Moloka'i Calmness

For a Honeymoon, we sure did laugh a lot!! From losing our luggage to being stalked by dinosaur sized turkeys, we had a blast. We also learned that we will probably never retire as we can't sit still and relax for too long.

Moloka'i is an island between Oahu and Maui. It used to be a large ranch, but as the people of Moloka'i have expressed, the evil white man came, stripped the island and left. It looks pretty barren from the air, and there's barely any tourist stops along the way. It was exactly what we wanted at first.

Our friends, Kyu and Natalie, joined us for 2 days from Honolulu to explore this island with their son Colin. We explored King Kahmehamea's coconut grove, ancient fish caves, ad some great swimming holes. We also found that this island was not a tourist island, therefore it didn't have strip malls, more than 2 restaurants, and a grocery store that was in the middle of the island, about 30 minutes away! We definitely had to plan ahead!

By day 3, we had accomplished the week's worth of tour plans. It was now the week of long coffee walks and hours of soaking in the pool. Yep, we quickly decided to hitch a boat taxi over to Maui.

Maui was everything opposite of Moloka'i and was a bit overwhelming at first. We sat at this cute fish house watching the sun set upon Moloka'i island and then strolled the streets and shops. By nightfall we found our luxurious abode. I wanted to move into this resort! They did not have a water shortage, as it felt like we were walking through a Coasta Rican jungle of flowers. The resort was old Hawai'i of hand carved wood, and the food... omg!! We ate so much passion fruit and pineapple on everything. That was a magical excursion!

We returned to Moloka'i and the kayakers and outriggers were just preparing for the big race from Moloka'i island to Oauhu island. We had one last day to fill with a hike into these old ancient ruins. The wind howled up the cliffs and through these asian pines, it sounded like old grandfathers were sharing secrets. We took a day trip on mules down one of the other sides of the island to the leper colony and back up. We tried to get photos of each other on these amazing animals, which we were very cautious and grateful for their sure-footedness. A long night in the hot tub was so needed after a day on a pack mule!

Hawai'i is such a great place to explore and relax. 4 islands down... who knows, maybe more to come??

The Most Amazing Weekend...

Thank you all for being a part of our most amazing weekend of our lives so far! Here are some highlights of the week's events in photos. Joe and I drove home from Toronto a couple of days after the wedding (dropping of the Dutchies to the airport) and finally could hear each other's perspectives of the week. There are so many great stories to remember!! Thank you for a magical weekend of Autumn in the Leaves...

Many weeks went into this event. Over achievers are us... and I do mean our family and friends in that category! We had several Mai Tai nights of making the flowers, painting flowers, wrapping corks for place settings, and well... drinking Mai Tai's just for fun! Several days were spent organizing photos for the guest book. Months were spent caring for baby trees, herbs and plants in several gardens to decorate. The week started with family and friends coming in from all over. Mom and I spent a day driving up to Toronto to pick up my family from Holland. We spent a few hours in Niagara Falls having fun.

As family and friends poured into Rochester... I would get up to make breakfast at 7am and have a full day of activities from making pies and cookies to delegating little shopping favors of last minute items. On Thursday, we took everyone on a tour of Wegman's and then just played in the back yard - eating, drinking and being merry while more guests came into town.  Friday was a full day of excursions with the bridal party. Most of the guys (one one brave gal!) went golfing in Rush - a great day to golf as it was a perfect 80 and breezy. A crowd of 24 came to Bay Creek to go kayaking and canoeing. We all returned glistening with a slight tan and sore arms. Several requests were made for straws for tomorrow's wine. We returned home to bake a few pies, thanks to Sierra, Krista, Inge, Tina and Mom! It was a hopping place, while the guys ran one last round of errands and of course, a trip to Wegmans! We ended the evening with a trip to Jeremiah's Tavern for dinner and karaoke night. The boys whisked Joey away for his Bachelor party and the girls stayed at Jeremiah's to finish some Blue Moons and sing "Kiss me deadly". Was that all in one day?

