Archive for October, 2009
Halloween Wedding Nixed by New Pastor of Sleepy Hollow’s Old Dutch Church
Photo Courtesy of Google Images
Seriously… what would you do if a wedding you’d been planning for over 13 months was all of a sudden denied one week before the intended “I do’s”? I’ll tell you what I would do. I would – for sure - spontaneously combust. Because my brain would not be able to process the news nor know who call first, my body would more than likely ignite and herethereto explode from disappointment. Fortunately for Jim Nieves and Lisa Panensky, they did not combust… Unfortunately, however, they were given this sad, sad news.
While planning their Halloween themed wedding, this Nieves and Panensky were dealt a little more trick and little less treat. Merely a week away from their ceremony – set to take place in the Old Dutch Church made famous by Washington Irving’s spook filled story, ‘The Legend of Sleep Hollow” – they were “poo poo’ed” by the church.
According to the New York Daily News, Nieves and Panensky had the Old Dutch Church reserved for over a year for their Halloween themed wedding, until the new Rev. Jeff Gargano stepped in and nipped their plans in the bud. After receiving an email from the couple requesting the organist play the theme from “The Addams Family,” Gargano responded with disdain and suggested that up until that point – one week prior to nuptial bliss – he had no reason to believe it was nothing more than a “run of the mill” ceremony.
Come on now, Reverend… the wedding date was intentionally set on October 31st – All Hollow’s Eve – in a Church made famous by a boo-riffic story. I mean hello???? If that wasn’t enough, surely the black wedding dress and pirate ruffled tux should have been dead giveaways for the couple’s intent. While Rev. Gargano did offer to marry the couple in the cemetery – refusing to have a “Halloween costume party” within the confines of the church - the couple decided they’d more than likely move the service to their home. Boo, almost seems like a letdown compared to the original… my heart goes out to them.
So, let this be a warning to all you brides-to-be out there planning a non-traditional wedding… be sure to check, double check, cross wires and split hairs with all intended parties to ensure that this won’t happen to you. Lord knows I love a good wedding, and I would hate to see any more bridal plans go up in smoke! Cheers to many years of wedded bliss and HAPP-HAPP-HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
3 comments October 30, 2009
What Were They Thinking Thursdays: Today’s Feature – Poo Cake?
Because we all need a reason to laugh (or perhaps something to make us feel better about ourselves), here at Marilyn’s Keepsakes, we’ve decided to implement a new feature called, “What Were They Thinking Thursdays.” What Were They Thinking Thursdays will showcase pictures from weddings that contain elements which include (but aren’t limited to) over the top ridiculousness, uncomfortable awkwardness, creepy confrontations, unknown subject matter or questionable contents… basically any picture that leaves us all with the same question mark… What Were They Thinking?
Today’s particularly gag-worthy pic features a happy, newlywed couple cutting their cake, which is accented by what I can only discern as one of three things: a “toilet treasure”, the walrus from Alice in Wonderland or a down scaled replica of Jabba the Hut (Star Wars fans, anyone?) Regardless, I’m left to wonder… WHAT WERE THEY THINKING???
Photo Courtesy of Dlisted.com
Have a note worthy example you’d like to share? Please feel free to email them to mkidwell@marilynskeepsakes.com for a chance to be featured! We always love hearing from you!
Add comment October 29, 2009
Think I’m Scared the Dress Won’t Fit? Think Again!…(or don’t, you had it right the first time – yikes.)
Photo Courtesy of CartoonStock.com
At first, it was funny… After taking a bear paw-sized handful of Reese’s Pieces: “Haha, yeeeeaaaahhhp, if I keep this up, I’ll be lucky to fit in my dress.”
Then, it became pathetic… After eating not one, but THREE homemade cupcakes: (Indistinguishable garbles through a mouth full of surgery, iced goodness) “These are soooo gooood! Good thing you can’t gain weight on your birthday, right?”
