Rehearsal Dinner Blues

I am not tagging this post as a travel post even though the rehearsal dinner took place in Calistoga, too.  We were so busy entertaining the kids and keeping them out of trouble that neither Mr. Fantastic nor I had a chance to wander and get any photos of the gorgeous venue. The rehearsal dinner was held at the Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery and Mr. Fantastic was in heaven because they had the Oktoberfest beer on tap. I was thrilled because Sangiovese wines are one of my favorite varietals and the family served a 2009 Sangiovese that was sourced locally from the family-owned Benessere Vineyards down the street in St. Helena.

Dress: Banana Republic Monogram; Shawl: Marc Jacobs for Target + Neiman Marcus

I bought everything I wore to the rehearsal dinner at the end of last year because I didn't want the bigger ticket items (clutch and shoes) to go on my budget this year - I know, I should be embarrassed. However, I am really proud of the dress purchase.  I blogged it last year in this post, because I found it at Banana Republic for $25 and then all final sale items were an additional 30% off. I've worn it twice before for other functions and I would say I've gotten my money's worth from it.

Earrings: c/o BaubleBar 2012

Clutch: Yves Saint Laurent; Bracelets: Banana Republic & Nordstrom Rack

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

I honestly don't know how other bloggers do it to take photos wherever they are.  I love being a tourist because it really disguises the whole "I am taking alot of photos of myself - for no good reason!" idea for me.  Obviously, it would have been weird and downright rude to be seen taking multiple photos of me, my purse, my shoes, my jewelry at someone else's rehearsal dinner.  Instead we waited until we got back to our rental house and everyone was getting dressed for bed to sneak out to the balcony in the back and take some quick photos for the blog.

How do you take photos at someone else's event without seeming odd? What do you think when you see someone crouching down to take a photo of their spouse's shoes? Isn't it so weird?