Wedding Highlights

October 22, 2014October 23, 2014Leave a comment

I’m so excited to share some highlights from the best day of my life with you! On October 4th, 2014, I married the love of my life, the guy who introduced me to the Hamptons, and my other half…my *husband*! Our wedding day just so happened to be exactly five years (to the day!) that we met. What an amazing five years it has been and I can’t wait for the next five!

Wedding highlights:
1. My MOB (mother of the bride) & FOB (father of the bride.) I couldn’t have imagined or executed a better wedding, beginning to end, and I owe that to my amazing parents MOB & FOB! My mom doubled as my wedding planner/organizer/queen of spreadsheets/idea executor/stress diminisher. She made my dream wedding come true when I couldn’t even really visualize what that was. I owe my wedding planner, aka my amazing mother, lots of thanks for years and years to come. Plus, she looked like a rock star on the big day too!

My dad kept me cool, calm, and collected during those key moments, as if it was just the two of us in the room. One of the most special moments in a girl’s life is walking down the aisle and dancing with her father at her wedding. I had dreamed about these moments since the first time I saw Father of The Bride and I will remember them forever and always. I can’t stop listening to the song we danced to (Walk With You by Edwin McCain) and it takes me back to that day and a lifetime of memories.

2. The guy. I have no idea how I got so lucky as to meet my *husband* but I do know that fate played a serious role. We met randomly at a bar in NYC while I was visiting my friend in grad school and he was out with friends. Positive that it would be my last trip to NYC for a long while, (not such a city girl here) I told my *future husband* that I would never see him again. His response: “never say never.” Lesson learned. Although, at the time, it seemed we were just two people at the wrong place at the wrong time, I’ve never been so wrong. Although I couldn’t have dreamed of a better life as we live today, I would have never imagined it as is. Fate is real, folks, you better believe it.

3. The welcome. From the moment my wedding planner (mom) and I began planning the big day over a year ago, we started brainstorming the perfect way to welcome our guests. I wanted it to stand out as original, personal, and from the heart. It took months to put together the perfect collection of goodies that would embrace, please, surprise, and satisfy our wedding guests upon their arrival. We personally packaged gift boxes with a welcome letter (including engagment photos from Kate Petrone Photography and Jenny Moloney Photography) and the following gifts we described as “a few of our favorite things, tastes of our favorite places, and bits and pieces of where we call home:” Tate’s chocolate chip cookies, (yum!) a PB&J Bar made by Lisa Ann’s Desserts, (an upgraded version of our favorite sandwich – a must try!) Wolffer’s white wine cider, Cape Cod Potato Chips and a lobster lollipop for some Boston flair, Hershey kisses, and a green apple (our favorite healthy snack.)

4. The company. The two common bits of advice we got heading into our wedding were that it’s over in the blink of an eye, so be sure to soak it all in and the realization of loved ones from all walks of life, near and far, young and old, all in the same room to celebrate your marriage. So, so amazing.

5. The scheme and theme. To be honest, I always pictured myself getting married during the summer months, outside, near the water. Well, things change and I couldn’t have imagined a better day (the clouds and drizzle didn’t put a damper on anything!) As soon as we decided on our wedding date, autumn in New England opened up such fun possibility. From the amazing poppy colored flowers to the pumpkin place settings, candy apples and gingerbread whoopie pies, the taste of fall, warmth of the season, and essence of love radiated throughout the night.

6. The ceremony. Since the very first wedding I remember attending almost 20 years ago, I’ve always gotten nervous right before the ceremony. I’d only imagined that the pit in my stomach would double when it was my time to walk down the aisle. But, guess what…I really wasn’t nervous for my own wedding. I was content, ready, and full of excitement. I couldn’t wait to walk arm-in-arm down the aisle with my father. I couldn’t wait to stand there with my *husband to-be* and say our I do’s. As soon as our priest (who is also a family friend) began to speak, I fully relaxed and a smile appeared on my face that lasted the entire ceremony…actually, the entire weekend. The fact that the ceremony included personal stories, humor, and lots of smiles made it that much more special.

7. The dress. I fell in love with that dress the moment I saw it and I knew it was the one. I said yes to the dress and never looked back. Now, if only I could wear it more often…!

8. The memories that will last a lifetime.

One Healthy Breakdown: this bride feels blessed to the moon and back, thanks to all who made it possible!

*HUGE thanks to iphone photographers and the fabulous Jenny Moloney Photography for pics!

I’m Coming Home…#weddingvenueshopping

September 10, 2013September 10, 2013Leave a comment

Whew! Touring wedding venues is EXHAUSTING! Super fun, special, and exhausting! Over the past week, my mom and I checked out seven wedding venues in The Hamptons and Boston (where I’m from.) It’s been an exciting few days for sure and I think I’m ready to return to my normal routine back in The Hamps.

