Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Here's a Cliff Notes version of the last couple of days.

Tuesday

• In the morning, drove to Center City to drop my engagement ring at Halloween to be polished. Told jeweler Henri David I'd pick it up early Thursday.
  
• In the afternoon, at The Gryphon's request, wrote up a list of his wedding related duties for the next several days, as well as lists for the best man and groomsman.

• Did the same for the bridesmaids and e-mailed itinerary to them.
  
• Received phone call from my sister to tell me not to worry, but that she was sick. She hoped to be better by Friday.
• That evening, received e-mail from my College Roommate, one of my bridesmaids, telling me that she received the itinerary. Also, that she was sick and hoped to be better by Friday.
• Received e-mail from The Tech Guru, my third and final bridesmaid, confirming receipt of the itinerary and informing me that she was sick and hoped to be better by Friday.
• Had panic attack about bridesmaids being sick. The Gryphon assured me everything would turn out OK.

Wednesday

• Weighed myself, coming in at 146.6, which is exactly what I weighed at my first dress fitting earlier this summer. It is, however, more than a pound higher than last week. Darn stress-related eating!
• The Gryphon and I ate at the Down Home Diner in the Reading Terminal Market, then picked up our wedding favors from Chocolate by Mueller. They told us to keep them in a cool, dry place, but not a refrigerator.
• After placing chocolates in an empty cooler in my car, walked to Halloween to pick up my engagement ring. We were the first customers. The ring was ready: sparkly and beautiful. Henri David says, "Wear it in good health."
• Drove to the hotel where our wedding will be held. Brought all items they need to set up: place cards, table cards, a revised floor plan, list of guests with table assignments and entrees, dietary requirements for one of our guests, curtains to be used as a ceremony backdrop and a sheet of special instructions.
• Met with new event coordinator for the first time, a petite dark-haired Italian in her 50's who looked exactly as I'd pictured her. Also met with the banquet manager, a 20-something guy with a football player's build, short-cropped dark blonde hair and an easy-going manner. He asked us key questions about how to handle set-up and service, giving us confidence about the day.
• Briefly saw our former event coordinator, back from maternity leave but working part-time in a different department. She exuded positive energy and assured us everything will go well.
• Requested a shuttle on Sunday to take us to the airport. Found out about check-in on Saturday. The Gryphon made a final payment for the event.
• Since the present we'd ordered for The White Rabbit, one of our groomsmen, was out of stock, drove to nearby mall. Joked about giving him an Elvis clock or a silk kimono. Settled on a gift we feel will be perfect for him.
• Realized we'd neglected to get a receipt to the large payment. Stopped back in hotel and learned that, since the payment was on a debit card, the bank would only permit half to go through. The Gryphon called the bank, then faxed them a request to temporarily override the limit. Got copy of receipt.
• Drove to AAA office to pick up a guidebook to Florida and map or Orlando to use on our honeymoon.
• Ate dinner at J.B. Dawson's (my treat), dropped The Gryphon at hair salon for his final trim. He told me the hair stylist said I'm organized. Everyone keeps saying that. She'd been impressed that I brought a camera to my practice updo session to document the results.
• The Gryphon worried about having time to do laundry, so did three loads for him.
• After reading an article in a wedding magazine, decided to make cucumber sandwiches to share with bridesmaids while we're getting ready on Saturday.

Today

• Weighed myself. Back down to 145.4. Woo! Chose to believe yesterday's reading was wrong, not today's.
• Printed out hairdo pics from practice session to reference on Saturday.
• Stopped at Claire's Boutique to pick up some bejeweled hair pins in case we decide to jazz up the hairdo a little on Saturday (my hair stylist's suggestion).
• E-mail florist to find out if the centerpieces will be ours to keep or if the vases need to be returned. Received reply that they're ours. Will distribute extra centerpieces to guests.
• Left message with DJ to find out when he will arrive on Saturday.
• Spoke to sister about bringing a CD player or iPod and docking station to supply music while we're getting ready on Saturday.
• Completely forgot to buy cucumbers for cucumber sandwiches.

Today's Agenda

• Pack for honeymoon.
• Give myself manicure and pedicure.
• Trim kitty Luke's claws and change litter in preparation for going away.
• Burn backup CDs of favorite songs in case DJ needs them.
• Print out final itinerary to give to Mom.
• Look through wedding folder, get organized for tomorrow.
• The Gryphon will meet with the groomsmen and pick up tuxes.

Tomorrow's Agenda

• In morning, drop our doggie Una at the pet sitter's.
• Meet with our florist to give final approval of all arrangements.
• Buy cucumbers. Make cucumber sandwiches to share with bridesmaids.
• Take care of anything else that still needs to be done.
• Attend our wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

Saturday's Agenda

• Meet with hair stylist at 11 a.m., with my sister driving, to have updo done.
• After light lunch, arrive at hotel by about 1 p.m. to begin wedding preparation.
• Participate in wedding ceremony at 4 p.m.
• Cocktail hour and formal pictures at 5 p.m.
• Reception from 6 to 10 p.m. Party!!!!

More on Alyce's wedding planning:

Musings on Alyce's Wedding

Copyright 2006 by Alyce Wilson

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