Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
Some of you have partners that are super-involved in all aspects of wedding planning. Others have a more laid-back groom (or bride). I would say that Mr. Hamster fell somewhere between the two, with a slight-to-moderate lean towards the laid-back variety. While this was great in some respects (“Font with serif or sans serif? Tall or short centerpieces?” “You pick.” “Sweeeet!”), sometimes I wanted his opinion. Or rather, I wanted him to want to have an opinion. Or even, I wanted him to know that I wanted him to have an opinion, which would make him want to have an opinion and thereby provide one accordingly. You confused yet? Yeah, me too.
Then we had our wedding. No one cared about our serif fonts. I’m pretty sure our guests didn’t experience greater wedding celebration happiness because our short-to-tall centerpiece ratio was just right. But I did have 20 minutes with my groom, where he was 100% involved, 100% present. Those 20 minutes were the ceremony, and he cried. He cares! He really cares! Right then and there I let go of any “want” and “want to want” thoughts lingering from the planning days. Yes, I occasionally commit the cardinal sin of teasing him about that moment, but freedom from all planning responsibilities because of a few tears? Personally, I think he got off easy.
~~~
It was time for my walk. I was walking into that room as a “Miss”, walking out a Mrs.
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
Well, I guess it’s time for me to say good-bye. I’ve tried to drag my feet as long as possible (2 receptions? Waiting 3 months after the wedding to go on a honeymoon? Sure!), but the ruse is up, kiddos. Yet another Bee is retiring from the Hive.
Thank you, all of you, for your support, encouraging comments and suggestions. The Hamster wedding would not have been the same without your input! Thanks to you, I pickedoutmyshoes, I forged ahead on my Goccoed invitations, I ordered and re-ordered whoopie pies, I stuck a telephoto lens in a lion’s face - and that’s just off the top of my head. I had so much fun sharing plans with all of you and then sharing the finished product in my recaps, from start to finish. You’ve provided an outlet for my planning musings and craziness (and Mr. Hamster thanks you for that), and I hope that I’ve helped at least a few of you too. If nothing else, I hope you had a good laugh at some of my planning foibles.
When I applied to be a Bee blogger last October, I had no idea that I would be welcomed into such a warm, supportive community. Read more…
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
I’ve been away from the ’Bee for a few weeks, and I sure missed you all! Mr. Hamster and I just returned from our fantabulous honeymoon in beautiful Kenya and Tanzania, and I’m so excited to share some tidbits with you! We spent 10 days camping under the stars in the Serengeti, the Masai Mara, and at the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. It was a far cry from the hustle and bustle of NYC, I’ll tell you that! But where else can you have lions, hyenas, zebras, buffalo and elephants wandering outside your tent at night? I kid you not! Here are just a few things we saw: Read more…
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
Hello hello! We are back from our Singapore reception! We are still waiting for our pro-pics from that fantabulous party, but I just wanted to leave you with a decidedly non-pro pic of the evening:
Us with our families and Mr. Hamster’s Singapore friends.
Yes, that’s Daddy and FIL Hamster giving shaka signs.
Besides hammy-ing it up for the camera, we ate lots of food: Read more…
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
Next week, I’ll be heading to our second reception in Singapore, where most of Mr. Hamster’s family still resides. I’ve got my outfit planned out, but MIL Hamster is taking care of the reception details. It will be interesting to attend a reception in our honor that I had no part in planning. Although I admit, after planning our New York shindig, it’s a bit of a relief! Here’s what I do know:
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
I had mentioned way back when how excited Mr. Hamster and I were about our videographer, Wilson Fontaine, who was the first vendor we had booked. Last week we received our wedding DVD, and we are BEYOND thrilled! Read more…
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
Last week, Mrs. Hermit Crab, Mrs. Lovebird, Mrs. Pug and I attended the Brides Magazine Blogger Happy Hour event. We had the opportunity to meet the lovely editors and staff of Brides magazine, as well as enjoy some hors d’oeuvres and yummy cocktails!
Editor-in-Chief Millie Martini Bratten first led us through a slideshow of the Brides Magazine covers through the years - it was interesting to see how fashion trends have changed over the decades!
Since the event was hosted by a publication all about weddings, the arrangements and decor were gorgeous, of course: Read more…
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
For our Singapore reception, I had debated whether or not I should bring my wedding dress. Ultimately, I decided against it—the duchess satin and long train would be too heavy for the balmy equatorial climate; I didn’t want to clean it, wear it and clean it again, and I felt like it had “its time” in NYC. Although I absolutely loved my dress, I only wanted to wear it once, on our wedding day.
Of course, I still needed something to wear for the Singapore reception, so it was time to go dress shopping again, whee! Here’s where I had a little fun. While I had picked out my wedding dress with Mr. Hamster’s tastes in mind, for my Singapore dress, I picked something that I absolutely loved - Mr. Hamster’s tastes be darned! I know this dress will cause a little head-scratching on his part, but I think it’s fun and romantic. And what dress did I pick? Here it is… Read more…
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
Many little girls dream of one day getting married and sharing that father-daughter dance. I was not one of those girls. Don’t get me wrong, I was definitely a Daddy’s girl - but more in the “help my dad fix our car” way than a “dance with my dad” way. We built Lego forts. We played soccer in the backyard. And when it came time to plan the father-daughter dance, I didn’t really think he would care too much for it; it just didn’t seem our “thing”.
Of course, a daughter can often be wrong, so when my Sis Hamster told me that Daddy Hamster was really looking forward to the father-daughter dance (second only to walking me down the aisle), how could I say no? I think his expression in the above photo says it all. Read more…
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
After stuffing ourselves silly at the cocktail hour, our guests were seated and we were ready to make our entrance. I was a little nervous about going down stairs in my dress; I’m quite klutzy, and stairs and I aren’t the best of friends. But luckily I made it down those three steps without mishap:
And we were greeted by our cheering family and friends! Now came the moment that I think Mr. Hamster was most nervous about - more than the vows, were we going to make fools of ourselves at the first dance? Read more…
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
I never really noticed all the little details at weddings until I got engaged. Now, when I see a handcrafted menu or beautiful escort cards, I appreciate all the hours of effort that took place behind the scenes. I wrote about my favorite some of my favorite outfit details (including those infamous shoes) here. Although I’m not yet finished with my recaps, here are some more of my favorite details from our wedding:
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
And what dress did I pick? Here it is…
