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Lighting Up the Room

Bearing yummy red wine and paper cups while donning our Jill's-wedding wardrobe for the third time this trip, Ben and I ventured to the Cape Cod Ballroom to support Ross and Susan in their cha-cha performance.  They were nothing short of phenomenal. 

I took this snapshot of Susan as she was walking out of the door - yes, the fabulous frock on the left is her snazzy performance dress.  They were nervous for most of the day, but came out with a bang and knocked 'em dead.  It was such a delight to be able to support them.  My favorite part of the night was seeing the pure look of joy on Susan's face while she was dancing.  It's obvious that she's having the time of her life; that is, after all, what dancing is all about. 

I snapped this one right before they walked out to take their places ... I just love the flower in Susan's hair.  Ross was equally dapper in his Spanish-style shirt and hip sash.  They will celebrate 38 years of marriage on Saturday.  Thirty-eight years!  What a beautiful thing.  They were high-school sweethearts and have been a true example of what it means to be a team in a marriage.  Dancing has been an additional outlet for them to express themselves and grow together.  I love that they are always willing to try new things.  I am sure that these new adventures are one of the many things that keep their relationship exciting.  I really look up to them as a model of strength and perseverance in a relationship. 

I know the quality of this pic is poor, but it totally captures the dance.  They were so swift and precise in their movement, even my brand-new digie couldn't keep up!  They were a hit - continual applause throughout the performance capped with a big ol' standing-O. 

As you can see, they were all smiles following their cha-cha-cha.  Aren't they glowing? We were so proud of them!

It was also fun when I had the opportunity to dance both the Rumba and cha-cha with Steve (one of their instructors) ... I'm tempted to dust off my dancing shoes and get back into the game.  You never know, Ben and I might pull out something super-fab for our first dance.

And now, totally, off of the subject, I have to mention how Ben and I came up with the date 7/11.  I don't know why I didn't mention it before.

One of the first meetings we had when we got here was with the museum coordinator, Steve.  The plan of action was to see the space and to decide if we were even interested.  Clearly we were interested, so naturally the next step was to discuss the dates that were available for next year and to determine (based on the other vendors we wanted to use) the date that best worked for everyone.  We had about 4 or 5 Saturdays to choose from and we weren't getting anywhere.  At this point, Susan had the brilliant idea of writing all of the dates on a piece of paper, throwing them into a hat and picking out one at random.  This is the pic of the lucky 7/11.   It's lucky for many reasons... first, it rhymes, and second, it's also the wedding anniversary of my beautiful cousin, Tami, and her husband, John.  Their first-year wedding anniversary will fall on our wedding day - we've already decided that we're going to take future anniversary trips together. 

I know that I am bouncing around tonight from one subject to another... I'm not really feeling like my best self tonight.  I think I might be catching a cold.  Yep ... chills, fever, sore throat and achy muscles, so much fun.  Around 5 p.m., I curled up on the couch and watched the award-winning 1988 version of "The Blob" on ON-DEMAND t.v. (clearly there wasn't much to choose from).  I have to admit, though, I'm always a sucker for a good scary movie now and then ... even if the special effects are hilarious.  Hopefully scary move+comfy couch+non-chicken noodle soup+Ben's hugs= a swift recovery. 

Arriba, Abajo, Al Centro, Para Dentro (An old Spanish Toast)

We finally broke out the bubbly and celebrated our progress.  This wedding is almost completely planned.  Of course, we have some minor deets along the way, but the big decisions have been made.  Our amazing progress was the perfect reason to make a toast.  Of course, a Coppelman toast usually turns into every person in the room sharing his/her feelings and excitement.  We basically kept toasting and re-toasting until the glasses were empty.

We toasted to progress, we toasted to each of our amazing and supportive parents and we said "cheers" to Ross and Susan, wishing them luck for their cha-cha performance this evening.  We're so pumped - we get to watch them shake their stuff tonight.  They practice every evening in the kitchen - usually after re-arranging the furniture so that it's conducive to the various lock steps and hip-twist chasses.  After months of practicing, they are at a point where they look comfortable in their movement ... Susan's implementing the necessary 'tude and Ross, well, you wouldn't believe those hips!

