el mustango meets betty

WOW!!!

2009-01-14T17:51:00.000-05:00

Rain or Shine...

2008-09-24T20:26:00.000-04:00

REPOST:

Just thought everyone should know that the ceremony will be held outside at the castle REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER. So, dress appropriately and bring an umbrella if it's raining! But, fear not-- the ceremony shouldn't be more than 20 mins and the reception will be indoors, so if it's a less than perfect day weather-wise, we'll only be outside for a little while!

If You're looking for a Hotel Room...

2008-09-24T13:41:00.002-04:00

Call the America's Best Value in Amsterdam and tell them that you're coming to town for the Beck/Caliguire Wedding. You will get a special $55 a night room rate at a luxurious one-star hotel in the heart of downtown Amsterdam. Nothing but the finest for our peeps. Seriously though, it's a decent rate at a decent hotel, and it's very close to the after-party.

Of course, you're also more than welcome to grab an empty piece of floor and stay right at our house. I know many of you are planning to do just that. Just bring a sleeping bag and pillow (and maybe an air mattress)! You can be social all night, until the Keg-erator of Sam Adams kicks...

That's right! Thanks to my wickedly awesome groomsman - Dave - we have a Keg-erator with a 1/4 keg of Sam Adams!!

And please feel free to bring whatever other libations you desire.

Collect Them All!

2008-09-23T22:42:00.005-04:00

When it came time to think about wedding invites, we thought it might be really fun to make our own. Sarah had been playing around with this fun idea of putting our heads from photos she's taken on the bodies of people in wedding magazine adverts. So, in a flash of genius, she suggested using this idea as the basis for our wedding invites. Between the two of us, we made about 12 different versions. After some internal and external debate, we settled on 4 different versions. So, the invite you got was not the same one that everyone else got (simple math tells us only around 25% of the other invitees would have gotten the same one as yours).

I think it was also Sarah who came up with the whole "ransom note" idea for the verbiage.

As you can tell, Sarah is the brains behind this operation.

Below is all four versions:

And, if you check out the super-happy-terrific-fun blog of our super-happy-terrific-fun photograpers -- Anne & Dan Almasy -- you can see a really excellent picture of Dan holding our invite.

Our Wedding Cake WON'T Be This Rad

2008-09-10T16:50:00.003-04:00

In keeping with the Robot theme of the last few posts:

Check out this cool robot cake from debbiedoescakes’ flickr pool. Check out her other cakes, too. They're crazy!

True Love in the Time of Machines [or] How I Saved a Girl and Found True Love.

2008-09-10T14:57:00.004-04:00

"So," many have asked. "How did you and Betty meet?"

It's a simple enough question. And it could easily be replied to with a simple response...

If you were asking a simple man about his simple girl.

But, dear reader (as you know), we are anything but simple. The lives of our heroes - El Mustango and Betty - are fraught with harrowing danger, acts of daring, feats of strength, international mystery and intrigue and frequent trips to the grocery store to get juice for our General (the mysteriously named "R"). apple juice. in a sippy cup. straight. without water.

And it was on a particular brisk spring morning that our heroine Betty set out to the store for some apple juice. She hopped in her sparkling red Hyundia Hovercraft and made for the nearest grocery mart, in a hurry-- for "R" does not like to be kept waiting.

Little did she know that she was being followed. Watched by gleaming, blinking red from the eyes of her would-be assassins. They knew that "R" was out of juice. It was they, during the previous night, who snuck into the top-secret, second-floor lair of Betty and "R" to dispose of the left over juice. Their plan was simple: surprise Betty when she was least expecting it. Lay seige to her in the mart's parking lot.

Fortunately for Betty and "R", the mighty, might El Mustango had been tracking these particularly fiendish assassins for days. He knew they were following their next target, but he didn't know whom that target was. It wasn't until Betty reached the parking lot and her enemies ready themselves to pounce that El Mustango first saw her.

