Presents!!!

After the wedding was over, Marta graciously offered to take our gifts home so we wouldn't have to worry about them at the campsite. I got them from her a few days later and Tai and I had fun opening all them. These are the ones that came from the wedding.
And here they are all opened. We got a lot of stuff off of our registry which was cool. I now have an entire set of new towels. Yea! Tai was a little disappointed there was no PS3s or XBox 360s in there.
Overall, I was pleased with thingsiwant.com. It was easy for me to use but I think my guests misunderstood how to use it. Plus I heard the site was down frequently. I would use them again but encourage people more to contact me with questions. I felt a little bad about telling people how to use it. I didn't want to instruct people how to buy us gifts!

Have a Favor

So before the wedding, I wouldn't tell you what our favors were. I knew that some of my guests read this site and the favors were one thing I kept a secret. But no more!
We gave our bottle openers (church keys as we like to call them). I bought these at the dollar store and added our tags to them. Very easy and wonderfully useful favor. There's a magnet on one side so people can put them on their fridge for easy access.
I had gotten the idea early in the planning process from $10,000 Wedding.
We're not really wine drinkers (well, Tai's not) and most of our friends drink beer and other liquors rather than exclusively wine. But I loved the idea and made it our own.
The morals of the story are a) the dollar store is a marvelous place and b) sometimes ideas need to be tweaked in order to fit you and your wedding.

Recap:The Reception

Now, it's time for the fun. First, our first dance.
Despite the fact that we hadn't been really practicing, we did a good job. Our song is Far Away by Nickelback. It's been our song almost since we started dating.
I was trying to make him laugh since he was Mr Serious, trying to get the steps right.
Next the speeches, with Brian going first.
Brian and Tai have known each other since they were kids. Back then they used to get in trouble a lot. Now Brian works as a corrections officer and he's on a volunteer hostage rescue team. Tai kept saying "my best man can kick your best man's ass!" Brian welcomed me to the family and said I was stuck with him now. I can't think of a better guy to have on our side!
Ashley gave her Matron of Honor speech. I remember she said something about seeing me less now that I met Tai. That's how she knew I was smitten. Very true. Sadly, now that I'm old and married, I have less time for all the clubbing we used to do as kids. But we still have a good time. I can't wait for Madonna in the fall, Ashley!
Marta giving her Maid of Honor speech. She used the anecdote I threatened to use on her. The first time we met when was Marta was still in college. Since it was a Saturday night, she had been consuming some adult beverages and doesn't remember meeting me. We re-met after she graduated and moved back to the Seattle area.
Carlo gave an impromptu speech. Sadly I don't remember what he said. I'm sure it was a lovely speech.
Before the wedding, moments before I walked down the aisle, I had a small panic attack. Carlo rushed over and give me a big hug. He held me while helping me get my breath back. I can never thank him enough for that.
Now the cake cutting.
Here were are cutting the cake. We chose the fresh fruit which was a least pleased with. The tiramsu and the swiss chocolate were my favorites.
My honey preparing to feed me cake.
But I smooshed him! This had been planned. I was to smash the cake while he was preparing to feed it to me. It was very funny and everyone laughed!Yes, I licked cake off my new husband's face!
Well that's pretty much it. Unfortunately the music had to be turned off at 9pm so we didn't do much dancing. Which I was kind of bummed about but nothing I could do at that point.
It was a great wedding. We had a wonderful time. I was pretty glad to get out of my dress at the end of the night. The beading under my arms was digging into my skin (ouch!) and the bustle had broken. My hair was so secure in all those pins that it didn't move all night or the next day. I left my hair up until we got home the next day!
Now what? I have some details that I didn't tell you about before the wedding. I'll blog about those as well as complete vendor reviews and registry reviews.
All photos by Andrew Sengul.

Recap: The Ceremony

Here is our ceremony in it's entirety. Tai cried though the whole thing!

