Red Fish Blue Fish

Saving Money

2009-01-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

One of my new year's goals this year was to get my finances in order (well, more order) and keep looking at it with an eagle's eye. My wedding was spectacular and I don't regret it for the world but this year, the focus is now on debt service. When you devise a plan to really pay off your debts, to get that yoke off of you, two things happen. Work becomes serious business, and the promise of new opportunites looks golden. Yesterday, I dyed my own hair. It turned out great and waaaaay cheaper than the salon. I am cleaning out our house and giving things away to charity. I discovered mint.com. I'm thinking of refinancing my mortgage to a better rate. I'm really excited about a future with no more debt.

My Review of New Rita Medium Shoulder Bag

2008-12-18T12:49:00.001-08:00

Originally submitted at Kipling

Medium Shoulder Bag

Very nice

By mavi from Philadelphia, PA on 12/18/2008

Pros: Attractive, Easy to Clean, Good Organization, High Quality, Good Strap Length, Easy Access, Enough Compartments

Best Uses: Everyday, Traveling, Running Errands

Describe Yourself: Comfort-Oriented, Modern, Stylish, Career, Practical

This is a great medium sized messenger bag. I love that it has an easy to open velcro flap AND and zipper so that nothing falls out if turned upside down which is what happens with my Manhattan Portage bag. And it is lightweight and super durable. I bought 2.

(legalese)

Patience Please

2008-12-13T11:30:00.000-08:00

HI, I have been having some problems with my blog at work. For some reason, the last few times I have tried to log on, something goes wrong and it doesn't save, post or it simply freezes. I will keep trying. Sorry about the delay.

Little Flower Designs

2008-11-19T07:57:00.000-08:00

I bought these two pieces for my friend Rachel. She loved them but then, she didn't know about the super special piece which was a 15 inch plate that I had commissioned with her and her husband's name with their wedding date. Linda Johnson, the talent behind Little Flower Designs was so great to work with and came with a stunning beauty that I left sitting unwrapped on my dining table for 3 days just so that I could enjoy it every time I passed by.

Claw Tree Designs

2008-11-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

This lovely bracelet of shells and pearls and shiny opalescent beads are from Etsy seller Claw Tree Designs. It is such a stunning, romantic piece.

I apologize that I haven't gotten to take detailed photographs of the elements of my wedding. I plan to do that and post them here. I just have had quite a bit of night call, and some post wedding duties to take care of.

Classic Designs

2008-11-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

This beautiful necklace is by Classic Designs, an Etsy seller with beautiful things. I love the simplicity and yet, it says so much.

Halloween Parade

2008-11-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

This weekend we went to the Village Halloween Parade in NYC. Over 50, 000 people parade by but many of the spectators of upto 2 million are dressed up as well. It is the coolest parade in the US ever. Next year, we are going up and inviting all our friends. We wore our viking helmets.

The Women's Civic Club

2008-10-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Some photos from friends are coming back to us as our "official" photographs aren't here yet. These are some pictures of the set up inside and outside. The lovely lanterns that we used to line the aisle were to come inside and be placed on the tables. Then all the candles were to be lit up. It actually happened that way, thanks to our awesome friends. I walked into this room, and I could not believe how beautiful it was. The entire dinner was by candlelight only.

Greece

2008-10-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

We are leaving tomorrow for our honeymoon to Greece. We are flying out of JFK to Athens and taking a cruise to the different islands. I promise to look out for new and cool ideas and it's beach, beach, beach where we are. I hope to have alot more pictures of our wedding to share. I'll be back on the 20th.

Programs

2008-10-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

These are the programs that I made. I used tagboard for the cover in the seaside color pack sold at Michaels. For the design, I used a stamp from Papersource that was perfect for us as it had an Indian flair, and was 2 fish. I used metallic embossing powder and a heat tool to raise the design. I cut a brown kraft paper background and used ribbon for the binding. Finally, I used larger glass stones also found at Michaels to hold the programs in place on the chairs. They were so beautiful against the white chairs. More pictures to come.

Amaia Pieces

2008-10-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

When I was looking for wedding jewelry, I came across this piece on Etsy made my Etsy seller Amaia. What gorgeous colors! Unfortanately, I found it too late and there was no time to get in made and delivered. But for those lucky brides that found this before I did, it's really pretty.

Good Times!

