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the-blind-assassin-12 · 11 months

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Unfinished - Part One: Love is Like Ghosts

A/N: Happy Spooky Season, friends! This story has been marinating in my brain for the last few months, and I am super excited to share it with you. It's my first stab at something truly spooky, and though this part is mostly set up, the next few should hopefully bring the scares. If anyone is curious about the inspiration for this story, please please please feel free to ask because I have LOADS to say about it! I hope you guys enjoy my ghosties!

*Chapter title comes from Love Like Ghosts by Lord Huron*

Warnings: death, illness, murder, infidelity (not Reader and Marcus) mention of loss of parent, language

Word Count: 4,723

Summary: Maplewood Manor has a long history, not all of it pleasant, and not all of it known. You and Marcus also have a long history, and when you reunite for a few days, both of those long histories become intertwined.

Maplewood Manor - October 30, 1868

Henry Ashford stood at the window of his wife’s sickroom with a decision to make.

His hands gripped the wood that framed the panes of glass as he watched three bright orange leaves swirl through the chilly autumn air on their way to the ground. Ever since he was a child he had been fascinated by the colorful display of the changing fall foliage, the leaves seemingly celebrating their own impending demise by turning as bright and beautiful as they could before departing from the branches they were born to. Once they’d fallen, he would traipse through the grounds in search of the right one - one with perfectly shaped edges or the most vivid golden hue. Bringing it back inside he would take it to his mother, the woman pressing it under glass to preserve it through the colorless winter. Henry would hang the glass encased leaf in his window like a suncatcher, marveling at the ghost of autumn he’d captured until Spring came again with its buds and blossoms. And then the leaf would be discarded, the glass awaiting its next specimen until he outgrew the childish hobby.

Or perhaps outgrew was the wrong word for it. The fascination with preserving the beauty of things that had died stuck with him, stoked and fed by his father’s work in the burgeoning field of photographic technology. James Ashford was the owner of the largest camera company on the East coast, and the invention of the daguerreotype took his sales to new levels, solidifying the Ashford fortune for generations to come. At the same time it solidified Henry’s interest in a new method of preservation - postmortem photography.

It was a strange thing for a young man to be interested in, and as such, Henry himself was regarded as a bit strange. Nevertheless when the time came to marry, a suitable match was made for him in the form of Eliza Cutwright, the daughter of a wealthy banker from Philadelphia. It was not a marriage of romance, nor was it one of shared interests. Though she was wed to one of the most influential men in the photography industry, Eliza preferred the majesty of oil based portraits and pencil sketches to the cold reality of anything caught by a camera lens. It was rendition, interpretation, that she found fascinating - the way an artist would paint their version of the truth, the world as it was through their eyes, with emotion and passion. Not the scientific chemical process of taking and developing photos.

The Ashfords though, like any respectable family of the time, functioned as they were meant to. They hosted and attended high society events, Eliza playing the role of the ever-devoted wife, always a smile on her face, her arm always linked with Henry’s while they laughed and hobnobbed with investors and socialites. They had two children - a son, Edwin, and a daughter, Josephine - ensuring that their family legacy would live on for future generations. On paper, Henry and Eliza Ashford were an enviable couple.

Behind closed doors though, they hardly had anything to do with one another. Each year that passed seemed to widen the gap between their mindsets, every bit of growth that Henry’s company saw driving Eliza further into her love of the traditional arts. He spent more and more time in their townhome in the city, giving the excuse that he was busy with running his father’s company and leaving Eliza on her own at Maplewood, only returning when decorum called for it. It kept both of them happier and made it easier for Henry to stomach his wife’s obsession with fighting against modernity.

In turn, Eliza felt freer in her husband’s absence to commission artwork for their home, to visit galleries and meet with artists. In the Spring of 1868, while at tea with a friend, she was reacquainted with one of the first artists she had ever met - Calvin Harper.

Cal was the son of the artist that Eliza’s parents had commissioned to create both individual and family portraits of the Cutwrights, and he would tag along with his father when he came for sessions. While the rest of Eliza’s family had their turns sitting for Cal’s father, she and the boy, roughly the same age, would play in the gardens or else in one of the house’s many rooms. The only time Cal would be at his father’s side, watching each painstaking stroke of the brush, was when Eliza was his subject. Mr. Harper would later credit Eliza for Calvin’s interest in art. Their friendship, though not one of equal social status, was allowed to continue even after Cal’s father had completed his work, but it was terminated the minute Eliza was betrothed to Henry. It wasn’t proper for a married woman to keep company with bachelors.

