Something Wicked This Way Comes

A goal of mine before leaving New York City this summer was to see a Broadway play. Having been a fan of musicals, I knew this would not be a drag for myself. However, finding someone to accompany me served as a greater challenge.

In order to get one of my siblings to bless me with their presence, I had to choose a musical loved by all – Wicked. Unfortunately, these tickets run up to $250 a piece, and even $110 for a nosebleed, but I was determined. If I could come up with two tickets for my younger sister’s birthday, the guilt would be great enough for her to come with me - it would not just be The Wizard and I seeing this show!

With only two weeks left in New York City and having only Mondays off from the hostess job I picked up, the pressure for buying these specific tickets were high. The day of the show, I stopped by the Gershwin Theatre ticket office to purchase two student rush tickets. The gentleman behind the counter, unfortunately, had Something Bad to say.

“We don’t have student rush my dear. We have a raffle open to the public for front row seats, two-hours before every show.”

OK, not a problem. “How many people show up?” I asked humbly.

“Well, we have twenty-six seats and each person is allowed to purchase two tickets, so thirteen names are pulled from a crowd of 200 people…” - this was definitely a Popular event for people to participate in.

“Those seem like terrible odds,” I responded woefully - No Good Deed ever happens to me.

“Well, you’re looking lucky today!” the Sentimental Man replied. Although, in the back of my mind, I knew Glinda’s bubble had popped for me – I'm Not that Girl who wins raffles, especially with those odds.

Regardless of the 6% chance, I walked back over to the theatre at 4:45pm to submit my name. Casually signing “Alexandra Bolhack, 2” and a <3 heart For Good luck, I handed the doorman my slip of paper and weaved back through the cramped crowd that had already assembled for the drawing.

At exactly 5:00pm, the doors closed. One by one names were drawn – people cheering after each name. But these cheers fooled did not fool me - No One Mourns the [Winners]. The limbs of my body all of a sudden felt like a noodle. "What is this Feeling?" is all I could think to myself.

“Alexandra Bolhack”

My eyes shot up. Dear Old Shiz, it couldn’t be. “That’s me! That’s me!” I barely whispered from shocked. I had defied the odds.

Half-panicking, half-numb, I stood in line amongst the twelve other luckiest people in the square with a smile unmatched, feeling as though I was Defying Gravity. The crowd from the drawing, unfortunately, looked as though they were the March of the Witch Hunters.

After paying $60 for the priceless tickets, I glanced down and thought, "As Long As You're Mine, I'll be the happiest girl in the world!" I clutched my bag to my chest – it was now the most precious thing I owned. It was crazy to think how my evening had changed in just One Short [Hour].

Luckily, Lauren was able to get off work early enough to grab a quick dinner before the show - Thank Goodness - wearing casual shorts and a t-shirt due to the unexpected change in her plans. Meanwhile, I could not sit still in my chair enough to eat my dinner.

Soon enough, it was time to head to our seats. Dancing Through [Broadway], we raced to the theatre. Because I did not purchase the seats in advance, I really had no idea if they were stage left, right, or obscure view. By passing all the rows to front, I saw two seats in the dead center of the stage still open – my heartbeat rising to the sudden realization. Sure enough, my sister and I scored the two center seats to the best musical on Broadway :) . It truly was a Wonderful night in Oz - the best Finale to a summer in the City.

In with the Old and Out with the New!

It is time to break the traditional wedding guidelines and expose a timeless procession. Young ones are cute to feature down the isle, but why stress over it if no one in mind seems to be in the traditional age group?

New York Times recently featured an article about a bride and groom who asked their grandmothers to fill the special role as the flower girl. Other brides have even gone to the extent of asking their grandmothers to be a bridesmaid! Don't believe me? Watch this video featuring three grandmothers who served as bridesmaids in their granddaughter's wedding. Perhaps this idea is too out-of-the-box for some couples, however, the change age could be exactly what your wedding ceremony needs.

Personally, I think each ceremony should be unique to each pair. And, if that means your grandmother is going to be scattering petals down the isle, then so be it!

The Fab-Five Must-Haves

easy ways to make your wedding unique

Below are a few fun ideas and products to add to any special day! Do not be afraid to break current traditions, as these risks will surely pay off. Keep in mind that any of these ideas can be altered to fit your taste.

