Murforelli

We're blushing

2010-01-12T12:51:00.001-05:00

"Hi Christi and Mark,

I'm doing a year end review of my favorite wedding images from this past wedding season, and I'm starting with yours - my very favorite of the year! Thought you and your friends / family might like to see a few photos posted online in the blog section of my website, along with the slideshow!

www.BethKPhoto.com

Thanks for being such a great couple. Truly, my very favorite of the 2009 season.

All the Best,
Beth"

Real Love

2009-09-28T20:56:00.004-04:00

Our wedding photographer, Beth Kukucka, posted a few selects of the big day on her blog. Check the selection out here.

Our faves (so far):

Finger Lakes Mini-moon

2009-09-28T19:42:00.016-04:00

The wedding was so perfect, better than even Murforeli could ever imagine -- THANKS again to all of our near and dear who made the trip, witnessed our ceremony, filled the dance floor, and made our celebration so full of love and happiness...

We hung out in PA for Sunday to see guests off at the Marriott's continental breakfast, then hit up a Pirate game (they lost, ho hum.)

Then we had a dinner at my Gammy Hadel's that I will forever refer to as "Trifecta" since it contained EVERY dish that she makes which melts my homesick heart: chicken+dumplings, stuffed cabbage, and raviolis.

On Monday, we decided to delay our departure for 24 hours (because I always need "one more day" at home) so that we could assist in clean up and break down. On Tuesday morning, we headed out to NY for our mini-moon. Why the "mini"? Because in May we go on the "major" moon to Spain!

ITINERARY

DAY 1, Naples NY, Lake Canandaigua
Driving from PA, enjoying a relaxing start at the delightful Bristol Views B&B

DAY 2, Naples NY, Canandaigua Lake / Wintour Falls NY, Seneca Lake
Visiting some local wineries, trying to get to the bottom of the "grape pie" phenomenon, delish dinner at Stonecat Cafe

DAY 3, Wintour Falls NY, Seneca Lake / Ithaca NY, Cayuga Lake
* HAPPY 32nd BIRTHDAY TO MY HUSBAND!*
Hiking at Watkins Glen, amazing meal at Moosewood Cafe courtesy of Julie+Tobin+Linc+Cabell (a wedding present!)

DAY 4, Ithaca NY, Cayuga Lake / Syracuse NY
Trying to find Ithaca's best coffee shop for morning java, lunch at Dinosaur BBQ with Brother Jim, driving back to The Bean

Say "Cheese" = Success!

2009-09-26T01:14:00.003-04:00

So the Shutter(photo)booth was a HUGE hit at the reception; we even extended the time by an extra hour just so that *we* could get a turn! For better or worse, ahem, all of the photos are online (but only for a very limited time). All we can say is, way to go with the props, everyone...

Officially Murforelli!

2009-09-24T09:45:00.001-04:00

Batter Up

2009-09-10T21:11:00.005-04:00

The time has come to buy tickets for our day-after baseball game...who's with us?

The Pirates vs. San Diego Padres

Sunday, September 20, 2009

12:35 pm.

AND it's Pirates Gold Cap promotional day!

If you'd like to join us, please let us know asap as we're buying tickets this weekend for the $35 All-You-Can-Eat outfield section. Here is the list of attendees we have so far:

- Mr. and Mrs. Murforelli

- Ken & Ania

- Beth

- NPY

The Way We Were...

2009-09-01T22:33:00.006-04:00

...long before Murforelli, we were just two crazy kids

Not much has changed...

(Xmas 2009)

Say "Cheese"

2009-09-01T22:18:00.004-04:00

Strike a pose, lovely friends and family...we're having a photobooth at the reception! Murf is in charge of the props table; talk to him if you have your heart set on a particular cowboy hat, feather boa, or style of stick-on moustache. We have a few other surprises up our almost-wedded sleeves too (see you all in 2 weeks and 3 days!!!)

Fueling Up

2009-08-26T20:07:00.002-04:00

...for their duties in three weeks!

Flower Princess

Ring Bearer

The first miracle of our nuptial process

2009-08-18T19:51:00.003-04:00

No, not the 2,000 cookies or the 500 sparklers (purpose TBD,) but the revelation that the US Postal Service obviously does have a heart. From Mark's Aunt Paula, who lives in Canada, and whose invitation's envelope I apparently put NO postage on -- see naked RSVP recipients, don't you feel lucky now?

"Hi Guys, By some form of miracle alone, your invitation arrived today. It has no postage at all and was stamped by the post office RECEIVED UNSEALED AT GMF, BOSTON, MA 02205. How it got to us without any postage and opened is beyond me, but maybe a female postal worker saw it was a wedding invitation and decided it was important enough to let it slide. HA! Very nice and unusual invitation too. Anyway, I can not mail your post card from Canada with US postage, so I will put it in another envelope and mail it back tomorrow. Thanks, Paula"

Did you get a Golden Ticket?

2009-08-12T13:28:00.004-04:00

...or, if by "Golden Ticket," we mean an RSVP card missing a postage stamp in your invitation, then our heartfelt apologies. We assembled the invites in two batches and apparently flaked out when it came to affixing this cute polar bear to 23 of the reply cards. OOPS!

I guess if this postage slip-up is the worst "disaster" of our nuptial process, then I'm ok with that fact.Have one of the naked RSVPs? Please pop on a stamp and consider us in your karmic debt.

xo
Murforelli

The Cookie Table

2009-08-04T22:35:00.005-04:00

As we chug along trying to send out all of the invitations by week's end, I realized that six weeks out (!) might be an appropriate time to start schooling some of our Northeastern guests on the ways of the western Pennsylvania wedding. And no discussion of PA weddings is complete without explaining the cookie table.

Since I can remember, every wedding that I attended in PA had a cookie table. Traditionally, female relatives of the bride all pitch in and bake dozens and dozens of homemade cookies in several varieties before the big day. My favorites, Hershey Kiss peanut butter thumbprints, were usually represented, along with each baker's "cookie of pride."

