The Best Man

So, one day mom brought home a baby from the Hospital. His name is Tim and he's my brother. We've grown up together, and done essentially the same things with me doing most of them first. Although, once we hit college, we went two different paths. My brother; got married first, got a job first, got a real apartment first. I, however, am still in school, with a fake apartment and a (an absolutely wonderful!) fiancee. It's weird that how that happens.

Most of the memories I have of Tim are in East Brookfield, and the first I remember we had just moved in, and we were 1 and 5 or so. There was a nice glass pane at eye level, and I had locked Tim out of the house, who knows why, and he was putting his face to the glass, and i was hitting it. Yeah, it broke, thankfully, he didn't really get hurt, a small cut and that's about it. Our poor mother. :0)

We've always been close, sharing a room not much bigger then a cubicle for many years. Sleeping on bunk beds until Tim went to high school and I went off to college. But Tim could have stayed on the top bunk without a problem even at that point, it wasn't until his junior year that he grew taller then me! With the addition to old house, we still shared a room, but were further apart then we had usually been, but still close enough for Tim to talk me to sleep at night. Tim is night owl, and I am not. So, he would stay up, and talk to me, and stop talking once he was sure I was asleep.

When it came time to choose a best man. There was no doubt it would be my brother. I'd like to thank him for being my best friend for all these years. I can't wait to move onto the next phase our lives at the same time.

By the way, I love this picture. I mean really, its a NERF gun and its totally unnecessary. HAHA!

How we became flower haters...

The week (maybe even weekend!) after we were engaged, my mom was up the street at this local sugar house buying maple sugar. Now, my mom can talk... and one thing led to another and she told the daughter of the store's owners that I was getting married. The daughter, Jessica, just so happens to have a florist business. She told my mom to have us check out her site and request information. Chris and I had just gone to a bridal fair, and had BAGS full of information so we figured what was the harm in one more email or pamphlet.

Big mistake.

So, I filled out the online form and stated that we had just become engaged and we were in the early planning phases. The next thing I knew, my inbox was flooded with emails from Jessica suggesting different venues to hold our wedding/reception. It was really overwhelming. It wasn't like we were completely computer illiterate and couldn't find the websites for these venues on our own. Instead of being annoyed, I tried to be positive and was grateful that she had taken an interest in our wedding and had seemed really neighborly. Well, then she prodded some more and insisted we meet the following weekend. At this point, Chris and I were under the false impression that her flowers were artificial. We liked the idea that the flowers could be re-used and therefore not a wasted expense and would be "green".

Jessica made our heads spin. It was something out of the Exorcist movie. We told her that we were not the typical couple whose mommy and daddy were footing the bill for their wedding. We were looking for simple and understated. She scoffed at my idea of using daisies. She said it was cheap. She told us that the average bride spends $3,000 on their flowers. To this sentiment, we chuckled and said that was beyond our spending limit. When we told her that we were paying for the wedding, she laughed and said that's what her parents said. She said that in the end, they gave her $8,000. Not going to happen here!

Jessica was beyond pushy. She turned to me and had the audacity to say, "You aren't going to be one of those brides that tells me what flowers to use. Are you?" She spoke as if it was insane for a bride to have a say in the one day of their lives that they scrutinized and dreamed about since childhood. She went to town and we nodded and smiled. The next thing I knew, she had picked purple as our flowers' color (ICK!! BARNEY here we come!) She told us we'd have buckets of flowers on the pews, a purple flowered trellis and arrangements on every table. It was if she was trying to show us that our "simple and understated" was nothing compared to what she could do for us. At the end of this incredibly awkward meeting, Jessica made a tally of several numbers (not telling us where she was getting her figures or what each figure correlated to) and gave us the quote of $4,400 for our wedding flowers. With this news, we scurried out of the shed (did I mention she does her dealings in this child sized playhouse/shed!?) and never looked back.

So, even 9 months later, this area remains to be the one part of our wedding planning we dread. We really feel that the flowers are a huge waste of money. We feel people spend too much money on things that aren't even reusable. We would much rather put our money towards a cause that both Chris and I are passionate about. Don't be surprised if our bridesmaids are empty handed and a check is made out to cancer research!

P.S. We don't like you, Jessica.

The Big Day:

We will take a break from introducing our wedding party and tell you a little about the big day. (Chris, this is your cue to start writing up the blogs for your people!)





There was actually a lot of thought that went into the choosing of our wedding date. At first, we had thought that June 27th would be a great date. We quickly scrapped that when we realized that with snow days, who knows when I will be out of school. I didn't want to be running around worrying about wrapping up the school year and preparing for our wedding! Independence Day weekend is the following weekend. Although the fireworks would be PERFECT especially with the fact that Chris proposed under the fireworks, but we were afraid people would be unable to come. We chose to get married on the Friday instead of the Saturday because our reception venue gave us roughly $35 off each person to have it on the Friday instead. So, there you have it. Friday, July 10th, 2009.

