Weddingbee bios

(photos by Rachel Hadiashar of Merge Weddings)

The Toucans

She's a research consultant, who's just finally (!) finished her masters degree, and trying to figure out what to do with all her extra time! Chances are she'll be back in the the classroom again, but this time learning something more artistic... perhaps photography, music, or golf! Loves: shopping, traveling, teeny-bopper TV shows (hello, CW!), large sunglasses, yummy food

He's got a love of numbers and works as an actuary crunching them all day! When he's not studying for his actuarial exams (in mid-May and mid-November), he's in full gamer mode. He's one of those lovable dorks... he even understands the math jokes on the Big Bang Theory! Loves: video games, the color orange, trying new beers, LOST, Monday night sitcoms

We both love rooting for the home town team (especially the Patriots and Red Sox!), entertaing guests, and our new kitty, Saki!

The Toucans welcomed Saki into their family in December, 2008. Mr. Toucan likes to refer to her as our "shotgun kitty." She's playful, inquisitive, cuddly, and oh-so-cute! Loves: string, balls, feathers, paper bags, empty boxes, socks (yes, socks. She steals them from our hamper!)

It's not really the most romantic of stories... we met at college. You know how those things are.

I'm ashamed to admit it, but we were one of those couples. You know... spend all four years of college together. Both involved in Greek life... he - sorority "anchor man", fraternity president, and I - sweetheart of the fraternity, and sorority girl. Yeah, see.... VOMIT.

It wasn't his ideal location, but our hotel parking lot proposal was definitely unforgetable!

The story is much better in his words. So click on over!

North End (Boston) Engagement Session with Robert Mirani

The Tara Keely dress I wore was actually my the second dress that I bought! I had a really hard time with my first dress decision. While beautiful, it didn't seem really "me." (read more about my two-dress adventure here). I am SO glad that I changed my mind and went with this Tara Keely!

The girls wore blue dresses that were custom made in China, and hot pink shoes!

Cherry Blossom Embroidered Taffeta Dress from the Briar Patch.

Mr. Toucan's tux was custom made in Shenzhen, China. (more)

The guys' tuxes were rented from MWTux.

Qua:

I was fortunate enough to have an aunt who let me borrow this beautiful qua for our tea ceremony. 3 other women in our family also wore it on their wedding days. The gold and jade jewelry were a combination of borrowed and gifted jewelry.

 

Qipao:

The qipao is another traditional Chinese dress often worn during weddings. I had my qipao made in China, and added a little bit of a modern twist to it -- it has a low back! (more)

1. Getting Ready                           2. Getting in the Door                    3a. First Look

 

3b. Tea Ceremony #1                    4. Get Me to the Church on Time

5. The Ceremony and Something Almost Missed!

We were married at St. Catherine of Genoa (Somerville, MA), the same church Mr. Toucan's parents were married about 30 years prior! Click the link above to read about a very special moment that we almost missed!

 

6. We're Married! Err... now what?

Post-Ceremony, we ended up having an impromptu receiving line, followed by formal pictures.

 

7. Tea Ceremony #2

After we got to our reception venue, I quickly changed into my qua for our Chinese Tea Ceremony. The tea ceremony is often performed at Chinese weddings, and the serving of tea to elder family members is a token of gratitude and a sign of respect.

 

8. Dance, Lion, Dance!                   9. Intros and the First Dance          10. Cutting the Cake

11. Parent Dances                         12. Toasting the Tables                  13. Side Session

14. Karaoke                                 15. And We're Dancing!

 

We were very lucky to have a very talented friend make BOTH of our cakes for us!

The wedding cake was inspired by April Reed.

 

But it was the groom's cake that stole the show!

The inside of the cake is Mr. Toucan's favorite flavor -- Confetti Cake!

We were lucky to be able to be a part of Rachel Hadiashar's (of Merge Weddings) Juxtaposition project. Her theme was "fancy dresses in unusual places." Our shoot locations were Boston Sand and Gravel and Chinatown, Boston. (click the two location links to see more photos!)

 

We were even luckier to have another post wedding shoot with our wedding photographer, Robert Mirani. We did this shoot at the Wellseley College Student Center almost 6 months after our wedding! (more photos)

Part 1: Trouble at the Airport

The day after our wedding, we headed to the airport in our newly-married high. I forgot all my worries,  packed something I wasn't supposed to, and had unfortunate run-in with the MAN. (more)

 

Part 2: Venice

Venice was oh-so-romantic! Canals! Gondolas! Gelato! (more)

 

Part 3: Florence

Beautful Florence, city of Art! (more)

 

Part 4: Rome

My favorite Italian stop, the last stop... historic Rome! (more)

 

Also a bonus: Italian Eats!

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