2008-10-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

Our Ceremony

2008-10-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

Processional (Thomas and Radha play when Jeremy cues them)

Greeting (Rachel)

Welcome, family and friends.
We are here today to celebrate the love that Madhavi and Jeremy have for each other.

If you ask most couples who have a strong and abiding love what they like most about their partners, usually they will say that they don't have to pretend to be anything other than what they are. They are able to express themselves without fear of being judged or rejected. There is room in the relationship for both of them to be unique individuals. They are free to surrender to the possibility of profound intimacy-to be known and loved without condition.
It is a relationship to be entered into deliberately, lovingly, and with respect.

Knowing and embracing this, Madhavi and Jeremy have invited all those present to offer your love and support to this union, and to allow them to start their married life together
surrounded by the people dearest and most important to them.

Reading (Yvona) - excerpt from “Gift from the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

When you love someone, you do not love them all the time, in exactly the same way, from moment to moment. It is an impossibility. It is even a lie to pretend to. And yet this is exactly what most of us demand. We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist in terror its ebb. We are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanency, on duration, on continuity; when the only continuity possible, in life as in love, is in growth, in fluidity - in freedom, in the sense that the dancers are free, barely touching as they pass, but partners in the same pattern.

The only real security is not in owning or possessing, not in demanding or expecting, not in hoping, even. Security in a relationship lies neither in looking back to what was in nostalgia, nor forward to what it might be in dread or anticipation, but living in the present relationship and accepting it as it is now. Relationships must be like islands, one must accept them for what they are here and now, within their limits - islands, surrounded and interrupted by the sea, and continually visited and abandoned by the tides.

Song (Pete) excerpt from "We Belong Together" by Gavin DeGraw

We belong together,
like the open seas and shores.
wedded by the planet force, we've all been spoken for.

The hammer may strike,
be dead on the ground.
a nail to my hand,
a cross on his crown.
we're done if, who we're undone,
finished if who we are incomplete.
as one we are everything,
we are everything we need.

We belong together,
like the open seas and shores,
wedded by the planet force,
we've all been spoken for

What good is a life,
with no one to share,
the light of the moon,
the honor of a swear.
we can try to live the way in which you speak,
taste the milk of your mother earth's love,
spread the word of consciences you see,
we are everything we need

We belong together,
like the open seas and shores.
wedded by the planet force,
we've all been spoken for.

Poem (Ragini) - excerpt from "I Like You" by Sandol Stoddard Warburg

I like you and I know why.
I like you because you are a good person to like,
I like you because when I tell you something special, you know it's special
And you remember it a long, long time.
You say, Remember when you told me something special
And both of us remember.

When I think something is important
You think it's important too.
We have good ideas.
When I say something funny, you laugh
I think I'm funny and you think I'm funny too
Ha ha!

That's because you really like me
You really like me, don't you
And I really like you back
And you like me back and I like you back
And that's the way we keep on going every day

If you go away, then I go away too,
Or if I stay home, you send me a postcard.
You don't just say Well see you around sometime, bye.
I like you a lot because of that.
If I go away, I send you a postcard too.
And I like you because if we go away together
And if we are in Grand Central Station
And if I get lost
Then you are the one who is yelling for me.

And I like you because when I am feeling sad
You don't always cheer me up right away
Sometimes it is better to be sad
You can't stand the others being so googly and gaggly every single minute
You want to think about things
It takes time.

I like you because if I am mad at you
Then you are mad at me too
It's awful when the other person isn't.
They are so nice and hoo-hoo you could just about punch them in the nose.

If you find two four-leaf clovers, you give me one.
If I find four, I give you two.
If we only find three, we keep on looking.
Sometimes we have good luck, and sometimes we don't.

I like you because I don't know why but
Everything that happens is nicer with you.
I can't remember when I didn't like you
It must have been lonesome then.

I like you because because because
I forget why I like you but I do.
So many reasons.
On the fourth of July I like you because it's the fourth of July.
On the fifth of July, I like you too.

Even if it was the 999th of July
Even if it was August
Even if it was way down at the bottom of November
Even if it was no place particular in January
I would go on choosing you
And you would go on choosing me
Over and over again.
That's how it would happen every time.
I guess I just like you because I like you.

