This Ring Belongs In a Museum!

I'm funny about engagement rings. When Thomas and I were discussing getting engaged, and he asked me if I would like to pick out my ring, my answer was an emphatic, "NO!" In my mind (and I know there are gazillions out there who will disagree with me), the engagement ring is a gift. I hate choosing gifts for myself. I can't stand the thought of someone spending too much money on me, so, unless I am given a specific budget to stick to, I will invariably pick the cheapest thing I see, regardless of whether or not I actually like it. When we registered for gifts, we only chose items we could reasonably afford to give as wedding gifts ourselves. To this day, I have no idea how much my ring cost, and I intend to keep it that way.

Anyway, I had a second reason for not wishing to choose my own ring: the ring (again, only my opinion) is a reflection of how the giver sees the wearer. If I'm feeling a little down on myself, I can look at my left hand and be reminded that 1) I have a husband who loves me, and 2) he sees me as a classic, yet modern woman with a quiet strength and tons of sparkle. Someone who knows me very well sees that in me, so why can't I see that in myself?

Of course, I totally understand why some people would want to pick out their ring, and how that could really help out the person buying it. It's a big-ticket item, and one that is going to be worn, theoretically, everyday for the rest of your life. You kinda don't want to screw that one up, so when I went to have my finger measured, I did a little scouting so I could offer helpful hints, if needed. Oh, who am I kidding? I accidentally looked down while the jeweler was sizing me, saw My Ring (TM) and had to get the specs on it immediately. I ran back to Thomas' apartment and told him I'd found My Ring, and where he could go to get it. He took a look at the ring's details, walked over to his computer, pulled up a page he'd saved to favorites, and said, "This it?"

It was.

There, on the screen, was the exact ring I'd fallen in love with, except that this page was one where you could build your own custom ring. He'd built My Ring, already, with no help from me.

Some people just get it right.

Case in point: a fellow whose girl had a deep, unabiding love of the Indiana Jones films, had this amazingly detailed ring made for her. The band is a minature replica of Indy's whip, while the yellow diamond represents the golden idol from Raiders. It's ridiculously thoughtful, and gorgeous to boot, but what I love most about it is the subtlety. At first glance, it's just a yellow diamond set in a wide, carved band. It's not until you view it up close that you get the reference. I don't know who this guy is, but good going! (I hope she said yes!)

In case you're wondering, here are the schematics for it.

Photo Credit (All): Geekologie

Cinematic Romance (and All That Mushy Stuff)

Thomas and I are celebrating our fourth (really?) wedding anniversary today. Last night, while we watched a Rocky retrospective (we're nothing if not exciting), we both noticed that, without meaning to, Thomas proposed to me with almost the same wording as when Rocky told Adrian he was "wondering if [she] wouldn't mind marrying" him. And we both cracked up. That may very well be the greatest marriage proposal ever put on film, by the way. It's certainly my favorite, and not just because it mirrors my own.

Anyway, mine was a surprise proposal. Well, it was a surprise to me. I think everyone else on the planet knew, including my mother, who normally couldn't keep a secret THAT BIG from me if her life depended on it. We're too close, and way too darn much alike. Thomas took me out to dinner at a really nice, local Italian place. Of course, we were early for our reservation, so we needed to kill some time. We hung out in the nearby Dollar Tree for a few minutes, and I think bought some candy. We're classy like that.

When our reservation time rolled around, we headed into the restaurant, and were guided toward the back. I'm a chatterbox, and don't think I've stopped talking, except maybe to sleep, since 2007, so I was totally oblivious to the fact the hostess was leading us through the kitchen, out the back of the restaurant, across a courtyard, and into a cottage. Never once even floated past my consciousness that this was unusual. As we crossed the threshold into the cottage, Thomas put his hand on my arm, and simply said, "Wait." He walked slightly ahead of me as we left the foyer and entered the candlelit room, strewn with rose petals, and furnished only with a single table and two chairs, then got down on one knee.

I stopped talking.

That was a fantastic proposal. I can't imagine one better suited for the two of us, and I always tear up a bit thinking about it. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't change a single moment.

I adore a good wedding proposal. I'm a total sucker for all things romantic, anyway, but this one appealed to the filmmaker's wife in me. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I grinned like an idiot through most of the video. The highlights for me were the girl's reactions and the slo-mo section set to "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana. Have a great day, guys!

