Cards are coming!

For those of you wondering if we forgot about you - which we could never do - we've given ourselves a deadline to get cards out to folks...this week! So, check your mailboxes for a little note o algo asi.

Change of Pace - Wedding Blog to the S&B Report

This blog will continue, but it will be a different kind of blog. Our wedding was a celebration of the life that we share and will share together. Thus, this blog will document that life. From now on, you will find here what the explanation above describes:

The wedding is over. But our lives are just beginning, and our marriage certainly doesn't end. The continuation of this blog will be a documentation of our lives together. The house we share. The activities we love. The dreams we hope to achieve. And the PHOTOS! Come back to this blog anytime you're wondering what we're up to, for the official S&B Report.

See Links to Right under Wedding Photos!!

Alright, we have all the photos online EXCEPT for the official Jeremy photos, which should be coming soon!
The photos are organized in albums by time:
1) the family week before
2) the rehearsal dinner
3) the wedding day - set-up and some ceremony shots (Thanks Dionne!)
4) Mexico!
Enjoy the photos, and let us know what you think and if you have any questions.
Keep checking the blog for stories and details.

WEDDING PHOTOS!!

Greetings to all from the newlyweds! We're back from the Luna de Miel (honeymoon) and back to work. We had an AMAZING time in Mexico, and neither of us wanted to come home. Check out the photos (see link on the right column "MEXICO PICS").
There was period of time after the wedding that we felt so lonely. Our family had been here the entire week before the wedding, and I think we both got used to having them around.
I'm excited to say that, well, I believe that the wedding was a wonderful success. We had an amazing set-up crew;), beautifully composed flowers, professional cake decorators, surprises from good friends (The Byrnes Family!), incredible food, speeches, salsa dancing, and let's not forget the pinata!
There's so much that I want to describe, but I'll let the photos do the talking first, then I'll try to describe what's in the photos.
We do not yet have the official wedding photos yet, but we do have the photos we took on Brian, Dionne, and Michael's cameras. The photos are organized in Picassa by event, so it should be easy to navigate.

Men (and women's) Attire

For those of you who have experienced the glory and wonder of guayabera shirts, we invite everyone who has one, or who can find a cheap one at a thrift store or from a friend, to wear it to the wedding. The funkier and more colorful, the better!

Guayabera - (aka "The Mexican Wedding Shirt")

We swore up and down that we wouldn't have a themed wedding. But lo and behold, it is becoming clear to us that the wedding is taking on a mexicubanolatin vibe. Brian is officially garbed:

Well, got my guayabera today. Website is at: http://
www.theguayaberashirtstore.com. Click on "About J. Edwards".
These shirts are "J. Edward" brand and today, with a car full of
baking soda, Sarah and I drove to J. Edwards house! (Jonathan). He's
designed them himself and orders them directly from a factory in
China that makes them for him... Interesting guy - nice shirt. Its
completely unique.
Its cream - it matches Sarah's dress. Short sleeve 100% linen. I'll send you a photo tomorrow. I'd like as many men as possible wearing Guayaberas too... just for fun...

Family "Rehearsal" Dinner Restaurant

The Thursday night "rehearsal" family dinner will be at a lovely little restaurant called "Chez Nous". It's located on the front porch of this little house. We will dine on lasagna, salad, bread, and a lot of wine. Dinner served at 5-7:00. There may perhaps be a small fire in the backyard after dinner for a dessert of yummy roasted smores.

Sarah's Latest Dress

Wildflower Hunt and Boat Trip

We have two activities planned for the Thursday and the morning before the wedding (not sure in what order).

1) We will have a grand kayaking/canoing trip in Zilker Park on Town Lake.

2) We will invite everyone to carpool out into the hill country for a grand wildflower hunt adventure, stopping off at a local state park for brunch. During the ride to and from brunch, we will make roadside stops and gather bunches and bunches of wildflowers to use the next day at the wedding. That way we would have some bought cut flowers, some bought potted flowers/plants, and a mix of wild (and free) cut wildflowers.