We are gathered here in this beautiful place to witness the joining of Linda and Tai in marriage. They particularly wanted to invite you here because of their sense of spirituality and the growth of their love is connected to this place. They wanted to share with you the beauty of this place because this is where they have made their home.During their time together they have come here on days like this one, and walked quietly through the trails, listening to the wind in the pines, their time spent in nature has been a time of connectedness of shared reverence for the world and a deepening respect and love for one another. It is this sense of timelessness and peace that they wanted to share with you on this their wedding day.
As you enjoy the beauty of this place please take a moment for reflection and quiet prayer to open your hearts and minds to the love and togetherness we are here to share through this ceremony. You may also want to take a moment to remember those loved ones who are not with us today especially Linda’s mother, Connie, and Tai’s grandfather, Ben. Today we form a circle of love around Linda and Tai as they enter into marriage. To last their marriage must be a consecration of each to the other and of both to wider community of which they a part. That community starts with each and everyone of you their loved ones. Through their act of marriage, Linda and Tai have gathered you around them like a comforting blanket, forming their community of love and support as they move forward into a shared life as marriage partners. Now let us share in a moment of silently extending our blessing to Linda and Tai for loving, healthy, and happy marriage.Tai, Linda, please join hands.Tai: Linda, I offer you my Love. I offer you my strength. I offer you my weaknesses. I offer you my support. I offer you my loyalty. I offer you my faith, for as long as we both shall live.
Linda: Tai, I offer you my Love. I offer you my strength. I offer you my weaknesses. I offer you my support. I offer you my loyalty. I offer you my faith, for as long as we both shall live.
May I please have the rings?
Rings are adornments carefully chosen for their beauty and simplicity. They quietly sit upon our fingers, reminding us of the power of love and the pledge of the wearer to his or her partner to be faithful and true, and to nurture their love so it will last a lifetime. Linda and Tai, may these ring be for you always be your most treasured adornment and may the love they symbolize be your most treasured possession.
Tai please this ring on Linda’s finger
Tai: This ring is my gift you. May it always remind you that from this day forward you will be surrounded my love.Linda place this ring on Tai’s finger.
Linda: This is my gift to you. May it always remind you that from this day forward you will be surrounded by love.Linda and Tai our best wishes go forward from this day with you. We wish for you a fulfilling life, rich in caring and in happiness. We wish for you a gentle and peaceful life that nurtures and comforts you. We wish for you a noble life, which reflects your honesty, kindness, and integrity. We wish for you a adventuresome life exploring the fullness of your own and each others true selves.
Linda and Tai, there is a wonderful life a head of you. Live it fully. Love it’s changes and choices. Let life amaze you and bring you great joy.
And now, by the power vested in us by the State of Washington, we pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride.
Join us in welcoming Linda & Tai!
All pictures by Andrew Sengul.

Here I Am! Where's the Groom?

So I arrived at the site at 5:30-half an hour before the ceremony was to start. I wanted to mill around and welcome guests. I also wanted to see my groom.

Photo by Andrew Sengul

Unfortunately, he didn't want to see me.

Photo by Jill

Tai decided that he wanted to uphold the tradition of not seeing the bride before the wedding. But no one told me, so I snuck around looking for him. I saw him a few times, but he never saw me.

Photo by Jill

So he sat behind the barn with his groomsmen while I greeted guests.

Photo by Andrew Sengul

I'm so glad I have a picture with me and Shoshana. She's my new coworker. I'm so glad she came to work at my agency. She's so cool. Of course, Adria, the badass, is here too.

Photo by Andrew Sengul

Perhaps Tai did see me and tried to escape. I like how Jamie and Carlo have a good grip on him!

Photo by Andrew Sengul

Ah, don't they clean up nice?
Ok, let's get this show on the road.

Photo by Jill

Tai and his mom came down the aisle first.

Photo by Jill

The boys followed, looking all dapper.

Photo by Andrew Sengul

Marta came down the aisle first.

Photo by Andrew Sengul

Followed by Ashley.

Photo by Jill.

And here we go.

Getting Ready for a Wedding

Ok, here's the complete recap of the wedding. Starting with Saturday morning. I'll break this up so it's not terribly long.
Friday night after I got home for dinner with girls, I had no trouble falling asleep. I usually can't sleep when Tai's not home. I thought I was going to have to a sleeping pill. I was pretty happy to get a full night's sleep. I hadn't been sleeping well with my cold and all.
So Saturday morning, at 7am, I was awaken by my mother-in-law. She was calling to let me know she was up and ready to get going. I let her know that nothing was going for several hours and I would call her later. About an hour later, when I fell back asleep, she called again. I let it go to voicemail (sorry!). I needed a couple more hours of sleep.
Around 10am, Ashley picked me up to take me to get our nails done. Ashley and I relaxed for about an hour while we got pedicures and manicures. It was nice to have some relaxing time and to hang out with Ashley. Unfortunately in this process, I haven't had lots of time to just hang out. Ashley took me to get some snacks then home to finish getting ready for the day.
Marta came and got me around noon to go pick up the flowers from Whole Foods. We got the flowers and the cakes and went to the hotel to get ready. My aunt let us use her hotel room to get ready (such a relief).
After lunch, Tammy came and did my hair and makeup.She used to do hair and makeup professionally in California. Now she just does it for friends. It was great to have a friend do this for me. Since we didn't have a trial, she started early in case we had to make changes. But everything went wonderfully!
Tai called me to check in. He needed to make some changes to the set up and wanted to check in with me. I told him to do what he needed to do.Here we are deciding to get ready. We decided that Marta should get dressed before I get dressed. Sorry no half naked photos of me! I kicked the photographer out while I put the dress on.
We took some shots before leaving the hotel. This on the balcony outside of the hotel room. Then we took some photos in the lobby. Here's me and Ashley. I think this is a good one.
Then Marta and I. I like how garden-y the lobby is. I'm glad we got some good shots.
Then my mother in law and I waited for the van to take us to the site. This was nervous moment number one. While waiting, I started to get a little nervous. I headed to the bathroom alone to attempt to potty and hopefully calm down. When entering the restroom, I ran into Marta. She helped me calm down and use the restroom. While we were primping, a woman came into the bathroom and saw me in my wedding dress. She congratulated me and then told me I should run. She advised me to say heck, no! I ignored her, left the bathroom and got on the van (which arrived while I was in the restroom). Who gives that kind of advice to a stranger?
I was very calm during the ride to the site. I'll continue the story tomorrow. This is getting long.
*All photos taken by Andrew Sengul.