Until finally, it just got downright ridiculous… After eating the bag(s) – yes, plural! - of trick or treat, Halloween candy, four days before even a single, costumed kiddy showed up to receive them: “Well, I figured if I polished it off today, then I wouldn’t be tempted by it tomorrow.”
Photo Courtesy of CartoonStock.com
I mean honestly, what is the deal here?? Are there any other brides-to-be out there who have found themselves totally turning their back on Will Power? I am one month away from the big day (hooray!), and apparently, the nearing date makes me EXTRA (aka on the border of you-should-be-ashamed-of-yourself-for-eating-that) hungry. Excellent.
While I have never been one to freak out about my weight, especially because my Mister enjoys a curvy cutie – hehe, I am rather concerned that the slight tightening of my jeans may be reflected in the weariblity of my wedding dress come 11.28. Not good. So, I’ve decided that it’s time I get my “blossoming” booty in gear!
A girlfriend of mine is a personal trainer, and while she has made it very clear that the PC 30-45 minutes of cadio, daily strength training and healthy eating is the BEST solution, it’s not the only solution. In fact, she told me that if I stuck with doing old school push ups, sit ups, lunges, lower ab crunches and “maintaining portion control” on my diet, I should be fine and dandy.
With that said, if there’s no post on Friday, it’s because I’m either A) too sore from all the old school calisthenics or B) too weak from portion control to type. Wish me luck! And here’s some for you too. (Please limit one per customer – haha!)
2 comments October 28, 2009
Donald’s Inexplicable Hair Takes a Backseat to Ivanka’s Bridal Beauty: The Trump/Kushner Nuptials
Photo Courtesy of Fred Marcus Photography/Getty
While questions on the Donald’s hair may never be answered, the beauty of his daughter, Ivanka, on her wedding day is absolutely undeniable. After saying “I do” to the budding real estate tycoon, Jared Kushner, at their traditional, Jewish ceremony this past Sunday (October 25, 2009), Ivanka had several pictures released to the media showcasing her larger than life elegance.
Photo Courtesy of Fred Marcus Photography/Getty
Sporting a Vera Wang original, the now Mrs. Ivanka let it be known that her drop dead gaaarrrgeous gown was inspired by the dress originally worn by the sophisticated princess herself, Grace Kelly. (Siiiiigh, how can you not love love love Grace Kelly?) According to the New York Daily News, Ivanka polished her look off with $130,000 diamond drop earrings, a $90,000 bracelet from her own jewelry line and a $45,000 vintage hair clip… you know, the usual bridal accessories (cough, cough)… don’t we all wish?
Twit-a-holics to the core, both Ivanka and her florist, Preston Bailey, were twittering updates just minutes before the ceremony began. After going on a hike, the Donald’s oldest daughter wrote, “Just finished a gorgeous hike. The leaves are spectacular and the sun is shining. Everything is absolutely perfect! I’m getting married today!”; while her florist, the same man who ooh la la’ed his talents for Papa Donald and Melania Trump’s wedding in 2005, reported, “I can safely say it’s the most elegant job I’ve ever done thanks to her (Ivanka’s) great style.”
Photo Courtesy of Fred Marcus Photography/Getty
Style indeed. Anything that “trumps” a Trump has to be something to write home about, and while Ivanka and her million dollar hubby spared no expense on their nuptials, they also made sure to keep their vows sacred. After converting to Kushner’s faith of Judaism, Ivanka found it necessary to get hitched under a massive huppah or traditional, Jewish canopy to embrace her new found faith, as well her new found husband.
Love it! –> and I’m not just talking about the Donald’s ‘do! Well, actually, I was never talking about his hair-don’t, but rather, his daughter’s fabulous dress, timeless makeup and dazzling accessories! Go ahead with your bad self, Ivanka, and cheers to many fabulous years of wedded bliss!
