i invent's first show.

This past weekend, i invent performed for the very first time. I don't know that I've ever felt so nervous for Sean. I so badly wanted to make sure that everything went exactly perfectly right. I wanted to make sure he was comfortable and happy and excited and changed guitar strings and remembered guitar picks and switched out batteries. I hoped that everything would go smoothly and that people appreciated the work that has gone into this album and that people truly enjoyed their music. 

It was hard to take good pictures. It was dark, no one wanted to pose, the iPhone is incapable of taking pictures with the flash. They didn't go on stage until 12:30. That's a tad late for me -- in fact, around 10PM I went out to my car and took a nap. For real. I slept until 11:30... it's always a good idea to keep blankets in the car. :)

I held my breath for the entire first song. And then suddenly, I realized, that this is what they're meant to do. They're good. They're really good. They have stage presence. They have talent. Seeing Sean on stage, with his friends, performing songs they all worked so hard on and seeing the crowd like the music... made me so happy.   

I can't really describe the feeling of knowing that someone is meant to do something in life. But I think it looks a lot like what happened on stage last Friday. I'm so proud of Sean and his friends/band members. They took an idea and made it into something great. And that's pretty special.

Give it a try, you'll love it.

Today is a very special day because the band that Sean plays guitar in, I Invent, has released their first EP. This is a big deal for anyone whose dream is to put music out into the world.

It's available, for free (!), and I highly suggest you give it a try. It's metal music but it has pretty parts (meaning -- there's singing and it's not just screaming). It's impressive music with fun melodies and deep lyrics. If nothing else, just know, that this album has been a huge part of all our lives for the past 6 months. The boys, as well as the girls (girlfriends, fiancees, wives) have been living and breathing this EP for what seems like an eternity. In the best sort of way, of course. My listening ear has been there through the writing, the practicing, the recording, the rough edits, the "no I don't like this anymore"... and now finally, the product. It's exciting!

So, you can listen to their new EP through links on their facebook. Or if all goes well and this link is correct (I'm writing this days in advance so it may not be right...) here's a direct link to the album. Did it work? :)

And if you're interested here are some videos they created while recording this album:

Enjoy your day!

The time he brought me to see Taylor Swift.

On Friday night we went to the Taylor Swift concert. For those of you who wrote that I would have an amazing time -- you were right. The girl puts on a show; a spectacle really. I was in awe. I was staring at the stage, and hearing 55,000 people around me shout, and scream, and kind-of/sort-of sing with her and just had this overwhelming feeling of happiness. Imagine, being her for a split second? I just can't even believe that one person is able to captivate an audience like that. It's crazy. In the totally perfect, wouldn't want it any other way, kind of way.

via.

You know that surprised look that Taylor always has when she wins awards? And from behind the TV, you're like "really? you win like everything, why are you so surprised?" Well, seeing it in person -- I believe it now. I no longer think of it as a "surprised" look but rather a "I'm genuinely grateful for this to still be happening" look.

via. 

I guess I should have looked up what "being at a Taylor Swift concert" entailed. If so, I would have found pictures of girls (young and grown) in sundresses, cowboy boots, cowboy hats, red clothes, cut-off shorts, cut-off shirts, red bandanas, face paint, holding home-made signs, with writing all other their arms, tears in their eyes, and smiles on their faces. Now, on Friday night it was cold. At least, it was cold for July. It rained all day, it rained on and off during the concert and at times it straight poured. But that didn't stop anyone from enjoying themselves. It didn't stop anyone from shouting and dancing and singing. And it surely didn't send people running for cover or heading home.

via.

The thing I noticed about T. Swift is that she has fans from every decade. We saw children who looked like they just started walking last week; and we saw grown adults who could probably be Taylor Swift's great-grandparents. My favorite people: the parents who so clearly would not be in attendance if not for their children. Sometimes it was a mom, sometimes it was a dad, sometimes it was both mom and dad; shelling out money for t-shirts, holding their daughter's hand-made sign underneath their jacket so that it wouldn't get ruined or wet, and just all around asking things like "are you having fun?" or even better saying "you were right, this is fun".

via.

