Lara Kimmerer | photographer

Monday Morning Music | Whiskeytown

When I told Peter that I was going to have a new series on my blog about music I listen to he immediately jumped to say, "It can't always be a Ryan Adams song." It's true. I do have a slight thing for his music - his voice especially. It's also true that I could fill everyone of these Monday mornings with his music. Today however, I'm feeling this song very much - this whole album really.

"Don't Wanna Know Why" from Pneumonia

Whiskeytown | Don't Wanna Know Why

Years ago, before Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, before his solo albums, he was in a band called Whiskeytown. I enjoy listening to all their albums, but Pneumonia is by far my favorite. The best listen of this album I ever had was while camping among evergreen trees overlooking a pond in NY state. The acoustics fit incredibly well. I also put this album on repeat while I was getting ready the morning of my wedding. I don't believe anyone minded that we listened to it 5 or 6 times in a row. The music created the exact mood and feeling that I wanted. Music-created atmosphere is incredibly important, I think.

Peter & I would listen to this album quite a bit 10-ish years ago - especially while driving around the backroads of northern NJ. This weekend we found ourselves on those same backroads. We went home somewhat last minute and ended up at my Dad's house without electricity and heat because of all the downed powerlines from the snow. We even had a line snap in back of the house. There was fire and buzzing - quite the excitement for little ole Hopatcong.

Before all of that though...there was an enjoyable drive up north on rolling roads just begining to be covered in snow. There was even a stop at the Sussex Queen Diner for Taylor Ham.

And, because it is Halloween. Here is a bonus track for you from Ryan Adams and the Cardinals' album Cardinology called "Magick". The mention of "zombies running all around" makes it Halloween worthy in my book.

 

Ryan Adams and the Cardinals | Magick

 

 

Enjoy!

Settled Dust | Emily & David

This is the second installment of a new blog series. I'm asking the same three questions of all my couples after their wedding is over...and the dust has settled. Hopefully their words will assist those of you who are in the planning stages - and to give you some perspective in, what can be, a hectic time - but a fun and exciting time too!

1)  What is the stand out moment from your day?

Emily

It's surprising how little specific details I remember from my wedding. If I think really hard, I can recall most of the ceremony and reception, but I remember just the feeling of being really happy. I was happy for my family and friends, that they were able to share in this event with David and I. Of course, I was happy to be marrying David; but I'm always so happy when we're together. This day was really about my family and friends. That being said, the moment I remember the most was when David and I were under the chuppah and we closed our eyes and pressed our foreheads together. The rabbi made sure that we had a moment during the ceremony that was just about us; it was so spiritual and loving and I'm so grateful that he gave us that moment.

David

Probably when I first saw her in her wedding dress at the Kettubah signing, that was the best moment.

 

2)  How was your wedding day different than you expected it to be?

Emily

 I think I expected the day to be all about me and David, but I spent almost the whole day thinking about everyone else--making sure I saw and spoke to everyone, seeing if people liked the food, and dancing with my friends. I also expected the day to be this perfect, romantic Hallmark image, and it was, but it was also filled with humor and improvisation. It was also less stressful than I expected, but I think that's because I resolved to have a hands-off approach from the moment I started planning my wedding.

David

It was the first time I got married, so I didn't really expect anything. Dude, it's a party.

3) Any words of advice for engaged couples embarking on the planning process?

Emily

Trust your vendors and be kind to them. Everyone works so hard to make your wedding beautiful and memorable--from the florist to the baker to the photographer. It's important to remember that your vendors are professionals who have done this a million times; trust them to make your wedding beautiful (you will make it special). If you want to keep your sanity (and your future husband), you should try to keep a hands-off approach--delegate, delegate, delegate. Let other people help you, listen to other people's advise, and go with your gut. In the end, go with whatever makes you happy--even if you never thought you'd wear lace or have an orange-flavored wedding cake.

Have a sense of humor and keep some perspective. It's just about having fun with your friends, family, and new spouse.

Lenox Hotel Wedding | Emily & David | married

Emily & David had one of the most moving ceremonies I've seen. The coming together of family to support them was an honor to witness. Emily seemed to enjoy every moment, and David smiled the entire day - especially when Emily was walking down the aisle towards him. Both of their families were so fun to be around as well...I had a smile all day too!

Monday Morning Music | Gillian Welch

A slightly mellow start to my Monday morning. Peter & I are going to see Gillian Welch this week in Boston. I'm listening to her new album, The Harrow & the Harvest in preparation. This album definitely has a slower feel throughout. I'm really enjoying Gillian and David Rawlings voices and their beautiful harmony.

This track, "The Way It Goes", is one of the more upbeat songs. Love Rawlings guitar in this one.

 

Gillian Welch | The Way It Goes

 

We happened to catch this late on Saturday night just as we were thinking of going to sleep. We stayed up instead. I suggest going to the PBS site and watching the whole thing to catch Gillian and Dave's last song - really fun to watch. And as a bonus - The Decemberists!

 

Watch The Decemberists / Gillian Welch on PBS. See more from Austin City Limits.

 

 

Monday Morning Music | Remembering Calm

If you follow this blog you'll quickly realize how often the word calm appears. At times in life I've found myself searching for it more than I would like. Recently though, I've been able to access the closest I've been to absolute peace whenever I need to. While on our honeymoon I was able to find complete calm - staring out our front door (or back door, not quite sure). There were beautiful smelling flowers - and hummingbirds all around - and a wonderful breeze coming from the ocean. Whenever I need to - I just think of this space in time and a calm rushes over me.

This morning while driving around I was listening to the new Architecture in Helsinki album, Moment Bends. I was feeling that calm come over me - and the music made me think of Peter and our holiday away (I do like "holiday" better than "vacation" - let's see if I can keep it up). I was loving the music so much I decided I should share it with you all. Then I thought, "I should do this every Monday. I shall call it Monday Morning Music." And so - here is your first installment of MMM.

 

Desert Island by Architecture In Helsinki 

 

 

Architecture in Helsinki is playing in Boston in November. Peter & I will be there. Let us know if you'll be there too!