1) Glass mason jars for water: Why waste hundreds of cups or plastic bottles when you can provide your guest with recyclable mason jars? Offering them at dinner with a pen so guests can easily write their names on them. Not only does this save the environment, but it also provides guests with a favor item to take home!

2) Instagram sign with #hashtag: Instagram has gathered well over 200 million users and can be easily connected to twitter, tumblr, and, most importantly, FaceBook. Providing guests with a unique hashtag name allows them to tag the photos of the wedding when they Instagram the beautiful memory. Not only are these photos easily assessable to view on the app itself, but they are also typically added to FaceBook as well. Gathering photos from guests gives the bride and groom a chance to see parts of their wedding party they may have missed. And, who knows, one of these candid photos could trump any your photographer happens to take.

3) Popcorn Bar: Offering a popcorn bar to guests after the formal dinner or dessert is the perfect way to ensure their bellies are full. This simple snack can be amped up by offering varies spices, cheese, and herbs on top. Guests will also not have to worry about destroying their own gowns when nibbling on this snack, for it is essentially stain-free.

4) Ceremony programs with game on back (either suduku puzzles, crossword, etc.): Running a little late on hair and make-up? Can’t find the flower girl? Or worse, the bride? Don’t hesitate to leave your guests waiting a few moments for the ceremony to begin by leaving a fun and easy game on the back of the program! This would not only entertain guests as they anxiously wait in their seats, but it would also be a fun opportunity to share a few fun facts about the bride and groom.

5) Interactive activities: Activities, such as sketching or even fingerprinting, allow guests to leave a memorable impression to any special event. Yes, guest books allow people to express themselves verbally, but why not give them the chance to artistically do so? Plus, this gives younger children a fun activity to do during the party.

Engaging Photos

you will not want to miss

Engagement photos may seem unnecessary to most newly engaged couples, especially in comparison to the numerous details that creates the perfect day. Engagement photos, however, should not be ignored! Not only can these photos be used as creative décor at your wedding, but they can also be used for your save-the-date cards, wedding website, and ceremony program!

Along with building a relationship with your wedding photographer, engagement photos give couples the opportunity to practice being photographed, ensuring a smoother photo shoot on your wedding day! Be sure to inform your photographer of any angels and/or shots you do not care for, as well as any that you loved.

Mismatched Maids

Brides should do not be scared to break the traditional mold when choosing your bridesmaid dresses. Take the chance to be creative through mismatched bridesmaid dresses. Ways in which to incorporate this is easy. Simply inform your bridesmaids of a color scheme and let them choose the style! As we know, one style does not fit all, so let your girls choose the one that best suits them.

Not comfortable with mismatching dresses? No problem! Other creative ways to break the uniform on your bridesmaids’ outfits is by mismatching the style of their shoes, bouquets, accessories, or hair!

Photo Credit: Bellethemagazine.com

Favors to "Match" Your Occasion!

make it seem it was "mint" to be

What better way to wrap up your special event with a unique and fun party favor! Party favors are a great way to initially thank guests for attending your event. Favors do not need to be over-the-top extravagant or expensive, just something simple and unique to show you appreciate your guest’s attendance.

Favors are also a great way for companies to exploit themselves. Mugs, such as the ones depicted above, are easy to customize and used daily. Give away nail polishes that match your birthday, bridal shower, or baby shower colors, encouraging your guests to later wear your party colors on your special day!

Tying in various aspects of your event into the favors is easy as well. For instance, honey is commonly used in Persian wedding ceremonies; small mason jars, similar to the ones above, are a great, sweet favor that guests will be able to take and use after the celebration!

What ever the occasion may be, there is always a favor that matches perfectly to your theme. Fill out the advice form if you are in need of ideas!

Fun! Fun! Fun! That will keep your guests feeling young!

Keep your guests entertained with fun and easy activities that are inexpensive, sentimental, and timeless!

Activities such as the ones depicted above are easy to assemble. Simply paint small different colored squares on a large canvas and lay out a few watercolor sets and pens to give guest the opportunity to artistically express themselves! Other ideas include fingerprinting-signing boards that guests can quickly complete. Writing notes on a ribbon and tying them onto a string is another creative way for guests to write more personal and private messages. Activities such as these are suitable and fun for all ages.

The products of these activities can also be given to the host of the party, serving as a reminder of the special day for years to come. Not to mention, these activities are easily adjusted to fit any party theme – from weddings, baby showers, and even birthday parties!