Weddingbee boards

Well hello ladies! I am back from the wedding & honeymoon and thought I would share a few things about my experiences. I have been an active WB member for over a year now, and have learned countless pieces of advice from the ladies that came before, and hopefully I can do the same for those after me.

First off, a little background: We had a DIY "backyard" destination (aunt & uncles backyard) tented wedding with 55 guests in attendence.

I have to tell you this wedding was probably the hardest thing I ever planned in my life- and we didnt even have a traditional wedding timeline. (We skipped the parent dances, the bouquet/garter toss, toasts, etc.) I went up on the Wednesday before my Saturday wedding and things were still forgotten/not finished.

I know everyone says this, but I didnt listen. HIRE A DOC! Even if its just a friend or family member or whatever that volunteers- you need one! Once your guests start arriving, the last thing you'll want to be doing is hanging paper lanterns, stringing lights, and leaf blowing. Because I didnt designate someone to make sure everything got done with a detailed to-do list, things simply didnt get done. I didnt notice until the wedding had already started and by then it was too late (and I honestly didnt care anymore).

No one ever put out a guestbook/gift table so gifts and cards were left all over the place, the guestbook was NEVER signed, a box of vases never even got used, the take away boxes were put out after most everyone had already left, and I misplaced my ipod with my playlists on it (for the first hour of the reception).

Another biggie was the fact that I hadnt written out my checks for the vendors until the morning of the wedding. Had I planned ahead and wrote them out before I left home, I would have noticed that I only had 2 checks left in my checkbook. I needed to write 4!! After having my friend drive to the bank and grocery store to get cash back for me to pay these hard working people, I had to tear open a few wedding cards early to make sure everyone got paid!!! Hilarious now, but definitely nerve-wrecking that day!!!

Also make sure to let your family members know that you DO NOT what to hear anything negative being said about your wedding. They can keep it to themselves. My mother for some ungodly reason thought it would be appropriate to tell me that people were complaining about how much it was costing them to be there. Asking why I couldnt of just had something close to home. Like I needed to worry about that a week before my wedding?? (For the record I had already taken that into consideration which is why I reserved rooms between 70-125/night that came with free hot breakfast, and I fed them friday night, and ALL DAY saturday.) Yes it was a 6 hour drive if not more for everyone (including us) but the atmosphere could not have been bought close to home. (I'll post pictures soon)!

After all that- I can still honestly say that my wedding was one of the happiest days of my life so far. My husband(!) was blown away by all the thought and effort I put into the day. EVeryone thought the location was "magical" "majestic", and most everyone commented on how it was the best wedding they have ever been to. Even my mother who hated my ideas loved how everything turned out.

Everyone had a blast filling out the crossword puzzles I made (Thanks Mrs. Cheese!!) We decided to do a customized ceremony that allowed people to speak-which everyone raved about, and everyone loved the comfort food, the sno-kone machine, and the laid back attitude. (We changed out of our wedding garb shortly after the formal portraits to get comfy- I wore jeans & a rhinestone t-shirt that said "wifey"-which is now my new nickname-LOL)

so ladies- stick to your guns, follow through on your vision, and make damn sure that your wedding reflects you & your fiance- because that will be what everyone talks about for weeks afterwards.

sweetcorn-

If you are interested in having people speak during the ceremony, make sure to elect one person to go first so that they can prepare. It's like pulling teeth getting people to speak first, but once someone goes, everyone else feels more at ease. We had about 8 people stand up and speak straight from the heart- it was sooo heartfelt, not to mention a cryfest- I dont think we had a dry eye.

We also put a note on our website that we would be "opening up the floor" during the ceremony, so that people could plan ahead if they wanted.

 

I. Welcoming of the Guests
Welcome! Good morning, family and friendsWe have come here today to celebrate the weddingof Vanessa and Sean.

We thank you for joining us!They are delighted that you have come to share in their joyDuring this special day.By your presence, you celebrate with themThe love they have discovered in each otherAnd you support their decision to commit themselves to a lifelong relationship

Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection.By making this commitment today, Vanessa & Sean's relationshipwill become stronger, better, and deeper.Today, Vanessa & Sean demonstrate their devotion to each otherBy dedicating themselves to creating a good life together.Today, their lives, which began on separate paths, will be joined as one.
 

II. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF FAMILY & FRIENDS

Today represents not only the joining of Vanessa & Sean,But also the joining of their families and friends.

Vanessa & Sean would like to recognize their parents on this occasion,They offer their profound gratitude,For all the love and care their parents showed in raising them.(No matter how difficult that may have been at times!)Parents, you have helped inspire them to become who they are today,And they thank you, from the bottom of their hearts,Without you, this day would not be possible.

They are blessed to share their wedding day with you, their family and friends,And thank each of you for making the long journey here.

III. Intro of Quaker Elements
While we are not Quakers, our ceremony today will be performed an edited version of a "Meeting of Friends", or Quaker Meeting.

In a few moments, Vanessa & Sean will exchange the vows they have chosen. After this, anyone may stand and speak if so moved. While messages are welcome, periods of silence are expected and are a time for reflection. If you would like to speak, please stand as the last person finishes.

 

IV. MARRIAGE STATEMENT OF INTENT/CONSENT
Vanessa & Sean, do you, with family and friends as your witnesses,Present yourselves willingly and of your own accord to be joined in marriage?

Will you promise to care for each other in the joys and sorrows of life,Come what may, And to share the responsibility for growth and the enrichment of your life together?

