More Random Thoughts...

Laura and I have decided NOT to have a sweetheart table. We have decided that we have the rest of our lives to enjoy with each other, the wedding night we will be eating with close friends and loved ones.

Saturday night is going to be song night for Laura and me. We are locking ourselves in the house with a couple bottles of wine and we are going through all of our CD’s. We will get this song situation ironed out because we are meeting with the DJ Mike Fox on Wednesday of next week.

What is everyone’s thought on the “money dance”? Part of me thinks it’s great to get that instance cash for the honeymoon, part of me realizes how much people are already giving and I would not feel comfortable asking for more.

The final head count is in! Laura worked out the seating chart over the weekend. The place cards are also done.

We took in Spamalot over the weekend. This was part of our Mix 94.1 Bachelor/ Bachelorette party. Monty Python fan or not, this is hysterical show. John O’Hurley is fantastic. Here is a picture below.


Greg, the guy on the far right, is standing on his tippy toes trying to look taller. Dork.

The Sweetheart Table...

Here is an e-mail that I received from Christine Spalding, Catering Manager at Wynn Las Vegas.

Have you guys decided how you want to arrange the table you’ll be sitting at for the dinner portion of your reception? The other guests will be at 60” squares with 2 folks on each side. Do you want to have yourselves, the best man & guest, maid of honor & guest and one other couple at your table? Or do we need to do a large rectangle (seating of all sides) for the head table to accommodate more folks? Let me know so I can finalize the linen order for you and room diagram.

My Response: Laura and I are leaning towards doing the sweetheart table, just the two of us. I think our bridal party is too big to sit at one table (16 people plus dates). Plus we do not want any family members to be upset with us for not sitting with them. What are your thoughts and suggestions? I think I will blog on this one.

Christine’s response:

Only because I love you guys will I get over the sweetheart table request. If you want one, I will with all the lip biting in my body, make sure you have it. As I was typing JC sent me the blog question. Let me share…

When you get married you ask two people who are very special to you, to share as “officials” in your ceremony. Even in the smallest of weddings there is always a best man and maid of honor. That’s why you hear the phrase the official wedding party. As well, in most cases, you have asked your parents to give you away or to pay for the big day. The short and sweet of it is this…You have asked these people to be part of the actual ceremony but now you are relegating them to share your day but not with you. For my money and that of etiquette, style and just plain courtesy I always have the bride & groom, best man & spouse/guest, maid of honor & spouse/guest as well as B & G’s parents at the VIP table. My husband and I would be crushed if we weren’t allowed to share in my daughter’s first meal as a married gal. A sweetheart table doesn’t allow you to do what a reception is intended for, celebration with those you have invited. Think of it this way, you will have the rest of your lives together to sit alone in your PJ’s at your dining room table feeding each other yummy things. Your wedding reception should be inclusive, not exclusive.

As Always Lots of Hugs,

Christine

Another decision for us to make. Your (you the reader of this blog) thoughts? JC@mix941.fm

It's Too Easy...

What is easier to fill out? An application for a marriage license or an application to attend UNLV? The answer is both! Both are one page long, now mind you I filled out my application to attend UNLV back in September of 1994 so I am sure they are a little bit longer nowadays. It’s just way too easy to get a marriage license, “ID MAY be required.” I love this town!

Well, tomorrow morning Laura and I will be stopping by the Las Vegas Marriage Bureau to fill out our application. I hope they accept ours.

PS: The fee is $55.00 and if you are in the mood to get married just CLICK HERE to fill out the application. It will take you 22 seconds to complete it.

Wedding Photograph Suggestions...

Thank you all for the wedding photograph suggestions. I also turned to the wedding planing team at Wynn Las Vegas for some advice. I asked them for some suggestions on fun pictures and what are some of the places at Wynn that we should have our picture taken in front of?



Christine Spalding, Catering Manager at Wynn Las Vegas, wrote the following:

My favorite photos from any party, especially a wedding, are the unscripted snaps. I love it when a photographer manages to catch a peaceful pre-wedding embrace between guests/family, the flower girl flipping her skirt around, the shot from behind with the father of the groom & groom in a mini life speech moment, guests laughing at the silliest thing during the reception, the father of the bride clutching his daughter’s hand at the reception, joyful unscheduled photographs.