Now, Sean and I clearly don't fall into either of those categories of people. I wasn't in red (I wore navy, oops), I didn't make a sign (but was absolutely jealous of all the creativity) and we aren't parents (this treat was for me). Which leads me to another group of people present: couples.

via.

Sean made an observation that is probably pretty accurate; for every 50 girls at this concert, there may have been 1 guy. Maybe. Most of those guys looked a lot like Sean... as in, they were holding a beer, leaning against something, scrolling through their phone (occasionally were asked to take pictures of the girl they were with), while using up their slightly fake "yeah, I'm totally having fun" face. In fairness, a concert like this wasn't totally horrible for him; there was never a line for the men's bathroom or to buy a beer (perks of being somewhere that the majority of attendees can't drink), and he got to watch Ed Sheeran who is extremely musically talented. But let's face it: he did this for me.

via.

And for that, I'm so grateful. Because it really was the best time ever.

Music that matters to me.

While I was driving today I saw a sign on the highway that was letting people know about traffic up ahead due to a concert; Warped Tour to be exact. It brought back so many memories for me because Warped Tour used to be the concert I made sure to go to every year in middle school and all through high school and even in my first few years of college. It was one of my favorites. I loved the multiples stages, planning out the day prioritizing who to see. I also loved the food, and the skateboarders, and the vendors. And I loved going with my friends. I always remember Warped Tour being held on the hottest day of the entire summer and one year in particular it was the immediate day after Ozzfest (and yes, I attended that, as well). Two days in a row in the hot blazing sun with thousands of other people nearby --now sounds like a nightmare but back then? I couldn't imagine a better way to spend my time.

source.

This all got me thinking about music in general. I heard somewhere that the music you listened to at the age of 14, is music that stays with you throughout your whole life. Something about that year being the age in which you make your own decisions and form your own likes and dislikes about music (opposed to just listening to what your parents are listening to). I don't know if it's totally true but I will say that when I think back to the music I was listening to at 14 -- it's all music that still to this day I hear and love; even if I don't actually listen to that genre anymore. But those songs, those albums... I can't help it.

some examples...

Now I don't know if I had actually formed my true musical tastes by the age of 14 and I was definitely influenced by other people (adults, friends, etc.). I had a very eclectic CD collection -- that's for sure. But if it was a concert -- I wanted to be at it. In just a few years, I saw everyone from Blink 182 to Marilyn Manson, Christina Aguilera to Eminem, and absolutely everyone in between. And all-day festivals? Well, like I said -- I couldn't imagine anything more fun.

So while Warped Tour still holds a special place in my heart (as do the rest of the artists I discovered at 14) we didn't go this year because Sean's not a fan of "that" music. :) So instead I listened to "Saves the Day" radio on Pandora all day long. It was just like being back in the year 2001. Perfection.

Sean's new band: i invent.

Sean and some friends formed a new band.

Which is a good thing because since the break-up of Widow Sunday, his last band...

He's been antsy. And motivated to get something new started.

I'm really proud that he's the type of guy that will make things happen for himself.

When he believes in something, he goes for it and his passion is unyielding.

And when he no longer sees something working out for him, he walks away.

Life's too short, right?

His new band includes some past band members, some long-term friends, and some new friends that will soon become family.

That tends to be how a band works.

You're suddenly in a relationship with four more people, plus their significant others.

It's strange, but interesting.

So, here's to i invent.

...May the odds be ever in your favor.

Random.

I'm very busy with work and getting ready for my next seminar.

Apollo is busy playing in her new house.

 It's becoming clear that a cat lives here.

Sean is busy with the band & shows & preparing to film a new music video.

We spent too much at Target yesterday. We bought a blender, The Vow (which I'm currently watching), and lots of stuff we probably don't need.

I'm slightly obsessed with this:

via.

We still haven't returned the movies from Redbox.

I ate mac & cheese twice today.

That's pretty much it.

How to be married to a musician.