What Went Wrong?

I'm interrupting my recap to tell you the things that went wrong. Before I begin I would like to explain that none of these things "ruined" my day or even caused me any stress. These are things that went less than planned. I know those of you that read my blog and your own weddings are still coming up sometimes worry about something going wrong. Rest assured it will.
1. Music. Remember how I painstakingly put together music for the pre-ceremony and the reception? Yeah none of that got played. Friday night, Jeff was getting the music selections together. I asked him, do you have everything? He said yes, I have all your music. I completely forgot about the pre-ceremony music. The next afternoon while I'm headed to the site is when I remembered. But I figured there'd be no music, no big deal. Nope, Jeff put some very traditional classical music on. No big deal, just more formal than I wanted.
2. The table set up. I didn't want a head table, but when I got to the site there was one. Not a big deal. I just didn't want to be segerated. Plus one couple was split up (the groomsman sat with us while his wife sat with some other friends). I felt really bad. I didn't want that to happen. In fairness, Tai called me while they were setting up and asked if it was ok to change my orginial table plan. I told him do what you gotta do.
3. The party ended way early than I planned. The campground host told us to turn the music off at 9pm when we thought we would only have to turn the music down. And once that happened, people started leaving. It didn't help that the front gate was being locked about that time too. it kind of sucked but I was so tired by then I really didn't care too much. The time went by so fast I couldn't believe that it was 9!
Like I said, none of this ruined the wedding. It was more like oh, that's a bummer.

Rehearsal & Rehearsal Dinner

Ok, I'm going to start my recapping with Friday and move on from there. I gave my camera to a friend (Abby) to take some photos for us. Best thing I ever did. I loved having those pre-wedding photos!My dad and his sister (Harriet) waiting for us to get our act together. Tai's entire side all lined up and read for action. Dad and I headed down the practice aisle. I look so serious!Tai and I giggled through the entire ceremony. Once I got up there I grabbed his hands only to find out later that we weren't supposed be holding hands.
The rehearsal went well. We got everything done pretty quickly. Then we all headed over to the campsite to get some food. Then Ashley, Marta and I left for a little girl time. I can't say it went the same way I had in my head but I still consider it a success!

I'm A Married Woman!

Yesterday was amazing. We had such a good time. I have a few nonpro pics!
Here we are walking down the aisle just after getting married!Here's Tai and his mom. She was so cute. We were so glad to have her here all weekend. Tammy (who did my hair & makeup) also did my mother in law's hair and makeup too.Ashley, Marta and I. You can see that I was getting tired of photos at this point. Our bouquets turned out perfectly. I think this was pre-ceremony. My friend Adria and I. She actually got weepy when she saw me. Me and my father. He was such a trooper. He rolled with the punches quite well.
I'll have more details and complete recaps throughout this week and next.

My Last Post As An Unmarried Lady!

Today's my last day at work til next week. I'm still feeling a little sick. Tai's a little under the weather as well.
Today the best man, Brian, and his family arrive. Our first guests! My aunt arrives later tonight. And Tai's mom comes in tomorrow afternoon. I will be too busy to blog most likely before the wedding so I want to get one last single gal post in before.
I've gotten all the big projects done. I'll post pictures on Monday of the rehearsal dinner and pre-wedding Saturday. I plan on handing off my camera to a guest so I hope that there are some pictures I can post before we get our pro-pics back.
Yikes, we're finally here. I went to take a nap after work. When I woke up I headed into the living room where Tai was playing on the computer. When he saw me he said "There's my beautiful future wife." Aw, ain't he cute. Makes me want to marry him!
When I return, I'll be Mrs!

Last DIY Project Done!

While watching Bridezillas, I finished up the signs for the wedding. Orignially I had thought I would use these:But I only bought two and thought I'd buy more later. But I never found more and since I needed 15 of them, it wasn't cost effective. So I headed Michael's to see what I could find and I found these lifesavers!I bought 2 of these 3" models and one of the 5" model. So easy to use and completely solved my problem. I adheared them to the backs of the signs.So here they all are, ready to go!
I'm done. I won't be tying ribbons on things the night before the wedding! Yea!