The ChurchWe chose to get married at my church, Memorial United Methodist Church. Chris has been attending the church with me and although it's not Catholic, he says he has been fairly comfortable there. "If only there was less music," he says. That is the precise reason why my family GOES to this church! I am not the hugest fan of the architecture, but it will do!

The Venue
We went and visited several places before we chose the perfect place to have our reception. Here are a few that are NOT our venue:

Pavilion on Crystal Lake: Middletown, CT- This is the first place we went to look at. It was pretty on the outside. There was a whole beach section right on the lake. The inside was too 1970's wood paneling for me. There also was this out of place red bandstand type stage. All of the curtains matched the velvet of the bandstand. It just seemed very dreary and outdated. However, the woman that met with us was very kind and accommodating.

(I am attaching the nice pictures that the venues provide on their websites. It wasn't this nice!)





Nutmeg Inn: East Windsor, CT- Wow, the lady at this facility wanted nothing to do with us. She showed us the room and then sent us out. The place was nice but the facility wouldn't hold everyone. We would have to rent the entire place or there would be a functioning restaurant steps away. We also didn't like the low ceilings. It did have a very nice chandelier over the TINY dance floor. The biggest downside was when we exited the place (five minutes after entering it!) there was a big, trashy trailer park across the street. I didn't even know there was one in Connecticut! All this time I said there weren't any trailer parks in CT... I take it back.



The Glastonbury Hills Country Club: Glastonbury, CT- I think this place could be summed up simply with the exclamation, "holy partition walls!" Where you see the ceiling dip... that was tracked for partition walls. It was literally a large room that was sectioned off at least 6 times. The picture window was a draw for us. We had thought it would be lovely... but do you see that white stream of material? That is covering the partition wall pocket. The view from the window left much to be desired, too. I figured flowers or manicured lawns. Not so much. We were also limited to a tiny section of grass next to a gazebo to take pictures in. Our 16-19 person bridal party was NOT going to fit! Also, they left us to look at photo albums of weddings that took place there. Each picture screamed 1980's. Although I LOVE the '80s... it seemed a little odd.

Farmington Club: Farmington, CT- This almost was our reception site. We loved the grounds and the look of the place. There were a lot of cute outdoor spots for photos. There also was chiavari chairs which I had learned from weddingbee.com was something I should like. However, due to our size (under 200 people) we would be designated to the small clubhouse. I hated paying the same price for everything and having a less impressive setting. It was right next to a pool and this pavilion where they hold local picnics.The main building is spectacular. Unfortunately, I kept thinking that booking there would scream "YOUR wedding=big wedding, MY wedding=little wedding." We would be in that smaller clubhouse, wishing we were in the big building. We want to be the main event. Selfish?! Plus, another wedding would be going on at the same time. Despite, all of this we were ready to book the place if they were willing to meet our "demands". Chris emailed the woman we met with and asked her if we could have the larger building if we paid for the difference in some enhancements. For instance, we would need to make up $2000 in guests we didn't have, so we'd request ice sculptures, special food display, or something ridiculous like that. They were not willing to do that. At this point, we were pretty sure the wedding industry was rigid and we were resigned to be a good little couple and take it.

OUR RECEPTION VENUE
The Heritage Hotel: Southbury, CT- A while back, my brother's friend got married at the then Heritage Inn. I had gone to babysit. The baby and I watched the ceremony and then spent the rest of the evening exploring the hotel. It struck me as a really nice place. I always had it in my mind that I would like a wedding like that. So, when we were looking at venues I put the Heritage Hotel on the list even though the online site and information packet left a lot to be desired. Chris and I set up an appointment to meet with the wedding coordinators after work one evening. Although it was a bit of a drive from our church, it was a straight shot off the highway. We thought that was good. When we met with Jade and Jennifer, they were really down to earth and eager to make our day the one we had envisioned. They gave us a tour of the facility which included two banquet rooms (each with their own private room for their cocktail hour), beautiful stone patios that adjoin the rooms and the cafe that we would have a brunch in. There is also a private bar that has billiards. Chris was excited about that! He also liked that the hotel was part of a country club, so there is golf and other sporty opportunities if he so chooses to spend the day with his groomsmen before the wedding. We went to a room where they showed us a mock up of the place settings and arrangements. We couldn't have been happier with the reception of Jade and Jennifer. For instance, they offered us water. They told us they would give us 2007 food prices. (Little did we know then that gas prices would skyrocket!) They scoffed at such things like "cake cutting fees", having to pay extra for an additional bartender. and our guest list size dictating which room we could book. AND as we were leaving, they gave me a manicure set from their spa! Oh, how we loved the Heritage Hotel. We went home and Chris started conferring with Jennifer. She tailor made a package that included things that we would have otherwise paid extra for. Things such as covered banquet chairs are deemed a necessity but will add up.

