Unfortunately, the first she really liked was a discontinued style. Cool neckline, though:

After several more tries, this was the winner. We ordered it in a light green. Hurray, Mommy!

Cindi introduced me to this naturally green rose which I completely fell in love with:

So far Flowers by Brian is in the lead: 1-0

We set up an appointment to view a sample tall table arrangement with Flowers by Brian, and this is what they produced–ivory roses, green hydrangea, and white wex flowers atop a tall clear vase with a white submerged orchid (Note: NO baby’s breath present, by pain of death):

OOOOOHHHHH! I was tempted to sign the contract then and there, but Josh and I at least wanted to see a sample from Fox Hollow before we cut open another vein.

We told Richard that we wanted flowering branches–because we thought that it would reduce our flower costs–and we liked the idea of cut limes in a tall clear vase. Flowers by Brian told us honestly that it wouldn’t fit into our budget if they were to do it well, especially since orchids need to be wired to willow branches for a wedding in August. D’oh. Anyway, Richard said our vision would be possible within our budget and this is what he produced for our samples: green orchids wired to branches and ivory roses and hydrangeas:

When Richard presented this to us, I could have sworn I heard the sound a balloon deflating. Granted, the two short centerpieces alongside the tall one looks pretty cool, but it would only be one teeny tiny short one or the very limp looking tall one on each table, in an alternating pattern.  I guess you get what you pay for.

Ding ding ding! Game over, Flowers by Brian WINS (2-0)!!!

Scene: Salon Opus, East Williston Park, Long Island. It’s engagement photo day and I’m getting a complete overhaul to become photo ready.

Characters: My Stylist, Other Stylist, Receptionist, and me.

My Stylist: [mid-conversation] …and this kind of cut will lighten your hair for the blow out, which will look great in the pictures.

[Other Stylist is working on another client in the bench to my right.]

Other Stylist: Pictchas? Are you taking your school pictchas today?

Me: My school pictures!? Umm, no. I’m taking my engagement pictures today. [Casually flash ring at Other Stylist.]

Receptionist: [walking by] Yau’re gettin’ maaarried!? Yau’re too young to get married! Why don’tcha wait a little longer, you look like yau’re still in high school.

Me: [sighing deeply] No, I’m actually not that young. I’m 27.

Receptionist: Damn, yau’re olda than me?

Me: How old are you?

Receptionist: I’m 25.

Me: [deep sigh]

9:49 a.m. The before picture. Josh is dropping me off at Salon Opus, for my wash, cut, blow out, and make up by Tiago.

1:05 p.m. The after picture. Tiago is a genius, an artist, a savior!

1:30 p.m. Dressed and ready to go!

6:45 p.m. Holy crap are we tired, but so, SO happy that we finally crossed this off our list. Spencer and Diane of 5West were phenomenal. Can’t wait to see the pics! We’re sitting on a park bench in Central Park because I’m convinced that my feet will fall off if I take one more step.

10:05 p.m. Did I mention that until 7:30 p.m. tonight, the only thing floating around in my stomach ALL DAY was water and a Zyrtec? After miles of walking around the city, THIS is the face of exhaustion.

10:20 p.m. This is the face of my future husband in normal clothes. That’s not a flash reflecting off his glasses; it’s the sparkle in his eye!

10:58 p.m. [not photographed] This is Connie cleaning her face with cotton balls and toner and then going to bed.

How does one prepare to be in front of a camera for a few hours and feel confident? Therapy. Lots of therapy. Ha ha, I’m only half kidding. I’ve got a hair appointment tomorrow morning at Salon Opus for a wash, trim, and blow out and a makeup consultation. Hopefully that’ll help fix this package a little. I resisted the temptation to buy a new outfit, but I remain unconvinced that I own anything engagement photo-y, or engagement photo-esque. All of my clothes these days are office appropriate, which basically means I look like a secretary everyday, and I was hoping for something with a bit more umpf. Something a little sexier? Can I learn how to walk in 4″ heels by tomorrow? Probably not.

I hate the way I look in pictures with glasses on, so I met with my opthalmologist a month and a half ago and got a pair of trial contacts. I was her last patient of the night, so she didn’t even attempt to help me learn how to put them on myself. I’m still trying, but I’ve basically given up. On that front, I think I’m a lost cause.

Josh is all set tomorrow, the lucky bastard. Pants, shirt, tie, $15 hair cut, and he’s good to go. Me? I’m a blubbering mess and Josh so lovingly pointed out just now that I have a festering pimple on my chin. Awesome. [It's really not that big. It's just Connie practically never gets any facial blemishes. (This last sentence was inserted unbeknownst to Connie by Josh)]

Sigh. I didn’t realize I’d feel so ill about this photo session. I went out to lunch today with an editor from work and a New York Times reporter to discuss book ideas and I felt less nervous about that than this photo session.

Excuse the rant. I have no doubt that Spencer will do a fantastic job. It’s just me that I’m worried about.

(magnet courtesy of MagnetStreet.com)

By the way, I’m totally not kidding about “STDs.” Practically all wedding sites use a myriad of ridiculous abbreviations to refer to things like bridesmaids (BM), future mother-in-law (FMIL), and future husband (FH). I like words, so I think I’ll use them.

Because we loved the silly photos, we’re planning on ordering even more magnets with funny captions and/or ridiculous talk bubbles for close friends and family through VistaPrint.  Naturally, I’ll keep you posted!

Of course, another “process photo”! Stephanie’s view of Ellen in the Hoboken Shoot Out of 2008. (I’m happy to say that both photographers survived.)

I have no idea how many ways I can say thank you for this, but I will try to diversify. The tough part awaits–picking three (THREE!) photos for our save-the-date magnet. I’m completely open to voting.

1. I’m not too confident in my writing skills.

2. I’m a ridiculously private person who often has difficulty talking to people I see on a day to day basis. Ask Connie.

3. I don’t want to write anything that might jeopardize my standing as a great boyfriend. Connie might read one of these and realize she’s actually marrying an utter buffoon.

4. I’m trying to minimize the amount of non-job search related stuff that I do online. I’m a goldfish when it comes to being easily distracted. Damn you internets!!!

Anyway, I’m here now and my presence will be a lot more visible. I hope we can bring a smile to your faces as you peer in on us ambling madly toward wedded bliss.