Especially bachelors that same married woman had always harbored affection for.

But when she saw a piece hanging in her friend Grace Felton’s parlor, the same movement and light present in every brushstroke and the familiar C.H. signature in the corner, she knew at once that it was Cal’s work. Grace had purchased some of his paintings and had taken his information so that she could hire him to do portrait work. At Eliza’s request, she put the two old friends back in touch, and though it had been nearly a decade since they’d seen each other last, nothing had changed between them. Their friendship was rekindled as though it had never been dampened, Eliza inviting Cal to Maplewood and commissioning him for the same work that her father had hired his for.

He started with portraits of Edwin and Josephine, the children taking an instant shine to their mother’s childhood friend, running to greet him when he arrived, stuffing little bouquets of wildflowers or interestingly shaped rocks into his hand as gifts. Josephine had even made him a drawing, once, the girl beaming as he heaped praise upon it. He reciprocated with sweets and the occasional small toy. By the time both of their portraits were finished, Cal had himself two little shadows that sat and watched in awe as he painted, just as he used to watch his father. The way that they interacted only made Eliza’s heart grow more fond of him, and he more so of her. She began to imagine what it would have been like had she and Cal never been separated, daydreaming a life where they’d been together the entire time, where Edwin and Josephine were his and the four of them were a family. Where she’d never met Henry Ashford and never had to pretend to be anyone other than who Cal Harper knew her to be.

The affair seemed inevitable, largely because neither party did anything at all to stop it. It began while Eliza sat for her portrait, the little willpower that either of them had to keep things plutonic vanishing entirely once Cal’s eyes studied every detail of her face, once she watched the lick of his tongue against his lips as he concentrated. They were careful not to let the maid or the butler see, and they never shared more than a brief embrace in front of the children, not wanting to drag any of them into things should Henry arrive home unannounced. But during the week or so that Cal stayed at Maplewood while he worked on a painting of the house and grounds, he and Eliza took every chance they could to slip away to the meadow at the edge of the property, or else up and away into one of the many spare rooms.

The one that ended up being the last room either of them ever set foot in, actually. The room that eventually became Eliza Ashford’s sickroom.

Just as the affair itself seemed imminent, so too was Henry catching wise to it. He met Cal on a visit back home, the artist taking the opportunity to start Henry’s individual portrait while he was available, setting Eliza’s aside to finish once he was gone again. Nothing happened then to tip him off about what happened while he was away, the two men saying very little to one another but remaining civil. Despite his affinity for photography, Henry was actually quite pleased with the outcome of Cal’s work, bestowing a handshake on him. It wasn’t until all four Ashfords were sitting as a family that Henry picked up on the attraction humming between the artist and his wife - and between the artist and his children.

It wasn’t as though he remained loyal to Eliza while he was away. Henry had at least two women in Philadelphia that Eliza knew about. But a man of his stature was almost expected to have a mistress, and so long as there were no bastards involved and no one important caught wind of the man stepping out on his wife, it was like it never happened.

What enraged Henry about Cal and Eliza’s tryst was the fact that it occurred in their home. It was the fact that Eliza had allowed Cal to become close with the children. It was the idea that Edwin or Josephine might slip and mention their mother’s good friend who spent long weekends at Maplewood while their father was gone. It was the ramifications of a leader in the camera industry’s wife spreading her legs for a common artist. It was pride, more than anything.

He knew for certain that something existed between the two when Eliza fell ill and Cal still came to Maplewood. He’d given the excuse of needing to refine the painting of the house - more detail in the cornices or better color matching to the stained glass windows - but that hadn’t kept him from making a stop to see her. The final nail in the coffin had been the sketches Cal had brought to show Eliza, hoping that they would lift her spirits - sketches of her, not a stitch of clothing to cover her body, sketches of the two of them together in positions he dreamed of during their ten years without contact. Sketches that included birthmarks that only Henry should know about on Eliza’s body. Sketches that fell out of his bag and that Henry found on the floor of the hallway outside Eliza’s room.

The doctors said it was consumption, but the medical world would likely later redefine her condition as a type of lung disease, non-infectious, which was why no one else caught what was killing her. She may even have survived her illness given a few more weeks to recover. But those sketches became her true cause of death. Cal’s, too.

