The Wedding Register

The Commercial Appeal

2010-02-03T09:13:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to share a great writeup the book received.

The lesson learned here? When life hands you lemons? Get a book out of it.

The Commercial Appeal 01/31/2010, Page V06

AUTHOR!AUTHOR!

By Peggy Burch

burch@commercialappeal.com

Memphis native Melissa Anderson Sweazy can explain why she wrote a book that focuses on weird things about weddings. It all began when her heart was broken.

Sweazy had a long-distance relationship with her college sweetheart during a nine-year period when she lived in Los Angeles.

“I’m embarrassed to admit that gave me plenty of time to daydream about our eventual wedding,” she writes by email. “We did get engaged, the dress was purchased, and the date set, when the groom to-be suddenly bailed and literally left the country.”

Devastated, she worked through her grief by poring over 19th-century etiquette books and sociology records at the Los Angeles Public Library. She learned about courtship rituals, ghost brides, wife-carrying competitions, sacrifices for love.... Grief works in mysterious ways.

“Because of my broken heart, the darker, stranger aspects of weddings were that much more appealing,” she says, “and I knew nothing would make me happier than filling up a book full of weird wedding tales.”

So she wrote “Veiled Remarks: A Curious Compendium for the Nuptially Inclined” (Dang Creative, $21.95). “It’s the kind of book I wish I could have read while going through my breakup,” she says.

Book agents suggested she include her own tale of woe in the book, but she was too honorable to demonize her ex. Still, she adopted the idea of an illustrated story about a jilted bride, with each chapter of that sufferer’s tale serving as a category: “Finding a Mate,” say, or “Love is a Battlefield.”

Illustrations were done by local graphic design company Harvest Creative.

Sweazy will be reading and signing her book, in addition to serving wedding cake, at Davis-Kidd Booksellers on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

And yes, reader, the author says she found “the right Mr. Right.”

Live at 9

2010-02-01T21:12:00.001-08:00

You locals are in for a treat.

Tune into Live at 9 on Channel 3 tomorrow to watch frizzy ole me do my best to speak over my scratchy, Barry-White by way of a cold voice and chat about the book.

When I come to, hopefully there will still be enough time to get me to my reading at Davis Kidd at 6 PM. Petit fours, fruit tea, whips and prizes.

It'll be fun for the whole family...if my whole family will leave any seats left.

Hope to see you there!

Indie Wed

2010-01-31T07:33:00.000-08:00

I'm just a few hours on the otherside of Indie Wed, still sifting through thoughts of gorgeous booths, stylish brides, stunning jewelry and mmmmmdonuts. I think I spent just as much time telling people about my book as I did directing them to Glazed Chicago Donuts!

My first thought - when I got over praising the venue gods for situating us right in front of a Shelby Cobra and a Vincent motorcycle - two of my husband's favorite vehicles - was that how I wished I could get married all over again.

I would hire Inspired Goodness to transform the reception into brain candy. Seriously - I was about struck dumb when I made my way into Kimberly Canale's booth, bowled over by her chalk drawing of a roaring fire in a vintage fireplace, offset by framed vintage wedding photos.

I'd have caketoppers by The Small Object, but only if she could make them crown a bed of lemon ginger donuts. A photo session by Vavoom Pinups would inspire me to get me in fighting shape after sampling all those donuts. Sara Elizabeth would address the invitations from Paper Stories Press. I would carry around bouquets from Pollen everyday of the week, just cause.

I have also won the lottery in this daydream.

This cute guy was my right hand man for the day.

Thanks for believing in me, baby.

And for luring all the pretty girls to the table.

Glamour!

2010-01-20T14:39:00.001-08:00

Thanks to the exquisite Joanna Goddard of Cup of Jo fame, my wedding book Veiled Remarks: A Curious Compendium for the Nuptially Inclined got a great shout out on the Glamour blog.

You can see it here and here!

Thanks again, Joanna!

The Perfect Wife

2010-01-18T18:31:00.000-08:00

When I was in Nashville for Imaging USA, I stumbled upon a free monthly called The Nashville Retrospect, a current paper that's all the news that's fit to print...from The Nashville Banner of fifty years ago. Making the front page was this tantalizing letter to the Banner's etiquette experts, Samuel and Esther Kling.

Q: How can every wife be an asset to her husband?

Elizabeth & Gary Get Married

2009-12-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

Some cribbing from my photo blog...

I haven't written an official Thanksgiving missive yet because this wedding post is pretty much my equivalent. I'm so thankful for my amazing clients, and no more so than my dear friend Elizabeth who married Gary on an absolutely perfect November day. I'd been looking forward to this wedding all year as the extremely creative pair adopted a Masquerade theme for their nuptials. From the locale to the decorations to the dress and even the costumed guests, every detail was uniquely Elizabeth and Gary and unlike any wedding I've ever attended.

I want to say thank you again to Elizabeth and her family for the honor of allowing me to capture this amazing day. I have a feeling this will be the first of several posts on the topic!

I think I may have to devote a separate post to the glamshoot, but as a teaser, here is one of my favorites.