"Offbeat Bride" - A little book inspiration

Offbeat Bride peaked my interest because, well, I certainly consider myself to be quite an offbeat bride and Brian an offbeat groom. The idea of a traditional wedding just didn't sit will with either of us, so I grabbed this book for a little guidance, and I haven't been able to put it down.

Lo and behold, I have been completely wowed by the Ariel Stalling's boldness and ideas, and she is even continuing her interviews of offbeat brides online at her website (see link and see "links" on right menu bar).

I must be frank, I got the mugly idea from Offbeat Bride (it is a good idea, isn't it?!), but the important thing is that this book has given me permission, in a way, to be creative and not be forced to follow the traditional wedding protocol. It's like a breath of fresh air.

Which reminds me: last weekend, Brian and I decided we'd walk into one of these designer bridal gown/brides maids dress store to get an idea of what normal people do. The second we walked inside, we were paraded by a cast of employees (who, by the way, completely ignored Brian), and who insisted that we immediately sign in their registry and look at selected gowns. I kept telling them--something casual, something informal--but everything they showed me looked like a sparkly frosted cupcake. I felt SO uncomfortable, and, cringing, we scrammed as fast as we could. I kept thinking to myself as I left, "why would I want to feel that way on my wedding day?" Well, I don't, which is why I'm wearing whatever I feel most comfortable in, and why I'm staying as far away from designer gowns as possible.

If I learned anything from visiting that boutique, it's that I know exactly what I DON'T want, which helps me narrow down my ideas for all of the unique and wonderful things that I DO want.

I want to walk down the aisle in Birkenstock's and a sun dress. That's all.

Papel Picado

Have you thought of papel picado for decorations?? I think it's very you guys and it conjures warm images of Mexico. --Diana

Yo D.
You know, I really like this idea! It's so colorful, and it adds a little cultural charm. I showed Brian, and he really liked it too. What's the significance of papel picado? Can you buy them already cut? Or do you buy the paper and then cut it yourself?
I have an idea: what if, at the "wedding shower"/wine & cheese rendez-vous, we all get together over a big table and cut up a bunch of these? That way they all have an individual significance ("hey! that's the one I made!") I proposed this idea to Brian and he thought it might be a little too much work. I've never done them before...have you? What do you think? Maybe we could also have a papel picado pow-wow with the co-op...that'd be fun.
Did you hear Kurt Vonnegut died?
--Sarah

For more on papel picado
Try this website:
http://www.storyboardtoys.com/gallery/Jerome.htm
It gives you a pattern for making papel picado, and it explains the significance, although this does it better:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papel_picado
Basically, it livens things up. You can buy it already cut, but it's expensive. I think your idea is a great way for everyone to play a small role in the wedding. What you could do is to bring all the materials and set it up on a table so that only those who want to and feel up for it can do it, and everyone else can just get drunk if they want. How does that sound?? No forced labor here...
--Diana

Fondant Cake

I'm really excited about Diana's fondant cake idea.
Diana said:
I found this video (see link) on youtube that shows what I was talking about when I described fondant. Does this still appeal to all of you? The video is kind of cheesy, but it shows the process well. I would, of course, not make it exactly like hers. I know where to acquire fondant, but I've been trying to see if we can make it from scratch.

Blueprint of Patio

Tables will be bigger, of course. See "Photos of Clubhouse on Rainy Day" link on the right column to get a better idea of what the clubhouse patio looks like.

Brian Likes this Suit

SMELLS

Brian and I were at a store yesterday, and the whole store was filled with a delicious food smell, like lavender or lemon grass or something. We both came up with the idea of buying some basic essential oil that we both really like, and sprinkling it all over the plants so that the whole wedding event smells delicious, and everyone attending the wedding will remember the event every time they smell that smell again. Typical weddings lack emphasis on that specific sensation.

Any smell recommendations? Any favorite essential oils?

Justice of the Peace

I found this amiable photo of Judge Herb Evans online.