4 comments October 26, 2009
This Ain’t Your Grandmama’s Wedding Cake: More Wedding Cake Alternatives
Yes, that's a pic of bride, her groom & HER cake - CAN'T!
BREAKING NEWS: This just in, traditional wedding cakes are being invaded by their just as delicious counterparts… and the world, as we know it, will never be the same! (Cue the scary “dun! dun! dun! Music)
A wise man once said, “the times they are a-changin’,” and even though Bob Dylan originally wrote this particular lyric in 1964, no quote is more fitting for today’s modern bride. Pair the infinite amount of choices and opportunities a girl has with an unlimited quantity of search engines, hog wild imaginations and varying budgets, and there is no telling what color rabbit a bridal magician will pull out from under her hat. This is the same notion tapping in and taking over on the traditional wedding cake’s reign of supremacy. It is merely one more wedding tradition that has inevitably fallen victim to pomp, circumstance and apparently, bridal wizardry.
Ice Cream - Can!
Among the most well known cake alternatives are colorfully creative cupcakes and ultra yummy, candy bars. Arguably rivaling the notorious, traditional wedding cake, cupcake towers and candy bar buffets have really become household names in the wedding world. Working their way up the popularity ladder, these customized creations have proven time and time again, what they lack in tradition; they gain in delightful designs. Because both choices can be dipped, dolloped, shellacked, sprinkled and stacked any way a bride sees fit, they are easily taking over the market of goodies miniature in size but powerful in taste.
Doughnuts - Yum!
Not to be outdone by the more popular wedding cake alternatives, places like Baskin-Robbins and the Krispy Kreme Doughnut chain have also jumped on board the wedding dessert bandwagon. Each has started customizing delectable dishes for brides and grooms looking for something original and nontraditional. Krispy Kreme will refine, ruffle and raise up rows of doughnuts in the name of “holey” matrimony, while Baskin-Robbins likes to allow their newlyweds-to-be the option of choosing their favorite flavors to be merged and quaffed into a giant ice cream creation… giving ice sculptures and “cold feet” reassurance it’s super cool to be a part of wedded bliss. (What? Too much?)
Pork Pies - Huh?
And while chilled cream cakes and ice sculptures give couples a reason to freeze their assets, stacking their finger licking favorites in tiers is yet another alternative that will leave their guests with full bellies and warm hearts. Everything from fruit packed pastries to mousse filled toasting flutes and even pancakes and pork pies (yes, pancakes and pork pies!) have been displayed in reception halls across America. Not only can this cut down on service charges, but it also allows newlyweds the opportunity to have more than one choice. One of the most popular “tier”-ing choices is a combination of prepackaged confectioneries, such as Twinkies, Ding Dongs and Sno Balls, being assembled and stacked on cake plates and platters. These are obviously done by a bride looking to be the “Hostess with the Most-est!”
Pancakes - Yum!
But aiming to please isn’t the only reason people are leaning more toward wedding cake alternatives. More often than not, dessert options are decided by someone’s preferences, culture, heritage or beliefs; so, many couples will look to other parts of the world are looked to for inspiration. For instance, while many Americans humor in the fruitcake as a holiday gag gift, places like the British Isles, the Caribbean, Ireland and Scotland revere the fruit frenzy as a wedding day must have. Couples looking for something different might even look to Europe where France venerates its caramel covered, cream filled pastry towers (known as croquembouche) or Lithuania where sakotis – a cookie like dessert, shaped into a Christmas tree are nothing short of blue ribbons. Even newlyweds who (gasp!) don’t have a sweet tooth can look for inspiration in places like Korea who simply cover ground steamed rice in red bean powder or areas like Japan and India who use “dummy cakes” instead of the real thing. While the guests might not delight in eating cardboard, the wad left in a couple’s wallet from cutting cake costs will leave at least two people smiling.
Hostess Treats - Back to Yum!
