March 29, 2016

Our Magical Evening on Broadway

March 29, 2016/ Monique Garcia

We recently took an amazing last minute trip to New York City for Valentine's Day Weekend. Besides the fact that we almost froze (more about that here), one of the biggest highlights of our trip was a major check off my bucket list. We got to go see Aladdin the Musical on Broadway.

For any of you that might not know, I am a huge Disney Fan. Aladdin is my absolute favorite movie. So much so, it was our wedding theme. ;)

New Amsterdam Theater

Photo Credit: Disney Insider

Photo Credit: http://newyorktheater.me/

To quote one of the lyrics from the show, "It's the plot that you knew, with a small twist of two, but the changes we made were slight". In this stage version of the 1993 film, our favorite characters have been given a lot more depth. Aladdin recently lost his mother (insert song Proud of Your Boy by the late Howard Ashman) and is trying to become the great man she always dreamed he'd be. Jasmine has a lot more spunk and is a woman who knows her worth. Genie is just WOW, Jafar is as sinister as ever, and, in place of Abu, we get the funny and witty bunch of Babkak, Omar, and Kassim. To put it plainly, it is a show that can't be missed. ;)

I literally sat in awe as the story unfolded and the familiar sounds of Arabian Nights were sung. Each scene so well thought out. ;) Every detail polished to perfection. It was like Agrabah was real. Best Part: The reimagined A Whole New World scene. It was everything I could have ever dreamed (naturally wiping tears of joy while mouthing each syllable to the familiar melody). And of course, we went to the backstage door to nab some photos and autographs from the actors who have literally been with the show since its beginning in Seattle. Although we missed Jonathan Freeman (the one and only Jafar), everyone was there. :)

It was truly a magical night and was a Valentines Day I will never forget. I leave you with some photos from that night.

We were so excited to be sitting so close to the stage in a pretty much packed house. ;)

Needless to say, I think both Gus and I couldn't believe how close we were sitting. ;)

The details of the theater was amazing. You could just feel the history from the entry way to the very seats we were sitting in.

Until Next Time!

March 22, 2016

Our New York Adventure

March 22, 2016/ Monique Garcia

We had planned to make a short getaway during the Valentine's Day weekend to St. Augustine, Florida for some rest and relaxation. That was until 3 weeks before we were to leave. That's when Gus made a change in plans. Instead, he thought it would be better to go to New York!! This way we could hopefully see snow and mark some memories off of our bucket list.

Needless to say, planning with 3 weeks until the trip was not easy. We were really lucky to find a great hotel, decent flights and, third row seats to Aladdin the Musical (more about that in a later post). Take a look below at some of the amazing memories we made in New York. :D

Time Square is more overwhelming than I ever thought it could be.

What would be a trip to Times Square and not go to the Giant Disney Store?!?!

Let's not forget to mention checking out the NBC Building in Rockefeller Center and sitting at the Today Show Desk

This was ice that had frozen INSIDE our hotel room. Our Valentine's Day weather broke the record apparently.

Seriously the best chicken and waffles we have EVER HAD!

We also took time to see one the most popular icons in the Museum of Natural History....aka the Night of the Museum museum. Meet DumbDumb (and no...he didn't ask for gumgum).

We had a great 360 degree view of New York from the One World Observatory.

thegarciasnewyorkadventure_OneWorldObservatory

We got to see the original Batmobile and some of the props, costumes, and drawings from the beginning of the Comic (Illustrated Novel) Days at the New-York Historical Society.

Across the street was Central Park. Three Words: WE. SAW. SNOW!! We got to see it cover everything!!

Had to make a pit stop and visit Alice in Central Park.

This trip was definitely one for the books. We had so much fun. I have no idea if we will ever be able to top this trip to New York. Seeing snow fall for the first time, all the bright lights, and the all of the amazing food! Yup. Its going to be a tough one to beat, but I'm definitely glad Gus vetoed our location for the trip. :D

Until Next time!

December 04, 2015

Being Thankful

December 04, 2015/ Monique Garcia

I've been a little quiet the past month or so. With good reason though. To say the least, October through January are our busiest months both business wise and personally. If you follow us on Instagram, you may have noticed that we had some low key birthdays celebrations, bridal shows, and are beginning to enjoy the holiday season. I even shopped for Black Friday from our living room couch. Needless to say, We still exist. LoL.

Anywho, I'll be posting more about some of the fun stuff we've been up to. But today, I wanted to take the time to say Thank You. Thank you to the wonderful couples we've designed for in the past and the couples who are entrusting us with their invitations, menus and so much more in the coming months. You guys are the best.

Thank you to those who have been encouraging our little business since the beginning when it was just an idea. For always being understanding of our schedule and offering to help in any way you can. You have no idea how much it shows that you care enough to offer to tie bows, help organize our space, or find your own way to say, "Hang with us (You need a break and maybe a margarita or two)." ;)

Thank you to our new little family in the Miami Chapter of The Rising Tide Society/Tuesdays Together (and some of the FT. Lauderdale members too). Our meetings and hang outs are so awesome. It's great having friends in the biz. Honestly, you guys totally get hyped up for our great moments, identify with most of the lows, and just plain make us laugh at the ridiculousness that comes out of a simple game of Head's Up. The same goes for the Facebook Rising Tide Communities both National and the Stationers. I have never felt so much inspiration and encouragement from people we haven't even met in person. Seriously, you guys rock.

Last but not least, I need to say thanks to the Big Man upstairs. I truly believe that we make plans and God laughs. But not in the way you think. It's more like a chuckle from a parent when their toddler is trying to fit a square peg in a circular hole. I am definitely in a season of change and I'm ready for Him to really guide me where I'm supposed to go. Lately a verse that's been on my heart is Joshua 1:9.

Don't be discouraged when something you planned on doesn't work out...well, like you can be sad, but don't let it go on for longer than it has to. We live in a broken world, but your light is what keeps part of it bright.

So that's it for today. I hope you have an awesome week.

September 16, 2015

Real Wedding: Jaclyn and Kyle

September 16, 2015/ Monique Garcia

Jaclyn contacted me after seeing our shop on Etsy and falling in love with one of our invitations. As we discussed the theme further, I knew we would work great together. It always helps when great minds think alike. ;)

Jaclyn and Kyle were having an Aladdin Themed wedding with Mint and Lavender as their wedding colors. The invitation suite design they chose was simple and showcased Genie's lamp as the only imagery from the film.