Our Big Announcement
Posted on October 26, 2015 Leave a Comment
For those not on Facebook or Instagram, this happened:
Just Cooked: Giuliana Rancic’s (Mama DePandi’s) Bucatini Recipe
Posted on July 20, 2014 2 Comments
When your friends bring you pasta straight from Italy, you do it justice. We turned to Giuliana Rancic’s mom’s bucatini recipe. We had watched Mama DePandi give her daughter directions on how to make it on “Giuliana and Bill” and it looked pretty easy, so we gave it a shot. Instead of bucatini pasta, we used the pappardelle and the olive oil Brandon and Steve got us while in Tuscany last month.
What You’ll Need
• 1 big can of tomatoes
• 1 onion chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 pinch of dried chilli peppers
• 4 sprigs of basil for cooking; extra sprigs for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Directions
• Prep work: Crush the canned tomatoes in a large bowl. Chop the onion. Mince the garlic. Heat a pot of water to boil.
• For the pomodoro sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauce pot. Cook the onions for 5 minutes. Then, add the garlic (save a little for later); cook for 1 minute. Then, add the sauce, sugar and salt. Add 4 basil sprigs. Simmer until the sauce reduces.
• For the pasta: Boil the pasta with some salt.
• Combine the sauce and pasta: Remove the basil that was cooking in the sauce. In a large pan, cook 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a little minced garlic and a pinch of dried chilli peppers. Add the pasta (no water); toss. Add the sauce mixture; toss.
• Almost done: Serve with a dusting of Parmesan cheese, a pinch of kosher salt and fresh basil sprigs on top.
We shared the end result with our gifters, Brandon and Steve, and success! We’re all fans. If you need some protein, fry a couple of chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste; slice and serve on top of the pasta.
We hope you try it, but know that you will have to wash a lot of dishes. This is not a one-pot dish like Jesse and I are used to.
Watch Our Same-Day-Edit Wedding Video
Posted on September 3, 2013 Leave a Comment
Check out our same-day-edit wedding video here: http://vimeo.com/73178525
The password is: usigan
Wedding Thank Yous!!!
Posted on August 26, 2013 1 Comment
Thanks to everyone who came to our wedding!!! We had so much fun, and we loved having all of you there to be a part of our special day. We truly felt the love in the room.
A special thanks to our parents for helping us ($$$) make it all possible. Hehe.
And to our bridal party — best man Doug, matron of honor Iris, groomsmen Travis/Peter/Troy/Brian, bridesmaids Hannah/Vivienne/Lauren/Gladys, ringbearers Stone/Tyler, flower girls Aubrey/Raiann, readers Steve/Stephanie/Peter (again)/Aunt Karen, and Uncle Joe for the welcome and blessing — you guys rock. Words could not describe how happy we are that you guys were there for us to be involved in the wedding, be a part of the planning process, be there for all the fun of the bachelor/bachelorette parties and — well — be there for us in general our whole lives. You guys are the best!
With love always,
Ysolt and Jesse
What We DIY’d
Posted on August 25, 2013 1 Comment
Simplistic and romantic with a hint of whimsical
Photo Table Cards
Instead of the typical, simple, tried-and-true, bi-fold table cards with names and table numbers, we wanted to personalize each one. What better way to do it by including each guest’s photo on theirs? We had 162 guests at our wedding and even we were surprised to be able to compile all of the headshots. With the exception of a handful of friends’ plus-ones, this exercise reaffirmed to us that we did a great job of fleshing out our guestlist with our closest family and friends. Even though we had a medium-sized wedding, it truly was a very intimate affair.
Materials needed: White cardstock, patterned paper, a glue stick, paper punches for 1-inch circles and 3-inch tags, magnets, and a trusty printer with a healthy supply of ink.
Tutorial: Print names and table numbers on cardstock. Punch tags out the cardstock. Punch patterned circles and glue on each card. Be a creep on Facebook, and download and print each guest’s face on cardstock. Glue faces on magnet. Set up cards and magnets on metal boards. To make it easier for your friends to find their cards, print letters on cardstock and punch with the tag puncher. Alphabetize.
