Looking back
As I sit here and reflect on the wedding, I want to write and write about all the wonderful things that happened but not even sure where to start. The weather was PERFECT, mass was personal, our wedding party and families were super accommodating, speeches were heart-filled and the reception went off without a hitch.
I believe my favorite moment from yesterday (vows excluded) was when Alex and I were sitting up at the alter and the song “How Beautiful” was playing and communion started. That was the first time we really had a chance to see every single person who attended the ceremony. I was amazed by the distance some family and grade school friends traveled to only be with us for a few hours. We were surrounded by everyone who has touched our lives and we can’t thank you enough.
I think my only regret from yesterday was not hiring a wedding coordinator for the “day of the wedding”. I was not prepared for all of the vendor calls mid day…cake, florist, limo, band, photographer, AV equipment, band, etc. I felt bad some of phone calls landed on my matron of honor’s plate and wish I would have had someone outside of the family and wedding party to handle those details. It would have been hard to turn over control… but looking back now I wish I would have and would probably encourage future brides to do the same. :o) However, once everything was set I was amazed how it all came together.
We are off to Cancun in the morning so I should probably get back to packing. I’m sure I’ll have more to write again soon.
Filed under church | Comments (3)Share your photos!
As I mentioned in my last post, we will not be able to see our professional photos until next month. Therefore, it would be wonderful if you could share your photos with us (and everyone else) online. I set up an account on dotphoto.com where you can log in and upload your photos from your digital camera. You can also see photos that other guests have shared. Here are the instructions.
Go to www.dotphoto.com
Username: weberwedding
Password: wedding
Chose option to “Add a new album”. If possible, please label the album something like “Aunt Kim’s Photos” or “Photos from Joe” so we know who contributed the photos. Email me if you have any problems uploading your photos.
Thanks so much! We look forward to seeing the day from your perspective!
Filed under church | Comments (2)Is it really over?
What a wonderful weekend! The day flew by just like everyone told me! We couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect! Alex and I would simply like to thank all of you for your generosity, time and support in planning for our big day.
I’d love to see all of the candid photos you took at the wedding. I’m going to set up an account for everyone to upload and share their digital photos, since we won’t get our professional shots until next month. Come back shortly for the details.
I’ll continue to post another week or so and talk about life post wedding…as Mrs. Weber.
Filed under church | Comments (5)Day of prep
Today we get pampered. My matron of honor Tricia organized a day at the spa for manicures and pedicures. Alex’s sister Justine is hosting us all over for lunch and then we go home and get ready for our 4:00 PM rehearsal at the church. I am not really sure what Alex has planned for today. I am pretty sure he gets to relax this morning and then help tie up few odds and ends this afternoon. However, I am to that point that if it isn’t done by today, we should just it slide and move on…It’s time to celebrate, not worry!
I should see most of you (my loyal readers) tonight at 4:00 PM!
Filed under church | Comments (7)Happy Thanksgiving!
Gobble Gobble.
Yes, even this soon to be bride and groom will enjoy a day with family. This morning we will be packing for honeymoon, cleaning and preparing the house for Christmas. Then, off to Kim and Barry’s for dinner.
Thanks for having us over!
Filed under church | Comment (0)White wedding?
Just in case, I am preparing myself for a day like this!
How beautiful!
One week
Everyone asks…what could there possibly still be left to do the weekend before your wedding. Here’s a sneak peek:
Pay reception bill / finalize room diagram
Print and assemble ceremony programs
Update wedding party with timelines, hotel & limo logistics (done)
Finalize seating chart and place cards|
Send final timeline and directions to all vendors
Finalize ceremony and reception music
Pick up marriage license (done)
Pick up dress (done)
Wrap wedding party gifts (which I am excited to give!)
Finalize photography shot list and locations (going with Krohn)
Complete the photo slideshow; burn extra copies
Pack for rehearsal, church, reception and hotel
Pack Wedding Day tote bag (dress, shoes, veil, etc.)
Pack for honeymoon,
Coordinate special helpers to bring home gifts, centerpieces, and other items used at the reception.
Everyone has been so generous to offer to help, but honestly, most of these tasks fall on us. Decisions we have to make. Details we just have to sit down and tackle. We are in a good spot but tomorrow will be busy. Cheer on UC and Elder tomorrow for me!