Saturday was again a magically sunny day. Now, Rochester has been unseasonably rainy EVERY day this summer. Joe and I just accepted that we'd get rained out of every activity... we were SO blessed! The day's first tears arrived when Joe's family from Indiana made a surprise visit to our home. It finally hit me at that moment that I was going to marry Joseph Shaver tomorrow! People are coming for our wedding! My sister helped me keep it together with her beautiful humor and storytelling. :)

The bridesmaids and Julie did an amazing job at organizing the food, set up and games for the jack and jill shower. So many people came, and we still can not believe how we were literally showered with gifts. There were several teary moments from mom's gift that she saved for years from my dad, to a beautiful handmade quilt from Sierra's mom. Thankfully there were several funny moments too from Joe declaring his favorite item int he house is his power drill, to his dad asking for clarification on 'their first kiss' during one of our NewlyWed games. The love was felt all day, thank you. A few hours later Jenny organized us at her first Wedding Rehearsal. We walked the 'aisle', practiced pacing and then dined on a wonderful spread by Julie and an amazing toast to 'Bliss' by Jimmy.  Joe and I parted that evening with my last image being of the fairy tale lights in the tent as the sun was setting.

The next morning coffee was planned at 6am and breakfast at 7am. Unfortunately, I slept so well that I awoke to my hair stylist knocking on my door! Full gear ahead, I made breakfast and woke everyone else up to start the dominoe of hair styling. 9 heads in 4 hours... Crystal is amazing! 12 women packed up the house from pies to flowers, dogs to bags, one last boutineer to make... did we forget anything?

And we're off to Glenora! IT might have seemed chaotic at the time but my amazing circle of women kept reminding me to soak it all in... every drop of the day. It was a beautiful... clear blue... 75 and breezy... a-maz-ing day!

We all got dressed in one room while the guys started their photos in the vineyard. All of the women looked like gems! The girl's photo shoot started nad then we went to to big weeping willow for the meeting of the bride and groom. It was slow-motion to see Joey under that quiet tree, so dapper in his tux. All of the men looked amazing, and little Michael in his man-tux! Susanne kept us on task and we made one last stroll through the vineyard, smoochied Caliente, and parted again for the ceremony. Walking up the stairs to go outside was fairly difficult to hold back the tears...and then I came a bit unravelled when I saw Margie, our minister. A few deep breaths and several pep talks to keep it together, I was ready. I put on my big-girl panties and walked the aisle. I'm not quite certain why they worry about the bride walking too fast down the aisle... I was so amazed that so many people came to witness this event, I kept stopping to say hello and smile, and wave.. that they had to remind me to keep coming... whoops! Focus Aimee... make it to the altar. 

The rest is a blur, and I'm grateful for my Uncle Ken and Tina for capturing it on video. Joe says I'm only allowed to watch it once every six months. I do remember an amazing dinner, our cousin Zach thanking us for having beef at a vegetarian wedding, and several tears and laughs from all of the beautiful speeches from Michele, Sierra, Greg, Molly, Susanne and Mark... I heard there were a few tears from the crowd as well. I also remember Natalie Sinisgalli taking some amazing photos down at the secret waterfall... Well, it was a beautiful day and as Margie said, my dad gave us one beautiful gift from heaven... a full weekend of beautiful sunshine!

Thank you all for boogying down on that floor, and for Travis taking an amazing amount of photos that captured the evening! This truly was a magical weekend and it wouldn't have been the same without everyone involved in spirit or in person. 

<3 Aimee & Joe Shaver

Wine Tasting?

Several of you have asked about wine tasting before getting to Glenora. We've created a map for you to print that includes several wineries along with how long it will take you to get to Glenora from there.

Make sure you get to Glenora by 4:15pm!

Karaoke Night

Jenny Castle will be updating this part of the site with the time and location for the evening's activities.

Stay tuned for more after August 15th, and get your song choices ready!  So it looks as if the Karaoke business in Rochester likes the late-night life... Sorry for those wishing to Karaoke at 6pm... but plan B sounds awesome!!

Looking for a place to go out on Friday night?

Come on down to Jeremiah's one of our local favorites.

Enjoy some great beer, yummy wings, and darts!
Friends will be there around 8 PM  and Karaoke starts at 11PM for all who are interested!

Jeremiahs:1104 Monroe Ave Rochester NY 14620 (585) 461-1313
www.jeremiahstavern.com

The Bride says, "Holy Cats! I hope you all have some great music selected... I will need some good laughs to stay up that late. Thanks Jenny for keeping me young!"