Barbie's Dream Wedding Album

Between singing for weddings, attending weddings, having photographer friends, wearing the old bridesmaid dress, and also having had my own Big Fat Catholic Wedding, I've seen and/or posed for plenty of wedding photos, and I've noticed that there are always some key stock poses scattered throughout the sets. It's inevitable. See, even though every couple is different, most weddings aren't. Sure, the venues and themes change, but I think we can agree that you're more than likely going to have the kiss, the cake (or dessert of some sort. I hear pie is coming into fashion), the first dance, the bouquet toss, and the couple's exit. According to Rock n Roll Bride,

"There are certain photo set-ups that you see all over wedding photography (the shoe shot, the dress shot, the bridal portraits just after she’s got ready, the groom getting ready with his boys etc…)"  

You know, key ingredients. Hence the key stock poses. This is not a lack of creativity on anyone's part. It's just documentation. Can you name one bride who wouldn't be completely miffed not to have a picture of herself in her wedding gown, or with her new husband in those first few minutes of marital bliss? 

Of course, good photogs know how to spice things up with personalized shots based on the couple's tastes and personalities, and the wedding's location, theme, etc. Really good ones can even grab those sparkling candids that become so precious to us. I have a couple of fantastic shots of the bouquet toss, when some kidlets ran in and snapped up the flowers before any of the single ladies knew what hit them. I also know that somewhere, floating around, there's an awesome shot of just my heels coming out from underneath a friend's bridal gown, when I had to crawl under her skirt to adjust her inner lacings. It's probably, like my photos, wedged between a photo of the pearls on her veil, and one with the bridesmaids holding out their bouquets. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

French photographer Beatrice de Guigne understands the situation, and decided to have a little fun with one of her couples: Barbie and Ken. Really. In this, believe it or not, beautifully shot album, the photographer explores all those stock poses we've come to expect, and shows us why they're so loved. It's witty, artful, and surprisingly sweet. See below for a taste. More photos are available at Glamour.com (or click the above link). 

Photo Credit (All): Glamour

We All Knew It Was Coming

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you--The Inevitable:

Photo Credit (This and Below): Daily Mail

Yeppers. That's the knock-off version of Kate Middleton's wedding gown. It was bound to happen, and it's not as bad as I expected.

I like that it's obviously inspired by the stunning Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen bridal gown, but not a direct copy. So many times, the designer-inspired versions are the same dress, but with cheap fabrics and less embellishment, which, really, just looks tacky. It's like slapping a Coach label on a pleather drawstring bag--you get the expensive label, but everyone knows it's not the real deal. This is a different dress entirely, and I have to applaud that. You still get the look of a corset bodice with lace overlay, and an elegant circle skirt--which were the hallmarks of that now-iconic gown--but the sleeves are shorter, the neckline simplified, the hem raised and the train removed. There's also the addition of a sweet satin sash. It's a much more casual dress, and would, in my opinion, be perfect for an afternoon garden wedding. You could even accessorize with a birdcage veil, or--in true Kate fashion--a small fascinator. Available August 7th, exclusively at Peacocks. Sizes 8-18, approx. $96. If you want one, you'll need to act fast. They expect a quick sell-out.

The Swan-Cullen Affair

I thought we'd already had the wedding of the year. I thought we were done with all that nonsense. I thought wrong.

It seems I may have jumped the gun when I put away the rice and tin cans. I'd totally forgotten that 2011 played host to not just Kate and Wills big day, but also that of current pop culture "it" couple, Edward and Bella. How silly of me. My apologies...

Even worse, it appears I'm the only blogger on the planet who isn't just falling over themselves to pick apart every single eensy-weensy leaked detail of Belward's (Edwella? Edla?) impending nuptials. I mean, it's not that I don't care. It's just that...well, look at that. It is that I don't care. How 'bout that?

