dateline: jersey city

i've been trying to get in touch with djs. i have been somewhat successful: we've been playing phone tag. o.k., so i'm playing phone tag with one of them, the other two want to set up appointments with us so that we can 'check them out'. we'll get to watch videos of the djs at work.

my god, does the fun never stop?! videos. of djs. at work. it's like a party that never ends if you ask me.

anyway, i haven't able to set up appointments yet because cheryl was supposed to e-mail me her schedule. note the use of the word 'supposed'.

so i think this could be a notice to her:

i be needing yer schedule there lassie, so's i can be schedulin' to git togither wit the djs. arrghhh. (pirate talk is fun and effective.)

so until you hear from me again. bye.

Dress drama continues

This Saturday was quite an adventure. High speed was involved. I had set an appointment with Bridal Elegance to get measured for my dress so that I can officially order it. Romie, my cousin and my maid of honor, was asked to come with me to check out the dress and to just bond.

Well, the appointment was at one o'clock and I had asked Romie to come in around 12 pm. Romie was supposed to call me when she left Journal Square so that I can pick her up at the Path Station in Harrison. Well, 12 pm came and went and she didn't call. I decided to go straight there to pick her up just in case she was late. My mother was supposed to come with us but hadn't eaten lunch so I said that I would pick up afterwards, thinking I would have time. Well, we didn't have time because Romie didn't come until 12:45 pm. I called my dad informing him to bring mom to the Bridal shop. He called back to state that I should leave the Path Station and that he would bring Romie to the shop with my mom. Well, just as I was about to leave. Romie calls to tell me that she is around the corner. Once she buckled in, we zoomed off onto Rt 280 with the knowledge that we had to reschedule our appointment if we are twenty minutes late. During our race to Bridal Elegance, we had to call my Dad again to turn around to bring my mom to the shop. 15 minutes later, I fortunately arrived on time to the shop with my mom getting there one minute behind me and of course, we had to wait 15 minutes to get a room to try a dress on. Ain't that ironic?

Not only did I get measured for my dress. But also my cousin Romie who is in another wedding this year (actually she is in three, including mine) got measured for hers and tried on a couple of dresses. My mom also tried on 3-4 dresses for the wedding. It was cool to see them get excited about my wedding and what they would wear. My mom was surprised to see that her dress would cost almost as much as a wedding dress.

Romie, my mom, and I also went to David's bridalwear to check out bridesmaids' dresses. As I had mentioned in a previous blog, I was thinking that it would be easier to have the bridesmaids order their dresses at David's bridal since it is a nationwide store and some of my bridesmaid live in California. Well, it was a good idea until I saw the separates at David's. I wanted the girls to choose a different top in the same color for themselves. They would all wear the same skirts. When I saw the color of the separates at David's, I had changed my mind. It was not the color that I wanted. So, nix that idea. I checked out their other dresses and saw one that I liked. It was strapless organza dress with a little beading on top. Unfortunately, one of my bridesmaids doesn't like to wear strapless dresses. So, back to the drawing board. Well, at least I got my dress.

Quite a scare

Alright, as you know, Vin has been bothering me about getting a list of djs that worked at reception site, Oakeside Mansion, before from our Maitre D', Robert. I have his email address and sent an email but no response. A week and no response for a week. So, to get Vin off my back, I decided to give him a call. Well, guess what. He is no longer working for Frungillo catering. "Oh great." I thought. "Is this a bad omen?" I have been having some reservations about the site which I won't go through here so me being the pessimist that I am went straight to thinking that my reservations were right. Then it scared me that my wedding might not be in reserved for Nov. 5th and someone else might have taken that date. Well, thank God the receptionist confirmed the date and gave me the name and number of the person who is taking over the site.

I was still anxious about the news and what it all meant so I decided to call one of the references that Robert had given me. I called one former bride who had a fall wedding there two years ago. Well, I am glad that I did. She really relieved some anxiety for me because she loved the place. She said that her guest still talk about the place and she praised the food and the ambience. She was so nice and even offered me her florist and dj and wished me congratulations. I then realized it is not the Maitre D who will make the event and it is not even the catering company but it will be the guests, my family and friends. I just have to trust that things will be alright and that people will be too drunk to notice if things go out of wack at the wedding ; )

Well, I do have some good news. I have a priest. I asked a co-worker of mine who happens to work as a psychiatrist to officiate the wedding. Yes, it is weird combination. He is a funny personable guy when you met him that you wouldn't think he is a priest. He has agreed to do it and so we are very lucky and fortunate to have him. So, that is one thing I can check off the list.

Now I have to worry about flowers, dj, and invites. Oh yeah and bridesmaid's dresses. Can't forget about that. Well, I better get off this blog so I can work on those things as well.