Edwin and Josephine had been sent to stay with their governess at the townhome in the city while their mother was sick since no one knew that it wasn’t contagious. The staff had been pared down to just the housekeeper, who had gone into town to go shopping, so there was no one home to hear the gunshot that tore through Cal’s skull, and there was no one home to stop Henry from aiding Eliza’s death with a pillow over her face.

Which led Henry to the decision that he needed to make. The way he saw it, he had three options.

The first was to turn himself in for the murder of his wife and her lover. He would go to prison. His father’s company, his company, would be dragged through the mud, and Edwin and Josephine would likely never speak to him again, let alone have anything of his to carry on which was the whole point of their births. This was the option he gave the least amount of thought to.

Option number two was to follow Eliza and Cal by swallowing a bullet of his own. In his eyes it was preferable to prison. There was even the possibility that when the three bodies were discovered, authorities would assume it was a murder-suicide committed by Cal. The children would grow up traumatized by the story of their parents’ murders, but Henry figured that would already be the case after losing their mother so young. The company would survive, and nothing of the estate would be liquified. Henry didn’t want to die, though, so he put that one out of his mind, too.

That left the third and final option - disposing of Cal’s body before anyone returned, and passing Eliza’s murder off as a natural cause. Because he hadn’t shot her, there was no wound. It would be easy to say she’d died in her sleep. Cal had fallen in the center of an area rug, which meant that the mess was contained and would be simple enough to bundle up and drag into the cellar. The floorboards were removable, and there was plenty of space for a 5’11” corpse to never be found.

Turning from the window pane and back to the gruesome scene in front of him, he made his choice.

It wasn’t until both bodies had been dealt with that Henry noticed the easel in the corner of the room, Eliza’s half-finished portrait staring through him from an otherwise featureless face.

– – –

Maplewood Manor - October 30, 2023

You sat at the long elegant dining table going over the notes for your lecture and listening to the murmur of the crowd as people shuffled into the next room to take their seats.

Sounds like a full house out there.

As a member of the Society for the Restoration of Maplewood Manor, you were obligated to host one fundraising event that was open to the public a year, and whenever you could, you chose to do something that had a Halloween spin on it. Other members chose things like tea parties, dinner dances, or summer barbeques on the sprawling lawns. People from the area - and even some from further away - would purchase tickets, and then whoever was in charge of the event would round up sponsors to donate whatever was needed so that 100% of the profits could go back into the maintenance and repair of a two hundred year old estate.

Maplewood had been in rough shape until the fifties, the deed falling into the township’s hands when the last owner had passed and there was no one looking to move in. It was turned temporarily into an art gallery, which had done severe damage to the walls and floors, not to mention the botched job that some electrician had done with the wiring of overhead lights. Eventually the property was purchased by a local university and that’s when the serious repair work had begun and the Society formed. Years later you would end up attending the college, which was how you got involved with the restoration, and though you’d graduated almost twenty years ago, you were still an active member.

The event that you were hosting was entitled Unfinished Business: Ghosts Caught on Canvas. You’d decided to go with something that combined your interests and skills. You were an artist by trade, but your focus was very atypical. Though you did also create your own original works, you’d made your name in the art world by completing works that had been left incomplete by their creators’ deaths. Sometimes the families of the artists would commission you, other times you were contacted by museums, universities and private collectors. In a way, you felt like you were bringing closure to the people who hired you, and to the actual pieces of art themselves. Your lecture didn’t include any of the pieces that you’d worked on, all of the ones you’d chosen to highlight still unfinished and baring all of the sketchy lines and over-painted areas that showed how their artists were still unsure or undecided about how that portion of the piece would look when it was done.

To your surprise, the event sold out in under a week when normally tickets for these events would still be available at the door. You were glad that you’d been able to contribute something so beneficial to the restoration society. But an even bigger surprise came in the form of one of the attendees on your guest list - Marcus Pike.

You smiled to yourself as you recalled the message you’d sent him as soon as you saw that he had purchased a ticket. This really you? You’d sent it along with a screenshot showing his RSVP, and within seconds he had responded. Do you know any other Marcus Pikes? It had made you roll your eyes and snort, but at the same time it filled you with excitement. You hadn’t seen much of Marcus in the past few years while he was in Texas, and hadn’t spent a Halloween with him since the year after the two of you graduated college.

Which sucks, because he’s so much fun around this time. And… and I miss him.