Notes on Potted Plants and Online Memories

Message post to Karen:
I think I'm not done dress shopping either, Karen...we'll see. I do want lots of color, so probably gerber daisies...though I cannot picture Shasta daisies, I have to look them up.

We're going to buy a bunch of potted plants come May that we'll use instead of cut flowers (I found a bunch of potted gerber daisies at Lowes!) That way, all that money on flowers doesn't go to waste...either we'll get to take them home and plant them in our garden, or we can send plants home with people and friends that live in the area as a little "wedding favor".

I'm glad you're online and you like the blog. I realize that not everyone is going to be able/want to use the online space to chat about the wedding, but for those of us that do use it, it'll be really neat--especially afterwards as a cool "online" memory.

Muglies and Candle Holders

Y'all folks have an assignment: We're starting a new tradition.
(Actually, I stole the idea from a book)...For the wedding, instead
of fancy glasses, we're going to have "muglies", i.e. ugly mugs
that we've picked up at Goodwill. Everyone will get to chose their
own mugly at the party, and then take them home at the end, so it
becomes one of these supposed "party favors" that all the
traditional weddings do. Your assignment is to keep your eyes
peeled at Goodwill for similar colored tacky glasses (see photo).
I'm also on the lookout for the candle holders that have glass
square mosaics on them (also at goodwill for cheap--see picture).
Each of the ones below were 50 cents to a dollar. If you happen to
be at goodwill, or anywhere else, please, keep your eyes peeled,
and we'll reimburse you for the few bucks.

Better Green Dress Photo

Dress Thoughts from Diana

Diana's Email:
For what it's worth, I saw a cute green sun dress at the paper bear when we left last night. May give that a try.

Sarah's Response:
Ooo yeah. I’ll check it out when I’m in town this weekend. I’d love something green, or like you said, maybe blue too. You know what I’m worried about most, of all things? Sweat! Sometimes I find the perfect dress, but it’s made of one layer of silk or cotton, and I KNOW, while I’m outside and dancing that EVERY part of my body will sweat, so I’m looking for something lined or made of polyester or something…it’ll come along. I’ll check out paperbear…

Brian's Cake Response

Yo babe. I guess I'd just like a really delicious cake, and I guess
its not too important how it looks. I think chocolate would be the
perfect flavor. I'm so happy/excited/impressed that you actually want
to make our wedding cake!!
See you soon,
Brian E.

PS: We need to pay you at least some kind of contribution for the
supplies. We've budgeted $40 for the cake, so we'll send the check. ;)
Besos mojados y abrazos fuertes

Sarah's Cake Response

Good questions. Let’s see…are you really going to make little samples? Mmm…(I’m SOOO excited, Diana that you’re doing this. It’s really, really special.) It makes the cake something special. I think that if you weren’t doing the cake, we would sort of glaze over it as just another component of the event. But now, it becomes a main event of the evening…I hope you know that it really means a lot to Brian and I.

1. We’re looking at about 30-40 people. My “master list” of invites shows that we’re going to invite 67 people, so that means that about half will actually come or be able to come. So, I’d say 40, just to be safe (and that way there are leftovers, versus not having enough.)
2. No allergies that I know of. If there are, that person can have a piece of candy;). You won’t kill anyone. I promise;). Nothing of note that I can think of.
3. Mmm. Definitely chocolate. Chocolate-chocolate-chocolate.
4. For Brian’s birthday every year, his mom, and now I’ve been doing it, made a Rum cake (which, I think, you’ve had?) I don’t know, maybe, if it’s two cakes, one chocolate and one rum? Or just chocolate. Have you ever found anything that combines rum and chocolate? (maybe that’s not a good idea. I don’t know…) Maybe we could do a chocolate cake, and I’ll make little rum balls on the side…
5. Hm. Not really. I’ve kindof gotten excited about your—what is it called?—a fondant cake? Where the icing looks like it’s melted over the cake and it’s one solid piece? Now, if that’s too much, like too complicated, then any double chocolate, chocolate icing cake would be perfect. What to put on it? Well, I guess we could start by clarifying a theme…I want the wedding to be colorful, lots of daisies (if I can find them)…so, maybe daisy flowers, or just lots of color (if you do decorations on the top). I also just think about a plain chocolate fondant cake, nothing on it…I don’t know (Brian’s not here, we haven’t talked about it together yet…I don’t know what he has in mind either).