Honestly, I am on neutral ground as far as Twilight is concerned. My best friend adores it. My husband did a tribal dance in the living room to make the DVD go away. Personally, I don't have an opinion (well, I do have one opinion that involves sparkly vampires, but I think I'll keep it to myself). I do, however, have a blog with that's vaguely pop culture related. With that, I give you:

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT EDWARD AND BELLA'S UPCOMING WEDDING THAT HAS BEEN LEAKED TO THE PRESS AND NIT-PICKED TO DEATH (NO PUN INTENDED--GET IT? HE'S A VAMPIRE?)*
*but were afraid to ask

Photo Credit: MTV

Let's start with the invitations. The happy couple--oh, who are we kidding, here? The prop department selected a simple white and silver design with silver-toned engraving, minor embellishment, and a bold wax seal. This would suggest a silver and white color scheme for the wedding--with perhaps a touch of color--and a more traditional tone overall. It should also be noted that the decoration echoes the style of Bella's wedding hair adornment, which will be discussed later. The wording, which clearly states that the couple are throwing the wedding, mentions their families, but omits any mention of their names. This indicates that the couple may be chipping in on the cost of the wedding, but can also suggest a familial rift, and that perhaps the parents aren't entirely thrilled with the wedding at hand.



Photo Credit: Shine

 Next on the list: jewelry. I already mentioned Bella's hairpiece. Well, here's a picture of it (top right). It appears to be a vintage or vintage-inspired crystal filigree comb. The piece holds a traditional white veil, and seems to be placed in a low bun-hairstyle with braid detail for a classic and elegant bridal look.




The engagement ring (bottom right) was revealed earlier in Eclipse, but bears mentioning here because, not only is it a prominent piece of the bridal ensemble, but it's also available for purchase. You've got to love marketing, right? A cute, inexpensive replica is available here, and hopeful girlfriends can point their beloveds here for the real-deal diamond version.

Photo Credit: Gather

Bella's makeup is another hot topic for discussion. Gather reports that the bride will display a natural, relaxed look for the big day--one that would be equally appropriate with either a bridal gown or blue jeans. Ms. Swan will sport what appears to be a smudged steel gray eye, naturally-flushed cheeks, and a pinkish-nude lip.

Photo Credit: Celebrity Wedding Blog

The ceremony, itself, appears to be an outdoor affair (remember--sunlight only makes these vamps sparkle, and what bride wouldn't want a little extra bling on her big day?), bedecked with blossoms. The vow exchange will take place beneath a floral archway, and enormous sprays line the aisle. I can only assume Allegra will be handed out with the champagne.

So, there you have it. That's pretty much all the information I could find on the Breaking Dawn wedding. If you're interested in a Twilight-themed reception of your very own, here is a lovely article with some fabulous pictures. When done right, it makes for a gorgeous atmosphere, believe it or not. Alright. I'm done. If you need me, I'll be watching Buffy.

Red Face, Black Dress

Photo Credit: NewlyMaid

Maawage is what bwings us toogever today. It's also what drives seemingly normal women off of veritable cliffs of insanity over things like table linens and floral arrangements, and causes them to view rhinestone encrusted stretch satin as a viable fashion option. But I've said this before.

The cliche of the ugly bridesmaid's dress is a cliche for a reason: it's the rule, not the exception. Right now, I'm singing for, literally, a wedding a week (Yay! Money!), and ratio of good vs. downright evil gowns is in an extreme tilt to the dark side. Now, in the past, ugly bridesmaid's dresses have been relegated to Halloween costume fodder, thrift store stock, or simply banished to the netheregions of the closet. Now, I'm happy to report, that doesn't have to be the case.

NewlyMaid is a online dress shop with a unique purpose: trade in your old gown for a new little black dress. The process is simple. Sign up, request a pre-paid mailer, and send in your dress. Once it's been approved (there are guidelines on the site), you'll receive an email with your special pricing, and can pick out and order a dress from NewlyMaid's selection of LBDs. Your bridesmaid's dress will either be recycled or donated to charity.

Please note, I didn't say that you get a free dress. You receive "special pricing" on the dress of your choice. There are currently six dresses available, ranging in price from $165-$200. Once you've submitted a gown, the prices are discounted about $70-$75. It's not a free treat, but it definitely takes some of the sting out of an embarrassing situation.

*Don't forget about the Adorable Napalm CHALLENGE! Comment on yesterday's post (by noon today) with styling ideas for my LBD, and win a cheesy graphic, handmade by little ol' me! 
**UPDATE! The contest is over, and the winner is Magnolia!! Her prize will be sent to her shortly. I'm sure she's just bursting with anticipation...

A Rootin', Tootin' Round-Up

This just made me smile, and I hope it makes your day, too.

Melanie Edgar and Andrew Higgins of Barry, Wales, got married. That, right there, is sweet enough, but I love how they tied the lasso--I mean, knot.