Boxes or bags are sitting nearby, waiting to be filled and carried home by sometimes-tipsy guests. One thing is for sure in PA: cookie tables are a practice in excess not necessity, and back home cookies=love, which is why I was not at all surprised to receive the following email yesterday from Mom-orelli.

"8/2/09 at 9:15 P.M.:
1,223 and more to come tomorrow.

Types already made: chocolate chip, white chocolate chip with macadamia nuts, almond joy brownie tassies, choc. cream filled tassies; yellow apricot-filled tassies, choclolate thumbprints, raspberry-filled thumbprints, brownies, oatmeal apple raisin cookies, snickerdoodles, lemon drops, mini strawberry cheesecakes, choc.-pecan mini cheesecakes, chewy rainforest bars.

Yet to come: Hidden treasures, choc. nut slices, choc. laced peanut butter cookies, heart-shaped sugar cookies, coconut macaroons, and haystacks. Gammy is making vanilla and chocolate pizzelles and her "chetages"."

Get ready, northerners...this cookie table is gonna blow your minds!

— CG

Vroom Vroom! The Scenic Drive to Leechburg, PA.

2009-07-20T12:00:00.001-04:00

A few folks from New England have mentioned that they will be driving to the great state of Pennsylvania for the big day in Sept. More power to them. CG and I have to drive b/c we're actually heading out there a week early. For those that are making the multi state trek - we highly recommend this beautifully guided path rather than the more simple I - 95 South to the Pennsylvania Turnpike heading West. It's just not worth it.

For the motorcade coming from New England, here are Murforelli's directions that we use to drive home to Pittsburgh. Basic tips:

1. avoid the Pennsylvania Turnpike, no, really!

2. the earlier in the day you travel, the better (less semi-trucks and traffic)

3. You get to drive through SCRANTON. (Hello Office Fans!!)

4. Mark and I's favorite place to stop for lunch is the sub shop in Wegman's Wilkes Barre (just off of 81 South.

From Boston:

1. get on I-90 West (Mass Turnpike)

2. take exit 9 to merge onto I-84 W toward US-20/Hartford/New York City, stay on I-84 all the way through NY and CT

3. take the exit onto I-380 N/I-84 W toward I-81/Scranton/I-380

4. take the exit for I-81 South to 380 North to Route 84 West (you're only on 380 for a few minutes)

5. Route 80 West to Route 81 South (right after Bloomburg)

6. 80 West connects to 28 South. This is a rural route with many twists and turns and hills. So drive carefully.

7. Rt 28 South takes you all the way into Pittsburgh Mills and to the Springhill Suites Marriott.

So there you are folks. Directions to Leechburg.

So heading back...

28 North - 80 East - 81 North - 380 South - 84 East - 90 East.

Let us know if you have any questions...

Such a pretty girl...

2009-07-18T21:14:00.002-04:00

Isn't my baby pretty? This was us on a post week Date Night.

In the Groove

2009-07-10T22:45:00.004-04:00

With about two months to go, Team Murforelli is full speed ahead with all things wedding-related. A lot of the most recent checks off our "To Do" list have fallen on Mark's side. He found a great suit for an incredible price, and best man Ken has officially set the bachelor party for the weekend of August 15.

For his other duties in Groomville, Mark might want to check out GroomGroove.com, a road map for the "modern" groom's trip down the aisle. Everything is here, from Engagement to Wedding 101 (although I don't think Murf needs much guidance, he's been A+ since we started dating!)

– CG

Generous Bounty

2009-06-22T23:10:00.013-04:00

Initially, we had the brainstorm to include a photo in each thank you card for our shower gifts with the item being used at home. We made it through quite a few prezzies before we realized that we were running out of time to actually send the thank you's (according to etiquette's time line.) So we wrote and mailed out the cards...and present to you this (partial) digital gallery of us gratefully using some of our gifts. FUN! And we're going to keep adding photos, too...as we christen all the wonderful gifts (sushi + martini night, here we come.)

Thanks again to everyone for coming to the shower and giving us such *generous and perfect* gifts!

Shower, anyone?

2009-06-10T09:56:00.014-04:00

Much thanks to the our pals The Shulmans for throwing us a fantastic "Jack and Jill" shower as we prepare for the BIG DAY. Fabulous party all around. The weather was great. The food was a plenty. The beers were abundant... To say the shower was perfect is an understatement.

It is the first of three showers for us. (We really are blessed with amazing friends and family.) The reason for three events is that my family is so huge -- we didn't want to overwhelm Julie and Tobin with too many Irish-folk at their house -- and Christi's family is mostly in PA. So my Mom is setting up a shower for the Murphy/Kavanagh clan later in the month, and Mom-orelli is throwing one for the Pittsburgh folks in July.

Christi and I weren't aware of the details of the shower. Turns out that in the invitation was a recipe card (designed by Julie) to be given to us at the shower for our 'FUTURE' recipe box. (How clever!) Each guest actually made his/her dish and brought it along to share. I'm looking forward to creating each and every one.

Thanks to all that attended. Your love (and generosity!) is amazing. For those that weren't able to make it -- you were missed and loved.

And thanks again to the SHULMAN'S for opening up their house to everyone. We really appreciate EVERYTHING !

Thanks again everyone !!

Cheers -
Murf + CG

AAA Hotel Discount

2009-05-12T23:25:00.002-04:00

We've been super busy with wedding planning and moving to a new apartment (this Friday, May 15!) but wanted to pass along a tip that our friend Kim clued us in to: if you have a AAA membership, you can get a further discount on a room at the Springhill Suites Pittsburgh Mills.

Although there are a certain number of rooms available with a discount if you mention the Gorelli/Murphy wedding, even if you don't manage to get in before that block of suites sells out, AAA will still get you a fairly equal discount on your room.

