Vintage

Phuong and I have a liking for vintage things. Phuong came across a beautiful clock in Chicago, similar to the nautical desk clocks circa 1920's. Eerily a coincidence, I recently got a 1920's style phone. I only discovered this coincidence now. What are the odds of that happening? 

As of recent, I've been fascinated with typewriters. I did my research, and learned about several brands.
Underwood, remington, royal, corona to name a few. I discovered I liked the royal models of the 1930's the best for its granite finish look. I also learned that it was favored by Hemingway.

I absolutely love it! I hear some screen writers still use typewriters these days. But can you imagine how many love letters, great stories, screen plays, movie scripts that were written on these things? I'm thinking more specifically about letters. I'm sure it would take weeks, if not months for the other person to receive it. Its nice to imagine how it was like back then, how patient one was with most things that were done manually - that takes a lot of patience. Perhaps it ties into the fact that Phuong and I are long distance... interesting parallel....

Considering this day and age, with a touch of an 'enter' button, an email is sent in quick cyber speed. Sometimes I feel like I'm a reincarnated old soul of the early 1900's :p

Now that Phuong and I will be in the midwest, I hear that there are vintage shops aplenty that sell items at decent prices, as apposed to here in the west - where one would have to spend a pretty penny for such things.

Although I"m still terrified of the thought of leaving my childhood town Vancouver, family and friends; I'm trying to focus on the positive outlook for the future. It will be fun decorating our place. A nice eclectic mix of vintage, asian, and modernism :)

That's what friends are for

I know that my friends have regular monthly gigs, usually at the end of the month. Silly me, I should have known to book them at least 6 months to a year in advance, as they pre-book their shows way in advance. I emailed my friends with an informal invite, cordially inviting them to attend, and saying how it would mean a lot to me if they did a diddy or two since we all have been singing together for over 10 years.

I didn't get a response from them, so I figured they were busy. So, I called about 2 weeks later, and discovered they had a show on the same day as the wedding! I was so sad, but I understood at the same time - I have to pre-book them way - way - way -  way in advance. The band leader said he'll see what he could do and call me back.

I got a phone call today from the ever gorgeous, sultry voice singer, chi K.O, saying that they rescheduled their concert date, and all of them would be able to make it - - - - - - - - - - - I was almost in tears. It means so much to me that they are able to make it for Phuong and I's special day.

Betty Chau va Phuong rat chan thanh cam on cac anh chi em nghe si, da doi lai chuong trinh hang thang. Doi voi Betty Chau va Phuong, mot hy sinh lon lao... Hai em rat vui va mong duoc gap cac ban trong ngay vui cua  hai em. Mong duoc nghe giong hat cua cac anh chi, nhe ? ;)

Moving that image

It's a good thing Betty has a friend like Ran. Part musician, part videographer, part piano teacher, part sound technician, who also happens to run a music store in Burnaby, BC. Ran will be playing an important role in making our wedding reception as entertaining as can be. He's a Canadian of Chinese descent who can't resist singing his Chinese tunes but can't get enough of Vietnamese food with his fellow band members. He helped my sweetheart record some demo tapes and happily performed on keyboards when she sang at gigs all over Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. This is what happens when you know people for ten years, which applies to how long Betty and Ran have been friends. It's also another way of saying that Ran is super-talented. We tried inviting Ran to our wedding as a guest to sit down and enjoy the festivities, but Ran is too much of a collaborator and contributor, a person who feels out of place not working at weddings, concerts, and festivals. So it is only appropriate that his wedding gift to us will involve his many talents, with us as his supporting cast. What he will do remains a surprise (partly because we haven't finalized it ourselves... :-P ), but it will provide the perfect kickoff to a joyous occasion. If you're reading, Ran, don't feel embarrassed or under pressure. We already know you expect the best from yourself already. Thanks for your help with our wedding.

Here's a photo of my beautiful bride-to-be at a concert a while back. From left to right: Anh Co, Betty, Ran.

Count down - 1 month 2 days

Working on the last minute items, jeez there are a lot of little things!
-Car decorations and home decorations!  We need help!  10 pairs of hands better than a couple.
-Ruoc dau...those who will be carrying the stuff!  Groom side/bride side

-Church, readers: I'm thinking it would be nice for Phuong and I to do the readings, but would also be nice to have a close aunt/uncle or friend do the readings too.
-Program and Script for MC's

-Have  entertainment organized and time slotted

-Song list for the DJ

-Finalizing on accessory decorations
-Assistance for the florals, gift graciously given by Aunt Jenny - thank you so much!
-My dear MOH is helping me with the pastries - thanks babe!

-A floor map of tables at reception hall.
-A list of ladies that will be at reception table
-A list of male ushers to assist guests to tables. 


We'll be giving the ushers the alphabetized guest list, as well as the table number guest list so they can familiarize with the setting of the tables. So happy I have a large family, and great friends supporting and assisting with all these things to do. I almost feel like its one of those productions I used to put together with my friends in our teenage, young adult times. 