Song (Jesse)

Speech (Natalie)

Song (Thomas & Radha)

Rachel: (excerpt from Robert Fulgham)
Madhavi and Jeremy, you have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes, to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making commitments in an informal way. All of those conversations that were held in a car, or over a meal, or during long walks – all those conversations that began with, “When we’re married”, and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” – all those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” – and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things that we’ve promised, and hoped, and dreamed – well, I meant it all, every word.”Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years. Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same. Madhavi and Jeremy, we come now to your vows. Will you now please turn and face each other, and hold hands.

Rachel to Jeremy:

Jeremy, please repeat after me:
Madhavi, I choose now to stay this path with you,.......
Wherever it leads, whatever the outcome;.............
To travel with you through the adventures of life,...........
Loving you at my side, in all that we will find,...........
I pledge my friendship, my faith and my love...............
Please put the ring on Madhavi's finger.

Rachel to Madhavi:

Madhavi, please repeat after me:
Jeremy, I choose now to stay this path with you,............
Wherever it leads, whatever the outcome;.........
To travel with you through the adventures of life,........
Loving you at my side, in all that we will find,........
I pledge my friendship, my faith and my love...........
Please put the ring on Jeremy's finger.

Rachel:

We will now bless the couple with a custom called "The Seven Steps," used traditionally in Hindu wedding ceremonies. The bride and groom take a step in symbolic affirmation of each blessing. [Rachel says each blessing, then M+J step after]

1. May this couple be blessed with an abundance of resources and comforts, and be helpful to one another in all ways.

2. May this couple be strong and complement one another.

3. May this couple be blessed with prosperity and riches on all levels.

4. May this couple be eternally happy.

5. May this couple be blessed with a happy family life.

6. May this couple live in perfect harmony, true to their personal values and their joint promises.
7. May this couple always be the best of friends.

We come now to the Jewish custom of the breaking of the glass. There is an ancient teaching which suggests that life itself is like a vessel into which there pours, at different times, varying amounts of joy and sadness. But at the time of a wedding, there is such an abundance of love and laughter, and of hopes and dreams, that no vessel is considered large enough to contain them all.

Jeremy, as you break this glass on your behalf and Madhavi's, those fragments, those sparks of love, laughter, hopes, and dreams, rush forth to touch everyone who is privileged to be here today. Madhavi and Jeremy, with the breaking of the glass, I declare you husband and wife.

[Jeremy breaks the glass, M+J kiss, and on cue, Alo Brasil breaks into batucada at which point M+J go back up the aisle hand in hand]

Wedding!

2008-10-07T09:21:00.001-07:00

Lots more pictures to come. It was a glorious day! We had so much fun, I'm getting photos from friends and family today. I didnt get to take a single shot. But OMG, we had a blast. I loved how the maids looked with the different shades of blue skirts and the silver tops. I LOVED the props and laugh hysterically when I see the photos and remember the times. Everyone said they had a great time and that our ceremony was the best that they had ever seen. I'm so glad. I am so happy!

Venue

2008-10-01T10:54:00.000-07:00

More pictures of the raw space. If you look beyond the red plastic covered tables, you can see the good bones. It has great windows, a whole side of glass doors overlooking the dunes and ocean, beautiful hardwood floors. The stage is great for the DJ, and it's clean and inviting. We are going to use 8 foot tables and decorate in shades of green and blues to go with the painting. I'll definitely show you guys photos

3 Days to Go!

2008-10-01T07:25:00.000-07:00

Oh my god, 3 days to go! This is our raw venue space. The ceremony will be on the lot overlooking the sand dunes. The reception will be inside with this nice egret painting as a backdrop. And the food will be on the balcony with the awning. This is the Stone Harbor Womens Civic Club that cost $1475 to rent all day and we are free to bring in our own caterer and vendors. AND it's right on the beach. If I dont post in the next few days, forgive me and I'll make it up to guys after I get back. (pictures by Erin Wyher)

Decoration

2008-09-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

This is a really well done and awe inspiring inspiration board that I found on a website sometime back. The first picture is of Elizabeth Messina's wedding and the one with the flags is from Lisa Vorce of Oh How Charming. I wish I knew where the others were from. I love the chiffon blue flags and am trying to replicate some out of bamboo poles and silk chiffon. They are going to flank the entrance in slim aluminum pots bought at Ikea.

