Nothing Retrograde with this Mercury

Hi Lovies.  It's Wedding Wednesday and in honor, I am sharing my latest find: mercury glass votive holders!

A visual feast or what?  

Hoping to snag me a couple of different designs for added flare for my reception decor.  

Do you love as much as I do?

A Sunday Funday Unlike Any other!

Greetings Nation!

On this great Sunday of MLK weekend, we celebrated my bestie Justin's 31st birthday.  

We met up at the new Standard Hotel (not to be confused by the NEW STANDARD on Canal street) in the Meatpacking district.  

The Top of the Standard was a swanky (and I mean swanky) place with floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. Shiny wood paneling, a baby grand piano, finely appointed suede seating, a beautiful bar and supermodel servers added to the swank factor.  I had the 'I kissed a girl' martini (grappa, honey syrup, lime) and was immediately transported back to some F. Scott Fitzgerald novel setting.  Opulence was an understatement here.

Even the bathrooms were a treat!  Each personal bathroom (which I love) was fitted in all black details.  At 18 floors above ground, I found no problem baring it all infront of New York.  I mean we do have an intimate relationship, why not take it to the next level?  Check out this view...

After the rest of our party joined, we trotted along to The Spotted Pig, a Mario Batali joint in the West Village.  Note to readers: as they don't take reservations and the place is small, don't go with a large group.  This place is suitable for 2-3 diners at most.  

We waited for an hour and half and still no sign of seating.  A few delish appies later (the shredded fries were amazing), we decided to head toward a roomier, more accommodating joint.  Mother Nature led us to Paris Commune, a surprisingly lovely establishment just a few blocks away on Banks st.  Service was a bit slow considering there were 3 tables taken...but after an hour an half wait, who can complain.

Ostrich balls, a glass of pinot noir, a filet mignon and a creme brulee later, we called it a night and bid our party adieu.

Great stories were shared, many laughs were had and I look forward to many more birthday celebrations with my besties <3

Looking forward to visiting the Standard's Biergarten in the warmer months :)

Peace Nation!

And we're off!

2011 is moving pretty fast Nation! I've locked in a photographer, a videographer, about to decide on a florist and I'm updating my registry daily (too many pretty things out there!).  

And speaking of registry, I've just stumbled upon this new Lenox line that is just darling!

Marchesa by Lenox

Isn't just a dream? Feminine, elegant, with a touch of whimsy...a perfect mix if you ask me.

In a Nutshell

The year 2010 came with the promise of a Tour de Force but fell short early on.  While I am always thankful for the life I am able to lead, the people I've been blessed with, and the general goodness around me, I will say that 2010 was not as positive as it could have.  My hope is what we faced this year was the great test and we passed splendidly and a handsome reward awaits us in 2011.  

I close 2010 with eagerness.  Looking to put this year to bed and so looking forward to 2011...I get to plan a wedding (and an engagement party)...take on more responsibility at work...give back to my community ...and best of all start what will be a beautiful life with my love....It's going to be a busy year but I will always remember to stop and smell the roses :)

Happy New Year Nation!

Checking off the List

One more item crossed of my to-do's: stationary!

I had the pleasure of meeting Margot and Steve Hallac of Atelier Isabey at their Manhattan location a few weeks ago.  I stumbled upon them through the many wedding blogs I subscribe to; I believe it was Style Me Pretty.  

Having perused what seemed to be the net in its entirety, I knew I wanted to work with them to develop our invitations.  They captured the style, elegance, and creativity I was looking for in wedding stationary.  Not to mention, they are the sweetest couple with the utmost sense of professionalism.

Originally, I thought why add the expense of letterpress to our costs?  But after careful consideration (and price comparisons), I found that for not much more, I could have beautiful letterpress invites at a fraction of the cost because we opted with a semi-custom option.  And since I only plan on getting married once, I figured, let's introduce guests to us and our wedding in style.

The Natalie and Jake wedding suite is my inspiration.  I was lucky enough to find a suite with our desired color scheme and theme.  We will be adapting to our needs but it's a great jumping off point :)

It's that time of year......

...a time of reflection and self awareness for the Nation. 

To say 2010 was a great year, well, that would be an overstatement.  But, despite the wrenches life threw at us this year, I am nevertheless thankful.  And in the spirit of gratitude, I'd like to list the top five things I'm thankful for this year:

1. Mammograms for picking up the micro calcification in Mom's breast in time for quick treatment. 
2. Lucy (and her kidney) for giving me and Yanal a chance at a life together
3. The time spent in Syria with my grandmother because after losing her this year, I have 2 years of beautiful memories to look back on when I'm missing her.
4. Nutella crepes. Because nothing takes me back to Paris faster than that first bite into the gooey goodness that is Nutella
5. Yanal.  For being the ying to my yang and teaching me so much about me and us and what great things we will be.

Who would have thought...

With less than one year to go till wedding date, I have been setting up appointments left and right trying to nail down the details of this mega event.  Well yesterday, at Park Avenue Bridal, I stumbled upon the DRESS of my dreams.  Totally unexpected but I couldn't be happier.

Actually, I purchased the complete opposite of what I thought I wanted for the wedding. I imagined romantic, lacy, soft and demure to be the route, but nope, I purchased, satin, and blingy.  Go figure.   

I did keep to the shape I love best, mermaid.  However it has a higher and fuller skirt than a traditional mermaid.  The details and embellishments are very intricate and regal.  Apparently, I 'carry' the dress well.  

Whatever it is, I love it, it's signed for and the dress will arrive some time in July.  

On to photography, videography, invites, and flowers.