Golf Excursion

Joe's Step-Dad, Jim Davidson will be setting up the tee-time and location as soon as we know how many people will be joining us. (most likely in the south-east part of Rochester/Monroe County)

So stay tuned for more information around August 15th!

www.southernmeadows.com

The Golf Excursion is planned for Friday at Southern Meadows Golf Course. Tee Time is at 11am, plan to meet outside the building at 10:45am OR we can carpool, meet at Joe's house at 10:15am.

It's a short course, so you can easily walk it, or they have carts available. If you need clubs, they are also available, no worries! Have fun golfing with the groom.

Directions:

Southern Meadows is located a half mile west of I-390 at Exit 11 (Rush exit), on Route 251W. This is the Rush-Scottsville road.)   IGNORE THE ROUTE 251 DETOUR SIGNS follow the Southern Meadows signs posted at I-390 exits.  (Unless you're coming from the West on 251.  The bridge is out at Scottsville, west of us.)

The Wedding in the Vineyard

Sunday, September 06, 2009

Glenora Winery, Seneca Lake

www.glenora.com

*Outside Ceremony in the afternoon

*Barrel Room tasting immediately following

*Inside Reception in the evening

Accommodations: Wedding Week

Wedding Night

We have reserved all of the rooms and the cottage at the Inn at Glenora. There are 15 rooms at the reception level, and 15 rooms below, at the vineyard level. We would love for you to plan a weekend get-away, especially since Glenora is an hour from the Victor-area.

Our guests receive a 10% discount for Sunday night, a glass of Spumanti upon check-in, a bottle of wine in their room, a glass of port before bed. I hope you also stay for a wonderful breakfast before you leave on Monday morning, too. Reserve a room now at  1.800.243.5513 (the website is blocked).

There are only 30 rooms available, so I would suggest to reserve quickly! The next closest place would be 9 miles south at Watkins Glen or 30 miles north in Geneva.

Pre-Wedding

We have a few convenient accommodations in Victor. Although these hotels are 15-20 minutes away from Joe & Aimee's home in downtown Rochester... they are just 2 minutes away from Joe's parents' house (location of the Saturday BBQ), the mall, and I-90; and about 1 hour from Glenora.

Hampton Inn & Suites - Victor

Closer to the mall and the expressways lies the Hampton Inn & Suites in Victor. This is located at the corner of I-90 (the way to Glenora) and EastView Mall. This has a pool, workout room, a complimentary continental breakfast, and free shuttle from the Rochester airport with an arranged reservation. We did not block any rooms, it's more economical for you to use a AAA discount. (about 1 hour from Glenora)

www.hamptoninn.com

1-585-924-4400

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - Victor

This is the middle man of locations. It is located a mile past the Hampton Inn and mall. This has an indoor pool, fitness room and complimentary breakfast. We did not block any rooms, it's more economical for you to use a AAA discount. (about 1 hour from Glenora)

www.hiexpress.com 

1-585-672-2100

Microtel Inn & Suites - Victor
A more economical place is the Microtel Inn & Suites in Victor, NY. This is located a mile past the Hampton Inn. Located behind Chili's, there is a yummy continental breakfast here too! We did not block any rooms here, it's more economical for you to use a AAA discount. (about 1 hour from Glenora)

www.microtelinn.com

1-800-771-7171

The Wedding Party

Our parents gave us amazing siblings, and the universe gave us extraordinary friends. So many have supported our relationship, given us great advice, and shared some remarkable experiences. Here are just a few...

Groom's Wing:

Matt Hiemburg met Joe somewhere such as the lunch table in junior high, though history does not present an accurate record. They, along with Greg, were close friends throughout high school. Matt and Joe were roommates at the University of Buffalo for 2 years before they both simultaneously decided they needed to 'get the heck out of there'. Matt later attended the University of Dayton and met his wife Jill. They and their son, Deacon, currently live in Asheville, NC where he is a Professor of Communications. Matt is credited with having the most interesting hairdo of anyone Joe knows. He also makes his own beer (so good) that Joe started brewing as a result.

