Happy Ever After, Matthew and Michele!

Congratulations to Matthew and Michele Dakho, whose lovely wedding I attended on Sunday. The setting was the sprawling lawn and gazebo in front of the Dearborn Inn. Strains of music from Fellini's Amacord floated on the delicate breeze as we took our seats. Presently, a pair of children, a small boy and a chubby, barely-redhaired toddler in a tiny gown began the procession of attendants, which were all children! Isn't that great? I just loved that. Matthew's son Noah was the best man and his cousin Isabel Kado was the maid of honor. The wedding ceremoney was simple and so aesthetic. Probably the most tasteful wedding I've attended. And, thank you, Matthew and Michele, for dispensing with the lighting of the "unity candle." I hate it when I see that tired, unoriginal and overused faux tradition at weddings! Instead, they did a sand ritual in which they each poured different-colored sand from two separate glass containers into a larger one, symbolizing the blending of their lives and families. Much better.

Anyway, the reception and dinner at the Dearborn Inn were wonderful, the food and cake were great. But just as we were at the "tiny mint" stage (for those of you who don't know, that's a reference from Monty Python's Meaning of Life), Matthew led us to a table laden with the richest, most delectable confections along with a huge chocolate fountain. Wow! I have never turned down a sweet, let alone chocolate, but even I had a limit. I had no choice but to shake a leg on the dance floor with Noah just to get the blood flowing somewhere other than my stomach.

Much happiness to you, Matthew and Michele (and Noah too!)

Links to Teaser, Behind-the-Scenes and Article

Gosh, I almost forgot! The Squeaky Wheel sent an e-mail reminding me to publish the links to our teaser and behind-the-scenes webisode on YouTube. So here they are for the teaser and webisode, respectively:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM_uKJHNiOo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIcgefS6SJY

Oh, and we got some press this week too! Check it out:

http://thecountypress.mihomepaper.com/news/2009-09-09/Marquee/Movie_at_the_Mays.html

That's all, folks -- for today!

The Lovely & Talented Deirdre Tracey

It's been an eventful week (I'll tell you about my "Annual Day Off" in a later post.) But I would be remiss if I failed to mention the presence of fellow actor -- and my friend -- Deirdre Tracey on our set Sunday the 30th of August, 2009, at the aforementioned May home.

It was actually Brian the Director's idea to cast a member of the Panic In Detroit (aka Corrupted Minds) lineup in a guest star role. What a great idea it was! Deirdre Tracey was asked to play the role of Anne Arlington, trophy wife -- and slightly resentful -- of her wealthy and influential magnate husband, Jack Arlington (played to GQ perfection by Rhys Wyn Trenhaile.) Luckily, Deirdre accepted the role and filled it beautifully: bringing her unmatched grace, unerring taste and -- best of all -- dry sense of humor.

As a matter of fact, Matthew Dakho is to be credited because several times I looked over and saw Deirdre laughing merrily at something Matthew had just said. And since it appeared he was talking non-stop, she was laughing every time I saw her.

By the way, in an unrelated note, it was Deirdre's dad that schooled me on the fact that in reality there's no such thing as "Scotch-Irish." It was a term invented in this country in the 19th century to gain acceptance for unwanted Irish immigrants by associating them with the more accepted Scottish-American population. And it's true; when I visited Ireland for my sister's wedding some years ago, the term is non-existent there.

But getting back to my story... . When it came time to say good-bye to Deirdre, it was my privilege to visit for a few moments with Miss Nadia Catherine Raft -- or as I've often referred to her, "Princess." Nadia is Deirdre's lovely little daughter who shares her mothers long limbs and flirtatious demeanor and her dad's true blue eyes and smile. (It was nice to see you, too, Greg Raft! I don't know what's going on up there in Saginaw, but you all looked SO great!!)

Well, there's so much more I could say, not only about my friend but about the magical day we had in North Branch at Mr. May's house. But time's short today. Stay tuned for more later....