A Bee's Life: Peony Blooms

I have written in journals since my angst-ridden teenage years. Then came the dawn of the world wide web. As an internet addict and a computer nerd, I happily joined the blogging bandwagon in 2001 and have been doing it ever since.

How did you first hear about Weddingbee?

The very first time I heard about Weddingbee was when my now sister-in-law, Mrs. Poppy, became a Weddingbee blogger. I went through the first few pages of the site and found it very engaging. However, I only stopped by once in a while to see how Mrs. Poppy was doing.

A year later, I got engaged myself. I naturally started blogging about my wedding and Weddingbee soon became an invaluable source for all things wedding-related. My friends would tell me things like, "Oh there's this site you have to check out...", or "Have you heard of Weddingbee? You should apply to be a blogger!"

So I did, and I am happy to say that I was accepted.

How has Weddingbee changed your life?

Did you know that I have not one, but two bees that are related to me through marriage? Mrs. Poppy is my sister-in-law (our husbands are brothers) and Mrs. Lovebird is my cousin's husband's cousin.

While these two fabulous ladies are officially related to me, I consider the rest of the bees my family too. Weddingbee has built an exceptional community over the years - one that is full of fun, creative, intelligent, and super-supportive people. Who knew when I first joined Weddingbee that I would be attending the wedding of someone I've only conversed with over the web? Who knew that a full year and 4 months after my wedding, I would still be checking Weddingbee every single day?

Weddingbee has such a wide reach that I have even gotten recognized several times. Someone I have just met exclaiming, "Hey I know you, you're on Weddingbee!" has occurred a few times. I have had people at department stores and on the subway recognize me, but those were rare occurrences. And I almost felt like a web celebrity when some people recognized me during my last trip to LA.

If you recognize a bee, go up and say hi! Most of us are very happy to meet and converse with fellow Weddingbee fans.

What will you be doing now that your recaps are (finally) done?

I will definitely be stopping by when I feel the need to write about something wedding-related. Or even when I just miss you guys!

However, there is something going on that will probably keep me occupied for a while...

Yes, I am pregnant!!!

I am still pretty early in the pregnancy but Mr. Peony and I were too excited not to share the news, screaming it from the mountaintops. If all goes well, we will become parents next April! (And how cool would it be if the baby is born on 4/18/10, which is our 2-year wedding anniversary?)

Meanwhile I will keep blogging at my personal site, http://www.geekinheels.com. Come by and say hi!

Wedding Day Recap, Pt 13 - "To Sir, With Love"

The song To Sir, With Love is from the soundtrack of a movie of the same name. Released in 1967, we knew that the song would bring back feelings of nostalgia from the older crowd and introduce the younger to a classic favorite.

To Sir, With Love is a tribute to a teacher and mentor who has made a deep impression in the life of his students. Although it is sung from a female student to a male teacher, we felt that its meaning transcends gender and the student-teacher relationship. We meant it as a thank you to our families and friends for being such an important part of our lives.

To Sir, With Love

Those schoolgirl days of telling tales and biting nails are gone,
But in my mind, I know they will still live on and on.

(all photos by Danny Weiss)

But how do you thank someone who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
It isn't easy, but I'll try.

If you wanted the sky I would write across the sky in letters,
That would soar a thousand feet high.
To Sir, with Love.

The time has come for closing books and long last looks must end.
And as I leave, I know that I am leaving my best friend.

A friend who taught me right from wrong,
And weak from strong, that's a lot to learn.
What can I give you in return?

If you wanted the moon I would try to make a start,
But I would rather you let me give my heart.
To Sir, with Love

Will you/did you make it a special point to thank your loved ones at your wedding? How so?

Wedding Day Recap, Pt 11 - "Just Like Heaven"

I have gone through some internal debates on how to handle my last official recap. After thinking long and hard (that's what she said), I came across an article in the LA Times where the co-writer of the movie 500 Days of Summer states that "every relationship has a soundtrack." How true!

Now, I know that everyone has different taste in music, but I personally love the songs we chose for our wedding reception and I feel that each one of them very well represents the many facets of my relationship with Mr. Peony, as well as our relationship with our families and friends.

wedding party intro: "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure

first dance: "For Once in My Life" by Michael Bublé

combined father-daughter mother-son dance: "To Sir, With Love" by Lulu

cake-cutting: "My First, My Last, My Everything" by Barry White

As a result, I have decided to divide my reception into four entries so that I can let the songs and selections from their lyrics tell the story of the Peonies' reception.

(all photos by Danny Weiss)

Please play the songs as you go through these photos - they are the soundtrack of our relationship, our wedding, and our lives. Enjoy!

Just Like Heaven

"Show me how you do that trick
The one that makes me scream" she said
"The one that makes me laugh" she said
And threw her arms around my neck
"Show me how you do it
And I promise you I promise that
I'll run away with you
I'll run away with you" 

Spinning on that dizzy edge
I kissed her face and kissed her head
And dreamed of all the different ways I had
To make her glow

You
Soft and only
You
Lost and lonely
You
Strange as angels
Dancing in the deepest oceans
Twisting in the water
You're just like a dream

You
Soft and only
You
Lost and lonely
You
Just like heaven...

What would you say is the soundtrack/song of your life and relationships?