100th Post and GiveAway
My 100th post ~ Woo Hoo ~ I figured I'd make it a special post about Wedding Preparations ~
At the end of this post there's a Give Away Contest!
Fleur de Lis means "Flower of the Lily" ~ it's the symbol of rebirth for New Orleans. When Greg and I first started dating, he saw the Fleur de Lis necklaces that I made and commented, "You don't have anything with Fleur de Lis in your house." For my birthday, he gave me a beautiful artwork that hangs in the dining room. It has 13 different styles of the symbol and is an original from the artist.
Once engaged, I knew I wanted to include the theme in our wedding.
The wedding invitations went out this week. A lady on a bridal site worked with me on the design, to include the wedding colors: royal blue, silver, and the Fleur de Lis. I wanted texture. She knew how to emboss ~ which gave a raised touch and a vintage look. We also designed ribbon along the side. I thought it looked like artwork, but was concerned because it wasn't the "standard white and fancy" wedding invitation. Guests have been very lovely with their reactions, which makes my day!
I have to admit it's exciting to open the RSVP cards. It's like a gift we're getting early ~ because that's the most precious of gifts, having friends and family at our wedding!
One RSVP touched me... I didn't know if the person would respond, because after all, we don't really know him. Why would I send an invitation to someone we don't know...? And what makes this unknown person special?
This is the person who called me during Greg's car accident. He was there for Greg and for me. He was at Greg's vehicle and tried to help him when the First Responders refused to get out of their vehicle because it was lightly raining. He was the one who stayed on the phone with me during a long 1 hour drive to find out where Greg was and kept me aware of what was going on... I never met the man, but I call him the Voice of Hope...
And he's coming to our wedding. Still counting the blessings ~
This past weekend, Kim, Kristen, Roda and Holly hosted a bridal shower at my parents' home for me. Kim said it was a Comedy of Errors and Murphy's Law all jumbled together, but you'd never know it. The house was well decorated, the food was yummy (made by the hostesses) and the cake (compliments of Roda) was delicious. Keeping with the theme they had platters with the symbol and shower favors handmade by Kim's husband (Fleur de Lis on magnets). And wow ~ what lovely gifts Greg and I received ranging from handmade to gift registry items to negligee!
I won't post all the pictures, but please feel welcome to visit my Picasa site. I felt naked without my camera; usually I'm the one behind the lens.
A couple of things about the shower ~ most importantly, thanks to family and friends who came, a wonderful mixture of roughly 20 people. They filled the day with smiles and laughter!
The chairs were set up so that my Mom and my future Mother-in-Law (looking forward to calling her Mom) sat on either side of me. Kim and Kristen were on the floor, writing down gifts, etc. They set a timer and when it went off, the name on the gift I opened, that person was given a "door prize" (which was Fleur de Lis soap by Kim). There were other door prizes too at the end of the shower.
Mary Ann helped me with the scissors in opening the gifts. At one point a package was in heavy tape. Mary Ann used the scissors going across and heading towards me, she said, "Watch out now." I said, "Yeah, that would make a story wouldn't it?" She laughed with the group and said, "It would be a headliner - Mother-in-law cuts future daughter-in-law at bridal shower!"
At the end of the party, Kristen stands up and announces (with Greg in the room), "These are Aleta's reactions to the gifts that I wrote down. This represents what Aleta will say on their honeymoon night (my face bright red - as if the plastic tiara with blue rhinestones and "BRIDE" across the front of it wasn't enough to turn me a shade crimson)..." Kristen waits for everyone to listen in... "Ohhhh, ahhhhh, I like this, Wait Wait... Ohhh.. UT Aww... Cool, they have an RSVP in there too.. You're going to make me cry.." It was all in fun and Kristen was great, because she acted out the emotions too.
As Greg and I left the shower, he said, "Our first wedding celebration event since the day I proposed." I love how he understands and appreciates the special meaning of things. XOXO
Give Away Contest ~
The rules:
Write a funny episode that happened at a wedding in the comment section.
The Give Away entries will be accepted up until 8pm on 11/29/08. You can enter as many different stories as you want!
You must be willing to send me your home address to mail the give away to you. For those that don’t have a blog, please include your email address in the comment.
Greg will pick the w
inners based on the ones he thinks is the funniest. He’ll be a great judge with his sense of humor!
(I'll continue to post on my blog but at the end of each post, I'll reference back to this Give Away until 11/29/08).
To celebrate and share with you the theme of our wedding ~ I'm going to give the following as awards:
3rd place: This is a simple strung necklace with gold and silver beads and a Fleur de Lis pendant. It goes well with so many outfits as it has both the gold and silver tones. I created it with the magnetic clasp.
