Engagement Party

Fresh from their two day Wedding blitz in Newport where some very important details for the big day were nailed down. Amy and Anthony decided to throw an impromptu engagement party. This was a hard task as our wedding party is currently scattered across the globe. With our parents in Honduras and Naples, groomsmen in China, LA and Texas, we still managed to get a good crew down to NYC for the big night. Mike and Julie did a fantastic job of scouting locations and we started the night at roof top bar of the Gansevoort Hotel for some drinks.





While we were there someone came up with the brilliant idea to play a favorite childhood game. Telephone- hilarity ensued. First Amy started the game of telephone and it ended on Anthony and then we went the other way with Anthony starting and it ending on Amy. Of course, Anthony took this opportunity to prop up his new york sports team, but there were too many boston fans in the game that toook something that praised NY to something that made fun of NY. And so it goes....







From the Gansevoort we walked over to Spice Market for some more drinks and some dinner. We went downstairs to our own private room and were surprised by the nice decorations that Mike and Julie had prepared for the room. They were such a nice and unexpected touch that really made the night special. Pictures of Amy and Anthony during their travels in picture frames, printed menus for our engagement and flowers. All very nice.




Before the food was served we were again surprised by the lovely toasts by the maid of honor and the best man.




The food was good (although spicey, hence the name Spice Market). Good times were had.




Finally after the meal ended, we headed out to the place of Amy and Anthony's first meeting. A karaoke bar near union square. Needless to say this was a hit. Amy and Anthony started the night with a lovely on key (sometimes) rendition of one of their favorite songs, Leather and Lace by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley. But they weren't the only ones who got in on the action.

Memorable performances included: Leanne's amazing, high energy (and explicit) "99 problems", Julie's unbelievable rap skills with Dr. Dre and Eminem, Matt's unique (but perfect) song selection and delivery and many more. There were some folks who did not partake in the karaoke (Phil and Vanessa!) - we expect them to practice up for our next visit!

Given that the night started at 7:30pm, as we approached 3am, two things happened. First, the drinks were settling in for everyone and people were getting tired and silly. And second, Doug's hair got progressively deshelved and shirt buttons progressively become unbuttoned.

The before:



The after:



All in all, everyone had a great time and it was the perfect start to our engagement. With this crowd in rare form we hope everyone can sustain the energy and excitement until June 13th. Just one thing... keep us away from the michrophone.