Bottom line, wedding cakes and all their ensuing alternatives really don’t have any specific rules to follow. In fact, since everyone knows *calories don’t count when someone’s getting married, it may even be encouraged to go for the broke and try them all!
*not backed by scientific facts; only by the white lies people tell themselves to feel better.
1 comment October 23, 2009
Forcing a Wedding Connection for the Love of Sex and the City
Kim Cattral & Miley Cyrus
I’m sure you’re all familiar with the “six degrees of separation” theory. It’s the same theory people used to show how all celebrities are connected by six degrees or less through Kevin Bacon. Haha! (Does anyone else find using the former Footloose frolic-er as the placebo here as hilariously random as I do?) Well, for all intents and purposes, I will be putting it into play for this post as well… the theory, that is… not Kevin Bacon.
While today’s blogging bit may not be exactly six degrees off, I’m using the common denominator that the first Sex and the City movie was all about Carrie and Big’s tumultuous twists and turns during their road to the alter, in order to justify writing about my total, over-the-top levels of anticipation for its sequel. (SH$@*HG$#&GF!!!!!) That’s supposed to symbolize my girlish giddiness. Awesome, I know.
Anyhoot, People.com just released an article revealing some of the movie’s “some-things-to-look-forward-to” features, and I couldn’t be more pumped to discuss them all with you! Among the delicious details is news of celebrity guest appearances from big names, such as Penelope Cruz, Miley Cyrus, and dare I even name drop it?… Liza Minnelli. That’s right, even Ms. Minnelli will be pasting on her best false lashes and fluttering for the silver screening of this big sequel. Too and Much.
Ohhh, the 80's
Another juicy gem is the knowledge that the finest (“finest” being the operative word) fashions of the 1980’s will be out in full force through a memory Carrie recalls during a flashback. Reminiscing when she first moved to the Big Apple and met her co-starring counterparts, Parker’s character will be dolled up and decked out in clothing from the most cringe worthy era ever. For cereal, how can you not love that?
Patricia Field, the famous fashionista behind the iconic styles of Sex and the City and downright genius of the threads – if you ask me, went on to divulge that there will also be some exotic settings to watch for. The cast and crew will spend about six weeks shooting in Morocco, which means the film will not only have babushka 80’s bangs, but belly dancers and Bedouins! (Oh my!)
As for the Mr. and Mrs. Big newlywed networkers, Field is keeping her lips sealed. (Boo!) You know that girl knows we’re all DYING for some baby news! Just like the age old saying, first comes love (aka Seasons 1-6 of the series); then come marriage (aka Sex and the City: The Movie); then comes (fill in your name here) in the baby carriage (Sex and the City: The Sequel)… I’m just saying :)
Add comment October 21, 2009
Today’s Inspiration: Be an Example of Love to Others
Yesterday, the Mister and I attended a couple’s retreat as part of our pre-marital preparation, and while it was mandatory and for the most part all the other adjectives “mandatory” tends to connotate, there were some highlights… one of which I feel compelled to share with all you today. (I know. You’re on the edge of seats, right?)
The day consisted of different programs put on by different couples – which all included the same reluctant participation – interrupted by brief bathroom breaks and cold cut turkey sandwiches. (I know you’re jealous – hehe) During one of the presentations, “Building Your Identity as a Couple,” the husband and wife duo offered advice on how couples can bring the best parts of their lives and merge them into their new “identity” as one, singular unit. In layman’s terms – great ways to take an I and You and make them a We.
They used examples of how couples can take what they’ve learned from past experiences with family and friends, as well their backgrounds and views on politics, religion, morality, (fill in any other non-pc, sometimes-hard-to-talk-about-subject here), etc. and build a life that can reflect them both equally. While the overall sentiment can obviously come off cheesy, the underlying notion of taking the best of yourselves as individuals and merging them into an idyllic family unit is actually pretty inspiring.