Cheers!

Begins with a "B"

2009-04-22T22:34:00.003-04:00

We know that out-of-town guests are usually invited to a Sunday brunch as a way to close out the wedding weekend. Well, swap "Brunch" for "Baseball" and you'll have a clue about our non-traditional plans for anyone who wants to hang out on Sunday -- batter up!

That's right, the Pittsburgh Pirates will be in town all weekend, so anyone who is flying in Friday morning or leaving Sunday night has the opportunity to check out a game at the beautiful PNC Park. We're trying to organizing a block of tickets for Sunday's 1:35 pm game, so if you're interested drop us an email.

(click to enlarge)

(Note: We considered a Steelers' game, but the Super Bowl XLIII champions will be in Chicago that weekend.)

Only the Best

2009-04-06T22:47:00.008-04:00

Cheers to my mom, secret internet maven, who just "happenened" to notice a banner ad while looking at a cooking site -- The Country's Best Cupcakes.

She took a look, since she knew that we wanted cupcakes instead of a cake at our reception and, lo and behold, one of the bakeries is in Pittsburgh! She immediately called and booked Dozen Cupcakes. I think I might be more excited about all the flavors of cupcakes we could have for everyone to feast on than I was when I (finally) got my dress!

The best part, in my opinion, is that Dozen delivers and sets everything up. They provide the tiered stands for the cupcakes, and will even make a very small cake for Mark and I to cut. Although Murforelli hasn't discussed our cake much, I am pretty sure we'll end up choosing this one:

East End Chocolate Stout
Our dark chocolate cake made with East End Brewing Co.'s Black Strap Stout, covered with dark chocolate ganache and topped with irish cream buttercream.

— CG

Peanuts and Emeralds

2009-04-04T00:04:00.003-04:00

My Great Aunt Mary was a loving and classy woman who, along with my Uncle Frenchy (Francis,) would come to my Nona's house almost every Saturday after her weekly hair appointment to visit, drink coffee (with just a nip of whiskey mixed in,) and humor me as I tried to entertain the adults. One thing that I'll always remember about her is a love for emeralds, as she always wore at least one emerald piece of jewelry, and usually more if possible.

I read about Helen Hayes and her husband, General Charles MacAuthor's, love story many years ago and I just remembered the details as I sat here thinking of readings for our ceremony. I couldn't help but think of my Aunt Mary & Uncle Frenchy's deep devotion to each other -- and hope that Mark and I have just as wonderful of a life together.

— CG

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

It was in a glittering New York salon that Miss Hayes, still rather shy, met Mr. MacArthur. In her best-selling 1990 autobiography, "My Life in Three Acts," written with Katherine Hatch, she recalled: "I picked up a glass of sherry to fit in and retreated to a secluded niche. Twenty minutes later, a good-looking fellow with curly brown hair and sparkling green eyes came over, maybe because he felt sorry for me sitting there all alone. He held out a small paper bag. 'Wanna peanut?' he asked. 'Thanks,' I said. He poured a few in my hand and said, 'I wish they were emeralds.' Right then and there I fell in love."

...In 1945 (after 17 years of marriage,) returning from a sojourn in India, he dropped a sack of emeralds in her lap and said, "I wish they were peanuts."

(from The New York Times)

Colorized to the Nines

2009-04-01T21:57:00.004-04:00

Since our Save the Dates went out (yippeee!), everyone has seen the beginnings of "our" colors. Luckily, the gals over at 100 Layer Cake banged out a glam mood board using some of the palette that I've been working with behind the scenes...

T-Minus 170 days

2009-04-01T19:41:00.003-04:00

Ah, SomeEcards.com...

Join Us -- in the Major Muscular Organ of Western PA

2009-03-15T23:09:00.007-04:00

"The average human heart, beating at 72 beats per minute, will beat approximately 2.5 billion times during a lifetime (about 66 years). It weighs on average 250 g to 300 g in females and 300 g to 350 g in males."
(from Wikipedia)

How perfect of a coincidence that Armstrong County (the location of our wedding) has branded itself "The Heart of Western PA"? Anyway, check out the quaint little country where we will be wed at Armstrong County.com.

(Dad's restaurant is even listed in the "Dine" section. – CG)

Simply the...Best?

2009-03-15T23:02:00.011-04:00

I can't help but take partial credit that our Best Man is a minor media star after attending Phish's opening reunion concert at Hampton Coliseum -- because it was *my* ticket lottery entry that got him (and his brother) in the door. I received a grateful thanks and a very generous iTunes gift card for the effort.

Ken, I can't decide if you should be encouraged, or forbidden, to wear this outfit to at least our rehearsal dinner!

UPDATE: Thanks to Ania (the Best Man's missus and creator of the above ensembles) for directing me to an even better photo by TelluridePhotography.net)

Book 'Em Baby !!

2009-03-11T23:24:00.006-04:00

ATTENTION NEW ENGLAND PALS and FAM !!!!!

Flights to the 'Burgh are super cheap. Avg flight on Jet Blue, United, US Air, and Delta are all averaging around $100-125 each way. Book now! Book now!! (Southwest can't book that far ahead yet, but I"M sure it'll be cheap.)

Also, a little tip - Southwest is coming to Logan Airport in May... so you'll have another option. Just check soon.

M+J - flights are a little more from MN on Northwest Airlines. They're a little cheaper on United.

Book 'em baby!! Book 'em soon.

A Charmed Life

2009-03-10T13:29:00.007-04:00

This story (via Kottke) about a couple who learns to continue loving life after the wife becomes a parapalegic, is so touching...

"My first glimpse of her was through the screen door of her house; I’d gone there to see her brother. She was 21, and I was 22. She looked adorable in her orange dress, and I thought, “If that girl will have anything to do with me, that’s it.”

We married soon after."

...

