Chiemsee Wedding

Our friends Irmi and Felix got married last month and had a very beautiful celebration at the Chiemsee.

They are big sailors, so having it at the lake was a perfect fit. Every tiny detail was not overlooked from beautiful paper lanterns and parasols to a cigar bar that grew more and more popular as the night wore on.

Being a dog lover I was also thrilled to see several guests had brought theirs along.

They were very distracted while everyone enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.

We all celebrated late into the night with lots of talking, dancing, and of course eating plenty of fantastic foods.

The next day, after brunch, we each wrote a note for love for a balloon launch. What a gorgeous wedding weekend.

Congratulations, Irmi + Felix!

Indiana Wedding

Stefan and I made a little road trip to Indiana for the wedding of our friends Mary Kate and Charlie.

We arrived on Friday for the pre-party after a torrential storm. I was honestly nervous that there would be a tornado. According to the radio winds were up to 100 mph and we should try to get off the road. Unfortunately in Indiana the cities are few and far between, so we tried to continue on. The rain was probably the worst I've ever been in, so we had to pull over for quite a while before I could actually see where we were driving, which isn't easy when you can't even see the edge of the road.

Thankfully once we arrived there were plenty of smiling faces and friends to celebrate with.

It was beautiful and very classic celebration with many wonderful people. Their wedding day was perfect - only blue skies and a few clouds. Mary Kate was radiating as ever. It was great to see her and Charlie so in love.

The reception site was right next to the river and had pretty lights hanging from the ceiling, which gave the place a great sparkle.

Everyone loved dancing the night away to the great band.

Since they live in New York City they decided to round out the reception with soft pretzels and hot dogs, which we all appreciated.

Congratulations MK + Charlie!

Mister Ryan

Ryan and I were supposed to meet in 7th grade when he was going to transfer to my school and didn't. I know this because I sat next to his desk all year and wondered who he was. We didn't end up meeting until high school - sophomore year. He sat next to me in Math class and that is where our friendship really began. I guess it was kismet.

I recall the first time we went out together. He told me he showed his Dad my picture in the yearbook and his Dad gave him $100 to take me to dinner after one of his swim meets.

On the weekends we would venture to Foy's - a halloween gag shop with tons of random things, including a live monkey that we liked to visit. There we purchased stink bombs (small glass vials filled with sulphur liquid) to set off in the school hallways after strategically planning where our classes were, so that we wouldn't have to smell it. Eventually he changed schools to accommodate his swimming schedule and joined a swim team an hour away, where he would drive every day. Even different schools didn't deter our friendship. He has become the brother that I never had and he still calls just to chat with my mom.

He has always been a jokester and insanely witty. He was one of the best swimmers in the state and I would attend his swim meets and sit with his family to cheer him on. I quickly learned where he got his sense of humor. His mom would tell me stories about when he was younger and she would spank him and he would tell her to 'do it harder because it didn't hurt'. She also dressed him up as a vampire when he was about 3 years old - complete with hair dye. The only problem was his hair was pale blonde and the black dye didn't exactly wash out.

His family is also delightful, passionate, hilarious, and unpredictable. I miss them just as well. His mom cried when I came to visit after moving to Germany, which reminded me how much people miss me. They all taught me to not take life so seriously and that it's OK to embarrass yourself from time to time.

I can't think of Ryan or his family without thinking of laughter. Side splitting laughter.

He gained the name 'Mister Ryan' from a young boy who had an insane amount of issues. I am honestly thinking this troubled boy didn't / won't end up being a serial killer because of Ryan. The first time I met this boy we were picking him up at his new 'school'... at juvenile detention. This stout little fellow was trying to convince us that he needed a wheel chair because he simply didn't like walking. We would take him out and socialize him, which occasionally had interesting consequences. Sometimes it entailed him flying off the handle and spouting off more expletives than a sailor. This was usually induced when he had certain food dyes or preservatives.

I think my favorite instance with this boy was when we took him to a thrift store and bought him whatever he wanted, which ended up being a wig - it was salt and pepper with these strange elastic loops. He fastened the loops around his ears and refused to take it off for way too long. His mother had to plead with him not to wear it to school.

