Hullo faithful readers! Jessica here. Happy Easter to you from Cork City.
I am fortified with Cadbury Creme Egg (better than the ones we have in the States) and ready to update. Better how? To tell you the truth, I don't know. I've been saying it for 10 years - that the Cadbury is better over here - but it's been nearly that long since I last ate a Cadbury Creme Egg, so I really have no idea what they taste like at home. Sugary, I bet.
Anyway, to finish up our Dublin adventures, we did walk to the Jameson distillery and take the tour. Not nearly as cool as the Guinness tour, but I did learn that whiskey and beer are exactly the same raw material up until the distilling happens. You probably knew that already. I managed to snag one of the 8 spots in the "special whiskey taster" part of the tour, which I promptly gave to Timo. He's better qualified than I for that job. Then after a fair bit more walking around, we went back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.
As previously mentioned, Danielle & Ander booked us for dinner at Chapter One restaurant, and dear reader, it was outrageously good. We did the tasting menu, which was seven little plates of delicious. There was very real danger of falling asleep at the table (chef's tasting dinners are not fast) but it was worth it. We arrived a little early, and were shown to the bar where we ordered cocktails and sat on velvety poufs (yes, really). After a few minutes of looking at the dinner menu, we placed our order for the tasting and were shown to our table. It was lovely and relaxing and I can give a full rundown of the menu to people who are interested.
The next day we were off to Cork. Good train ride through the country, gorgeous hotel here, and a relatively quiet Easter weekend are on the books for us. Any moment now the hotel is surely going to realize that we are not fancy enough to be staying here, but for now we'll just enjoy rolling around the king-sized bed and standing in the heated-floor bathroom.
Here we've caught most of Cork City, both days of the Franciscan Well Brewery Easter Beer Fest, and seen "How to Train Your Dragon" at the cinema. Good times. Tomorrow we make for Galway and the Aran Islands where we just miiiiight strike out into the countryside. That is, if we ever get tired of city luxuries.
Hold on, an Irish tapas restaurant is calling me...
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Ireland: Day 2
Now that the wedding is over and the honeymoon is underway, I figured it would be an opportune time to make my first post. Better late than never, yes?
Yesterday was our first full day in Dublin. While still cold, the skies were clear. We started the day with breakfast at the B&B. My lovely wife (I will never get tired of saying that) had the mushroom fritata while I opted for the "full irish". The full irish, as it turn out, is a carnivor's dream. Egg, bacon, sausage, mash, and tomatoes. That and a small pot of tea had me ready to explore the city.
First up we walked to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. There was a nice introductory exhibit about the history of bookmaking and religion in Ireland. The book itself was absoluetly beautiful, you almost can't help but hold your breath when you see it. On our way out we passed through the famous "Long Room" which was a gigantic library of ancient books. We both envied the employees of the preservation society as we watched them mend various items.
Then we strolled through downtown Dublin itself, stopping to admire some of it's architecture. The city is amazing. Gorgeous old buildings as far as you can see dotted with the occasional modern bit of architecture. The best part was that these new buildings had strong references to the classes surrounding them. None of them looked garish or out of place despite being obviously modern.
We stopped by the two most noteworthy cathedrals in Dublin, The Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Huge towers, intricate stained glass, and beautiful arches and doorways. We were lucky enough to reach The Christ Church Cathedral in time to hear it's bells ring.
After soaking in the sites and building a healthy appitite we headed to the Guinness brewery. While decidedly more touristy it was still worth the visit. The tour is located inside a five-story structure complete with museum, gift shop, tour of the brew-making process, restaurant and topped with a gravity bar. The structure itself wraps around a five-story sculpture of a pint glass. We ate a tasty meal before going to the top floor to enjoy a pint and take in the view.
After a liesurely nap back at the hotel we headed back out for a nice quiet dinner at a local wine bar. Everything was very tasty even with our flakey waiter (forgot one of our appatizers and pretty much dissapeared after serving us, had to flag down another person just to get dessert and the check).
Today we plan on lounging about a bit more as we put in several miles of walking yesterday. This afternoon I think we'll check out the Jameson distillery and tonight we are going to enjoy the Chef's Tasting Menu and a wonderful restaurant located inside the Writer's Museum. Thanks go to Danielle and Ander for booking us the reservation.
Tomorrow: Train ride to County Cork!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
travel + day 1
We’re here! Yay Ireland!
I’ll gloss over the travel bits. You’ve been on airplane, right? Our time on the plane was like that. We had a couple fortuitous turns: when changing planes at JFK, our next gate was directly beside the one we were let off at. Nice. The exit row coach seats we sat in on the trip to Ireland were genius. Loads of legroom AND they reclined (go me). Timo froze a little bit, but he seems to have recovered all the feeling in his feet just fine. Breezed through customs; suitcases came right out of baggage claim no problem.
When we stepped out of the airport, we were greeted with green hills, gray sky, and that kind of icy rain that smacks you right in the face and says “hey, I got your nose.” Wow, was it cold. There was snow, my friends, snow. Not that attractive kind of snow, but the wet, mushy kind that doesn’t accumulate. We have purchased our first “souvenirs”: winter hats. We’ll post some photos later of Timo & Jessica on the town; rarely have we looked so attractive.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of walking through the rain, learning the neighborhood. Tried to keep Timo awake, but he did really need a nap, poor love. He slept a bit, I unpacked and watched Friends.