"Anyone who is in love is living a charmed life, especially if you’ve been in love for many years, through good times and bad. I have been crazy about Linda since the first time I saw her. We always felt we could handle any challenge because we were facing it together. This time we knew we had the will, but the demands were so exhausting, the changes so pervasive, that sometimes we wondered how we would cope.

This incredibly capable woman who loved to hike mountains, ride waves, and run marathons, who had cleared our sizable backyard of eight-foot-high brambles and helped me move all our furniture into three houses, suddenly couldn’t do any of those things, ever again.

Not long after getting home from the hospital, when we were having dinner by candlelight at our kitchen table, she burst into tears. “I don’t know if I can do this for the rest of my life,” she said.

All I could say was, 'We’ll do it together.'"

I could definitely see Murf saying that to me in the same circumstances.

Save The Date

2009-03-09T23:17:00.006-04:00

Beautifully designed by the bride to be herself. Get ready, folks. September is right around the corner.

Murf's House of Worship

2009-01-29T21:02:00.006-05:00

We (and especially Mark) are super excited that we'll all get to turn our eyes heavenward at our rehearsal dinner...to look at the giant copper and steel tanks of The Church Brew Works.

Aside from being A BREWERY IN A CHURCH (!), CBW is also the "must-go" place that I took Mark when he first visited Pittsburgh with me. Also in this historic spot, Mr. Murphy learned the definition of a Pittsburgh salad.

We're hope that our out-of-towners will join us later in the evening for a few pints in anticipation of Murforelli!

The $28,000 Question

2009-01-22T13:05:00.004-05:00

...or in Fergie and Josh's case, the $1.5 million question!

Julie (patient MOH) sent me this posting by a Stanford grad which tries to figure out the question all couples planning any kind of wedding ask themselves -- "how the hell did this thing get so friggin' expensive?!?"

Words of wisdom, or perhaps contemplative hindsight, depending on where a person is in the matrimonial process.

Shutterbug

2009-01-22T13:02:00.003-05:00

We have a photographer! After considering a pair of brothers from Boston (who took beautiful shots but were a bit out of budget range,) we ended up going with a local Pittsburgh photojournalist name Beth Kukacka...

When I first contacted her, I accidentally typed my name as "Christio," which she called me and even addressed our information packed to, until I mentioned my mistake. Now it's an inside joke. She has a great personality, is super nice, and we're excited to both have her be our "fly on the wall" and check this task off the list.

Here are a few of our favorite shots from her site (click to see full size):

One Degree to Carlos Santana

2009-01-22T12:55:00.002-05:00

Mark is traveling again, this time to Chicago from Mon-Wed and San Francisco from Wed-Sat. Since his blog is down indefinitely, I'm taking it upon myself to post a photo of the most exciting part of his yesterday: meeting Carlos Santana at the San Fran Intl Airport.

I only have one question: is Carlos wearing a fanny pack?

Come home soon, Mark!

Registering for - Your Honeymoon?

2009-01-11T21:59:00.001-05:00

Thanks to my younger sister we have now found a great website that helps you with the 2nd best part of getting married - The Honeymoon!

Traveler's Joy is an online honeymoon registry. Simply set up a free account, and Traveler's Joy will provide you with a registry page to share your honeymoon travel plans with your wedding guests. Friends and family visit your page and use their credit card to give a gift toward part or all of your trip. Collect your gifts at anytime by requesting a bank check or transfer. It's the best of both worlds: your guests can easily give you a special wedding gift and you receive what you really want — the honeymoon of your dreams.

I can say that we've made some progress in this area. CG and I have decided that we'll be visiting Spain in the Spring of 2010 for our Honeymoon. We've decided to go for a mini-moon after the wedding to the Upstate New Tork Wine Country and then go for the full moon later in the spring.

So that's the plan, sports fans. More soon!

Fit for the Wedding

2009-01-11T21:04:00.005-05:00

Thanks to my sisters, Spud, T, and The Irish - Team Murforelli has yet another outlet for burning some calories and shedding a few pounds for the wedding.

CG and I have already spent time (hours) playing Wii sports - tennis, baseball, and bowling. (My favorite of course being baseball, although I do wish that you could play more than 3 innings of baseball. )

I'm not going to lie, I was aprehensive at first. I was always anti-video gaming systems. I never wanted to be one of 'those' people that spends hours upon hours of time wasting away in front of the game. So far - Wii Sport has proven my old way of thinking wrong.

We created our Mii's and gone head to head in all of the Wii Sport games. Amazingly enough it does actually give you a bit of a workout. Sure you can do a simple wrist flick and roll with the motions, but if you really want to get into it - and you should - you need to move your arms, your legs, and your hips.

So not only are we competing against each other - but we now have a collection of MII's from our pals that have come to play. Who's next?

CG's next purchase will be the
illustrious Wii Fit. Yoga, Balance Training, Strength Training... We'll be the fittest bride and groom out there.

Go Team Murforelli !!

And remember - that challenge offer is still out there! BRING IT !!!

Wedding Updates from The Road

2008-12-12T17:26:00.000-05:00

Hi Folks... Just checking in from beautifully hellish Miami, FL. Yes, right now, I'm sitting in Miami International with some Cramer peeps waiting on our plane. So why not pass the time with a little crackberry-ibternet surfing, right? Really I just wanted to see if I could actually write an entire post from my blackberry,, and it appears that I can. I don't even have any specific news to tell you that's wedding related, but its good to know that should something come up that is wedding related and I felt it imperative to share with ya'll, I could whip out my trusty tool here and send my update to the world. I will tell you that I'm really excited to see my baby look even more beautiful than she already is. That's all friends. Time to board and get out of this hell hole. See you back in The Bean.

Cheers
MM

The Wedding Fund

2008-11-22T12:52:00.006-05:00

Just a quick note to thank our pals Tara + Hal for a little treat for my birthday. Tara got me a small little box (much like this one here) for our 'WEDDING FUND'. So cute, so cool.