I’ve quickly learned that wedding planning includes a hell of a lot of champagne and desserts. Not complaining! But, it’s a lot. Even without a wedding to plan, we all have weekends, celebrations, parties, meetings, traditions, and vacations. While it’s important to enjoy these events to the fullest and live a life of balance, not deprivation, it all adds up. The drinks, the clinks, the cals, the bubbly, the courses, the birthday cake, cake pops, pies, and so on.

Who wouldn’t want to dig right into this?! You better believe I did. I tasted almost everything because it’s not everyday a girl is offered a sampler of fresh desserts involving carrot cake pops, chocolate covered strawberries, macaroons, and pumpkin whoopie pies…now is it? But, a taste is a taste and I do want to be able to fit into a wedding dress over the next few months! Yes, I had my cake and ate it too, but I also focused my enjoyment of this whole process on seeing the venues, enjoying the beautiful city of Boston, spending quality time with my mom and the rest of my family, and meeting new friends along the way!

I took advantage of this mini-vaca and enjoyed the time and these indulges. However, I did not sleep in and I did not forego my workouts. Balance is about enjoying what life has to offer, but not unraveling, or straying from goals. My goal is pretty loosely a body and mind that feels good, strong, and healthy, and a balanced, fun life. While my afternoons and evenings have been spent touring venues, getting drinks, lunch, or dinner with family, and, of course, the occasional frozen yogurt, my mornings have been spent running, spinning, at the gym, or on the yoga mat. And I love it that way. Work hard play hard, that’s really the message here.

Whether you’re in or out of your normal routine, do what you can and enjoy it. The weather is amazing this time of year, perfect for outdoor walks, runs, hikes, or bike rides. Choose something you love and do it. That way, exercise isn’t a chore but an activity. Something you know will pay off in the end, whether it’s to negate that cake pop, strengthen your muscles, stretch your body, refresh your mind, or all of the above, it’s always worth it if you ask me. Did I want to get up early yesterday morning to go to yoga? Not necessarily, but once I hit the mat, after a few downward dogs, I couldn’t have been happier that I did. That yoga class was exactly what I needed after lots of spinning. And, I enjoyed that yoga-zen for hours afterwards, an added bonus. Strive for balance, not perfection. It’s possible to enjoy every celebration, big and small, while living a healthy life. A healthy life is a longer life! More moments to enjoy!

One Healthy Breakdown: When all else fails, take the stairs!

BIG HUGE NEWS! I’m Engaged!

August 19, 2013September 30, 20132 Comments

I got engaged this past Friday to my boyfriend, (*fiancé*) Nick, who is the reason I’m here in the Hamptons in the first place. Growing up in Boston, I rarely ventured to the big apple and had never even been to the Hamptons until my first time visiting Nick early December, 2010. Between the Christmas lights around Southampton, the breath-taking beaches, adorable villages, and of course, meeting Nick’s amazingly fun, loving family made me fall in love with all things Hamptons. (If you can’t tell, I’m kind of obsessed with it here.) Anyway, I up and moved that May, (just in time for my first Hamptons summer!) and never looked back.

Friday, one of those beautiful beaches became the setting of our perfect engagement…after quite a crazy sequence of events. I have been known to send Nick on scavenger hunts to get his birthday presents in past years. Well, you know what they say about payback. The boy made me work for that bling, that’s for sure!

I got home Friday afternoon to find an envelope with clue #1 on our door saying to get my party dress on. Clue #2 stated to be ready (on time, not my strong suit) to set sail at 5:30.

About 15 outfit-changes later and no boyfriend in sight, I arrived solo at the dock to find not Nick, but his Captain Aunt Linda on-board, to hand me clue #3.

I was totally confused as I followed my next clue to the Wolffer wine stand, texting Nick that he had better be there (preferably with wine in hand.) After driving in Friday traffic to arrive at the overcrowded wine stand and parking what seemed like a mile away, I could have used something stronger than wine. Instead of Nick, two of my other favorite people approached me, Nick’s sister Danielle, and little Skye, clue in-hand.

I trudged back to my car and headed back out to face the traffic. Clue #4 sent me to our regular spot, Bobby Vans, where our favorite hostess handed me my next clue and sent me on my way.

I got back on the road, back to the bumper-to-bumper, and headed towards the back bar at the Driver’s Seat. (Finally, I thought: my chance for that much-needed drink!) But, by the time I got there, I was so excited to get my final clue that I rushed through the restaurant, not hesitating to ask all of the hostesses “do you have a clue???” (they were just a bit confused to say the least.) I finally found Rob (Nick’s mom’s boyfriend) at the bar, having drinks with some friends he had made over the course of the hour before my arrival. Lucky for me, he had already had enough drinks for the both of us, so I carried on.