Fleur de Lis means "Flower of the Lily" ~ it's the symbol of rebirth for New Orleans. When Greg and I first started dating, he saw the Fleur de Lis necklaces that I made and commented, "You don't have anything with Fleur de Lis in your house." For my birthday, he gave me a beautiful artwork that hangs in the dining room. It has 13 different styles of the symbol and is an original from the artist.
Once engaged, I knew I wanted to include the theme in our wedding.
The wedding invitations went out this week. A lady on a bridal site worked with me on the design, to include the wedding colors: royal blue, silver, and the Fleur de Lis. I wanted texture. She knew how to emboss ~ which gave a raised touch and a vintage look. We also designed ribbon along the side. I thought it looked like artwork, but was concerned because it wasn't the "standard white and fancy" wedding invitation. Guests have been very lovely with their reactions, which makes my day!
I have to admit it's exciting to open the RSVP cards. It's like a gift we're getting early ~ because that's the most precious of gifts, having friends and family at our wedding!
One RSVP touched me... I didn't know if the person would respond, because after all, we don't really know him. Why would I send an invitation to someone we don't know...? And what makes this unknown person special?
This is the person who called me during Greg's car accident. He was there for Greg and for me. He was at Greg's vehicle and tried to help him when the First Responders refused to get out of their vehicle because it was lightly raining. He was the one who stayed on the phone with me during a long 1 hour drive to find out where Greg was and kept me aware of what was going on... I never met the man, but I call him the Voice of Hope...
And he's coming to our wedding. Still counting the blessings ~
This past weekend, Kim, Kristen, Roda and Holly hosted a bridal shower at my parents' home for me. Kim said it was a Comedy of Errors and Murphy's Law all jumbled together, but you'd never know it. The house was well decorated, the food was yummy (made by the hostesses) and the cake (compliments of Roda) was delicious. Keeping with the theme they had platters with the symbol and shower favors handmade by Kim's husband (Fleur de Lis on magnets). And wow ~ what lovely gifts Greg and I received ranging from handmade to gift registry items to negligee!
I won't post all the pictures, but please feel welcome to visit my Picasa site. I felt naked without my camera; usually I'm the one behind the lens.
A couple of things about the shower ~ most importantly, thanks to family and friends who came, a wonderful mixture of roughly 20 people. They filled the day with smiles and laughter!
The chairs were set up so that my Mom and my future Mother-in-Law (looking forward to calling her Mom) sat on either side of me. Kim and Kristen were on the floor, writing down gifts, etc. They set a timer and when it went off, the name on the gift I opened, that person was given a "door prize" (which was Fleur de Lis soap by Kim). There were other door prizes too at the end of the shower.
Mary Ann helped me with the scissors in opening the gifts. At one point a package was in heavy tape. Mary Ann used the scissors going across and heading towards me, she said, "Watch out now." I said, "Yeah, that would make a story wouldn't it?" She laughed with the group and said, "It would be a headliner - Mother-in-law cuts future daughter-in-law at bridal shower!"
At the end of the party, Kristen stands up and announces (with Greg in the room), "These are Aleta's reactions to the gifts that I wrote down. This represents what Aleta will say on their honeymoon night (my face bright red - as if the plastic tiara with blue rhinestones and "BRIDE" across the front of it wasn't enough to turn me a shade crimson)..." Kristen waits for everyone to listen in... "Ohhhh, ahhhhh, I like this, Wait Wait... Ohhh.. UT Aww... Cool, they have an RSVP in there too.. You're going to make me cry.." It was all in fun and Kristen was great, because she acted out the emotions too.
As Greg and I left the shower, he said, "Our first wedding celebration event since the day I proposed." I love how he understands and appreciates the special meaning of things. XOXO
Give Away Contest ~
The rules:
Write a funny episode that happened at a wedding in the comment section.
The Give Away entries will be accepted up until 8pm on 11/29/08. You can enter as many different stories as you want!
You must be willing to send me your home address to mail the give away to you. For those that don’t have a blog, please include your email address in the comment.
Greg will pick the w
inners based on the ones he thinks is the funniest. He’ll be a great judge with his sense of humor!(I'll continue to post on my blog but at the end of each post, I'll reference back to this Give Away until 11/29/08).
To celebrate and share with you the theme of our wedding ~ I'm going to give the following as awards:
3rd place: This is a simple strung necklace with gold and silver beads and a Fleur de Lis pendant. It goes well with so many outfits as it has both the gold and silver tones. I created it with the magnetic clasp.
