jenniferbrola.com

On August 28th, 2005, a little after 4:00pm, I was married in a small, elegant ceremony in Asheville, North Carolina.  The event was intimate - we only invited our closest friends and family, though we wish we could have invited more.  One thing we realized early on was just how expensive weddings (and receptions) can easily become - even the little things add up.  We tried to temper some of the burden by turning our office into a printmaker's shop, but even that was offset by the extraordinary cost of quality paper.  However, I think the final product was gorgeous - more beautiful flowers than I'd ever seen, sophisicated music by talented instrumentalists, delicious food and beverages throughout...I can't wait to see the photos from our official photographer!  He sent us a couple of samples in an email, and hopefully we'll be getting a package from him soon (previews available here for registered visitors).

The wedding ceremony itself was wonderful - exactly what we had envisioned.  Our officiant was both meaningful and entertaining, and I'm really glad that we were able to hold on to him well into the reception.  After the ceremony, our guests were escorted into another room for appetizers and beverages while we posed for some photography.  Then it was back inside, where the great room from the ceremony had been transformed into a dining area and dance floor.  One of the three favors, a clear gift box with Lindt truffles, was awaiting each guest at his/her placesetting (as an indicator of their meal preference).  Beef Tenderloin and Mediterranean Chicken were the entreés of the evening (we had a vegetarian option on standby), delivered to our seated guests at their table, along with beverage service. 

It won't be long - the big day is right around the corner.  Pretty much everything has been taken care of at this point, save finishing programs and menu cards.  Let's just hope that those who are slated to come show up, and those that aren't on the guest list stay home.  Beyond that, I'm going to remove myself from worrying about that aspect of it.  Now let's just hope I do a good parrot impression and don't do something stupid, like step on my dress and flash everyone.  Wouldn't that make the day unforgettable?

I still haven't really come to grips with the whole idea of it all.  It's like I've just been planning another project for the last few months, working on bits of it here and there.  Not unlike a design project, or when I was planning for someone else's wedding festivities.  It's not personal, it's just business.  But then, it really is personal.  The stress builds up if I think of it in the first person, though.  I guess that's why outwardly I'm pretty evenly spread: denial.  Apparently, right up until that point when the music plays and I'm doing the foof dress walk.

In the programs, we put in a quotation about the fibers of a family and how a marriage unifies more than just two people.  Below the quotation, there are photos of both sets of parents as well as of all the grandparents.  I think about them often, my grandparents.  Most of the people in my family, past or present, have had simple weddings - I don't really come from complicated people in that respect.  We've tried to keep our own wedding intimate, elegant, but basically simple.  I hope that those who come enjoy themselves...I guess time will tell.