You may or may not know that Sean is in a band: Widow Sunday. So, when he's not hanging out with me, making me dinner and driving me to craft stores... he's usually at band practice, playing shows, on tour, filming music videos, doing photo shoots, etc.

Seriously. It's like a full-time job. So much in fact, that recently when people ask me what my husband does for work, I completely forget about his 9-5 and say almost immediately "he's in a band".

It's a funny thing to date be married to someone who has a whole other life... that doesn't always necessarily include you. And it's so easy to get mad, or sad, or frustrated, or annoyed... that they're unable to commit to attending a wedding two months from now, that they can't take you on date night Friday night, or that they need to spend Sunday sleeping because they just played back-to-back shows for the last 3 nights. And it most definitely was so difficult trying to plan our own wedding!

I won't claim to be a saint or a pro, or say that I'm the most accepting wife in the whole world. Nope. Don't worry. There are definitely times that I whine and cry when I can't have my way. But, here's what I've learned in the three and a half years of being a touring musician's girlfriend and new wife.

1. Get a life: Yep. You heard me. In so many relationships people are so dependent on each other. They do everything together. But in certain situations (like this) you need to have your own stuff to do. Have hobbies, have interests, have friends. Have things to occupy your time.

2. Support from afar: Seems mean? Well, it's been my experience that my support is better suited from home. It's unnecessary to attend band practices or go to every last show. It's just impossible. If I did that... it would cut into all my time completing #1 (getting a life).

via.

3. Be there when it counts: Not to say that every show isn't a big deal. The fact that venues want their band to play and that people go out to see them every single time is a huge honor. But let's face it: some shows are more "exciting" than others. Those are the times you should be there... in person.

4. Smile and wave: When you do go to shows there will inevitably be people there that you've never met before... and your husband/boyfriend/whoever will appear to be their best friend. Don't worry about it. Smile, wave... they'll introduce you eventually and then you'll be expected to carry on by yourself for the night. It's generally not okay to force them to stay with you, or to be mad when they can't sit and talk to you the entire night. Try to mingle. If you're like me and have trouble with that... just try NOT to be on your phone playing apps the whole night. It's really not acceptable.

5. Appreciate and show respect: At shows especially... you need to clap. For everyone. Even if you strongly disliked the band that opened for them. Clap. Smile and wave. Tell them how great they were. On a similar note: as awful as it is... it's really easy to judge other people when you see them. It's important to remember that everyone at their shows... enjoys their band in some way (at least enough to bring themselves to buy a ticket and make it out). So don't make fun of their fans. Don't start anything. You never know who they may know.

6. Communicate: Clearly, with busy schedules it's easy to lose track of time and miss a call-in. So, don't set your guy up for failure. Leave things open-ended, "call me from the venue" rather than, "call me at 7". On the same note, in the age of smart phones it's really easy to keep in touch. Just make sure they pack their phone charger.

7. Don't interfere: It's not okay to manage the band. I guess, unless you're paid to do so. But even then -- Sharon Osbourne was definitely in the wrong. So don't be a Sharon. The band is theirs... not yours. And while your home life and living situation may ride solely on the success of said band... know your place and stay there.

8. Keep your ears open: They will consistently ask you to listen to their newest song. Make sure you listen. It's their craft, their passion and their love. Just like you want him to dote over your brand new DIY project... he wants you to notice the work he's put into his music. Can you blame him?

via.

9. Accept and embrace: Plans will get canceled or changed or modified. Things will have to be cut short, moved around or postponed indefinitely. There will be tears (from your end, I presume) but it's okay. Accept it. And embrace it. Or else, you'll just be bitter.

10. Fear not: Music may come first (even though he says it doesn't) but I promise if you do the rest of these things... you'll be a very close second. Maybe even a 1.5.

:)

Summer concerts.

via.

This is definitely something I need to see. I already told Sean to keep July 28th open because we have plans. It's going to be like 1999 all over again.

:)

My heart will go on.

Sean writes a lot of music for his band and on his own. A lot. And sometimes he does covers of songs. In honor of Titanic's re-release in 3D here's a little remix of "My heart will go on". 