Stefan and I both had our siblings and our best friends in our wedding party. Mine was my sister and Ryan.

Today is Ryan's birthday! I miss him so much and already anticipate when he comes to visit me and all of the humorous situations that we'll encounter. So Ryan - please come soon! Germany needs a bit of your humor.

Versailles + Russia

Only in Ohio would there be neighboring cities called Versailles, pronounced 'Versails' and Russia, pronounced 'Rooshie'. There is something distinctly American about these small cities that are surrounded by corn fields with old fashioned values and large families. I often feel as though I am on a movie set as soon as I enter one of these farming communities, and since I occasionally wish that my life was a musical, I patiently wait for people to break out in song and dance on these beautiful streets.

My friend Mark was getting married I was impressed that he invited me and Stefan, considering it's easy for people to assume we won't be able to make it, or that we have enough going on that being invited wouldn't mean that much to us. I was so happy to surprise Mark and see him moments before he walked down the aisle on his big day. He was definitely not expecting me to be there.

His wedding was a community style, which I appreciated - RSVPs weren't necessary (which helped me surprise him, although it seems every guest was then a surprise) and dinner reminded me of Thanksgiving. Russia has simple ways that are always centered around family, friends, and fun.

I'm always a bit envious that communities like this - the people all know each other and it reminds me of enjoying what life is really about - enjoying the day. I admire Mark's new wife, Savannah, for not getting caught up in the mundane wedding details that always cost more than the memories they give and for dancing her night away. It was so nice to be a part of their celebration.

Everyone had a great time. One of the highlights that made the wedding special to me was that they had square dancing. I'm not talking about the entire reception long, but several songs to tie in some of their local country flair. While many guests participated, I have to stay Mark and his siblings really showed everyone up. I forgot how entertaining square dancing can be. The last time I did anything like square dancing I was in fourth grade at school with my Dad and I was mortified. Mark and Savannah made it unique and sweet while doing a rendition of 'The Farmer's Daughter'.

It was so nice to see many of my friends from college and to strangely be brought back to all of the memories that we share. I fondly remember going to camp outs, corn mazes, and parties with Mark in Russia. It all made me wonder where the time has gone. I've missed his witty sense of humor. An example of that would be that Savannah is studying veterinary medicine, and during the garter toss being the comedian that he is, Mark suited up with cow birthing gloves.

Being at the wedding made me homesick to some extent. It's nice to feel included in things and to spend time with great friends celebrating together. Savannah is a lucky lady - she's not only married to a fantastic guy, but she will now be a part of a cute little community of the kindest people that always makes me smile.

A New Beginning (Bavarian Wedding)

Despite the difficult and surreal start to the day we carried on with the second part. The church ceremony was very similar to a Catholic wedding ceremony in America. It opened with 'Oh Happy Day' sung by a gospel choir which helped to set the mood of being thankful for each and every day. Everyone did their best to concentrate on the joy and positive aspects.

Steffi had always wanted a dove release, which was a nice touch. I was happy to see her smile so much and of course to welcome her to the family. She's such a beautiful person - both inside and out.

All of the little boys were matching and the flower girl told me she was a princess. The children really completed the day - especially for me because they are so forgiving if I don't speak perfectly. Sometimes I like to speak English to them just to see their reactions. They usually don't say anything about it but the younger ones seem to pay more attention.

After the ceremony we walked to the reception site and began the celebration. I cringed as Steffi's dress got dirty and I heard several rips from the little ones accidently stepping on it.

Village school children also greeted guests and prepared several surprises for Andi + Steffi, who are both teachers. As we left the church they held up various math tools and rulers for the guests to walk under (Andi teaches Math). They later did the traditional rope raising, where guests must pay the children to enter the reception. During the cocktail hour they sang a song they had written to the newlyweds and then presented them with flowers and gifts.