Last night we (me, ben, ross and susan) stopped by a quaint wine bar that is just up the street from the house.  It's one of our fave places on the Cape, complete with funky, local art and fabulous energy.  We sipped on two bottles of scrumptous red wine while tapping our toes to the jazzy live music.  It was a perfect Saturday night.  We had to get Ross and Susan to bed early, however, in preparation for their performance tonight.  Rest assured, I'm taking the digie (cam) to get some action-shots of the dancing queens.  Dancing with the Stars has nothing on them!

7/11/2009

The time has come - the decision has been made!  We are officially getting married on Seven-Eleven-2009!  We have also settled on a location, my friends ...

CAPE COD!

All of the details are in place: the ceremony will take place in Ben's parent's backyard, overlooking the marsh,  and the reception will immediately follow at the Cape Cod Museum of Art.  It's a unique, inspiring space that really spoke to both of us.  We've taken a snapshot of the back of the museum - this is where you folks will enjoy your h'ors doeurves and cocktails. 

The decision was not easy - a million factors played into our "pros and cons" lists for both Miami and Cape Cod.  Ultimately it came down to choosing the place where we would be provided the most personal experience.  We have so many wonderful things planned - we can't wait to share this experience with each of you.

Yesterday held such a pleasant and unexpected surprise.  My wonderful, future mother-in-love took me to look for wedding dresses.  I've done a little browsing here and there in Miami, but I never found anything that knocked my socks off.  We ventured out yesterday (we took this picture right before we left), not really expecting to find anything that I loved, but to simply help me get a better idea of what I was looking for. Not only did I get a better idea of what I wanted, but I BOUGHT MY DRESS!  It's gorgeous and it's everything that I wanted and more.  Susan was great - she provided much needed feedback and ideas throughout the day.  We saw a dress that we kinda liked at the first boutique, but I had about 3 or 4 reservations about it.  We decided that it was our first choice, but I wasn't that excited about it.  When we arrived to the next salon, I didn't really see anything that I liked on the hangers.  We put about 6 or 7 dresses in the dressing room and each one was o.k ... obviously not perfect.  After I tried on the last dress, I browsed the boutique one last time (dragging the train of the dress that I was wearing) to make sure that we didn't miss anything.  I saw a dress that I had overlooked at first, but something told me that I needed to try it on.  As soon as I put it on, I knew that it was the dress.  I squealed and cried and jumped up and down.  The sweet ladies at the boutique told me that this was a pretty solid indicator that I had found my dress. 

At this moment, Susan said, "Laura, you know ... you could do something totally out of character and just buy the dress."  (She means out of character because I am not the best at making up my mind lately .... wait a minute, what am I telling you this for?  You've seen the craziness that we have been through in deciding on where to get married let alone what to wear!).  It had everything that I was looking for and I knew in my heart that I wasn't going to find it anywhere else.  So ... it's ORDERED!  Ben and Ross (Ben's dad) were shocked to say the least.  They never imagined that I would have bought a dress - I love proving the boys wrong ;) 

Above all, the most special part of the day was spending time with Susan.  It was such a special experience to share with her and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.  She means the world to me and I couldn't ask for a better mother-in-love or family-to-be.  Plus, she has fabulous taste! 

Unfortunately the fashion show couldn't last forever.  Today it was back to business.  I have to say that this week has been incredibly productive.  Once we made our decision, we were full-steam ahead in securing our dream-team (photogs, florist, etc.) for our special date.  The stars aligned, everyone that we wanted was available (not typical for the Cape in the height of the season).