Enjoy. :)

Oh, and just for fun here's an Adele remix.

Happy weekend!

Random...

I'm really sad about this:

New music.

I found an iTunes gift card the other day on the floor of my closet which I guess is a testament to how I'm doing with my new years resolution of being organized (hint: not very well...)

Well, anyway I decided to buy songs immediately. Normally, I really think about the songs I'm buying. But it was a spur of the moment thing and I pretended like if I didn't buy some songs [right then and there] the gift card would expire.

So, what did I buy?

Oh... such great things.

and...

I also got myself some Justin Bieber (boyfriend), Katy Perry (part of me), The White Stripes (love interruption), Gotye (somebody that I used to know), and more & more by The Black Keys. I told Sean they are my new obsession. I can't help it.

What are you listening to?

Two [very exciting] things!

One: A BLOG AWARD! :)

The rules:

{one} Thank the person(s) who gave you the award and link back to them: Stephanie! From The Vintage Modern Bride... thank you so much!! I can't wait to see your wedding pictures in just a few short months!

{two} Share Seven Things About Yourself:

1. I'm seriously debating putting off getting a filling next week so I can spend the money on the new iPhone instead.

2. I can't swim or ride a bike.

3. I don't like cooking... or waiting for food to be cooked. I prefer going out to eat or getting take-out.

4. I can't stand watching the news because the stories are always so depressing!
 

5. The first thing I do every day when I get home from anywhere is put on sweatpants.
 

6. I've never tried coffee... ever.

7. I still watch episodes of Full House and Boy Meets World whenever they're on.

{three} Pass The Award On to Fifteen Newly Discovered Blogs: These aren't necessarily NEW to me.. but they're blogs I read every day for all different reasons: weddings/newlyweds/kids/decorating/fashion/life/etc. Honestly, it's really hard to choose since I think I read about 100 blogs pretty obsessively... but anyways!

1. Victoria

2. Raven

3. Kristin

4. Becca

5. Marie

6. Shana

7. Natasha

8. El.vi

9. Megan

10. Laura

11. Teeny

12. Bride-onicles

13. Kandice

14. Shalyn

15. Tracy

There you have it! Again, thank you so much to Stephanie! :)

Two: Now! I'd like to formally jump on the band wagon and participate in "What I'm loving Wednesday" with a slight twist... 

Here are two videos I am loving, loving, loving. :)

This Adele song:

&& This amazing medley of (I think) mostly 90's t.v. show theme songs.

:) Happy Wednesday!

Parent Dances

Yesterday I showed you a glimpse of my dad and I dancing at my parent's wedding in 2006.

Well, we danced together again at my wedding:


and we danced to this:


Right after that song ended we asked that the DJ invite Sean and his mom onto the dance floor with my dad and I:


and the four of us dance to this:


I know it's not traditional to have both parents dance at the same time but I felt really strongly about it. I don't even know why. But the DJ loved the idea when we brought it up to him and I enjoyed those extra few minutes with my dad :)

Slowly, the song faded out and my dad and I left the dance floor:


so that Sean could dance with his mom to this:


:)

Our entrance.

We entered our reception to the Lion King's theme song :) and we were wearing the sunglasses we gave our wedding party as part of their gifts:


After I passed my flowers along, we began our first dance:


The song was "I love you because" by Johnny Cash:



And you know what? Remember those dance classes we spent our time and money on?? Well, we didn't use the lessons at all. But it's okay because we had fun and don't regret the time or money spent. But we decided right before our entrance that we would just move around and do a couple twirls -- and it worked out just perfectly. Honestly... my dress was too fluffy to dance like we practiced in class. We didn't really take that into consideration. So if you're taking classes make sure you think about "your look".

After our dance we went right to our sweet heart table -- notice our LOVE banner?



I think my favorite part of our table besides the love banner was that we used our toasting flutes from our wedding china! I loved seeing it on the table!

:)

The Aisle Music.

