </div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">All Images by <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Mr. Dante Williams</a>, photographer extraordinaire</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">What's happened so far:</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">A Harborside Wedding: Early Peace?</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">A Harborside Wedding: The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her Day</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/06/a-harborside-wedding-puttin-it-on-at-the-ritz-dress-shoes-edition/">A Harborside Wedding: Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition</a></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-30978364057799043762010-01-05T04:45:00.019-05:002010-01-05T17:12:35.034-05:00A Harborside Wedding - Puttin' It on at the Ritz, Dress & Shoes Edition<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>Okay, hair and makeup done!<div><br /></div><div><div>Now I actually had to put on THE dress. I am usually someone who likes to put clothes on by myself. How about you? However, this is in fact a wedding, and so the rules of everyday life are suspended for several hours. That's why I had two people helping me get dressed. One you may remember is Mommy Swan. Who is the very diligent woman working the zipper? That's Christine Viola of <a href="http://exquisiteaffairsproductions.com/">Exquisite Affairs Productions</a>, my day-of coordinator. Christine was super helpful helping me get dressed, making sure I stayed calm that morning and most importantly if there were any issues, I surely didn't know about them. <div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkgnqeEQB8d4Z_kwOY7SomNSt-esE_FUtejGSfErhY3Rpyapg1_3zfO-zrCVQ8xVnAvcmVk9R-QELurbqdyAyI22PkLabtklnXeEQDYfrIN1qOPQ7JrJ3ScUIaltz5nyKRFFsDtCn0C9Q/s1600-h/0024.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkgnqeEQB8d4Z_kwOY7SomNSt-esE_FUtejGSfErhY3Rpyapg1_3zfO-zrCVQ8xVnAvcmVk9R-QELurbqdyAyI22PkLabtklnXeEQDYfrIN1qOPQ7JrJ3ScUIaltz5nyKRFFsDtCn0C9Q/s1600/0024.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423190679532195186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a><div> <div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ2lJNNgSRElqdt0EhqdBvCWS0DcBqrb63fflNofiHXHKc7zd7LmO4nBVtjSBu3WxfKMX0VqA9Sr6x82aZkHhUtsbwlL4wTzHdZR8iRddTqHBWDm2Tn7pAFBcuZO2YN58YzcxuoDaoWES/s1600-h/0026.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ2lJNNgSRElqdt0EhqdBvCWS0DcBqrb63fflNofiHXHKc7zd7LmO4nBVtjSBu3WxfKMX0VqA9Sr6x82aZkHhUtsbwlL4wTzHdZR8iRddTqHBWDm2Tn7pAFBcuZO2YN58YzcxuoDaoWES/s1600/0026.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423191380191212466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div>Okay, is it me, or does it look like we're struggling to get this dress on me? I can say with all of the traveling that I did the months leading up to the wedding I didn't really get the opportunity to work out like I would have liked. Traveling and wedding planning made me a lazy lady. Don't worry, my seamstress just made sure my dress wasn't going to slip if I had to dance to "Jump Around" by House of Pain, but I did have to suck in my stomach a little. Ooops! At least I'm honest, right? :)</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBV14qstsQYK7QW62PHigGj3KfaRrIeSm_ihdtOIUVbeO0nr27EedZ2gCLYf37LSsZ1jnxJy0A0kHFug6UOnuffRZlJDwTb6sycsFHRXKe4eFkkJkFqLzj5lFV_DHAwGc2bgmQrXkUdZLe/s1600-h/0027.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBV14qstsQYK7QW62PHigGj3KfaRrIeSm_ihdtOIUVbeO0nr27EedZ2gCLYf37LSsZ1jnxJy0A0kHFug6UOnuffRZlJDwTb6sycsFHRXKe4eFkkJkFqLzj5lFV_DHAwGc2bgmQrXkUdZLe/s1600/0027.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423192064568510914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Whatcha lookin' at, Dante? :)</i></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmZNozAPl7qComLu6GWYNuxtTY0MI_JDOBfU0ZZgwU31LNt1J_XhyphenhyphenMuJqSkXF1Fs86rPv5n6VXK04bgGy6BK4y2OnEkV8qjuKlW0MX3zrGewxaLA3BlYo2lYmRBkkSYcR_wCirs5xv-Gu/s1600-h/0030.