Let’s get together soon. Brian’s sister is moving to SM this Thursday, and his dad is coming with the furniture over the weekend. So, although we’ll be in SM helping with the move, we’ll probably be busy helping her out. BUT, that doesn’t mean we won’t stop by…I’ll give you a call. Maybe we could grab lunch? If anything, once she’s moved in, maybe we could meet up next week during the week (wed, thurs night?) Or this Wednesday (not sure, need to check with B).
I’ll get back with you about this….;)
S

Cake Notes from Diana

Hey guys,
This message is coming to you, as you know, from a life-long procrastinator. I wanted to venture far from what is my nature and get started on making little samples of the cake! I first need a little information from you guys--hopefully you'll have the answers:
1. About how many people will be attending? (helps to know what size to make it)
2. Is anyone allergic to anything commonly found in cakes, i.e. nuts, chocolate (that would suck) or anything you can think of? (I don't want to kill a member of your family)
3. What are your favorite flavors?
4. How about some liquor in the cake? We can make two kinds if someone has issues with liquor.
5. Any special requests? (People put crazy things on their wedding cakes- from what I've seen, the sky's the limit).
Once I know this, I can start getting a mental picture of what it could look like. I'll send you my ideas as soon as I can put them down on paper- I definitely want this to have your ideas/preferences in it.
Peace,
Diana

P.S. I happen to have a roommate who loves to bake as well, we'll both have fun with this!
P.P.S. I haven't seen you two in a while, any plans this week/end?

Update on Cake

I'm happy to report I'll have a lovely assistant by the name of Heidi for this cake baking endeavor. We thought we'd make a full-size real deal cake for practice, then have a little "bridal shower" for the two of you at our duplex place to enjoy it. How does that sound? By the way, by "bridal shower" I really mean wine & cheese or small get-together. No worries about stupid little games they make people play at bridal showers like pin the tail on the groom or something like that. (Actually, that one might be worth keeping...)

-Diana

Chairs and Tables

Flower Ideas

Do you like Shasta daisies? They bloom in mid to late summer. I bet you can get them at the box stores or nurseries around late May. Call a nursery and ask when they will be out and if they will bloom in June. Then there are the gerbera daisies that come in all colors. --Jan

Map of Aisle

Maybe this arrangement might work. This way, the audience looks out at downtown. Everyone will be looking Northeast, so the sun will be setting behind us.

maya brewington

to me

show details

9:50 am (4 hours ago)

Uh…I think that’s aisle…..aren’t you supposed to HIDE easter eggs?
Sarah Kennedy to Maya
Although I am an English teacher, I have developed a serious, SERIOUS homonym problem over the years.

Table "Clothes"

Got it. We'll do butcher paper.
Lots of it. It's super cheap, colorful,
AND we can draw all over it.
Pick a color, any color (maybe green?).

Wording

The back of the postcard says:

After six happy years together,
we invite you to join us in a
celebration of our love.

We would be honored to have you with us on
Friday, June 1st, 2007
for our wedding.
Austin, Texas, 7:00 pm
Zilker Park Clubhouse

RSVP:
Brian & Sarah
604-A West 25th St.
Austin, TX 78705
episcopo@gmail.com

Please, having you experience this moment with us is all the gift we desire. Dress casual.