At the end, there was left time for questions, and after a brief pause of awkward silence, a young lady sitting caddy corner from me raised her hand and asked, “In your program you talked a lot about how a person’s individual identity is many times a direct reflection of the people they surround themselves with. This worries me a little because the men in my fiancé’s family don’t have the best view towards women.” She then proceeded to give examples of how his brothers were more than likely to treat women as objects, rather than partners, and they’ve even spoken ill about and targeted her directly on a number of occasions… not… good.
My initial reaction was to get Jerry Springer, raise my hands and shout things like, “Oh no they didn’t!” However, I must admit I was sincerely impressed with the presenting couple’s response. Rather than taking the negative “Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!” version, they revealed a solution that all couples should take into consideration.
They prefaced their answer on how family dynamics can be tricky and should be dealt with the utmost of care. While it’s never okay to force/make/threaten your significant other to “ditch” his or her family, it is always okay to express how you feel. They continued with – and here’s that jewel I’ve been eluding too -, “don’t worry about the family being a bad influence on you… strive instead, to be a good influence on them.” Genius.
So many times, it seems as though it’s easier to become engulfed by the negative, that we lose out on the positive. I hate that. (Why do you think I avoid the news?) This couple made it very clear that every bride and groom-to-be can choose to write their own happy ending. And if we all lead through an example of positive love, and “poo poo” all the Negative Nellies, it will be a lot easier to see the light at the end of the tunnel… literally.
Please feel free to leave your ray of sunshine below (ie. something about your love that makes you smile, a way you’ve been inspiring OR inspired, etc.)… we’ll leave the snarly stuff to the news :D
Add comment October 19, 2009
Putting the “BOO” in FaBOOlous: Happy Halloween Themed Weddings
Christina Aguilera + Her Halloween Hubby
While I was out on Wednesday for a marketing conference, I ran into an old friend – don’t you just love that? And pretty Ms. Nancy reported that she recently received a wedding invitation from an old, mutual friend of ours. Remembering the girl and how I admired her ability to march to the beat of her own drum, I was not in the least bit surprised that she was having a Happy Halloweener Wedding, complete with the instruction for guests to come in costume!
That’s right, her wedding wants to put everyone in the holiday spirit, and can I just say that I love love love it!!! I love hearing about different ideas and ways brides and grooms choose to showcase their love. Moreover, I’m stewing in my own misery for not keeping better contact with her – ‘cause you KNOW I would be decked to the nines for this bad boy! Hehe!
This was actually the same path my cousin Kelly wanted to take three years ago while planning her wedding. She has always had a severe crush on all things Halloween and delighted in the idea of surrounding her wedding with all things black and orange. She even toiled (pun intended) with the idea of costume/cross dressing as the groom and having Matt (the actual groom) wear the dress… haha, ohhhh Kelly.
Knowing Kelly very well, my Aunt and cousin decided it would be best not to say anything at all. For they knew, any objection or slight hesitation in their voices would only cause her to be more motivated, and after a couple days, the inspiration subsided. And while Kelly opted to have a very traditional wedding, it is by no means out of the reach of other brides to take a wedding theme over the top!
Go ahead and Google it… you just may be surprised all the things you can find. I literally saw everything from subtle hints of Halloween through candy bars, color accents and dim lit settings to the outrageously BOO-filled celebrations complete with the Bride of Frankenstein, black winged bridesmaids and graveyard ceremony settings. (Yeah, the last one creeped me out a little too.)
It almost makes me sad to know that I would never have courage to do something like this - as I’ve been dead set on being a “timeless” bride. I will, however, always take my hat off and applaud all the brave brides-to-be who dare to be different! Go ahead with your bad (and in this case, trick-or-treaty) selves!
7 comments October 16, 2009
Are Wedding Bells Chiming for Hollywood’s Golden Child?
Recently spotted fannying around town, dressed to the nines in a Marchesa wedding gown, Kate Hudson had the rumor mill going hog wild for celebrity wedding dish! How quickly all the buzzing bumblebees were silenced, however, as each one discovered it was simply the wardrobe for Hudson’s latest photo shoot in New York City. (Boo!)