It lives on my desk at work. We thought it best to be there since I have more co-workers than CG does (200 - 3). Our chances are a little better.

T, I think we're up to about $5 now. :)

So, thanks and thanks to all that have contributed.

(p.s. from the 'orelli' of this pair....here is the actual tin -- too cute!)

I don't like ALL guns.

2008-11-22T12:08:00.005-05:00

Despite my soon to be father in law's long time obsession and Captain Flapjack's newly found one with guns, I still hold true the feeling that most guns are unnecessary. And I definitely don't ever plan on owning or shooting one in the near future.

However... I'm not going to lie, using the little scanner gun for our registry is gosh darn fun any and all that doesn't result int he killing of harmless animals. (That's right FLAPJACK - I went there.)

We have officially finished registering for our wedding. We've done our best to keep it simple and only things that are important. (Yes, Love... 4 cans of wassabi peanuts ARE important.) And I think our selections at Crate + Barrel, Willam Sonoma, Macy's, and THE DEPOT will be wonderful.

In addition to generous gifts that people can purchase, CG and i are also working on a few charities. We are very fortunate in having loads of family and pals that are over-generous so we thought why not take some of that generosity and bestow it upon others somehow.

Details are forthcoming on exactly which charities, but there will be some donations made on behalf of Team Murforelli.

Pittsburgh's Perfect.

2008-11-19T21:22:00.009-05:00

Yes, it's true. Pittsburgh is perfect. Just like the old commercial. (That's for you Tommy.)

CG and I returned from what appears to be one of many visits to the 'Burgh to visit her family and do 'wedding' related things. We left The Bean this past Thursday for a weekend full of appointments, check-ins, and of course... eating. (I don't know why this always happens when we go there, but I like it.) :)

I think everyone knows that the reception will be held at CG's Dad's restaurant, 1844. Bob-o has graciously agreed to host our nuptials on that crazy day in September of '09. In order to make it happen though, many little details come into play. Hence... we visited one of two tent rental companies to discuss... options.

Soon enough these options will fall into place, but for now, it is still a bit daunting. You've got pick the right plates, the right silver wear, the right glasses, the right everything.

I guess I'm still getting used to all this planning. I know once we get everything in line, we'll be OK. For now I guess I can take comfort that I've got the perfect wife to be as well as the perfect place to share our nuptials together with everyone.

Pretty Lady.

2008-11-10T21:53:00.004-05:00

So... I know I'm no supposed to see the pictures of my bride to be in her wedding gown. Something about some silly tradition.

Well in keeping with that tradition... I'm not saying that I looked at any photos, but I will say that my baby is going to be the prettiest bride to be.

Our 15 Minutes

2008-11-06T20:13:00.004-05:00

We made "the paper," as Gammy Hadel would say...

The Valley News Dispatch, the local daily back home in PA, ran our engagement announcement last weekend. My friend Shannon was nice enough to buy the paper, cut out the announcement for savin', and even scanned it in so we could see!

Murforelli represents well in 85 LPI.

Groom on the Run with a Gun

2008-11-05T14:47:00.009-05:00

In an optimistic move based on the fact that we hoped we wouldn't have to move out of the country should Obama lose (and he didn't!), Mark and I decided to do a little registering this past weekend. Strategically, choosing the Natick Collection as our location on the same day as the American Girl store opening was a poor decision, but we did get to eat at the Cheesecake Factory amid hundreds of giant pink doll boxes.

First stop: Macys
Since I can't make a decision without seeing almost every choice available (perhaps why it took me 30 years to find Murf?!?) we decided to "just browse" but do eventually plan to go back for bedding/towels, luggage, and maybe some things from the Martha Stewart Collection.

Second stop: Crate & Barrel
I was a little late to the party on this one due to a bathroom break, so I didn't see the warning signs when Mark bounded over, registery gun in hand. Two hours later, I realized two things:
1. Mark loves using the registry gun, especially for scanning frivolous things like wasabi cocktail peanuts
2. Mark loves using the registry gun to jokingly "shoot" me with its laser beam, once nearly shining the thing straight into my retinas.

So we registered for a bunch of stuff at C&B, most of which we'll be transferring to the Williams Sonoma registry because we since found out that they offer a lifetime satisfaction guarantee for all of their product. Those who know me well know I am a complete sucker (and stickler) for the lifetime guarantee.

After the mall, we had a snack and then attempted to tackle Target's Club Wed registry. By the time I returned from browsing through the clothing, Mark already had "the gun" and added all of his Jack brand man grooming products to the registry.

That's when we decided to call it a night.

(if you see Mark coming at you with one of these badboys, run like you got off the T at Mattapan)

Happy Election Day!!

2008-11-04T12:48:00.002-05:00

Just a friendly reminder for everyone that if you don't go out and vote... you don't have the right to complain.

Honey, let's go to the moon...

2008-10-30T17:02:00.004-04:00

With wedding planning in full swing now that I have safely returned from my month long sprint... I can breathe a little easier now. No, that's not a typo. I can actually concentrate a little more on aspects of THE GREATEST DAY EVER that people are concerned with.

For instance... if i had a nickel for every time someone asked me where we were going on our honeymoon... this wedding would be paid for. It is really great how many people, that have gone before CG and I and know much more about weddings and such, want to help.

So I thought I would share in the 'places where we may go...'

(Mental Note: For our honeymoon criteria: We would like an excellent combination of culture, relaxation, and adventure. We don't want to be obnoxious tourists. We do not want to run ourselves raggid and need a vaca from the HM. There's an urban myth that I don't like to go to a beach, but it's not true. There is nothing more that I enjoy than going to the ocean... it's humidity I don't like.)

That being said, I present our options... (In no particular order)

1. Cinque Terre, Italy
5 towns that you can hike or train between right on the Mediterranean.
Adventure: hiking into the high mountains
Culture: small, quaint Italian villas with A-mazing views and sunsets
Downside: I've been there and CG's been to Italy.