Printed Schedules
One thing we knew we’d need were printed schedules for the bridal party, friends and family doing readings and out-of-town guests who were part of the festivities leading up to the big day. Since certain attendants would have to be at different places, at different times, we created print schedules for each “VIP” guest.
Materials: Cardstock, paper punches for 1-inch tags, and a trusty printer with a healthy supply of ink.
Tutorial: Create template in photoshop. Develop different versions for different groupings of guests (for instance, all bridesmaids received the same schedule). Print all “VIP” guests’ names on patterned paper. Punch 1-inch with names from patterned paper. Glue names on each schedule. Hand out to “VIP” guests or ask the hotel to hand it out at check-in. We gave them to everyone at the rehearsal dinner.
Framed Signage
Even though wedding guests have been there, done that — they know what to do when they see a birdcage and guestbook — including framed signage with a personal touch adds a touch of decor to otherwise somewhat-naked tables at the reception and cocktail hour.
Materials: Cardstock, plastic frames, wedding stickers, and a trusty printer with a healthy supply of ink.
Tutorial: Create signage in Photoshop and print. Asphyxiate wedding stickers on signage. Set up in frame. Display.
Our “Happily Ever After”
I was inspired by a tarot card reading where I pulled the “happily ever after” card… We brought the concept and wish to our photos by printing large signs with the words, and had our bridal party hold them during a picture-taking session immediately after our ceremony. We are so pleased with the results. This picture will surely be framed and grace our living room.
What We Bought
Etsy Accents
Where would brides be without Etsy? We scored these custom finds from the online marketplace on a budget, and were thrilled at the results.
From left: Our wedding invitations (excluding the custom infographic-style map created by a friend who’s also a talented graphic designer), guestbook poster, bird cake toppers and ring bearers’ ties.
Note: If you’d like the contact information for the Etsy vendors we bought from, send me an email!
Party Favors
Buying in bulk on Etsy is not as easy. For party favors for our 160+ guests, we turned to The Knot Shop to buy these adorable “Meant to Bee” candles with metallic bees (FYI, I also had bee-themed clips in my hair on my wedding day), and personalized matchbooks.
Balloons for Pictures’ Sake
Thank you, BalloonPlanet.com for making our vision a reality. We wanted to insert big pops of color with balloons, so we went with 3-foot pink and green balloons to match our wedding theme colors. And no, these balloons were not so powerful that they took my groom away. Jesse is just a good actor/model. We released the balloons after a handful of “money” shots.
Our Wedding Announcement in the New York Times
Posted on August 25, 2013 Leave a Comment
What a great first day as “Mrs. Schmidt”!
It’s the day after our awesome wedding celebration and we made the New York Times!
Check out our wedding announcement here.
Countdown to the Wedding, 0 Days to Go
Posted on August 24, 2013 Leave a Comment
And the day is FINALLY here! After all of the planning… We can’t wait!
Countdown to the Wedding, 1 Day to Go
Posted on August 23, 2013 1 Comment
When Ysolt went away for her bachelorette party in Asbury Park, NJ, the girls visited a psychic… These are the cards Ysolt drew from the reading. So fitting!
Countdown to the Wedding, 2 Days to Go
Posted on August 22, 2013 Leave a Comment
These delicious green apples are going in the hotel guests’ welcome bags that they’ll receive upon check-in.
Countdown to the Wedding, 3 Days to Go
Posted on August 21, 2013 Leave a Comment
And the “please give us good weather” chant has begun!
Countdown to the Wedding, 4 Days to Go
Posted on August 20, 2013 Leave a Comment
The name tags/place cards are all made. This took WEEKS to make. What you don’t see is how personalized they are with magnets of each guest’s face holding each of their cards up on a metal board. It’s amazing how the affair of 160+ people can still feel so intimate. We feel like we had a close connection with everyone in the room (minus some plus-ones, of course).
Countdown to the Wedding, 5 Days to Go
Posted on August 19, 2013 Leave a Comment
Five more days to go until the big day… Our rehearsal dinner playlist is set, and all of our special songs for the wedding reception have been chosen. Thanks for making it easier, Spotify!
