Don't Call the Bride - Seestra... (orphan black anyone?)

Our lovely Maid of Honor is none other than Ms. Clara Ho -- Candace's favorite older sister.  She can probably answer any questions you might have about anything-- wedding related or not!  She's an avid traveler (she just got home from another wedding in Scotland) so if you're traveling around Europe before/after the wedding, feel free to ask her for any tips.  Aaand, her favorite phrase is "guess how much?" so rest assured they'll all be wallet friendly!

Where do you live?  
San Francisco.  Wait, no.  San Mateo.  Excuse this city girl who moved recently and is slowly getting used to being a suburbanite.


How long have you known Candace?  
Since she was conceived?  I can't give you the number since it's rude to reveal a woman's age.  Just add nine months to however old you think she is.  Yup, 21 years and 9 months!

How did you meet?
Probably in the hospital where she was born in Connecticut--see photo for details.  You'll have to ask my Dad or Uncle for the exact "how" details.  I hope I wasn't being a brat that day.

Quick! Name 5 things you have to have when you travel?
1. iPhone 
2. Passport
3. Money
4. Map/Guidebook
5. Itinerary

What are you most excited to see/do in Italy?
See Candace and Joel get married... FINALLY!!!  Also, eat lots of good food and drive aimlessly around Tuscany.

The Candy Man Can...

rather, our tailor the tie man... à la Jeremy from Suit Supply.

FOBF Generations

From the Desk of David Ho

I recently found a 1951 Italian movie on YouTube titled, "The Little World of Don Camillo" with an English translation!

The English version of the book "Mondo Piccolo: Don Camillo" was translated  by my Dad, Candace's grandfather, into Chinese in 1963.  I was 11 when it was published.  It was, therefore, the first book I read about a foreign culture and country.  So, it seems fitting that before I visit Italy for the first time, I honor my Dad with viewing of this movie as original Chinese book could not be found.  The Don Camillo stories were published through a series of books, My Dad later also translated, "The Return of Don Camillo" but I remember the story even less.

Italy Roundup

Photo Cred: Ana Wu

Haven't done much research on Italy?  No worries, Auntie Celia's got you covered!  She's the FOB's best friend's wife and has known Candace since the early Parkview days.  She's "unleashed the travel beast" (her words, not mine!) and my inbox is overflowing with great tips and suggestions!

Need an travel app for Italy?

What about a hotel?

Don't speak the language?

Don't forget to tip!

"Everyone should also download the Rick Steve’s app; he has FREE audio tours but you need to download them before hand.  In fact, we will use his audio tour for our Grand Canal tour in Venice."

Rick Steve's Florence

Rick Steve's Venice

Want to know all there is to know about olive oil?

Reading Material

Everyone needs a good Rom-Com!

Needless to say, there's was no way to fit it all in one post...so stay tuned for more tips from our resident expert.  And of course, as a mother of 4, safety first!  Thanks Auntie Celia!

"And while I have everyone’s attention, I just want to give a lecture about safety:

There’s a lot of pick pocketing in Italy, and we as tourists are prime suspects.  It is best to not carry too much $$$ around, and if you must, keep in in your front pocket at all times.  Also, as we did when we traveled in Latin America, assume EVERYONE is out to rob you.  Don’t trust anyone.  There are many scams where people will come up to you to distract you — pour mustard on you, ask for directions, ask you to hold something — all to distract you so they can try to pickpocket you.  Here, being naturally suspicious and guarded will be our best defense.  Sad but true!"

*Side note: Auntie Celia and her daughter Ana are both amateur photographers and you'll see them through the weekend snapping away, so smile!  (And I realize the picture above is misleading as it is Machu Picchu, but I wanted to lure you in with a picture of her fun family-friendly travels and adventures (see here for more evidence).  And if you did think it was Italy, then you best be reading Auntie Celia's suggestions above!)

Best,

The Howesters

Dress sneak!

#FOBF Just call me Dean...(Martin that is)

From the desk of David Ho

We are officially in the T-30 days mark... #stressed!  And at this point, the FOB has made far more Italian progress than I have... he can sing an 

entire 

song

in

ITALIAN. 

Always looking out, here's a few links he's rounded up to help you not be stressed about offending the locals and getting excited about Italy!

My duolingo progress thus far...

If you have no time to learn a new language

10 Things Italians do better than you!

He did grew up in Jersey after all... capisce?

Thanks Dad!

Best,

The Howesters

Don't Call the Bride - countryside what?

This is what I like to call 'Don't Call the Bride' FAQs where all your questions can be answered by the wonderful army of bridesmaids.  Over the next few weeks, we'll introduce you to them so that you can study their faces and know who to ask when you have a question over the wedding weekend!

By now you've probably picked out what you're wearing...right?  But in case you haven't, we interviewed the ever fashion forward bridesmaid doubling and our 'wedding stylist', Ms. Helen Ho for some tips!

Where do you live?
New York City
 
How long have you known Candace?
Since FOREVER! :)*
[ed. note *at least Middle School]


How did you meet?
I don't remember but it might be Jessie's* birthday slumber party?!
[ed. note *Jessie = Jessica Wright, bridesmaid]
   

Quick! Name 5 things you have to have when you travel?

Ha, 5? You’re kidding right?

1. My eyes

2. Spotify

3. Concealer/Moisturizer

4. Giant bottle of water

5. Overdue reading

What are you most excited to see/do in Italy?

All of us together watching the Howesters tie the knot and swimming!!! Please don’t make me choose between the two! :)

What does Country Chic mean to you?

Floral, rustic, timeless, summer

Note: men, please wear jackets, tie optional!

Wedges or Heels?

Heels!

What's in?

Comfort, timeless, chic

What's so out?

Dressing inappropriately for the occasion (no pressure guys :))

And if you're still lost, feel free to reach out to her directly at helen.howester@gmail.com for all your fashion styling needs! 

Thanks Helen!

Best,

The Howesters