For a suggestion…Do you remember how I had you & Laura take off your shoes and walk in the grass on the golf course? I think you should have everyone take off their shoes, roll up their pant legs/hold up the bottom of their dress so their feet show and get a group shot on the lawn! With the trees and gorgeous green grass in the photo no one will ever believe that you celebrated in Las Vegas. We’re just a few weeks away and we are all so excited about your big day. No matter what pictures you get, the memories will be magical.

Jacquie Montoya, Director of Wedding Salons, wrote the following:

Photography is one of my favorite details of the wedding, as the memories are captured so intimately in little snapshots of the moment. Images of the bride finishing the last touches of her make up or as she slides on her shoes ~ with all of her attendants assisting and the air filled with energy and excitement …or as the groom walks halfway up the aisle to hold his bride’s hand because he is too excited to wait for her….or your first dance with the anticipation of the life ahead of you. These are the moments that will remain alive forever through your wedding photos.

My favorite areas around Wynn Las Vegas that are incredible for wedding photos are of course the waterfalls both the more private ones inside the resort as well as the 18th hole of our signature golf course with its dramatic cascading falls, even with the shimmering crystals that hang just inside of Bartolotta’s, or the contemporary chartreuse settees that decorate our guest walkways, to the atrium filled with hand laid tiles and stunning flowers and finally with the grand staircase in Alex. I have to say too that Christine’s suggestion for a group photo with everyone’s shoes off on our golf course would be really fun and unique!

I have so enjoyed your questions and your listener’s suggestions! After the next 25 days, I will be missing these great insights into planning a wedding… Hmm – maybe we need to do a honeymoon blog (ok… just kidding).

Not a bad idea on the honeymoon blog. I will actually write it out now. Day 1: Woke up went to the beach, went to the pool, ate sushi for dinner. Day 2: Woke up went to the beach, went to the pool, ate sushi for dinner. Day 3: Woke up went to the beach, went to the pool, ate sushi for dinner. Day 4: Woke up went to the beach, went to the pool, ate sushi for dinner. Day 5: Woke up went to the beach, went to the pool, ate sushi for dinner. Day 6: Woke up went to the beach, went to the pool, ate sushi for dinner. Day 7: Woke up went to the beach, went to the pool, ate sushi for dinner.

PS: The picture above is of former WWE Star Chris Jericho's wedding. Don't ask how I got it.

Wedding Day Photos...

Laura and I have to get together a list of types of pictures we want taken on our wedding day and I was given the duty of doing just that. To that I say, HUH? Snap some pictures of her and I before hand, pictures of the bridal party and pictures of our families. Am I missing something here? Anyone have creative wedding picture ideas? E-mail me, jc@mix941.fm

I was searching the web and found some of these suggestions.

1. The mother of the groom pinching her son’s cheeks.
WHAT? My mom never pinched my cheeks. When I was four years old she used to take a napkin, lick it, and wipe the mustard off my face.

2. The children in the wedding striking a fun pose.
Ooops, no kids in the wedding.

3. The bride being carried off or kissed by the groomsmen while groom looks on.
What the????? Seven guys kissing Laura - no way Jose.

4. The groom being kissed or admired by the bridesmaids.
I like this one.

5. The bride and groom face to face with their eyes closed and heads bowed
And until we accidentally bang heads and Laura gets a black eye and all of our photos are ruined.

Weekend Recap...

Not much wedding planning happened this weekend. Being the good fiancee that I am, I attended the Hilary Duff concert with Laura (see picture on the left). Other than that I just enjoyed hearing all the winners on Mix that will be attending our Mix 94.1 bachelor/ bachelorette party next weekend.

For those of you that have won, you will get to enjoy either Spamalot or La Reve at Wynn. Then, after the show we will all head over to Tryst for some cocktails! It should be a great time and I am looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday. (Anyone can come to Tryst - if you are interested in joining us I will get the start time and post it here later this week).

PS: A big thank you to all of you who sent over song suggestions for Laura and me (see blog below). We should have a song picked out by later this week. Here are a few of the songs that have come in with links to watch the video.

Harry Connick Jr, "It Had to Be You." CLICK HERE for the video

Aqualung, "Brighter Than Sunshine." CLICK HERE for the video.

Newsboys, "Something Beautiful." CLICK HERE for the video.

U2, "Beautiful Day." CLICK HERE for the video.

U2, "All I Want Is You." CLICK HERE for the video.

U2, "Elevation." CLICK HERE for the video.

