IT'S HERE!!!!!

The Weekend Wedding Extravaganza is upon us!

The plans have been made, the Rolls has been tuned up, the silver is polished, the outfits are finally decided, and all the "i"s and "t"s have been dotted and crossed!  Even the weather seems excited to celebrate with us.

So, first things first:

FRIDAY NIGHT MEET-N-GREET WILL BE AT LACMA (not Farmers Market)
-We'll be there from 4pm on. However, the music doesn't start until 6. Come anytime, stay for however long/short.
-It's a great space for kids and dogs too!
-Parking is easy! There's a LACMA lot on 6th St (Between Fairfax and Curson).  There's also Metered Parking along 6th.
-Neighborhood parking may also be available, but you gotta read the signs VERY closely, as a permit may be required during certain hours, etc.
-Prolly best to park on 6th or in the lot.

SATURDAY'S CRAWFISH BOIL
-See video for crawfish peelin' tutorial. Thanks Heather!!
-It's supposed to be really sunny and warm that day (especially in the valley), so hats and sunblock are recommended for the fair-skinned among us.
-Kids are welcome at the boil, but no dogs please.
-Saturday night is an unscheduled free for all.

SUNDAY!!!!!!!!
-May the wedding gods continue to smile upon us!  Sunday is supposed to be BEAUTIFUL.
-We can not friggin wait.
-Be sure to bring a warm layer that you may/not need depending on how much you like to get down and get funky.  As for us, we plan on burnin up with DANCE FEVER, and de-layering throughout the night.  We're hopin y'all will be down to boogie with us til the clock strikes 10:15 or so, and we have to turn back into pumpkins. But if you tend to like to sit and chat, you'll need a layer.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

SOOOOOOOO MUCH LOVE
c+r

DID YOU KNOW?...

Here's a little trivia for y'all:

Did you know that Simon and Garkunkel's shot their Sounds of Silence album cover at Franklin Canyon?   (We did NOT know that, ourselves.  That is news which makes us even more smitten)

Did you know that Franklin Canyon was home to both The Andy Griffith Show, and many scenes from Star Trek, Bonanza, and Lassie?   (This one we knew.  The park is apparently quite proud)

It's also where Renie's friend Kim and her husband David were married!! You'll meet them.

Other fun facts about Franklin Canyon?  If you're interested, read this article: Hiking into Hollywood's backyard

*and remember to STOP at all STOP SIGNS

**cell service is spotty up there, so it's best to arrange a cab pickup at the beginning of the night 

IN OTHER NEWS...
Some people have been asking us to clarify the attire:
-Friday Meet-n-Greet in the park: CASUAL, LAYERS.  It gets cold at night.
-Saturday Crawfish Boil: CASUAL, COULD GET MESSY.  Should be gorgeous weather too!
-Sunday Wedding: DRESSY CASUAL, LAYERS!! 

We are registered at Amazon.com

Just think: In two weeks we'll all be together!!!!

c+r

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS + LODGING AMENDMENT

Schedule of Events

Friday 4-7pm - Happy Hour Meet-n-Greet at LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd 90036 (city) for a jazz 

                             picnic in the park, weather permitting, OR just up the street from that at FARMERS 

                             MARKET 3rd & Fairfax 90048 (city) We'll keep ya posted. 

Saturday 11am - Rehearsal, for those of you with a job. You know who you are... (wedding site 2600 

                            Franklin Canyon Dr. 90210 in between city & valley)

                             

                1pm - Crawfish Boil at Michele and Ryan's house 5655 Colbath Ave 91401(valley)

Sunday    3:30pm - arrive to wedding site Heavenly Pond at Franklin Canyon 2600 Franklin Canyon

                                  Dr. 90210 (in between city & valley) 

                4pm - WEDDING!!!!!!! (no details, it's all a surprise)

                10pm - Shake your head and think to yourself, "Wow!  That was a really great wedding."

Monday  11am Brunch & Recap at QUALITY ON 3RD 8030 3rd St. 90048, for anyone interested

                             3 words: Bottomless.MiddleBar.Marys. Hellerrrrrrr!?!  Ok, 4. (city)

Happy Hour Power Shower (HHPS)

ATTN: OUT OF TOWNERS
AMENDMENT TO EARLIER POST RE: WHERE TO STAY
As the wedding planning has evolved, we've realized certain things needed to be changed for various reasons (the closure of a major thoroughfare for one, the newly posted LACMA jazz calendar, and the overwhelming kindness of our local cafe to agree to seat us, even without a clear number of people). Sidebar, if you're thinking you'd like to join us for the Monday Morning Recap Brunch before a flight or work or whatever, shoot us a text so we can get an approx number.

All this leads to our change of hearts about where to stay.  We think it might be slightly more convenient to stay on the city side of the hill, particularly near us. LACMA, Farmers Market, and Quality on 3rd are all walking distance.  And there's lots of shopping, cafes and restaurants, and museums and theaters for all your free times.  Plus then, you can get a feel for our hood, see how we're livin out west.  Also, because the City closed off Coldwater Canyon on the valley side, this will make the trek over the hill back and forth a bigger schlep than it's worth.  It's one thing if all the canyons are all open, but we can't have you coming all the way to L.A. just to sit in L.A. traffic. Thus we conclude, we believe it would be a better experience for you to stay in the 90048 ish area.