Our big decision was not if we would go with the Heritage, but which banquet room would we choose. I liked the look of the Garden Room because it opened up to a large courtyard. That is where the wedding I had seen took place. One downside was that it was open to any passers-by. The ceilings were also pretty blah. I don't know why, but Chris and I are really conscience about the ceilings.
Our other choice was the Eight Mile Brook room. In looking at it, it was a bit more rustic than I had envisioned. They assured us that they were undergoing a renovation. They showed us swatches of the new carpet and what the new dance floor would look like. Chris really liked the room! For our wedding, they will line the room with votive candles and put candles in the large fireplace that is at the foot of the stairs. Oh, and there are great stairs for us to trip down on our great entrance. Did I say that?! The ceilings are cathedral ceilings complete with rustic beams. We feel there is a big difference between the wood on these walls and the wood paneling on the walls at the Pavilion on Crystal Lake. This wood looks rustic, not outdated. Here are pictures of what we saw and what it looks after the renovation!

BEFORE:Can't you see why banquet chairs were a necessity?! I could also do without all of the potted plants. Ick!!

AFTER:

We were really excited to see this. It was what Chris had pictured when we visited. I really like the stark contrast between the wood and the white. The off-white chair sash goes with our colors. It will look pretty much like this (minus the flower arrangements) for our big day.


Here is a picture of the hotel's pub: Shadrach's. It is open until 2AM and has free billiards.


Since the reception is roughly 45-50 minutes away and most of our guests are from out of state to begin with, we have blocked off rooms to spend the night. The hotel rooms are expected to be close to $200 a night but we were given the price of $130. A bit pricey, but when we called around for alternatives, the hotels were comparable. The hotel rooms are pretty. Their claim to fame is that each room has Starbucks coffee and Bath and Body Works products.

We are really looking forward to July 10, 2009!

Groomsmen: Scott & Colin

As I did with Katherine and Kimberly, I will be doing a dual post for my brothers, Scott and Colin. I know, I know... they deserve their own posts, but I am running out of summer!

Scott is my older brother. He is Tisha's husband and Braeden's papa. He is a special education and theatre arts teacher in Tyler Consolidated High School in Tyler County, West Virginia. He is also very busy as a coach. He coaches both soccer and basketball. He is a true soccer enthusiast. Every time he visits, Chris joins the horde playing FIFA on XBox 360. Scott and I both went to the same college and sang in concert chorale together. Here he is pictured rocking out to Rock Band. Always an entertainer.


Colin will be a freshman in high school this year. Like Scott, he has a quick wit. Colin loves to sports, singing, and (of course) the ladies. He likes to read and is a terrific writer. Who knows what will come of Colin. Perhaps a future collumnist!?!


My brothers are 17 or so years apart, but they have similar sense of humor. It's really scary to see how alike they are. It must be in the genes!

I am really glad that Chris decided to include Scott and Colin as groomsmen. Be prepared to see them whip out their fancy dance moves. Look out world!!

Flower girl: Braeden

Our flower girl is my niece Braeden. She is currently 2 1/2 years old and residing with her parents, Scott and Tisha, in West Virginia. I just adore this little girl! I don't know how you couldn't! She is the best! She is going to do a terrific job as our flower girl. Here are some pictures of Braeden in all of her glory!


She loves me even when my hair is wet and I have my glasses on!













Here she is at only 2 months old.












Here she is at maybe 10 months?

Of course, here are some adorable bath pictures of Braeden at 11 months old.

The shirt says it all.
















Here is the little kangaroo at Halloween.










Braeden loves to make tunnels. Usually they are only girls and dogs allowed, but this time she made an exception for Chris. (She is wearing a princess dress!)










Here she is playing in her pool with her Uncle Colin and Aunt Kim!












I am so lucky to have such a special little girl as my niece and our flower girl. It is so amazing watching her grow up and become a little lady.

Bridesmaids: Katherine & Kimberly

Here are my sisters, Katherine and Kimberly. Although they are deserving of their own blog posts, I figured I would put them on one since I have a lot of the same things to say about them. For instance... I have known each of them all of their lives. I remember changing their diapers. I remember being annoyed when they screamed and cried excessively. I had to share a room with each of them, clean up after them, feed them, babysit them, etc. Sisters are sisters and I have two really great younger sisters.





Katherine will be starting her first year of med school at Penn State this fall. She just graduated with a Bio-Chemistry degree at Mount Holyoke in Massachusetts. She is very involved in Christian life organizations and volunteering for the Christian Medical Foundation. She likes tending to the inter-city folk. She's a complete brain and in every conversation there will be some nugget of trivia. Because she is strong-willed and determined, she has shone in her disciplines.