More to come, with photos soon! Today we are setting off to walk the city as much as we can. On the agenda: Trinity College, Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, St Patrick’s Cathedral, pints.
I’ll gloss over the travel bits. You’ve been on airplane, right? Our time on the plane was like that. We had a couple fortuitous turns: when changing planes at JFK, our next gate was directly beside the one we were let off at. Nice. The exit row coach seats we sat in on the trip to Ireland were genius. Loads of legroom AND they reclined (go me). Timo froze a little bit, but he seems to have recovered all the feeling in his feet just fine. Breezed through customs; suitcases came right out of baggage claim no problem.
When we stepped out of the airport, we were greeted with green hills, gray sky, and that kind of icy rain that smacks you right in the face and says “hey, I got your nose.” Wow, was it cold. There was snow, my friends, snow. Not that attractive kind of snow, but the wet, mushy kind that doesn’t accumulate. We have purchased our first “souvenirs”: winter hats. We’ll post some photos later of Timo & Jessica on the town; rarely have we looked so attractive.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of walking through the rain, learning the neighborhood. Tried to keep Timo awake, but he did really need a nap, poor love. He slept a bit, I unpacked and watched Friends.
More to come, with photos soon! Today we are setting off to walk the city as much as we can. On the agenda: Trinity College, Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, St Patrick’s Cathedral, pints.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
wedding
It's ooover; it's ooover
Strongbad says it's ooover
It's oooover; it's ooover
Everybody died 'cept me!
Except nobody died and our wedding was the best weekend EVER. Thank you SO MUCH, everyone who was able to attend and make the evening so delightful.
Here's how things went from my end:
1) I have the coolest, nicest friends/family/in-laws/co-workers in the entire world. This concept was introduced on Tuesday when my work friends threw us a cocktail party at Marc 49 in Oakland. Confirmed the next day at our respective bachelor and bachelorette parties. Reinforced throughout the week.
2) I super hate being late to stuff, but we were continually late Tues-Fri to all things. Not by much, just by enough to be annoying. On Thursday, after an amusing evening in which Danielle, Lora, Whitney, and I tried to be reallyreallyreally quiet (thinking the others were sleeping), we got up early and went to breakfast. One thing. We did one thing, and yet...we were late to nail appointments. And then late back to the apartment, which caused SUPER RUSHING AROUND to get to Sonoma. Daytime Thursday was easily the most stressful for me.
3) See #1. After arriving in Sonoma, we took over the hotel. It was delightful to know that almost everyone going into or coming out of a room at the hotel was with us. Felt a little like camp, in the best way possible. Wedding rehearsal went well. I was pretty sure our poor coordinator was going to kill us after awhile. She'd say one thing, 5 jokes would ensue, and 2 people wouldn't have been listening. Prize for the afternoon goes to this exchange:
- Robin [friend & officiant]: and then we'll end with a reading.
- Kelly [coordinator]: Will you make some kind of pronouncement or "ladies and gentlemen, Timo and Jessica" at the end?
- Robin: no, I've already done that. The reading is the last thing.
- Kelly: that's not really traditional.
- Robin: ...I know.
4) Rehearsal dinner was fantastic. Do yourself a favor. Go to Bluegrass Bar and Grill and order the brisket. Do not pass go. Do not consider other proteins. It is too good to be missed. My dad loved it (and I always measure brisket by what he taught me about barbeque) and said HIS dad would've liked it. We had truly excellent toasts from Timo's dad, my brother, and my friend Whitney. It's a crime that they're not on film, but I guess the best bits will live on in our memories.
Highlights from my brother's toast: "I met Timo in Boston, and I'm pretty sure the first thing I thought was 'wow, he's very tall'. Timo, you're still tall." and "My sister is at the top of my priority list. And Timo, now that you're joining the family, I want you to know...my sister is at the top of my priority list. [big laugh from the crowd] But that's because I put my family first. Now that you're officially becoming part of the family, you'll always be at the top too." Paraphrased a bit.
Highlights from Whitney's toast: Timo moved in and the three of us lived together for awhile. "And that was hard. But I now think I am the luckiest of all the people here. Because I got to see them, every day, at the beginning, fall in love"
That one is making me teary even typing it out.
I understand there was hanging out afterwards, but Timo and I went back to our hotel room. It seems we hadn't seen each other in days, so we drank some wine, caught up, and practiced reading our vows to each other.
5) See #1. All night long, people approached me and said "I love your friends" or "your aunt is the best" or "we had such a nice chat with your parents." Awesome.
6) Wedding day approached with little sleep under my belt. Like every night that week. I think I last slept well on Monday night. Hoping to remember how to sleep BEFORE we get to Ireland.
Breakfast? Check.
Hair salon? Check.
Champagne? Check, check, and check throughout the day,
Lunch in my mom's hotel room. Lora still raving about the veggie sandwiches.
Sudden discovery that it was 1:30pm and we had better get ready because we were getting picked up at 2:15. Crap. Time for more rushing around.
