Aw

Suz sent over this picture from Melissa's wedding in Colorado a couple of years ago... I never saw this one. So fun.

Melissa's Wedding

My friend Melissa got married back in August, in beauteous Estes Park, Colorado. I forgot to take pictures but recently went through her photographer's slideshow. I think anyone looking at it would have the same thought stream: "Lovely photo... lovely photo... lovely photo... Melissa's friends from the home... lovely photo... fin."

It was really fun.

Jen and George

The weekend before last, Rini got married (pics TK).  This past weekend, Jen got married!  KP marriages are the best marriages.  Sorry.  Your friends' marriages are second.

Dan and I put on some fancy clothes:

Can I please take a moment to thank my sister-in-law for teaching me how to pose for the camera?  Finally, I understand why every lady on the red carpet is always weirdly crossing her legs.  Also, let's all give mom a round of applause for finding that dress.  Me likey.

Also cleaning up nicely was the happy couple:

It was also cool seeing Dennis in full-on wedding photographer action (he was the official photog for the event).  I've never seen a hired gun jump and scream along to One Direction on the dance floor while waving around twelve thousand dollars worth of photography equipment, but apparently it worked, because he got great shots.

Shots w/ the father of the bride.  (personal photo)

(Jen is singing into Ashley's leopard print cane.  She needs it for medical purposes but maybe bought it at Ricky's?  Not sure.  I also just noticed the large drunk man staring at the back of Jen's head, plotting something sinister.  NOT THE BRIDE, DRUNKMAN!  LEAVE HER BE!!!!).

So yeah it was a great weekend, there was an engagement party the next day for Melissa and Kyle and we had a dinner party last night so - good times for everyone, and I have to go to work now.  Bye!

Dubious Honor

Downton

As previously mentioned, I am super into Downton Abbey, and am simultaneously enchanted and puzzled by how much drama they can wring out whether or not Gwen will get a job as a secretary.

Also by the clever trick of turning us all against Homely Edith (left).  Who knew I'd be rooting for Beauteous Mary (center)?  (although let's be honest, Progressive Sybil (right) is obviously the best).

AHHHHHHHHHH NEED SEASON TWO WHY DO THE BRITISH GET EVERYTHINGGGGGGGGGG3245(*&&$@#!*

What Should I Be Watching?

Occasionally people ask me what TV they should be watching (I am a professional, after all).  So, some suggestions with what to do with that swath of time between Christmas and New Year's, because you better not be at the mall returning things on the 26th.  Wait until January like a normal person!

Set Your DVR/Catch up on repeats
The following are currently on the air and worth checking out.  Sadly, it's a small list: this year's crop of new shows was underwhelming.

Revenge
An uber-campy, over-the-top revenge story so thoroughly unrealistic that you start to question whether it even takes place on Earth.  Which is why it is AWESOME.  Great one to dissect with a group.  Like, when did Emily get a sensei?  Aren't they supposed to be peaceful?

Parks and Recreation
In my opinion, this is currently the best comedy on television.  If Ron Swanson doesn't make you laugh, you're probably European.

The Good Wife
Do you need a satisfying crime procedural with less child rape than SVU?  Do you like KILLER guest stars hamming it up every week?  Are you human?  Do you have a soul?  Are you (probably) female?  This show is for you.

Currently Streaming
These are the shows you should be streaming via Netflix , cursing yourself as you immediately watch three hours in a row because you can't say no to your own request for "just one more."

Breaking Bad
First three seasons available legally.  Season four available... elsewhere.  I have so much to say about Breaking Bad that it needs its own post, but suffice to say that the hype is accurate.  This is up there with The Sopranos in terms of a great, epic show.

Party Down
The downfall of this particular show was that its cast was too good: they all left for networks that pay better and the show got cancelled.  But enjoy this brief, shining moment of comedy perfection and join the Party Down crew as they cater a variety of events from hell.  If you have ever worked in service or the arts you will find it particularly biting.

