I have found myself the personal secretary of a very excited bride - my daughter, Sarah. Following Sarah's master plan, it has been my pleasure to assist in searching for a church, a reception place, and a pastor. I also found out the details of securing the marriage license.
As for the marriage license, it must be used within three to sixty days of getting it. Praveen's flights here need to coinside with the days and hours the courthouse is open. As he's coming in about seventy days before the big day, for Sarah's friend's wedding (the first America wedding he'll see), that won't work. They'll have to wait until his next flight in - about a week before their wedding. They'll pay $50 cash for this special piece of paper. Though it seems the dresses, rings, church and reception are the biggest considerations, nothing's happening without the marriage license, so it was a relief to get that all figured out.
Finding a church has been a challenge, but one I'm especially enjoying. My mom went along on one of my look-sees. This was special for both of us, as we reminisced along the way, and bounced around ideas after seeing different ones. I find the churches through referrals from friends, or simply driving around to spot them. I then set up appointments, take pictures and gather info papers, and present them to Sarah later. I've gotten into a couple of churches by just poking around open ones, looking for secretaties. They're pretty good-natured about it. Once, a kindly pastor showed me his church's sanctuary. As Sarah works 7 - 3:30 most days, this helps her to screen out the ones she doesn't like. She was able to see a couple on Thursday, her day off. (We also put down a deposit on the reception place that day.)
Sarah prefers the more ornate churches, but is interested in one that is more simple in decor. It is an historic church, greystone outside, with a simple white spire. The inside is tasteful, with a neutral-colored sancuary. The sanctuary has many tradionital touches - wooden pews, partly painted white, and stained glass windows, presented as gridded double windows, no biblical scenes. But the stained glass is gentle, even romantic - pastels blended together - blues, purples, and pinks. The shape of the sanctuary is rectangular, also traditional, making for a nice walk down the aisle. The other churches in the running are more traditional inside: vaulted ceilings, shield-shaped stained-glass windows, depicting biblical scenes and characters. This is more Sarah's preference, so I suspect she'll choose one of these. All of the possible churches are within a 15-minute drive of the reception place, a definate benefit.
The reception place is really nice, Victorian-themed. There's even a fancy private parlor for the bridal party to pause in before going into the large reception room. The facility just put down both new carpet and a dance floor in the room we'll use. The carpet will go nicely with the plum bridemaids' gowns Sarah decided on a couple days ago. Also, we'll save money on centerpieces, as the facility provides large waterbowls as well as brass oil-lamps, as well as mirror tiles. The linens and dishes are lovely and elegant. Linens, dishes, and centerpiece items (not flowers or candles) are included in the very reasonable price. Winter is the off-season for banquet halls, so they're more inclined to give good deals.
And now let's talk of gowns! Sarah, Rebekah, and I went to David's Bridal over a month ago, thinking it would be one of many trips in search of her wedding gown. After trying on 3-4 gowns within her price range, we sorted through the racks again, looking for the perfect, but afforable dress. Rebekah pulled out a fluffy one, and soon the girls were packed into the dressing room to get Sarah into it. When she emerged, she looked like a snow princess. It fit her like a dream - it was the one! Though Sarah and I did appropriately waffle a bit, Rebekah pronouced it the ONE. And so came the fussing, trying it with attachable straps, discussion of hemming and bussling. (I have to find a seamstress this week.) Sarah bought it, and after the salesgirl, Hannah, somehow contained it in a long bag, we rushed it to Nanny's for safe-keeping. (Nanny has the most closet space, as well as a lack of small children who might play hide and seek under it, so this was the logical place.)
And now to the bridesmaids dresses. First I must name the maids (one's a matron, though she sure isn't matronly!): Rebekah is Maid of Honor, followed by my little sisters, Robin and Erin, and then Adele. All are quite delighted to have been chosen. The flower girls will be Sarah's cousins: Elizabeth (from my side) and Tia (from David's side). So on to the dresses. It took longer to choose them than it did the wedding gowns. Styles and colors were tried on, followed by much careful discussion amongst the gals. Finally a style was chosen, with a leaning towards the color purple. I went along with Sarah and Adele on the last trip to David's and again, a decision was hoped for. As Sarah was trying on various wraps and capes with her gown, Adele and I went for third time to look over the gowns on the rack. We came across a plum one in the chosen style and knew it was the one! Sarah loved it. It's in the purple realm, but richer, more wintery. The price wasn't bad either. What a relief.
Sarah chose her invitation this week. I found this very interesting. Unlike the days of visiting the printer, brides now visit craft stores for invitations they can run through their home printers. Much more affordable. The only difference is that the printing isn't embossed. Still, they're as nice as any I remember from the 1980's and before.
So it is really happening; the date fast approaches! Last night, while David and I were watching movie previews, a date flashed for the opening of one: 1-15-10. I realized that Sarah would be married by then. Wow - my little girl, about to be a wife, and not soon after, I suspect, a mother. I know that has been her longtime dreanm - I'm so happy for her!
As for the marriage license, it must be used within three to sixty days of getting it. Praveen's flights here need to coinside with the days and hours the courthouse is open. As he's coming in about seventy days before the big day, for Sarah's friend's wedding (the first America wedding he'll see), that won't work. They'll have to wait until his next flight in - about a week before their wedding. They'll pay $50 cash for this special piece of paper. Though it seems the dresses, rings, church and reception are the biggest considerations, nothing's happening without the marriage license, so it was a relief to get that all figured out.
