A Beautiful Affair

Congrats to the newlyweds Shannon and Justin.

This last Saturday one of my bridesmaids took the dive in a very beautiful ceremony followed by a fabulous reception. I was especially intent on paying the utmost attention to this day. It was the first wedding I had attended since being engaged and while planning. I was using Shannon's wedding as a means of remembering those things you may forget to plan for. I also noticed somethings that make me feel more calm in my planning.

Not meant to offend the bride and groom but just some observations to bring to my day.

First was the music during the ceremony. The officiant told me that we need to construct transitions as a means to signal certain events. While I still don't want the wedding party to do a huge grand entrance (or at least I'm trying to avoid it) I did like how the music they chose alerted me to what was coming up next.

The next thing was the length of the ceremony. This is the first very brief ceremony I have been to. No excessive readings or rituals preformed and was a good length. I will try and make mine similar in length as any shorter and I prolly would opt for no chairs. Hehe It was a great length to get the marriage done and set. That is the reason why we are gathered right, lets get to the vows and then off to the party in quick succession.

As far as decor goes... once it is all together any and everything looks beautiful. Their centerpieces featured the dessert of cupcakes. They were very clever in the arrangements and I have to say the flower pots with the cakes mimicking flowers was my favorite. I thought it was super clever and looked great. I also did notice the chairs and tablecloths but didn't mind them at all for the two seconds I noticed. I say this bc I was worried the chairs in my venue would clash and look terrible (and now that I've said that everyone will notice :( ). However, I can't afford to use $1000 worth of chair covers. Its just not worth it. Also the table cloths were not boring and the nice blue fabric looked great. I really want to use the free table cloths and of course worried that they may look too boring. With a small amount of color and addition of centerpieces the tables will be awesome. Just have to get our butts in gear and finish those pomander balls.

I got a lot of great ideas and was reminder of details I need to start to work on. I have a lot to do to make the reception a blast. Shannon and Justin made it look so easy but I'm sure it took a lot of planning.

BTW one last comment. To Shannon and Justin the pizza towards the end of the reception was the best idea ever. I am just sad that it maybe impossible for Dan and I to convince the Monona Terrace to allow something like that. After a few drinks and a few hours after dinner that was a great addition to my belly.

In looking back I've got a lot of work left for my wedding. Luckily, I still have 4 months!!!!