The courtyard was beautiful and we enjoyed cava and conversations. I met Andi's aunt on his father's side who had spent a lot of time in the US. She was trying to get her twin grandchildren, who are in kindergarten, to speak English to me. The little boy ran up and screamed 'I love you'. Everyone turned to look, which made me laugh.

An interesting detail was that they served 'krapfen' (donuts) after the wedding. My mother in law said this was typical. I wasn't too interested in eating one, however my father in law has a sweet tooth and asked if I would please eat half of one with him. It reminded me of a donut without sugar.

Just as the rain was about to begin we took the celebration inside. Andi and Steffi had been taking dance lessons and much of the evening revolved around dancing. My father in law even asked me to dance, which was sweet. Their first dance was to 'Que Será Será', which seemed tailored to the day.

As the evening carried on I waited for Stefan to call. His mom wanted to break the news to him about his Oma before he arrived. It was smart not to tell him before his test, however I didn't want him driving while he was upset either. There wasn't a good time to tell him. 

Once Stefan arrived he was able to see that people were enjoying themselves despite the circumstances. We shared a few dances and chatted with family. It was almost a blessing to have a family celebration rather than sit somewhere with everyone grieving.

Andi + Steffi's coworkers also joined in on the fun and made the guests 'students' with Andi and Steffi while they made jokes and sang songs they had written.

The food was all delicious and I could not believe how impressive the dessert buffet was. They even had personalized the menus with random photos from our past. Every detail was meticulously planned.

The final songs made me cry tears of joy for having Stefan with me safe and sound and to see what a beautiful day Andi and Steffi had. Everyone stood in a circle holding candles while they danced and it was touching.

Another sweet touch was as we were leaving they handed us photos taken that very morning with a 'Danke'. I don't know how they got them printed so quickly, but they are very beautiful.

Stefan and I wish Andi and Steffi lived closer. They are big travelers, so perhaps we'll plan a trip together sometime soon. They are such a great couple.

This morning we had brunch at Steffi's parents' house. They still had mountains of cakes and other confections when we left. It was a wonderful way to tie up the festivities and end the emotional roller coaster weekend on a nice note.

An Ending

I really don't even know how to begin a post like this... it was a long weekend so I have split this up.

Stefan had a professional certification exam on Saturday morning, so it was decided that I would drive to Niederbayern with his parents for the wedding so I wouldn't miss any of it. As soon as I saw them under their umbrella I knew something was amiss. Stefan's Mom gave me a hug and told me her mother had passed away early that morning. It was very sudden.

Situations like this are always slightly awkward and difficult, but coupling that with another language and another culture makes it even more complicated. It becomes a struggle just to express myself, and I fear that I come off differently than I would in my native tongue since I have a limited vocabulary and delayed reactions as I take it all in. The car ride was spent with a lot of silence and occasionally mentioning what a shock this was and what a struggle the wedding would be.

Deaths are never easy or welcomed, however since it was also her grandson Andi's wedding the same day we had to mask the grief and celebrate. Oma also lived in the same house as Andi and Steffi until just a couple weeks ago, so it's especially difficult for them to come home to an empty house still filled with her things.

When we arrived to their house, Andi was trying to get ready and calm his nerves. I looked around at her dated decor and possessions, which greatly differs from the apartment Andi and Steffi share upstairs. Her calendar hadn't been changed to June. It really seemed like time had stopped. I thought how sad it was that she wouldn't be back to see it decorated for the wedding. My mother in law pointed out her Oma's hats neatly arranged on her bed and commented how she always was chic. It's sad she never got to wear the dress she bought for this special day.

After making visits to other family members we had to get ready for the big day. Sadly, I had to do so alone since Stefan was finishing his test. I wanted to stop thinking about how hard he would take the news and just hug him, but I had to wait.

My mother in law continually said, 'The day has two halves and we should celebrate for Andi + Steffi', so that's just what we did.

While Stefan's Dad and I were driving alone, I found it sweet that he mentioned he was worried about Steffi's wedding dress if it continued to rain. I still remember him brushing the dirt off of mine. Sometimes I see small glimmers of Stefan and realize that's where he got his chivalrous attitude.