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmZNozAPl7qComLu6GWYNuxtTY0MI_JDOBfU0ZZgwU31LNt1J_XhyphenhyphenMuJqSkXF1Fs86rPv5n6VXK04bgGy6BK4y2OnEkV8qjuKlW0MX3zrGewxaLA3BlYo2lYmRBkkSYcR_wCirs5xv-Gu/s1600/0030.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423193211620380066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div>Everything was going fine until I realized that I forgot something. I'm Forgetful Jones' daughter, so it's no surprise to me that I couldn't find, or as I like to say "misplaced", a piece of my wedding outfit. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhh3YZct9B4-U2PNBQ43pq5ygmf0npYGaDOrMJPxjvmz0PEqop5zfxMujO-B6EQrO1IjfO_t9jzjq0JmlFtTUIRPabsvFhIop2bkWasbWnEEFXiDL0gnXlGaChU0KZ9vEzNdtvG-WH4-q/s1600-h/0033.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhh3YZct9B4-U2PNBQ43pq5ygmf0npYGaDOrMJPxjvmz0PEqop5zfxMujO-B6EQrO1IjfO_t9jzjq0JmlFtTUIRPabsvFhIop2bkWasbWnEEFXiDL0gnXlGaChU0KZ9vEzNdtvG-WH4-q/s1600/0033.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423194667267500850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div>Once we found the missing item (I think it was a bracelet), I started sorta laughing at Mommy Swan. Don't joke around with your Momma especially when she's dressing you like a 2 year-old. You see, Mommy Swan thought I was a delicate, little bride while she was putting these on me:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60-0TkqhUeunBWnBfLTykFdlx7Av-OJ02RfX_mYNFXtK2mxqtcZ0F09QtEaUF3tG9otAVe-6qSUQaBetp6GH4prwQ50jU_7af8ZzCGoCBJBSSN-b2Qvg9xvdLpCYC4RVyeeAvd7Eh6u8H/s1600-h/0021.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60-0TkqhUeunBWnBfLTykFdlx7Av-OJ02RfX_mYNFXtK2mxqtcZ0F09QtEaUF3tG9otAVe-6qSUQaBetp6GH4prwQ50jU_7af8ZzCGoCBJBSSN-b2Qvg9xvdLpCYC4RVyeeAvd7Eh6u8H/s1600/0021.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423196921258186146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: nnnpx; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM_JEwtyjCh-92a4wCYk9G_JSONmv2BkEFVN3zQPhyphenhyphen_Az3k-Zn3iDJj79HaWFCuxJG28ca4HwZ59vQiHhh1C3QyDu3iocm9BXzVOTUNKlp-cJEnWUwKguQiFisWtkO5sqtCT6wYsBRn_z/s1600-h/0019.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM_JEwtyjCh-92a4wCYk9G_JSONmv2BkEFVN3zQPhyphenhyphen_Az3k-Zn3iDJj79HaWFCuxJG28ca4HwZ59vQiHhh1C3QyDu3iocm9BXzVOTUNKlp-cJEnWUwKguQiFisWtkO5sqtCT6wYsBRn_z/s1600/0019.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423198092754939538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I did say that <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/19/im-thinking-flat/">I wanted flats</a>. For those of you who have worn lace up gladiator-like sandals you know you can't be cute when you're tying them. If all the blood had to drain out of my feet, it was going to happen. Those bad boys were staying on my feet on my wedding day no matter what!! Mommy Swan was being a little too gentle for my tastes, so I decided to take over and brutalize my ankles. Aaahhh....what we do for fashion...</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXOOPKD-GDJs7DSuyiVybEItcM976SNGK6pA31disDNi8wb_egIKRo0k308dz1L5pD332-tJB6LSvH6PoTj0DeaERzyBfvU73qZXjhGkTVrHOVxhZN3y2buoK0t7D6MJ0BzU8fLcdJKie/s1600-h/0037.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXOOPKD-GDJs7DSuyiVybEItcM976SNGK6pA31disDNi8wb_egIKRo0k308dz1L5pD332-tJB6LSvH6PoTj0DeaERzyBfvU73qZXjhGkTVrHOVxhZN3y2buoK0t7D6MJ0BzU8fLcdJKie/s1600/0037.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423199602091972626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimi29ssbPlYl4bGLL-XtQTDdSUDxxyZhOXCTVaZFNAMyinztRSxvrtQC605xeGGh56eSLLGBZWgG4VsUBAh2UTED6mUHWNENLujoK7nrmA-Bmb-mcd19hOe-8rtiyPRJR3-uxn73xALh6w/s1600-h/0038.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimi29ssbPlYl4bGLL-XtQTDdSUDxxyZhOXCTVaZFNAMyinztRSxvrtQC605xeGGh56eSLLGBZWgG4VsUBAh2UTED6mUHWNENLujoK7nrmA-Bmb-mcd19hOe-8rtiyPRJR3-uxn73xALh6w/s1600/0038.