Side note: all day long I made vendors and perfect strangers laugh. A lot. They'd ask "how are you sleeping?" I'd say, "very poorly." "Are you nervous?" "Yes." [cue laughter] Is it funny to be honest about those questions?
Put dress on.
Photos.
Photos with Timo. Nervousness abated for awhile.
More photos.
Sitting around waiting for ceremony. We brought magazines. No one read them. Too nervous, I guess. We did manage to kill a bottle of champagne between the 6 of us.
7) Ceremony. It was 100% perfect and I loved every bit of it. I wish I hadn't accidentally indicated to people that they should sit down while Robin was talking [sorry, Robin!] but I think I will forgive myself for that. The group reading was perfect, the individual readings were perfect, and I loved Timo's vows. Win, win, win. Funny thing: the processional and recessional music was the only thing I knew specifically months and months ago. Yet I didn't hear it at all on either walk. I know it was playing, but it really didn't register. Too much to think about, I guess.
8) Reception: see #1. Everyone in my life rules. I am the luckiest.
The cocktail hour was fun, the food at dinner was amazing, and the toasts cannot be topped. At least these ARE on film. [Thanks, Will!] My dad rules. Best Man Dan gave a speech about zombie infections that had Timo and I cackling obnoxiously and tables full of people thinking "what the heck is he talking about?" Perfect. Maid of Honor Danielle drew the short straw by having to follow Dan, but still rocked it. One highlight: "unlike most, or at least many, people here, I have never known a Jess without a Timo. That's the way it should be."
Cake was amazing. Timo's cake toppers were fab. They ended up next to, rather than on, the cake so as to not get greasy, but they were still a big, big, big hit.
Then we danced danced danced and we danced danced danced.
I still didn't sleep. Perhaps tonight? One can hope. Again, I heard there was MUCH after partying, and for that, I am glad. I am also glad I wasn't there. Still, it fills me with joy to see people becoming friends, planning camping trips with folks who were near strangers a couple days previously, and trading cell numbers. Similar joy was experienced by me when I saw sections of tables with friend/family groups mixing and smiling...
- the raucous laughter, pre-salads, from Kelly/Andrew/John/Lauren/Jessica/et al.
- Bean saying "I sat next to a motorcycle guy!"
- Robin & Dennis shaking hands across tables
- hearing "I think Will might leave me for Joe"
- and a thousand other tiny, individual moments
People kept saying "don't worry what other people will think during your wedding. It's about you!" But I tell you what: I will have a good time at my wedding when I know people are enjoying themselves. By and large, they did and I had the best night ever.
Tomorrow we're off to Ireland. Ireland! Wish us luck. We'll do what we can to post about the trip and share some photos.
Strongbad says it's ooover
It's oooover; it's ooover
Everybody died 'cept me!
Except nobody died and our wedding was the best weekend EVER. Thank you SO MUCH, everyone who was able to attend and make the evening so delightful.
Here's how things went from my end:
1) I have the coolest, nicest friends/family/in-laws/co-workers in the entire world. This concept was introduced on Tuesday when my work friends threw us a cocktail party at Marc 49 in Oakland. Confirmed the next day at our respective bachelor and bachelorette parties. Reinforced throughout the week.
2) I super hate being late to stuff, but we were continually late Tues-Fri to all things. Not by much, just by enough to be annoying. On Thursday, after an amusing evening in which Danielle, Lora, Whitney, and I tried to be reallyreallyreally quiet (thinking the others were sleeping), we got up early and went to breakfast. One thing. We did one thing, and yet...we were late to nail appointments. And then late back to the apartment, which caused SUPER RUSHING AROUND to get to Sonoma. Daytime Thursday was easily the most stressful for me.
3) See #1. After arriving in Sonoma, we took over the hotel. It was delightful to know that almost everyone going into or coming out of a room at the hotel was with us. Felt a little like camp, in the best way possible. Wedding rehearsal went well. I was pretty sure our poor coordinator was going to kill us after awhile. She'd say one thing, 5 jokes would ensue, and 2 people wouldn't have been listening. Prize for the afternoon goes to this exchange:
- Robin [friend & officiant]: and then we'll end with a reading.
- Kelly [coordinator]: Will you make some kind of pronouncement or "ladies and gentlemen, Timo and Jessica" at the end?
- Robin: no, I've already done that. The reading is the last thing.
- Kelly: that's not really traditional.
- Robin: ...I know.
4) Rehearsal dinner was fantastic. Do yourself a favor. Go to Bluegrass Bar and Grill and order the brisket. Do not pass go. Do not consider other proteins. It is too good to be missed. My dad loved it (and I always measure brisket by what he taught me about barbeque) and said HIS dad would've liked it. We had truly excellent toasts from Timo's dad, my brother, and my friend Whitney. It's a crime that they're not on film, but I guess the best bits will live on in our memories.
Highlights from my brother's toast: "I met Timo in Boston, and I'm pretty sure the first thing I thought was 'wow, he's very tall'. Timo, you're still tall." and "My sister is at the top of my priority list. And Timo, now that you're joining the family, I want you to know...my sister is at the top of my priority list. [big laugh from the crowd] But that's because I put my family first. Now that you're officially becoming part of the family, you'll always be at the top too." Paraphrased a bit.