What it all boils down to is my sister Katherine is super smart and a big dork. And no, we don't look alike. There is something wrong with the world when you are mistaken for your younger sister!







Kimberly, who I often call Kimmy, will be a sophomore in high school next year. She is they typical teenager. She loves the Jonas Brothers, taking pictures of herself, and talking on the phone/computer. She is the shyest of my siblings. She is also the only one that has brown eyes! She is a great athlete when she is able to compete. She enjoyed rowing on the crew team and indoor track (before her shin-splints!). Her easy going personality makes her a quick friend for many... much to the dismay of anyone trying to use the computer or telephone. Kimmy and I wear the same Gucci glasses. She had picked hers out before me. A month or so later, I picked out these great glasses that turned out to be the same frames but in brown. I guess when you are family, you think alike.


My sisters are beautiful young women with the same values and have distinct personalities. I am really lucky to have their support and love.

Bridesmaid: Tisha

I first met Tisha at West Virginia Wesleyan when she started dating my brother. We all went to the same college and moved in the same circles. Scott and I were in choir together and had a number of friends in common. The fact of the matter is, Scott hanged out at the fraternity that I used to frequent on the weekends. My best guy friend was a brother there so Heather Schneider and I would go out there to dance in their over crowded, humid basement. That was the life!! There was one cafeteria so, when I ate, I was always running into them! Being a small campus, it was hard to live completely separated lives.

Tisha and I got to know each other better not through the obvious-that she was dating my brother-but through another organization. In the Spring of 2001, Tisha came to my dorm door to show me a picture of the bridesmaid dress she had picked out. (Scott and Tisha were engaged the previous February.) After she did that, she brushed the magazine aside and told me it was a ploy to give me an open bid to pledge Alpha Gamma Delta. This was the sorority I had always wanted to join. I was very excited and accepted the bid. That started my tenure with the sorority! Tisha and I both were in the Spring Sing Competition. This meant we had many long practices and dealt with sometimes frustrated, over zealous sorority girls. It was a lot of fun in the end... especially because we won the competition!

After college, Tisha and I continued to bond during vacations, holidays, and special occasions. We have become sisters on a number of levels. First, she became my sister through Alpha Gamma Delta. Then she became my sister because she married my brother. But most importantly, she became my sister through bonding. She has laughed at my high strung-outbursts and has been a true sister by lending an ear when I have had a dilemma. We have nearly a decade of great memories together and a lifetime to make more. Therefore, Tisha was another obvious pick for a bridesmaid. You need to have your sisters stand up beside you, right?

(This is Tisha on the way to Disney World)

ONE MORE THING...







I am also a huge fan of my niece. Tisha was responsible for making half of her... so you can't help but love someone that did such a great job making a kid.

Bridesmaid: Brittany

My dear cousin Brittany... where do I start?! I have known Brittany since she was born. I wasn't exactly there. I was only four and Brittany was born in North Carolina, but I knew about it. Brittany was my first first-cousin.

Throughout the years, we have grown more close. There are countless vacations that we shared, either in Florida, Vermont, or Connecticut. We spent time with each other when our moms sent us away so they could divorce our biological fathers who are beyond worthless. We commiserated through all of the situations that that imposed upon us. We had big break-ups at the same time and literally became each other's voice of reason. But, mostly the times we have spent together were good times!

Some would say we are immature. Some would say we are goofy; but one thing is sure, we laugh a lot together. We have countless inside jokes and crazy memories.

For Brittany, I would like to take you through a photo montage.


Here is Brittany, my sister Katherine, and I in her pool in Florida. She was going into 5th grade. I was going into my freshman year of high school.












Here are Brittany and Colin at the Yankee Candle Company. I think the picture speaks for itself.













Here is a picture of Brittany and I at Magic Wings Butterfly Observatory. We were wild about butterflies.

Brittany was very excited to be at Epcot! This was the last time we were at Disney World together.










Here is a picture of Brittany and the Statue of Liberty. We were quite savvy and found out that you get a great view of the statue if you take the FREE Staten Island Ferry.

Here is stellar journalism done by Brittany.

Here is a picture of Brittany's favorite hot spot. The Green Lady Cometary... where the green lady was laid to rest. How did she die? Toxic Shock Syndrome, of course!











Here Kimberly and Brittany are on Uncle Amos's boat.













I knew I had to have Brittany as a bridesmaid because she is like a sister to me. She is honest and open... she always has an opinion.










And so I leave you with the words of a song that is so dear to us both:

You are my Sunshine
My only Sunshine.
You make me happy
when skies are gray.
You'll never know dear
how much I love you.
Please don't take my sunshine away.