When all is said and done

Image via: Luca Photography

Since the big day, I took a tiny break from the blog but that doesn't mean that there wasn't much to be said about the big day in question.  I must say, we are so happy and just getting settled in our new life and are soooo glad that the wedding part is over.  It took a lot out of us (me...).  Since all good things have to come to an end at some point or another I feel it is important to reflect on some of the most memorable moments of the day, and of course I will be doing that via a proper "top 10 list".

#10-The fact that the day actually came for starters...

#9-Having all our family and friends all in once place, even our super cool FBI friend, ya- you heard me-a special agent.

#8-Mike looked so handsome, clean shaven and I didn't even hear a single fart...dreamy.

#7-The moment, Carlos (our floral installer) called Larissa and told her he was at the Police station and the flowers were on the impounded truck...Nice one Carlos, we'll get you back for that someday.

#6-"Dancing Queen" with drunken grown ups dancing with napkins on there heads-what a party starter, I fully recommend it.

#5-How about when Kathy started calling for Larissa while getting dressed-"Riss, Riss, oh my god, shoot, Riss!"  I went to see what was happening-apparently when she said she tried her dress on, she forgot she didn't....and it wouldn't zip.

#4- Riss squeezing unselfishly into the smallest bridesmaid dress ever (aka Kathy's dress)-just for me!  Did I ever tell you that Larissa dreamed her dress wouldn't fit months before the wedding-naturally, she must have ESP except her dress did fit...oops.

#3-The football hike of  a bouquet toss-smashing the blossoms into smithereens on one of only 4 room obstructions half way across the room-glad it didn't whack anyone in the face. Thanks, Sarah for making it seem like nothing ever happened!

#2-I had written a super lovey dovey note to Mike for him to open just before he saw me for the first time-(enough to make me tear up while writing it) and asked him later in the day how he felt when he opened the letter-he was like"what letter???" I later found out it got left in the wrong bridal suite and some other random groom opened it on his wedding night.  Now, that's awkward. 

#1-You may expect me to say that the number one thing on my top 10 list- was marrying the man of my dreams-but it's actually the fact that he married me back. 

Here is a link to all the beautiful memories that we are left with of the day...our photographers Brian Carey and Tim Musho from Fig Media couldn't have been more amazing, inspired and cool people to be around.  I love the way these all turned out-they did an incredible job Fig Media Photos. As well as a friend of a friend that made her way through to get some great shots as well from LUCA photography at this link LUCA photos user name megan and password Mike (case sensitive). Vanessa, thanks for your extra set of eyes!

xoxo

The Musschoots

Just A Few More Things...

You know when you are moving out of your house and you hesitate to pack those last few things that are staring you right in the face?  Thinking you will just throw them into a laundry basket and hit the road...and then it turns into a full car load that you can barely see out your back window...Ya, it's like that.

It feels like moving day to me...with those few last thing to pack up and finalize. I guess I just want to be able to see out that back window...

With only 16 days to go and what feels like 100 things to do, just saying to myself over and over, "it will all get done, somehow-someway".  With each task that we complete, it feels like the balance goes back into order and things fall together in that nicely stacked pile I hoped for- and sometimes, not so much. 

I think that the thing I am most excited for out of everything, is simply for the day to come.  No matter how stressful or complicated some of the details seem-the light feels so bright at the end of our tunnel. 

Life is good.

"Répondez S'il Vous Plaît"

Adorable images Elizabeth Anne Designs

Otherwise known as to R.S.V.P....

According to Wikipedia (a very trusty source) this acronym refers to the act of which is defined below:

"Répondez s'il vous plaît", is a formal French phrase that, directly translated, means "Respond if it pleases you" where "vous" is the plural or formal version of "you"; more simply, it means "Please answer".

[1] It is with this meaning that invitation cards and similar documents are often marked with "RSVP".

A verb, meaning to respond to an invitation in the aforementioned context.

I assume you all know where this post is going...

With the countdown well on it's way, and the "deadline" to know whether we will have the pleasure of your attendance, is now before us....or at least soon. (MAY 1ST-folks, this is right around the corner)

So, do yourselves and us a BIG favor-JOIN US for our BIG day!  It wouldn't be the same without you.

xoxo

Meg and Mike

P.S. If you misplaced your invitation, have questions or would like to RSVP via email-please contact Megan at: artgalleo5@hotmail.com

The Little Things

Cutest pillow from EB...

Sometimes in life we find ourselves stuck on the small stuff, the good, the bad and the best....I happen to think I am living through each one of these emotions all at once these days.  There is so many things that I have been trying to wrap my mind around with life, work and of course the wedding. So I thought I'd take this moment to reflect on some of "the best".