She was stunning and her beauty took his breath away. Little did he know, this goddess in the form of woman was the cunning and deadly Betty. Had he known this, he could simply let them move ahead with their foolish plan and watch from afar as Betty destroyed them.

But, El Mustango is nothing if not chivalrous. Betty looked so pretty in her sporty Hyundai Hovercraft. He'd hate to have even one hair on that gorgeous head of hers harmed. So, he decided to lay a trap and bring these nogoodnix out in the open before they could do her harm.

Just before the assassins were about to attack Betty, El Mustango sprung his trap and the assassins were revealed. Robots! A bakers dozen strong. Armed with deadly onion guns and spatulas. and an even deadly weapon- laser guided onion guns that shot spatulas.

In a nutshell, the onion-gun-toting, spatula-wielding robots were no match for El Mustango. They were all destroyed before Betty even paid for the apple juice. Upon her return to the car, El Mustango introduced himself to her.

And the rest, as they say, is history...

Robot Emcees Korean Wedding

2008-09-10T13:59:00.003-04:00

Am I the only one who is actually jealous of this Korean couple?

A Little Taste...

2008-09-02T14:58:00.002-04:00

This photo was taken by Matt Ramos, an excellent Capital Region photographer.

Some Songs You May Hear on Sept 27th

2008-08-27T11:15:00.004-04:00

So, the bride has given specific instructions: you must listen to, love, and learn every word to the Gogol Bordello song "Start Wearing Purple". Then, when it is played at the reception, you will all dance wildly, with arms and legs akimbo, and sing along to it at the top of your lungs.

And yes, the song has nothing to do with love or marriage. We just both really love this frickin' song!

Bachelor Party Weekend

2008-08-19T10:50:00.009-04:00

This past weekend, my groomsmen -- Ben, Brian, Dave and Zach -- along with my Uncle Mark and my Father spent a weekend in the Catskill Mountains, on the banks of the East Branch of the Delaware river, one of three great Catskill rivers, for my bachelor party. Specifically, we stayed at Pakatakan Lodge (which is best said in a rapid-fire manner, over and over again for two days). Big ups to Ben for finding and reserving this awesome cabin.

My weekend started on Thursday night, when Sarah and I went out for some drinks and good company for her 27th birthday. We had a great time with Sarah's Uncle Rob, Suz, and Nicole, although I did pay for it the next day. We got to the cabin late Friday afternoon and had an amazing chicken dinner cooked by Dave, who then promptly fell asleep on the front porch, missing a hilarious game of "Tabloid Teasers".

The next day, started off with a fabulous (and smoky) breakfast thanks to Brian. After learning the river was too shallow to canoe in, we ventured into the "big city" of Walton where Ben purchased a wiffle ball set (which we promptly destroyed in 10 mins). Horseshoes, beer, more food, cigars, beer, campfire, beer, a delicious steak dinner by Ben, whiskey sours, beer and finishing with a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit (at which, Ben, Zach and I dominated). We're such geeks...

I had such a great time that words cannot describe. and since this is a family friendly blog, it's probably for the best anyways. Seriously, all the guys went above and beyond. I have the BEST friends ever.

Here are some pictures:

Pakatakan Lodge.

A family of bats lived under this chalkboard.
Using cigar smoke, Dave was able to drive them away.

I call this one "On the banks of the Ol' Delaware (with geese)"

I call this one "Retrieving a Wiffle Ball from the Ol' Delaware"

Brian, Ben, Dave and Zach

Dave injuring himself during a spontaneous game of kick the can.

Bigfoot.

Rain or Shine...

2008-06-26T18:10:00.004-04:00

Just thought everyone should know that the ceremony will be held outside at the castle REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER. So, dress appropriately! But, fear not-- the ceremony shouldn't be more than 20 mins and the reception will be indoors, so if it's a less than perfect day weather-wise, we'll only be outside for a little while!

