S18.E02: Windy City Weddings

[Elizzikra]

A few more weddings. Lots of side-to-side bobbing and giggling from Karla, who does (IMO) win for best dressed bride of the season, if not ever. I like Allen and I hope things work out for him but for some reason, I am still not hopeful. I'm through hearing Emem's "I'm going... to see... my husband..." even though I like her generally.

Also, if women are going to insist on wearing pageant gowns to AfterParty, could they at least accessorize appropriately and leave the Apple watches at home?

Edited October 23 by Elizzikra

[Hip-to-be-Square]

2 hours ago, Elizzikra said:

Also, if women are going to insist on wearing pageant gowns to AfterParty, could they at least accessorize appropriately and leave the Apple watches at home?

Why do all of these women dress like they're on one of The Real Housewives reunion shows 😅😏? Flammable and cheap evening gowns that they'll never wear again! 

Edited October 23 by Hip-to-be-Square

[kikicat]

Three posts so far. This show is really rocking our worlds.

I don't have much to add. Not disliking anyone but Karla, but everything's usually rosy at the weddings.

I like all the men so far, which surely can't last. Allen is goodlooking but needs to do something about his weirdly configured face hair that draws attention to his weak chin. David was most improved groom for getting his man-pony under control. Ikechi's serious about his emotions. He looked better in a hat and denim jacket than a tux. I like Tom, but I'm not sure why.

Madison and Michelle are practically lookalikes except for slightly different shades of extensions. Karla's dress was elegant. Will mesh boob windows go away, please? They look like screen doors; just add a few mosquitoes. I don't remember anything about Camille except that she married Tom.

There are currently three political ads on my screen, and here comes one that covers most of the page. It's shaded like a boob window, so that's appropriate.

Edited to add: Watching a replay of Emem's and Ikachi's wedding because I missed it earlier. She's lovely. And the flowers are gorgeous, they're sitting in a bower of lavender and purple for their first talk. Now it's Tom and Camille's turn and I still can't remember anything about her. During the slo-mo, he appears to be taking a peek down her boob window. 

Edited October 23 by kikicat

[kikicat]

1 hour ago, Hip-to-be-Square said:

Why do all of these women dress like they're on one of The Real Housewives reunion shows 😅😏? Flammable and cheap evening gowns that they'll never wear again! 

I skipped the after-party show. Please tell me the gowns weren't all day-glo pink this year.

[kristen111]

I don’t even know their names yet, but the last wedding had the beautiful bride with the blonde hair who was matched with a real nice guy, but his hair was too much.  Between the hair and beard, yikes.  Then again, maybe she likes that look.The flowers were to die for, gorgeous.  I’m still liking all of them.

[Katie111]

Do they have to pick their dresses off of some bargain rack at the back of the store?  They always look cheap and outdated.  I wll agree that Karla's is probably the nicest, classiest one I have seen.  

I really liked Madison's reaction to Allen.  She seems like an open and genuine person and she seemed to really like his low-key sense of humor.  I agree that his facial hair is odd, he might look better with a short beard.

Michelle got what she asked for and her husband seems like a genuinely nice guy.  Basement living might be an issue but if he has $$ saved for a down payment, that might be fine. 

I like Tom and his wife.  They both seem like genuine people. 

Karla talks too much about being a free spirit instead of just being a free spirit.  It almost seems like an act.  And her husband is just too much with his columbian heritage.  He moved here when he was 7 and he seems to use that as an excuse as to why he can't find a woman.  Makes no sense, there are plenty of different cultures and races in Chicago.  I think they will consumate the marriage early but I don't see them working out.  

Ikachi didn't look very happy during the ceremony.  Not sure if he just has sort of a resting bitch face.  His vows were too religious for me and didn't really say anything about "them".   She seems giddy.  I thought his comment about making sure none of his students pay anything for college was odd, full rides to college are few & far between unless he works with kids in severe poverty but even then that's an urban myth that poor kids go to college for free.  Also, if he's not working for rich families, he's not making a lot of $$ as a college counselor.  Not sure if his art pays any of the bills.  I know she's an NP but what does she do?  Almost looked like cosmetic type stuff or maybe dermatology?

