Janine & Saadat

Two Creatives Get Hitched

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Reception

Our First Dance: Naked as We Came by Iron & Wine

Gran dancing Bhangra:

Photobooth fun:

Our dear friend Robb Duncan who married us:

All Photos Alexandra Friendly Photography

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Reception Details

We chose to have our afterparty at the Adelphi Mill in College Park, Maryland. We loved it because it was totally our style with it's rustic charm and beautiful potential. The biggest plus was that it had a large outdoor stone patio where everyone could enjoy the glorious spring weather.

Here's where you'll see all the crafts mentioned earlier in the blog in all their glory.

Pour-over coffee bar:

All photos Alexandra Friendly Photography

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Married!

All Photos Alexandra Friendly Photography

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Oh Happy Day - April 23, 2011

What a magical day! Can't believe it was almost one year ago and I'm finally posting photos on here. The stress of preparing and making everything ourselves paid off and the wedding was fantastic. It truly was a reflection of who we are as individuals and as a couple—no fuss, no frills, just in love and happy. 

Here are some highlights of the ceremony. We chose Brookside Gardens in Wheaton Maryland because the flower gardens were filled with gorgeous tulips in April, just like the Keukenhof Gardens in Holland—where Saadat proposed.

I had traditional mehndi on my hands as a reflection of Saadat's Pakistani roots.

Above photo: Parwana Ashari 

Music: The Cassettes (up and down the aisle); US Dept of Bhangra (reception)

Photos: Alexandra Friendly Photography

Dress: Jasmine Couture at Taylored for You Bridal in Pennsylvania

Food: Eat and Smile Catering

Venues: Brookside Gardens (ceremony) + Adelphi Mill (reception)

Flowers handpicked at: Farmhouse Flowers & Plants, arranged by Janine's cousin Joanne

Cake: Susan Osif, Mother of the Bride 

Invitations: Me & my letterpress

Decorations, desserts, music were all Saadat and I, our friends and family.

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Dholki Party

I have a reputation for never finishing anything. So it's about time I finish telling about the events leading up to our wedding AND the day itself! 

SO...

Saadat's sister-in-law and her friends threw me a Dholki the week before the wedding. We sat on the floor and sang traditional Pakistani wedding songs while Afsheen played the Dholki. I don't know Urdu so I couldn't really sing along, but it was fun and Afsheen would translate so that I could at least understand. Afterwards, we ate delicious food and retreated into the basement for bhangra dancing, which was so much fun! I taught the ladies a few steps, believe it or not. 

I got to wear my first salwar kameez; very beautiful and colorful.

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Favors!!

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life-savers

The wedding is two weeks away so this Saturday, Saadat and I drove up to PA for the last dress-fitting, the sound-system, and last of the glass vases for windows and centerpieces... Of course I was still freaking out about how many decorations left to be made. Leave it to the ladies to swoop in and help out. Today we had a craft day and they saved me!! I can breathe now! (I forgot my good camera, so these are courtesy of iPhone)

*sigh of relief

xo

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Magnolia menu--uber cool

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Flawless latte art from Blue Bottle baristas!

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neener's wiener weekend

I have the best girlfriends. That's all I really have to say. 5 of my favorite girls took time out of their busy lives the first weekend in April to fly out to San Francisco with me to celebrate my last crazy weekend as a single lady. It was truly one of the best weekends of my life! I have never laughed so much in such a short period! I really wish I had written down all of the quotable quotes! We laughed our arses off at SFO, Muir Woods, Blue Bottle Cafe, Frank Family Vineyards, Merryvale Vineyards, Gott's Roadside, the Good Hotel, the crown victoria rental, Heather's rooftop, Sanraku, the Golden Gate, Foreign Cinema, Magnolia, Haight-Ashbury... everywhere!

As my special gift, each of them (and a few who couldn't make it ): ) picked a song that reminded them of me, and they also sent photos of letters that, together, spelled out our names! On the back, Sarah printed everyone's little story about their letter. It was the perfect gift for me. So special!! Of course they had to decorate my room with wieners too...it wouldn't be a true bachelorette party without some penis straws, balloons and a ring toss! ;) Can I say again how much I love these beautiful girls? They are truly amazing.

Here's a visual summary: (photos courtesy of my fave, S. Fillman)

This was truly an unforgettable weekend!

Thank you Sarah, Heidi, Katie, Heather, Vanessa, and Sandi for being simply awesome. (and for the "fork me, spoon me" book. where the heck did you find that?! lol) I'm glad you all loved each other and we absolutely must make this a yearly thing. Love you all.

xo

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While I was home for the weekend, my mom and I continued making wedding favors... (not telling you what's in them) I still have to design the wrap that goes around the center, but they're almost done and they're turning out beautifully!

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Thanks Mom for throwing me a wonderful shower. Love you!

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still renovating!

New countertops, sink/faucet and backsplash! Saadat's doing an amazing job. However I still think we're nuts for planning a wedding AND redoing our condo at the same time.

Marco is enjoying the absence of cabinet doors. He has new places to explore :)

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gift-case

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