Mrs. Genie, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 23, Admissions AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, BiotechnologyEngagement Date: July 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community CenterAbout Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
We had chosen our first-dance song a long time before the wedding. We waffled between contemporary singer-songwriters and old classics, and decided on “In My Life” by The Beatles. When I read the lyrics, the words seemed so appropriate for us. We’d been together nine years by then, and had just promised each other the rest of our lives.
We sort of did the middle-school sway and sang to each other, but Mr. Genie, an alum of cotillion classes, added in some turns and fancy moves at the appropriate places. I was completely happy to follow and also not be worried about choreography. It was much like dancing at home, which was comfortable and easy.
Mrs. Genie, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 23, Admissions AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, BiotechnologyEngagement Date: July 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community CenterAbout Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
Mr. Genie and I quickly ate and then went from table to table to greet everyone and take a few pictures. Pictures were not in the plan, but who could resist? I’ll spare you, since you don’t know any of those people, but it was nice to wander a little bit and make sure everyone was having a good time. I recommend building in a little bit of time if you can, and expect to take pictures. They may be the only ones you get with those groups of people. Mr. Genie was such a chatterbox and social butterfly that we almost didn’t get to every table before we were called up to cut cake.
Before we cut the cake, Mr. Genie said a few words to thank everyone. He said such nice things about being welcomed into a big family and thanking everyone for coming. His kind words made me really proud of him, but also elicited an emotional reaction from my bridesmaids.
Mrs. Genie, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 23, Admissions AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, BiotechnologyEngagement Date: July 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community CenterAbout Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
I come back with a sheepish grin, as you all are probably wondering why I was horrible and fell off the face of the Earth. Some you may not even know who I am. I am Mrs. Genie, and I really want to finish my recaps. We’re almost done with wedding one, and as our first anniversary approaches, I feel like it would be best to finish up right away. So onto the merriment of the evening after our simple entrance.
Once my uncle said the blessing, we dove into our salads. I actually do remember eating that. Mr. Genie and I had a moment to ourselves to relax and eat. Of course, we had plenty of well-wishers come by, but it was nice to have little pocket conversations with people instead of having ALL the attention on us. Our entrees arrived. And there are no photos because everyone gobbled up their food immediately, except for me. I picked at my delicious halibut, but couldn’t really eat. Mr. Genie loved his steak. And I’m told that the food was some of the best wedding food some of our guests had had. Thanks, Cheesecake Factory!
And now came the speeches. Best Man B, Mr. Genie’s brother, spoke first. And now, while I have memories of the lovely sentiment and snippets of words here and there, I don’t have an exact transcript of what he said, but I have these great pictures that show that we loved it.
Mr. Genie was really moved by Best Man B’s words. Best Man B spoke of how hard it was to lose his “Lego buddy” when school became a big task for Mr. G. But then, Best Man B got just as involved with school and gained a new appreciation for his brother. He also talked about how he and I started off a little rocky but love each other very much now. And of course, he couldn’t give a speech without a shout-out to their little brother Groomsman A. He spoke well, made us laugh and smile and cry, and impressed the whole room.
Mrs. Genie, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 23, Admissions AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, BiotechnologyEngagement Date: July 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community CenterAbout Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
So, when it came to the “grand entrance” of the bridal party, I didn’t give anyone much direction. My main objective was to get people seated and eating. So I chose possibly one of the cheesiest, but shortest songs ever, Bruno Mars’ “Marry You,” and let the kids roll with it. It was quick and fun.
Mrs. Genie, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 23, Admissions AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, BiotechnologyEngagement Date: July 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community CenterAbout Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
Before we move into the reception, I’d like to share some of the finer details.
These next two pictures show off the variety of centerpieces we went with. The tall arrangements were calla lilies, and the short arrangements were hydrangea and roses wrapped in larger green leaves.
Mrs. Genie, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 23, Admissions AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, BiotechnologyEngagement Date: July 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community CenterAbout Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
It’s the New Year, and my number one resolution is to finish my recaps! I have all year, but I’m hoping to do it by the end of the month.
Mr. Genie and I got to share a 25-minute limo ride to our reception. It was the only time we had alone together the whole day, and we were married! I remember a few high-fives, a recap of the ceremony, getting used to our rings, and just general euphoria. I’m glad we had that time to ourselves, because the party was just beginning, and it was good to assess what had just happened.
When we arrived at The Cheesecake Factory, we heard a few congratulatory honks, and I was whisked away to get my dress bustled. That wasn’t easy, but we figured it out, and the evening coordinator ran off to get my drink of choice, a margarita, for MOH Wino and me. Once the dress was all situated and we had our drinks in hand, Mr. Genie met me to walk into the cocktail hour together. And we were greeted with so many smiles! It was so nice to get to chat with everyone and see them having a good time.
Mrs. Genie, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 23, Admissions AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, BiotechnologyEngagement Date: July 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community CenterAbout Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
I’ll speed through these. After we made our exit, our guests cleared the chapel, and we took a few more pictures at the altar.