Wedding Registry Fun Part 2

Well, now that your eyes have rested. I thought that I might finish up the other wedding stuff Vin and I ended up doing this weekend. Trust me. This blog will be short.

Vin and I wanted to finish our registry. We decided to go to the Macy's and Crate and barrel at Short Hills Mall. Well, don't go on a Sunday. It was packed. Mad packed. Imagine weaving in and out of people as they stop short to look at something in a store window. It was like an obstacle course.

Well, Macy's bridal section was no exception. We approached the section only to see a long line of couples waiting to speak to one staff person who was showing another couple how to use the gun. It was not pretty. We decided to skip the line and look at stuff on our own. We really needed to pick out linens and towels. We looked at the linens and towels and we were not impressed. Well, maybe I was not impressed. The linens didn't have have the color that we wanted. The towels. Well, towels are towels. What can you say about them.

We also headed off to Crate and barrel. We were able to get a gun for Vin to play with. I pointed. He shot and it was fun.

We also checked out Papyrus to see how much invitations would cost. You would think paper was a precious gem by the way they priced the invites. Some were really cool and funky. Our style. Too pricey. Not our style. The salesperson had a laugh at our comedy routine as Vin played the straight man to my kooky antics.

Non-wedding stuff - Vin checked out the Apple Store (no, not the Mac store, as Vin had educated me recently.) He asked if they have a registry. They do not but the salesperson brought it up to her manager and they are going to offer it as a suggestion to the Bigwigs. So, for you, young couples, who are getting married next year, you can thank Vin if you can have an Apple wedding registry.

Okay. Not as short as I would like but this is pretty short in comparison. See you in a few.

Guilty pleasures

This weekend I spent a grand ole time with my bridesmaids. I had a good time hanging out with my friend Terry on Friday watching Wedding Date. I have known Terry since grammar school. Friday we talked about how we used to walk over to South Orange Library after Our Lady of Sorrows and how we watched The Outsiders at Millburn theater. We also talked about the excitement of the wedding. She is willing to help me pick out the flowers for the reception. She has always loved flowers and she knows a couple of good places to go. I can't wait to see some of the floral designs. I know some people (like Vin) who don't understand the importance of flowers (since "they just die" as Vin put it). (Yes, I am not holding my breathe expecting flowers for Valentine's Day). Anyway, I love flowers and the beauty and elegance they can add to a place.

As an aside, Wedding Date is a rental. Cute but no substance. Not really worth $9.00 but Dermott Mulrooney is cute. He's no Vin but he is cute ; )

Saturday I had lunch with a few of my other bridesmaids , Jen, Linda, and Maribel (if you don't know or remember I have eight bridesmaid.) We went to Cheesecake Factory with some of our other friends, Pia and Jessica. That is a usual hangout for us. A guilty pleasure. My three bridesmaids at this shindig represent three different parts of my life. Linda I also have known since grammar school and I followed her into high school. In high school, we picked up Jen to make our dynamic duo into a terrific trio. Maribel followed me from Boston College to NJ and my gang of friends adopted her and her high energy ways. I have been fortunate enough to pick up great friendships as I grow up and keep them is more of a blessing.

It was during this lunch that I found out I need to worry about the bridesmaids' dress. Okay, this wedding thing is new to me. I didn't know that I had to order my wedding dress 9 months in advance. I guess I thought that every dress is ready to wear. You know, mass produce. I should know that if you are spending over $1000 I should expect it to be custom made. Anyway, the bridesmaids' dress is the same way. It is custom made and needs time to make. Well, one of my 8 bridesmaid lives in the Philippines. I had planned to get her the dress in the states and have my parents who plan to go to the Philippines in August bring the dress to her. So, now the bridesmaids' dress try-outs are on. When I thought that I could rest, I am up in running again. I just have to figure out where to look for the dress. I am tending to lean toward David's bridal wear. I have two of the 8 bridesmaids in California. They can probably order their dresses at a store near and get fitted there. I believe that this is the easier way to do things.

I had planned for the bridesmaid to wear coordinating separates so that they can pick out an outfit that will make them feel comfortable and beautiful. David's bridal wear has a lot of options for bridesmaids and you can see their selections on line. That will be great for Ayee who is in the Philippines because she can check out which dress or top she would like and inform me which one to pick. Well, for those bridesmaids reading the blog (their "guilty pleasure"), I will confirm this with you all soon enough. I just need to get more details.

Back to Cheesecake Factory. Afterward, avoiding temptation of eating a whole slice of cheesecake, Linda and I went to Pearl Paints to check out the possible stationary that would create our invitations. They really didn't have anything impressive. Linda offered her expertise regarding the invitation and offered to take me to some of the stationary stores in New York which she learned through her graphic design classes. Did I tell you that I have some great friends?

Thank you, ladies. Thank you for your time, your laughs, your advice, and your silliness. But most of all your friendship.