I thought long and hard about song choices for every part of the ceremony: while guests were finding their seats, the procession songs, and our exit song for after "I do".

I chose songs that had meaning, "lovey" lyrics, or classic tunes. And I was so excited about them.

And you know what? I didn't even get to hear them. :)

Not because they weren't played... or because there was some mistake. No! Of course not. Things went extremely smoothly and if they didn't I haven't found out yet.

No, because it never even occurred to me that while all my hard-thought out songs were played I would be locked inside the bridal suite... hidden away.

I never thought that I wouldn't be able to see Sean walk his mom down the aisle, or our grandmothers walked down... or our bridal party. It never even crossed my mind that I wouldn't be able to watch. How dumb!

But songs were still played... and these were our picks:

Prelude Songs while were guests finding their seats:

Better together - Jack Johnson
Wonderful tonight - Eric Clapton
More than anyone - Gavin Degraw
Here comes the sun - The Beatles
Hey, soul sister - Train

Procession - Sean, parents, grandmothers:



Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers

Procession - wedding party:



Earth Angel - The Temptations

Bridal Entrance:



Bella's Lullaby from Twilight

Recessional (or the first song heard as a married couple!)



Higher and higher - Jackie Wilson

:)

Weekend Fun.

Today, I finalized everything with the florist. It's pretty relieving to get things done and know that flowers (and other things) will actually be showing up the day of.

I got some other things done today, and one of those things was to put together these little treats. :)

I wanted to make sure the centerpieces go home with someone (assuming someone wants them) and the way we're going to do that is sometime during the night the DJ will announce to everyone to check underneath their chair. One chair at each table with have a small pink envelope (from Paper Source) taped to it.


I special ordered black guitar picks (since Sean is a guitarist) and put one pick in each envelope:


:) I really love how they came out. So the person who has the envelope will get the first "pick" (!) to see if they want the flowers... if not, I suppose they could then offer them up to anyone else who may want them.


Happy 4th of July!

It's all in the tunes.

Last night, while searching for something to watch on tv, I gave the Mr. in my life two choices: Bridezillas or The Wedding Singer. [Notice a theme?]

So, we watched Adam Sandler [for probably the thousandth time] as a groom left at the altar which clearly affected his career as a wedding singer... who would want to sing about love to people who are in love... in a state like that?

And while I [obviously] enjoy the movie because let's face it I watch it often [it's always on tv plus I own the dvd]... it suddenly made me realize that I'm supposed to be putting together a list of songs for our wedding! Of course, I have a running list... but I had forgotten all about it.

And while my musical genius of a fiance could write a song for us, that would be more appropriate for our wedding than, say:



...that lovely song written by the wedding singer himself -- there are certain songs I love so much & just can't wait to hear played at our wedding.

My problem with music is that, "we" as a couple are drawn to music. In every sense of it... I'm drawn to lyrics and Sean's drawn to the instruments. It's very hard to find a song that falls into the "good" music category we both hold near to our hearts.

And while I couldn't tell you the difference [or care about the difference] between a bass guitar vs. a guitar; real singing vs. auto-tune; or talented musicians vs. computer generated pop songs -- someone in this household can and does.

What do I care about? Lyrics. For me, it's all about lyrics. When the words make a difference, when you remember where you were & what you were doing the very first time you heard them. Lyrics that make you feel exactly how the singer felt as they wrote them and lyrics that truly embody the real emotions: love, happiness, sadness, loneliness, etc,. That's what matters to me.

Now, to find songs that are qualified for both us is a hard task in itself. But to find songs that are suitable by both us -- that are "wedding song" appropriate is nearly impossible.

If it's a well-written song, the lyrics usually aren't about love and if the lyrics are everything I imagine them to be -- the instruments most likely are severely lacking. Problem.

But I thought I'd share some songs that I love. Songs that meet my every expectation of what music should do. Songs that I would love to have played at our wedding. Songs that mean so much to me & songs that I remember where I was and what I was doing when I first heard them.











Perfect.

But let's be honest... for a wedding -- any lyrics are better than these:



Happy Monday!