 

[VioletNevermind]

Allen and Allen's Bride (I'm terrible with names and at least two weeks from all of the names solidifying in my mind): He really does seem like a decent guy.  A bit prone to dad jokes, but there are worse traits and I'm sure he was terrified.  His aggressive beard shape-up situation was unfortunate.  I gasped when he appeared in his tux, ready to be married.  I hope that was just for his wedding day and he dials it back for everyday life.  As for Allen's Bride, she left no impression whatsoever for now.

Juan and Karla: Juan seems very impressed with himself, to say the least.  I wouldn't trust him as far as I can throw him.  Karla seems like just another simpering, up-speaking, cookie-cutter woman that this show is gravitating toward.  She's very aware of the cameras and is playing a role.  I have zero hope for them remaining together.

Emem and Ikechi: I really like her attitude.  She is easily the most genuine of the brides and seems to be truly ready to be married, but I think she's showing her hand a little too much.  She's giving him a lot of power right off the bat and will be so hurt if Ikechi turns out to be an ass.  

Basement David and Basement David's Bride: She seems like the most superficial of all of the brides, with Karla at a very close second.  David cleaned up nicely for the wedding and I still think that he has a very solid family/friend unit.  As for his living situation, I found David's comment about how he "could move out at any time, but he didn't want to pay rent" interesting.  Maybe my perceptions are clouded by the fact that I'm currently dealing with an adult daughter who refuses to grow up and accept the fact that she has to earn money in order to live independently, but still.  David does work, but at least he acknowledges the fact that a 35-year-old man who lives in his childhood basement would be a massive red flag for many women for a whole host of reasons, both financial and psychological.  I'll be watching his progression closely and I hope he ends up happy, but I suspect that he'll end up right back in that basement where he started (which will clearly thrill his mother).

As for the aftershow, I already feel like I'm too damn old to be watching this show, so I can barely stay awake on these marathon MAFS nights.  I may end up skipping the aftershow this season, but from what I saw last night, it was more of the same: the superfluous cocktail, the superfluous dresses, and the superfluous conversation.  Blah.

Edited October 23 by VioletNevermind

[Elizzikra]

51 minutes ago, Katie111 said:

Do they have to pick their dresses off of some bargain rack at the back of the store?  They always look cheap and outdated.  I wll agree that Karla's is probably the nicest, classiest one I have seen.  

I really liked Madison's reaction to Allen.  She seems like an open and genuine person and she seemed to really like his low-key sense of humor.  I agree that his facial hair is odd, he might look better with a short beard.

Michelle got what she asked for and her husband seems like a genuinely nice guy.  Basement living might be an issue but if he has $$ saved for a down payment, that might be fine. 

I like Tom and his wife.  They both seem like genuine people. 

Karla talks too much about being a free spirit instead of just being a free spirit.  It almost seems like an act.  And her husband is just too much with his columbian heritage.  He moved here when he was 7 and he seems to use that as an excuse as to why he can't find a woman.  Makes no sense, there are plenty of different cultures and races in Chicago.  I think they will consumate the marriage early but I don't see them working out.  

Ikachi didn't look very happy during the ceremony.  Not sure if he just has sort of a resting bitch face.  His vows were too religious for me and didn't really say anything about "them".   She seems giddy.  I thought his comment about making sure none of his students pay anything for college was odd, full rides to college are few & far between unless he works with kids in severe poverty but even then that's an urban myth that poor kids go to college for free.  Also, if he's not working for rich families, he's not making a lot of $$ as a college counselor.  Not sure if his art pays any of the bills.  I know she's an NP but what does she do?  Almost looked like cosmetic type stuff or maybe dermatology?

 

They have a budget and need to choose something that can be altered to fit them in the short timeline, so their choices are limited. I loved Karla’s dress but I could take or leave the rest. 

I have a friend who runs a program similar to the one that Ikechi describes. It works with low income kids who are college bound. Often they are the first in their families to go to college. There are scholarships and aid out there so the kids don’t pay much, if anything. The programs also help with course selection, grades and generally getting them ready to go to college. 

Emem is a nurse practitioner in a cosmetic dermatology practice. She does peels and Botox and such. 