IN SHORT:
There is approx a 12 mile diameter between city and valley and various events.
The two areas really aren't far apart, but there's a mountain in between.
We live in the city, the crawfish boil is in the valley, and the wedding site is right on top of the mountain.
The Meet-n-Greet and Recap Brunch are city side too.
So, we think you'll do a little less driving if you stay near us-- which, if it were us, would be a major plus; a vacation enhancer, to be sure.
While it's true our neighborhood is a walking neighborhood, it is also true that we live in L.A.
You will still need a car.

Sorry to flog.
This is actually us trying to be helpful.

Love you guys
Can't wait
xo

c+r

Ya know there's a weddin' a comin' when...

This is fast becoming our favorite game, over here at MiddleBar.

Ya know there's a weddin (pronounced in your best southern drawl) a comin when... a toaster over arrives in the mail and girls begin to squeal and clap with glee.

You know there's a weddin' a comin' when... you walk out of BevMo with enough booze to open a neighborhood bar.

And you know there's a weddin' a comin' when... you're polishing the silver.

We forgot to take a Before and After pic.

But you should've seen the tarnish!

Let us assure you, that set never had it so good.
Well, not since Bubby.

 Renie's Bubby has made several essential contributions from the great beyond: loaning us her vintage linens, and letting us steal the silver!
         

Also, we are so excited to have our friend Jack's SILVERBACK COFFEE at the wedding.  We wanted to really showcase what we think is, legitimately, the best coffee we've ever had in our lives.  What better way, than to shine up the antique silver set.  

Thanks Bubby.  And thanks Jack and Jen for the beans.

More to come very very soon.  Just had to show you the silver.  We think it was very Downtown Abbey of us, but we're not sure because we don't watch the show.  But from what we've been able to ascertain, polishing the silver is soooooooo downstairs.

In other news:  We wish to thank everybody who has helped us celebrate our wedding.  Your calls and texts, the stream of response cards, many of which are extravagantly punctuated with exclamation marks, smiley faces and hearts, have meant so much.

That is not a throw-away line.  We are truly blown away by your kindness and generosity.

This brings up the issue of the Happy Hour Power Shower (heretofore HHPS).  Our dear friends/soul sistas Antonia, Nicole, and Michele, conspired to throw a shower for two very anti-shower people.  (NOTE: We are very uncomfortable with this whole attention thing.  People gathering to celebrate our love with us is very confusing, and often overwhelming.  We won't get into it here, but let's just say, as I'm sure any married couple could attest, it's alot to take.  In a good way!! But, alot.)

Anyway, Nic picked a PERFECT spot, just up the street from us The Churchill.   It was amazing!!!  Some of our favorite people actually showed up.  There were no treacherous games, just really nice snapshot pitches from people, who said really nice things about us!  There was this cake from Nothing Bundt Cake which may or may not have changed our lives.  Antoniabegonia came in all the way from Nawlins just to be here with us.  AND!!! We got presents! And the most brilliant cards from people!  Here's the thing: 

This. Never. Happens.  

Except when there's a wedding coming.

ok, love you guys
can't wait to see you!

c+r

BYOB-- bring your own BEADS!!

Happy belated Mardi Gras!!

Ya'll, we've been havin' so much fun over here at MiddleBar with Carnival, Superbowl, and the amazing launch of Corrie's now famous MiddleBar Marys .   With all the excitement, we've been remiss in our blogging duties.   I know some of you are anxious to hear what's been goin' on with the wedding planning.  So here's the update.

A) We have a Gaffer.  What's a gaffer, you might ask.  He's a professional lighting expert, and his name is Paul.  To the out-of-towners, it might seem strange that such a position exists.  But here in Hollywood, gaffers are a hot commodity.  And Paul is especially hot!  We met with him yesterday at Heavenly Pond where he began to build the lighting plan.  So, the good news is that it looks like we'll be able to see at this event!  And even better news, it'll look, and feel so great!  What we want to do is create an amazing space for the wedding.  Every single item is handpicked, handmade, and being brought in just for the extravaganza.  We've never done anything like this before, and neither have most of our vendors.  But so far, everyone is really excited to create this space with us, especially Paul the Gaffer.  God bless ya, Paul.

