safekeeping

“If I can give any advice, albeit unsolicited, don’t allow the day’s checklist to dictate your thoughts.  If something falls through, don’t fret!  Just roll with the punches.” love that advice drew. april, i hope i didn’t make you feel bad, i didn’t intend to! i just wanted to chime in and let you know that it’s okay to take the pressure off and just have a day that is fun for you and grant and your guests.

also, a piece of advice that my cousin zac gave me that i found invaluable was that the bride and groom should not drink anything (alcoholic) at their reception. his point was that you’re already pretty high on adrenaline and time seems to be passing at warp speed. any extra chemicals into that mix (on an empty stomach, because believe me, you won’t eat much until after it’s all over) speeds it up to an unbearable degree. the ak and i both took his advice to heart and we’re so glad we did. i was able to be completely in the moment and in control through out our reception.

drewbergen:

aprillynne:

shan, you’re way more eloquent at explaining why you and ak did your wedding the way you did. now i feel like i should apologize to the brides who have done the traditional stuff. weddings are a personal thing, and whatever you like is exactly how it should be.

shannadipaolo:

joliebelle:

I did not have a bouquet toss, a garter removal, a unity candle, a veil, or anything blue in my outfit. Go for it, girl. 

aprillynne:

today i’ve been reading about where we got all of the ridiculous wedding traditions that American women follow religiously. i mean, i just feel like people do all that stuff without knowing why. just because they’re supposed to & because everybody does. well. i, for one, will not have a bouquet…

Well since all of the newlyweds are chiming in… I agree with Shanna.  There is no correct blueprint for a wedding.  Whatever you want it to be is what it should be. 

Alie and I really tried to create an atmosphere for our guests that was relaxed and fun, all the while making the wedding special for ourselves and our families.  Finding that delicate balance is the real task.  If I can give any advice, albeit unsolicited, don’t allow the day’s checklist to dictate your thoughts.  If something falls through, don’t fret!  Just roll with the punches.  It rained during our outdoor ceremony!  And while we preferred sunshine, the black umbrellas that our bridal party held above us made for some great photos! 

Alie and I are excited for you, April!

i didn’t even have seating assignments or a “head table” for the wedding party. everyone just sat where they wanted and with whomever they pleased, and it was a lot more fun.

my decisions to forgo tradition had less to do with what the traditions meant and more to do with what would make our wedding the most fun. at a lot of weddings, the guests are kept waiting while the bride and groom participate in all of these activities that are only interesting to a few. the rest of the room is growing restless, waiting for the dance party to start. so we fast forwarded to the dance party and let that rage for 2 1/2 hours.

it was perfect for the ak and i, but i would never criticize someone for deciding otherwise. a wedding is a very complicated and personal social event. aside from a few select elements, it must be tailored for the bride, groom, and their families and guests.

joliebelle:

I did not have a bouquet toss, a garter removal, a unity candle, a veil, or anything blue in my outfit. Go for it, girl. 

aprillynne:

today i’ve been reading about where we got all of the ridiculous wedding traditions that American women follow religiously. i mean, i just feel like people do all that stuff without knowing why. just because they’re supposed to & because everybody does. well. i, for one, will not have a bouquet…