2nd place: Finders Key Purse. Ladies, this is wonderful! You attach it to your keychain and then it clips to the side of your purse. When you go somewhere and you need to get the keys out, no more fishing around in the purse!
1st place: Purse Holder. Remember how Greg's Mom gave me one for my birthday? I liked it so much that I bought some for gifts and also one for a Give Away. I can't stand to put my purse on the ground and it can be easily grabbed off of the back of the chair. Instead this can go in front of you or slightly to the side. Your purse is kept neatly off the floor and away from eager hands!
I’m looking forward to reading your wedding stories ~ this can be about your wedding, someone else’s that you’ve attended, etc.
Oh, and Honey.... take a look at this ticker!
I’m looking forward to reading your wedding stories ~ this can be about your wedding, someone else’s that you’ve attended, etc.
Oh, and Honey.... take a look at this ticker!
Comments
Ok - wedding happening-mishaps.
I will do mine!
1. The Man's Sleeves were 4 inches too short (muhahahaha - had to go there :))
2. The cake lady decided to decorate the grooms cake with white icing and peach flowers - and it was too late to correct.
3. The friend/photographer was so not feeling good at the wedding - got the essentials but ...
4. The second friend/photographer (backup) - here camera messed up - well actually broke.
5. The video taker, well, his parents came into town the night of the rehearsal and had a flat as they reached town. He did not make it to the rehearsal - so was not prepared for how we were handling the ceremony. The tape is Blairwitch Project meets a Wedding.
6. By the time we finished cleaning up after the cleaning people left early, hubby and I stopped at a hotel 30 minutes from home. We did not realize it was the states train capital - only 68 trains went down the track behind the hotel (according to the front desk) But it was quite appropriate since we married in an old train depot :)
It's been smooth sailing since!
Sounds like you had a great time at your shower, as did everyone else!
We married in 1970, and it was almost a disaster. The menfolk (Hubby-to-be, my brother who was Hubby's Best Man, and the Groomsman)somehow got locked in the back room. Hubby (to be) had suddenly realized that his Best Man (my bro) had NOT made arrangements for Hubby's parents to get picked up from the hotel .... a really bad way to start ... kinda delayed things a bit.
Best Man (who is 6'4" tall) had to crawl out the window and race around the building to find someone to go and get them.
In the meantime, the florist has delivered the flowers and candles, but somehow has no way to light the candles ... he winds up walking up and down the street asking neighbors if they had matches ... ugh.
All the while, I'm with my mother, having all these dreadful second thoughts, and scaring her to death with idiotic questions like "Am I doing the right thing??"
When the wedding finally gets started, the preacher (my dad) preaches for 45 long minutes -- I guess making sure it would stick! My feet fell asleep.
But here we are! 38+++ years later!!!
Hugs XXXOOO
My husband HATES to dance. H-A-T-E-S it. But we talked it over a decided on a song that we both liked. The time came and we got on the dance floor. The DJ started playing our song and the strains of Chicago's "Your the Inspiration" could be heard from the speakers. We glanced around and saw everyone have the "aww they're so cute" look as we danced.
And then there was a record scratching sound
"KIMOSABE, JUMP ON IT, JUMP ON IT"
as the DJ transitioned to our real wedding song Sugar Hill Gang's "Apache"
The horrified look on my mother in law's face? PRICELESS.
Another story when my niece got married she married a very sweet "country boy." He talks very country. During the ceremony he had the worst time saying worldly. He attempted several times, but kept saying whirly instead and getting louder each time he tried. The whole congregation burst out laughing. He never did get it right. Finally the preacher just made him continue with saying whirly. All my whirly goods!
Congratulations on your wedding. Love the Fleur De Lis everything. Wishing you and Greg all the best. I love wedding and baby showers, so much fun!
Beautiful!
As for a funny story - well, it's kind of funny now, but it was totally embarassing at the time. My husband and I decided to get married at a 100 year old inn near the beach. It was a relatively small inn and it was booked. We had been given the 'master suite' which was a very large room/living area/kitchen DIRECTLY ABOVE the check in area. The wedding went off without a hitch and on day day two my hubby was back to his old self - being a big kid. You see, the hubby has this habit of running and jumping (more like falling) into the bed and well late in the afternoon I was resting after a long day at the beach and he came running and lept in the air except when he landed next to me on the bed we hear 'crack' - followed by a very loud 'thud' at which time the bed falls at an angle to the floor. Immediately we jump off and begin to inspect the damage only to find that he has broken the metal frame in the middle. We can gently put it back together, but as soon as there is any weight put on it...thud ... and it fall to the ground. We laughed at the humor of the moment, (we broke the bed in our wedding suite) but it was quite embarassing haveing to explain to the staff what happened - I'm sure they didn't believe us when we told them there was no hanky panky going on at the time! :)
your wedding invitations are exquisite - The fleur-de-lis is a stunning touch !
