I've been thinking alot lately about our ceremony, being that we are having an interfaith ceremony and all.  I purchased a book recently " Joining hands and hearts " which is kind of a guide for interfaith couples.  It looks very uplifting and positive, so I will definitly write a review if I find it useful.  I also want to start looking for an officiant once the summer winds down and we have the weekends back to ourselves.
I also found this article on www.wetv.com that talks about interfaith couples  and just wanted to share being that it was so positive.  Article written by Emily Shwartz:

"Interfaith” is a scary word. There’s something daunting about it, something big and unsure. It’s not often read as a light, lovely word, but rather a heavy, tangled one. You can almost see the confusing mess trailing behind it, struggling and ominous. Interfaith. I challenge you to speak the word with grace. It can be done; this I assure you. I do it. And as a product of an interfaith marriage, let me sing it loud and clear: it is a beautiful thing.

Life As A Cashew (Catholic and Jewish, For Those Unfamiliar With The Lingo)I’ve heard it again and again: “So wait, you were raised with two religions?” as if I was raised with two heads or something.Yes, in a sense, I was. When my Father, born into a moderate, Reform Jewish family, decided it was best to marry my Mother, a freelance Catholic, things—so I hear—went over surprisingly well. When I came into the picture there was little doubt on either side of the family that they were good parents and good people. All was well.

Growing up, I didn’t truly realize how unique my situation was. I celebrated Passover and Easter, Hanukkah and Christmas. My parents did me a wonderful service by teaching the stories behind all the holidays we celebrated and explaining the differences in religions. The morals were often the same: be a good person; do the right thing. I never felt lost or misplaced, but quite the opposite: I felt empowered and educated. I was armed with the best ammunition possible – a multi-faceted perspective on life. That’s right, kiddos: I had a Bubbee and a Nana. Watch out.

As I got older, it occurred to me that my situation was an ideal illustration of how an interfaith marriage – and family – would function. It dawned on me that not all couples are able to handle the complexities that an interfaith marriage brings…with due reason. It’s not easy.

Care For A Challenge?

If you search for “Interfaith Marriage” on Amazon.com, over 900 titles surface. Nine hundred! With titles like “What To Do If You’re Dating a Jew”, “Dear Rabbi, Why Can’t I Marry Her?”, But How Will You Raise the Children?”, it seems as though society is trying—hard—to accommodate a controversial trend. Just how controversial is it? Try Googling the same term: one of the first few articles that come up is one called “Interfaith Marriage Stumbling Blocks”. The prognosis looks grim—but should surely not to be confused with impossible.

Consider this take on things: marriage is a union between two people and should be celebrated, not condemned. Differences should be embraced, cultures should be shared, and love should have room to blossom and soar. If you are a devout Orthodox Jew, for example, chances are you’re not marrying outside of your faith to begin with; it’s just not what you “do”. But if you’re a modern day Reform kinda gal and you stumble upon a baptized Prince Charming, what’s the worst that can happen—you fall in love and live happily ever after? You engage in witty banter and heated discussion? You hear another side of the story? Another set of values, beliefs, ideals? Just imagine how dull the world would be if we were all the same shade of gray. Where are the brave brides ready to take on this challenge?



Carrying The Banner

If you’re bold enough to throw some interfaith color into your wedding day scheme, go for it. Embrace it. “Interfaith” is not a taboo label—it is a liberating one. Wear it with pride. Be that woman people admire for her courage, bravery, and killer intuition. Believe it or not, even the gutsiest gals have their worries about jumping into an interfaith relationship. Pay no mind to the critics—you’re plenty capable of making your own decisions. Carry the interfaith banner high and proud, girls. It’s worth it."

So yesturday I finally took my boudour pictures with Leah Stafford (www.leahstaffordphotography.com).  I booked it months ago when I saw she was coming to do a marathon session in NYC, and I wanted to make sure I got a spot!  I went through stages of nervousness, but when I stepped into the room to meet Leah, it all washed away into excitement.  I went with my best friend for support and had a few glasses of wine beforehand to loosen up (which I definitly recommend!!).  As soon as I got there, Leah made me feel so comfortable and beautiful.  We took some AMAZING shots on the balcony (she was shooting in a penthouse on West 43rd street in Hells Kitchen).  I cannot wait to see my pictures (about 4-6 weeks), but she showed me a few on her camera and I was blown away!!!  I got my makeup done at MAC and my hair curled by my usual hairdresser. 
For all you gals in NYC, Chicago, Miami and Ohio, I definitly recommend Leah Stafford for you B pics!!!  I'll post some non-racey pictures when they come in!

So I'm happy to finally announce that my sister is expecting in January 2010, so I'll happily be adding another member to the bridal party.  She just hit her 12 week mark and we are going to see her first sonogram on Friday!  I am beyond esctatic b/c my sister made me an aunt for the first (and only time) 10 years ago when my niece Autumn was born, and is now blessing me with another niece/nephew.  Below is her 13 week sonogram...

One of the biggest things I was looking forward to at my engagement party was asking our friends & family to be in our bridal party.  I was really excited to show them what I have made/bought for them & how much I appreciate them being part of my big day!!  Below are some pictures of me asking "my girls".  (More pics to follow with Rima)

So I decided to stop being lazy and blog about my engagement party.  It was about 4 months in the making and I really enjoyed planning it.  I was a bit nervous/stressed beforehand because it was the first time alot of our family & friends were meeting.  Kal is Arabic Muslim and I am Irish/German Catholic so I really wasn't that sure how it was going to go.  But from the first half hour, everyone was mingeling and dancing.  I felt so much better and was really able to enjoy myself.  The party was four hours long and it really went by in a blur.  Noone was ready to end the party!!  This also made me feel alot better about our six hour reception because I was worried that might be too long. 

Here are my raves:

Flowers -  www.fiftyflowers.com  I ordered 10 bunches of pink peruvian orchids, which came out to 100 branches for $109 (with free overnight shipping).  They arrived still closed in the bud and opened after two days, so I would definitly recommend having them for a few days if you are ordering from there.  The customer service was great and they even called after I recieved my order to ensure I had them out of light and with fresh water.  I had enough flowers for 12 high and 36 low submerged centerpieces, and two arrangements for the bar area.  It has been a week and they are still in full bloom!

Floating candles - www.candlesjustonline.com This was the best prices I found for floating candles and also used a coupon I googled for 10% off.  The candles burned beautifully and after four hours, half the candle is left.

Cake - Buono bakery, Staten Island.  The cake tasted awesome (as usual) but I wasn't happy with how it was decorated.  I just asked for black, white and fuschia and it had neon green all over it.  My fault for not being more specific!

Catering Hall - Arianas, Staten Island.  The food was great and the room was beautiful (patting myself on the back).  But there was alot that went wrong.  We were supposed to have a mini cocktail hour (salads, paninis, etc...) and it was served with dinner (not a big deal, but c'mon!).  The Maitre'D was nowhere to be found (until it was the end of the party and she was looking for her tip).  She also was throwing all of our stuff around when it was time to clean up the party.  I knew from the getgo when we booked with her that she was unprofessional and I'm just glad she stayed out of my way the whole night and didn't bother me until it was over lol.  Their prices are good and the hall is really nice...so if I would have another party there, I would just request not using "her".

 

 

I slacked on ordering flowers, so last minute I contact fifty flowers about an order I would need for this Saturday.  They were really nice over the phone and explained to me that I would need 4-5 days for the flowers to open correctly.  They overnighted the flowers to me for free!!  I recieved them in the very early morning the next day.  I plan on making submerged centerpieces with them. Oh, they are azailia hot pink orchid