Highlights from Whitney's toast: Timo moved in and the three of us lived together for awhile. "And that was hard. But I now think I am the luckiest of all the people here. Because I got to see them, every day, at the beginning, fall in love"
That one is making me teary even typing it out.
I understand there was hanging out afterwards, but Timo and I went back to our hotel room. It seems we hadn't seen each other in days, so we drank some wine, caught up, and practiced reading our vows to each other.
5) See #1. All night long, people approached me and said "I love your friends" or "your aunt is the best" or "we had such a nice chat with your parents." Awesome.
6) Wedding day approached with little sleep under my belt. Like every night that week. I think I last slept well on Monday night. Hoping to remember how to sleep BEFORE we get to Ireland.
Breakfast? Check.
Hair salon? Check.
Champagne? Check, check, and check throughout the day,
Lunch in my mom's hotel room. Lora still raving about the veggie sandwiches.
Sudden discovery that it was 1:30pm and we had better get ready because we were getting picked up at 2:15. Crap. Time for more rushing around.
Side note: all day long I made vendors and perfect strangers laugh. A lot. They'd ask "how are you sleeping?" I'd say, "very poorly." "Are you nervous?" "Yes." [cue laughter] Is it funny to be honest about those questions?
Put dress on.
Photos.
Photos with Timo. Nervousness abated for awhile.
More photos.
Sitting around waiting for ceremony. We brought magazines. No one read them. Too nervous, I guess. We did manage to kill a bottle of champagne between the 6 of us.
7) Ceremony. It was 100% perfect and I loved every bit of it. I wish I hadn't accidentally indicated to people that they should sit down while Robin was talking [sorry, Robin!] but I think I will forgive myself for that. The group reading was perfect, the individual readings were perfect, and I loved Timo's vows. Win, win, win. Funny thing: the processional and recessional music was the only thing I knew specifically months and months ago. Yet I didn't hear it at all on either walk. I know it was playing, but it really didn't register. Too much to think about, I guess.
8) Reception: see #1. Everyone in my life rules. I am the luckiest.
The cocktail hour was fun, the food at dinner was amazing, and the toasts cannot be topped. At least these ARE on film. [Thanks, Will!] My dad rules. Best Man Dan gave a speech about zombie infections that had Timo and I cackling obnoxiously and tables full of people thinking "what the heck is he talking about?" Perfect. Maid of Honor Danielle drew the short straw by having to follow Dan, but still rocked it. One highlight: "unlike most, or at least many, people here, I have never known a Jess without a Timo. That's the way it should be."
Cake was amazing. Timo's cake toppers were fab. They ended up next to, rather than on, the cake so as to not get greasy, but they were still a big, big, big hit.
Then we danced danced danced and we danced danced danced.
I still didn't sleep. Perhaps tonight? One can hope. Again, I heard there was MUCH after partying, and for that, I am glad. I am also glad I wasn't there. Still, it fills me with joy to see people becoming friends, planning camping trips with folks who were near strangers a couple days previously, and trading cell numbers. Similar joy was experienced by me when I saw sections of tables with friend/family groups mixing and smiling...
- the raucous laughter, pre-salads, from Kelly/Andrew/John/Lauren/Jessica/et al.
- Bean saying "I sat next to a motorcycle guy!"
- Robin & Dennis shaking hands across tables
- hearing "I think Will might leave me for Joe"
- and a thousand other tiny, individual moments
People kept saying "don't worry what other people will think during your wedding. It's about you!" But I tell you what: I will have a good time at my wedding when I know people are enjoying themselves. By and large, they did and I had the best night ever.
Tomorrow we're off to Ireland. Ireland! Wish us luck. We'll do what we can to post about the trip and share some photos.
Monday, March 22, 2010
wedding week
Hey, can you believe it is wedding week already? Crazy how that snuck up!
We have Danielle, Lora, and Dan in town staying with us now. Today is a slight lull in arrivals, but starting tomorrow, we get more family/friends, and I imagine the Bay Area just filling up with people we love for our wedding. Like zombies filtering throughout the region. I mean that in the best way possible - we like zombies in this house.
There is much to do over the next couple days. Many paper projects: menu cards, seating cards, ceremony readings. Errands to run, vows to write, emails to send to the DJ. I think we have it under control though. I actually look forward to the assembly line of work coming up; it's kind of exciting to imagine a house full of people hunched over the table with various art projects. Exciting for me because I am a giant nerd, in any case.
The next wedding event is a happy hour gathering put together by my work friends on Tuesday. Until then, we'll be up for air when the paper projects are done.
Friday weather outlook positive: 65 degrees, mostly sunny.
We have Danielle, Lora, and Dan in town staying with us now. Today is a slight lull in arrivals, but starting tomorrow, we get more family/friends, and I imagine the Bay Area just filling up with people we love for our wedding. Like zombies filtering throughout the region. I mean that in the best way possible - we like zombies in this house.
There is much to do over the next couple days. Many paper projects: menu cards, seating cards, ceremony readings. Errands to run, vows to write, emails to send to the DJ. I think we have it under control though. I actually look forward to the assembly line of work coming up; it's kind of exciting to imagine a house full of people hunched over the table with various art projects. Exciting for me because I am a giant nerd, in any case.