Though you’d remained as close as you could from so many states away, nothing beat the few times you’d visited one another when he had time off from work. But none of those visits had been in the month of October. Another smile climbed your cheeks - along with a splash of heat - as you thought back to the first Halloween you spent with him, and the night that the two of you met. You and Kelly, your roommate, were hosting a costume party, and you were meeting her new boyfriend for the first time. Though their relationship wouldn’t last, you had formed a friendship with the cute guy from 2E who showed up in an impromptu sheet-ghost getup that would at times border on something more but never truly solidified into anything official. You’d kissed a few times, even slept together once, and more than a few of both of your friends had assumed that you would end up together.

But then Marcus had moved south to start his career, and the will they won’t they question seemed to be answered with a won’t. And then he met and married Erin, and even when the marriage quickly came apart, you never really considered that the two of you would shift gears.

And then there was Teresa.

You wrinkled your nose at the thought of the woman and the bullshit that you knew she put Marcus through. In a way, you were glad that they hadn’t worked out, because you didn’t think you could stomach being nice to someone who had toyed with your best friend the way that she had. But at the same time, you felt for him, because you knew that when Marcus went in on a relationship, he went all in. He fell hard, which made it hard for himself to get back up sometimes. Moving back East to D.C. was good for him in that regard, and selfishly, it was good for you, too, because him being only two hours away meant that more regular visits were back on the table.

Your phone chimed on the table next to your notes, and you couldn’t help the way your face broke into a grin as you read the text displayed on the screen. Just got here. Place looks great, can’t wait to hear your lecture! Another text bubble popped up that made you pull your bottom lip between your teeth. And to seeing you.

Before you could respond, Xander, one of the grad students who was part of the restoration society, poked his head into the room where you sat to let you know that you were all set to start.

“Thanks, X.” You smiled at him and gathered your note cards before heading into the next room.

Thanking everyone for coming - and honing in on Marcus as you said it - you launched right into your presentation.

“Real quick, before I start, how many of you all have been on a supposed haunted tour? Of a house or a city or graveyard?” You paused to let people respond, counting the raised hands in the room. About half of them were in the air. Not surprised. You smirked. “Now keep your hand up if you actually saw a ghost on any of those tours.” A ripple of laughter went through the room as every hand dropped back down. “That’s what I thought. Now, show of hands, how many of you really truly believe in ghosts?”

This time, only a few people put their hands up. Again, not surprised. But you acted surprised anyway. “Really? Almost everyone in here has paid money to go on a ghost tour, but only four of you actually believe in ghosts?”

That got another round of chuckles, Marcus’ hitting your ear over the rest. “Well, don’t worry. I’m not asking you to believe in ghosts tonight. The word belief implies that I’m expecting you to put your blind faith in something without being able to prove that it’s true. But I have proof. Solid, physical proof of ghosts that exist here in our world. So I’m not asking you to believe. I’m telling you that ghosts are real. And now I’m going to show them to you.”

You could feel the rush of anticipation in the room, everyone going from joking and laughing to scooting forward in their seats at your promises. For the next hour and a half, you went over the selected works, pointing things out and connecting each piece with its artist, sharing facts and stories about them when they were relevant or entertaining.

“You can still see the sketches underneath, right here. In this corner of the image. It’s almost as though the artist hadn’t decided yet - should the wings be unfurled or folded? The pencil lines here and here would indicate that originally they were open, spread wide. But from the beginnings of the brushstrokes over here it seems like maybe he was considering a different pose. And we’ll never know which way it was intended to be, or if the wings would even still be there in the final piece. So in a way, the painting itself is haunted, full of the ghosts of the artist’s original intentions.”

You finished up your talk by briefly explaining how you did your job - how you tried to immerse yourself in the mindset of the artist by gaining access to their journals, letters, photographs or any information about their life at the time that they were working on the piece, and then do your best to match the different styles and color palettes to complete the picture. Wrapping it up by thanking everyone again, you let people know that refreshments were available in the dining room and that you’d be available for any questions for about a half hour. Most people made their way in for snacks, but a few lingered for your informal Q & A. You gave them your undivided attention, which was difficult knowing that Marcus was hovering just beyond the small group that had formed around you and the six easels behind you.

But there was no urgency, no rush to finish up and spend time with him, because he had four days off and was planning to spend three of them catching up with you. When you were finally done and the last person had thanked you for your time, you turned to Marcus and blew out a huff. “Well that went well I think.”