Countdown to the Wedding, 6 Days to Go
Posted on August 18, 2013 Leave a Comment
In 6 days, we get married!!! He’s my lobster. She’s my lobster.
Countdown to the Wedding, 116 Days to Go
Posted on May 2, 2013 Leave a Comment
Oh you know, just picking up my wedding dress with my InStyle.com features editor friend Jennifer Merritt and a CBSNews crew, the usual…
Countdown to the Wedding, 216 Days to Go
Posted on January 20, 2013 Leave a Comment
Today, Ysolt went wedding dress shopping with our moms, Iris and Gladys at Lovely Bride. One hour later, she bought a dress. Done and done. And no, this isn’t the one. It’s a surprise!
Countdown to the Wedding, 218 Days to Go
Posted on January 18, 2013 Leave a Comment
ELECTROHONEY and the rest of the cast of “Electric Highway” doing their first reading.
Countdown to the Wedding, 237 Days to Go
Posted on December 30, 2012 Leave a Comment
We stayed up until midnight last night printing and stuffing envelopes… But whew, our save-the-dates are ready to go out!
Poll: Do You Plan on Staying at a Hotel?
Posted on December 20, 2012 Leave a Comment
Hey, friends. We’re doing a poll to figure out how many rooms we need to reserve at our preferred hotel. So tell us:
Check out the list of hotels in the area here. Our number-one choice is DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton (because it’s the closest to the venue and it’s pretty fab). We got a discounted rate for that one, but you’re free to stay anywhere you like.
Engagement Announcement in Our Local Newspapers
Posted on December 17, 2012 1 Comment
It’s coming.
We just sent our engagement announcement — finally — to our local newspapers.
So this Sunday, December 23, 2012, pick up the Star Ledger in New Jersey and the Poughkeepsie Journal in upstate New York to see our mugs.
It will also be online on both newspapers’ websites.
Now, it feels really real, doesn’t it?
UPDATE: You’ll find the announcements online at PoughkeepsieJournal.com and NJ.com.
Countdown to the Wedding, 252 Days to Go
Posted on December 15, 2012 Leave a Comment
Today, we took our wedding DJ to meet our wedding coordinator at our wedding venue! The day is getting closer and closer!!!
Countdown to the Wedding, 267 Days to Go
Posted on November 30, 2012 Leave a Comment
We are waiting for hot dogs and hamburgers from Lucky’s.
Countdown to the Wedding, 279 Days to Go
Posted on November 19, 2012 Leave a Comment
Electrohoney performed at the GLAM Awards tonight and killed it! Jesse was on drums as usual rocking it out.
Countdown to the Wedding, 280 Days to Go
Posted on November 17, 2012 1 Comment
Today, we are weeding through engagement photos. Thank you so much to Russell over at MPW Group for helping us feel super-comfortable. You’d never know in these pics that we were way uncomfortable with being in front of the camera.
These are just some of our favorite shots:
Countdown to the Wedding, 282 More Days
Posted on November 15, 2012 Leave a Comment
Jesse in the living room… Cozy Thursday!
Countdown to the Wedding, 292 More Days
Posted on November 5, 2012 Leave a Comment
We are all bundled up with our cozy tote blankets while hanging out on the couch and watching “The Voice.” It is quite nippy out!
Countdown to the Wedding, 295 More Days
Posted on November 2, 2012 Leave a Comment
Half of Manhattan, still power-less.
Countdown to the Wedding, 296 More Days
Posted on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
Day two of housing hurricane refugees… New York is still hurting.
Countdown to the Wedding, 297 More Days
Posted on October 31, 2012 Leave a Comment
In the wake of tragedy, half of New York City power-less and doomsday traffic, we are housing Hurricane Sandy refugees! Nader is one of our guests.
Centerpieces We Love
Posted on September 29, 2012 Leave a Comment
We’re thinking, all-white flowers with a rustic vessel for our centerpieces…
Countdown to the Wedding, 332 More Days
Posted on September 26, 2012 Leave a Comment
Relaxing in bed, watching the new fall lineup after a delish dinner at Sushi Damo. We cherish these easy, lazy weeknights.
