Received this e-mail from Emily today.
Hi Everyone!
So first and most importantly, THANK YOU all so much for being such a special part of next year's wedding day...it means so much to me! (and to Ryan!) We can't wait to jump into the next steps of planning with each of you by our side! And above anything else, planning for and then celebrating the day with all of you already guarantees a perfect day :o)
So before I get into the planning-related information/questions in the email, I think it's time to make sure everyone knows everyone!
Mom/Laura - Mommy of the Bride! Hereby can be referred to as "MOTB" :o)
Nancy - Mother of the Groom! Hereby can be referred to as "MOTG" :o)
Meghan - Matron of Honor! Best friend since basically day #1 of junior high, honorary family member, jokes have been made that we shared a brain in 7th and 8th grade, lives in DC with her husband (that's the first time I've typed that out!!) Chris, and has recent experience and insight into the fun o' wedding planning!
Jessica - Maid of Honor! Cousin on the Hayden side of the family, myriads of sleepovers and dress up games in our past (including our childhood reenactment of the Christmas Nativity at Meme's house one Christmas party and a handful of performances of Billy Joel's "River of Dreams" in her old backyard!), and currently lives in New York City (which according to the famous "Class of 1999 Wear Sunscreen" speech everyone should do once in their life!)
Mary - Bridesmaid! Best friend since end of junior high! Fills my life with smiles, fantastic story telling, hearty laughter AND amazing music as lead singer of her band "Waking Elliot". (Interested in buying a CD? No problem - the release is this month!). Lives in Manchester, CT and is often found performing around the state!
Rachel - Bridesmaid! Cousin on the Hayden side of the family and already voted "laugh most likely to be heard by all guests of the Inn at Middletown while we are getting ready". Seriously, she is the happiest person I know and her laugh shows it! Before the wedding is over, you'll be able to recognize it on the other side of the barn! In other news, she lives in Vermont (the favorite vacation place of Ryan and I) and makes her own homemade chapstick!
Claire - Bridesmaid! Cousin on the Baione side of the family and resident dancing expert! (Need help finding both feet before we dance the night away next October? She's your girl! Along with Mom and her ballroom dancing moves!) Claire lives in Martha's Vinyard where she is working toward her certification to be a Pilate's instructor (so cool!). Claire gets the credit of being in one of my very favorite pictures in my baby/childhood picture album. She and I are sitting at our very own special table (probably made by Playskool) enjoying one of our early Baione family Thanksgiving feasts! I think it only fair that credit her with helping to instill Thanksgiving as my very favorite holiday of the year :o)
Love you all!
Now a couple of quick updates!
1.) Save the Date! Saturday, October 8, 2011!
2.) Barns at Wesleyan Hills in Middletown, CT is our venue for ceremony and reception if you'd like to check out the website! http://www.pavilioncatering.com/about_welcome.htm
3. Room blocks are set up at the Inn at Middletown (http://www.innatmiddletown.com/ ) and the Crowne Plaze in Cromwell (http://www.crowneplaza.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/CMLCT?&sitrackingid=152975783&sicreative=2850868610&dp=true&sicontent=0&siclientid=1863&cm_guid=1-_-100000000000180270635-_-2850868610&cm_mmc=Google-PS-CrownePlaza-_-G+B-AmericasEast-_-CT-Cromwell-_-%2Bcrowne+%2Bplaza+%2Bcromwell+%2Bct&gclid=CNaI4Y-9paUCFeFM5QodmXZg6g&externalHotelDetailHit=true) The Crown Plaza also allows pets under 50 pounds if you know anyone that could benefit from that extra service! Reservations can be made anytime. Mention that you are part of the Hayden-Mullen Wedding to get the wedding rates!
**The rehearsal dinner will be at the Inn at Middletown Friday evening, October 7th. Rooms are additionally blocked that night too**
4.) I am in the search for chocolate brown bridesmaid dresses - looked at couple at David's Bridal with Jess and have two that I LOVE at Alfred Angelo. I can send links in a future email....For now, if you have any suggestions feel free to let me know!
5.) Hair and Make-Up! I have booked a make-up artist (Naomi) and a hair stylist (Angela) from Naomi's Salon in West Hartford. http://www.salonnaomi.com/ They are both part of the traveling team so we can plan to do all our getting ready in the bridal suite at the Inn at Middletown. I put deposits down for the minimum number of people necessary to book the traveling team (3 for each service)...but want to check just how many are interested in services!
Make-up would be $65-$70
Hair would be $80
Deposit for either service would be $25
Just let me know if you'd be interested! Once there is a final count, they will write up the contract.
Phew - I think that covers everything for now! Eventually Ryan and I will finalize the wedding website and send that out to everyone too!
More than anything - thank you again!!
Love,
Em