After what I could only describe as a wild goose chase, I had finally gotten my last clue to head to Gin Lane, where the sea meets the land. Just as I drove towards the beach wondering where on earth to turn and park, I saw Nick’s cousin, Tyler, directing traffic. Thank goodness for this little one, I knew I was headed in the right direction, in more ways than one.

I kicked off my shoes and starting walking the beach when I finally heard Nick call my name. It was there, on Coopers Beach, with the sand between our toes, that we agreed to spend the rest of our lives together.

After a crazy few hours spent here, there, and everywhere, and a rush of emotions, I couldn’t wait another second to say yes. I am one lucky girl. I have the man of my dreams, the ring of my dreams, the job of my dreams, the best family in the world, and I finally got that much-needed glass of champagne…in the most beautiful place on earth.

Even better, my family surprised me from Boston and our two families got to celebrate together all weekend long.

And celebrate we did.

A lot.

One Healthy Breakdown: One of the best weekends of all time, absolutely perfect in every way. He put a ring on it.

Bridal Bliss with Mindful Turtle

May 13, 2013

Mindful Turtle, well-known yoga & wellness center in Stonybrook is summering in Montauk this season, offering regular yoga classes and a unique service for wedding parties. This past Saturday, I got to witness their special wedding yoga as Danielle and Diane of Mindful Turtle gave Rachel, Andrew, and their loved ones quite a gift on their special day.

Taking place in the farmhouse at the Montauk Yacht club, wedding guests gathered in a morning yoga class by the fire, overlooking the foggy Montauk waters. Even on a cloudy day, this classic Montauk view is captivating, the gray waters serene. Danielle began the class with simple breathing and focusing on the here and now; “there are not many places more beautiful than where we are right now.” These simple words clearly hit close to my heart, as I believe that this beautiful place we’re surrounded by is definitely a key to happiness. As Rachel, the beaming bride explained, Montauk was chosen because the setting is similar to California, but close for New York relatives, the best of both worlds.

Have you ever done yoga by the fire with floating candles, a water view, surrounded by family and friends? As one wedding guest stated on her way out, “all weddings should start with yoga!” Excitement and enthusiasm for the day was awakened and nerves were calmed through an hour of deep breathing, stretching, meditation, and the energy of each others company. I was so happy to be able to witness this once-in-a-lifetime experience…if you’re a bride-to-be, read carefully!

Before the class, the room was full of family chatting, hugging, and embracing one another for the joyous occasion. As soon as everyone hit the mats, serenity instantly spread about the farmhouse. The simple gift of slowing down and breathing, taking the day moment by moment, must have been invaluable for the couple, not allowing a second of their special day pass by unappreciated.

Diane led the group through sun salutations, one after another after another, aligning the movement with the breath until the whole group was in sync. And then something amazing happened, Diane was silent. The breath and connection of a family lead the group through the movements in silence.

The class continued with a range of poses, simple movements allowing the muscles to stretch and relax without challenging the mind, keeping the focus on the special occasion. Danielle and Diane are a perfect team; Danielle calms the group with her soft voice while Diane’s dynamic approach fosters focus. Together, the two create a unique class geared for all levels: stretching, breathing, decompressing, appreciation, smiles, and even a little laughter.

Diane wrapped up with a love poem, mentioning love that is soft and strong, lost and found with each other’s love, much like the experience of being in this unfamiliar place, but together, needing only love. The look on Rachel’s face after class, the look on all of their friends and family, the gift of peace and relaxation to start a hectic day, was invaluable. Rachel commented that the rest of her day will be crazy, but thankfully, she can embrace it with ease and enjoy it fully after the hour of yoga. Rachel and mother of the bride Katherine would definitely attest to the fact that this was a most worthwhile experience on a much-anticipated day.

In addition to Mindful Turtle’s (South Erie Ave, Montauk) regular classes, Danielle and Diane offer an abundance of wedding options, enabling Hamptons’ brides to experience the gift of yoga, uniquely customized for them. Options range from an intimate couples “We Do” class, a bridal party core yoga, relaxation, and aromatherapy, a private Stand-Up Paddleboarding “Montauk Mermaid” class, and endless other possibilities. Mindful Turtle is “dedicated to helping each bride unify all aspects of herself – physical, emotional and spiritual – in honor of the miraculous bridal experience.”

One Healthy Breakdown: a calm bride is a happy bride; a happy bride is a yogi bride.

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