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423200441327041522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">See, Mommy Swan, I had this under control...Muah!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now give me a hug...</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8L-Y78vklWAZB9Q4EkaM7bY6uF4Jh8BWx2FuB68RnV8fxXUXSuVdKRd6edoQ3FKALh4zVSkKz0Mcl1ObeVpusYoPf6GB_6ZBNqkhNeKeRYkIMlgcn-nS-JVt2CRkCSM1lidhOwq7kj2v/s1600-h/0040.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8L-Y78vklWAZB9Q4EkaM7bY6uF4Jh8BWx2FuB68RnV8fxXUXSuVdKRd6edoQ3FKALh4zVSkKz0Mcl1ObeVpusYoPf6GB_6ZBNqkhNeKeRYkIMlgcn-nS-JVt2CRkCSM1lidhOwq7kj2v/s1600/0040.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423201654462318578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx; " /></a></div><div>So you'd think I was ready at this point.....NOT!! Wanna see how many people can fuss with a veil? Stay tuned. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before I forget:</div><div>Swan Tip #3a - Don't be afraid to accept help on your wedding day (and not just to get ready), even if you think you can do it by yourself. Allow yourself to be helped and even pampered a bit. You don't get married everyday (at least I hope you don't:)).</div><div><br /></div><div>Swan Tip #3b - Know when to step in and take charge if you need to, but also remember Swan Tip #3a.</div><div><br /></div><div>Swan Tip #3c - Make sure your dress fits...HA!</div><div><br /></div><div>All images by <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams</a>, The Great.</div><div><br /></div><div>What else has happened? </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/04/a-harborside-wedding-early-peace/">Insomnia and quiet time</a> (Swan Tip #1)</div><div><a href="http://http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/05/a-harborside-wedding-the-makeup-fraidy-cat-has-her-day/">Fun with makeup</a> (Swan Tip #2)</div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418336152989663800.post-83946611091259160892010-01-03T22:06:00.004-05:002010-01-04T12:49:04.537-05:00A Harborside Wedding - The Makeup Fraidy Cat Has Her DayI think each bride has something that they struggle with during the wedding planning process. For me, it was dealing with <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/08/25/a-tale-of-a-hair-trial-hmmmm-part-2/">my various hair issues</a>. Remember that? Luckily, my hair turned out <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/09/03/a-tale-of-a-hair-trial-a-sigh-of-relief-and-the-final-product-part-3/">better than I could have expected</a>. Even makeup had initially rattled me. As much as I try, I am still in my early 30's and can't get beyond a makeup regimen consisting of slathering on some lip gloss with occasional lip liner (and the liner is on a good day!). I had t<a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/27/making-it-up-part-3-the-choice-is-yours/">wo makeup trials</a>, and settled on Ellen Bodkins of <a href="http://www.ellenbmakeup.com/">Ellen B Makeup</a>. Actually, a Weddingbee reader suggested Ellen, so thanks as usual, Hive.<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitI1xrh2J507qw1U9bES9MVAfHjDABhIl0I8WPC5cQhmNK4czIHzRFPM881abXkPtI6X_ymVn8X7_3sORMGAhDRdH7gptbxVxbvn4icTXIKCbYS_PR4YueO4t_NWTc7WeBStBaGYPJ0thj/s1600-h/0001.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitI1xrh2J507qw1U9bES9MVAfHjDABhIl0I8WPC5cQhmNK4czIHzRFPM881abXkPtI6X_ymVn8X7_3sORMGAhDRdH7gptbxVxbvn4icTXIKCbYS_PR4YueO4t_NWTc7WeBStBaGYPJ0thj/s1600/0001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422643075541048882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div><div>I was laughing at this point because for some reason when we're together Ellen and I gab A LOT. Ellen is sort of like your fun girlfriend that you talk and laugh at just about anything together but at the same time she's a whiz with makeup. Don't a bad combination! Our rapport made getting my makeup done stress free and lots of fun.