Times like these just make me appreciate enjoy the moment that much more since people are never promised more time.

Orikane

Orikane is the art of dollar bill folding, similar to Origami or as some say 'Moneygami'. When we were married we received many cash gifts. I think this may be more customary in Germany and also due to the fact I was moving. The money was not simply placed in an envelope - it was presented. We received a 'cactus', which was a cucumber with money sticking out in every direction, a 'shirt' that said they'd give us the shirt off their back, 'butterflies' with homemade jams, and many organaza bags filled with notes. They were all very unique and memorable. 

I was looking for creative ways to give money with an orchid and art work when I came across the Dollar Artist. 

I remember folding notes in school and making them into hearts or one that you could pull a tab to open. I'd wanted to do something sweet and romantic to fit the wedding theme, but then something like the elephant looks so precious. Last we heard they were considering a trip to India for their honeymoon, so I thought we could write something about using the money towards elephant food and I'd make an Orikane elephant. 

Not so simple...

These sites look wonderful, however I didn't have much patience with tiny folds - and the fact that Euros aren't the same size as US dollars, so I resorted to the old stand by - hearts. I think it turned out nicely. 

I'm already looking forward to seeing what a Bavarian wedding is all about and to welcome Steffi to the family.

wedding gifts

I am very excited to be going to my first German (Bavarian) wedding in just a couple of weeks. Stefan's cousin Andi is getting married and we are celebrating their church wedding. They already had their legal wedding last December, however the big celebration will happen in June.

We are trying to decide exactly what to give them and how to present it. I was amazed at the generosity and creativity of people when we were married. Among my favorite gifts were my aunt tailoring my wedding dress so it fit perfectly, another aunt designing and making our programs, a piece of artwork from our reception site (the site itself was a gallery / restaurant), personalized platters and ornaments, and of course one gift that almost wasn't.

Every wedding has it's snafu's that end up making things memorable. Mine still makes me slightly upset, but that's also probably typical. We got married before noon for a variety of reasons, but namely because we wanted to enjoy the evening with friends that we knew we wouldn't see for quite some time due to our move.

This didn't leave a lot of time to get things done in the morning, however being the wise bride that I was, I decided that we should get more flowers at the market the morning of the wedding. I thought it would be easier to send Ryan, one of my attendants, to pick them up. He and my mom went and didn't find any white flowers that were tall enough for my vases.

The morning chaos continued when Ryan and I went to Panera for a quick breakfast, while my Mom was searching for open flower shops that also had tall white flowers for the vases. Rather than giving my Mom time to get ready, or be present to help me get ready, she was getting the flowers according to my wishes. I never realized it would be such a task.

My parents arrived just in time to walk me down the aisle. It would have been nicer to have them witness the first time Stefan and I saw each other, and the other sentimental moments brides go through. The difficult part is realizing they were doing everything in their power to make me happy on my special day. It was a bitter sweet time since they were happy that we were getting married, but only preparing themselves for me to move so far away. Of course I was wrapped up in making things nice.

My Mom found white dendrobium orchids and white roses for the vases. Some were used to decorate the church, while others were used at our reception. Unfortunately some got left behind in someone's car, which I would have preferred not to know, especially considering the circumstances.

After the wedding she suggested that I get my flowers freeze dried and preserved. My bouquet was not going to stand a chance, since it was made of cattleya orchids, however the dendrobiums that she purchased were still able to be salvaged even days after the wedding.

I decided to get an ornament made, and I am very happy that I did. Now when I look at it I am reminded of my parents and all that they sacrifice to make me happy, as well as the chaos of my wedding. It's a lasting memento reminding me that time is fleeting in many ways.

So as I think about things that we could give Andi + Steffi, that would be meaningful and special, I realize that sometimes the most meaningful things come when they are least expected. Simply having all of the people you care about together is a feat in itself. Surely their day will also be filled with snafus, however I hope they are lasting memories that make them smile in hindsight.

And in the meantime I'll be trying to think of something original and sweet. Unfortunately Germany isn't up with the times in freeze drying flowers.