Fall is here! Fall is here!

Monday marked the official start of fall, and the cool weather couldn't be more on time. Monday was really our first day of cool weather and it seems like it's a little earlier than normal. Driving along the interstate this morning, I could make out just the faintest blushes of color on the trees. I guess the annual turning of the leaves has begun.

We got our first true taste of fall in Boston this past weekend. We were up there for my cousin's wedding and, after adjusting to 90+ degree heat in NC, the 70 degree weather in Boston was quite a shock to the system.

I love the very beginning of fall. There's something about the changing of the seasons that's exciting - the leaves turning colors, the approach of Halloween, the crisp apples and baked goods, squash soups and chunky sweaters. Of course, this excitement only lasts a few months and then I'm ready for summer again - the fresh veggies, grilling out, running around in shorts and a tank top. I guess the beginning of anything is always fresh and exciting and then looses it's luster after some time.

But for now, I'm excited about fall! I'm planning a full-out Halloween party (with costumes!) so that will keep me busy for awhile. I'm ready for the apple pies and warm soups!

Because we love people who make us look normal

How I came across this gem, only God will ever know. I skipped the boring parts and went right for the juice.

From the Wilmington local newspaper, published this weekend:

"At seven o'clock on the evening of July 7, 2007, Crystal D. Ross and Richard E. Cummings, M.D., exchanged wedding vows. The celebration took place at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside, which had been completely transformed into the ruins of a Scottish Chapel. The reception which followed was a masquerage ball set to a "Phantom of the Opera" theme.

A lavish 15-foot archway drenched with red roses was the setting as guests entered the exquisite ceremony chapel desinged to portry the ruins of a Scottish Chapel. The chapel was enveloped with a romantic red glow from a hand-painted sunset on a canvas that stretched the length of the room....

...As the ceremony concluded, a harpist serenaded guests as they made their way onto the concourse which had been transformed into the lobby of a Broadway theatre, complete with a box office...as guests were escorted by ushers through a candlelit labyrinth, their first glimpse of the ballroom was a grand sweeping staircase and the bridal party, adorned with beautiful, hand-designed masks...

...Once all the guests were seated, the bride descended the grand staircase to the dance floor to meet her husband, who was attired in a black cape and mask as in "Phantom of the Opera." The couple entertained their guests by re-enacting scenes from "Phantom of the Opera" to perfection."

You can't make this shit up. Further research (because, let's be honest, researching this is more fun than catching up on celebrity gossip) reveals that her hubby (who was the one in a black cape and mask) is a plastic surgeon. More specifically, a boob doctor.

And because I'm a nosy bitch, I've included a few photos (courtesy of google) for full visual enjoyment.

Not that I'm an expert on the subject, but I'd like to clarify just a few things for the world at large.

Trashy: getting married at a hotel that has been transformed to look like the ruins of a Scottish Chapel.

Classy: Flying your guests to Scotland to get married at the ruins of an ACTUAL Scottish Chapel.

Trashy: Transforming your wedding reception into a Broadway Theatre.

Classy: Going on a date with your husband to an ACTUAL Broadway Theatre.

Trashy: Re-enacting scenes from "The Phantom of the Opera" at your wedding reception.

Classy: No re-enacting any scenes from any musical at your wedding reception.

I could go on, but I think you get the point.