He grinned wide, the expression lighting up his eyes. “You think?” Without warning, he moved in to wrap you in a hug, arms winding around you and giving a brief, tight squeeze. “You did great.”

Returning the hug, you laughed. “Thanks, Marcus.” The scent of his cologne hit your nose and you had to stop yourself from burrowing into his neck to inhale again. Instead, you pulled back to see the smile he was still wearing. “I’m so glad you could make it. Been a while since we’ve been in this building, huh?”

Marcus glanced around the room and nodded. “It has. Brings back a lot of memories.” He looked back at you and winked. “Good ones.”

It does.

Marcus hadn’t been in the restoration society with you while you were in school, but there were a number of campus activities that happened at Maplewood Manor, so you’d both been in the old mansion plenty of times before that night.

You kissed me in the parlor room junior year. Doesn’t get better than that, Marcus.

You wondered if that was the memory that came to mind for him, but before you could get too caught up in that thought, he spoke again. “Not to rush you out of here or anything, but I’m starving. You ready to go grab dinner? On the way here I noticed that Michael’s Diner is still open and I’ve been thinking about those disco fries since then.”

Your eyes widened. “Of course Michael’s is still open, that place is an institution, Marcus. And yes, I’m also very hungry. Let me just check in with Xander and the other student volunteers to see if they need anything before we head out.”

“Sounds good. I’ll be here.”

Verifying that Xander had everything he needed to close up once the remaining guests had cleared out, you thanked the kid and rejoined Marcus. “Alright, all set. Let’s go pig out like we used to.”

– – –

You’d made it halfway through your meal and most of the way through listening to Marcus tell you about his latest case when your phone rang. Reaching to silence it, you noticed Xander’s name on the I.D. “Sorry, I need to…” You trailed off pointing at your phone and showing him the screen. “Xander probably forgot his key or something.”

Marcus held up both hands, palms facing you. “Of course, go ahead. No need to apologize.”

Nodding, you answered. “Xander? Everything o-”

“You need to get back here. Now.”

The young man’s voice was thin and shaky and it made your stomach drop. Something was wrong, very wrong. It wasn’t just a forgotten key or a lock he couldn’t figure out, and the fear in his voice made your stomach drop. Your expression must have given you away because Marcus’ eyebrows pinched together in concern as he sat across from you.

“What happened, X? You okay?” Your pulse pounded in your brain as you asked.

What could have happened? I haven’t been gone that long.

“There’s… someone…” He gasped a breath and swallowed, saying your name. “I called the police already, they’re on their way and I’m across the street at the security booth, but… There’s a body - a dead body in one of the bedrooms upstairs. I… I was doing a sweep before I closed up and…”

“Oh, shit.” You breathed the two words out, ice flooding your veins as the concern on Marcus’ face went full-blown. “Oh, shit, Xander. I…”

“There’s… s-something else, too.” You heard him swallow again. “When I came back downstairs there was… You only had six paintings in your lecture, right?”

Blinking quickly, you nodded even though he couldn’t see you. “Yeah, why? Is one missing?”

“No. No, nothing’s missing. It’s… there are seven now.” He paused. “Where… how are there seven now?”

“Okay, X. Alright, sit tight until the police show up.” At the mention of the police, Marcus shifted into law enforcement mode, eyes laser focused and hands already moving to pull his wallet out and drop cash on the table. “I’ll be there in ten minutes, okay?”

How the fuck… a dead body? What the… how? When did that happen, I was up there earlier in the day and then the door to the staircase was locked and-

“Hey.” You looked up at Marcus as you both stood from the table. He shook his head. “What’s going on?”

“Xander said he… Marcus, there’s a body. At Maplewood. Someone was killed, and… and there’s another painting that I didn’t bring with me now. I… I don’t-”

“Alright.” He reached for your biceps, taking a deep breath and letting it out to try to get you to do the same. “Okay. Leave your car here. I’ll drive. Let’s go.”

You nodded and tried to calm yourself down, the task made easier by the fact that Marcus was with you, and then you let him steer you out of the diner and into his car.