Filed under church | Comments (2)Go you Panthers go!
So, have you heard? Elder High School (Alex’s Alma Mater) has a chance of making it to State Finals in football this year! Woo hoo!
However, the game might fall on the same day as the wedding! (Oh no is right!)
The wedding was already planned to accommodate the OSU/Michigan football game (per my brother’s request) but I never thought about a high school football conflict. ha ha! Just to be clear…I will not be upset if anyone is sneaking away to catch the latest scores or wearing ear plugs throughout the day! Just make sure you share updates with all of us! :o)
I wish the team the best…and will try my hardest to get Father Bolte to bless the team during his homily…and have the reception band learn the Elder Fight Song! Alex taught me the song many years ago…when he asked me to wear his Letterman jacket…in college!
Go you Panthers, go.
And let this wide world know
Of Purple Panther might,
So fight team, fight, fight, fight!
When the Panther roars,
The Panther always scores.
So hit ‘em high and hit ‘em low,
Go, you Panthers, go!
Filed under church | Comments (3)
I’m lovin’ it
Yes. I must confess. I caved. Today….
I ate a cheeseburger.
Not just any cheeseburger.
But a “McDonald’s Cheeseburger”….and well
…a small order of fries.
And you know what?
I loved every bite of it.
I’m done stressing about fitting into my dress…because I pick it up tomorrow! There is no more time to take it in / let it out! No more worrying about a silly wedding diet! The time has come. The wedding is next weekend! (insert smile)
That cheeseburger was the best $1.00 I spent in a long time. :o)
Filed under church | Comments (2)How to make a beauftiful life together
My Aunt Eileen has always been an inspirational person in my life. She is my dad’s sister and the wife of my late Godfather Tom Holtzhaur. I was very touched by a insert she included in a card she sent me this week and wanted to share it with all of you.
Let love be your shelter, the world is noisy and confusing at times,
So make a home that is a haven,
A peaceful place where you can listen to your hearts and savor the
Comfortable closeness you share.
No matter how busy your days may be,
Make time for yourselves.
Hold hands.
Unwind.
Surprised each other.
Find little chances every day to show you’re grateful
To be partners, to be friends, to be married.
Life is not perfect.
You will make mistakes,
But each time you meet life challenges together,
You will grow wiser, stronger, and surer of your love.
Cherish your yesterdays.
They are irreplaceable souvenirs of your journey through life.
Make memories that will bring smiles and sighs
Whenever you look back. ( Look back often)
Look forward too.
Dream together. Plan Together.
Make promises to keep.
Believe in your tomorrows,
Because tomorrows are what forever is made of.
To make love last,
Put each other first.
That is the way to make a beautiful life together,
he kind of life you both deserve so much.
How beautiful!
Looking forward to seeing you again Aunt Eilleen!
Kids Table
So, our latest project has been the Kids Table – to help occupy the little ones during the reception. We’ll have some snacks (animal crackers, pretzel sticks and Goldfish) along with some coloring books, puzzles… and a surprise! I made sure not to have any small pieces at this table and put their safety first. This surprise is something we may all enjoy!
Another great way to entertain kids is to play a cartoon DVD in a back room. I’m not sure I’ll be able to pull that off in time, but it’s a great idea! Hopefully the kids at our reception will kick off the dancing and get the adults out there on their feet! No empty dance floor at this reception!
Feel free to share any other ideas for a Kids Table, as I have a few brides-to-be following my blog looking for ideas for their own wedding. Thanks!
Filed under family, reception halls | Tags: kids table | Comments (5)Playing around …
Yes, I am messing with the website theme again. I tried a couple options. The one with the photo at the top was difficult to read so I went back to this one. It might change again but the information is still all there…just reorganized.
Filed under church | Comment (0)Word to the wise…
Just when you think you have everything planned to a T…you will meet with another vendor who tells your your so-called “timeline” is not quite accurate.
Basically I realized today that I did not allow enough time for photos and travel time to accommodate the depth and breath of formal photography that we (okay “I”) planned to take.