Congratulations on your 100th post :)
I love your invatations. I had a very non-traditional invitation and can't stand traditional, boring white invites. I love that the man that rescued Greg is coming! How touching!
I was determined not to be late, and one of my Brideswomen had been 23 minutes late for her own wedding. So I planned the whole morning preparation schedule to end up with a spare 1/2 an hour before we had to leave for the church. This should be able to cope with any unforseen disasters.
We were all ready 1/2 an hour early and I really couldn't wait any longer to go, so we got into the cars to drive around a bit to kill some time.
Meanwhile, my Beloved had been heading to the church and saw the Brideswomen's Car, which freaked him out thinking he was late. He ran from the car park into the church.
I arrived 10 minutes early, and still haven't been forgiven for creating a stampede of guests into the church who didn't sign our book, so we don't know all the people who came to see us (but weren't invited to the reception).
While I was waiting in the car, my Beloved remembered that the rings (which were in his car) had to be placed on the communion table where we'd set up some meaningful pretty stuff the night before, but didn't want to leave the rings overnight).
So I was startled to be told not to turn around, but the groom was making a getaway - as he dashed to his car to get them.
When it came to our vows, there were two responses. I think the first was supposed to be 'I will' and then later 'I do'. I got confused for one of them and ended up coming out with 'I will... I do... Oh... Whatever!' Our minister took it as afirmative and went on - after the laughter had died down.
Gee, it was a great day. Maybe I should blog this.
Second, the Fleur-de-Lis is the symbol from my sorority (KKG) and your wedding invites ROCK!
Finally, here's my story - from my own wedding (reception):
We had a tiny wedding in a very old, very small church on the river. So, naturally we had our reception on a yacht, floating down the same river. We left disposable cameras out everywhere for our guests and encouraged people to take candids of everything. As you can imagine, there were many very funny photos of happy, drunk people. Then we got to one camera and all the photos (36) were of different people who went into the head (restroom) and mooned the camera! I have wedding photos of 36 of my guests butts! And, oh YES I am saving them (and the negatives) for future blackmail!
Congrats ! Congrats ! Congrats !
I love your work. It's very beautiful, so I want to take part in this. Let's see...
Tomorrow is my hubby and I's second wedding anniversary. So, I've been over our wedding day a hundred times this week alone.
Both our best friends stood up for us. It was a simple ceramony at the court house. We came home, cracked open champaigne, rejoiced in our day, and I discovered that the bubbly gave me instant migraines. So, I ended up throwing up and sleeping the rest of the day and night. However, my best friend, had gotten up from the t.v. show they had been watching while I was sleeping, and the next thing you know she sort of just passed out on the kitchen floor. My hubby and his friend running to her aid. The bubbly effected her too, not cause she was drunk, but it didn't mix well with her med's she was on, and the gross bloody show they were watching. All of it together, and me and my brides maid ended up sleeping my night away, leaving the groom and his man to drink beer and watch t.v.
Whoo-hoo what an exciting night. I know now, not to drink champaigne!
For my cousins wedding my niece who was three or so was the flower girl and too scared to walk down the aisle so my brother had to carry her to the altar.
For my first wedding, I wanted to get married at my parent's home but no one would allow us to keep a small guest list. So my ex FIL says I have friends that own a place we can use for $50. It was $150 (he paid)The outside was bright blue and we had to cover a bingo sign inside.
Then, instead of using the really good inexpensive photographer, we used friend of FIL who wasn't the deal he promised and took off center and blurry pictures.
Then we wanted to just have someone play our own music. But FIL said he had a friend and would pay. The DJ wouldnt meet with us before hand and was very rude when we told him what kind of music preferred. Then he asks my mom immediately after the wedding who was paying.
My almost two year old nephew was the ring bearer and the moment he sees my mom when he comes in he runs to her. Then he starts crying when the JP asks for objections. My ex was cracking embarassing jokes the entire time.
When John and I got married, we basically eloped in a church. The dress was something I had previously made. I was so happy and nervous that I started crying.
We were married by a female minister who thought it was appropriate, in the middle of our vows, to point out that "obey" was no longer a part of them.