-- -- --

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#marcus pike x female reader #marcus pike x you #marcus pike x reader #marcus pike fic #pedrostories #marcus pike the mentalist #marcus pike #spooky story #love is like ghosts #unfinished #pedro pascal character #marcus pike fanfiction

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fashionbooksmilano · 8 months

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Best Dressed

Fashion from the Birth of Couture to Today

Dilys E.Blum and H. Kristina Haugland

Photography by Lynn Rosenthal and Graydon Wood

Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia 1997, 87 pages, 21x31,10cm, paperback, ISBN 0-87633-118-5

euro 24,00

email if you want to buy [email protected]

Published on the occasion of the exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art from October 21, 1997 to January 4, 1998

Best Dressed: 250 Years of Style is the most comprehensive costume exhibition ever mounted by the Museum, with some 200 costumes and accessories covering nearly three centuries of fashion. Drawn from the Museum's important holdings of Western and non-Western dress, the exhibition will feature costumes from the Middle East and Asia as well as Europe and United States. The show will present the finest pieces in the collection including regional dress; eighteenth-century and early nineteenth-century high-style from Europe and the United States; a selection of important late nineteenth-century gowns designed by great Parisian couturiers, including Charles Frederick Worth; works by renowned twentieth-century fashion designers, such as Elsa Schiaparelli who gave the Museum a significant collection of her work; and one of the most popular items in the Museum's collection, the wedding dress worn by Princess Grace of Monaco, the former Grace Kelly of Philadelphia.

03/02/24

#Best Dressed #fashion exhibition catalogue #Philadelphia Museum of Art #250 years of style #Worth #Schiaparelli #Yamamoto #Comme des Garçons #fashion books #fashionbooksmilano

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ralphdealphotography · 2 years

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Ralph Deal is the man behind Ralph Deal Photography and La Reine Boudoir, a professional photography studio serving Philadelphia and New Jersey. He specializes in photographing couples and weddings as well as families and boudoirs.

#wedding #photography #weddingphotography #boudoirphotoshoot #boudoirphotography #engagementphotography #engagement #familyphotography

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derekklenadaily · 2 years

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‘A HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR’ REVIEW

‘A Holiday Spectacular’ was written by Julie Sherman Wolfe and directed by John Putch. The cast featured Ginna Claire Mason, Derek Klena, Eve Plumb, Stephen DeRosa, Ann-Margret, Elle Graper, Bryon Jennings, Carolyn McCormick, Sara Gallos, Dylan S Wallach, the Radio City’s Rockettes and more!

The film sets in present day with an Older Margaret with her granddaughter Lucy (Elle Graper), who is going to audition at the Radio City as Clara in ‘The Nutcracker’. To calm Lucy’s anxiety and fears, Margaret decides to tell her secret, that’s where we suddenly go back to the year of 1958 in Philadelphia. Young Margaret is part of the Philadelphia wealthy high society and is expected to be married into the well known prominent family. But she feels stuck with the wedding plans, so she makes a sudden decision to go to New York City to fulfill her dream to become one of the iconic Radio City’s Rockettes after seeing them on Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on her television.

Ginna Claire Mason as Margaret is absolutely divine to watch. She’s funny, ambitious, driven and confident. In the film, we see a stark contrast of both worlds, as a wealthy Philadelphia socialite and a Rockette; a loveless engagement to a man who hardly knew anything about her, and picturing the idea of the “perfect” wife would be like once she’s married. Then there’s other world where she is more comfortable and content in the city, surrounded by a group of ladies in a boarding house for the Rockettes and we see that there’s a huge weight off of her shoulders by dancing on stage every night rather than having her head in amounts of stressful planning for the upcoming wedding.

During her time in the city, she meets several people throughout her journey. Sofia; her talkative, bubbly, hilarious roommate and best friend, who is portrayed by Sara Gallos. We can see that she was clearly having a ball playing the part. Alice (Tiffany Denise Hobbs) and Janet (Larissa Schmitz) are among in the supportive sisterhood of the Rockettes. It’s neat to find a little tidbits of the side-characters and their story in the film. And how they all bond with each other on and off-stage due to how much they relate to one to another especially they are going down the same pathway to perform as a Rockette.

There’s several great scenes with Maggie and the Rockettes where we see how hard they work on stage and how precise each dance move has to be with certain timing of the song or how quickly they have to change into another costume by helping each other out after running off the stage. To relate to the previous paragraph, not only we see the main characters bond, we see every single Rockette bond together as sisters on stage especially the kick-line sequences!