Some General Info About the Wedding

2008-06-13T08:54:00.001-04:00

In case you don't know, the ceremony and reception will be on Saturday, Sept 27th at Beardslee Castle in Little Falls, NY. It will be an early wedding, with the ceremony at 10:30 and the reception starting at 11:00 and running until 3 or 4. There will be a huge after party, so be prepared to celebrate all day and into the night.

For those of you in the Wedding Party, the rehearsal dinner will also be held at the Castle, on Friday the 26th. Since there is an wedding booked for that day, the rehearsal itself will probably be around 4pm, but there will be dinner and drinks following. The dinner will be held in "the dungeon", and there's a full bar, pool table, foosball table and darts down there, so I suspect the rehearsal dinner will be almost as much fun as the actual wedding.

Basically, we're going to be celebrating the entire weekend, so just clear your schedules and prepare yourselves for fun weekend.

Meet the Groomsmen

2008-06-11T12:06:00.006-04:00

Sarah and I feel very blessed to have such an amazing group of family and friends and we are so happy that these guys will be part of our day. We know that they are all dependable, stand-up guys, so we are confident we will have an amazing event and an absolute blast.

Here's some stats on the groomsmen:

Ben Butkus-- science writer, self proclaimed beer snob, world traveler, all-around hilarious dude, and my main dawg since middle school days, currently residing with his wife Beth in Brooklyn, NY. I was Ben's best man at his wedding. Interesting Fact: Ben once nearly destroyed downtown Ithaca, NY with a flaming tire.

Dave Siiss-- owner of a laser, high-roller, cigar aficionado- basically an international man of leisure. I've known Dave since before I can remember knowing him. Lives with his wife Kristal and their daughter Emily in Amsterdam, NY. I was Dave's best man at his wedding, too. Interesting Fact: I have unintentionally ripped Dave's shirt on multiple occasions (once in church).

Brian Forgette-- master phone prankster, co-creator (with me) of the "Feats of Strength", an amazing funny-story-teller. Worked with me under the oppressive leadership of "The Silver Fox". Lives in Gloversville with his wife Jessica and two beautiful daughters. Interesting Fact: Brian once ripped a rear view mirror off of an old Chevy Chevette in a fit of rage.

Zach Beck-- High School student, video game fanatic, the only one of the groomsmen who's ever had "emo hair". Zach lives in Amsterdam, is a hell of a baseball player and will be going to college for business in the fall. Interesting fact: I can bench press four Zachs.

Chris Beck-- Coastie, Hot Rodder, sneaker freak. Chris is my cousin (and is Zach and Jake's brother) and shares my love of Adidas, old skool hip-hop and NYC. Since he's in the Coast Guard, Chris tends to move a lot but he will soon be living in Galveston, TX. Interesting Fact: Chris owns an iPhone and a Mini Cooper, and that's not even what makes him one of the coolest cousins a guy could ask for.

Missing in Action (if any of these guys can make it to the wedding, they will be in it, even if we don't find out until the last minute):

Jay Beck-- my brother. I don't know if he'll be able to make the wedding since he is currently learning to pilot Black Hawk Helicopters for the US Army. I was Jay's best man at his wedding. Interesting fact: I witnessed Jay kick a guy down a flight of stairs on more than one occasion.

Jake Beck-- my cousin (and brother to Zach and Chris). Also in the Army, also flies in Black Hawks. Won't be at the wedding since he's on his way to Iraq. Interesting fact: we have no idea why, but both Jake and I love the new Rambo movie.

So, now that you have learned a little bit about these fellas, please feel free to approach them at the wedding and ask whatever questions you may have. i.e. "do you plan to use your laser to take over the world?" or "was it humiliating having Dan constantly beat you at the feats of strength?" or "where did you find a flaming tire and can you demonstrate at the after-party?"

humongo update!

2008-01-27T13:46:00.001-05:00

so.... after lots of ideas. and previous plans. .. . .we've decided to change things up.