You see, Melanie is not your traditional bride. She wasn't in to the whole "white wedding and tails" kind of ceremony. She wanted to do something unique, and also something that would appeal to the couple's three young children. So, when the stretch limo pulled up to the Civic Registry Office, Melanie stepped out in full cowgirl gear--but not just any cowgirl, mind you. The bride was dressed as Jessie from the Toy Story franchise, and her dashing groom was none other than Sherriff Woody!

It should come as no surprise that Buzz took the role of Best Man. Barrie Edgar, the bride's brother (and Mr. Potatohead) told reporters, “It was no surprise when she wanted a cartoon wedding because she’s certainly not a traditionalist and always aims to stand out from the crowd. Everyone got into the mood and we had an absolutely brilliant time – it was a dream wedding for the kids who couldn’t wait for the day to come so they could get into their costumes."

Here's a picture, courtesy of WalesOnline, of the happy couple and their colorful cast of characters. There are more darling photos on that site (linked above). I wish them the best of luck. Congratulations to the entire Higgins Family!



Melanie and Andrew are center in the cowboy hats. Good luck finding Waldo (yes, he was in attendance).

Gift Guide: The Geek Chic Couple

Yay! It's my favorite season of the year!! What season is that, you ask? Summer? Baseball? Rabbit (or, perhaps, Duck)? Why, no, silly! It's WEDDING SEASON!!!

And I'm not invited to a single one. Thank God.

I do, however, have a ton and a half that I'm scheduled to sing, starting with one this weekend. That's why Wedding Season is the true "most wonderful time" of the entire year. That's the time of year when Erin has a lot of opportunities to pick up a little extra cash.

That also means that it's time for some of you to start figuring out gifts. Me, I'm a pillow-giver. Pillows are on everyone's registries, yet, no one seems to remember to pick them up. In the event that pillows aren't on the registry, I go in for what will surely be the next most overlooked item, like glasses, casual dining, or kitchenware. I remember the day after Thomas and I got married. We went over to my grandparents to open up the gifts that were left at the wedding, and were absolutely touched by all of the beautiful, sentimental, heirloom quality items we received. I was, literally, in tears over how obviously loved we were. Then we hopped in the car and ran to Target to buy sheets, pillows (see!), and forks so we could sleep and eat that night. Luckily, gift cards were in the pile, too.

So, now that I've convinced all of you to purchase lovely, practical gifts for your friends and family, here are some completely impractical, totally geeky, frivolous wedding gift ideas. Because I'm fickle. Deal with it.

Photo Credit: WB Shop

Okay, so this isn't totally useless. It's a Lord of the Rings inspired jewelry chest. The chest stands thirteen inches tall, and is constructed of hardwood with metal detailing. I love the teeny ring box in the center. Thomas gave me a very sweet gold ring before we got engaged. I don't wear it very often now (clashes with the white gold wedding jewelry), but that little box would the perfect place to properly keep and display it. I'm sure I'm not the only old married lady out there with a similar problem. I also like how the decoration, while ornate, isn't feminine. This is a great unisex piece that both bride and groom could use. The space under the lid would be a wonderful place for cufflinks and loose change. Now, I warn you, this chest doesn't come cheap, but for a close relative, this could be a very appropriate and cherished gift. $174.95, WB Shop.



Photo Credit: WB Shop



Now, this one's just silly, but at the same time, a little romantic. If you know some Harry Potter-heads (like myself), a pretty display case for their favorite wands (mine's Hermione's, thank you) could be a very romantic gift. Even better, the case holds four, so as their family grows, the collection can grow along with it. The little hanging plaques are a nice touch, don't you think? $44.95, WB Shop.

 

Photo Credit: Amazon

If you look to the left, you'll see something that's actually quite useful. When two people really love each other and commit to being together for the rest of their lives, something very magical happens: somehow, they manage to fit all of their stuff into one shared living space. And by 'all', I mean 'some'. And by 'magical', I mean 'with a great deal of anguish, screaming, name-calling, and possibly blood-shed'. By giving the gift of the USB hub, you're not only giving a gift that says, "Congrats!",  you're giving a gift that says, "Hey, I love you guys and want you to not end up divorced or in prison because one of you needs to charge their iPod, and the other needs the printer. Mazel Tov!" $53.14, Amazon.