Derek Klena who plays John Slater who is an aspiring photographer who has dreams of going to a NYU to become a photo journalist even though he is working at his father’s shop in the city while he is off-duty from the Navy. Derek is so charismatic, charming and determined in this film! Audiences will definitely fall in love with him fast, like how Margaret did in this film.

Throughout the film, we see Maggie and John’s relationship blossoming within days of meeting each other on the streets of New York. They gave each other’s support and inspiration by their respective love for photography and dancing, going for their dreams even though their parents seem to think it’s completely impossible and they want their children to carry on the family’s name and legacy whether it’s business related or money. Derek and Ginna Claire’s chemistry is really lovely to watch on screen. They bounce each off so well with witty one-liners, slow dancing in the snow, and stealing glances throughout the film.

Eve Plumb (Brady Bunch) and Stephen DeRosa (Boardwalk Empire) played John’s adorable but strong-willed parents. Carolyn McCormick (Law and Order) and Bryon Jennings (Lincoln) portrayed as Margaret’s strict and pompous parents. Can’t imagine what imagine was it like to have the actors to have such iconic and well known stars to play as their parents or even as an older Margaret who was portrayed by Ann-Margret (Viva Las Vegas and Bye-Bye Birdie).

We get the taste of glitter and glamour in the film with pretty iconic and stunning costumes on the Rockettes. Not only that, throughout the film, we get the vibes of ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ or ‘Rare Window’ or ‘A Star Is Born’ with the gorgeous, dreamy, bright and stylish 1950’s costumes by Keith Costumes! And the music score in the film was amazing especially during when she’s on stage with Rockettes and poignant/sentimental scenes.

‘A Holiday Spectacular’ is a wonderful movie that give us all the nostalgic and holiday feels upon watching the film. The message in the film was strongly expressed that we should be ourselves, go for what makes you happy and achieve your goals/dreams no matter what anyone says. Be surrounded by the people who know and love you for who are. Julie Sherman Wolfe did a beautiful job with the script and John Putch did a great job with the directing especially it was filmed for a short period of time. ‘A Holiday Spectacular’ had a bit more theatrical feel than the traditional Hallmark movies, even though it still had a few cheesy moments but overall the reviews and tweets from various audience members and critics say that it was really great and heartwarming Christmas film to watch. You can watch the film on Peacock TV, YouTubeTV and FrdnlyTV during the holidays! Enjoy!

#derek klena #broadway #ginna claire mason #eve plumb #ann margret #stephen derosa #sara gallos #tiffany denise hobbs #larissa schmitz #a holiday spectacular #a holiday spectacular cast #film: a holiday spectacular #julie sherman wolfe #John Putch #radio city rockettes #the rockettes #reviews

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joyfuljourneystransportation · 3 months

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Making Your Special Day Unforgettable with Wedding Car Transportation in Philadelphia

Introduction

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, a celebration of love, commitment, and the beginning of a new journey. As you plan for this momentous occasion, it's essential to consider every detail to ensure that your special day is nothing short of unforgettable. One crucial aspect of your wedding day logistics is transportation, and that's where wedding car services in Philadelphia can make all the difference.

Philadelphia, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, provides the perfect backdrop for your nuptials. Whether you're envisioning a grand, traditional wedding or a more intimate, contemporary celebration, the right wedding car transportation can elevate the experience and create lasting memories for you and your guests.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the benefits of utilizing wedding car services in Philadelphia, the factors to consider when selecting the perfect vehicle, and how to ensure a seamless transportation experience on your big day.

The Importance of Wedding Car Transportation

Your wedding day is a true once-in-a-lifetime event, and the transportation you choose can have a significant impact on the overall experience. Here's why wedding car services in Philadelphia are an essential component of your wedding planning:

Enhance the Atmosphere

Wedding car transportation can set the tone for your special day, adding a touch of elegance, sophistication, and excitement. Imagine arriving at your ceremony or reception in a beautifully appointed vintage car, limousine, or luxury SUV – it's a moment that will captivate your guests and set the stage for an unforgettable celebration.

Ensure Comfort and Convenience

Planning a wedding can be a whirlwind of activity, and the last thing you want to worry about is the logistics of getting you and your wedding party to and from the various venues. Wedding car services in Philadelphia can provide a seamless, stress-free transportation experience, allowing you to focus on the joyous moments and cherish the memories.