B) The Crawfish Boil (to be held on Saturday April 27th-- see Antonia Begonia's amazing flyer for details) is coming along quite well.   It's not yet crawfish season in Louisiana, but we're hoping for an abundant harvest, and a kick ass Boil!  Thank you, in advance, to our friend Ryan, and to Corrie's cousins Bryan and Christopher for cheffing the event.  It is gonna be so delicious!!!  For those who are crawfish adverse, have no fear.  Alternative menu items will be available.  Basically if you're not into crawdads, it's a BBQ.  And, it's BYOB (bring your own beads).  It is, after all, Jazz Fest weekend.  So let's deck the halls, and summon the Nawlins spirit with plenty of beaded magic.   If you don't have beads, some will be made available provided you show us your tits :)

Corrie knocked V-day out of the park with a
surprise picnic at Heavenly Pond.
(complete w Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee)

C) What to wear....  Don't ask Renie, cuz so far she will be attending in the nude.  Corrie is having better luck, and will be spiffed up nice for the big day.  Here's what we're telling people: Think Gatsby Afternoon.  But with layers, cuz the temperature may drop at night.  So, no need for fancy.  Remember, it's not that kind of wedding.  We want ya comfortable (and maybe a tad stylish).  Khakis or nice jeans are great.  Probably want to avoid heels, just because it's outdoors, on dirt... seems treacherous.  To be honest, we just want ya there, and happy.  Call if questions.

Stay tuned for more All Wedding Things Considered.  The official Schedule of Events will be posted closer to the extravaganza.
Call or text if you have specific questions about lodging, locale, allergies, what have you.

WE ARE SO EXCITED!!!!!
c+r

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Seasons greetings!!  Wedding season, that is.

It's been a tad busy over here at the MiddleBar workshop!
Well, with Chanukah, Christmas, Corrie's birthday,

and New Years, the wedding elves have been just swamped!

In addition to the traditional holidays, we celebrate a few of our own traditions:   the annual making of the xmas songs mix, the last game of the Saints season, and our second annual conciliatory fish fry to help us nurse the wounds of another busted Saints season.  This year was particularly rough, seeing as how we had no coach, fewer teammates, and a general lack of structure to hold the team together.  Thus, the po'boys had to be even better.

Best part? Frying up the leftover pickles and okra!  We may have to wait til next season for Corrie's soon to be famous MiddleBar Bloody Marys, but the memories of fried okra will be with us always.

It's been a while since our last update.  Let's review:

The invites have been ordered. (thank you Tone!!)

The floor plan has been digitized. (thank you Kelly!!)

The lighting committee is hard at work. (thank you Steve and Erica!)

The crafting is nearly complete (thanks to Lori and 

Rachel)

The dance floor is being negotiated (thank you Phil!!)

And the wedding crossword is now perfected. (you're welcome.)

Also, we just completed our wedding registry!!

(ps-- it was really fun shopping for ourselves!  we were skeptical at first. The whole thing seemed gosh to us. But apparently, this sort of thing is done. Who knew?)

In case you're interested, we're now officially registered on Amazon.com

We really are so grateful, you guys.  I know it's like a broken record. But we are truly grate-filled.  Our cups runneth over, as they say.

We are sooooooo excited to see you guys!!!!

     
c+r

Location, location, location.

Franklin Canyon

Apparently, chumming the waters with the Save the Date worked!

Many of you have asked, "where is this blessed event?"
There's so many fun logistics!! Allow us to explain:

The actual Wedding will be held on Sunday afternoon/evening, April 28th, in a Park called Franklin Canyon.   By L.A. standards, it is, by far, the least trendy of the Canyons, and the most serene.   For out-of-towners, if you google 91604, it'll give you a general idea of where you may want to stay.

Which brings us to our next point: Where to stay.
There's options!  Listed below in order of our own sense of desirability (but what do we know? really.)

Option A) airbnb.com
https://www.airbnb.com/s/CA-91604?checkin=04%2F26%2F2013&checkout=04%2F29%2F2013&guests=2
You can tweak the dates and the number of people, but the 91604 is important in terms of proximity to both the Saturday and Sunday events. (Stay tuned for future posts about the weekend's happenings)

*L.A. is kinda famous for not being a good public transportation city, so renting a car is probably a good idea, as is limiting how much you want to shlep all over town.

Option B) If you google Hotels 91604 , you'll find a range of Hotels and Inns like the Sportsmen's Lodge close to the wedding and rehearsal dinner location.

Option C) If you want a more swanky hotel, Google Beverly Hills and West Hollywood Hotels.  Those neighborhoods are nearby, but on the "other side of the hill".  And there are great spots like the famous "Beverly Hills Hotel," "The London", and "Chateau Marmont", and about 3 dozen other really cool little spots (they are a bit further from the rehearsal dinner location in the "valley" but it takes 20 minutes to get anywhere anyway!)  If you want somethin a little off the beaten path, call us! We'll getcha there.

Option D) 'Groupon' or 'Living Social' or some other social deals sites.  Every now and then they have a getaway near us.  Look for anything West Hollywood, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or Los Angeles.  If you see something interesting, call or text with questions. Maybe we can post it so others may reap of your bounty.

Option E) Book your flight, hotel, and car rental through the same travel site, bundle your savings and stay anywhere in LA that looks good-- from Downtown to the Beach.

2008 Chicago Jazz Festival

Can we just say, we are so amazed and overwhelmed by your love and willingness to come, to shlep, to celebrate and spend time with us, to put us on your google calendars.  Even those members of the Pack who can't come, we feel the love, just the same.  Your being in our lives is such a gift.

Love you guys!!!
c&r