Wedding

Now that we’re very near finishing our thank you cards, it is finally time to write a post about our wedding. On September 8, 2012, our friends and family helped us celebrate our marriage. Having a wedding was really meaningful for us because our families are from opposite coasts, and are unlikely to have another opportunity to come together.

Since graduating high school we’ve often heard that whole communities only make time to meet for weddings and funerals. Since we had the time, motivation and resources we decided the former was a gift we wanted to give to ourselves and our loved ones. Here are some of the beautiful stories that came out of this adventure.

The Travelers-

Several people made an extraordinary effort to celebrate with us. Friends came in from California, Colorado, Tennessee, Missouri, New York, and Afghanistan. We expect (rightly or wrongly) our families to drop everything for our wedding, but to see how our friends planned their precious leave of duty, arranged long weekends, and purchased tickets on a shoe string budget was truly humbling.

We are also grateful for our family members who did indeed drop everything to attend. Several family members arranged tight work schedules. Most notably, my brother who got a special leave of absence even though his ship was out to sea. One of my sisters had a brand new baby. The other sister had a baby on the way, and was in great pain. But she woke up early and drove three hours so her fiancée could recover a bit from his swing shift. Mike’s sister came in from Singapore. The rest of his immediate family came from the New York area. One of my dad’s came from Florida. One of my Aunts came from Virginia.

The Helpers

Thanks to Dad, Marla, Nanny, and Mike’s folks for offering gifts large enough to cover much of the budget. Thanks to all the guests whose contributions covered the rest.

Thanks to Marla for managing many boxes and orders for the wedding.

Thanks to Uncle Dale for managing the venue and food. Thanks to all the guests for good eats

Thanks to Aunt Pam, Aunt Diane, and Aunt Lisa for being generally helpful.


Thanks to my mom for making exactly the cake we wanted.

Thanks to grandma for the use of great great grandma’s cake stand. For the toast flutes, unity candle, and the perfect cake topper.

Thanks to Mike’s parents for renting a house big enough for their family, and many of our friends. We had our photos there too. But thanks especially for letting the party continue until it fizzled out at 3am. Later Mike’s dad made a great airport taxi.

Thanks to Rod for video recording.

Thanks to Barbara for growing/arranging the bridal bouquets and sharing special champagne.

Thanks to Crystal for helping with the bouquets, and being an excellent host of other guests.

Thanks to Gina, Steve, and their connections who got us cheap kegs.

Thanks to Aunt Patti for bridesmaids bouquets, and decorations.

Thanks to countless folks who shared their photos.

Thanks to Aunt Lorie for a stellar photo booth, and guest book.

Thanks to Kelly, who baked for the cake walk.

Thanks to all the friends who set up chairs and tables at the venue.

Thanks to all those who stayed to the bitter end cleaning up.

Thank you to DaKishia who officiated our sermon with such thoughtfulness, love, and care.

Memorable Moments-

It took a veritable team to make this wedding happen. Sometimes it’s hard to ask, and I don’t want to bother people. Yet people were again, and again, overwhelmingly generous. This wedding showed us how much love and support that we have with us. When it all came together, it was perfect, quirks and all. There were some truly memorable moments.

Like playing games, and cake walk.

Or the gorgeous weather.   

Story telling, and toasts. 

My younger cousins standing around singing to each other.

 

Sneak, petal attacks. 

After party!

But the most joyous thing, was all the feedback later about people connecting, and having a good time. We are truly blessed.

Hello Again!!!

These last couple of months have been wonderFULL. I came home on August 12^th, and Mike followed a few weeks later after taking a side trip to visit his sister in Singapore. We both left Jeju in a bit of a whirlwind, on a mission to visit family and get married. (more on that in the next post!)

I was on a little high when I came home. So many things were fascinating. New products came out, people spoke English all over the place, but the most surprising, was the things that I forgot I missed. (like beets!) I realized when I rediscovered things that I forgot I missed, how happy I usually am, wherever I am. Much of the time I can get caught up in the blessings, and stay there.

I do still miss things of course, and Jeju made a big impression. Besides my friends, students, and a beautiful Island, I also miss food, bowing, and the polite way to position hands when giving or receiving things. Those things will stay with me forever.

Still I'm never without. Home brought celebrations, connections, and opportunities. We've been staying with Mike's family in New York for most of the last four months. It's been amazing to bond with them, and I feel at home with my new family. (Another teaser for a future post!)

I'll always be a Washington girl though. When I'm in the grocery store, and can't easily find the Asian or Vegetarian ingredients I love, then I miss my hippie state. Most of all I miss my home and family during big moments, like my littlest sister welcoming her first baby to the world.

 Things are always moving though, and so shall we. These holidays will  bring a closing, and and opening. We'll be off in the New Year, full of hope for the latest adventures in Utah.