This past weekend I spent with family, soon to be family and very best friends, all gathering for little old me (really for both of us) for my first bridal shower.  It was so interesting to see all the different groups of people and to really think about all the the times spent together, all in different scenarios.  The one thing they all had in common is that each have seen me through (literally) all the years of my life.  Everyone, from the first person to catch me smoking after school (Mrs. Evans), to the mother's of Mike best friends (since he was like 2), to my best girlfriends and of course blended with both our mom's and 2 of 3 grandmothers-the way everyone combined, it felt like magic.

I couldn't be more grateful for all of you...thanks for making all the little things matter.

xoxo

Roses Are Red...Violets Are Blue.

One would think I have it all figured out when it comes to my floral arrangements for the wedding, considering that's kind of what I do for a living...Well don't make fun-I'm still working out the kinks.  I have been imagining this day for so long, the picture seems to be filling out by itself-not that I thought I could get away from sleepless nights thinking about the details-they've got to start coming together sooner than later... (they will, right?!)  The hardest part is picking the colors and flowers without feeling as if you are selecting your favorite child of 10. ( I know that sound dramatic, but really, it's harder than it may seem.)

One thing I know is that I. LOVE. ROSES.

 As common as they are-they are truly the epitome of romance and an international sign of love...

 Blissful peachy tones to evoke that spring season we have all been waiting for, yum.

 

Getting all geared up- and can't wait to surprise you (and myself) with what we come up with...

All I know is that no matter what-nothing will make this day feel like work for me, it should feel just as it is...a dream come true.

Images via: Design Sponge

Post Rehearsal=Party Time

Now that the invitations have been sent, we have started to set the pace for the next 51 days...we sure are ready!  Not that we haven't waited for 7 years, 3 months and 17 days or anything.  OK.... I'll stop with the counting. 

One of the most important things about "the big day" is, you...our family and friends that have seen us through-thanks for that.  Life truly wouldn't be the same without you. 

With most of you dotted across the map, we thought it would be fun to get out-of-towners and downtown-ers alike, together the night before the wedding.  When finalizing all the details for the main event we thought, why not plan another party while we are at it?...exactly, why not!

Meet us for our pre wedding festivities @ Goose Island Brewery in Lincoln Park after our rehearsal dinner from 9pm-midnight.  Although it will be a cash bar, we plan on picking up the first few rounds so come early (while we're feeling generous...)! 

Kindly RSVP to Megan, so we can give an accurate guest count to the venue by May 7th. 

You can find your way there via taxi, red line El train (North and Clybourn Stop) or if you are planning on driving, there is free parking in the lot on Willow Street or ample metered street parking.

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Sweet Inspiration

Image from Green Wedding Shoes

When collaborating with our vendor partners we find ourselves often saying, "I know you may not do this kind of thing often, but...."  Mike and I live in the essence of our eclectic lifestyles, often drawn to things that are slightly askew or decidedly different, while at the same time being true to classic traditions, in a sense.

Why wouldn't the same thing be true when designing our wedding cake?  (Of course it is...)

Initially we liked the idea of having a sweet table with the "cake" being cupcakes...

Then, we decided to add a cake to the top cupcake tier to have a "cut the cake", moment...

and then, we decided against it...

So, after rethinking this whole cupcake, cut the cake, dessert table idea...we finally nailed it, or at least we hope you think so!

It all started with my magazine clippings and daily blog reads, becoming obsessed with color and details in images I found, each one having an element I simply adore.  So we decided just to do them all-a layer of each- that is! 

I know that sounds awfully excessive, but we have learned through our many questions, that's just not the case.   Much to our surprise, CBC pastry chef, Chon, finds it to be quite the opposite. "It's actually easier than having them pre-stacked during the delivery or saves the time of an additional person creating the tiered cake look on-site."  So... there you have it, it's even easier.

Cake Girls

Take The Cake

Image from The Knot

The idea is to have three cakes on tiered stands of varied heights rather than the traditional stacking of the frosted layers we are accustom to.  PS. I am looking for stands to "borrow" from your kitchens-so let me know if you have something you'd be willing to lend out!  Check out the prop room at Martha Stewart's studio-in a word, amazing.

Oh, and in case you are wondering what the flavor is-I'll give you a tiny hint...it starts with creme brulee, the rest is a surprise!

That'll Leave A Mark

People are so frickin' crafty these days coming up with such original ideas-need I say, SO unique and inspirational...

This original print, filled in with guest finger prints-was featured on one of my favorite blogs Green Wedding Shoes, the other day and I swear that's not the first time I saw them get press.  Lucky for me, the savvy, artsy couple decided to make their idea commissionable on Etsy @ Bleu De Toi.