I remember Camille’s curls. They are gorgeous. I don’t remember anything about what she does for a living or what she likes to do when she isn’t working. I think she has a cute dog?

I like Allen. I think he is a great catch. I hope things work out for him.

[sara416]

I hate when people say women are "too much" but I'm going to say right now that I think Karla is too much for Juan. I think there is someone out there who will appreciate everything she is, but he already looks overwhelmed and they just met. I don't see this one going well. 

I also don't get the connection with Emem and Ikachi. I am sure they are both lovely people but something seemed off with him. 

Really hoping Allen and Madison work out. They had good energy. 

 

[sara416]

5 hours ago, Katie111 said:

 

Ikachi didn't look very happy during the ceremony.  Not sure if he just has sort of a resting bitch face.  His vows were too religious for me and didn't really say anything about "them".   She seems giddy.  I thought his comment about making sure none of his students pay anything for college was odd, full rides to college are few & far between unless he works with kids in severe poverty but even then that's an urban myth that poor kids go to college for free.  Also, if he's not working for rich families, he's not making a lot of $$ as a college counselor.  Not sure if his art pays any of the bills.  I know she's an NP but what does she do?  Almost looked like cosmetic type stuff or maybe dermatology?

 

I looked her up after the casting episode because the name of her business was there. It's cosmetic injections like botox. I kind of laughed when he mentioned she was "saving lives" as a nurse or whatever. 

He works at a school as a college counselor. He works at a collegiate charter school so they can be choosy about their students. He does work in a rough area but it being a charter school also helps them likely get a lot of financial aid and help from whatever university holds their charter. They are near UIC, which is  not an easy school by any means. 

 

[redpencil]

14 hours ago, Katie111 said:

I thought his comment about making sure none of his students pay anything for college was odd, full rides to college are few & far between unless he works with kids in severe poverty but even then that's an urban myth that poor kids go to college for free.

I work in college admissions (I'm at a non-profit that partners with colleges), and it's actually quite possible, and it doesn't even have to be "severe poverty". For high-achieving students it can actually be cheaper for them to attend a top tier school than a local school or a community college or what not. Top tier schools have large grants and many of them cover 100% of demonstrated financial need.

14 hours ago, Katie111 said:

I really liked Madison's reaction to Allen.  She seems like an open and genuine person and she seemed to really like his low-key sense of humor.  I agree that his facial hair is odd, he might look better with a short beard.

I was pleasantly surprised by her reaction to him. I had commented here before this episode that I was worried she wouldn't be attracted to him despite saying all the right things beforehand. But she genuinely seemed to like him, unless she's just a fantastic actress. I do think it was genuine though, and she grew a lot in my estimation thus far.

[Mr. Miner]

On 10/23/2024 at 8:50 AM, Katie111 said:

Do they have to pick their dresses off of some bargain rack at the back of the store?  They always look cheap and outdated.

The weddings look like they are held in a hotel banquet room on a Wednesday afternoon or something.

[Madame Crabanda]

Why was Karla wiggling back and forth like a toddler who had to wee the entire time?

[Elizzikra]

6 hours ago, Mr. Miner said:

The weddings look like they are held in a hotel banquet room on a Wednesday afternoon or something.

I think they are! I think they were held at the hotel we saw the grooms enter and I think I did read that they are held during sort of off hours for events. 

Quote

Why was Karla wiggling back and forth like a toddler who had to wee the entire time?

That drove me nuts. I think she was trying for "girlish innocence" but as you said, she just looked like she desperately needed to pee.

[starlightlost]

Ah, here we go. Another season of this long and drawn out as usual..

I skipped all the before stuff and went straight to the weddings so I didn't have any judgements until they first met each other.

 

•Camille and Thomas: his facial features remind me of Ollie from Love is Blind UK. She is stunning and seems nice. I really like them together so far.

•Madison and Allen: she's gorgeous, he has a weak chin but nice eyes. He's talking a lot but that might just be nerves? She didn't seem to mind. I hope these two work out.