U2, "Unchained Melody." CLICK HERE for the video.

Bono w/ Frank Sinatra, "Under My Skin." CLICK HERE for video.

We Have A Situation...

One month to go, and Laura and I have a small situation on our hands. We can not agree on what song should be playing when we are introduced during the ceremony. We came close to picking a song last night - we both agreed on a U2 song. The only problem is Laura wants to play “Mysterious Ways.” Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s a great song. My only problem is with the hook, “she moves in mysterious ways.” The song would be a perfect if Laura was walking out by herself, but she’s not. I want song that grabs the attention of the room when we are announced as a couple for the first time. Any suggestions? Please e-mail me jc@mix941.fm

CLICK HERE to watch the “Mysterious Ways” video.

PS: Last Friday was my birthday. Double digits- 33. The pictures below are from birthday dinner at Pink Taco.

JC and Laura.


Greg (groomsman) and Sara


Mike (groomsman) and Jen


Ben (groomsman) and Kristen

One Month To Go...

Laura came into my office this morning in a panic, she was almost hyperventilating! I asked her what was wrong, and her response was, "we are one month away from the wedding!" I then assured her that there is nothing to worry about, we are all set. Everything is planned and locked in. At least I think so! I am turning to the team at Wynn Las Vegas with a couple of questions. Are we all set? Is Laura panicking for no reason?

Christine Spalding (catering manager) wrote the following:

So it seems as if you are starting to get the pre-wedding stress complex…Please know that you are in the best hands and you have done all the right planning. You have asked good questions and made smart decisions. Your guests are coming to see you get hitched. All the other great details you’ve put together are just icing on the wedding cake. It will be a beautiful day and you will be the happiest couple. You guys have done an incredible job. Give each other a hug and know that we will give you nothing less than World Class Wynn Wedding Wonderment!

Jacquie Montoya (director of wedding salons) wrote the following:

Take Laura to a nice lunch and let her relax. It is normal to be under a lot of stress the last month prior to such a wonderful, memorable and important event. Remember, Laura (and you too) have saved for this and thought about and discussed over and over every nuance of this event. Truly, your lives have probably centered around the plans for this day for almost a year now.

However, everything is in place and perfect. I met with Mildred about your event yesterday and every detail is done. Give Laura a huge hug and know we are on top of everything.

It looks like we can reset easy for the next month. Besides we have more than one month; we have a month and a day till the wedding.

My Bachelor Party...

This past Saturday was my Bachelor Party! My best man, Gil, did a great job planning the event. Here is how the day paned out:

11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: We spent the day out at Bare, at The Mirage. For those of you not familiar with Bare, it is a topless pool. There was about seven of us out at the pool enjoying our cabana and plenty of cocktails. This was my first time at a topless pool – I always had this vision of hairy European men and women sitting around the pool. Bare was the exact opposite - first class and beautiful women.

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: We then made our way over to the Treasure Island where we had a suite all set up for us. We then spent some time down at the bar where these two female tourists, who had been married for 15 years, proceed to give me 60 minutes worth of marriage advice. After a couple more cocktails, it was time to get ready for dinner.



8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: We had dinner at Café Ba Ba Reeba. At this point in the evening our group of seven guys had turned into about twenty-five guys. It was a regular old Sigma Chi reunion. Dinner was great – cocktails, sangria, and shots.

10:00 p.m. – midnight: We made our way over to Cheetahs. It’s not what you think, Cheetahs has a wiffle ball league. Yes, a wiffle ball league. So we all went over to get more information on the league and sign up. There was no lap dances! Come on, what kind of group of guys do you think I hang out with???

Midnight till ???: We wrapped up the night with a booth at Tangerine.

I truly enjoyed my “last night of freedom.” No regrets and no embarrassing stories. The more I think about the days events the more it looks like a regular Saturday here in Vegas.

PS: I would post pictures from the event but all cameras and camera phones were banned from the day’s events (smart, very smart!).

Post Wedding Blues...

WOW. I'm Glad to know that I'm not alone on the "post wedding blues." I am posting some of the GREAT responses that I have received via e-mail (jc@mx941.fm).

Kayla wrote:

I just read some of your wedding blog and wanted to reassure you that it's okay if you have some post wedding blues. You're totally right, for the last year you've been planning a wedding and it's very exciting. And once you're back from your honeymoon and the family/guests are gone, etc. etc., there's nothing quite as exciting to plan or do (this is after all one of the biggest days of your life).