And then came the deposits.... the oh-so-fun and hefty checks that we have to write to everyone in order to secure our date.  (Times are tough, everyone needs a lil' security) It's a little painful, but amazing at the same time, because you realize that it's actually happening.  Unfortunately, a fabulous fiesta comes at a price - but it is soooo worth it.  And for you ladies who have yet to plan your nuptials ... prepare yourselves for these down-payments...oh, and just when you think you've written your last check, it will be time for all of those remaining balances to be processed.  Weddings are big business, after all. 

We're most excited, however, to tell you about the wonderful day that we had today.  We took our engagement photos with the amazing bello photographers, Christine and Andy (www.bellophoto.com).  Honestly, they are one of the main reasons that we decided to have our wedding on the Cape.  Their work is nothing short of incredible, absolutely everything that we wanted in our wedding photography.  We had such a great time today - they really helped us to step outside of the box.  You'll see in their work that they really capture moments like nobody else.  The best part is that we can't wait to work with them - they are such a fabulous couple - the kind of people we are drawn to as friends.  Plus, Christine and Andy met in Spain (yes, Spain - my obsession).  It was, without a doubt, a sign that we needed to work with them.  After today we are more than confident that we made the right decision.

Our to-do list is becoming shorter and shorter by the minute.  Ceremony site?  Check.  Reception site?  Check.  Photogs?  Check (Check!).  Flowers?  Check.  Make-up trial?  Check.  Dress?  CHECK!  This wedding is definitely on and we can't wait - 7/11/2009 - be there or be square.   

 

Practice Makes Perfect

Jill and Ken (Jill is Ben's cousin) couldn't have asked for a more gorgeous day for their beach wedding (the wedding was actually one of the main reasons that we came to the Cape).  It was nothing short of stunning.  Even the seagulls seemed to know their cue.  Just as the officiant proclaimed, "I now pronounce you man and wife," about 30 or 40 of them took off from the shore into the distance.  I'm still convinced that someone was hiding behind a jetty and releasing them from a cage, but the result was phenomenal.  The truth is, that's simply the natural beauty and elegance of the Cape.  The ceremony was incredibly touching. Jill and Ken wrote their own vows (Ben and I will do the same) and both shed some tears.  It seemed as though none of us could hold them back - conditions were perfect for a truly sappy moment.  I was also pumped to partake in one of the many Coppelman family perks:  borrowing custom-made jewelry to go with my dress.  Ross (Ben's pop) was so kind, he gave me a gorgeous black-diamond necklace to don with a GORGEOUS black jade ring.  Both were conversation pieces and, because his dad is an amazing artist, they are one of a kind.

 

Then, of course, it was time to parrrrtaayy!  I just love this pic - Jill looks so happy.  We danced all night, and I do mean, all night.  Ben pulled out some of his signature moves - don't worry, I don't doubt that you'll see 'em at our wedding.  They never cease to amaze!  Ben's parents also did some ballroom dancing (they are amazing!)... we are going to watch them perform the cha cha this Sunday.  I can't wait.  Because I used to teach ballroom in KY, we've had a few fun lessons designed to "tweak" their style - but they don't need me!  I'll have to post pics after their debut this weekend.

Ben and I also got in some practice for our first dance.  The reception was held at the Captain Linell House.  It was beautiful -  the location is an old Captain's house fresh with the quarters and all.  Very Cape Cod and very charming.  One of my favorite parts of the evening was the opportunity that we had to spend some time with some of our other favorite Coppelmans: Jon, Nancy, Julia and Anna.  Uncle Jon is going to officiate our wedding ceremony. It goes without saying that they mean a great deal to us.  They have been along for the ride since the beginning.  I felt connected with them immediately (just as I did with Ben's parents).  It was an immediate unspoken comfort - they just felt like family.  I'm so excited that it will be official very soon :) 

Many people don't know this, but in MA, anyone can apply to officiate a wedding ceremony.  To us, it just makes sense that Jon do it.  Firstly, he's an incredible writer/speaker.  Secondly, he's been such a big part of this relationship.  We would rather have someone who knows and understands us play such an important role than someone who doesn't.  Plain and simple.  That was the easiest decision so far :)

Here's a photo of the girls - Anna on the left, Nancy and Julia.  They are so much fun! 

