Our Wedding Day

Leading up to your big day you’re inundated with advice from well meaning people. “Make sure you eat before” “Don’t sweat the problems” “Take in each moment because it’s over before you know it” “Try to focus on the positive things because afterwards all you remember are the things that didn’t work”.The weekend before I steeled my mind to this advice. I was determined to enjoy the moments and cherish the day. 

Well, I don’t know if anyone else had a great time, but I had the time of my life! Josh described the day as “perfect”.  In hindsight a few observations of what made our wedding work:

1. Having killer vendors*. When you’re booking vendors no one tells you how much their attitude affects your wedding day. We had the BEST vendors! Every person came with a kind heart and went above and beyond what we asked them to do. Our caterers were just the nicest group. They blended in but were always giving a heartfelt smile and a genuine congratulations. When we were leaving and they were packing up at 12am Josh and I went to thank them and they made us feel like it was their privilege to have been there. Can you imagine? When I walked into the venue our florists were setting up and literally my jaw dropped open. They made linen table liners, individual succulent mini pots with a “J & J” tag glued on each one, and the centerpieces were to die for. They also brought extra flowers like it’s just what they do and used them to decorate the desserts. Cool people. And lastly, our photographers were like our friends by the end of the night. I knew about them and they knew about us. You know, you don’t realize that photographers are with you the entire time. These are the people you’d want to be around - they are that cool. Laid back but professional. Jaime, the wife of the pair, even helped me to put my earrings in!
2. Being surrounded by generous family and friends. Josh’s brother Luke is very creative and gifted. He saw the space at the rehearsal, blew up our engagement photos, matted them, and put them all over the bookcases! He also spray painted all our votives, helped Kylie with decorating the fondant on the wedding cake, and took care of setting up the photobooth. Undercover best man right there. Kylie, my SIL,  for learning how to work fondant and making the most beautiful wedding cake. Christina, my friend who can do anything (no really) she was able to take what I had in my head and translate it to much more - she made the individualized programs, decorated the sweets table and the photobooth, made celebratory flags for the ceremony, worked the welcome table, printed menu cards, and made all our signs! Wowza. Our families with baking skills made all of the delicious cakes and pies on the dessert table. Our friend Steven came and video’ed the whole day and our other friend Kats made our wedding video. Lori made the entire night so smooth. I didn’t have to worry about a thing. We are surrounded by such talented people who were generous with their time and energy. I am so thankful. 
3. Having family who are 100% excited. I often hear about a disgruntled aunt or mother who doesn’t agree with this or that decision and is all upset at the wedding. I can’t imagine what a damper that would bring to the day. Our family from Mississippi and Washington, and all the grandparents were so happy and excited. Their joy made our joy deeper. 
4. Bringing good weather. At first it was too cold and then too hot. I think I had hot flashes the week before worrying about the weather. Of course, it seemed to be fine the day of. Praise the Lord!
5. Having great parents. We are so loved and supported. 
6. And for me personally, having Aimee. She was my rock. 

The morning of the wedding Aimee and I prayed that this day would glorify the Lord. We asked that those who didn’t know Jesus might catch a glimpse of what they’re missing. I heard that during the ceremony some of the catering crew were so touched they were crying. I am hopeful that people somehow felt Jesus.

Some memorable moments:

1. Praying with Aimee in the morning
2. Seeing Josh for the first time when walking down the aisle
3. Dad marrying us
4. Josh’s vows (even as I write this I am still awestruck by what he said)
5. Our grandfather’s praying for us
6. Josh's dad's words of wisdom about getting things we don't deserve
7. Sheldon’s advice about bobbing and weaving
8. Josh dancing with his mom to "You Raise Me Up" (which fits them perfectly)
9. Dancing with dad
10. Having each person there was a blessing. They say you can’t remember people, but I remember every hug, every congratulations, every tear.

Although there were some people I wish we could have invited, I have no regrets about our wedding. I am left with a sense that we are more blessed than we deserve. Although we are practically paupers now, I wouldn’t return a single penny or change a single thing. God was glorified and I married the most amazing man in the entire world. 