OK...one more.

With this ring

2009-11-12T05:43:00.000-08:00

True love never dies. It can only get a little smelly.

The Small Object

2009-10-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

I am swooning over the Small Object's adorable marriage certificates.

via designsponge

Today at Elmwood Cemetery

2009-09-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

Warm summer sun shine brightly here
Warm southern wind blow gently here
Green sod above lie light lie light
Good night dear heart, good night, good night.

This gorgeous monument is but one of the may, many reasons you need to visit Elmwood if you've never had the occasion. When I was in college, my creative writing professor brought us here for inspiration, and I'd say he was successful.

(Except for the former staff member who imperiously declared in front of my entire class as I handed over a check, "There is no A in CEMETERY!" She does not inspire me.)

I really want to use the descriptor of "haunting" when describing this cemetery, all punnyness aside. There's just something about the rolling hills and marble angels standing watch over loved ones passed on that stays with you long after you leave the grounds. Kim McCollum, the director of the cemetery, is often asked if she finds her workplace frightening or spooky, and she laughs out loud at the thought. She insists it's just too beautiful to be anything but enchanting.

But obviously, it's a cemetery. A very old cemetery. People were taken from their loved ones much too early, and that's why I was so stuck by the monument of Ms. Etta Grigsby Partee. As I learned on a walking tour of the grounds one summer night, Etta died.

On her wedding day.

She was loved so much by the fiance she left behind that this beautiful monument was built in her honor. A glass dome originally shielded her from the elements but inevitably shattered. I stood there staring at her statue long after our group walked on, and it just seemed obvious to me in that moment that this is where I would need to have my book party. This bride never had her wedding day, so the least we can do is eat some cake and sip some champagne in her honor.

I hope you'll join me this afternoon at 5. If not, make an effort to visit one day. I promise you'll be haunted in the best way possible.

Indiewed

2009-09-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to announce that I'll be spending the end of January 2010 in Chicago at Indiewed, a new bridal fair with offerings from amazing letterpress designers, calligraphers, florists and my book! I'll be the one wearing the freshly slain seal and guzzling cider by the gallon. I don't handle the cold well, but I am masochistically in love with Chicago, so I'm thrilled to be a part of Indiewed's debut!

Marriage - according to kids

2009-09-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

This has probably been going around the internet for aeons, but I'm just now seeing it and it makes me happy...and fearful of my daughter one day speaking in full sentences.

Rules of Marriage, as described by kids

1. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?

-You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like
sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the
chips and dip coming. - - Alan, age 10

-No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to
marry. God decides it all way before and you get to find out later who
you're stuck with. -- Kristen, age 10

2. WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by
then.
-- Camille, age 10

3.HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF 2 PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the
same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8

4. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8

5. WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

-Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know
each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)

-On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets
them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10

6. WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

-When they're rich.
-- Pam, age 7

-The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with
that.
- - Curt, age 7

-The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry
them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
- - Howard, age 8

7. IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone
to clean up after them. -- Anita, age 9 (bless you child )

8. HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?

There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is .......

9. HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump
truck.

-- Ricky , age 10

Muddy's Bake Shop signing

2009-09-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hello lovely people!

After a long, twisty, journey, my book is here and what’s that sound? Why, my giant PR machine cranking its gears into motion! My very first signing is this Wednesday Sept. 9, 7 PM at Muddy’s Bakery. Come lift a glass, eat a cupcake for dinner and learn about flirting with a whip, brides and bacon, and why there are jail cells specifically designated for Indian mothers in-law.

The next signing will be September 24. Stay tuned...

Muddy's Bakeshop
5101 Sanderlin Ave
7 PM

Jose Villa

2009-08-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of being schooled - literally - by photo wunderkind/sweetest boy on the planet Jose Villa back in March of this year at a workshop in New Mexico. His work makes me want to curl up and get cozy inside his images. This wedding in particular may be the most perfectly staged and shot event I've ever seen. Impeccable details all expertly captured by Jose, yet there's an intimacy present in all his images that lets you feel the love.

If you ever have the opportunity to work with Jose, do whatever it takes. Put a camera on ebay, put yourself on ebay. Just go. You won't regret a second.

Wedding Chapel

2009-08-26T06:48:00.001-07:00

With the advent of beautiful wedding blogs like Once Wed and 100 Layer Cake and brilliant wedding photographers seemingly setting up shop everyday, it's enough to make a married lady want to do the deed all over again.

Thanks to Wedding Chapel in Manhattan, I can! Watch the video for an excellent introduction.

Davis-Kidd

2009-08-18T21:52:00.000-07:00

I'm so thrilled to announce that in addition to the website, the book is now available at Davis-Kidd Memphis and Spruce boutique (that is also currently running my photography show, Found.)

Tomorrow...world domination. Blocks by blocks at a time.

The Fresh Hubby of Bel Air

2009-08-07T06:06:00.001-07:00

Perennially late to the game, I just now stumbled onto the Broke Ass Bride, briefly turned green and retched with envy over the awesome site name, and then watched the most adorable how-we-met video EVAH.