The next wedding event is a happy hour gathering put together by my work friends on Tuesday. Until then, we'll be up for air when the paper projects are done.
Friday weather outlook positive: 65 degrees, mostly sunny.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
ireland! ireland! ireland!
Hey, did you hear that we're going to Ireland for our honeymoon? So exciting. We just finished* booking our hotel rooms for the trip, which is most of the planning we intended to do before showing up there. I'll probably spend innumerable hours between now and then reading the guide book and dreaming of places we could go.
Want to hear about it?
March 29 we fly out of SFO. Change planes at JFK. We arrive in Dublin the morning of Tues, March 30.
March 30 - April 2: Dublin. We're staying at Number 31 which is near St. Stephen's Square. It's a modernist little place in a converted Georgian townhouse, and they promise the best breakfast in Ireland. I hope we get good and spoiled right at the beginning. We're definitely thinking Guinness Factory, Trinity College, and...I'm sure about a million other things. Plus sleeping off the jet lag.
April 2 - 5: Cork. This time we're at The Imperial Hotel. "An oasis of calm," they say? Yes, please. I don't know what we're doing here besides visiting the English Market and relaxing while everyone else marks Easter weekend.
April 5-8: Galway. Final stop has us staying at The Skeffington Arms. I've been thinking about a day trip to the Aran Islands since, oh I dunno, the year 2000? Definitely doing that. Otherwise, we'll see what we see.
The night of April 8 will find us back in Dublin, and we have to come back on April 9. Can't wait for 10 days of awesome in new cities with my soon-to-be-husband.
*Okay, all except the last night of the trip. Still mulling that one over. I want to be back in Dublin so as to be closer to the aiport, but it's also the last night, so I don't want to waste it in someplace lame just so that the bus ride will be short. Thoughts?
EDIT: Okay, booked our last night. We'll be at The Central Hotel where they have a LIBRARY BAR. I have died and gone to heaven.
Want to hear about it?
March 29 we fly out of SFO. Change planes at JFK. We arrive in Dublin the morning of Tues, March 30.
March 30 - April 2: Dublin. We're staying at Number 31 which is near St. Stephen's Square. It's a modernist little place in a converted Georgian townhouse, and they promise the best breakfast in Ireland. I hope we get good and spoiled right at the beginning. We're definitely thinking Guinness Factory, Trinity College, and...I'm sure about a million other things. Plus sleeping off the jet lag.
April 2 - 5: Cork. This time we're at The Imperial Hotel. "An oasis of calm," they say? Yes, please. I don't know what we're doing here besides visiting the English Market and relaxing while everyone else marks Easter weekend.
April 5-8: Galway. Final stop has us staying at The Skeffington Arms. I've been thinking about a day trip to the Aran Islands since, oh I dunno, the year 2000? Definitely doing that. Otherwise, we'll see what we see.
The night of April 8 will find us back in Dublin, and we have to come back on April 9. Can't wait for 10 days of awesome in new cities with my soon-to-be-husband.
EDIT: Okay, booked our last night. We'll be at The Central Hotel where they have a LIBRARY BAR. I have died and gone to heaven.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
menus
Questions are coming in about the food at the wedding, which I thought I could answer broadly here. If you emailed or wrote a specific question on your reply card, I'll email you directly.
Full descriptions of each entree are...
1. Braised lamb shank with zinfandel gravy and rosemary
2. Mustard-rubbed grilled pork tenderloin with braised figs
3. Portobello mushroom vol au vent with garden veggies, manchego, sundried tomato nage
Sounds fancy, eh? Everyone gets a salad, mashed potatoes, and asparagus as well.
All special requests for the caterer go to me. If you haven't already, please let me know if any of these apply to you:
- If you're a vegetarian, you should....choose the mushroom. Obv.
- If you're a vegan, you should...choose the mushroom and ask me to leave the cheese off.
- If you're gluten-free, you should...choose the pork OR choose the mushroom and ask me to leave off the panko breadcrumbs they usually put on it.
- If you're dairy-free, you should...choose any of the entrees but let me know if you want the cheese left off of the mushroom.
I think that's everything I've gotten a question about. But surely there's something I missed. Do tell if there is.
In other news, remember how I started shopping for a wedding dress in May and bought one in July? Timo bought a suit! He's been shopping for one week; it's a month before the wedding; and he'll get it back from alterations before I have my dress in hand. *sigh* Men's clothes...
In other other news, I hear a rumor that there are a couple rooms left at the Lodge. If you are interested in staying there and didn't book yet, give them a call and check it out.
Full descriptions of each entree are...
1. Braised lamb shank with zinfandel gravy and rosemary
2. Mustard-rubbed grilled pork tenderloin with braised figs
3. Portobello mushroom vol au vent with garden veggies, manchego, sundried tomato nage
Sounds fancy, eh? Everyone gets a salad, mashed potatoes, and asparagus as well.
All special requests for the caterer go to me. If you haven't already, please let me know if any of these apply to you:
- If you're a vegetarian, you should....choose the mushroom. Obv.
- If you're a vegan, you should...choose the mushroom and ask me to leave the cheese off.