But don’t completely turn your celeb luvin’ eyes away from the yet… People.com reported the latest and greatest for Hollywood’s favorite hippie chick last Tuesday, where a source informed them that Kate and Yankee’s front man, Alex Rodriguez, are a lot more serious than people think… they’ve even been spotted house hunting. (Yowsas!)
Hudson, who’s been linked to celebrity boo boos, such as Owen Wilson, Lance Armstrong and Dax Shepard, since her split from Chris Robinson in 2006, appears to be an eternal cheerleader for love… and I dig that. As a self proclaimed hope-ful romantic myself, I say to Kate and A-Rod, go on with your Spring-turned-into-Summer-and-then-Fell-into-Fall love story.
If anything, we at least know Hudson would make a ga-ga gorgeous bride! Normally straying far away from the celebrity staple of black, Hudson is one celeb that proves wearing white is more than alright. Whether she’s dressing up or dressing down, in a wedding gown or hitting the town, this is one celeb-utante whose wardrobe reflects the lovely pearly whites she loves to flash. Go ahead, Ms. Hudson, go ahead.
1 comment October 12, 2009
Today Daddy’s Little Girl Becomes Tanner’s Beautiful Bride: The “Heartbreaking” Father/Daughter Dance
Papa & Me
I (along with everyone else who knows me) have always known that I am a very emotional, VERY dramatic person. Heck, I’m famous for tearing up at a sappy AT&T or holiday commercials… don’t judge me. But one thing I’ve always prided myself on is being able to hold it together when the time called for it…
…When it comes to my upcoming nuptials, however??? Forget about it! You might as well roll up every single, sappy holiday commercial, love song, hug from your sweet little grandma, fluffy puppy, new born laughing baby, Nicholas Sparks’ novel and tear felt family reunion all in one. Because I, my dear my friends and fellow brides-to-be, am one big, fat, hot, emotional mess. Haha, for cereal, I can’t stop from tearing up!
This – of course – was the same sentiment that boiled over when my dad told me what song he had chosen for us to dance to. Bill (that’s my Papa!) has always been a man of very few words and very great action. He’s an incredible base of reassurance and a person whose unsung deeds far outweigh everyone else’s (perhaps even combined), which is why I wanted to alot him this one, small victory of choosing our song. I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, he’d do a far greater job than me.
Weeks into his search, my mom reported that he must’ve spent HOURS upon hours listening, searching and perusing every Web site his two index typing fingers could find… and yes, my dear ‘ole dad still types with just two fingers, hehe! And after about a month of searching, he finally found what he was looking for and rightfully beamed with pride that he made the perfect choice. This was super exciting news for me because I knew how long he’d searched, but my excitement quickly turned to sadness when he reported that he wanted it to be a surprise. I mean really? I have to wait until the actual big day!?!? The anticipation was enough to make a pig vomit – see, VERY dramatic.
Anyhoot, because my Papa doesn’t ask or request much, I decided that I would respect his surprise and “patiently” wait for 11.28.2009. Last night, however, after meeting with our ceremony musicians, he kindly handed me a CD as we walked to our cars and said, “Number 8.” Confused at first, I got super pumped when I realized it was our song!
I immediately hugged and kissed everyone goodbye, hurriedly ran to my car and before even buckling my belt or shutting the door, I shoved the disk into the dash and anxiously waited for the words to play… And as I drove in my car – with the CD on repeat – I cried. (Surprise-sa-freakin-saprise, haha!) My Papa was right; he had picked the perfect song for our Father / Daughter dance. Here it is. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
I mean honestly, the first line alone! So perfect for my Papa and me! I love happy stories; so, I would love love love for all of you to leave the song you and your dad danced to OR even a sweet story about the man who gave you away.
11 comments October 7, 2009
