Save the Date videos...now that's one way to do it!

With the advancement of technology it is so wonderful to see people get creative with their wedding ideas. This save the date video has to be the most original I've seen!  Its about 3 minutes...the best part is toward the end. We opted for a more traditional card sent to our out-of-town guests, but I love the video idea too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Db8ydeWFQE&feature=player_embedded

Are you named after a Saint?

I want to share with you some exciting news. After months of prayer, studying and reflection, I've decided to become an Orthodox Christian this Sunday.Over the past fourteen months, I've met often with our priest, Father George, to answer many questions...and boy do I have many!! I think even Brandon (a "cradle" Orthodox) has learned a thing or two :)  Both our families have been a tremendous support. Brandon's parents have seen me through it all, from my first Orthodox Easter to "retreating" to the annual Church convention! These experiences of ancient Christian faith have given me fresh perspective on my journey with Christ. This is a slow journey, filled with wonder and delight...and it's only the beginning!

 Mr. and Mrs. Gantus have graciously agreed to be my Sponsors, and I will be also choosing a Saints name in the coming days which represents someone whose intercessions uphold my faith and spiritual efforts. I have had so many wonderful suggestions of Saints names - I almost can't believe it!  So...here are the current suggestions - anyone have a vote?

Saint Lucia (mom)
Saint Theophano (Curt, he actually researched that this is where the name "Tiffany" is from!)
St. Francis (Laura, Susan)
St. Mary (Heather)
St. Ann (Deena)
St. Theresa of Avila (Kresten)
St. Sophia (I happen to like this one!)
St. Sylvia (Lindsay)
St. Kyra, St. Barbara, St. Anastasia, St. Philothea (Brandon)
And last but not least....St. Nick! This was the sweetest one of all, from my step-dad, John, he says:
"This could be your mother! I vote for her! St.Nick(a)la.  Not only does your mom pray for you, but she also sleeps with the homeless(last night) and prays for them(they need it). And she takes food to the sick; brings joy to the down hearted; I could go on, but she thinks I go on to much."

Their love for each other continues to amaze me each day!! He also suggests perhaps I pick more then one or pick a new Saint to interceed every year.  How cool is that. They really do have amazing stories...

Female saints:
http://www.antiochian.org/AW-WomenSaints

Closet-Studio anniversary dinner!

Last night we had an appointment to see our 2nd photographer option. Despite Queen Carol's plea that we both be at all appointments, the Prince had to cancel last minute. Since the photographer's studio was around the corner from my old apartment on 9th avenue, I took myself out on a date to a sushi place in the 'hood, Bistro Chen. I've taken many of you there over the years, so it has a special place in my heart. 

Sitting there alone, I realized that it is almost two years to the day that I signed my lease for my closet-studio on Toledo Way. At that time, my amazing roommate was getting married and I was hopeful for what my own future may bring (despite moving into the tiniest craziest little studio!)  Now, two years later, I sit here with a whole new life ahead of me. I am so blessed by wonderful family and friends, but I would have never imagined I would meet someone NEW (my Prince) who knows me and loves me just for who I am.  Most of you know, this has been a big surprise so thank you for coming on this journey with me, and happy anniversary!

Hotel options

As we are  sending our travel information to out-of-town guests, we have been busy finalizing the details of the weekend. My biggest concern with this has been...where will everyone stay?  Will people generally want to stay at the same hotel as the reception (Fairmont). Or, in this economy, is it especially important to give at least one option of a "budget" priced hotel?  We have looked and looked and all hotels nearby the Fairmont are about the same price (we negotiated a rate of $189/night which I think is pretty good for Nob Hill).  But, all decent Union Square hotels are about the same price. Ugh!  Do you have any suggestions for me - should we just leave it up to the travelers to find something in their price range?  Or look far outside the surrounding area for a better budget option? Help!

The prince and I often reflect on the importance of our family throughout this wedding process. We absolutely love that our siblings can be a part of the wedding and I have grown closer to them all in the past few months of planning. We have been able to see all of them in the past month, which is a special treat considering they are literally in the four corners of the U.S. Here are some pictures from special moments we've treasured in April and May as they have been filled with birthdays, tennis championships, graduations, new jobs, and lots of celebrating!  

Cupcakes - Round 1

This weekend we celebrated a fun shower/bachelorette party for Megs upcoming wedding celebration! It didn't take much to convince the gals to join me for Round 1 Cupcake Tasting. Can we say, YUM. However, I have to say there was clearly a winner, That Takes the Cake on Union Street. The second runner up would have to be Kara's Cupcakes (especially for design). We were not impressed by American Cupcakes. Round 2 we will bring the grooms along and check out Sibby's....any other suggestions?

Save the Dates

To save the date or not?

This is one of our biggest debates...since we are technically getting married in our hometown, we could say that people don't need as much advance notice. However, schedules fill up quickly, and about 75% of our guests will be an airplane flight away. So...we decided to send them to out-of-towners and set up a website that anyone (including the locals) can view.

There are sooo many options out there...some of my favorite recessionista prints were from weddingpaperdivas.com and shutterfly.com. Compared to the more expensive sights, we will save over $300 by going with one of these! I certainly would prefer to do something super creative (like save the date hanky's), but the costs were getting too high.