2. Greece.
Everyone I know that has been, said it's the most amazing place ever.
Adventure: Hello... 3 years of Latin taught me plenty of Greek history.
Culture: Athens, the water...
Downside: Would we be bad if we followed everyone else?

3. Somewhere in Scandanavia
5 countries - imagine the possibilities. We've got an uncle from Sweeden. One pal from Norway. One of Norwegian decent... imagine the possibilities...
Adventure: plenty of mountains and rivers to travel around
Culture: Amazing architecture, breathtaking views,
Downside: distance?

4. Amsterdam
One of the smallest cities in the world,but with so many possibilities.
Adventure: three words: Red Light District
Culture: museums and... the Red Light District.
Downside: is there one?

5. Spain (Madrid and/or Barcelona)
Captain Flapjack and APIC took 4 months and backpacked through Spain all the way to the coast.
Adventure: Three words: Running With The Bulls.
Culture: Fiestas, festivals
Downside: NONE. (This is high on my list.)

6. Paris
CG and her friend Amy have a deal that if they outlive their husbands (conveiently his name is Mark also) that they are going to go grow old and smoke cigarettes on the streets of Paris.
Adventure: I will forgoe my dying affection for Euro Disney (totally kidding) and bask in the beauty that is the city of love.
Culture: The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower
Downside: According to Michael Moore... who can say anything bad about Paris?

7. Alaska
Hell, if I can see Russia from there... why wouldn't I want to go?
Adventure: Bear watching, crusises, flight watching, and fishing
Culture: Breathtaking views, eskimos, igloos.
Downside: CG doesn't like cold... so it would have to be planned for the right time.

8. Canadian Rockies
My Aunt and Uncle have been dying for some family to visit them up in Calgary. Not only have I heard that Banff is one of the most glorious cities in all of Canada. Not to mention the star factor for CG.
Adventure: Hello... mountains.
Culture: 6 cities and national parks galore, cave tours, dog sleds, and ice walks
Downside: weather could be a factor here as well.

9. Nova Scotia
Knowing that 3 of Canada's 7 wonders are located in the Nova Scotia area... good enough for me.
Adventure: sea cost, festivals and activities for all 4 seasons
Culture: 700 festivals throughout the year, Acadian and Celtic traditions, award winning vineyards,
Downside: can't really think of one.

10. Nappa Valley, CA
I made my first trip to Nappa in October of '08 for work and instantly fell in love. It reminded me so much of the beauty of upstate NY... rolling hills, lush green valleys... and VINO.
Adventure: lots of hiking and VINO
Culture: San Fran, the Bay Area and... VINO
Downside: well... VINO

11. West Cost Trip
I haven't made it anywhere else on the West Cost besides the San Fran area, but I would love to hit the three major cities of the North West. Start in San Fran - Portland - Seatle or vice versa.
Adventure: west coast driving, hiking, The Pacific
Culture: plenty in all three cities
Downside: none.

12. The birth place of every major character from the original Star Wars.
I'd like to thank NPY for help on planning this trip... I can't really think of a bad reason not to go. CG's even on board since she wants to stop at thrift stores along the way.

Mark Hammil, Concrod, CA
Carrie Fisher, Beverly Hills, CA
Harrison Ford, Chicago, IL
Peter Cushing, Surrey, England
Alec Guiness, London, England
Anthony Daniels, Wiltshire, England
Kenny Baker, Birmingham, England
Peter Meyhew, Barnes, England

Adventure: Somehow we'll have to make it from Chicago - California - England
Culture: three cities with plenty of culture amongst them
Downside: none.

So there you go, friends. That's our list so far. Your comments and thoughts are welcome.

Cheers-
MM/CG

"365 days until your wedding"

2008-09-23T12:56:00.002-04:00

Last Friday, Murforelli was exactly UNO AñO away from the big day. In 361 days, I'll awake from a delightful, Ambien-induced slumber to my mp3 alarm clock playing "Going to the Chapel"...and the song will be about moi!

I'm concentrating on the lovely thought above, and not all of the planning which must happen in the next year. In other progress, we have initially composed our (tiny) wedding party...

Flower Princess: Miss Niamh
Bearer of Rings: Sir Lincoln Olav
MOH: Cho
BM: Captain Flapjack
Bride & Groom: MURFORELLI!

In deciding on a number of attendants, The Prof and I feel like we are so blessed to have such dear friends -- and so many of them! -- that in the end, we kept things simple. We each needed a witness, and wanted to involve our favorite (respective) child, so that's how things ended up...simple. I'd rather see my gal pals in some hot little numbers and knockout shoes of their own choosing rather than all conformin; each woman's uniqueness is what I love about my friends. Plus, we know that traveling for a wedding is already enough cost and stress, so aside from showing up to our big day, we wanted our friends (and us!) to just be able to kick back and have a blast. Lord knows I'd sit in a pew for the ceremony if given the choice!

To prepare the MOB and MOH for everything to come, I got them each two carefully chosen books. For Mom-orelli, the reading material included It's Her Wedding But I'll Cry if I Want To: A Survival Guide for the Mother of the Bride and The Knot Guide for the Mother of the Bride. Cho received The Bridesmaid Guide: Etiquette, Parties, and Being Fabulous and You Can Wear It Again: A Celebration of Bridesmaids' Dresses.

They both admitted that the tomes freaked them out a bit, but they would try to live up to my (and Mindy Weiss') expectations. We have all kinds of other fun and special things planned to honor those "liberated" from wedding party duty...just you all wait and see. Tee hee.

No other planning has taken place this week because my hubby-to-be is in Cancun for work. I know, cry him a river. I can't wait for you to come home, babe, and thanks for sending me the photo below with the caption "Wish you were here!" The image really warmed my heart while the rest of me froze in our chilly, 45 degree apartment this a.m.

xo, CG

The Big 1-9

2008-09-23T12:55:00.002-04:00

Since there are only so many aspects of a wedding one can plan 372 days in advance, I decided to check the success of our nuptial date in numerology's opinion.