Greg Jensen and Joe mostly met and became friends because they realized early that they wanted to ski slightly more often than their parents were wiling to make the drive to the slopes. As teens, they managed to up their hours on the mountain through the miracle of carpooling. They were close friends throughout high school and beyond, though Greg's love of the big mountains keep him fairly far away from Rochester most of the time. Greg is credited with 'convincing' Joe to do lots of things he didn't want to throughout the years, but ended up being glad that he did in the end (most of the time). Greg currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he is pursuing a career as someone who REALLY likes to ski.

Susanne Shaver, Joe's sister. Joe enjoyed a luxurious & peaceful two years of being 'the baby' until one long summer day, along came Susanne. Joe had mixed feelings about this new baby and was unsure how this would affect his status. He pretty much forgot about all that when he discovered his new pastime for the next few years to come: Bothering his younger sister. Despite the early years of healthy sibling combat, Joe and Susanne managed to stay very close, even sharing an apartment for years. Susanne has been a wonderful sister and close friend to both Aimee and Joe. In no way meaning to overshadow her many talents and accomplishments, Joe's favorite interesting fact about Susanne is that she can actually eat cookies while asleep! She recently finished a Master's degree in Education (notably 5 fewer years than it took Joe) and resides in Brighton with her fiancee, Andrew.

Andrew Quagliata, Susanne's fiancee. Andrew stepped into our lives a few years ago after sweeping Susanne off her feet. Andrew and Sus had the stars aligned as they share the same birthday of the same year. They were even in the same bar on their 21st birthday without knowing of each other until later! Andrew coaches soccer, volunteers with Big Brothers, works in the President's Office at RIT and is also a financial advisor in his spare time. Our favorite memory of Andrew is a toss up between; quacking like a duck instead of voting on the family Christmas tree, or thinking that he also 'turned blue' in Indiana. Susanne and Andrew are planning a mid-November wedding.

Bride's Wing:

Michele Haase, Aimee's sister. Like Joe, Michele really enjoyed being the only child, but soon also enjoyed torturing her younger sibling. Aimee truly needs to credit Michele with preparing Aimee to work with urban youth and saving the world... skills that Michele doesn't even know she taught. Although 750 miles away, these sisters can call on their way home from work and it feels just blocks away. As most close friends, these two share a silent language and communicate through eye gestures which usually ends in explosive laughter, beware if one is eating cottage cheese! Michele works at a country club in Knoxville, TN and is raising two cherubs with her husband, David. One of my MANY favorite memories with Michele, is riding any ride at carnivals or watching her on the Tower of Terror at Disney.... screaming and spatting the whole way.

Sierra Bishop shared a cinder block wall with Aimee at Northern Michigan University, and supposedly learned a lot about Pink Floyd and the Dead while studying. These two became best friends and slightly competitive from RA training to community service. Ok, so she won the higher GPA, but Aimee won the environmental styro-free award! Sierra is an amazing middle school counselor in the upper peninsula of Michigan and lives in a huge cabin in the woods with her husband Rob, and their cherubs, Hunter and Gabrielle. Joe and Caliente met Sierra after driving 20+ hours though a blizzard, we love snow! Although we spent a few years acting like 'Charlie's Angels' while on duty as RA's, my favorite memory with Sierra would be our trip to Alcatraz Island (she's only innocent looking!) followed by a trek through Sonoma.

Krista Malley might be the happiest newlywed. She and her husband Dwayne live in the Detroit-area and works at Oakland University. Krista met Sierra and Aimee upon move-in day at Michigan, as she was our Resident Advisor. She introduced us to SLFP and encouraged us to follow in her footsteps and become RA's. In college and beyond, Krista has been a superb mentor. This twinner is centimeters away from finishing her PhD program. Besides Krista giving Joe the 'talking to', my favorite memories with Krista are trekking across Europe, from the mineral baths in Budapest to dancing in Stockholm to celebrate Summer Solstice. Krista & Dwayne are excited to start a family and she might fulfill my dream of having a bridesmaid with a baby bump showing, fingers crossed.