Keep on reading this "guilty pleasure." One of my bridesmaids compared reading this blog to like watching some cheesy soap opera. You know that it is corny and mindless but you can't help yourself. Well, I am glad that you are enjoying this as I am in writing this. I did a lot more this weekend but I will give your eyes a rest.
Check in later as Vin and I hit the Short Hills Mall to finish our registry.

where, oh where, has the time gone?

some of you have wondered why the time on the website is in 'jersey city' time and not 'west orange'? well, it's simple, when cheryl learns html, creates, and/or maintains the website, then she can put up any time location she wants. but, since i do it, i'm putting jersey city.

it's not like the two cities are in different time zones or something.

maybe i should label it 'seton hall university chapel' time since that's where the ceremony will be taking place?

Part three of the wedding dress drama

Hello loyal blog fans,

Sorry about the delay regarding the sequel of the wedding dress try-outs. I told you in my last blog that a decision will be made by Tuesday. Well, a decision has been made but the dress has not yet been ordered. I tell you why in a sec.

So I went back on Monday to Park Avenue bridal salon with my mom to check out the first dress that I loved. My bridal consultant didn't appear too happy to see me. I guess it was a long day at work. I had come around 8:00 pm that night. I tried on the top 3 dresses that I saw there last time. The last one was the first one that I fell in love with. My mom agreed that it made me slimmer and that it was pretty. I kept looking at myself in the mirror and my bridal consultant was a bit pushy and asking me if this is "the one". Well, I knew that it didn't beat the one that I saw in Bridal Elegance. My heart went towards that one. I was debating whether I should take this one because it is cheaper. The bridal consultant knew that I wasn't in love with this dress anymore. She said that they could order it from their shop and she emphasized how they have a flat alteration fee of $125. (yet, remember that there is also a $75 fee for bustle. So, it is more like $200 if you have a train. Which I do). I met with the owner of the shop and he said that he would like to work it out for me and to call him back the next day to find the price that they will offer.

Well, I researched and found out at Bridal Elegance the alteration fee ranges from $150 to $250 depending on the alterations. That however includes the bustle. I also get 15% off on bridesmaid dresses.

Today I found out that Park Avenue was offering $15 more for the dress then the other shop. I informed them the offer that I had at the other shop. The owner again emphasized the flat alteration fee. I countered with the question regarding the bustle fee. He stated that I would need it if the dress has a train. I informed him that I would would think about it.

Well, I thought about it. I am going to purchase the dress over at Bridal Elegance. Like I said in the previous blog, the shop has friendly staff and they offer more personal attention than Park Avenue. Even if Bridal Elegance ask me to spend $250 in alterations, I would only be saving $35 at Park Avenue. I think that I can spare to spend $35 for better custom service.

So, I guess the dress solution is resolved. One less thing to worry about. Well, once I drop the deposit.

For those loyal fans and friends who have expressed concern about Vin's and my welfare, we are doing pretty well despite my melodramatic ravings. I tend to exaggerate a bit to make it a more interesting blog. Truthfully, the first three weeks I was a bit anxious about the wedding and I did lose some sleep over it. I think the novelty has worn off and once the reception hall and church was booked I have been sleeping like a baby. So, thanks for your concern. I AM looking forward to the day of the wedding, not because all this worrying will be over. More because I can't wait to share and celebrate the day with all our friends and family and, of course, more because that will be the first day of the rest of my life shared with the man I love. Yes, more PDAs. Sorry : (

On that note, see you at the next blog.

remember me?

just thought i'd drop a note telling everyone that both cheryl & i are doing fine. we're not on the verge of a nervous breakdown, we're not freaking out (at least i'm not), and we're not forgetting to post blogs. it's just been a slow weekend.

but thank you to all of you that got in touch with us making sure that we're o.k., we appreciate your concerns. really, we do. really.

Continuation of the wedding dress try-outs

Just to warn you. This one is a long one. For those who don't have the time to read my ramblings. Here is the edited version:

1. Friday I went to Park Avenue bridal shop and tried a beautiful dress that I loved.
2. Saturday my mother and I went to Bridal Elegance and found a beautiful dress that both my mother and I loved.
3. Monday, my mother and I will be returning to Park Avenue to try on that beautiful dress again to make a decision.
4. Tuesday, a decision will be made as to which dress wins. Stay tuned.

Now for those who have the time and the patience to read through my ravings. Here is the full length version.

The wedding dress drama continues. The only difference is I am not the drama queen I once was when I posted my last blog. I received some advice from a couple of friends, Paula and Jen, who quelled my fears and encouraged me to continue looking. I realized that the sale that was offered wasn't that much to produce a great discount. I was only saving $50 on the dress and $30 on veils and tiara. It wasn't enough to break the bank and I really wanted to see what my options are.