- If you're gluten-free, you should...choose the pork OR choose the mushroom and ask me to leave off the panko breadcrumbs they usually put on it.
- If you're dairy-free, you should...choose any of the entrees but let me know if you want the cheese left off of the mushroom.
I think that's everything I've gotten a question about. But surely there's something I missed. Do tell if there is.
In other news, remember how I started shopping for a wedding dress in May and bought one in July? Timo bought a suit! He's been shopping for one week; it's a month before the wedding; and he'll get it back from alterations before I have my dress in hand. *sigh* Men's clothes...
In other other news, I hear a rumor that there are a couple rooms left at the Lodge. If you are interested in staying there and didn't book yet, give them a call and check it out.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
2010
Oh, hello. Fancy meeting you here. Long time, no see.
Many things have been done since last we spoke. Many more to do still. The bit of info that probably most directly affects you, dear reader, is that our hotel room block at The Lodge has filled up. Rooms are still available at that hotel at the regular price.
The Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn still has plenty of rooms available. Book there if you're still in need of a place to stay. It is walking distance from everything, so that's a plus. Mary and Bob (hi, Reinemanns!) have had some success with finding better rates for that hotel online, so be sure to check around before booking. This has been your hotel public service announcement for the day.
Have you started thinking about what to pack? Might I suggest an umbrella or two? It has been all rain, all the time around here. We are planning for an outdoor ceremony, but boy howdy, I am glad we selected a venue with an indoor option.
Gotten your invite yet? No? Could be because I haven't mailed them all. D'oh. Sorry about that. The last batch will be in the mail soon, I promise. When you finally receive this piece of paper-awesome, you will be holding a Timo Sutton handcrafted original (with some help from me). It's sure to be a keepsake for all except possibly his parents, who likely already have boxes of Timo Sutton handcrafted originals, dating back to 1984.
If you have questions in the interim, email
ME: jessica.richards[at]gmail.com
TIMO: timo.sutton[at]gmail.com
Many things have been done since last we spoke. Many more to do still. The bit of info that probably most directly affects you, dear reader, is that our hotel room block at The Lodge has filled up. Rooms are still available at that hotel at the regular price.
The Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn still has plenty of rooms available. Book there if you're still in need of a place to stay. It is walking distance from everything, so that's a plus. Mary and Bob (hi, Reinemanns!) have had some success with finding better rates for that hotel online, so be sure to check around before booking. This has been your hotel public service announcement for the day.
Have you started thinking about what to pack? Might I suggest an umbrella or two? It has been all rain, all the time around here. We are planning for an outdoor ceremony, but boy howdy, I am glad we selected a venue with an indoor option.
Gotten your invite yet? No? Could be because I haven't mailed them all. D'oh. Sorry about that. The last batch will be in the mail soon, I promise. When you finally receive this piece of paper-awesome, you will be holding a Timo Sutton handcrafted original (with some help from me). It's sure to be a keepsake for all except possibly his parents, who likely already have boxes of Timo Sutton handcrafted originals, dating back to 1984.
If you have questions in the interim, email
ME: jessica.richards[at]gmail.com
TIMO: timo.sutton[at]gmail.com
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Booking hotel rooms
Hey, good news! We have information on booking hotel rooms. Slightly more info on each hotel can be found in the post directly below this one, or by visiting the hotel website.
Best Western Sonoma Valley - 220 2nd St West, Sonoma
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Call the hotel at 707-938-9200. (Yes, technophiles, you should use the telephone.) When you ask for reservations, mention the Richards/Sutton room block. Easy peasy. Extra good news about this one, if any locals need/want a hotel - you don't have to book both nights. You can just get Friday night.
They have a variety of room configurations, and prices that go along with that. The basics are one king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds. King bed rooms are $160-$170 on Thursday night, $200-$220 on Friday night. The price difference depends on if you want a fireplace or not. Queen bed rooms are $190 on Thursday, $240 on Friday. They all have a fireplace. Prices don't include tax. You must make a reservation here by February 8 to get these rates.
The Lodge at Sonoma - 1325 Broadway, Sonoma.
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This one can be reserved over the phone by calling 888-710-8008 and ask for the Richards/Sutton room block. Or you can go online. The link isn't working right now, but I'll put it in when it is back up and running.
The rooms here are a two-night minimum (Thursday the 25th and Friday the 26th). $149 per night, not including taxes and fees and whatever else they're tacking on these days. You must reserve it by March 5 to get this rate.
I highly encourage room sharing. If you're looking for someone to share a room with and don't know who to ask, leave a comment and we'll try to help out.
Best Western Sonoma Valley - 220 2nd St West, Sonoma
View Larger Map
Call the hotel at 707-938-9200. (Yes, technophiles, you should use the telephone.) When you ask for reservations, mention the Richards/Sutton room block. Easy peasy. Extra good news about this one, if any locals need/want a hotel - you don't have to book both nights. You can just get Friday night.
They have a variety of room configurations, and prices that go along with that. The basics are one king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds. King bed rooms are $160-$170 on Thursday night, $200-$220 on Friday night. The price difference depends on if you want a fireplace or not. Queen bed rooms are $190 on Thursday, $240 on Friday. They all have a fireplace. Prices don't include tax. You must make a reservation here by February 8 to get these rates.