So I guess you're wondering the latest on the wedding location ... we have to finalize one last thing, first thing in the morning, and then I will post.  I could do it now, but I enjoy keepin' ya on the edge of your seat ;)  It's going to be beautiful!

I just had to post this last pic - it was an adorable shot of Ben and his mother dancing together at the wedding.  I caught them at such a great moment.  She's such an angel - I couldn't ask for a better mother-in-love to be.

The weekend was great - the only downfall was having to give back the gorgeous jewelry that Ross let me borrow the morning after the festivities.  It's o.k, though ... I've already decided that something from his fabulous collection will be my "something borrowed" on our special day.

Sarasponda

Today marks the 29th year of my gorgeous older sister's life. I wish that we could be together to celebrate this day, but we're always close in heart. 

Amanda (Mando) is a wonderful sister and an amazing best friend. A single day doesn't pass where we don't speak - sometimes multiple times.  I love Monday nights because we have a phone conference while watching our fave show, Intervention.  She's one of the few people who will not allow the distance to affect our relationship.  When we're together, it's always as if we haven't missed a beat. I don't believe that either of us realized the value of the special bond that we share until after our twenties.  We used to fight about everything (but I always wanted to be just like her).

She always stood up for me.  I'll never forget the basketball game that she came to (from college) to take up for me.  I was the only freshman on the Varsity Cheerleading squad and sometimes the girls were less than friendly.  One particular girl had been bullying me for quite some time and she came and glared at this girl from the bleachers.  Needless to say, I was never bothered again.  Mando is pretty tough - and I do mean pretty (as in beautiful) and tough (as in, don't mess with her sister!).  You know, she looks like a butterfly but stings like a bee.  It comes in handy.  Another word of advice?  Don't ever go up against her in court!

Amanda has always been the prissy sister.  She loved (and still loves) to dress up; stilettos, fabulous accessories, you know, the whole nine.  I was the sister who was always in the backyard catching frogs and chipmunks and letting them loose in the house.   Although we're different, there is one strong similarity between us... our love for one another.  I know in my heart that she would go to the end of the earth for me (she already has), and I hope she knows that I will always do the same for her.

Amanda, happy birthday!  You deserve all of the happiness, love and joy that this earth has to offer.  I will always be here for you - through every step of the way.  I hope that I can be as good of a sister to you as you have always been to me.  I love you!

P.S: Update on the wedding tomorrow or Tuesday (we're waiting on a proposal - not mine!)

No House-Slippers, No Service

Okay ... I'll admit it, we've been slackin' lately on the whole blog thing.  But, in our defense, we've been completely overwhelmed with packing, unpacking, and packing again for Cape Cod (we leave tomorrow!).  We are totally in love with our new house - we get the stomach flutters each time we walk through our gate ... you know, like the kind of excitement that you felt when you realized that New Kids on the Block was reuniting?  A day hasn't yet passed where we don't tell each other how thankful we are for everything that is happening in our lives.

We took this picture right before we closed the door at 601 NE 36th St. for the last time.  Please pardon our appearance, as we had been moving boxes all day.  I looked and felt as though I had been passed through a car wash (sans car) about 15 times before being dumped in the 104 degree humidity to dry. 

So many memories were created in that apt - birthdays, holidays, losses of family members, and our oh-so-fabulous waffle parties. It seemed like the first 3 months of our lives there consisted of work and sitting on our couch looking at the view.  Sometimes we would make up excuses to stay home just so we could enjoy la vista.  Thunder/lightening storms were the best - we could watch them come and go from our sofa - who needs tv?  You can see South Beach directly on the other side of the bay in the pic.  That's where we are now ... back in the hood with all of our peeps. 