Create Stunning Photo Opportunities

Your wedding day is a chance to capture beautiful, lasting memories, and the right wedding car can serve as the perfect backdrop for stunning photography. Whether it's capturing the bride and groom's arrival, the wedding party's grand entrance, or candid shots throughout the day, a beautiful, well-appointed vehicle can add an extra touch of elegance and romance to your wedding album.

Ensure Timely Arrivals

Punctuality is crucial on your wedding day, and wedding car services can help ensure that you and your wedding party arrive at each location on time. With experienced drivers and a keen understanding of the local traffic patterns, you can trust that you'll reach your destinations without any unexpected delays.

Personalize Your Experience

Wedding car services in Philadelphia often offer a range of vehicle options, allowing you to choose the perfect fit for your wedding's style and theme. Whether you envision a classic, vintage-inspired ride or a modern, luxurious limousine, you can tailor the transportation experience to your unique preferences and create a truly personalized touch.

Selecting the Perfect Wedding Car in Philadelphia

When it comes to choosing the right wedding car transportation Philadelphia there are several key factors to consider to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience.

Vehicle Options

Philadelphia's wedding car service providers offer a diverse selection of vehicles, ranging from classic vintage cars to contemporary limousines and luxury SUVs. Take the time to explore the available options and choose a vehicle that complements the overall aesthetic and theme of your wedding.

Seating Capacity

Ensure that the wedding car you select can accommodate your wedding party, including the bride and groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and any additional guests who may need transportation. Consider the size of your wedding party and choose a vehicle with ample seating to ensure everyone travels comfortably.

Amenities and Features

Look for wedding car services that offer premium amenities and features, such as climate control, privacy screens, champagne flutes, and even entertainment systems. These little touches can elevate the overall experience and make your wedding transportation truly special.

Driver Professionalism

The driver of your wedding car plays a crucial role in the success of your transportation experience. Look for a service that employs experienced, professional drivers who are knowledgeable about the local area, adhere to traffic laws, and prioritize the safety and comfort of their passengers.

Pricing and Packages

Wedding car services in Philadelphia offer a range of pricing and package options to suit different budgets and needs. Compare various providers, understand the inclusions and any additional fees, and choose a package that provides the best value for your investment.

Availability and Booking

Securing your wedding car transportation well in advance is essential, as the most popular vehicles and timeslots can book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. Work closely with your chosen service provider to ensure that your preferred vehicle and schedule are available for your special day.

Ensuring a Seamless Wedding Transportation Experience

To make the most of your wedding car transportation in Philadelphia, it's important to plan ahead and communicate your needs effectively with your service provider.

Communicate Your Preferences

Discuss your wedding's style, theme, and overall vision with your wedding car service provider. This will help them recommend the most suitable vehicle options and ensure that the transportation experience aligns with the aesthetic and atmosphere you've envisioned for your special day.

Coordinate Arrival and Departure Times

Work closely with your service provider to plan the arrival and departure times for your wedding party, ensuring that everyone is transported to the ceremony, reception, and any other designated locations on time and without any disruptions.

Provide Detailed Itinerary

Share a detailed itinerary of your wedding day with your transportation provider, including the addresses of all the venues, the expected duration at each location, and any special requests or needs you may have. This will enable the driver to plan the most efficient routes and be prepared for any potential changes or delays.

Communicate with the Driver

On the day of your wedding, maintain open communication with the driver assigned to your wedding car. Inform them of any changes to the itinerary, address any concerns or questions, and ensure that they have a clear understanding of your expectations and preferences.

Enjoy the Ride

Finally, take the time to savor the experience and enjoy the ride. Soak in the excitement, relax in the comfort of your wedding car, and cherish the special moments with your spouse-to-be and your wedding party.

Conclusion

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the transportation you choose can play a significant role in creating an unforgettable experience. By selecting the perfect wedding car service in Philadelphia, you can elevate the atmosphere, ensure comfort and convenience, and capture stunning photographic memories that will last a lifetime.

From classic vintage cars to modern, luxurious limousines, Philadelphia's wedding car service providers offer a diverse range of options to suit your unique preferences and wedding day vision. By considering factors such as vehicle options, amenities, driver professionalism, and pricing, you can find the perfect transportation solution to make your special day truly remarkable.

By planning ahead, communicating your needs effectively, and working closely with your chosen service provider, you can ensure a seamless and stress-free wedding transportation experience, allowing you to focus on the joy, love, and cherished moments that make your wedding day so special.

#wedding car transportation philadelphia

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