Friday Night Lights
Sorry to get all "best show everrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!" on you, but it really is so perfect.  For everyone.  Settle in with a hankie and prepare to start telling everyone that clear eyes, full hearts can't lose, and steel yourself for the realization that you and your spouse will never be Coach and Tami Taylor.

Downton Abbey
I started this one last night, watched half of season one in a sitting, and take back all the times I referred to it as "DownTOWN Abbey" - this show is richly satisfying.  A friend currently has black market season two screeners and I am determined to make them mine.  My favorite line so far is when the Dowager Countess asks what a "weekend" is.

A Very Nice Wedding

Soooooo... Dan and I kind of figured we were in for a nice wedding after receiving the eight-piece engraved invitation and finding a fifteen-pound Christmas sleigh-style welcome basket in our hotel room.

This was compounded when we walked into the church for a pre-ceremony "Christmas concert" and saw that a full orchestra had been brought in for the occasion.

The reception was at the bride's childhood home.  After walking down the driveway, past Rockefeller-center style decorations and costumed carolers, we entered the gorgeous foyer:

-featuring a double staircase with violinists, of course!  The cocktail hour involved walking from room to room, each decorated with a different Christmas theme.  For instance:

Santa's sleigh gliding into the moonlight!

Please note that the above two pictures were taken indoors.  They created a FOREST INSIDE THEIR HOUSE.  It felt like a jolly holiday-themed Sleep No More, or Epcot in December.  An immersive Christmas cocktail hour theatrical experience?  Yes please.

Once we had exhausted the five bars and open crab claws, a bagpiper summoned the revelers to a massive tented structure in the backyard.  It was only then that we realized the entire party thus far had technically been in the basement.

I can't over-emphasize how nice this tent was.  It had a bar/lounge and dessert wing.  It was CARPETED.  Guests blinked at the decor, threw their heads back, and howled at their own good fortune.

Christmas, Christmas everywhere.  

And in the ultimate class move, a 30th birthday cake for Dan.

Wasn't it so nice of them to throw this whole party for Dan's special day?  Thanks guys!  And Mazel Tov.

Sorry, Ladies

But first, an apology to the gents: Jen is off the market, my friends!  George emailed her friends and family last week:

This is it.  Friday I'm getting down on one knee and asking Jen for her hand in marriage.  I would love for you all to share this special moment in our lives with us.  I've reserved a space at The Turtle Club here in Hoboken to celebrate after I pop the question... 

Eeeeeee!

George's email didn't mention the paparazzi/child molesters he'd have capturing the whole thing:

(but seriously, how would you, as a hypothetical parent, feel seeing these guys hang out with cameras right by a playground?)

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY

I got up for the tail end of the Royal Wedding and I love love loved it.

Except for the one part I didn't love: Prince William's cousins' hats:

I think he must have done something very bad to Princess Eugenie Beatrice as a child: no one wears a beige octopus over unbrushed hair to the wedding of someone they love.

Bridesmaids

Am I completely naive in thinking this has potential?

(Those are some luscious dresses, btw).

I mean... the tagline is good.

The Semmes-and-Katie Lovefest, Now With Pro Pics

For their wedding, Katie and Semmes hired a crazy photographer named Emin Kuliyev to document the day.  He communicated mainly via gestures and rarely looked at his camera while shooting.  And who knew, this special Martian method produced some cuh-razy awesome pictures - I love the sense of motion and urgency (not bad urgency.  Good urgency), and of course I love re-living such a wonderful day.  I think my favorite moment was when the couple entered the ballroom for their reception and spent like two solid minutes jumping up and down because they were just too happy to do anything else just yet.  It made me think, Katie has always had so much love to give, and she's found a guy who can not only take it all, but give it right back.  Ugh, I should've used that line in my toast!

Enjoy.  All photos by Emin Kuliyev - more are on his blog here.

(They didn't actually see each other pre-ceremony, but Photoshop laughs in the face of chronology.  I LOVE this picture).

(I love this one too, but I do wish that if you looked carefully out the window, you could see the Short Hills Mall).

Gorgeous!

Super gorgeous!

Says Tash of this photo: I look like a giant that fell from the sky into this scene...and Gavin seems to be the only one who notices.