This was the scene of the wreckage the night before our move. The movers came the next day and it was nothing short of hilarious.  We went from 2100 sq ft to about 1100 - we quickly determined that we had entirely too much crap.  As the movers were bringing in our furniture and boxes from our old place to the new one, we ran out of room inside so they had to start placing all sorts of things in the garden.  The recipe for skankiness?  The rocking-chair in the garden, right next to the grill.  It took us a couple of days to clear it all up - we gave some stuff away, but we were pleasantly surprised to see that most of our belongings found a perfect spot in the new pad.  More reason to believe that this place was meant for us.

After the first day, we were beat.  Our good friend, Hemley, stopped by to "cleanse" the house with sage and then convinced us to take a break at an adorable place around the corner called The Room.  We went as we were - yes... I ventured to The Room on a happenin' Friday night in my house- slippers. I was a little concerned that I might be turned away due to my choice of footwear, but it was great - it's the perfect non-pretentious place to enjoy a drink with friends without having to "dress to impress" (we don't go to those evil places anyway, but yes ... they do exist).  Hemley had the genius idea to round up a couple of our other friends for our very first impromptu patio fiesta - it was a perfect ending to an otherwise stressful day.

Saturday night we ventured to Hemley's going away party (he's heading to India for some soul-searching) and Stephanie's birthday bash (they combined the two events into one big celebration).  They held it at Tiffanys - a South Beach gem.  It's an adorable rooftop bar that overlooks the island.  It was the perfect evening - great friends, amazing weather, and another nice break from a long day of unpacking.  Stephanie is on the right in the photo (she's the author of the dishalicious blog on our favorite websites) and Ramseys is on the left.  Two of the most fun people we know on the beach. 

This pretty much sums-up how we felt by the time Sunday rolled around.  Hemley crashed on our couch (he was so helpful all weekend - he made bfast, helped us unpack and provided much-needed positive energy throughout the weekend).  He leaves today for his trip :(  - we are going to miss him, but we know he is going to have such an amazing experience.  We only wish that he would take us with him!

Ben is planning on taking some nice photos of our new place for us to post.  We're heading to the Cape tomorrow for a two-week stay.  I'm so excited to go - his parent's house is the most peaceful place on earth.  It also harbors so many amazing memories for us - after all, it is the location where Ben proposed.  This trip should also provide the final decision on our wedding location - will it be sunny Miami or charming Cape Cod?   Stay tuned my friends, stay tuned.

This House is Clear

Pop out the bubbly and come on over!  We are officially residents of 741 6th St. Apt 101 Miami Beach, FL 33139! 

Our good friend, Hemley, perfected his tree pose as he accompanied us to our old apartment for our last trip. Doesn't it look lonely?   I gotta admit, we'll miss the incredible view but the unit we are in now is perrrfeeect.  The 800sqft patio has already paid off as we hosted two impromptu shindigs with our friends this weekend.  It's the perfect chill space - we're so excited to offer our personal touches in the coming weeks. 

Last night was the perfect kick-off to our first weekend back in South Beach.  Ben put together these hilarious invitations for two of our friends, Hemley, who is preparing for a 3-month sabbatical in India, and Stephanie, who is an incredible woman and is also a breast cancer survivor.  The focus of the fiesta was the celebration of the positive changes in their lives; Hemley's departure and Stephanie's 33rd birthday.  That explains the text on the invites.  We had such an amazing time and, of course, ended up back at our patio until muy tarde.  We all agree that our first weekend's success with the patio is a good indication of the role that it will continue to play in our personal and social spheres.  We're excited.

I apologize for my inability to go into further detail about the move and the new place, but I am EXHAUSTED and I literally cannot feel my feet.  I will post pics of before/after next time.  Oh, and p.s., the Rhapsody mattress was worth every penny - it's incredible.  I didn't wake up once throughout the night - and for me, that's a minor miracle.

A Little Progress

Drum-roll please! 

We have actually made a decision!  I know, I know .... I'll give you a moment to pick your jaw up from the ground.  Wipe your eyes, pinch yourself ... you are not dreaming.