The only funny story I can think of happened at my daughter Lacey's wedding. She had her husbands niece as the flower girl. She was only about 3 years old and kind of scared...but they gave her this little basket and told her to walk down the stairs in front of lacey and throw the petals. So she started out down the stairs..grabbed a handful of petals..and instead of dropping them or tossing them lightly...she THREW THEM..with all the strength her little body and arm could muster. She kept grabbing handfuls and hurling them as far as she could. Everyone was trying so hard not to laugh...but Lacey was laughing so hard she couldn't walk down the stairs...I thought she was gonna fall. She finally just stopped, grabbed the railing and laughed until she cried...the harder she laughed the harder everyone else laughed. It was the cutest start to any wedding I've ever been to.
Wedding mishaps!!! Well, this one happened during my only brother's wedding, where there were thundershowers, biriyani that got drenched and where the bride and I had to change our bedraggled sarees. But the funniest mishap perhaps was this - I had misbegottenly purchased a red silk dress with a skirt made of rooster-feathers for my then two-year old daughter to wear during the reception. The crowds made her cranky and she refused to get down from my arms, and the rain unravelled the feathers, so by the time the whole jingbang ended, it looked like I was carrying a plucked chicken leaving behind a trail of wet feathers in our wake.
My daughter, now seven and style-conscious, refuses to forgive me.
as for me and weddings - they'll never get me there.
had to attend my sister's twice, though, and couldn't wait to escape...
i've only been to a few weddings, so i can't really say i've had some funny memory or anything. i did trip going down the aisle at mine though...
i loved the rsvps too. i loved going to the mailbox every day to see what i would find!
Everyoner looked like they were having a great time and were you and Greg.
I see the Fleur De Lis here everywhere living on the border with Quebec.
BTW... enjoy all your wedding celebrations to the fullest. Congrats!
BTW... enjoy all your wedding celebrations to the fullest. Congrats!
I just stopped by to wish you, Greg and your whole family a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving. I hope all is well with you.
A mom always knows (in my opinion as a mom) when her child is making a mistake. We knew when we met Joe (*name changed to protect the innocent victim) that he was all wrong for our girl. I really knew it when he came in with his folks the first time we met them, and dumped all of his dirty clothes on the floor of my den, it was wrong...well, admittedly, I knew way before then...but how can a parent say that without the child holding it against you for the rest of your life?? She already resents that I cut her long hair off when she was 12. (only did that because she never washed or brushed it) ;-)
Jump to the Rehearsal dinner day ... daughter comes down the stairs dry heaving. By this time, all of his family had flown in from way up north, the bridesmaids from far away, etc. But daughter's nerves were shot, and her awareness that she knew everything was wrong, and she could no longer be stubborn, left her vulnerable to the dry heaves.
Everyone was to be at the building for rehearsal. We were trying to nurse our daughter into wellness and decision-making. Jump to the phone booth near the church building where groomsmen are gathering to call and find out what's up? why can't they get into the building? where is everyone? Standing next to them at the next phone booth, my brother who had driven in for the Rehearsal Dinner was calling, too -- but overheard the conversation. They exchanged greetings and questions.
An hour later groom's family is packing in dry ice their Chicken Cordon Blue and the wonderful rehearsal dinner sides...an hour after that daughter is saying to wait. Maybe the next day, she'll feel better. Groom's parents are stricken with dread, as are we.
I go into my bedroom and beg God to stop it. I was fearful.
Next morning, daughter comes down the stairs, still gagging. We call groom and his parents. Hubby, bless his heart, goes down to the church building and puts 'WEDDING CANCELLED' signs on all of the church doors. He also picks up the huge wedding cake and brings it home.
Rest of the family drives in, a great aunt from Corpus, sister from Dallas, etc., etc. Phone starts ringing. We of course tell family members to come on over. Groom and un-bride leave to go talk things over...great aunt stands at our front window stating aloud that she hopes they are eloping (she doesn't know the horrors we already know about the groom)...(for instance, how would you feel if your almost son-in-law had a tendency to squeeze the knee of your daughter if she were talking and he didn't like what she was saying???)
My sister begins to cut up the wedding cake on our pool table, into freezable pieces. The ham I've been cooking all morning, and the homemade rolls I'd frozen, comes in very handy, as my home is now full of 'mourners'...
Bride and un-groom return, his parents and we sit in a private circle and discuss the decision that has been made.
Over the next several days, I am wrapping wedding gift and returning them to the senders. Phone finally quits ringing for an explanation, I'm finally resting up ~ and starting to chuckle a little at the horrors of the last few weeks.
Now, years later, with daughter happily married with 3 children, sanity returned, I can laugh (ok, a little) at the story of the un-wedding.... sigh....
Everything is going to be wonderful. I loved all of these wedding stories too!!