Beach Decor

2008-09-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

This is a lovely beachy decor of sophistication and style. I love how the colors chosen work with and not in contrast to the natural beauty of the view. And what a view! The dresses below just emphasize the colors. I'm sorry, I do not know who makes each of the dresses. The decor is from MindyWeiss.

Invitations or Favors

2008-09-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

This is a darling invitation that I found via Oh Happy Day blog. They were made by Lily Darby. That is so clever - red Swedish fish with the red fortune telling fish. I wanted to incorporate the fortune telling fish into my wedding invitations and bought 100 of them on Ebay but in the end, they just didnt tie in well with the design. I'll keep them for a future party maybe with invites printed to go inside.

My Wedding Dress

2008-09-24T13:44:00.000-07:00

And now for the big reveal - my wedding dress. It is made of ivory silk chiffon with a sublte striped pattern and it flows so beautifully. It is from BCBG and alterated to perfection by Steve at Old City. It is the third wedding dress I bought. The other two didn't work out. The first one was on sale at a thrift store that I bought over a year ago but when I tried it on recently, it didn't fit at all. The second one was also a BCBG dress, but the size was also too large and the material frayed on the edges which I didn't like for a wedding dress. This one is perfect for the beach. I am wearing gold shoes and have gold/pearl/turquoise accessories. It should come back from the tailors any day now. I just bought a strapless bra from Victoria's Secret for it and will wear Spanx to provide structure.

Baby pictures

2008-09-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

Jeremy and I are getting a bunch of pictures together from when we were kids to display at our wedding. We were thinking about lining them up on a string with wooden clips but if it is too blustery, I'll put them in an album. He is in the process of making copies of all the originals so that we display the copies (least they blow away or get lost). The above picture is me at 1 month old. I am trying to find someone who would be able to restore the photo. What I like best about the photo is my mom behind the chair holding me up.

My dress

2008-09-22T13:52:00.001-07:00

This is the beautiful shrug I bought for my dress in case it is cold. The flower will be a carmel color. I thought of a wrap but I wanted the beauty of the dress uncovered and I didnt want the wrap constantly needing adjusting. My dress is ivory. This was made my etsy seller trendyknitting from Istanbul. She has beautiful stuff.

Less than 2 weeks Away

2008-09-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

I apologize if the next few weeks are sporadic. My wedding is less than 2 weeks away. This weekend, we picked up my fiance's suit which needs some collar alterations. He had it custom made in India and due to language problems, what should have been a Nehru collar turned into a zoot suit collar. Really wide and big. I saw it and burst out laughing. But luckily the amazing Indian tailor at Deen Fashions in Iselin, New Jersey fixed it up nicely. I called my tailor to see whether the alterations I needed were done but they seemed like they hadn't started. I told them I needed it this weekend. That should give a week of leeway time if needed.

We also visited the venue and looked at electrical outlet placement and to check the weather. It was kinda cold and overcast so again, the tent question remains in the back of our minds. We dont need a tent but it would be really nice to have in the event of rain or cold. Just more space to talk.

Double Fish Icon

2008-09-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

This is one of the icons from our wedding. It is from Paper Source and is a stamp of this size. We are using it on our programs but it also found it's way into our save the dates. It is perfect for us because it has Indian elements, it is perfect for the beach (fish) and it is a couple. Since it doesn't scream wedding, it can also be used for many things afterwards too.

This week I am on call. I may not get to post again this week, so I apologize in advance. Things are really starting to get in full swing for wedding preparations since we have less than 4 weeks to go and this wedding is very DIY.

Paper Flowers

2008-09-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

This is a lovely playful paper blossom that would look good in with any paper. Papersource has some flower patterns that might fit the bill and it is especially nice for couples whose colors are in the blues, greens, and silvers because you aren't just stuck with white flowers. I think this is from Martha Stewart Weddings but I am not sure.

Vacation

2008-08-26T08:39:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow we are headed up to Gloucester, Massachusetts to spend some time relaxing with our friends Mike and Sarah at their vacation home called Bayview. I need the time off! I will be back on Tuesday. Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Greece

2008-08-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

We are going on a cruise to Greece for our honeymoon. We fly into Athens and then set sail on a ship around many of the islands and even have a stop in Turkey. Each day, we spend time on a different island. It's so perfect because, although we are not used to traveling this way, we never have to worry about where we are going to sleep that night, how we are going to get from A to B, and most meals are on the ship and we can have one on the island. With the Euro being so high, this will be a great bonus.