Let's get the show on the road!!

 

Wedding Trends -urbaneventdesign.com/

Good read, enjoy!

1. Smaller Weddings

Couples are having smaller weddings with more intimate guest lists. Some are opting for simplified and less formal weddings, while others are making theirs more elaborate. They are also incorporating special traditions into their wedding ceremony, including family traditions, as well as other cultural, ethnic and spiritual practices. Back-yard weddings have increased and couples are having their receptions much closer to home. Couples are spending less money on catering services by ordering buffet dinners or just having hors d'oeuvres or cocktail receptions. Couples are also purchasing smaller entertainment and photography packages. In addition, they are purchasing basic services, with less add-on or luxury items and services.

2. Photography
Couples are still hiring less expensive unprofessional photographers with digital cameras. They are looking for inexpensive photography services and choosing packages with less hours of photography. In addition, they are requesting packages that include CDs of all their digital images so that they can make prints themselves or post slideshows of their weddings online. These are often called "shoot-and-burn" photography services. Other popular requests include DVDs with high-resolution images as opposed to traditional print and album orders.

3. Do-It-Yourself Projects
Brides are opting to create their own invitations instead of having them professionally made. Seal-and-send invitations are quite popular. Brides are also buying cut flowers and crafting their own bouquets and centerpieces. Couples are more likely to hire "Day of" Coordinators and wedding design services, as opposed to traditional long-term wedding consultation. Brides are looking for inexpensive alternatives to conventional décor, particularly centerpieces. Bridesmaid bouquets can double as head table centerpiece decorations. Brides are also choosing to do their own hair and make-up instead of hiring someone for the wedding day.

4. Packages
Couples are likely to choose venues that offer discounts when they have their wedding ceremony and reception in the same location. They are also seeking services from vendors that offer package deals and all-inclusive or multiple services. For instance, hotels or resorts may offer packaged rates that also include catering, entertainment, and the use of decorations. When couples hire venders independently, they are selecting lower-end packages with limited products and services. They are also attempting to individualize packages to meet their particular preferences in order to just pay for services they want and avoid those they don't feel they need.

5. The Internet
Couples are using the Internet in many areas of wedding planning. They are going online to research vendors, make purchases and compare prices on wedding items before going shopping. In addition, brides are increasingly using the Internet to purchase and resell their wedding gowns. Couples are also creating wedding websites to keep guests informed and updated on locations, accommodations, directions and other pertinent information. In addition, they usually indicate where they are registered for gifts, and guests are able to RSVP on the website instead of mailing back invitations. After the wedding, couples continue to use their website to post slideshows of their wedding pictures.

6. Cakes
Cheesecakes, cupcakes, specialty deserts are trendy alternatives to traditional wedding cakes. Couples are displaying decorative cakes during the reception and purchasing large sheet cakes from grocery stores to actually serve to guests. They are also searching for wedding cake recipes on the Internet, suggesting they or their family members are creating the cakes themselves. Groom's cakes are also currently trendy. They're usually served after the rehearsal dinner and are designed according to a special interest of the groom's. For instance, the might be shaped like a motorcycle or a basketball with his favorite team's logo on it.

7. Colors
Brides are choosing a certain color and style or designer for their bridesmaid dresses and letting the maids select the dress they feel suits them best. This way, brides are able to show individuality while keeping enough uniformity to make things appear coordinated. Bright colors are incredibly popular right now, particularly red, orange, green and blue. Color schemes include bolder colors and unusual color pairings. Brighter colors are also popular in bridal bouquets as less brides are requesting all white bouquets.

8. Flowers
Brides are purchasing cut flowers and creating their own bouquets and centerpieces. In addition, they are choosing brighter colors for their bouquets, and less brides are asking for greenery. Brides frequently search for calla lilies when they're researching wedding flowers and bouquets on the Internet. Laying fresh flowers on cakes is still trendy, both directly on the frosting and scattered around the table.

9. Honeymoons
Couples are searching for all-inclusive honeymoon packages, and cruises are rising in popularity. In addition, they are choosing honeymoon locations that are closer to home. Couples are also registering for their honeymoons instead of other gifts. In addition, they are extending their wedding festivities by having post-wedding brunches and excursions. Therefore, they often postpone their honeymoons to spend more time with close family and friends.

10. Same-Sex Marriage
Same-sex marriage legalization has increased the number of gay weddings in California. Some gay women are choosing to wear dresses while others are looking for curvy, feminine suits or tuxedos, which they are having a difficult time finding.

DIY Project

Phuong and I are going for a unique way of showing photos. The Exhibition Hall has these amazing 10 x 10 walls for showcasing works of art - hence the name of the hall - Exhibition Hall. It is the perfect opportunity to display series of photographs of Phuong and I, and both our families.  I am looking at art gallery exhibits for inspiration:

    

I've got all the pictures together.  Now to have some fun with photoshop  ;)

~Wonderful memories exhibited like works of art ~ beautiful!