Not only do I love the idea, the name of the Etsy Store (means "crazy for you" in French), and the fact that it's an interactive guest book-I love that this could have our names on it and be hanging in our living room for years to come. 

Adorable.

The Write Stuff

Prints By: Coulson Macleod

In 1992, most young girls were falling in love with NKOTB
...and I was falling in love with my future husband. 

(Even though to him, I was just a his sister's pesky little friend that always tried to play with the boys- and inevitably ended up with a skinned knee.  Good thing he's grown up and I clean up nicely.) 

Funny, how things happen for a reason.

Validated Parking-Getting There

        
So check it out...we have will have discounted validated parking, thanks to the Newberry Library!  There are two super close parking lots that we are able to utilize.  There is a million parking lots in the neighborhood-but I guarantee that these will be your best bet.  Parking stubs can be validated through the security guard-I suggest you do this when you arrive so that you don't forget later on.  He will be on-site until midnight.


100 W. Chestnut Street (Condo Building) $7.00 for up to 8 hours

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100 E. Walton Street (Condo Building) $8.00 for up to 8 hours

View Larger Map

For any guests that require a special parking assignment please contact Megan via email  artgalleo5@hotmail.com or cell 312.804.9299 as soon as possible- there are a limited amount of handicap accessible spots available at the venue. Parking passes will be assigned to individuals upon request only and will be arranged for your convenience.

If you plan on walking from the hotel you are staying at don't hesitate asking the concierge to point you in the best direction...just a couple blocks from each place.

A taxi can be arranged at the front desk (if you are rockin those super high heels) or save the number in your cell, better yet.

Link to Yellow Cab Chicago

The ceremony starts @ 6:00 sharp-please arrive at 5:45....gear up for a good time folks, it's gonna be sweet.

(Images from Google and Flicker)

Parents, Meet The Parents

Mom, Dad-meet Mom and Dad...

Well, here goes nothing-I have officially set the date for our parents to finally "meet" each other, all together and in one place all at the same time-believe it or not, it's happening next Sunday.  With us both coming from divorced families, getting together in groups can be touchy...can you imagine how it will feel on the wedding day?!  Well, we could-so that's why we thought it would be good to break the ice by drinking some stiff cocktails-over some good old fashioned chit-chat before hand...

"Pleasure to meet you!"

We are hopeful that it is less uncomfortable than it may seem-but thinking it may not be a thousand thread count kind of night. One good thing is that we have a cute, quaint spot pick out for the evening, Jane's in Bucktown.  It truly evokes a kitchen table feel with bistro quality comforts-we know everyone will enjoy that! 

Anyone heard of table topics for "parents, meet the parents?"...

(Images from flicker, treehugger.com and digital dad)

The Registry

At this special time, we are thrilled to include one of our favorite charities in our celebration.  WeddingChannel.com will make a donation to National Multiple Sclerosis Society whenever someone uses their site to purchase a gift from one of our registries.  WeddingChannel.com will make the donations as their gift and there is no additional cost to you or to us.  If you intend to use our registries, we'd love if you'd help us support our charity by going through the Wedding Channel link below.

Sometimes it's the smallest things, that can make the biggest difference-Thanks for your love and support! 

We're looking forward to seeing you at the wedding!

89 days to go...

xoxo

Meg & Mike

Here's a quick link to find us:

Wedding Channel Registry Link

Bridal Lounge-ing

So... I must say, one of the best parts about being a bride-is that you are invited everywhere for free!  Well, CS magazine is hosting, so why not take a stroll down to The James Hotel to see what all the fuss is about-score some great food and drink and hopefully spy some cool new trends for 2010. 

I hesitate to promise that I won't crash any of these events after the wedding actually occurs-shhh, don't tell!!!

The James Hotel Chicago

The Nitty Gritty

95 days out and into all the nitty gritty, the details, the final decisions and final balances...

I am currently working on the rehearsal dinner, hair stylist, invitations, picking up the guys suits, looking into after parties and entertainment for out-of-towners, picking out songs for our DJ "must" play list, planning showers and cocktail musicians.  As an event designer, I still feel overwhelmed by all the steps involved-fully knowing, what I've got myself into. 

The pressure of making things just so... and trying to include all the little details I often fawn over (daily) in my style mags and blog reads- subtle hints of our personality and simple gestures, tying the whole thing together-how do you keep that simple? 

We'll, my answer is to be true to what you know, what you love and who you are.

• If something seems to fussy, it is...
•  If you are going to do something, do it right (not, half way)
• Make it memorable (if you keep forgetting to do that one thing...) there is probably a reason why.