Hair Accessories

2008-08-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

These stunning creations are by Etsy seller Whichgoose. She makes them out of natural and found materials adding to their appeal. I love their whimsy, fairy, unstylised look. So perfect for a breezy wedding.

Wedding Band

2008-08-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

This is my wedding band. It was custom made in gold by Monique Leon, a New Orleans jeweler. I love flowers and I fell in love with this unique, gorgeous ring immediately. It fits like a dream and is so comfortable. I have other gold jewelry on my left hand so I am going to wear my engagement ring on my right hand after I am married and this band on my left ring finger. A ring like this one can stand alone.

Wedding hairstyle

2008-08-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is my wedding hairstyle. I have long curly hair and this is so pretty, so elegant, and loose. It is the only hairstyle that will let me keep my hair down but still play up the curls. I ordered a hair vine infused with shells and pearls which seller Chicallure on Etsy made for me. I love it! I just sent her a photo of the above. I am also going to take this photo to my non-wedding hair stylist before the final cut. Unfortunately, as the wedding is on the beach, my hairstylist can't travel, so I have to have someone style my hair down there. Hopefully, a picture is a 10,000 words and I dont end up with big Jersey hair.

Rope coasters

2008-08-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

These lovely beachy decor would be lovely for a seaside home or a wedding cocktail table or even favors. From the Martha Stewart craft of the day.

Instructions:

Begin by preparing a cardboard work surface and template for each. Using a compass, trace a circle about 4 inches in diameter onto a piece of corrugated cardboard. Snip the end of a ball of cotton clothesline at a 45-degree angle. Dab the end with craft glue, and fold it over onto itself. Fix to the cardboard with a pin. Carefully coil the rope around, gluing as you go, and secure with a pin every 3/4 inch. At the edge of the template, cut the rope. Let dry overnight. Remove pins, and coat both sides with acrylic paint.

Crustaceans

2008-08-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

These crustaceans are from Dover Art. They would be perfect as decoupage for favor boxes, gift cards or as part of a wedding paper suite.

Beach wedding photo

2008-08-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

I love this beach picture from Jennifer Stone Weddings. It is just a natural picture, the bride barefoot, the groom holding her shoes. She, lifting her dress in the prettiest casual way. I dont see too many that I like as most of them are "too stiff" for the beach.

Nautilus shell bouquet

2008-08-11T12:35:00.000-07:00

This lovely bouquet is so simple and sweet and beach perfect. I dont have the name of the fantastic designer. When I was in NYC, I found large nautilus shells that would be perfect for this in the Flower district.

Perfect Beach hair

2008-08-04T08:26:00.000-07:00

This is what perfect beach hair should look like. Just the perfect mix of structured and messy. The hair vine is beautiful. There is a wonderful shop on etsy called "chicallure". Jennifer makes beautiful hair pieces. I asked me to make me one with shells and pearls.

Seashell Lights

2008-08-01T07:44:00.001-07:00

This awesome idea comes straight from Martha Stewart Living Craft of the Day.
Instructions:

A string of beach treasures casts a dreamy glow on a patio or porch. Decorate a string of small white lights with clean, dry shells. Tape a 2-foot section of lights to your work surface with bulbs lying flat. Apply a thin layer of epoxy along the hinge edge of a shell, and press into place at the base of a light. Repeat for each bulb. Let dry about five minutes before continuing with the next section.

Hospitality

2008-08-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

I love this assortment of sunblock, fans and umbrellas for beach wedding guests. What a beautiful presentation! And the homemade bottles are super cute.

Surfboard Bar

2008-07-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

I wanted to recreate this gorgeous bar. However, one push and the surfboard is off the saw horses. Bye bye drinks. If I could find a way to secure it however, it would be very cute. Does anyone have any ideas?

Beach Wedding Hairstyles

2008-07-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some great beach wedding hairstyles. The trick is to keep it loose and lovely, as overstructured hair looks out of place on the beach. I am not sure why all the beach hair models are blonde. I am not blonde. I have long dark curly hair so the 2nd and 3rd pictures are possible options.

Boutonnieres

2008-07-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

These are such lovely, fresh boutonnieres for a beach wedding. They keep to sea colors of greens and blues, look lovely on a light colored suit, and the beading detail is precious. These could even be done in advance with silk flowers so that they always look perfect, no matter what the temperature.

