Will we have sun?

the 10 day forecast almost includes Oct 3rd

fingers crossed!!!

DANCE CARDS- are you ready?!

Ok so have you heard? We are going to have DANCE CARDS!!

For our wedding this means we'll be handing out little booklets with ribbons attached so you can stick them in your pocket or wear them on your wrist. Dance cards help you keep track of who you promise to dance with.  They list the name of the song, the band, and a suggested dance style. Both men and women will have them (to avoid confusion and double dance bookings). 

We're still working out the details but we think it will be a super fun way to encourage dancing, especially with lots of different people...maybe even some handsome stranger!

It might say:
1) "Hotel California", The Eagles (waltz) ____________
2) "End of the Road", Boyz II Men (slow dance) ________
3) "Ace of Spades", Motorhead (headbang) ___________

According to Wikipedia (which is basically the New York Times of the internet, no?):
A dance card (also known by its German-language name, Ballspende, plural Ballspenden) is used by a woman to record the names of the gentlemen with whom she intends to dance each successive dance at a formal ball. They appear to have originated in 18th century, but their use first became widespread in 19th century Vienna, especially at the massive balls during Fasching before Lent.
An actual dance card is typically a booklet with a decorative cover, listing dance titles, composers, and the person with whom the woman intended to dance. Typically, it would have a cover indicating the sponsoring organization of the ball and a decorative cord by which it could be attached to a lady's wrist or ball gown. From the 19th century until World War I, dance cards for the elite of Austria-Hungary were often very elaborate, with some even incorporating precious metal and jewels.

A dance cards from back in the day:
(click to see larger)

It takes a village

Today Walter and Sue helped me fit my dress and assemble skirt adornments.
Tomorrow Walter and Emily are coming over the apartment for a full scale dress power down. I plan on fueling them with Nick's Crispy Tacos and lots of caffeinated beverages. It's coming together so beautifully- it really is the dress of my dreams.
I can't wait to wear it!!!

In related news i've been getting updates about everyone's dresses and ties and suits. And wow!! You all are going to be a good looking group.
Keep your eyes on the weather for shawl/coat advisements...

much love,
sarah

the "other" wedding website

in case you missed the fine print on the wedding invitation we have an "official" wedding website that we gave out to everyone.
that website is:
http://theknot.com/ourwedding/sarahfrye&christophervalencius

on that website you'll find registry information, photos, and party details
(though it's still missing driving directions from Boston...in case anyone feels like sending me some...)

invitations & rsvps

All the invitations should have arrived by now. Please be sure to send back the RSVPs because we are using them at the wedding ceremony as decorations.
Like this:

hang tags!

James is the talented printer that made our invitations and he sent me these photos of the process. I waited to put them on the blog because i didn't want to ruin the surprise of opening the envelope. But now I can share:

Meet Ilan & Casimir- bearers of rings

Meet Ilan. ring bearer. curly-haired 8 year old son of best man matt. has stated that he "mostly likes sitting around". this is, obviously, a clever ruse to insure maximum surprise and effect when he struts into pete's candy store in his custom designed vest and tie. an energetic and strong-willed lad destined to give jude law a run for his money in the looks department, he has been known to break a bone and not let on. for days. you wish you were that tough, but you're not. 

Meet Casimir.  ring bearer. winner of The Longest Eyelashes on Planet Earth contest six years running. cas is an often quiet, reserved gentleman who has written his uncle chris' most favorite ever book about the devil. when not giving the impression that he may likely grow up to paint beautiful pictures while simultaneously penning extraordinarily thoughtful poetry, he is running around like a monkey with his older brother Ilan and younger sister zara.
(boys, forgive us this outdated image. it's just too endearing to pass up)

Wonderful Weekend!

(click photos to enlarge)
(l-r: chris v., marilyn v., paul v., linda f., sarah f., chris f., lamar f.)
This weekend we met up with our parents in Brooklyn. We had a great time introducing everyone and checking out all our favorite haunts. This photo was taken at the end of the weekend while we were having brunch at Enids. (vegetarians take note- meat-free sausage w biscuits & gravy- yum!) And we have to say how thankful we are to have such awesome parents- everyone was so generous with their time & help, and SO creative helping us with venue ideas. Thanks everyone!
And though she is not pictured above we'd like to send a special shout-out to Aunt Rosie! She has been driving up to new york every time we've been in town planning, using her party planning expertise to help us navigate this often confusing journal. Thanks Rosie!

We also got a lot of loose ends tied up- caterer, florist, hair, etc. With only about a month and a half to go it seems things are coming together beautifully!

HOTEL LE JOLIE- group rate

Hotel Le Jolie

(718) 625-2100

235 Meeker Ave
Brooklyn NY 11211

$159.00/ night + tax, Group Promotional Code: SVW
to reserve a room, call the above number or email Lisa Haines (sales@hotellejolie.com)

HELP WANTED

Seeking 2 ring-bearers for the evening of October 3rd. Should be able to walk in straight lines, look good in a vest, and enjoy eating cupcakes. Previous experience not required, though being a nephew of Chris and Sarah would be preferred.
Any two people from the photo below would be work.

If you or anyone you know fits this description, please contact chris or sarah as soon as possible.
thanks!

la petite fille d'honneur

meet zara. flower girl. distinguished niece. little sister of ilan and cas. a curious, perceptive, and nurturing little lady we think she will probably go on to do great work for humanity, though we'd settle for her being the 3rd woman president. chris suspects her of being a tiny wizard with great powers. sarah is excited to have her as part of her bridal party. 

meet dana

Meet Dana. We are so very excited to announce that Dana will be the minister at our wedding! Dana came into our lives when she married Sarah's high school friend & fellow OM participant Sean. We attended their wedding almost 6 years ago on the weekend of the last big new york city black-out. More recently Sean & Dana made a trip to our foggy city of San Francisco, and we had a fantastic time getting reacquainted. It also gave us a chance to talk to Dana about all the amazing work she does for her church and she is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring people we know. Liberal + Activist + Minister = Awesome.

We think you'll agree so we are including a link to her church where you can read (and watch) some of her sermons. 

Hancock United Church of Christ

Thanks Dana!

(dana & sean)

west coast engagement party

bridesmaid jane and myra
sarah's coworkers (and wedding dress helpers) walter & emily, bridesmaid sarah
sarah, matthew, james, gigi and jane
chris and groomsman matt
groom & bride
matthew and james (who is printing our wedding invitations!)
groomsman spencer

(click any photo to enlarge)


went through about 40 photos from the party trying to find one of Brad, our wedding photographer, but his is obscured in every photo. somehow i doubt this is a coincidence

icing on the cake

i've been emailing with our baker to revise our cupcake flavors
they will include:
sweet & salty caramel
coconut cream
holiday spice (which has orange egg nog buttercream icing)
lemon drop
oopsy daisy (peanut butter & chocolate)

also on order are some delicious pies: bourbon pecan, pumpkin & apple

YUM!