PS-if you catch me in a frantic state over any of the above, don't be surprised... come on, I'm only human- and a bride, just once!

Seven Years Sentimental

Last weekend, Mike and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary-it sounds like a long time, but we are working on forever, you know... It seems like we have know each other a lifetime with the excitement of feeling like we just met.  Each day we still find a new things to make each other smile, or cringe-for that matter-while truly knowing that no matter what, we love each other.  No one said that life was easy, but when you get to pick your partner how could it not?! 

Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day weekend!

xoxo

Image via: Green Wedding Shoes

Hotel...Motel...Not Your Average Holiday Inn

The Chicago Restaurant show is in town during the wedding (how dare they...) and is going to make it quite expensive for any procrastinators!  So in an effort to save you $ and any headaches-take my advice and book your rooms now!

Rooms are blocked under Miezio/Musschoot Wedding for Friday May 21st and Saturday May 22nd.  Rooms must be booked 30-45 days out to guarantee the rate-please check with hotels for additional details.

All the hotels are walking distance to the Newberry Library situated in the historical Gold Coast that has tons to offer as far as transportation, shopping, bars, restaurants and nightlife right at your fingertips.

Hotel Indigo
312.787.4980

Hotel Indigo Reservation Link

Book rooms at the Hotel Indigo before April 21st!

Ambassador East Hotel
312.787.7200
(Must call to make reservation with our group rate)
Book rooms at the Ambassador East before April 30th!

"The infamous Pump Room"

Elysian Hotel

312.646.1300

Book rooms at the Elysian Hotel before April 23rd!

Gorgeous French chateux-esque vibe...

Invitation=Inspiration

Indie Wed was a super duper-really, the best part about it was meeting a fantastic couple that founded this amazing Eco friendly invitation company...Spilled Ink Press!

Even before the show, I had spent time on their website admiring their work -thinking it would most certainly fall outside my budget...much to my surprise, the pricing is very inclusive and appropriate (dare I say, cost effective?).

Not only do they offer a green initiative in the printing method and papers but a cooperative design strategy.  First thing Monday morning, I picked up the phone and made an appointment-I can't wait to see what we can come up with!

Here is a sneak peak at some looks I love...

Images via: Vrai Photography

Mission: Indie Wed 01.30.10

http://www.indiewed.com/

Things I will be looking for:

1. Eco friendly Invitations

2. A super cute headband

3. Vintage inspired accessories

Wish me luck!

XOXO

Pretty, Peach

Image From: Ariella Chezar

I always stick to neutral color palettes, maybe branching out by using tiny touches in my wardrobe...finding it hard to live with something trendy like, color. When the wedding planning started, I knew I had to snap out of it.  Coming from a design background you'd think I would know better...But in my defense, I really do find most inspiration in a neutral canvas, finding charming errancy in patterns and textures alike while furthermore, allowing for unique opportunities in the details.  That's probably why I became a florist.

          Image From: Design Sponge

Recently, I have adopted the color peach into my safety scope.  Not only does it pair well with my complexion and the essence of spring, but just reeks of vintage romance and casual elegance.  How suitable for a wedding, especially ours!

Don't get me wrong, I plan on layering shades of espresso, taupe and gold throughout the day as well, but peach is pretty too!

                            Image From: Style Me Pretty

Seriously Cute.

Dear Self,

It would be so great if you could please save enough money to buy these super adorable and extremely necessary wedding shoes.  It would be impossible to walk down the aisle in anything else. 

How could you live without them? Seriously...

Love,

Me

http://www.christianlouboutin.com/

A sparkle in my eye...

The contracts, the vendors, the decisions and the details-all equally important aspects of planning any event let alone your wedding, which seemingly has a million elements to make the day just right. 

We got off on the right foot before we were even engaged by meeting with a local jeweler-I know it sounds somewhat anti-climactic without any specific plans in mind yet, but after 6 years together we knew our day would come sooner than later.  Trust me, it was well worth it...

http://www.stevequickjeweler.com/

Steve Quick, has been in business since the early eighties and has made thousands of custom engagement and wedding rings, how could we go wrong with such a pro?!  After our initial visit with Steve, Mike made some plans of his own, obviously.  One month or so later, Mike proposed with the most perfect ring, made just for me, just the way we talked about it~absolutely stunning!!! 

Now here we are, about 13 months later and 5 months out from "the big day"~of course I can't wait to do it all again for the wedding bands!!!  I popped in last week to drop off my ring to get polished and started to take a closer look at some things that have caught my eye-OMG so pretty.

Not only am I the luckiest girl in the world, to have met the man of my dreams-but also the luckiest girl in the world, to have the man of my dreams~ meet the best jeweler in the city. THE BEST.