                             

*Vendors - If you're on the hunt these people are stellar!

Food: Huntington Catering Company ask for Justin or Liz

Flowers: The Little Branch 

Venue: Smog Shoppe 

Photographers: Viera Photographics 

It's Go Time

Tomorrow is the big day! But this weekend has already been so full.

Mom hosted a panty party on Friday morning. Even though it was for me mom used it as a way of thanking all the women in our lives who have walked alongside me during life. We ended in a time of prayer that was so powerful and moving. These ladies, many of whom have been married 20 - 30+ years praying over me wisdom, faithfulness and love to Josh, peace in the move, protection as we leave, for our ministry together, and my service to him as a wife.

Then Josh flew in early. =) Bonus surprise! I want him to be part of all the excitement, it is for him after all.

Friday night we had a grand celebration over a simple italian dinner. My aunties and uncle from Mississippi are so excited and happy to be here. I cherish them more than they know.

This morning we had our rehearsal. It ran smoothly. Today was easy because we have such great people helping. Christina on the decor, Lori running the show, Alan testing everything, and Josh by my side. Afterwards we headed over to the Culver Hotel for a brunch. Not sure if the food was so good because I was hungry, or if it really was THAT good. Yum! But it would be an injustice to just speak of the food when the time was so special. Kelvin and Dad were amazing. They spoke about our heritage in Christ and how even our great grandmothers have been praying for us. People just shared after that, Sheldon - Mr. Pastor (in my opinion), witty, heartfelt, and dramatic. Josh's Jichan talking about welcoming me in - since their family is already "all mixed up" haha, Kelvin's sister, Kerri, for embracing me and telling me that it's now Auntie Kerri. Melissa, Alan, Gary, Leah, Marshall, Uncle Al, Bachan, Grandpa and Grandma Shiroma, and Blane for their amazing words. I cried the entire time.

Josh and I are so blessed to have people like these in our lives. It's been so great and we haven't even had the wedding yet! I'm off for a few weeks and when I come back I'll be married to the most amazing man. I'll catch you up when we get back. =)

A Big Announcement in the First Grade

My mom is a 1st grade teacher in Los Angeles. Every week she sends out a newsletter updating her parents on homework, spelling words, the week's curriculum, and so on. This is what she sent home this week.

Your childrens’ insect projects were so fabulous.  Each shared in an excited way. We learned new facts from the reports.  Our room is getting crowded.

As many of you know my younger daughter’s wedding is this Sunday.  My sisters, brother, mom, and sister in law are all traveling from Tennessee and Mississippi.I will not be at school on Thurs. and Fri. of this week or Mon.of next  week. I have a good sub.

 A funny story.....

A lot of people down south get married at a young age.  Many of them from small towns have only dated the person they marry.  My sister married when she was 19, and my last nephew (I have 9) that married in Oct. was 20 and his wife 19.  My daughter is 29.  My sister said she should have put her wedding invitation on an ARRP Card!  To my daughter, Julianna, all she cares about is that she’s marrying the man of her dreams!!  

Such as it should be.

Mrs.M. (The mother of the bride)

So precious. 

A Weekend to Remember

I'm not the "let's go out and party all night" type of bachelorette girl. So when the girls suggested we just head to La Jolla for a few days to relax I was in. =) Perfect substitute for this party girl.  I warn you it may seem that all we did was eat and drink, but that's because that is pretty much what we did. Fatty's!

When we got to Melissa's I was forced to wear two sash thingys and a lei that I wouldn't let ANYONE see the contents of. I knew right away this weekend wasn't going to be a typical girls weekend away. I should have known.

The lei and the trepidation I felt wondering if the crazies expected me to wear this in public!

Miss Big Fun arrived with gifts that had homemade tags with a picture of my face on it. Scary! Some of the gifts were fun and some were...well, I'll let the wrapping do the talking.

