Perhaps you’re wondering, dear readers, where I have been for the past year and a half or so. I have been very busy as The Graceful Grammarian, serving as a social media consultant, creating newsletters, and editing up a storm! I’ve been very busy on other fronts, too, and therefore I have neglected my blog. I apologize for my extended absence, and I know that I owe you an explanation! So, here it is…
As I mentioned quite some time ago, Pete and I became engaged in January of 2015. We planned an October 2015 wedding, so we had ten months to buy a house and prepare for our wedding. We are so blessed that we have had the support of our family and friends, which made the whole process a joy!
My wordsmith sister, Eilish, was the maid of honor at our wedding, and she took her responsibility VERY seriously. Every element of the bridal shower that Eilish threw related to the “Under the Sea” theme. Eilish even somehow managed to get me to wear colors that matched the theme—and it was a surprise shower! In case you’re wondering about the level of detail with which the shower was planned, here’s a picture of the delectable cake:
A cake fit for a merMaura
See? I told you. Also, note the play on words.
And the surprises didn’t end there.
Eilish convinced Pete and me to attend a Lakewood BlueClaws baseball game in August, and, unbeknownst to us, she had arranged for an announcement about our upcoming wedding to be published on the JumboTron. I was so surprised when I saw our names on the big screen that I didn’t get a clear picture, but here’s what I caught:
A match mermaid in heaven: Maura and Peter 10-24-2015
Of course, Eilish presented us with commemorative hats.
With our stylish headgear
And the surprises didn’t even end THERE.
My devious younger sister had one more trick up her sleeve. She let us know that we were to go with her and meet two of our friends at The Blackthorn. However, when we arrived, many of our friends were there for our surprise bachelor/bachelorette party! It was exactly our style: we ate a great dinner, listened to live Irish music, indulged in a Carvel Cookie O’Puss Cake, and played wedding Mad Libs! Yes, we did.
As the date of the wedding drew near, I experienced a crisis. It was not exactly an existential crisis, but it was serious: When I began to address our wedding invitations, I realized that I no longer remembered how to write in standard cursive! Really, it’s true! I type so often now, and when I’m writing by hand, I generally use my own hybrid of cursive and print (legible only to me, I’m afraid). I was forced to take nearly an hour practicing my penmanship. I felt as though I was back in third grade! The results were satisfactory, I think. The invitations came out well; I then applied my same regained skill to the place cards for our reception. Thank goodness for muscle memory!
Our wedding day was wonderful!
Our wedding at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, Seton Hall University
The moment of truth!
At our reception
The gang’s all here!
Pete and I enjoyed a honeymoon in Cape May, New Jersey, and Williamsburg, Virginia. We traveled back in time from the 21st century through the Victorian Era to the Colonial Era, all within a week! While in Williamsburg, we visited what is now one of my favorite places: the Yankee Candle Village!
Yankee Candle Village: one of the greatest places on earth!
We also spent a lot of time exploring Colonial Williamsburg. We stopped at the Print Shop and Bindery—probably where I would have worked, had I lived in Williamsburg three centuries ago.
While in Williamsburg, I picked up a present for one lucky reader. (Don’t worry—it’s non-perishable!) Watch my Facebook page over the next week to enter to win this special treat.
Our next exciting adventure was preparing for the birth of our baby! Our very healthy son, Seamus Jude, arrived on July 28. Before we even left the hospital, he insisted that his daddy read some classic literature to him.
Introduction to The Hobbit
At the ripe old age of four months, Seamus has informed me that he is ready to begin his internship as the Junior Grammarian. I think he means business.
The cutest intern
It will be nice to have some help around the office!
The Graceful Grammarian 