Inge Dobbe is Aimee's 'sister' across the Atlantic. Inge came to America as an exchange student. She, Michele, and Aimee became instant sisters and traveled the country, laughing a lot! Since her year in the US, our families have visited several times and remain close. Inge also hosted Aimee and Krista on their tour of Holland in 2001. Currently, Inge lives in the Netherlands with her husband Marc and two cherubs Nina and Sam. She is a talented photographer and is very excited to be in her first American wedding! Some of my favorite memories of Inge would include learning putt-putt golf, getting lost in Manhattan, and learning to luge in the Austria peaks.

Keystone Attendants:

Caliente Erwin-Shaver, our first daughter... the keeper of our hearts. Cali has taught us many lessons in life from patience to consistency. We know that she has secret meetings and capered events when we are at work. Although a very studious puppy, we are still awaiting her to fold the laundry. Our favorite memory with Cali would be hiking at Hi-Tor and being chased by a HUGE bee for miles... who knew an onlooking family was also being entertained?

Morgan & Michael Haase are the children of Aimee's sister, Michele. Princess Morgan is an amazing soccer player, while Mike enjoys basketball. They know how to tell stories and make anyone giggle, including Caliente. Our favorite memories with Morgan and Mike would be the 'bombs-away' pool parties, holidays at Disney, and the Fast & the Furriest 5K.

Emily & Molly Shaver are Joe's youngest sisters. Emily is following in her brother's footsteps of musical interest with a piano and a new guitar. Molly is an actress to the core, and after Aimee's heart, as a Victor cheerleader! Our favorite memories with these sisters has to be watching them encourage Caliente to play in the water or mud, while Rosie and Blossom, their boxer dogs watch in disgust. "Oh, Cali..."

The Bridal Girlfriends, No matter where I have lived, the universe has given me extraordinary circles of girlfriends. Aimee met these women upon her return to the north in 2001, and we all have a history in Education. Andrea worked with me at EMS, where Jenny, Rachel and Carley were EMS shoppers who like to hike, bike, run and kayak, and the friendship grew. Through these girls, I met Becky preparing for her marathon. Originally from grad school, I met Jenna but became better friends through book club, wine and knitting. Tara worked with Jenna and met us in EMS, she was this circle's missing link. Every circle of girlfriends needs the quirky, the determined, the creative, the straight arrow, the healer, the organizer, the storyteller, and the grounded. In this circle, no matter which one we are for the day, we are all better because we are loved. As of May 2009, this circle will finally be reunited and all living in Rochester, NY.

We would LOVE to have 50+ attendants on each side of us... and then it dawned on us, that you will all be standing behind us, not only for one day but for life. We know that each of you will be our witness to this sacrament and exchange of vows. Thank you for supporting us in the vineyard and guiding us outside the vineyard in days to come.

The History of the Ring

Ok, Many of you are asking what the ring looks like, and if it is a diamond.

A while ago we went to look at rings and my idea of simplicity was hard to find. We learned quickly what not to say. (Hint: don't tell them you don't want a diamond for an engagement ring and expect the same service!)

I had found three rings that were fabulous and unique. Some with diamond chips and some with aquamarine or peridot stones. Joe promised that the stones were not from Africa or Iraq.

I asked Joe to pick one of the three that I loved, therefore we both love this ring. Like most things with us, we agreed on our favorite!  It's an eternity band with milgrain work and an antique-y feel. It reminds me of my Nonnie's wedding band. The simplicity and whimsy is a bit like us. Thank you to everyone who helped Joe in this ring adventure!

The Proposal

I am slightly embarrassed to say that I did not see this coming.  Joe was bottling beer and I was writing a speech. Many of you might know that although an excellent cook, Joe tends to cut himself, burn himself, bump his head, or break something. So, when I heard, "Aimee, I need you quick!" from the kitchen, I went running. 

Mr. Sneaky Pants had his hands full of bottling tools and said he needed a 'secret ingredient' from the freezer. Not knowing what goes into the beer making process, I retrieved the small brown bag from the freezer wondering what 'secret ingredient' he could be adding to our Christmas Beer.

Folks, this is where it is ok for you to laugh. I saw the green box with the gold bow and thought, "Wow! what expensive spice store wraps their spices so nicely!?"

"Could this be expensive Sarsaparilla?"   -- yes, the really expensive spice!

I have a blurry memory of what happened next, except Joseph was on one knee and the secret ingredient was on my finger for eternity.