Did I mention there were 15 gifts in all? 

First stop

I took everything off but the girls made me wear the sash. Good thing too, the waiter saw we were celebrating and brought over a little something to toast with. Let the last single ladies weekend begin!

Saturday the girls surprised me with an amazing spa experience. 5 hours later we left this little gem having had manis, pedis, facials with microdermabrasion, an hour body massage, back exfoliation and body wrap. Not to mention the mimosa welcome. 

Using gift #6 - A studded glass with my new last name. 

 

Eating, again. So good.

Bachelorette tattoos.

The Kate and Pippa remake. Yes that's a light up button.

 Me and Miss. Big Fun herself

The girls found the best sushi restaurant I have ever been to. Yup, I went that far. Sushi Ota's. I ate so much food I could barely breath. So much for watching the calorie intake before the wedding. But oh it was worth it. =)

Yup, more food.

Me and Miss. Paparazzi

Since our bridal weekend just happened to correspond with the one weekend that 3 bridal movies were coming out we had to indulge. Saw Bridesmaids and Something Borrowed. Also got our workout on and hung out poolside at the incredible hotel we stayed in. Late nights, new experiences, great restaurants, lots of laughs, deep talks, a little bit of bedtime singing, and one intense drive to LA summed up an incredible time with incredible people. 

Dear Paparazzi, Pippa, and Big Fun, you guys sure do know how to make a girl feel special. Thanks.

Fun-O-Meter

I've found that where you sit and who you sit next to dictates how high on the fun-o-meter you go at a wedding reception. One time I went to a wedding where we sat directly in front of the speaker for a reception that was translated into 3 languages. :/ Just one language for us please! Thankfully I had the help of Lori (coordinator extraordinaire), Aimee, and Melissa (masters at arranging people into groups thanks to years of directing camp). We thoughtfully went through each guest in the hopes that everyone enjoys their neighbor.

Post-It madness with a bit of trading and bartering. :p

The end product: three long tables in the center and squares around them. 

Total guest count: 123

Wedding here we come.
Next up, vows.

Ramblings Two Weeks Out

In two weeks Josh and I will be married. 

Small things keep reminding me that it's happening sooner rather than later. People at church kept saying "2 more weeks!" and I realized it was my last Sunday at Venice. I bought boxes and have begun to pack. We picked up my dress and now it's hanging in my room. We emailed our rehearsal dinner invites. Josh's dad bought his suit. My mom is just about done preparing her house for family flying in. I dropped Josh off at the airport and realized the next time I see him we'll be getting married. 

I thought in changing my last name I would struggle with losing this identity I felt I'm built into. I am honored to be in this family. But really, I haven't had an issue with it. =) Although I'm nostalgic, I'm not dwelling on it. I'm looking forward to taking Josh's name because my life with him officially begins. Even though I can't wait to be with him, my struggle is more that it's happening too fast. Something in me wants to come to a screeching halt. My heart is yelling "cherish each moment!" but the days just keep on moving on. 

It's not so much the marriage but the move that consumes my thoughts. Truth? I will miss Aimee the most. I feel like we are twins in some sense. I can just feel her to the core of my being. I wish I could pack her up and take her with me wherever I go. Then I could be sure that she is doing just fine and that I am with the two people I love the most in this world. Selfish, right? But that is not meant to be in this season. The Lord is giving us some time to live daily life without each other. I must leave her to Him*. And we must abide in Him. 

In Him. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. She can do all things through Him. 

I'm a firm believer that God uses life to mold us into a person who is more Christ-like . But it is up to us to decide if we will let Him. What is a change if we are the same person as when we began? 

Tomorrow is Seating Chart Monday. =) Melissa once told me about a wedding she went to where the bride and groom purposefully mixed people up with people they didn't know so they would get to know one another. Awkward! For the socially inept (like myself) that would have been a nightmare. Hopefully everyone feels happy at ours. Post-it's here we come!

*Well, until there are babies. Then there's nothing that could keep me from that!