The Lodge at Sonoma - 1325 Broadway, Sonoma.
View Larger Map
This one can be reserved over the phone by calling 888-710-8008 and ask for the Richards/Sutton room block. Or you can go online. The link isn't working right now, but I'll put it in when it is back up and running.
The rooms here are a two-night minimum (Thursday the 25th and Friday the 26th). $149 per night, not including taxes and fees and whatever else they're tacking on these days. You must reserve it by March 5 to get this rate.
I highly encourage room sharing. If you're looking for someone to share a room with and don't know who to ask, leave a comment and we'll try to help out.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Hotel Info
So much useful information to post these days! I'll be back to rambly recountings of my day and non-sequiters soon.
We* are working on hotel blocks for Thursday, March 25 and Friday, March 26 in Sonoma. Two-night minimum. You must book both nights to get the special rate. We are looking at
The Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn
and
The Lodge at Sonoma, a Renaissance Marriott Resort
Check back in a month or so for further info on what exactly the rates are and how you can book them. That's the part that's in process.
The Best Western is at 550 2nd St W, two blocks off the square** and six blocks from the wedding venue (which is on 4th St E). This is walking distance, so if you're planning a short stay and don't want a rental car, it may be the way to go. If you do have a car, parking is free. They also rent bicycles. They have a free continental breakfast, free wireless internet, and a pool.
The Lodge at Sonoma is located at 1325 Broadway, a little over a mile to the plaza and a little over 1.5 miles to Sebastiani. This one has an onsite restaurant, bar, and coffee shop, as well as a pool. It also has a full-service day spa. I would drive (or take a cab) from here to the wedding venue, but a hearty soul could walk it pretty easily. There will be a shuttle on the night of the wedding.
Other hotels can be found at the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, or on www.tripadvisor.com or probably any other hotel sites you like. Have a group (8 or more)? Try Vacation Rentals By Owner for multi-bedroom homes.
*And by "we," I mean "my mother," who is doing all of the phone calls and emails. My sole contribution is to say "so how's that going?" every few weeks.
** I am using "plaza" and "square" interchangeably here. It's a big green space in the center of town - the locals call it "the plaza," but it is square-shaped, so I guess either applies.
We* are working on hotel blocks for Thursday, March 25 and Friday, March 26 in Sonoma. Two-night minimum. You must book both nights to get the special rate. We are looking at
The Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn
and
The Lodge at Sonoma, a Renaissance Marriott Resort
Check back in a month or so for further info on what exactly the rates are and how you can book them. That's the part that's in process.
The Best Western is at 550 2nd St W, two blocks off the square** and six blocks from the wedding venue (which is on 4th St E). This is walking distance, so if you're planning a short stay and don't want a rental car, it may be the way to go. If you do have a car, parking is free. They also rent bicycles. They have a free continental breakfast, free wireless internet, and a pool.
The Lodge at Sonoma is located at 1325 Broadway, a little over a mile to the plaza and a little over 1.5 miles to Sebastiani. This one has an onsite restaurant, bar, and coffee shop, as well as a pool. It also has a full-service day spa. I would drive (or take a cab) from here to the wedding venue, but a hearty soul could walk it pretty easily. There will be a shuttle on the night of the wedding.
Other hotels can be found at the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, or on www.tripadvisor.com or probably any other hotel sites you like. Have a group (8 or more)? Try Vacation Rentals By Owner for multi-bedroom homes.
*And by "we," I mean "my mother," who is doing all of the phone calls and emails. My sole contribution is to say "so how's that going?" every few weeks.
** I am using "plaza" and "square" interchangeably here. It's a big green space in the center of town - the locals call it "the plaza," but it is square-shaped, so I guess either applies.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Travel Info
In order to get to Sonoma, you'll need to fly into San Francisco or Oakland. Either airport is fine, and pretty much equidistant to wine country, so go with the best airfare deals.
You may want a rental car to get to Sonoma/Wine Country from the Bay Area. If you have a car, you will be able to take yourself wherever you want, whenever you want. Obviously. If you don't have a car, you can arrange for an airport shuttle to take you to Sonoma, where you will then need to walk around town or take cabs.
Sonoma Valley visitors bureau website: click here
If you arrive early, you might want to stay in Oakland or San Francisco for a night or two before heading up. In that case, you probably don't need a car until you're ready to leave the city. Hotels in San Francisco are numerous and varied, depending on what you want to be near. Start with thinking about areas of the city or attractions you want to visit, then choose a hotel based on proximity. In Oakland, there is a hotel just a couple blocks from our apartment:
The Courtyard Marriott, Downtown Oakland
This is close to public transit, the waterfront, Chinatown, and the shops of Old Oakland. There are also a couple good places to stay in Jack London Square which is about eight blocks from where we live.
On Thursday or Friday, you'll need to head north to Sonoma for the wedding. Plan for it to take just over an hour of driving, though if you leave during morning rush hour, or after 3pm, it will take more like 90 minutes.