Beach Photo

2008-07-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

This picture is so dramatic and I love the colors. I am not sure who the photographer is.

Table Decorations

2008-07-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

These are really simple, very beautiful table centerpieces that can be prepared in advance. Since everything relted to out wedding has to be brought in, every little bit helps.

My Engagement Ring

2008-07-25T12:04:00.001-07:00

This is the engagement ring that Jeremy proposed to me with last December. It is a cushion cut diamond set in platinum band with small diamonds and two sapphires. I love the way the sapphire adds that extra spark and the beauty of the three prongs on each corner that hold the center stone. The ring is an Art Deco reproduction that was bought at Leigh Jay Nacht in New York City. It's set low so that it doesn't snag, and it is the most comfortable ring to wear.

Laura Nadeau

2008-07-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

A month ago, Laura Nadeau of Lo & Co, a makeup artist specializing in bridal makeup, emailed me to tell me that I had won a makeup lesson. Hooray! So, on Tuesday, I met her at her studio for a three hour lesson. Laura was fantastic! She had a bubbly personality and gave me a look that was perfect for what I wanted. The colors were turquoise and greens, to go with the sea and the peacock feathers that are in my fan. My friend Yvona loved the result and I did too. I highly, highly recommend her to all Philadelphia and New York City brides.

New York Buying Trip

2008-07-25T11:44:00.001-07:00

For the last 3 days, I went to New York City to buy things I needed for the wedding and to see my friend Yvona. I visited Tibet Kailash in the West Village where I bought my bridesmaids' skirts. I love Paper Access on 18th Street for paper goods. Then I had a makeup lesson with Laura Nadeau from Lo & Co. and met Yvona for dinner at Sushi Samba. The nest day, I went to the bead district around 34th St for beads and cufflink findings. I went to Tinsel Trading and M&J Trimmings, my favorite stores. Then off to the fabric district to find silver shantung silk for the maids' tops which I found at R&K Fabrics on 38th Street. I thought that they could all have their own tops of designs of their choosing but that the color would be the same. I then went to the flower district to pick up some brown floral tape as I am making the boutonneires. The trip ended with a nice sunset dinner at Blue Water Grill in Union Square and then the Bolt Bus back home.

Calligraphy

2008-07-21T19:48:00.000-07:00

I love the look of light ink on dark paper. This was one of the inspirations for my invitations and the dark blue picks up on the dark blue of the ocean wave on the invitation. I used Winston & Newton white ink, a fine tip dipping calligraphy pen and within no time, I was done. I used my own handwriting but the pen made it easy to embellish.

Clippings

2008-07-21T16:55:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends, please forgive me. When I was searching for inspiration for my wedding, I would often save pictures. Since these were for me, I never saved the blog or website from which they came. Now, months later, I am inspired to keep a blog but I dont know where some of the inspiration came from. If you see anything on my site that you know whom I can credit or where the photo came from, please let me know and I would be happy to edit.

Our Venue

2008-07-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

Our wedding and reception venue is the lovely Stone Harbor Women's Civic Club. We picked it because it can hold our number of guests, we can have any caterer of our choice, we have it for the whole day, and most importantly, it is on the beach. Right on the beach. The only thing that separates us from the ocean is a beautiful sand dune. We were going to have the ceremony on the beach but we we could not mic the musicians or the readers so we decided to have the ceremony on the lot overlooking the sand dune.

Alexander Gorlizki

2008-07-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our invitations were custom designed by the very talented artist Alexander Gorlizki in New York City. He takes classical Indian miniature painting and constructs them in an entirely fresh and whimisical way. He is fantastic to work with! Alexander was featured in Elle Decor December 2007. He also has a business called Riyaz Designs.

Diving Into the Water

2008-07-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

I have been really inspired to start a blog after keeping up with my regularly favorite blogs, Oh Happy Day, Style Me Pretty, Brooklyn Bride, Etsy Weddings. I'm planning my own wedding for October 4th in Stone Harbor, NJ - a beach wedding - and I discovered these blogs in the process. So many cool things out there and so many cool ideas. My wedding is alot of DIY because I love crafts and because my fiancee Jeremy and I wanted to keep costs in check. Jeremy and I also have a love for things Indian, but with a little twist.