•Karla and Juan: he's handsome. I loved that he introduced himself before the wedding to her family. She seems like she's going to be... a lot. I don't know what her everyday look is but I didn't like her wedding makeup. I hope she doesn't break his heart. Starting off with "are you in love?" was kind of awkward.

•Emem and Ikechi: I'm positive he was recruited. He mentioned he tried MAFS in Houston and then moved to Chicago. Not a fan of that. But he does seem nice and grounded. She's a lot but it might be nerves. Also not a fan of her wedding makeup but she is beautiful. I hope they didn't put them together only because they both have Igbo names.

•Michelle and David: man bun. In true Lifetime channel style I'll have to wait until next week for their wedding. They both are cute though.

[Elizzikra]

Quote

Madison and Allen: she's gorgeous, he has a weak chin but nice eyes. He's talking a lot but that might just be nerves? She didn't seem to mind. I hope these two work out.

I got the impression that it was nerves. I think he was nervous (who wouldn't be?) and then when he saw her and found her attractive, he was really really nervous. I think going forward, they may have an opposite problem in which she is this season's "woohoo" girl and he is more introverted.

Quote

Emem and Ikechi: I'm positive he was recruited. He mentioned he tried MAFS in Houston and then moved to Chicago. Not a fan of that. But he does seem nice and grounded. She's a lot but it might be nerves. Also not a fan of her wedding makeup but she is beautiful. I hope they didn't put them together only because they both have Igbo names

I absolutely agree that Ikechi was recruited for the show. I can see why. He seems like a "match-able" guy and like he will make for good tv. I like Emem. Whatever subspecialty she chose, getting an NP is hard work. She is smart and hard working. I think she is beautiful though I did not like her wedding makeup either. Her hair and makeup were too much gilding-the-lily for me. And if she chanted "I'm going - to see - my huzzzbin" one more time, I was going to have to stab my eardrum with a pencil.

[Meowwww]

I love Allen.  He’s the type I would have gone for at that age.  I’m pleasantly surprised by Madison too.  
Juan surprised me.  He seems so stiff and rigid.  I knew he was carefully curated, but he portrayed himself as more of a wild soul and the footage after their wedding showed none of that.  He looked almost brittle with a rictus grin. And Karla was more formal too, but Juan really seemed stiff and painfully thin. 

[Crashcourse]

I think Ikechi was thrown off by Emem's makeup at the wedding and he didn't like what he saw.  Things might change when the makeup is off because she is attractive.  

[Chatty Cake]

I don’t think Juan liked Karla very much. She thought she was adorable but he wasn’t feeling it.

Ikechi’s face didn’t match his words. He said all the right things but didn’t look too intrigued.

[Hip-to-be-Square]

These people are all just polite enough to pretend to be into their spouses for the first week or two. I'm waiting for the masks to drop and the shit to hit the fan- it's just a matter of time! 😏📺🍿

Edited October 28 by Hip-to-be-Square

[Empress1]

On 10/25/2024 at 2:37 PM, starlightlost said:

Also not a fan of her wedding makeup but she is beautiful.

Emem’s eye shadow was driving me nuts. Also wanted to give Madison a make-under. Her wedding makeup was severe.

On 10/24/2024 at 1:26 PM, Mr. Miner said:

The weddings look like they are held in a hotel banquet room on a Wednesday afternoon or something.

I think they’re put together very quickly. The dresses are for sure off the rack because there’s no time to have them altered. The locations could probably be secured in advance, but I think a lot of stuff happens last minute.

On 10/25/2024 at 11:14 PM, Elizzikra said:

I got the impression that it was nerves. I think he was nervous (who wouldn't be?) and then when he saw her and found her attractive, he was really really nervous. I think going forward, they may have an opposite problem in which she is this season's "woohoo" girl and he is more introverted.

Agree. His whole comportment toward her was “oh wow, she’s hot.” I was pleasantly surprised by how she responded to him, though I think her extroversion (she described herself as an extreme extrovert, the girl with the rounds of shots) might prove to be an issue.

[qtpye]

On 10/22/2024 at 11:36 PM, Hip-to-be-Square said:

Why do all of these women dress like they're on one of The Real Housewives reunion shows 😅😏? Flammable and cheap evening gowns that they'll never wear again! 