DIRECTIONS FROM OAKLAND/BERKELEY/EAST BAY:
1. Take 580-West towards San Rafael
2. Cross over the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge ($4 toll), and continue on 580-W.
3. Take the exit for 101-North towards Santa Rosa.
4. Take exit 460A to merge onto CA 37-East towards Napa. Go about 7 miles on 37-E.
5. Turn LEFT at CA-121/Arnold Dr. Go approximately 6.5 miles.
6. Turn RIGHT onto Fremont Dr. to continue following CA-121 (Vineyard Inn Hotel will be on your right at this intersection). Stay on Fremont Dr. for about 0.7 miles.
7. Turn LEFT at Broadway/Sonoma Hwy/CA-12. (Signs for Sonoma) Continue for 3.6 miles.
8. Broadway will dead-end into the Sonoma City Park. Turn RIGHT at E. Napa St.
9. Turn LEFT at 4th St E.
10. Sebastiani will be on your right.
DIRECTIONS FROM SAN FRANCISCO:
1. Take 101-North.
2. Cross over the Golden Gate Bridge (no toll in this direction) and continue on 101-N.
3. Continue directions above from #4.
You may want a rental car to get to Sonoma/Wine Country from the Bay Area. If you have a car, you will be able to take yourself wherever you want, whenever you want. Obviously. If you don't have a car, you can arrange for an airport shuttle to take you to Sonoma, where you will then need to walk around town or take cabs.
Sonoma Valley visitors bureau website: click here
If you arrive early, you might want to stay in Oakland or San Francisco for a night or two before heading up. In that case, you probably don't need a car until you're ready to leave the city. Hotels in San Francisco are numerous and varied, depending on what you want to be near. Start with thinking about areas of the city or attractions you want to visit, then choose a hotel based on proximity. In Oakland, there is a hotel just a couple blocks from our apartment:
The Courtyard Marriott, Downtown Oakland
This is close to public transit, the waterfront, Chinatown, and the shops of Old Oakland. There are also a couple good places to stay in Jack London Square which is about eight blocks from where we live.
On Thursday or Friday, you'll need to head north to Sonoma for the wedding. Plan for it to take just over an hour of driving, though if you leave during morning rush hour, or after 3pm, it will take more like 90 minutes.
DIRECTIONS FROM OAKLAND/BERKELEY/EAST BAY:
1. Take 580-West towards San Rafael
2. Cross over the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge ($4 toll), and continue on 580-W.
3. Take the exit for 101-North towards Santa Rosa.
4. Take exit 460A to merge onto CA 37-East towards Napa. Go about 7 miles on 37-E.
5. Turn LEFT at CA-121/Arnold Dr. Go approximately 6.5 miles.
6. Turn RIGHT onto Fremont Dr. to continue following CA-121 (Vineyard Inn Hotel will be on your right at this intersection). Stay on Fremont Dr. for about 0.7 miles.
7. Turn LEFT at Broadway/Sonoma Hwy/CA-12. (Signs for Sonoma) Continue for 3.6 miles.
8. Broadway will dead-end into the Sonoma City Park. Turn RIGHT at E. Napa St.
9. Turn LEFT at 4th St E.
10. Sebastiani will be on your right.
DIRECTIONS FROM SAN FRANCISCO:
1. Take 101-North.
2. Cross over the Golden Gate Bridge (no toll in this direction) and continue on 101-N.
3. Continue directions above from #4.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Venue Info
It's probably time to post some useful info about the wedding on here, yes?
Let's start with DATE and VENUE.
We're getting married on March 26, 2010 at Sebastiani Vineyards in Sonoma, CA.
Venue link
Map
We'll post some photos of the location soon - their website doesn't really do it justice. This is our ceremony and reception site.
Sonoma is about an hour north of San Francisco. Fly into SF or Oakland. We don't have hotel blocks lined up yet, but we're working on it. I'll post more when it's been settled. The nice thing about Sebastiani is that it is just a few blocks off the main Sonoma square. You can stay pretty much anywhere in town and be able to easily get to the wedding venue.
Timeline
Thursday, March 25
4:00 - Ceremony rehearsal for wedding party and immediate family
Friday, March 26
5:00 - guests begin arriving at Sebastiani
5:30 - Wedding ceremony
6:00 - Cocktails
7:00 - Reception - dinner and dancing
Saturday, March 27
No scheduled events, but if you're able to hang around in Sonoma, there's plenty to see and do.
Let's start with DATE and VENUE.
We're getting married on March 26, 2010 at Sebastiani Vineyards in Sonoma, CA.
Venue link
Map
We'll post some photos of the location soon - their website doesn't really do it justice. This is our ceremony and reception site.
Sonoma is about an hour north of San Francisco. Fly into SF or Oakland. We don't have hotel blocks lined up yet, but we're working on it. I'll post more when it's been settled. The nice thing about Sebastiani is that it is just a few blocks off the main Sonoma square. You can stay pretty much anywhere in town and be able to easily get to the wedding venue.
Timeline
Thursday, March 25
4:00 - Ceremony rehearsal for wedding party and immediate family
Friday, March 26
5:00 - guests begin arriving at Sebastiani
5:30 - Wedding ceremony
6:00 - Cocktails
7:00 - Reception - dinner and dancing
Saturday, March 27
No scheduled events, but if you're able to hang around in Sonoma, there's plenty to see and do.
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