Famous people like St. Monica's too.

Here's a little bit of trivia for you. Apparently Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and hottest woman in the known universe Giselle Bundchen were married at St. Monica's this evening, the same church we will be married at.

http://www.usmagazine.com/news/gisele-bundchen-and-tom-brady-wed-2009262

Other notable parishioners include our governator AAAAAhhhhhrnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver, Tony Danza, Martin Sheen, Brooke Sheilds, Kelsey Grammar, Lawrence Welk, Richard Riordan, June Lockhart, and Bridget Moynahan. Frank Gerhy's wife attends (Frank is Jewish but she is catholic). Frank Gerhy designed the parish hall in 1998. Chris Farley was a parishioner and his memorial was held at St. Monica's. Lucille Ball's memorial was held there as well. Lucy Lawless was married at St. Monica's. Owen Wilson visited St. Monica's before attempting suicide (yikes).

The church has also been used for filming. Some of the list includes 1944 Best Picture winner "Going My Way", and its sequel "The Bells of St. Mary's".

The parish was founded in 1886 and predates the city of Santa Monica. The closest catholic church at the time was on Olvera street in downtown LA. The current building was built in 1925 and has been repaired after damage during the Northridge earthquake.

WEEEEEIIIIIIIRRRRRDDDDDD

After 4+ years of going there every week after work it just hit me that this will be my last semester at Santa Monica College. Awwwwww. I have to say it will be a little weird not to go there anymore. I am certainly ready to move on to a bigger and more "adult" university but nevertheless I will miss SMC. It really has been a great school for me to casually figure out what interests me. Plus my arsenal of useless factoids has expanded ten fold. ;)

Hotel Deal

For anyone looking to stay in the lap of luxury while they are in our area you might take a look at the attached. I received this today from Shutters on the Beach. It was the swankiest hotel on my previous list. They are located about a half mile from our reception venue. Now, granted, $475 per night isn't exactly cheap but if you are going that route you might as well take advantage of the offer and get another night free.

http://view.guest-touch.com/?j=fe641572776603757717&m=fefa1d72746c05&ls=fdea17747c62077b71127976&l=fe9510747663037c75&s=fe3110707366077a731571&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe571c7374610c7a7d14

Stay Two Nights and Get the Third Night Free!

Sand and sea are calling. Take advantage of this great offer!

Experience the epitome of beachfront living by designer Michael S. Smith. Extend your stay on us. Book two consecutive nights at this special rate and receive the third night complimentary. Prices starting at $475 per night plus tax.

Book Now

Single/double occupancy. Complimentary third night must be used in conjunction with the initial stay. Cannot be combined with other packages or rates.

Please visit our sister properties Hotel Casa Del Mar and Canary Hotel for the latest on their Specials & Packages as well.

Florist .... CHECK

One less thing to do ... love it!

I booked our florist today. Partially because I just have no desire to keep looking and also because this guy and I hit it off in our first meeting. Plus the price was right which is always a plus.

http://www.myweddingblooms.com/

It must be the Seattle in me ...

We were rained out of our engagement photo session. Well, sort of. It was rescheduled for two weeks from now due to the threat of rain. Naturally we would pick the one weekend a year it rains in this town. DOH! Ask me why the wedding and reception are indoors... oh nature, you and Murphy must be good friends.

Recap

I will put up recaps periodically so you don't have to scroll through the entire blog for basic details. Aren't I efficient? :)

Date
September 5th 2009
Labor Day Weekend

Ceremony
Time: 3:00 pm *sharp* (please arrive at 2:30)
Location: St. Monica's Parish
Address: 725 California Avenue Santa Monica, CA 90403
Ph: (310) 566-1500

Reception
Time: 5:00 pm - 12:00 am
Location: The Sheraton Delfina
Room: Penthouse Ballroom
Address: 530 Pico Boulevard Santa Monica, California 90405
Ph: (310) 399-9344

Flights
To: LAX Los Angeles International Airport
When: 9/4 arrival (one day early, flights are often delayed)

Hotels
Sheraton Delfina (888) 627-8532
Seashore Motel (310) 392-2787
Lowes Santa Monica Beach Hotel (866) 563-9792
Shutters on the Beach (800) 334-9000

Colors

Hotels

I am working on group rates for hotels in the area but the quotes I have received sofar have been either 1. not that great and/or 2. have some funky policies with regard to reservations that become a little risky for us. I do want to help you all with your hotel searches however, so here is a list of some we would recommend. They are all within walking distance to the beach or a $5-$10 maximum cab ride from the reception.


Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica
530 Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica, California 90405
Reservations 888 627 8532
T 310 399 9344
F 310 399 2504
http://www.sheratonsantamonica.com/
- This is where the wedding reception will be.
- This is where we will be staying.
- pool and killer views
- some rooms have balcony hot tubs
- about a 5 minute walk to the beach, about 8 blocks or so
- Pricing middle-of-the-road (but that's by Santa Monica standards)

Seashore Motel
2637 Main Street
Santa Monica, California 90405
Phone: (310) 392-2787
Fax: (310) 392-5167
Email: reservations@seashoremotel.com
http://www.seashoremotel.com/
- don't let the name fool you its actually very cute
- very affordable, best rates in Santa Monica by FAR
- this is where our parents will be staying and it will book up fast
- no pool
- right on Main Street in Santa Monica, walking distance to bars, restaurants, shopping, etc
- 3 blocks to the beach

Shutters on the Beach
One Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Ph: 310-458-0030
Fx: 310-458-4589
Reservations: 800-334-9000
http://www.shuttersonthebeach.com/home.html
- VERY swanky, old Santa Monica bungalow vibe
- also very expensive
- pool, rooftop deck, spa
- 5 steps to the beach
- excellent food & decor

Lowes Santa Monica Beach Hotel
1700 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, California, 90401
Reservations: 1-866-LOEWS-WB or (1-866-563-9792)
Main/General Inquiries: (310)-458-6700
http://www.santamonicaloewshotel.com/
- this was #2 on our list for the wedding reception
- very nice, and modern
- not quite as expensive as Shutters but slightly more expensive than the Sheraton Delfina
- Pool, great food, view of the beach, spa
- one block from the beach, 3 blocks from Santa Monica Pier
- 5 minute walk to 3rd Street Promenade, restaurants, bars, shopping, etc

Keep in mind... if you get shnockered at the wedding (and I hope you do) we please insist that you crash at the hotel. We will figure it out for you and may have some rooms on hold for just this situation. No DUI buzzkills on our wedding day please! :) We want everyone to have the most fun they can in the safest way possible!

The Wedding Party

Introducing the dirty dozen (if you count John and I). Danger Flammable!




Landra Dulin - Maid of Dishonor, world traveler, burning woman and sister by another mister.

Kacey Karp - Roller-Bridesmaid, the muscle of the operation, head bodyguard and B52 Wingman.

Kristy Snape - Always the bridesmaid and bride at the same time! My cohort in planning and sounding board for all things wedding.

Ryann Crofoot - Dance instructor bridesmaid, style icon, dark room wiggler and queen of being badass.

Adine Lee - Bridesmaid and counselor of cute, representing the girly side and keeping it fun when the shit's flyin'.

Mark Vassallo - Best man... ever. Comedic relief, the musical speech-giver, reptile whisperer and acrobatic ninja.

Dave Paine - Groomsman, Dj, shark swimmer, the other half to John's epic battle on the court and lover of all things Philly.

Andrew Marriott - Groomsman, the red haired bandit, Seattle rep, digital pinball wizard and he who is in desperate need of a new online photo.




Paul Rojas - Groomsman, Dj, encyclopedia of hip hop, go-to-guy, everything-man. We give him a pass for being a Lakers fan because he's that cool.

Brian Singbiel - Red carpet groomsman, film clipper, movie maker. He has BIG friends, watch out!

Save the Dates

Hola Peeps!

I am guessing that there will be a bit more traffic through here now that we have sent out some of our save-the-dates. If you have not received yours yet don't sweat it, we still have a few more to go. I have my final next week, a semester project due on Thursday, and we are having our engagement photo session this Sunday so its a wonder I was able to send any of them out amongst all the other things going on.

Here is a copy of what they look like. You love it ... you know you do haha. The photos are old photo booth pics we have saved from various nights on the town. Some of them are from a few years ago while others are from a few months ago. That's why some strips look older than others. Same general goofiness though, doubtful that will ever change. ;)

I am stoked I was able to use my work for something. As you may have noticed they are magnets. I have a talent for losing mail so I figured I would do everyone a favor and create something that wouldn't get lost easily. If you lose it anyways just let me know. I have a ton of over runs and can send you another one. We will be sending out actual invitations in the coming months as well.