Saturday, September 19, translates to...

9+1+9+0+9=28
2+8
1+0= 1

I found this analysis of the number "1" (and 10, which makes up 1 in numerology) online:

— 1 —
The number 1 energy suggests an increased measure of executive ability and leadership qualities than your path may have indicated. No 1 of any month gives you greater will power and self-confidence, and very often a rather original approach. This 1 energy may diminish your ability and desire to handle details with a broad brush. You may be sensitive, but your feelings stay rather repressed and subdued due to external bindings.

— 10 —
Your birth on the 10th day of the month adds a tone of independence and extra energy to your Life Path.

(NOTE: In doing research to make the graphic above, I found a great set of numbers of Flickr, shot by Will Wan.)

In celebration of choosing the date, Cho got me a fun necklace from Etsy with a mini bingo chip that displays the number "19". She said it's to remind me both that 9/19/09 is the day, and not to take this wedding planning stuff (or Mindy Weiss) too seriously.

Mindy Weiss Made Me Do It

2008-09-23T12:53:00.001-04:00

This morning, we're up and out early, heading up to Castine, ME, for tomorrow's wedding of General Disarray and Ms. Clairvoyant. I'm excited for two reasons:
1. the route is supposedly dotted with roadside vintage and antique stores
2. set up of the "guest book" table display at the Inn where the reception is being held

I say "guest book" because I approached the task more like a display vessel to hold well wishes, notes, advice, photos, etc, for the happy couple . Please excuse if I offend anyone, but I just don't understand the purpose of a literal guest book at a contemporary wedding. I think that I came up with a smart solution to the normal list of signatures, and I'll post a few photos on Monday.

For Murforelli, the plans are chugging right along. I felt a lot better after we chatted with my dad this past weekend about tent location, set up, and the menu/alcohol. Once I get an estimate from tent vendor #2, we'll make that reservation and start focusing more on things like colors, music, clothing, etc.

The Prof has shown how patient he is with "wedding stuff" this past week, as I went into a frenzy upon starting to read The Wedding Book by professional wedding planner Mindy Weiss (she did Heidi and Seal's nuptials!) Anyway, I mostly bought the book for etiquette -- and Hype -- reasons, so that I had a guide in the who/when/where of ceremony and reception details,. There is, however, a lot of "stuff" in there that I have yet (or want) to consider.

Mom-orelli and I are doing all the flowers for the tables ourselves and we've decided that arrangements of succulents are the way to go. Besides having simple, modern shapes, and being beautifully colored, the centerpieces will have some shelf life if guests take them home. I also love the idea of moss, which is so hot right now, but that amount of landscape renovation seems unlikely with the long distance planning. A few succulent inspirations here and here...

Onward!
xo, CG

I took the shot below in the Boston Public Garden because I thought the colors, shapes, and textures seemed Fall-like.

Mini Attendants = CHECK.

2008-09-13T19:57:00.011-04:00

Progress people. Progress.

Filling the role of 'The Flower Princess' will be
non other than Munchkin - extraordinaire
Niamh Grace O'Meara...

When asked if she would take on such high responsibility, the little one paused for about half a minute, then turned to me and said, "Yes! And I will wear flowers in my hair and be The Flower Princess."

Of course you will Niamh-o.

The Bearer of Rings falls to the responsibility of The BBK himself. "Power Lifter of The Future" Lincoln Olav will don the tux and the duty of carrying the white pillow. (Note from CG to JGS: Linc does not really have to wear a mini-tux.)

I think CG put it well on her blog:

-------------

Last night, while Cho gave Linc a bath, I sat by the tub, drinking wine and preparing for my ask.

"Linc," I said, "You know how Auntie Titi and Uncle Bink are getting married?"

He nodded.

"Would you like to help us when we get married by carrying our rings?"

He looked unsure. Cho chimed in sweetly, "It's a very special, important thing. Would you like to help Christi and Mark?"

I followed with, "Would you be our ringbearer?" (not that a two-year old has any idea of the definition of this role, but I was trying for a memorable moment.)

Shyly, he slid toward the back of the tub, made a soft noise...
and let out a big poo.

We're taking that response as a "yes."

-------------

Mission accomplished. Now onto the Major Attendants.

Cheers
MM

Book 'Em

2008-08-27T07:07:00.004-04:00

Some progress today...

VENUE: confirmed
CHURCH: confirmed
LODGING: in progress

I (CG) must warn out-of-towners that western PA might be a bit eye-opening for the uninitiated. After a few Yuenglings and "yunzes," though, everyone can settle in at the hotels where we are in the process of reserving rooms for our guests.

So far we've identified three options, depending on price, car rental, and location preferences:

Marriot Springhill Suites
This hotel is most likely the departure point for the shuttle bus to the ceremony/reception and also located within walking distance to the Pittsburgh Mills, a shopping and entertainment complex with a movie theater and various restaurants. We think this hotel is practical for most out-of-town guests since its location is about halfway between downtown Pittsburgh and Leechburg.

The Omni William Penn Hotel
Ah, this old, classy grandfather of Pittsburgh hotels still offers ultra comfortable, luxury accommodations (Lawrence Welk and JFK stayed here, LAWRENCE WELK!) A grand location for guests who want to rent a car and stay downtown, as this hotel is 19 miles from Pittsburgh International airport and 17 miles from the Marriott/shuttle bus departure point.

Bed & Breakfasts of Pittsburgh
For a more pampering experience, the city has several beautifully restored bed and breakfasts. We think The Inn on Negley looks lovely...and the inn (as well as Pittsburgh in general) was recently featured in The New York Times.

Going to the Chapel

2008-08-24T22:24:00.008-04:00

Well, fault a case of deeply ingrained Catholic guilt or perhaps strong parental "suggestion," but this is looking like the place for our I Do's...