There are quite a few elements that go into creating the timeline for the Wedding day. Your photographer has a timeline and suggested order of events…your reception hall has a timeline and suggested order of events…. and then your musician (band/DJ) might have another. A lot depends on the schedule THE COUPLE wants…but also (and most importantly) the photos you want to capture.
So, we need to decide….
Which photos do we really want in the album?
Which setting / photo locations are most important to us?
Which photos will still be “frameable” in a year or so from now.
Do we really need an individual photo with each bridal party member or sibling. Would I value a nice group photo more?
How many different combination of family photos do we really need? Which ones are more important?
Would it be possible for all family members arrive to church for pre-ceremony photos so we don’t delay our arrival the reception by taking photos after church?
Oh decisions, decisions. 
Advice is welcomed.
Filed under church | Comments (4)
Photo album must haves
On Monday night we meet with our photographer to go over the “photo shot list” of all the must have photos. I know she’ll capture all of the standard / formal shots (us with family, wedding party, priest, grandparents, the ceremony, standard reception photos, etc.) but what I need help with are the “photo-journalistic” shots.
Photos that we might want include:
Still shots of the bouquets, corsages, shoes, jewelry, etc.
Bridesmaids helping me carry my train
Alex’s dad / grandpa fixing Alex’s tie
Photo of Alex helping me in / out of the car
Wedding party crossing the street downtown
Images of the place cards, centerpieces, programs, guest book, etc.
If the weather is nice, we’ll be taking photos downtown on Fountain Square and in Piatt Park. However, if Mother Nature does not cooperate, we’ll take photos up at Krohn Conservatory where it is always green and dry!
I’d love to hear about your “nice to have” shots, links to photos you like, suggestions of photos you love… or wish you would have had or forgot at your wedding! Thanks!
Filed under church | Comments (5)
T minus 2 weeks
Sorry for the delayed updates…I have been swamped!
Yes, we are down to days. 15 days to be exact. Time flies!
I think I have everything done for the wedding and reception to take place..the rest are minor details to make things extra special. As long as we don’t get hit with a major snow storm, we are good to go!
* Dress will be ready to take home Tuesday.
* I have my wedding band with 10 little diamonds to represent our 10 years together.
* Alex has his wedding ring.
* Final vendor meetings take place next week (photographer, reception, limo, florist, cake)
* We are finalizing our programs and slideshow. Those are my weekend projects.
…and my matron of honor Tricia has been doing a wonderful job keeping me sane and helping me prioritize all the little details. Thank you sooo much Trish!
I have a number of logistical things to work through but I hear that is pretty typical with most weddings.
Thanks for everyone being so patient with me the past couple of weeks!
Filed under church | Comment (0)
Me lucky charms!
Thoughts on marriage from one of my bridesmaids…Jacque Baker.
Surviving planning a wedding requires 3 basis things:
1. Love
2. Organization
3. A bit of luck!
She goes on to say a few more things about how we already have love in our relationship and that I am pretty organized, so she wanted to give me a gift of luck….lucky charms to be exact! This little one-month count down gift included five little “charms” (similar to a charm bracelet).
Gourd, the Chinese symbol for luck
Four-leaf clover, for faith, hope, love and and luck
Shooting star, to make a wish
Horseshoe, to ward off evil spirits
Dice for luck in the game
How clever! I was honored to be in her wedding and now she is in mine. That said, I’d have to say the #4 basic to planning a wedding is the support from family and friends….not really luck! :o) Many thanks to all of you!
Filed under friends | Comment (0)Wedding Bands
Today Alex and I ordered our wedding bands. Alex chose a simple band - inspired by his father’s ring. I thought he would go for something more contemporary with squared off edges, but he said he has always like his dad’s ring and found something similar.
I turned my engagement ring over to our jeweler for the upgrades that we are making. Now, my left hand now feels slightly odd without my engagement ring.
It’s like Tricia said below, it feels like when you think you forgot your purse…I don’t like it. I think I’m going to have to go out and find a “dummy ring” for my left hand, just so I don’t feel so uneasy. Have other brides-to-be done the same? I am sure I am not the only one! We also worked on our gifts for our bridal party and ordered his tuxedo today.
And now we rest.
Filed under church | Comment (1)