When we came back out, our guests were still mingling! I had expected those who hadn’t been asked to stay for pictures to get a move on to the reception, but everyone was there, which, admittedly, stressed me out a little. It’s hard enough to wrangle my huge family into pictures without a whole bunch of other people to navigate through. So, although I tried to get everyone together, I eventually just gave up and let Sara take over. The only unfortunate part about this was it was hard for me to get the auxiliary groups of people I was hoping to get photos with. But we did get all the ones on our list, which is great! Word of advice, if you really want those extra shots, put them on your list!
Mrs. Genie, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 23, Admissions AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, BiotechnologyEngagement Date: July 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community CenterAbout Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
From the start, Mr. Genie wanted to get married in a church, although neither of us has strong ties to a particular religious affiliation. I was hoping for a church that encouraged an openness in spirituality. I come from a family of mixed faiths and didn’t want anyone to feel excluded. When reading about Wayfarers Chapel, a Swedenborgian church, I felt that we had not only found a beautiful place to get married, but also a place where we would feel comfortable promising our lives to each other.
In the weeks before our wedding, we met with Reverend Dan Burchett to outline our ceremony. And we were immediately put at ease with having our ceremony there. He was understanding of our changes and gave us suggestions when we needed them. And this led to our very short, but sweet, ceremony.
Now, it gets tricky. We didn’t have a videographer, and since we’ve moved a bit since we got married, I can’t find the actual transcript of our ceremony. I’m so sorry that I don’t have the exact wording of our ceremony to share with you, but I will do my best to give you an idea of what our ceremony entailed.
Reverend Burchett in his call to celebration welcomed everyone and said some nice words about love and ended with the reading from 1 Corinthians. After that, he had us face our guests and explained that we had invited them because we love them and wanted to make our commitment in front of them. He then asked if they gave their blessing. And they responded, “We will.”
Again, trying not to cry
Once we turned back around, Reverend Burchett made sure we wanted to get married (Will you, Mr. Genie, take Miss Genie to be your wife…) to which we each, in turn, responded, “I will.”
Mrs. Genie, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 23, Admissions AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, BiotechnologyEngagement Date: July 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community CenterAbout Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
It was my turn. I remember my mom kind of gripping my arm a little tighter. I had decided to walk with both of my parents because I couldn’t really imagine it any other way.
Some latecomers were running up behind us, and I waved, but then my nerves got to me, and everything sort of became surreal.
I locked eyes with a friend who was in the back of the chapel, and she was about to cry. And then I saw everybody in the chapel looking at me. To have 100 pairs of eyes on you can be an overwhelming feeling, especially when they are all people who are very close to you.
Mrs. Genie, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 23, Admissions AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, BiotechnologyEngagement Date: July 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community CenterAbout Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
I’m not entirely clear on the details of this since I didn’t see it, but I think the reverend walked in with the groomsmen behind him from the back of the chapel before Mr. Genie walked in. I had decided because of the height disparities between the bridesmaids and the groomsmen (a foot in one case!) that the girls should walk alone down the aisle.
After they filed in, Mr. Genie showed MIL-Genie to her seat, and they were followed by FIL-Genie.
FIL and MIL Genie were both so helpful during the wedding planning. Besides their financial help, it was great to get their input on things and vent when we needed to. We wouldn’t have anything remotely close to our wedding without them.
Mrs. Genie, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 23, Admissions AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, BiotechnologyEngagement Date: July 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community CenterAbout Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
Mrs. Genie, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 23, Admissions AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, BiotechnologyEngagement Date: July 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community CenterAbout Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
From our fun bridal party photos, we moved on to Wayfarers to prepare for the ceremony. The first thing we did was sign our marriage certificate and had MOH Wino and BM B sign as witnesses for us. Then, guests started to arrive, so Mr. Genie went to greet guests, and we girls stayed in the bridal room, touching up and collecting ourselves.
And it was also time to put on my veil. I really wanted my mom to help me do this.
Mrs. Genie, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 23, Admissions AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, BiotechnologyEngagement Date: July 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community CenterAbout Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
After our first look and first few couple shots, our bridesmaids and groomsmen were signaled from the limos to make their way out to us.
Don’t they look dashing?
The girls had a little bit more trouble getting out to us. We really could have used those heel protectors! The dirt was closer to sand, so we were definitely sinking as we walked around. BM KK was trying to keep her balance on the long walk out.
Mrs. Genie, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 23, Admissions AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, BiotechnologyEngagement Date: July 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community CenterAbout Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
Straight from our first look, we went into couple portraits. We actually had two or three different times that we were focusing on us as a couple, with group shots in between. But for the sake of fluid posting, I’m going to show you some of our favorite couple shots even if they are out of sequence.
Mrs. Genie, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 23, Admissions AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, BiotechnologyEngagement Date: July 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community CenterAbout Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
There was a half-hour limo ride over to our first-look location. Let’s just say it was full of the sillies with my girls, but I was still in a contemplative place and getting extra nervous about seeing Mr. Genie. And sitting in a limo with fairly low seats isn’t the most comfortable in a wedding dress, FYI. It was nice to have the girls help me laugh, especially when they were trying to hold in tears, too. We’re all criers!
Sara had shot a first look at a park right across from Wayfarers for her first Wayfarers wedding. Overlooking the ocean, and just minutes away from Wayfarers, it was the perfect location for our pre-ceremony photos. Sara even got them to keep the park open just for us to take pictures!