Woof and Grrl

2008-08-24T22:13:00.004-04:00

Mark asked his niece Niamh if she would be a flower girl for us in September. She replied, "I will wear flowers in my hair and be a flower princess."

Well, ok then! Random topic as a diversion to planning: gifts for the littlest attendees. Some ideas from Etsy...

I Am Sunshine sock animals and LolaBee dolls.

Engagement Prezzies!

2008-08-24T21:11:00.009-04:00

Today we finally had the chance to see Mark's parents and his older sis Tara for the first time since we became engaged. The occasion was a birthday dinner for his mom, but *we* ended up getting our first engagement present! I didn't (and don't) expect any presents to accompany our big news, as we felt very touched to receive all of the well wishing cards in the mail. Buuut I don't think either of us is grouching about our new, handcrafted Giorgianno wooden wine box and set of seven tools, including bottle stoppers, a pouring spout, and a wine collar.

Here is a photo of a similar box. I say similar because ours had places for two bottles of wine, which the 'rents filled with excellent bottles of red and white:

As if the box, tools, and bottles of wine weren't enough, they also bought us six stemless wine glasses! If I didn't feel so hungover from Sarah's bachelorette activities last night, I'd be toasting as I type...

20 Days In

2008-08-24T20:07:00.002-04:00

Today, as per The Polish Princess' clever suggestion, I'm starting a new Friday feature, Sixpence in Her Shoe. This is the place where, once a week, I (and anyone reading) can choose to indulge in all the happiness / drama / planning as The Prof and I edge our way towards the altar.

So far, this engagement thing is pretty darn great. We received a bunch of cards in the post, which we have displayed pinned on my dressform in the dining room. Of course, we get to show off the ring, and also field seemingly hundreds of emails, calls, and verbal inquiries about the big day.

After a bit of discussion -- d r u m r o l l -- we've decided to take Dad-orelli up on his offer to host our reception at his restaurant in PA. And we're thinking September 19, 2009 as the date (although tentative.) We're still working out the church vs. secular wedding issue, but I feel a huge weight has been lifted by knowing the Where and When. Woo!

"Home" has always meant so much to me, and I love going back, so The Prof and I think the restaurant (a restored homestead whose original land grant is from 1756) will be a very meaningful place to celebrate the beginning of our life as hub and wub. Plus, I've seen some intense stress take hold of people when planning a wedding, so knowing the venue, area, and that a small town offers limited -- but quality -- choices for so many things (tents, flowers, buses, etc) will help me stay calm by pretending I am in control of the details. Now I can finally start using my Bridal Notebook!

A few photos...

First, the "downtown" -- yes, that's the whole thing.
(following two shots from cngodles via Flickr)

The Kiskiminetas River runs through town:

Now, some shots of the homestead, which I took when location scouting on my last trip home:

(My Italian grandfather began these grape vines)

—CG—

Not a bad start, eh?

Bride-y In Hiding

2008-08-15T09:29:00.008-04:00

Although my trip home to PA was mucho relaxing, especially when I realized that I never have to try and catch the bouquet at a wedding ever, ever again, all the "asks" about The Prof and I setting a date gave me some repetition-induced anxiety. We've only just begun making the guest lists, and I did feel slightly better when I went on TheKnot.com and saw that I'd apparently entered 10Oct10 for the nuptials...so we have 786 days until the wedding. Holla!

Of course, I only entered that date because I HAD to enter something and I thought 10-10-10 seemed easy. In the research department, I've bought some New England bridal magazines and also a special edition of Martha Stewart Weddings. All three turned out to be basically a useless waste of $25. The Prof's sweet sister Jenn gave me a higher end bridal magazine when we had celebratory drinks, and I enjoyed immersing myself in those fantasies. In the end, though, I think The Prof and I both want casual and unique, probably with some non-traditional twists.

I'm not turning Blogorelli into a wedding site f o r s u r e, but I thought I'd give a brief update...
Date of engagement: 02Aug08
All other details: Undecided

There you have the current status. Well, except for two things:

1. The Polish Princess sent me a stellar wedding planner from Chronicle Books that I'll be using in lieu of the traditional "Bridal Binder"

2. We gotta work this idea into the nuptials somehow

—CG—

The Story...

2008-08-13T10:46:00.004-04:00

First of all... thanks for all the well wishes yesterday (and the previous days) everyone. It’s really great to know that so many people near and far are as excited about things as CG and I. So thanks.

I know it’s the next logical question, but we don’t know a date yet. We’re glow basking in the moment right now. We’ll fill you in on all the details as soon as we know them. I promise. The story.

So, after a fun evening of babysitting the Munchkins, I managed to convince CG to stay up just a little later and accompany me to the Arboretum. I think it was the hint of a surprise that got her to come. We made it atop Peter’s Hill with a brilliant view of the Boston skyline. It was there that I revealed the surprise... a giant pair of binoculars. (Trust me when I say that she has wanted a pair for a long time.) Better equipped to see the skyline now... CG was looking all over. She could see The Pru, the Handcock, the downtown area... all over. (On a clear night it really is a nice view of the city.)

So while she was busy with the binoculars, I slipped the box out of my shirt pocket and placed it in front of one of the lenses. She didn’t even notice. I asked if she could see Fenway Park, knowing that the lights were still on after the evenings 12 inning game. She said she couldn’t because something was blocking the lens. It was me holding the ring box in front of it. I was down on one knee. I said, Can you see this now?

She did a very good job of holding in some tears that were swelling up inside. I told her that we may not spend the rest of our lives in Boston, but it sure is a great place to start the rest of our lives together... and right there, I asked her to marry me. She said yes. :)

And the rest, is history... The End.

— MM —

Well... it Happened!!

2008-08-13T10:44:00.004-04:00

We are engaged ladies and gents.
It has happened.

Cheers
MM + CG