Invitations

We've finally got most of the invitation postcards sent out. If you haven't gotten yours yet, here's a copy.
We took this photo in San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, Mexico. There were indigenas running around us everywhere trying to sell us things they'd woven and trinkets from China. It was actually quite chilly in the mountains of San Cristobal, which is why Sarah gave in and bought a gringa pancho. We're both sunburned in this photo from the 4 hours we had spent on a boat ride going through a canyon through Chiapas where we saw monkeys in the trees on the shore.
There's nothing like strawberry flavored Mexican icecream (Sarah's favorite) and Brian's favorite: pinon, loaded with real live pine nuts.
The back of the postcard is yet again another photo of us in Mexico, in Guanajuato, Mexico in el Calle del Beso--a street so narrow that you can reach across that balcony and kiss somebody on the other side of the street. Famous tourist attraction.

Plates

Sarah has made an official decision. I want paper or plastic plates and silverware. No glass. No dishes. I want bright colored plastic plates. Brian says it's an awful idea because of environmental issues. Why make so much waste? So, I decide on plastic, that we can recycle. But no real plates. It's not that kind of wedding.

Wearing a Tux

Saturday, August 19, 2006

I think that making people create piece of cloth or something like that might be a little too hard for people with busy lives and make them feel like they have homework for what should be a happy carefree event. Maybe ask them to bring in a favorite photo of either one of us or something like that.
Live music might be a bit much, but I guess it sounds nice.
Oh, and I'm wearing a tux, dear. ;)
Brian

First Ideas (from September 2006)

--Paper or plastic plates and silverware and glasses. Bright and variously colored.
--No suits. No tuxedos. Colorfully casual.
--Right before dusk.
--Picture Chuck and Lorie's wedding they had in their backyard. I always look back on that and think: wow, that was a perfect wedding. That's the kind of wedding I want.
--Justice of the peace or Humanist minister. We'll be in charge of arranging that.
--Live classical music from some poor college quartet.
--Very impt that we learned from Maria's wedding: a professional photographer (poor photography major college student, of course). I, sarah, was the official "photographer" of maria's wedding, and though it was fun, I didn't get to participate in the wedding cause I was focused on taking good pictures of events that I wanted to pay attention to. we don't want anybody to feel responsible for doing that unless we're paying them.
--Cheap food on a long table, buffet style. I'd like to say pot-luck, but since most would be coming from out of town that would be difficult:). Some restaurant that can provide 100 lbs of barbque brisket or something, we stick the big tray in the oven to heat it up, and voila. I don't want preparing the food to be a big ordeal, I also don't want it to cost a lot of money.
--Renting or borrowing chairs for people to sit down during the ceremony (I vaguely remember standing at Chuck and Lorie's wedding--it was kind of weird), and tables to eat on.
--No wedding cake. Something else really fun. I don't know what yet. We're thinking about it.
--No formal flower ordeal. I picture a colorful bouquet of daisies, and everyone in the audience also receives one daisy.
--Very important but not very developed idea: our main principal of the whole event is that it is a time to share with and give to our family and friends. We're thinking of lots of ideas for homeade gifts to give people, but here's something I'd like to receive: with the invitations, I'd like to attach a note that says something like: Sarah and brian want to have some means to remember your presence and effect in their lives. As a gift, we are asking each person attending the ceremony to put together a 6 inch squared piece of cloth that somehow conveys a shared memory or image you have of Brian or Sarah. (this sounds funky now--but the idea is very strong...I'd want people to send in something, anything, an image/words that will fit onto a small piece of cloth, something that they create that either depicts a memory they have of being with either Brian or myself-- that we will then make into a large memory quilt to hang up at the ceremony. Either that, or like they send in photos and we make a big wall. I don't know...any thoughts?)
--we're making the invitations--I think. I know, at least, I'm starting to paint/draw small images that I want to go into each invitation.
--Christmas lights and tiki-torches and candles everywhere, especially as it starts to get dark.
--We've talked this over and over again: we really don't want gifts. we think. We'd rather just have money. But how do you ask for that?
--Like lorie and chuck's wedding, we want the ceremony to be short and not the main attraction or event. I'll have to describe maria's wedding a little more...very short--30 minutes or so, then toasting and eating and sharing stories and dancing, etc.

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