So, this weekend I went to a couple of shops. I made sure that I hit shops that were in my price range. I had called one shop only to find out the lowest dress they have is $3000. That was definitely a no. She did mention that they will have a sample sale in July but that is cutting it close.

So, I went to Park Avenue Bridal shop on Friday. They had told me over the phone that their lowest price is $700. Yet, when I got there my bridal consultant informed me that they don't carry that many dresses below $1000. Now they tell me. Well, so I went through the racks looking for "the dress" . I found a couple around $900 and of course, a lot around $1000. Beautiful dresses but like the consultant said, no "wow factor".

Before I continue, let me tell you about the process of trying the dresses on. Men don't know what us women go through. One thing is men don't need an assistant to try on dresses. You can't be modest when you try on wedding gowns. You usually need someone there to pour the dress over you, pull it up for your or zip you up. The bridal consultant, who was an older woman, guided me through reams of tulle, satin, crinoline, taffeta, etc. to poke my head out of these dresses. She would constantly order me to get in the middle of the dress and to pull up my strapless bra. Also since the sample sizes were a size smaller than what I am, I had to suck my stomach in for her to zip up the dresses. A couple of times, I had tripped just in trying on these dresses and getting out of these dresses. Men don't know how good they got it.

Back to the search for "the dress". While I was getting out of one dress, the bridal consultant, pulls a dress from another dressing room. Since I told her no lace (I like a simple, elegant look), she wasn't sure whether to show me but the lace was only at the bottom. I wasn't really impressed by it but I tried it on. And there it was "the wow factor". Damn did I look good if I don't say so myself. The dress made me appear taller and thinner. Just the type of dress that I was looking for. Not too much stuff going on. This appeared to be the dress and fortunately, this dress was the cheapest of all the dresses that I tried on (except for the one at David's bridal). It was under $900 but I really loved this dress unlike the one at David's bridal. I was pretty proud of myself. I just had to show my mom now. I trust her opinion.

Well, since I already set an appointment at Bridal Elegance and since it was in my home town, I decided to go there today with my mother. When I had called them, they had informed me that the dresses there ranged from $1000 and up. I was bracing myself with the fact that I might find something that I would love but could not afford. Well, let me say this one thing, Bridal Elegance, is a nice and friendly business. I enjoyed the personal attention that I received than in the previous shops. The business is run by a sister and brother and the place is set up in a house. It was really a nice place. Well, I tried on beautiful dresses but then again "the wow factor" hit. Again it was a dress that I wasn't so hot to try on (it had a bit more beading than I usually like but when I tried it on, I looked hot (please excuse my lack of modesty once again). The beading was also beautiful and wasn't overwhelming as I had expected it to be. Of course, this dress would be more expensive than the dresses at David's and at Park Avenue but it was just a little over $1000. Maybe I am making excuses but I love this dress.

So, here is the dilemmia. What dress to buy? I am really leaning on the one at Bridal Elegance. Yet, to make sure that I am picking the right dress my mom is going with me to look again at the one at Park Avenue on Monday night. I am not going to another dress shop because too many choices would only make me more anxious. Again, decisions, decisions, decisions.

So, stay tune. By Tuesday night, a decision will be made.

Time is not on my side

It looks like time is not on my side. Not one bit. It keeps ticking away. Tick. Tick. Tick. And Vin won't let me put it aside. Just for a moment. NOOOO!!! We have to start looking for DJs. Why? I ask. Music is music. Okay, music is not as much as a priority as, say, my dress. We just have different priorities. I guess it goes to prove that I am a Venutian and Vin is a Martian. (Although I had played a Martian for a time in the summer. Vin and Armi should get the reference. Here is a clue if they don't. Great Adventure. )

Yes, like I said, time is not on my side. It appears that God doesn't want me to get a chance to breathe. First I had to choose the reception site and take advantage of their discounted prices the same day I saw it. Of course, it was the only second place I saw.

Today, I go to David's Bridal, the first bridal shop I visited. Of course, I found a dress that I liked but I need to buy it before Monday. Otherwise, it will go to regular price.

God and Time is not on my side. I want to see other dresses. I want to compare. I don't want to be pressured to make a choice but then again I don't want to pay full price. Why, oh why is this happening again? I just have impeccable timing.

So, tomorrow I will try to visit some bridal shops and peruse their attires. Hopefully, then I will be able to make an educated choice and be happy with what I select. And hopefully, it will be on sale!

but we have time

so i told cheryl just minutes ago over the phone that we should start looking for a dj. she starts complaining that she doesn't want to rush things, she's still looking for a dress, that we have time, blah blah blah.

i try to explain to her that if we get rid of all this sort of stuff now, it's less we have to worry about later. all she kept saying was but we have time...do we have to do that now?...

for the first time in my life i want to be ahead of the game instead of waiting until the last minute and cheryl, who not so long again was freaking out about how little time we have, wants to slow things done. auugghhh....