What it's all about

We got a call from our officiant this week to confirm the details of our ceremony. Wow. Amidst all the chaotic excitement in planning the celebration, it's nice when something like a phone call reminds you what the day will really be about.

The reverend asked us if we'd like to ask someone to do a reading during our ceremony, so I started thinking about readings that I'd heard at other friends' weddings:

"Love is patient, love is kind. Love is not envious or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. It does not delight in wrong-doing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things. Love hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."
1 Corinthians 13:4

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"These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you that are holdings yours today, on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief wracks your mind.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eye, tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that may tenderly hold your children one day. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch."

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"Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter to the other.

Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you will be warmth to the other.

Now there is no more loneliness,
For each of you will be companion to the other.

Now you are two bodies,
But there is one life before you.

Go now to your dwelling place,
To enter into the days of your togetherness.
And may your days be good and long upon the earth."
Apache Wedding Prayer Blessing

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Yes, this is what it's all about.

Come see me!

Emi Ink will be at The Wedding Cafe tomorrow night (4/18) for their Invitation Showcase. The fun starts at 6:30pm so come early and grab a seat!

If you can't make it tomorrow, please stop by our booth at this weekend's Wedding Expo. Here's the 411:

Location
Hawaii Convention Center

Hours
Friday, 4/20 (6:00pm - 10:00pm :: fashion show @ 7:30pm)
Saturday, 4/21 (11:00am - 5:00pm :: fashion show @ 2:30pm)

Tickets
$6.00

Linens and things

Have you created a detailed budget for your wedding? Hopefully you've got all the obvious categories covered, like catering, photography, flowers, etc. So do you have a budgeted amount for linens? I'm not talking about the standard white tablecloths that most reception venues provide...I'm talking about the beautiful, dramatic, takes-your-breath-away linens that will leave your guests oohing and ahhing as they enter the room.

To be honest, I wasn't planning to do anything more than the status quo at our reception...until I met Naomi Lee of Les Saisons. We were both participating in a mini bridal fair in Waikiki and before I even spoke a word to her, I took one look at her gorgeous tablescape and knew that I wanted her on my wedding vendor dream team.

We've opted to give our head table a hint of distinction and a splash of color with chair covers and sashes that coordinate with our vibrant color scheme. For couples who want to go the full nine yards, Les Saisons has the most beautiful selection of table linens to choose from and they will happily guide you through the selection process. From chair covers to overlays to table runners, you'll quite simply be in linen heaven.

The photos below show just a tiny sampling of the fine linens provided by Les Saisons. In my opinion, you can't beat seeing the real thing in person so stop by their booth at next weekend's Wedding Expo...and be prepared to fall in love.

Flower power

I love the details. I live for the details. So does giving up control over the floral design of our wedding mean I'm crazy...or a genius?

I think a lot of engaged couples (brides especially) experience wedding burnout at some point in the months leading up to the big day. I can feel myself teetering over the edge right now, and I'm desperately trying to fight it off...sans chocolate cake, cookies, Häagen-Dazs ice cream, etc. Anyway, I've decided to give our florist (Nicole Lomas of Peony Floral Design) complete artistic freedom and let her have some fun with our wedding!

We first met Nikki through The Wedding Cafe (yes, the cafe was a great wedding resource for me, too!) and instantly loved her style. But she was not only creative with her floral arrangements, she was helpful and gracious as she guided us through the ins and outs of wedding decor. It's wonderful to work with vendors who obviously love what they're doing and want to make your special day as memorable and joyous as possible!

I know we're in good hands with Nikki and having a little "element of surprise" with our flowers will make my life a whole lot easier.