Oh hell yes!

If only I could tear this dress off of her and increase it by about 50 sizes... I would totally wear it for the wedding.

Just a thought....

As some of you know, I try to attend classes about Judaism and Jewish history as often as possible because it is really important to me to regain the traditions that my family lost while living in Russia where practicing Judaism was illegal. This past week I went to a lecture about the 5 levels of happiness by one of my favorite Rabbis (yep thats right, I am his groupie.. I go to all of his classes).  He mentioned something that I have been rolling around in my brain. He said that a person may attain a brief (as in momentary) glimpse of the highest level of happiness while standing under the chuppah (translation of chuppah = the jewish wedding canopy).

  

{Image source}

This of course made me think of what it would feel like to gaze at the Big Guy while we are standing under the chuppah, which gave me the good kind of fluttery feeling up and down my skin. Not only is it a hugely emotional moment but it is also something which many of my family members never got to experience. By simply standing under a cloth with the man I love, I am giving life to traditions that were denied to so many people I love. Thinking about it makes my skin feel warm, as if it is glowing with a gentle light. If standing there will make me even partially as happy as I feel just thinking about it, then 5th level of happiness, here I come.

"In our tradition, celebration of life is more important than mourning over the dead. When a wedding procession encounters a funeral procession in the street, the mourners must halt so as to allow the wedding party to proceed. Surely you know what respect we show our dead, but a wedding, a symbol of life and renewal, a symbol of promise too, takes precedence."

- Elie Wiesel

Happy Birthday to the first best friend I ever had!

Today is my grandma Nata's 75th Birthday. She is everything to me; she has been my friend, my grandmother, and everything in between for me. She has sacrificed for me, she has loved me and most importantly she has taught me, more than I could ever describe. 

Nata, I love you. You are my shining beacon of light; because of you, I can always find my way home. Happy Birthday!

mmmm cakes

There is nothing I like more than sweets ... cakes, cupcakes, .... bucket full of frosting and I am in! And you all know how I feel about trees (see here, here, and here) and pine cones (here and oh yeah here). So these cakes look extra yummy to me....

I hope the branches are edible (mmm and made of sugar... or chocolate!)... I think I would take off the birdies though. This cake comes from Ritzy Bee blog.

This one makes think of snow falling and hot chocolate (bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens?). This one comes from the incomparable Martha.

And now I am going to continue to study for the bar exam ... if by study for the bar you mean dream of sugary sweet frosting, maybe even with some cake underneath it.

Wedding Photography Raffle and for a good cause too!

via Blue Orchid Designs via Brooklyn Bride...
Pink Initiative is a non-profit organization comprised of wedding industry professionals and private donors dedicated to funding awareness, outreach, education and research for breast cancer. Emilie Sommer, the founder of Pink Initiative and the owner of emilie inc photography is hosting a raffle where the winner will receive $5000 worth of wedding photography coverage good from now until 2012 for their wedding anywhere in the United States. Raffle tickets are $50 each and all proceeds benefit Pink Initiative.

Buy your raffle tickets here.

[image from Pink Initiative]

Help out the Broke-Ass Bride

If your a fan of the wedding blogs, then you know The Broke-Ass Bride, and you know that Broke-Ass (aka Dana) has one very kick-ass blog ... and now her ass needs our help.

Dana and her future hubby are in the lead in the Green Wedding Contest at Trees Instead and if we keep voting for them they will be able to win fabulous and eco-friendly prizes. Here she explains what she needs from us:

"We've got a great lead on the competition, but its sure to tighten up quickly, so please remember you can vote once per day on their website, but note that the questions change up every day or so...

Usually, they ask for:

Our names: Hunter Stiebel and Dana LaRue

Our wedding date: May 24, 2009

The location of one of their planting grounds - all of which can be found here

Their toll-free number: 1-866-972-8733

Any other answers are usually quite easy to locate.

You can also vote once per day on Twitter!

Just post the following link, along with our names:http://www.treesinstead.com/Green_Gift_Valentines.php Dana LaRue/Hunter Stiebel @TreesInstead

Or, once a day on Facebook!

Follow the link below, clicking "join group" and leaving a message on their wall stating that you vote for us! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22482072281

Voting is open until Jan. 29th, so vote early and often... your 3 potential votes each day can really be the thing that makes or breaks the competition! If we win, we get an amazing array of earth-friendly rewards such as trees planted for all our guests, and carbon offsets for all our travel, but the grand prize is a honeymoon to Costa Rica! Lawd knows we could use it!"

So come on people... start voting!

Some useful events for my NYC peeps...

The New York Wedding Workshop “How To” Series

Upcoming events:

“How To Design on a Dime”

Saturday, January 10, 2009

10 AM to 1 PM

AVEvenue

13-15 West 28th Street, between Broadway and 5th Avenue

10th Floor

Course description: This invaluable course will teach brides on every budget level how to maximize the look and style of their wedding. Starting with invitation design right through to tabletop and every decorative element in between, learn what is worth the splurge and where you can save while enhancing each element of your décor. Work hands-on with actual materials and experiment with colors, textures and styles for your wedding. Attendees will leave this session with a list of NYC and online décor shopping resources, how-to guides for creating breathtaking decorative elements and referrals for decorators and florists who will give you a proposal that is within your budget parameters. This is a do-not-miss for DIYers! Light breakfast will be served. Call 212.206.9201 or email info@nyweddingworkshop.com before January 7th to purchase tickets at the discounted price of $45!

* * * * *

“How to Hire a Photographer and Videographer”

Saturday, January 31, 2009

10 AM to 12:30 PM

The Gallery at The Prince George Ballroom

15 East 27th Street, between 5th and Madison Avenues

Course description: Are you overwhelmed by the sheer number of wedding photographers and videographers in New York? Are you wondering how to tell one from the other without calling and meeting each one? Who is right for your wedding and what should you be looking for? Join us for a step-by-step seminar that will take you through the research and selection process for two of the most important vendors you will hire for your wedding day. Learn about film vs. digital, black and white vs. color, flash vs. natural light, candid vs. photojournalistic, discs vs. prints and all the other “buzz words” you are flooded with as you pour over photo and video websites. Also, get tips on negotiating contracts specifically with photographers and videographers to get the best value and to actually walk away with the images you want. This course is well-suited for novice planners as well as brides and grooms. Light breakfast will be served. Call 212.206.0026 or email info@nyweddingworkshop.com before January 25th to purchase tickets at the discounted price of $30!

Gifts and goodies at every event!

Visit www.nyweddingworkshop.com for more details.