I also love this idea because it's the very embodiment of the old saying: "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue." If you don't believe me, read this...

From Doctor Who, courtesy TV.com: "When you wake up, you'll have a mom and dad. And you won't even remember me. Well, you'll remember me a little. I'll be a story in your head. That's okay. We're all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh? Because it was, you know. It was the best. A daft old man who stole a magic box. Anyway, did I ever tell you that i stole it. Well, I borrowed it, I was always going to take it back. Oh, that box. Amy... you'll dream about that box. It'll never leave you. Big and little at the same time. Brand new and ancient and the bluest blue ever."

...then watch this:

Okay, enough geeking out for one day. A big, brown box from Sephora landed on my doorstep today. Here's hoping it's bigger on the inside, and I have some lovely product reviews in the near future. Toodles!

Royal Makeup Drama...For Those That Care...

Yeah, yeah, there's a big fat royal wedding this weekend. Yada, yada, yada. We get it. The media has shoved it down our throats. Sure, I'm tickled pink for the happy couple, and I'll be sure to check in on the dress and cake and whatnot, but this morning, every other segment on CBS's The Early Show focused on the upcoming nuptials. There were even segments on how to choose a hat for your viewing party and on what Ms. Middleton might have purchased for her honeymoon.

And then I read this: Katie-dear is going to do her own makeup for the wedding. My first thought was, "Whoop-dee-freaking-doo. How is this news?" quickly followed by, "Is she out of her mind? She's the future QUEEN!!! She's going to be on half the television stations in the world, and these pictures are going to be aired in perpetuity and turned into merchandise! For crying out loud, some are going to end up in history books!! Hire an artist!!!"

But then I read the reasoning behind the decision. She'd had an artist do her makeup for the engagement photos, but had been very unhappy with the results. She had wanted a fresh-faced, natural look, and had, instead, been coated down with pancake makeup. Middleton washed off all the spackling and re-did her face herself. You have to admit, the finished product was stunning.

The Happy Couple
Photo Courtesy of the NY Daily News

Honestly, I can relate with the bride-to-be. I went to a fancy-schmancy day spa/salon and had a professional artist do my makeup for my own wedding. While the makeup photographed fairly well, I still felt like a painted hussy. The eyebrows were too dark, the foundation was caked on, and my eyeliner ran down my cheeks by night's end. The first thing I did after we checked in at the hotel for our wedding night was run in the bathroom and wash my face. Another time, I was in a wedding fashion show, and the makeup artists (from the same spa...hmmm...) forgot concealer completely. I had horrible dark circles! Luckily, I was able to scrounge up some undereye cover and fix the problem before the show, but I couldn't believe that a "pro" would skip something so obvious! So, yeah, while I now have friends who are amazing artists that I trust completely, I can totally understand how this young lady might not want to trust something so important to anyone else. She will have someone teach her how to apply makeup for HD cameras. If you want a job done right, you've got to do it yourself.

As a fun little aside to this story, I found an old article from Queen Elizabeth's coronation. Seems she wasn't a big fan of piled-on makeup, either. Keep reading for a great story on the design of the Queen's coronation gown, and a whole bunch of awesome 1950s newspaper ads. It's a kick!

Julia and Anne Were Busy, I Guess...

So, apparently, there's this guy in the UK who asked his long-time girlfriend to marry him, and she agreed.  Now, from what I hear, this is a somewhat well-known young man, so there's been a little bit of fuss over the upcoming wedding.  So much fuss, in fact, that it's made its way all the way across the pond to the U. S. of A.  The groom is cute.  He might want to invest in some Rogaine, but he's got a nice smile.  For some reason, though, no one seems too interested in him.  It's the bride that everyone's all agog over.  I guess that's normal.  Right?  She is the bride, afterall.

Okay, I kid!  I just know that most of you are probably sick to death of hearing about Prince William and Princess-to-be Kate, or Katherine, or whatever they're calling her this week.  Truth is, while I'm not all a twitter wondering who will design her dress, I am intrigued by the couple.

See, Will's only two years younger than I am.  He's only one year older than I was when I got married.  I don't know the kid, but feel a generational connection to him.  Also, when I was little, I played with Princess Diana paper dolls.  I watched the fairy tale crumble, and remember well the night she passed away.  I really don't want to have to sit and watch history repeat itself.