Then please turn to each other and share the vows you have chosen.

I promise to love and care for you and I will try in every way to be worthy of your love.I will always be honest with you, kind, patient, and forgiving.I promise to keep a sense of humor.But most of all, I promise to be a true and loyal friend to you. I love you.

I promise to love and care for you and I will try in every way to be worthy of your love.I will always be honest with you, kind, patient, and forgiving.I promise to try to be on time.But most of all, I promise to be a true and loyal friend to you.I love you.

Now if anyone would like to speak, please feel free to stand and do so.

**After everyone has spoken, officiant thanks them for their kind words.

VI. RING EXCHANGE

Now, take hands. To reach out to someone and be acknowledged and loved is a human need. Taking the hand of one who loves you is a powerful symbol of that unspoken bond.

Your hands are also the part of you that are used the most. As you go about your daily work and play, may your ring be a tangible reminder of the promises you’ve made to each other. May it always be with you, visible, worn openly and with pride. Let these rings be a sign that love has a past, present, and a future- Through you and within you.

Sean, take V's ring, place it on her finger and repeat after me:

I give you this ring as a sign that I choose youTo be my lover, my partner and my best friend, to the end of my daysWear it, think of me, and know that I love you.

V, take Sean's ring, place it on his finger and repeat after me:

I give you this ring as a sign that I choose youTo be my lover, my partner and my best friend, to the end of my daysWear it, think of me, and know that I love you.

VII. Pronouncement
Vanessa & Sean, we have heard your promise to share your lives in marriage.We recognize and respect the vows you have made here this dayBefore each one of us as a witness.

Now, may the love that has brought you togetherContinue to grow and enrich your livesMay you meet with courage the problems that arise to challenge youAnd may your relationship always be one of love and trust.

May the happiness you share today be with you alwaysAnd may every word you have pledged here be a living truth in your lives.

In the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today, And in accordance with the laws of the state of New York, It is my honor and delight to declare you henceforth-To be husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.

The written part of our ceremony was about 8 minutes, but after everyone spoke, it was about 20 minutes, which we felt was the perfect amount of time.

Here's a few more pics for you ladies!!

and one more. I'll upload some more detail shots once I have them!

Thats actually the groom, and he's eating a rainbow sno-kone :) We served them in martini glasses so that people didnt drip all over themselves. OH, and all photos are by my photog Keira Lemonis!

Thanks ladies!! I have gotten so much inspiration from so many of you, I would only hope to continue to inspire others!! I have yet to get my pro photos, but my lovely friends have posted tons of photos on facebook. I will compile some more photos to show off!! LOL :)

dress and bolero shots.

I had it custom made from ivory dupioni silk, and the ruffly was ivory organza. I bought the materials and basic pattern from JoAnn's fabric, and commisioned a seamstress friend to make it for me. The dress is from DAvids Bridal, but I bought it used on ebay from another bride for $220. I only had to have it taken in about 3/4 of an inch in the bust. The dress and bolero combo cost me $270 total, a thank you card and a (regifted) bottle of wine. haha.

Our dessert bar was a hit. Sorry I dont have better photos- it was time for my photog to leave before they were brought out. Everyone raved about the food!! My aunt bakes as a hobby and offered to bake for the wedding. She made mini orange citrus cheesecakes (Giada Delaurentis recipe), vanilla & chocolate cupcakes from scratch, and a lemon bundt cake with citrus glaze. We bought frozen mini eclairs and cream puffs from Sams Club, my mom made mini carrot cakes, and a family friend made shortbread cookies. We also had a bowl of fresh berries set out.

To drink we had lemonade and ice tea in the glass spigot jars from crate & barrel, and I had my uncle cut chunks of wood to elevate them off the table. We also had galvanized buckets that I bought from Lowes. 1 was filled with Izze, 1 was filled with wine, and the other we filled with beer. We also had soda and water stored in coolers under the cocktail table.

For dinner we had BBQ chicken quarters, grilled pork tenderloin, mac & cheese, mini potatoes, grilled summer veggies, cole slaw, and pasta salad. (no pics yet, darn!)

Once it got dark we had a bonfire and roasted marshmallows, while my uncle cooked hamburgers and hot dogs over the fire for anyone that was hungry. Our ceremony was at 12:30, cocktails from 1:00-2:30, dinner served at 3:00, fire started at 9:00, last guests cleared out at 11pm. It was a LONG day, and I still feel like I didnt visit with everyone.

A cute photo of the now infamous "wifey" shirt. The shirt itself was a little pricey, but you get to pick the style shirt and the color of the rhinestones, not to mention I later found out that the shirt was American Apparel- so I could understand the higher pricetag. After shipping the shirt was just under $50, but I believe it was worth it... I'll definitely be wearing it again. We changed into our "normal" clothes once cocktail hour was over. You can check out the other rhinestone shirts @ www.justjen.com

 

Thanks Beagle & Bruschetta! I feel special knowing bees are diggin' my wedding pics... You all have such amazing style & ideas!! :)

AWW, thanks curlysue! that would be amazing!! I haven't started my bio yet but I will!! I was kind of waiting to see the rest of my pro pics first :) My wedding wouldnt have been half as great without all the amazing inspiration found on the 'bee. Seriously.

just wanted to stop by and say Oh wow - I love this!!!

wow! everything looks so awesome! glad all your hard work paid off! congratulations!!