Can you believe in the first Howives Reunion they wore jeans and tight stretchy tops?

Remember when it was embarrassing to overdress? Now, everyone is dressed to go to Middle Age Prom.

On 10/23/2024 at 9:50 AM, Katie111 said:

Michelle got what she asked for and her husband seems like a genuinely nice guy.  Basement living might be an issue but if he has $$ saved for a down payment, that might be fine.

My friend lives in Bay Area and she is 25.  She lives with her parents but plans to move out in about 2 years.  The rents in her part of the world are outrageous and living with her parents will help her become more financially stable in the long run. However, she understands how privileged she is to do this and works her ass off.

I have no problem with this guy being the same way.

[Elizzikra]

Quote

Why do all of these women dress like they're on one of The Real Housewives reunion shows 😅😏? Flammable and cheap evening gowns that they'll never wear again! 

Accessorized with an Apple Watch...  I have no issue with Apple Watches, but they are not formalwear.

[Hip-to-be-Square]

3 hours ago, qtpye said:

Can you believe in the first Howives Reunion they wore jeans and tight stretchy tops?

Remember when it was embarrassing to overdress? Now, everyone is dressed to go to Middle Age Prom.

Yeah! The Real Housewives used to wear cute jeans and going-out tops to the reunions, and now they're dressed like they're waiting for a rose on The Bachelor 😅. 

[Hip-to-be-Square]

1 hour ago, Elizzikra said:

Accessorized with an Apple Watch...  I have no issue with Apple Watches, but they are not formalwear.

I agree- they should wear bracelets or a nice analog watch instead of mixing an Apple Watch with formalwear.  These girls all look like they're trying to be cast on MTV's "My Sweet 16" with their cheap evening dresses.  

[kikicat]

No new thread, so I'll just post here.

Why does Tim Twin look five years younger than Tom Twin? Tom looks kinda rough by comparison. He needs to learn about skin care. Couldn't commit to a 9-year relationship, so he's doing MAFS? I question his sincerity to this social experiment. But I'm still rooting for them.

I like basement David and he was certainly enthusiastic about his bride. Though blond hair and blue eyes is not a high bar to clear. Did he say he's 36 and had owned a condo before? I have no issue with choosing to live with family, especially to save up, but he might be too settled in. Not feeling these two as a couple on first impression, but I'm usually wrong, so 🙃

Edited October 30 by kikicat

[Elizzikra]

45 minutes ago, kikicat said:

No new thread, so I'll just post here.

Why does Tim Twin look five years younger than Tom Twin? Tom looks kinda rough by comparison. He needs to learn about skin care. Couldn't commit to a 9-year relationship, so he's doing MAFS? I question his sincerity to this social experiment. But I'm still rooting for them.

I like basement David and he was certainly enthusiastic about his bride. Though blond hair and blue eyes is not a high bar to clear. Did he say he's 36 and had owned a condo before? I have no issue with choosing to live with family, especially to save up, but he might be too settled in. Not feeling these two as a couple on first impression, but I'm usually wrong, so 🙃

Anyone can start a new thread. Click the "Start Topic" button in the top right. I started one for tonight's episode.

[qtpye]

I am so sorry that I can not remember the exact names.

The Jeanie in a Bottle guy's blonde wife was disappointed.

Her bridesmaid did give her some level-headed advice.

 

[LuvMyShows]

On 10/25/2024 at 2:37 PM, starlightlost said:

•Karla and Juan: he's handsome. I loved that he introduced himself before the wedding to her family. She seems like she's going to be... a lot. I don't know what her everyday look is but I didn't like her wedding makeup. I hope she doesn't break his heart. Starting off with "are you in love?" was kind of awkward.

On The Afterparty, Karla explained that her extended family is very large, and they don't see each other all that often, so when they do, they jokingly ask each other "Are you in love?" So she said that she asked Juan that at the altar, to sort of let him  be included on her family's joke. But she never explained it to him, so, uh, yeah.

Also, the subject came up of Juan's wedding gift to Karla, which was a swim cap! Apparently he likes to swim, which she doesn't. I really wish Keisha had gone into more about that, and had also asked Karla what she gave Juan.