Enjoy!

Love is a rollercoaster...

2009-07-30T18:43:00.001-07:00

...in this case, literally.

According to this article, a 33 year old woman plans to marry her favorite rollercoaster. It goes on to explain that she suffers from a condition known as "objectum sexual" where the individual falls in love and/or receives sexual gratification from inanimate objects. (Did the bride in question acknowledge that her choice of paramour results from a need for major meds or if the writer of the article just googled "thing that the dude had in Lars and the Real Girl).

No word on the ceremony. Will the guests be allowed to take a ride on the newly hitched rollercoaster, or would that be considered cheating?

Save the Date

2009-07-21T10:54:00.001-07:00

Wooo-hoo!

I just got my kick-ass save the date to Elizabeth and Gary's wedding that I will be shooting this fall, and I have to show you the adorableness from our awesome session.

Stop Motion Save the Date

2009-07-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

Cuteness overload

Save the Date_9/26/09 from Jason Harmon on Vimeo.

via designsponge

Ringing it in

2009-06-22T18:30:00.001-07:00

I love this sweet little wedding cake ring

via designsponge

Our Labor of Love

2009-06-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

I've been following Atlanta based photographers Our Labor of Love for awhile, but I had to post what may be the most beautiful wedding I've ever seen. The pictures are absolutely brilliant. Let these images dance in your head and carry you into the weekend...

The Book is almost here!!!

2009-03-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

The next couple of weeks promise a flurry of activity. I leave next week for what promises to be a game changing photography workshop in Santa Fe, the Sweazys return to LA for a wedding, and my beautiful, magical daughter will celebrate her second birthday.

But I have some news I've been dying to share.

My book is finished. This sucker has long been a labor of love and has been through so many draft changes and agents and artists that I'm amazed we both survived intact. But it's finished and almost ready to make its debut. I'm 99% certain that I will be selling the book through the Veiled Remarks website, and my media blitz of one will be coming to your blogs and cocktail hours soon.

But here is a little sneak peek. Isn't GORGEOUS??? The artists of Harvest patiently brought my story to life, and for that I am just beyond grateful.

More news and hopefully a link to a shopping cart soon! Have an awesome weekend!

The Corpse Bride

2009-03-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

I'm still not exactly sure how I stumbled onto this story. I don't routinely surf websites entitled Malaysian Babes, but for some reason the links I followed brought me to a post about this super spooky photo and tale:

p.s. For the easily creeped out, i.e people who can't watch The Ring, let alone Watcher in the Woods, skip this post.

Trust Me.

I mean it.

Still here? Ok.

At first look, nothing amiss, right?

Well?

She dead.

According to the internet story - someone helpfully translated from the original Malaysian which was translated from the Chinese (so you know it's reliable), a historian unearthed this photo and revealed it's story. The wedding photo was taken in 1922, the bride the daughter of a wealthy Chinese family and the groom a poor but extremely handsome fella. Tragically the bride developed a high fever and died before she could be buried. But that didn't deter her parents who were unwilling to send their daughter to the grave unwed. The groom, rightfully unwilling to be married to a dead girl, fled his village and joined the army. Her parents tracked him down, and six days after the bride's death, they was joined in holy matrimony.

For the J-horror twist, you aren't supposed to look at her photo too long. Because she just might smile at you.

Love Match

2009-02-16T06:12:00.000-08:00

Some say there are matches made in the stars.

There are matches made by exceptionally wise/meddlesome family members.

Match.com anyone?

For these folks, their kidneys were a perfect match.

Good thing he'd already given her the ring.

image from cnn.com

Happy Valentine's/Darwin's Birthday

2009-02-13T12:24:00.000-08:00

Whether you are celebrating Darwin's birthday or the day of the Whitman Sampler, I hope you have a lovely one.

Ever the thinker, Darwin composed a practical pro and con list debating the merits of marriage.

Oh, that Darwin. God's gift to evolution. To the ladies? Eh, not so much...

Pros:

Children (if it Please God)
Constant companion (and friend in old age) who will feel interested in one
Object to be beloved and played with. Better than a dog anyhow
Home, & someone to take care of house
Charms of music and female chit-chat
These things good for one’s health—but terrible loss of time
My God, it is intolerable to think of spending one’s whole life, like a neuter bee, working, working, and nothing after all—No, no, won’t do
Imagine living all one’s day solitary in smoky dirty London House
Picture yourself with a nice soft wife on a sofa with a good fire and books and music perhaps compare this vision with the dingy reality of Great Marlboro Street, London
Cons:

Freedom to go where one liked
Choice of Society and little of it
Conversation of clever men at clubs
Not forced to visit relatives and bend in every trifle
Expense and anxiety of children
Perhaps quarrelling
Loss of Time
Cannot read in the evenings
Fatness and idleness
Anxiety and responsibility
Less money for books etc.
If many children forced to gain one’s bread (But then it is very bad for one’s health to work too much)
Perhaps my wife won’t like London; then the sentence is banishment and degradation into indolent, idle fool