Friday morning, dan, my parents, regan, and myself headed up to Beardslee Castle. .. Where we officially booked the castle for the ceremony and reception.

we are thrilled. excited. and surprised by how reasonable it was. not to mention beautiful.

it was so captivating.

the reception will be upstairs in their banquet hall. which is this giant white room, with tons of windows, and a dance floor. *i didn't get many good pictures up there- they are transitioning from their off-season

dan and i are sooo excited.
we are getting married at a castle?! what? seriously? it just doesn't even seem right.

picture it.....
the castle.
black cocktail dresses with red chucks.
groomsmen in sneakers.
bright umbrellas.
it's almost like it clashes in the best way ever.

our plans have radically changed.
we will have a mid-morning ceremony (10:30ish AM -as of now-) !!outside-rain-or-shine!!
an afternoon reception (lunch buffet)
and then an after party immediately following.

-get excited!
xobettyxo

love

2008-01-03T13:19:00.000-05:00

this guy rocks my socks off.

engagement photos

2007-12-20T16:04:00.000-05:00

are coming soon! Jenn came to town this week..... as she does this time every year. She is never one to disapoint; always comes baring gifts and good conversation. This year was by far no exception. Only this year a three year old picked out the gifts for Jenn.
Popples. Runts. Mr Potato Head.
The best gifts only a little girl just shy of three years old could concoct.
Besides oodles of art supplies, clothes for Re', and a book she made herself!..... her gift to us was engagement photos!

So EXCITING!

ALSO!! in the wonderful world of photos... .. .

We signed a contract with Anne and Dan Alsmay, this past October.

I attended HIP with Anne SEVEN years ago now. It seems like a lifetime ago.
Weekly we scope out their photo blog, and with Jenn sitting just behind me yesterday, I just about lost my head for them.... their work is featured in "The Knot's Georgia publication for spring/summer 2008".... ITS A SIX PAGE SPREAD!

Dan and I couldn't be happier for them! !

awesome wedding cake

2007-12-18T22:56:00.000-05:00

2007-12-18T22:47:00.001-05:00

location. location. location.

2007-11-01T10:11:00.001-04:00

us

2007-10-24T12:14:00.001-04:00

here are some random photo's of us over the past seven months.

:the groom:
-drummer in a punk rock band
-teaches drum lessons to kids
-office manager in a museum
-screen printer
-voice over for am political radio commercials
-DIY Mr. Freaking Awesome.

Seriously, how does a girl get so lucky?

:the bride:
-mama
-crafter
-photographer
-works with special needs
-DIYing Random Cheesy and often times Confuseing ... the soon to be Mrs. Freaking Awesome.

((I can't wait.))

red cheese

2007-10-24T10:02:00.000-04:00

I wish there was this never ending pot of money that we could just take out of for the wedding.
Check this out.

It's called Red Cheese Photo Booth Rentals

Well, Blogger is being lame so I can't post a picture.... but red cheese is so rad. Seriously, a photo booth where you can shove 8 or more people into the picture. . .. . I want my own. Well, we do. One of the old ones.

::sigh:: photo booths rock our world

searching

2007-10-24T09:36:00.000-04:00

As I was checking out wedding photo's the other day, I came across the Klingon Wedding
In case your too chicken to click on something that say's "Klingon Wedding" I will give you a lil' preview... .I can't decided weather I'm bothered or morbidly amused.

hi

2007-10-23T17:26:00.001-04:00

Ahh the first of many posts.

Welcome to our Wedding blog.
We will probably post ridiculous videos of weddings that should have been labeled train wrecks, idea's that we will be too indecisive to decide on. And probably, most likely, fun stuff that we'd never be able to afford.

We both seem to be getting our "girl" on with the planning.
As many bride/wedding/reception rags that Sarah buys .. .. ohh it can't even be said. So, I suppose I will leave it at that.

Excuse the two of us while we get our "girl" on.
It doesn't get anymore punk rock than us.. . .