I experienced some depression when my husband and I got back from our honeymoon. I even felt some guilt over it because it wasn't like I was totally thrilled to be married to him (because I was). But over time, the depression went away and there were other things to look forward to. One thing that helped me was to always have a fun trip planned - to get away together to relax and just enjoy each other.

Congratulations and have a blast!

Tiffany wrote:

JC,

I went through this big time when we got married. I wouldn't call it depression though. For the last year you have put so much time, effort and love into planning the perfect day that when you get back from the honeymoon, sort through the gifts and send out your thank yous, you're done. What do you do with all of you time? It is very much like you said, a void. The problem is not that you can't find something to do but that you are so used to having to do something that you keep trying to remember what you have forgotten to do, when there really was nothing. (did that make sense? ) I am not sure that I have much advise other than to try and stay busy and you adjust to the new schedule and married life. Good Luck!

And Erin wrote:

Hey, JC, it fun to be part of your wedding plans and read your thoughts on your upcoming wedding. You recently mentioned the, "day after the wedding letdown, etc., etc., etc." How about planning the next 52 (at least) weeks "dates" for the 2 of you. Hiking and a picnic; hot tubbing/spa nite; dancing Salsa at the South Point (or someplace else); enrolling in a gourmet cooking class; all kinds of different things you can start planning for your lives together AFTER the big day. Make it a surprise or plan "date nites" together.

Thank you to all of you who write me e-mails and call the show and offer your wedding advice. We are just about a month till show time and it is very helpful!

Tuxedo...

I tried on my tuxedo today. Just a few adjustments to it and we are all set. The tuxedo is all black (think Johnny Cash) and I am going with a regular tie instead of the traditional bow tie. My groomsmen will have the same black tuxedo but they will have a white shirt, vest and tie.

Random wedding thoughts....

My tuxedo has arrived. Laura and I will head over tomorrow so I can try it on and we can also make any changes if needed. I told all of my groomsmen last week to make sure that they get their measurements taken - we will see if any of them have gotten this done. THANK YOU to all of you who have sent groomsmen gift suggestions - you have been very helpful.

Here is another question for you; did anyone enter a post wedding depression? For the past year Laura and I have been planning this grand event taking place on September 15th. I have been so focused on this day that I am forgetting that September 16th will be here soon enough. Vows will have been said, first dances will have been danced, the wedding cake will be cut, and the best man speech will thankfully be over (can you tell I am stressed out about what stories Gil is going to tell). Maybe depression is not the right word to use because September 16th will be the first day as Laura’s husband and I can not wait for that moment. But there will be this little void in our lives because the past year has been all about planning the wedding. Sure, there has been wedding planning stresses and guest list dilemma’s, but this has been a FANTASTIC experience! Does this make sense?????? E-mail if you have some thoughts jc@mix941.fm

One more thing, this morning we talked about a new phenomenon in weddings called "MOG-zillas." I am proud to say that I do not have a "MOG-Zilla" but it is very interesting to read about them. CLICK HERE for the full story.

Wearing White...

It’s funny the things you learn about weddings while you are planning one. I never knew that the rule is that the bride is the only lady allowed to wear white. Well, apparently the lady at CVS did not know this rule either. Let me explain: it was Saturday afternoon and Laura and I were waiting in line at CVS when the customer in front of us turned around and asked Laura if the panty hose she had would match the white dress she was wearing. Laura told her they would look great – that is when the customer in the white dress explained to us that she is so excited because she was on her way to a wedding and she had not been to a wedding in years. Laura then hesitantly pointed out to the customer that the rule of weddings is that only the bride should be wearing white. The customer then had a look of panic – “What am I going to do? This is my only dress.” Laura noticing the customers concerns told her that she would probably be ok, and not to worry. “Oh my gosh, I do not have any other dress” explained the customer. Just when we thought everything was okay the cashier at CVS chimed in and told the customer, “She’s right, you can’t wear white to a wedding.” The panic was back on the customer’s face. Panic was also setting in on my face - time for us to go! I then paid for our red bull and OK Magazine and left. Was Laura in the wrong for telling this stranger the "white dress" rule? Is there really such a thing as a white dress rule? I wonder if the customer stopped and bought a new dress on the way to the wedding? I wonder if the bride was upset? These are questions that will never be answered.

