It's official... we're having a wedding.
After three nights of stuffing, labeling, stamping, licking and sticking, they are done. The invites are officially on their way into your mailboxes. The invites were designed by our lovely groom and printed by Mission Press, who rock.
If you already know that you can't come, please let us know, but of course, we hope you can all make it!! The official RSVP date is Sept 15.
Official Countdown: 79 days.
Showing posts with label The Basics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Basics. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Thursday Hotels Situation
To all who plan to come on Thursday!
The Hyatt is booked 100% on Thursday 10/25.
If you are planning on coming on Thursday, please visit www.hotels.com and search for hotels in Chicago. Since I'm not sure exactly how many of you wonderful people are coming in earlier than Friday, I can't reserve any blocks. There are still plenty of hotels that have availability, but they are filling up fast. And I can't reserve anything for you.
So please give me a call if you have any questions. Thank you for your understanding. And once again, we are incredibly gracious that you are coming into town for our nuptials.
The Hyatt is booked 100% on Thursday 10/25.
If you are planning on coming on Thursday, please visit www.hotels.com and search for hotels in Chicago. Since I'm not sure exactly how many of you wonderful people are coming in earlier than Friday, I can't reserve any blocks. There are still plenty of hotels that have availability, but they are filling up fast. And I can't reserve anything for you.
So please give me a call if you have any questions. Thank you for your understanding. And once again, we are incredibly gracious that you are coming into town for our nuptials.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Book Your Hotel!
At long last, the hotel reservation information has come through.
If you already know you are making the trip out to Chicago, please book your hotel as soon as possible.
If you are going to be doing a straightforward Friday night through Sunday checkout reservation, you can access the link below:
If you already know you are making the trip out to Chicago, please book your hotel as soon as possible.
If you are going to be doing a straightforward Friday night through Sunday checkout reservation, you can access the link below:
If you would like to stay only one night, or come earlier than Friday, or would simply rather talk to a person, please call 1.888.421.1442 and mention the Baker & Zalinski Wedding to get the special rate.
Again, if you would prefer to book your hotel elsewhere, that's cool, but please do it SOON. I don't want any of you having to stay out at O'Hare, or paying $500 downtown. Like I said, there is a MONDO convention going on in Chicago that weekend, and the hotels will be filling up very soon.
Again, if you would prefer to book your hotel elsewhere, that's cool, but please do it SOON. I don't want any of you having to stay out at O'Hare, or paying $500 downtown. Like I said, there is a MONDO convention going on in Chicago that weekend, and the hotels will be filling up very soon.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Book Your hotels ASAP!
I have finally nailed down the hotel that we are going to be reserving a hotel block in. The rate will be $205 + tax per night. (it's about $235 total/night). Once I get the contract signed and back to them, I will be given a special reservations phone number to you to call to book your rooms. That will probably be available tomorrow.
The hotel block is at:
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 East Wacker Drive,
Chicago, Illinois, 60601
(click to check it out)
It's less about 50 steps from Millenium Park, Michigan Ave (aka Magnificent Mile), Chicago River, (and my office, not that that's relevant). It's a great location and right in the desirable part of downtown. And it's about 1 mile from the reception site. Cabs are everywhere, so there is no need to rent a car.
If you are NOT planning on staying in the hotel block, or if you would prefer to do a expedia-type reservation, that's cool too. If you are booking online: buyer beware! There are many locations that can claim to be minutes from the loop, or where ever. That doesn't mean it is in a good part of Chicago.
Here are a few guidelines when you are booking your stay.
A) Airfare from Boston/NYC to Chicago on a non-holiday will always be less than $200. No need to book a plane ticket right this second. Just keep your eyes open for a good deal and as soon as you see something below $150, book it. Midway and O'Hare are both the same distance from the Loop. Either is about $25 - $40 in a cab.
B) Book your hotel ASAP. There is a very large convention being held in Chicago on my wedding weekend (the NERVE of some people). Many hotels are already booked, and the prices will only go up. That being said, if you start looking now, there are a ton of hotels downtown. So even if you aren't staying at the Hyatt, there are plenty of other options.
C) In Chicago, there is a really logical coordinate system with addresses. the 0 N/S & 0 E/W intersection is at Madison and State downtown (look at the map above). Consider that the center of the grid. That's right in the middle of the loop. As you get farther away from that intersection, the number part of the address gets higher, either going north or south, or east or west. Unlike places like Boston... 200 N. Whatever street will be about the same amount north as 200 N. Someother Street. So you if you can get the cross road, you can figure out where the place is you are looking at. For example: The reception is just West of the Loop. (1300 West Randolph). The hotel is just East and a little north from the loop (151 E. Wacker). As you go further from that intersection the address will reflect either a XXX N. or XXX S. address. (or a XXX E. or XXX W.)
