RomanceEverAfter
|
|
|
People You Should Know A Conversation with Ross Howard, A Cure for Kirby, Meet Monica Davis and Geir Ness. The Beauty of Change Series Historical Romance Column and Book Reviewer: Kaye Hatfield NEW! Sam DeMarco Have you dreamed of starting your own business? Sam DeMarco, owner of Compliance Team, did and he tells us how he made his dream a reality! Photo Gallery Romance & You (Articles) Romantic Memoir
Quotes & Poetry Expand your quotes and poetic horizons by visiting our various Quotes & Poetry categories: Thought of the Week: Time for New Beginnings A series of 8 articles by Melissa Hamilton comprising a collection of principles that will allow you to make your vision for the future a reality. Read about the Amish, India, Philippines, Greece, & Rome.
|
Mercedes Plans
Her Wedding:
In addition to selecting a location, we (ok, again, I) selected an officiant. While both R. and I are big believers in a Higher Power, we differ slightly on what we think about that Higher Power and the best way to show belief. I was raised Roman Catholic, but I have strayed big time, morphing more towards a liberal non-denominational approach, while R. never had any structure to begin with, and is in general more traditional in thought than I am. It is hard to describe why, but I have always thought it more appropriate to be married by a woman-maybe because I think, in some small way, that women have both the most to lose and gain by the institution of marriage. A strange part of me thinks that maybe my union will be more blessed if a woman sanctions it. So, thanks to the help of the world’s most powerful tool, the Internet, I discovered and chose Dr. Martha Redstrom-Plourd (check her out on www.weddedbliss.net, especially if you are in the Virginia area).While I have never doubted that the wedding was not "real", nothing hit home more than copying and pasting our wedding ceremony from a wide range of choices, provided by Dr. Redstrom-Plourd. Our ceremony will include everything from the Celtic explanation as to why rings are worn on the third finger (they believed the vein there ran directly to one’s heart), to the Christian bridal blessing. Mostly, I am thrilled that my ceremony was designed by me-and will not be quite so formulaic. While not quite like being married by Joey off of Friends, I think the notion that we found our officiant off the Internet gives us an ultra-modern touch;-) Perhaps the most modern thing we have done is to order our platinum wedding bands off the Internet. After shopping around, even while trying to take advantage of holiday sales, it became clear that the best deals were to be had on-line. www.bluenile.com has a great reputation, and I am pleased to say that it is well deserved. The rings were, at minimum, $500 cheaper than they would have been elsewhere, and they arrived in pristine condition the very next day. Now, if all else fails and we decide to elope, at least we have nice rings to do it with!The decoration ideas are coming along, albeit slowly. Floating candles have been purchased for the pond, greenery for the pergola priced, yardage for the benches sought, and aspirin for the headaches swallowed in large quantities. Visual imaging is probably my weakest area, and all the input from friends has proved priceless. I am also waiting with bated breath for the InStyle Wedding issue to help with come up with some outdoor decorating ideas; ideas only, I‘ll have to take the cheap route, but part of the fun in making it look like a million bucks, right? To capture my decorating masterpiece, or maybe we can kindly call it artistry, as well as my radiant bride self, I think I have found a photographer. Luckily, I have an acquaintance who dabbles in photography, and who recently had some pictures published of her favorite band, (check out www.carbonleaf.com for Jen Davis’ work). While still negotiating, I think it will work out just fine. In order that the pictures have a fair shake at making me look like a supermodel, a plus sized one; I have asked a wonderful girl from the local Chanel counter to make me up. Let’s pray that with the wonders of makeup and a few well-placed brush strokes that I don’t look like Bridezilla on the Big Day.All in all, things are progressing nicely. I still have not found a cake, and the whole food situation for the very small reception afterwards is not remedied, but I am optimistic, that, like everything else, it will fall into place. Music has been discussed, but no firm notion of how that will occur, if at all, has been settled on, either. The wonderful maid of honor has been left in charge of a bridal shower, and registries need updating. I have promised I will get right on this. A honeymoon destination has been picked, but no firm plans made. Hotels have not been procured for the small amount of out of town guests we expect, but my excuse is that I am waiting for RSVPs. Goodness, I should stop typing immediately and go stress some more! I will gladly accept any suggestions anyone has to offer. Feel free to contact me at merc3069@yahoo.com.
Return to
|
|
|
Photo Gallery
We
have selected a location (you know what they say, better late than never!), the
place we should’ve picked from the beginning. Grayhaven Winery here in our
hometown has everything we (ok, ok - I) wanted…scenic settings, including a
large pond, and the homey feel that doesn’t make you feel like you are a poor
cousin invited to sup at the Big House. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they have
three dogs roaming free on the property, my favorite being Jiggy Pig, an
adorable French bulldog, whom I have seen happily wear a Christmas elf costume,
only enhancing an already idyllic picture. The price was right, our desired date
in April free, and the staff more helpful than they should be. SOLD.
Check them out at