WHAT KIND OF BRIDE AM I?
AND WEDDINGS COST HOW MUCH IN NYC?!?
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On June 15, 2014, the love of my life proposed at the first place we said 'I love you' and I said, "YES"...after going down to my knees to hug him and him picking us both up from the ground, of course. Oh, and let me not forget that his proposal was in the middle of a Hare Krishna festival in Washington Square Park! hahaha Such is life. It was perfect.
Knowing me and wanting everything to be sincere, my beau didn't organize a photographer to capture the whole thing (when asked 'why not?' by a friend of mine he said, "I didn't want things to be over-engineered. Awww) but THANKFULLY, this lovely couple saw what was happening and caught our first kiss as future husband and wife. So that's the beauty, love and emotion you see to the left. Since then, and in Charity-like fashion, I have gotten down to business planning our nuptials in NYC. Step 1- The Budget...holy BANANAS...I did not expect the cost of everything. From an empty warehouse in Brooklyn costing $11,000 (yeah, that means you have to rent all the stuff to fill it) to a Library that wanted to charge $215/per person with NO alcohol included (Whaaaa? You must be crazy), I really thought my dream of getting married in the City that has helped shape the zany woman that I am would fall to the wayside. Luckily, and as serendipitous and God inspired as the most important things in my life have been, the library/courtyard/castle that I used to study at during University (a place where I always thought, "would be beautiful for a wedding") is AVAILABLE for weddings!!!! And it's in our budget...WOOO HOOOO!!! No way, Jose! Tomorrow, we sign the contract with the amazing professionals at Masterpiece Caterers, with Leigh as Director, at the Riverside Castle on the UWS and I couldn't feel more blessed. But now that the place and date are set, what's next? Step 2- What kind of Bride am I? BeliefNet.com says I'm the "Casual, Inclusive Bride" which I think just means that I like people and don't have a 'stick' up my bum, but thanks for reinforcing my hope of being a decent person. But what about color combinations, style of dress, flowers, centerpieces, accouterment that makes things personal...aka the overall 'feel' of the wedding? When you don't have an extra $2-5k to spend on a Bridal Consultant (bless you beautiful minds), it's kind of intimidating. Honestly, I've been so blessed with amazing girlfriends that have an 'eye' for this stuff so we shall see what happens! Time to 'TAKE THE CASTLE' and make it mine! Step 3- Stay sane... while trying to find a full-time job, love God, cultivate my relationship, take care of Loved Ones, include far-away-ones and keep trying to make the world a better place. Well, I've always said that I like being busy so here we go... |
There are a few 'Truths' that I live and work by:
1- Love is the 'thing'
2- You can do good and make money
3- Anything is possible
4- Real Leadership requires Real Humility
5- Always be a good steward of what you've been given: Opportunities, Relationships and Perspectives