We talked about all of this on the show this morning and everyone agreed on the “white dress rule.” Christine, Catering Manager at Wynn Las Vegas, was listening this morning and sent me her thoughts:

I would absolutely tell a stranger. Knowing Laura, she was very sweet to the white attired inappropriately dressed gal. A girl should always have a wardrobe plan B! Every bride can wear white on her wedding, never ever ever another guest! The tradition of white on a bride has to do with the purity and chastity of the girl getting married. It is assumed even if a woman has been married before and has children, she is pure in heart for her betrothed.

Later in the morning Christine sent me this note:

One more thing, I was invited to a wedding in Bermuda wear the bride and groom wanted everyone in whites/cottons. Only at the request of the bride and groom should you wear white.

CLICK HERE to listen to the on-air discussion from this morning.

Gifts...

Thank you to everyone who has sent me e-mails on my questions that I've posted on my blog. Here is another question for you - what should I get my groomsmen for their groomsmen gift? The majority of them have been in a few weddings over the past couple of years and one man can only have so many flask with his initials on it. I few ideas but want to hear yours - e-mail me - jc@mix941.fm with your suggestions. THANKS!!!

What's Your Theme???

I was talking to a high school friend who I have not spoken to since 1993, (he noticed me on Myspace) and I was telling him about our upcoming wedding and our plans for the big day. My friend Matt then asked me what our theme is. I told him the wedding was going to have a black and white theme. Matt’s response, "Oh, it's not an Elvis theme?" I then explained to him how traditional weddings do happen out here in Las Vegas. This is actually the second person from back East to assume that since its Las Vegas, it has to have a crazy theme. So, I turn to Christine, Catering Manger at Wynn, and Jacquie, Director of Weddings at Wynn, with a couple of questions. Have you ever hosted outrageously themed weddings? And, I have to imagine that you have seen some strange request over the years; any real bizarre ones?

Christine writes:

Theme weddings are really a regional thing, mostly in the southern parts of the US and for couples that are maybe having wedding number two or are over 50. During the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s themes were more prevalent. The industry has become very sophisticated and savvy. Appealing to elegance is the way to increase profits. Let’s face it, scrumptious linens, imported European flowers, haute cuisine and beautiful décor smack more of $$$$ than Elvis and diner food.

The neatest theme wedding I have ever planned/catered was when a pilot married a flight attendant. We took over this entire aviation museum and designed everything around their industry. The ceremony was done in the main lobby of the museum. I got a friend who is the chief of maintenance for a major carrier to “lend” me 200 airplane seats for the ceremony. The wedding arch was the steel cockpit structure. All the guests had “In-Flight” cards in the seat pockets that listed the key players and music selections. All the staff wore a sort of 1950’s flight attendant uniform. The center pieces were my favorite part. I made 4,000 sugar cookies shaped like clouds and 4 varieties of airplanes that had a hole, pre cut in the tops. We iced the clouds in white and the planes in 8 shades of blues and silvers. Each cookie had a gorgeous silk ribbon strung through it. Then each cookie was hung from a sort of wooden tree my husband (the aerospace guru) made to create the effect of flying in the clouds. The centerpiece in the middle of the room was 12 feet tall and had 350 clouds and plane cookies dangling from it. The base of the structures had a beautiful fine mesh toile wrapped around it so the planes looked like they were flying out of the clouds into more clouds. The groom’s cake was a Gulfstream V taking off in flight! We passed hors d’ oeuvres off of aircraft service carts and as a take away gave little bags of peanuts with a gift card for 1,000 frequent flyer miles. The guests loved it and I had such a fun time putting it together. To bad the couple divorced 5 months later!!!! At least they threw one great party together….

Jacquie writes:

I saw Christine’s response and I think she just about said it all. Weddings (and the following reception) should be whatever the bride and groom want. From a colorful Balinese theme (with lavish peonies in tangerine and fuchsia, purple orchids accented throughout, a canopy swathed in abundant silk fabrics overflowing with shimmering gold and copper accents and candles everywhere) to a wedding where the bride and groom played “dueling pianos” during their ceremony… We are honored to be apart of this very special and intimate day and are committed to doing whatever it takes to make the dream not only a reality – but a perfect reality.

Maybe Laura and I should have done a WWE themed wedding. We would get married in a wrestling ring and instead of wearing rings we could wear championship belts. I love it!