ANYONE NEEDING A TUX (GROOMSMEN and FATHERS)
Okay, here is the lowdown on getting your tuxes. We are renting the tuxes from After Hours, the store directly affiliated with David's Bridal so that they can match the color of the Bridesmaid dresses. So what does this mean for you? Actually the process they laid out for me is pretty simple. I have already gone in and entered in exactly what type of tuxes everybody needs (style, accent color, etc.). All you need to do is the following:
Before the end of February, go to ANY tuxedo place (preferably the closest After Hours, which you can find on www.afterhours.com,) and get yourself measured for a tuxedo. DO NOT actually sign up or rent a tux at this time. Instead make sure you get your measurements written down for you so you can leave the store with them. Then, you need to call the After Hours in Troy, Michigan, at phone number (248) 616-3027. Tell them you are with either the Zerbonia or Allers wedding party and then give them your name. Everybody who needs a tux has been entered into their system. They will ask you for your measurements and then they will ask you for a credit card number to pay for the tux. This is the only way for them to reserve the tux for you. The total price to you should be $104.99. We did our best to make it as affordable as possible for everyone without getting the bottom of the barrell tuxes (which were maybe only $20 less when all was said and done).
I will be checking in with everyone in mid-February to either confirm that their tux has been reserved or to bug them to go get measured and call in their measurements. Two days before the wedding (Thursday July 15th) we will be able to pick up all of the tuxes and everyone should be in town that day or the next (Friday) for the rehersal and rehersal dinner, so you should all have a chance to try on the tuxes in case anyone needs last minute alterations. You can also get remeasured a month before the wedding at your local tux place and call After Hours back with any new measurements, in case your size may have changed.
That's about it. If any of this is confusing, e-mail me or call me. Also, if you are local (Adam, Matt, Dad Z) we can go together sometime in the next month to get you fitted if that works for you. Okay guys, go get yourself fitted and I will check back with everyone in February.

Hey, it's Ralph. Haven't posted for a while, but hoping to post regularly in the future. For the groomsmen, look for tux info coming soon. Very excited that the wedding is less than 6 months away!

Everyone Ready? A lot was accomplished this weekend!!!
First of all, Ralph decided on a tuxedo style through After Hours (Davids's Bridal's sister store). He chose an After Hour's Tux w/two buttons (black). Herringbone vest w/regular tie (no bow tie). Ralph will be in Platinum, the groomsmen in Hunter green and the Dad's in Black. So if any of you groomsmen or dads read this before we talk to you, call us and we'll tell you what to do about measurements and ordering. (oh, by the way... Ralph opted for the more comfortable shoe instead of the fancier shoe, to put some of your minds at ease who will be wearing them as well).
Secondly, we chose a florist and ordered our flowers. Upon my manager's recommendation (btw, we work at Artus), we chose Farmington Florist (and I don't believe they have a website). Ralph and I were really excited because we thought we were going to have to skimp on arrangements because of other costs, but we were pleasantly surprised that we could afford our first choices! Now, we are not having alter pieces or other miscellaneous arrangements, however, we are having about 6 bouquets, 18 bouteniers and 14 corsages. OH MY!! This ties in really well with how difficult it's been with trying to find ways to include lots of our friends and family. So let us apologize now, if you don't get asked to do something for the wedding, we still love you!! (there's only so much to do in one 30-45 minute ceremony!)
I guess all of the ceremony talk brings me into religious discussion. It will be a Catholic ceremony, but we'll try to make it as short as possible!! :-) That said, Yes I will be baptized. My baptism will be on Saturday April 10th, 2004 at St. Fabian's Church and everyone is welcome to attend. (apparently the priest who will marry us, Father Brian, loves to drench his adult baptismal people, so it should be humorous as well!).
And if all of this wasn't enough, Ralphy and I registered for gifts this weekend too. Now let me say that although it was tons of fun, it was also weird too. Lots of people told us to register for more than we might need, to anticipate for the future; however, we shouldn't seem too greedy. Ack! So we decided to register at Marshall Fields for china and a few other nicer things, and Bed Bath and Beyond for everything else. You should be able to visit either web site and type in our names to view/purchase things online. So, pass the word around I guess, because wedding books say not to include registry cards in wedding invitations, only shower invitations. .... That said, invitations are probably next on the list!!!
Give us a holler if you see something we registered for and you know it sucks. (so we can delete it or find a different one) :-)
We are getting really excited because.....
It's less than 6 months away!!!!!!

Our holidays were wonderful! It was actually nice to spend time with our families without doing wedding planning. However, we are back in full swing now.
I'm patiently awaiting a favor sample (no, I'm not going to tell you what it is) that my mother has ordered for me. Also, we're looking at invitations and should be getting a sample of the one we like best so far. Don't expect a "traditional" invitation from us!!
I'm excited that all of the bridesmaids have picked out their dresses and will be able to order them soon. Guess what that means.... the boys are next!!! Ralph will look so handsome in a tux!