I will say that I am very impressed by these two.  They're not going the route that Mum and Dad went.  For starters, they met at college (like normal people), and dated for close to a decade.   They weren't set up as a sort of arranged marriage, like his parents.  They're both 28, not a naive 19, like Diana.  He's been through military training, and she's worked in her parents' shop, so while the view may have been sheltered, they have both seen a smidge of the 'real world'.  In other words, they've seen what not to do, and are going in the complete and opposite direction. 

What I like most of all is the fact that this young lady--this soon to be Princess and wife of the man who will be King--dresses off the rack and does her own makeup.  Granted, one of her off-the-rack dresses is the equivalent of, like, twenty of mine, but it wasn't gifted by a designer.  It wasn't handed to her as she was told to put it on.  She went in a store, picked it out and paid for it.  Herself.  Like a grown-up woman with a brain and free will.  Those gorgeous engagement pictures that went out?  She did the makeup herself.  Yes, she had help with her hair, but she dressed herself and put herself together.  (Makeup artist readers--don't kill me!  I'd prefer to have you guys do my makeup any day of the week!  I'm just making the point that she had the option, but chose this as an opportunity to assert her independence, and for that, I applaud her.)  This is not a girl who's going to sit quietly and do as she's told, and I admire that independent spirit. 

I think these two might actually have a chance.

And now it's time for everyone's favorite part of the blog (actually, I have no idea if any of you even read this far, but whatever):  The Product Review!  Today's review:  Schick Quattro for Women razor!  According to the website:

Stay stylishly smooth with our signature metal razor. Schick^® Quattro for Women^® is designed with 4 blades and 2 conditioning strips to deliver an exceptional shaving experience so you can skip a day or two. Feel confident, look beautiful and be fabulous.

According to me:  I've actually used this brand of razor for over a year, so I guess you could say it's been thoroughly tested.  Instead of just giving you a "yay" or "nay" review, I thought I'd break things down into categories.

1) Performance:  This razor shaves beautifully.  Very few nicks or cuts, very little razor burn, and a nice, smooth, close shave.  10.

2) Appearance:  It looks high-tech, with it's sleek silver design and hot pink rubber grips.  Heavyweight, but hugs every curve.  Blade cover does tend to accumulate muck and mildew.  9.

3) Durability:  Here's the rub.  The first razor I owned lasted a year.  Since purchasing a new one, however, I'm about to have to replace it for the second time.  The first replacement was after only a week.  The current razor lasted less than a month.  The entire mechanism is held together with a little pink button that, unfortunately, loves to pop out.  If that button falls out, the handle, blade, and everything else comes apart.  Mine like to jump directly down the shower drain, never to be seen again.  Other than that, everything else has proven very durable.  Even the razors last for a week before even starting to go dull.  Oh, but go ahead and toss the suction cup holder that comes with the starter kit.  It's rubbish.  5. 

4) Price:  $8.47, Walmart.  That includes two razor blades.  A four-pack of blades is $10.47 at Walmart.  This is not terrible, considering my first razor lasted a year, and a four-pack of blades will last you a month.  7. 

All in all, 7.75 out of 10.  The only problem with the whole package is that one little pink button.  If they could just figure out a way to keep it in place, I'd remain a Schick customer.  For now, I'm looking for a new razor.

If John Carpenter and David Tutera Went Into Business Together...

Two posts in one day?!  What could you possibly have done to deserve such a...treat? 

As soon as I finished posting today's "primary" post, I found this and just had to share.  Universal Orlando is throwing a wedding for the lucky winners of their Halloween Horror Nights Wedding contest!  April Richardson and Adam Cochran will be joined in holy matrimony to a chorus of chainsaw wielding maniacs, and I freaking love it. 

Universal already offers wedding packages at more than 25 locations around the park and resort, but this will be the first ever HHN wedding.  April and Adam's ceremony will take place inside one of the eight HHN haunted houses, and scareactors (pronounced like "characters") will mix and mingle with guests.  I hope Grandma Ethel's taken her nerve pills.  The chainsaw drill team will send the happy couple down the aisle, where more scareactors (with more chainsaws!) will see them to a festive hearse, which will take them to their spooky reception.  Guests will enjoy the three-tier wedding cake, bedecked with spiderwebs and a skull caketopper.  Now, how do I go about scoring an invitation?

Pictures will be posted on the theme park's website following tonight's nuptials.  Congratulations and Best Wishes, April and Adam!!