As a rule, If you want to be in a good part of downtown: do NOT pick an address with an address:
* further south than 500 South [Street Name].
* further west than 400 West [Street Name].
* further north than 900 North [Street Name].
* All East addresses are ok (as long as they aren't too far north or south).
To get a good indication, you can ask the hotel or look at the address of the cross street. Or, just mapquest how far it is from 1 N. State St. Anything withing a half mile from there is good. If you are going to go further out, go North.
Good key words:
Magnificant Mile
River North
Theater District
Millenium Park
Lakefront
Or, you can just call me and I'll tell you if someplace is in a good 'hood.
Then again, if you are booking a room in the hotel block, I'll have a weblink or a phone number tomorrow. Happy travels!
The hotel block is at:
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 East Wacker Drive,
Chicago, Illinois, 60601
(click to check it out)
It's less about 50 steps from Millenium Park, Michigan Ave (aka Magnificent Mile), Chicago River, (and my office, not that that's relevant). It's a great location and right in the desirable part of downtown. And it's about 1 mile from the reception site. Cabs are everywhere, so there is no need to rent a car.
If you are NOT planning on staying in the hotel block, or if you would prefer to do a expedia-type reservation, that's cool too. If you are booking online: buyer beware! There are many locations that can claim to be minutes from the loop, or where ever. That doesn't mean it is in a good part of Chicago.
Here are a few guidelines when you are booking your stay.
A) Airfare from Boston/NYC to Chicago on a non-holiday will always be less than $200. No need to book a plane ticket right this second. Just keep your eyes open for a good deal and as soon as you see something below $150, book it. Midway and O'Hare are both the same distance from the Loop. Either is about $25 - $40 in a cab.
B) Book your hotel ASAP. There is a very large convention being held in Chicago on my wedding weekend (the NERVE of some people). Many hotels are already booked, and the prices will only go up. That being said, if you start looking now, there are a ton of hotels downtown. So even if you aren't staying at the Hyatt, there are plenty of other options.
C) In Chicago, there is a really logical coordinate system with addresses. the 0 N/S & 0 E/W intersection is at Madison and State downtown (look at the map above). Consider that the center of the grid. That's right in the middle of the loop. As you get farther away from that intersection, the number part of the address gets higher, either going north or south, or east or west. Unlike places like Boston... 200 N. Whatever street will be about the same amount north as 200 N. Someother Street. So you if you can get the cross road, you can figure out where the place is you are looking at. For example: The reception is just West of the Loop. (1300 West Randolph). The hotel is just East and a little north from the loop (151 E. Wacker). As you go further from that intersection the address will reflect either a XXX N. or XXX S. address. (or a XXX E. or XXX W.)
As a rule, If you want to be in a good part of downtown: do NOT pick an address with an address:
* further south than 500 South [Street Name].
* further west than 400 West [Street Name].
* further north than 900 North [Street Name].
* All East addresses are ok (as long as they aren't too far north or south).
To get a good indication, you can ask the hotel or look at the address of the cross street. Or, just mapquest how far it is from 1 N. State St. Anything withing a half mile from there is good. If you are going to go further out, go North.
Good key words:
Magnificant Mile
River North
Theater District
Millenium Park
Lakefront
Or, you can just call me and I'll tell you if someplace is in a good 'hood.
Then again, if you are booking a room in the hotel block, I'll have a weblink or a phone number tomorrow. Happy travels!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Zeke's Groomsmen
Since I'm splashing my friends all over this page, it's only fair for the boys to get equal treatment.
I'd like to introduce: The Groomsmen!
Meet Zeke's brother, Jon Zalinski. He will be acting as Zeke's best man. He lives out in Colorado with his awesome family. He's vowed to "Rearrange" his life for us. It's much appreciated!
This is Cousin Jim. Cousin Jim has killer parties. And we all know how much I like a killer party.
This is Nick. He and Zeke used to hang out a place called the Jub Jub Club. 'nuff said.
Photo Not Shown - Chad Fox. Bio to come if we ever get a photo.
I'd like to introduce: The Groomsmen!
Meet Zeke's brother, Jon Zalinski. He will be acting as Zeke's best man. He lives out in Colorado with his awesome family. He's vowed to "Rearrange" his life for us. It's much appreciated!
This is Cousin Jim. Cousin Jim has killer parties. And we all know how much I like a killer party.
This is Nick. He and Zeke used to hang out a place called the Jub Jub Club. 'nuff said.
Photo Not Shown - Chad Fox. Bio to come if we ever get a photo.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Meet the Bridal Party
Meet Emily Dunlop. She's my maid of honor. She lives in San Francisco. But she's coming in April to help me find the dress of my dreams.
You all know Ms. Haley Claflin. She's the unofficial mayor of Newton. And she's a kick ass party planner.
This is Emily Cohen. She loves being in weddings. She had a bit of free time on her hands, so I figured that this would be the perfect side activity for her.
