Words cannot possibly explain how pleased I am with the live action adaption of Rurouni Kenshin. I have legitimately rewatched the movie every night before I go to bed and the more I watch it, the more I fall in love with the story. Rurouni Kenshin has been a big part of my life, especially my childhood, and it has gained its own throne as my favorite show of all time. Nothing can or will ever usurp it.

Every day at dinner, starting from third grade, I was utterly immersed in the story. I was beyond obsessed and you could say I had my eyes surgically attached to the television. Eventually, the plot went in a more graphic direction and the animated show was then shown late at night. I fought against my body’s time clock and broke my curfew as much as possible to keep up with the new episodes. The last arc of the story was never animated and the show was cancelled, thus causing me to resort to reading the manga.

From images on a screen to paper, and finally translated into a physical reality, I remain astounded that the story that filled my childhood with much joy was no longer two-dimensional. I have always had a desire to see this story come to life. No matter how many times I watched or read Rurouni Kenshin, there was a sense of satisfaction, yet a yearning for completeness.

 

Creative liberties were taken with the movie and a new story was forged together with elements of the original story, combined with stunning visuals and a tremendously talented cast. The time and effort, along with love, clearly shows in this work and, it honors the nostalgic memories of Rurouni Kenshin fans while maintaining the spirit of the original. True to the story and refreshing, I can truthfully say that is an almost perfect live action adaption of an anime and I am beyond grateful that it happened to be Rurouni Kenshin.

Spent about one hour looking at Banana Republic runway photos. Their designs are beautiful.

New Year's Day Car Conversation & Wedding Brainstorm

Mom: Out of all of you, I wonder which one of you is going to give us a grandchild! We all know Sophie-girl (our dog) can't.
Dad: None of them are going to even have a kid until they get married and I don't know when that's going to happen.
Mom: (laughing) I think it will be you or Adam (my little brother).

Since that conversation, I tried to visualize how my own wedding would be (if I were to get married). To some level, I see it as a great financial burden, yet at the same time, I think of it as a wonderful opportunity. It's really an odd mix of intimacy and public celebration.

What comes to mind is a gentle, yet romantic theme that utilizes as soft palette of white, gold, and pastel. I adore dresses Grecian in style with an interesting mix of delicate draping and an element of elegance. Considering my bust size, support up top is preferable. My bottom half is nearly four inches wider than my torso, fabric that does not cling to the body (especially my lower region) and flares out from my natural waist line is highly recommended.

As for my bridesmaids' dresses, I find bold, opaque colors somewhat gaudy and would prefer them to stick to colors such as ivory or rose pink. I recognize that in some weddings, bridesmaids can wear different dresses as long as they are in the same color. However, I feel that uniform outfits for the bridesmaids give a more "complete" or sophisticated attitude.

Many women look completely different with their hair in an updo. If the wedding is more formal, I might opt for a messy updo and it seems the most appropriate. Depending on the dress (how much skin is showing) and casualness of the environment, I could have my hair gathered to the side in a side ponytail. I adore wispy, layered hairstyles because it can maintain a degree of formality and appear interesting, yet striking in texture.

Additionally, a good photographer is a must! S/he must be able to move you and carry the ability to capture the emotion and sentiment within her/his photographs. Taking wedding photos the day of the ceremony will eat up a great deal of time. Taking them beforehand ensures that the photos turn out perfectly and, leaves more private time to be alone, take photos, and spend time with guests. Overall, stress levels will be lowered and by being relaxed, that will naturally translate into better photos.

Of course budgetary constraints are undoubtedly a major factor. Customization of dresses removes the factor of alterations and the dress could be tailored to suit my taste, which is helpful, especially if I prove to be a picky bride. Dress rental is another option. However, I would have to be extremely careful with choosing and dress care, and be quick as well as decisive.

The venue shapes the overall theme of the wedding and can set multiple moods, which range from ethereal, to luxurious, to quaint/rustic, and many more. I couldn't word this better: "From rainforests to beach views, rolling hills to beautiful gardens, chapels and beyond, wedding venues are home to the most picturesque backdrops for a wedding that you can find." They are able to accommodate to things often overlooked in non-professional venues such as parking and handicap access. Moreover, if a multi-purpose venue is used, it can become the site of the ceremony and reception, thereby eliminating the question of how guests will go from one location to the other. As a result, large hotels are favorable because discounted accommodations are made for guests and it can become a place to stay for out-of-town guests or act as a honeymoon suite for the bride and groom.

With a beautiful venue as your backdrop, you do not have to worry as much about decorations, which can be a major expense. Getting married in a garden? No need to spend hundred and hundreds on flowers. Also, if the ceremony and reception are close, decorations may be reused and transported with ease.

Weddings are an important chapter in people's lives and usually happen once. Therefore, preparation is important and can become laborious. At each table is a centerpiece. Cost-effectiveness should be integrated with creativity. Usage of unscented floating candles seems like a great choice.

 

Dimmed lights help create a romantic atmosphere, along with a beautiful arrangement of flowers. Lanterns of different shapes and sizes could be hung around and fabrics could be used as a decorative element, such drapery for the walls or ribbon adorning chairs and bouquets.

As with most celebrations, cake is needed! Monochromatic in theme, white cakes are like blank canvases that can be manipulated into a stunning confection, while preserving class and a sweet taste.

From start to finish, a wedding planning is a painstakingly intricate process. Placement and composition and, every detail and decision is essential. With the right team, you can accomplish your dream wedding. I am only 18 and far from getting married, but I know that in the future, if I do have a chance to get married to an amazing person, I would set my wedding as a moment in stone that I will forever cherish and remember.