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gX_KB6tvRjbdYimBi0-fG68mOmg1N_icItzg95A0YuQdC1s6MVx0yUKx9kh5rpu-ovWTv08UI4EQ_aCZb0tOyLzp3TCJcK26nEpFMMPI-mkP9gd_AG1ftbFZFqG-itZG8tML2Tk_jcXG/s1600-h/0005.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gX_KB6tvRjbdYimBi0-fG68mOmg1N_icItzg95A0YuQdC1s6MVx0yUKx9kh5rpu-ovWTv08UI4EQ_aCZb0tOyLzp3TCJcK26nEpFMMPI-mkP9gd_AG1ftbFZFqG-itZG8tML2Tk_jcXG/s1600/0005.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422645203670891522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">At this point I'm actually looking like I can handle this makeup thing. :)</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3Y5KUAsSy7FLD203VuSoPaNYU3tnUEBYJHER11z0kOILLFzo1e3ZF_R_FCgUKmBMwwbs6RHj-Enh2SZrOMncQSI6r4_k4-Dz1jgrB0iUobms2FFWelL1KsUKwf8xUQNPhYf1zfYAWu3_/s1600-h/0008.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3Y5KUAsSy7FLD203VuSoPaNYU3tnUEBYJHER11z0kOILLFzo1e3ZF_R_FCgUKmBMwwbs6RHj-Enh2SZrOMncQSI6r4_k4-Dz1jgrB0iUobms2FFWelL1KsUKwf8xUQNPhYf1zfYAWu3_/s1600/0008.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422646106037426066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div>And on went the lip gloss! I actually ended up supplying the lip gloss after testing a few different options during our trial (By the way, have a makeup trial even if you're just doing your makeup yourself! I know I'm being Captain Obvious, but it does make a difference). We used my very own MAC Lipglass in Liqueur, in case you're wondering. At least I can claim some kind of makeup know-how.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSpTiIcQxMP4BRSHRJwNJVXtFJ0bxFKpnNR80lTl8-BxrACdhhyphenhyphenm5RilSo8pkPvq-t4nL0VXuH2FdLrB2PRh_o4a_p3SdJZz3utzU_GB-V2msieD9Aoz5VpHk1tS92axaQggmsKzgAX1Q/s1600-h/0010.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSpTiIcQxMP4BRSHRJwNJVXtFJ0bxFKpnNR80lTl8-BxrACdhhyphenhyphenm5RilSo8pkPvq-t4nL0VXuH2FdLrB2PRh_o4a_p3SdJZz3utzU_GB-V2msieD9Aoz5VpHk1tS92axaQggmsKzgAX1Q/s1600/0010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422646878459276514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div>Ellen put on some mascara after adding eyelash extensions. She was super quick and organized, so I was amazed that she was almost done at that point. By the way, I wish my eyebrows looked that good everyday. I try, but they never come close!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvELkr3nIGc5LNPSMj0HOqMoB-sdWewZtiuvocd717pE6hBHrW-D9VtXC0OezV0NJKRBRaupEb1R5vNmt8hYZ_W6m5sm5DTeTLIePrmNqaKUEyKW1wP-hdc6ctqhzTOYvpVbroWPx7v0-e/s1600-h/0012.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvELkr3nIGc5LNPSMj0HOqMoB-sdWewZtiuvocd717pE6hBHrW-D9VtXC0OezV0NJKRBRaupEb1R5vNmt8hYZ_W6m5sm5DTeTLIePrmNqaKUEyKW1wP-hdc6ctqhzTOYvpVbroWPx7v0-e/s1600/0012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422648625571330898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left; ">I forget what we were saying to each other here, but Mommy Swan and I must have been joking about the fact that this is the most makeup that I'll probably ever wear in my life! :)</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">I was really happy that I chose Ellen even if I ended up spending a bit more than I had intended in the makeup area. I found that sometimes that's okay, especially when you can account for it in other parts of your budget.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">That's definitely a part of Swan Tip #2: Sometimes choosing a vendor shouldn't come down solely to cost. I valued not only being able share a good working relationship with vendors/wedding elves that I hired, but also being able to work with people that I truly liked. Plus, if you're going to be around someone that's not family or friends on your wedding day, why not have someone you think is pretty cool too?</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">All images by the great <a href="http://www.dantewilliams.com/">Dante Williams</a></div></div></div>Chic.Personal.Funhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856166208723376386noreply@blogger.com0