My brother Mike. What would a party be without Big Mizz? I love him to pieces and I think he's going to be the prettiest Brides-man ever. Thanks for being a good sport Mikey.
The Engagement
The one thing I haven't been able to tell everyone is how it all went down.
Short Story:
It was sunset. He asked. I cried. I said yes.
Long Story:
We were enjoying day one of our cruise. Our first full day of the cruise was a Sea Day (no stops). The sun was out and our sun-deprived selves spend the entire early afternoon out on the pool deck (along with every other occupant of the ship). We drank fruity drinks. Made new friends. Got a little tan. By the time the sun started going down, we were both ready for a nap.
Within minutes of putting my head on the pillow, I was out. But my sneaky boyfriend avoided falling asleep somehow and crept out of our stateroom. When I woke up, there was a beautiful bouquet of daisies (my favorite), yellow and white roses on the bedside table. (Clue #1) While this would have been a clue to most women, my lovely boyfriend has spoiled me with flowers for no occasion before, so I didn't have a reason to suspect anything.
Dinner that evening required formal attire, so we dressed to the nines. As we finished dressing, Z mentioned that he wanted to see the sun set while we were at sea. (Clue #2) But of course, the spoiled New Englander in me thought "Of course my wonderful midwesterner boyfriend would want to see the sunset over the sea... It doesn't look that pretty setting on Lake Michigan".
When we got to the elevator bank to get to the sundeck, Z rushed back to the stateroom saying that he forgot something. For the first time, my heart skipped a beat. When he returned with a single red rose (which he NEVER does, clue #3), my heart skipped another few. For the first time, I had a feeling that something might be up. But how could I assume that an engagement was what he had up his sleeve!
When we got up the deck it was a bit windy, so not very many people were around. We went up to the top deck and headed towards the setting sun. It was so beautiful. We watched the sun set slowly standing by the railing, and as it approached the horizon, Z turned me towards him, and dropped to one knee.
From that point on is a bit of a haze. I know there was a diamond ring. And I know he said something about making me happy for the rest of my life. But I was too emotional (of course) to remember all of the details.
After he proposed, we made our way down to the dining room. I couldn't help but blurt out to everyone we saw "We just got engaged!" I didn't want people to think my tearstained cheeks were about anything but the happiest of news.
So that's that... That's the story.
We didn't know it yet, but the cruise was all about photo opps (which they would later try to sell you for a small fortune), so we were able to get a few great shots from moments after the engagement.
Short Story:
It was sunset. He asked. I cried. I said yes.
Long Story:
We were enjoying day one of our cruise. Our first full day of the cruise was a Sea Day (no stops). The sun was out and our sun-deprived selves spend the entire early afternoon out on the pool deck (along with every other occupant of the ship). We drank fruity drinks. Made new friends. Got a little tan. By the time the sun started going down, we were both ready for a nap.
Within minutes of putting my head on the pillow, I was out. But my sneaky boyfriend avoided falling asleep somehow and crept out of our stateroom. When I woke up, there was a beautiful bouquet of daisies (my favorite), yellow and white roses on the bedside table. (Clue #1) While this would have been a clue to most women, my lovely boyfriend has spoiled me with flowers for no occasion before, so I didn't have a reason to suspect anything.
Dinner that evening required formal attire, so we dressed to the nines. As we finished dressing, Z mentioned that he wanted to see the sun set while we were at sea. (Clue #2) But of course, the spoiled New Englander in me thought "Of course my wonderful midwesterner boyfriend would want to see the sunset over the sea... It doesn't look that pretty setting on Lake Michigan".
When we got to the elevator bank to get to the sundeck, Z rushed back to the stateroom saying that he forgot something. For the first time, my heart skipped a beat. When he returned with a single red rose (which he NEVER does, clue #3), my heart skipped another few. For the first time, I had a feeling that something might be up. But how could I assume that an engagement was what he had up his sleeve!
When we got up the deck it was a bit windy, so not very many people were around. We went up to the top deck and headed towards the setting sun. It was so beautiful. We watched the sun set slowly standing by the railing, and as it approached the horizon, Z turned me towards him, and dropped to one knee.
From that point on is a bit of a haze. I know there was a diamond ring. And I know he said something about making me happy for the rest of my life. But I was too emotional (of course) to remember all of the details.
After he proposed, we made our way down to the dining room. I couldn't help but blurt out to everyone we saw "We just got engaged!" I didn't want people to think my tearstained cheeks were about anything but the happiest of news.
So that's that... That's the story.
We didn't know it yet, but the cruise was all about photo opps (which they would later try to sell you for a small fortune), so we were able to get a few great shots from moments after the engagement.
My Ring
Since very few people live where I am, I wanted to show you my new favorite piece of jewelry. It's beautiful, looks perfect on my hand, and was a total surprise. Didn't Zeke do a good job?
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