Finding a church has been a challenge, but one I'm especially enjoying. My mom went along on one of my look-sees. This was special for both of us, as we reminisced along the way, and bounced around ideas after seeing different ones. I find the churches through referrals from friends, or simply driving around to spot them. I then set up appointments, take pictures and gather info papers, and present them to Sarah later. I've gotten into a couple of churches by just poking around open ones, looking for secretaties. They're pretty good-natured about it. Once, a kindly pastor showed me his church's sanctuary. As Sarah works 7 - 3:30 most days, this helps her to screen out the ones she doesn't like. She was able to see a couple on Thursday, her day off. (We also put down a deposit on the reception place that day.)
Sarah prefers the more ornate churches, but is interested in one that is more simple in decor. It is an historic church, greystone outside, with a simple white spire. The inside is tasteful, with a neutral-colored sancuary. The sanctuary has many tradionital touches - wooden pews, partly painted white, and stained glass windows, presented as gridded double windows, no biblical scenes. But the stained glass is gentle, even romantic - pastels blended together - blues, purples, and pinks. The shape of the sanctuary is rectangular, also traditional, making for a nice walk down the aisle. The other churches in the running are more traditional inside: vaulted ceilings, shield-shaped stained-glass windows, depicting biblical scenes and characters. This is more Sarah's preference, so I suspect she'll choose one of these. All of the possible churches are within a 15-minute drive of the reception place, a definate benefit.
The reception place is really nice, Victorian-themed. There's even a fancy private parlor for the bridal party to pause in before going into the large reception room. The facility just put down both new carpet and a dance floor in the room we'll use. The carpet will go nicely with the plum bridemaids' gowns Sarah decided on a couple days ago. Also, we'll save money on centerpieces, as the facility provides large waterbowls as well as brass oil-lamps, as well as mirror tiles. The linens and dishes are lovely and elegant. Linens, dishes, and centerpiece items (not flowers or candles) are included in the very reasonable price. Winter is the off-season for banquet halls, so they're more inclined to give good deals.
And now let's talk of gowns! Sarah, Rebekah, and I went to David's Bridal over a month ago, thinking it would be one of many trips in search of her wedding gown. After trying on 3-4 gowns within her price range, we sorted through the racks again, looking for the perfect, but afforable dress. Rebekah pulled out a fluffy one, and soon the girls were packed into the dressing room to get Sarah into it. When she emerged, she looked like a snow princess. It fit her like a dream - it was the one! Though Sarah and I did appropriately waffle a bit, Rebekah pronouced it the ONE. And so came the fussing, trying it with attachable straps, discussion of hemming and bussling. (I have to find a seamstress this week.) Sarah bought it, and after the salesgirl, Hannah, somehow contained it in a long bag, we rushed it to Nanny's for safe-keeping. (Nanny has the most closet space, as well as a lack of small children who might play hide and seek under it, so this was the logical place.)
And now to the bridesmaids dresses. First I must name the maids (one's a matron, though she sure isn't matronly!): Rebekah is Maid of Honor, followed by my little sisters, Robin and Erin, and then Adele. All are quite delighted to have been chosen. The flower girls will be Sarah's cousins: Elizabeth (from my side) and Tia (from David's side). So on to the dresses. It took longer to choose them than it did the wedding gowns. Styles and colors were tried on, followed by much careful discussion amongst the gals. Finally a style was chosen, with a leaning towards the color purple. I went along with Sarah and Adele on the last trip to David's and again, a decision was hoped for. As Sarah was trying on various wraps and capes with her gown, Adele and I went for third time to look over the gowns on the rack. We came across a plum one in the chosen style and knew it was the one! Sarah loved it. It's in the purple realm, but richer, more wintery. The price wasn't bad either. What a relief.
Sarah chose her invitation this week. I found this very interesting. Unlike the days of visiting the printer, brides now visit craft stores for invitations they can run through their home printers. Much more affordable. The only difference is that the printing isn't embossed. Still, they're as nice as any I remember from the 1980's and before.
So it is really happening; the date fast approaches! Last night, while David and I were watching movie previews, a date flashed for the opening of one: 1-15-10. I realized that Sarah would be married by then. Wow - my little girl, about to be a wife, and not soon after, I suspect, a mother. I know that has been her longtime dreanm - I'm so happy for her!
4 comments:
Isn't it FUN!?
As of 4:30 yesterday afternoon, ALL THREE of my children are married!
On the drive between the wedding and the reception - about 8 miles through pristine Michigan farmland in full autumn dress - there appeared two complete double rainbows.
Just when you think the day couldn't be any better, God sends along something that money cannot buy!
I am SOOO excited for you and your daughter!
Sounds as if your plans are shaping up nicely.
One part of the preparations seems new and different to me, compared to "old times."
Then (and where I live now) brides got married in their own church with their own pastor.
So the idea of looking for a church -- the perfect one -- to say nothing of another pastor is new to me, very new.
The church you describe sounds like Peace Church, site of many weddings, but it is not open in January, so I guess not.
Jo-Ellen
Tell my friend Winnie, whom I have known since we were babies that I say Hello.
Judy - Congratulations on marrying off #3! You must feel a sense of closure, of moving on to a new chapter in your life. I know you've been an empty-nester for while now, but is it different having all 3 kids married?
Jo-Ellen -
We would use our church and pastor, but they won't do the wedding if there's dancing or alcohol at the reception. While we won't have alcohol, Sarah has long wanted the 1st couple dance as well as the father-daughter dance. She wants to have fun dancing too -ballroom and Big Band, though I suspect her college-age sibs will start some disco music as well. As long as it's not dirty dancing, I'm OK with it. So that's the only reason for the different church and pastor. I must say, however, the historic church really is pretty, and she might have gone with that and our own pastor. But I do repect our pastor for sticking to his standards. We're just not all in the same place in our feelings of Christian behavior, what's OK, what's not...
Oh, Jo-Ellen - I will tell Mom you said hi :)
Post a Comment