If (if being the operative word) the wedding is in Miami, THIS is where it will be!!  Isn't it gorgeous?  It's the National Hotel and it has been around Miami for years.  True to Miami style, it's about as "Art Deco" as it gets - with a beautiful pool in the back that will be reserved for our fabulous family and friends on our special day.  We figure it will be a great way for people to combine the wedding with a nice vay-cay. 

Dancing and dinner in style, my friends.  Tropical heat, floating candles and dodging palm trees during the first dance sounds like the perfect recipe for a Miami wedding.  I haven't yet figured out if sand + wedding dress = fabulosity, but we'll get there.  One thing at a time, right mom?  (She appreciates these random shout-outs). 

Next week we're traveling to beautiful Cape Cod to see one last venue before making our decision.  Those of you who have been along for the ride already know what pains in the #$@# we have been in making this decision.  One day we'll think Miami, the next Cape Cod - but one thing is for sure, we'll make a final decision within our first two days on the Cape.  If we love the venue there, we are going to book it right away ... if not, we are calling Jamie @ the National to put down our deposit.  Either way, our guests will have the luxury of experiencing the sand, sun and lots of fun.

First things first, though.  We are still in the midst of packing/moving.  Official move day is Friday.  We are SO ready.  Although we're leaving behind the gorgeous unit at Blue (will post pics later), we are moving into a cozy and adorable unit in the heart of South Beach.  It's the perfect location for walking to dinner, meeting up with friends at a moment's notice and/or cruising around on the scooter/bike on the weekend.  The bonus is that we also get an 800 sq ft private garden that belongs to our unit.  This may not sound that incredible to most of you (as you enjoy your tea on your large, private decks), but those of us in Miami are clamoring for any type of private outside space that we can get our hands on.  800 sq ft of private space in South Beach is unheard of - I've already started the mental planning of where we will put the hammock, grill and lounge chairs.  I'm also pumped to use our home-grown basil and cilantro that we are planting when we make dinner.  We'll probably never go inside, unless of course it is to sleep on our brand new Rhapsody Tempur-pedic mattress (double yay!). 

Ben and I have had so much going on lately - job transitions, moving and wedding planning - all sorts of big decisions that have come at once.  It feels great to finally make it over the hump. The only thing that would make these wonderful changes even more special would be having each of you closer to us.  Until then, we'll have to settle for our oh-so-committed cyber relationship.

Walker's Grand Debut

I am thrilled to present to you Alton Walker Webb! Walker was born 9/4 at 8:16 a.m. at 7lbs15oz and 21 in. long.  He is absolutely perfect, the spitting image of his mother (in my opinion). 

And while we're on the subject of beautiful babies, don't you just adore the tiny fingers on a newborn baby?  They're so delicate and soft, like teeny feathers. 

I've had the pleasure of keeping up with Rachel's pregnancy through her fabulous website:  www.babywebbsite.com.  The fact that I am far away and cannot see her as much as I would like to was the perfect excuse to get a front-row seat to her experience through her blog (although I would have done it anyway).  We have known each other since childhood and we have seen one another through so many of life's challenges and transitions.  I cannot recall a single childhood memory that she wasn't a part of.  Having grown together through early childhood, adolescent/teenage years, college, engagement, her marriage, and now her baby boy, I feel so unbelievably fortunate.  It is rare to share so much history with a friend and I am simply delighted to hear this wonderful news - he's adorable!

Reason #1 (of 238328974327546) to Adopt your Pets

Meet Harley.

Our good friends, Mike and Regan, just adopted Harley.  The picture speaks for itself - she is ADORABLE.  Their sweet, large American pit-bull, Coco, passed away last year, and they were waiting for just the right time to get another dog.  Regan had only one condition: this time around, she wanted a smaller dog.  The compromise?  Well, she could get a small dog, but Mike was then to have the privilege of giving her a name.  Regan's first vote was for "Bella" (which means beautiful in both Italian and Spanish), but Mike picked "Harley" (I love it!).

We took this picture as we were leaving their house after seeing Harley for the first time.  The best part of the visit?  The puppy breath, which never fails to make my heart melt.