Countdown to the Wedding, 334 More Days
Posted on September 24, 2012 Leave a Comment
Black shoes during unfortunate circumstances over the weekend. Sad feet. Make the most of every day with family and friends.
Countdown to the Wedding, 335 More Days
Posted on September 23, 2012 Leave a Comment
Jesse’s band, Electrohoney, at their show last night at Rockbar in New York City. Some highlights: covers of Calvin Harris and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, plus their originals.
Countdown to the Wedding, 336 More Days
Posted on September 22, 2012 Leave a Comment
It was not an easy day today for our family… Rest in peace, our beloved Tito Ross. We will miss your kindness and your smile.
Countdown to the Wedding, 341 More Days
Posted on September 17, 2012 Leave a Comment
We have been opening cards and gifts… Way fun! We discovered some of our friends gave us the same cards. Great minds!
Countdown to the Wedding, 342 More Days
Posted on September 16, 2012 Leave a Comment
After brunch today, we went to Pier 87 near our apartment by the Intrepid.
Help Us Pick Our Wedding Song: The (Crazy, Funny, Awesome and Completely Random) Suggestions
Posted on September 16, 2012 Leave a Comment
When we asked our friends to suggest first-dance wedding songs at our engagement party, we didn’t know what to expect. Clearly, we should’ve known better… “Dirrty,” “Sabotage,” “Welcome to the Jungle”… We are not equipped to dance to these classics.
And obvi, our first dance will likely not be “Macarena,” “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” or “I Wanna Sex You Up,” but we appreciate all the suggestions. (You jokesters!)
Luckily, there are some gems here! Song #1, “Together With You” by Magic Orange (Doug, Brad and Jesse’s band’s song) — woot woot! It’s in the running for sure, but Doug and Brad will have to play it live. “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young, “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz and “Feels Like Home” by Chantal Kreviazuk are pretty sweet, too.
The winning song will be revealed August 24, 2013… at our wedding. Thanks, friends, for participating in this exercise.
Countdown to the Wedding, 343 More Days
Posted on September 15, 2012 Leave a Comment
What a great night — our friends came to our humble abode for our engagement party! We can’t take credit for this super-cute photo though! Joanne Rodriguez, thank you for taking it!
Countdown to the Wedding, 344 More Days
Posted on September 14, 2012 1 Comment
Getting ready for the engagement party tomorrow with our lovebug friends! Since we have yet to decide on a wedding song, we are asking everyone to weigh in. Spotify playlist to come!
Countdown to the Wedding, 351 More Days
Posted on September 7, 2012 Leave a Comment
Dessert tasting, compliments of the chef during a meeting with our caterer for our engagement party next weekend. From left: yuzu cheesecake, chocolate souffle and green tea creme brulee. Delicious!
Countdown to the Wedding, 352 More Days
Posted on September 6, 2012 Leave a Comment
Waiting for Madonna to come on at Yankee Stadium…
Countdown to the Wedding, 353 More Days
Posted on September 5, 2012 Leave a Comment
Ysolt went to Chelsea to meet up with friends and snapped a photo of our old apartment. So many memories with this red door… including the time Ysolt dropped her keys through the grating and Jesse saved the day by climbing underground to get ’em. Ysolt knew then that he’d always be her hero.
So Cute! The Best Save-the-Date Videos Ever
Posted on September 3, 2012 Leave a Comment
And here’s ours, in case you haven’t seen it yet:
Countdown to the Wedding, 355 More Days
Posted on September 3, 2012 Leave a Comment
With our engagement party less than two weeks away, it was time to print some signage! It’s all finally coming together. Can’t wait to celebrate with our closest and dearest friends.
Countdown to the Wedding, 356 More Days
Posted on September 2, 2012 Leave a Comment
Finally on our last day in the Bahamas, we found a Starbucks! Figures…
Countdown to the Wedding, 357 More Days
Posted on September 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
Making the most out of our last full day in paradise…
We started this site to plan and keep people updated about our wedding. Now that that's done, we decided to continue to blog so we can look back at how we've grown -- together.
Ysolt and Jesse 
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