I was reading back through ma blog the other day and realised I never confirmed what our recessional song was gonna be....our choice...
Forever and For Always - Shania Twain
TTFN xx
Showing posts with label Ceremony. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ceremony. Show all posts
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
Friday, 22 May 2009
Ceremony Order
I really want to be able to finish off our Order of the Day programmes and for that I need to know what order our ceremony will take. It is scary because I really have no clue whatsoever to expect - I've never been to a civil ceremony before!
So I called up the Registrar's office and explained that I wanted to make this programme and could they let me know what happens and when.
She was very helpful and we discussed everything for about 10 minutes. She said The Reid Rooms would do a rehearsal with us a couple of days before the wedding, so at least we will know what to expect!
Ceremony Order:
Brides Entrance (From This Moment On - Shania Twain)
Introduction by Superintendent Registrar
1st reading (Apache Blessing)
Declarations & Contracting Words
2nd reading (extract from 'The Velveteen Rabbit')
Exchanging of Wedding Rings
Marriage Vows (our own)
3rd reading (Love is The Reason)
Signing of the Register
Exit of the Newlyweds (Forever & For Always - Shania Twain)
Here is the front cover to our wedding programmes:
I basically cut an A4 piece of black card in half lengthwise and folded it in half to create a booklet. I then added the purple card on top and then the printed cover. I plan on tying all the pages together with some white organza ribbon.
TTFN xx
So I called up the Registrar's office and explained that I wanted to make this programme and could they let me know what happens and when.
She was very helpful and we discussed everything for about 10 minutes. She said The Reid Rooms would do a rehearsal with us a couple of days before the wedding, so at least we will know what to expect!
Ceremony Order:
Brides Entrance (From This Moment On - Shania Twain)
Introduction by Superintendent Registrar
1st reading (Apache Blessing)
Declarations & Contracting Words
2nd reading (extract from 'The Velveteen Rabbit')
Exchanging of Wedding Rings
Marriage Vows (our own)
3rd reading (Love is The Reason)
Signing of the Register
Exit of the Newlyweds (Forever & For Always - Shania Twain)
Here is the front cover to our wedding programmes:
I basically cut an A4 piece of black card in half lengthwise and folded it in half to create a booklet. I then added the purple card on top and then the printed cover. I plan on tying all the pages together with some white organza ribbon.
TTFN xx
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
The Reid Rooms (Part 1)
After visiting lots of venues we finally decided on The Reid Rooms
Image from The Reid Rooms website
Info from their website:
When we arrived it was a little confusing as to where we were supposed to and park, so we drove straight down through some gates and parked the car, (made mental note to make a car park sign!) then wandered around trying to find the person we needed to see... we ended up going "round back" and all H2b could say, "this isn't good, it looks awful here, I don't like it...". I was like, "lets give it a chance ffs!!" Especially as it had everything going for it from the brochure...
First off we paid a visit to the Ceremony Room...
Info from their website:
The Ceremony Room. With an exposed timber framework, this cleverly converted room can accommodate up to 100 guests and provides an intimate and very special setting for all civil ceremonies. From the Ceremony Room, a paved walkway leads between raised planting beds to The Courtyard.
It was a little dark in there, even with the lights on, but it was a fairly grim day so not much light was shining through the (small) windows. But I loved the beams and the chairs and the almost chapel-esque feel of it (closest I'd get to being in a church!)
To get to the Ceremony Room we had to walk down a zig-zag path which started with a lovely archway (photo op!) and had raised beds along the sides with lots of shrubs, bushes and flowers.
Below is the entrance to the Ceremony Room with my son peeking inside!
The room is licensed to hold up to 100 people for a civil ceremony (although I imagine, at a big squash!) but it holds 65 seated - perfect as our numbers were just under that (more on that later). We were told we'd need approximately 5 pieces of music for the ceremony and could play them on the CD player at the back. Or if we wanted a musician there was space at the back of the room for them to sit/stand.
I personally was sold on the ceremony room!
We then walked out to the Courtyard which is where (weather permitting) we would hold the champagne/canape reception immediately following the ceremony. These photos were taken over two different visits (hence umbrellas in some!)
Info from their website:
The Courtyard. This attractive, landscaped area is sheltered on three sides, and provides views over the moat and 15th century Marks Hall Farmhouse. Tables, chairs, parasols and a “minstrel’s gallery” above provide a delightful setting for drinks in fine weather.
As well as the seating in the courtyard, there is also a "Minstral's Gallery" with seating. You get up there via a spiral staircase (more photo ops!)
We then we shown the Reception Room which is where we would hold the evening reception with a bar and DJ. At one end is the dance floor and the end "closest" to us is the bar area.
Info from their website:
The Reception Room. A spacious, tasteful reception area complete with a bar hand-built by local craftsmen. There is also a dance floor for evening entertainment. For larger ceremonies, the bar may also be used as an alternative ceremony room for up to 120 guests.
Where I'm blogging about the venue and re-looking at the photos we took I'm getting all excited over our venue again!
The Reception Room leads throw a small hallway (where the loos are) into the Dining Room which is where we would have the wedding breakfast....
TTFN xx
Image from The Reid Rooms website
Info from their website:
Built nearly 200 years ago as stables for the working horses on Marks Hall Farm, The Reid Rooms provide a unique rural setting combining the best of modern facilities with timeless charm. The attractive weather boarded buildings are set in beautiful countryside and back on to the moat of the Grade II Listed 15th century farmhouse and its superb gardens.
Inside, there is a wealth of exposed timber beams and fittings reflecting the long history of The Reid Rooms as working farm buildings. Now, tastefully renovated and converted to the highest standard, they have been furnished with fine antique pine and rural paintings.
The Reid Rooms offer wedding guests a linked series of rooms surrounding a landscaped courtyard. This gives great flexibility, giving guests the option to gather for quiet conversation in the drawing room, while others enjoy an evening disco in the bar.
We arranged a meeting with the wedding co-ordinator and took the scenic route (through country roads)...found it no problem with the sat nav. Good start!When we arrived it was a little confusing as to where we were supposed to and park, so we drove straight down through some gates and parked the car, (made mental note to make a car park sign!) then wandered around trying to find the person we needed to see... we ended up going "round back" and all H2b could say, "this isn't good, it looks awful here, I don't like it...". I was like, "lets give it a chance ffs!!" Especially as it had everything going for it from the brochure...
- a bridal suite for me and my girls to get ready in
- on site accommodation
- option to have our own catering
- option to bring our own alcohol and no corkage fees
- large enough for our guest numbers
- ability to have ceremony and reception in one place
First off we paid a visit to the Ceremony Room...
Info from their website:
The Ceremony Room. With an exposed timber framework, this cleverly converted room can accommodate up to 100 guests and provides an intimate and very special setting for all civil ceremonies. From the Ceremony Room, a paved walkway leads between raised planting beds to The Courtyard.
It was a little dark in there, even with the lights on, but it was a fairly grim day so not much light was shining through the (small) windows. But I loved the beams and the chairs and the almost chapel-esque feel of it (closest I'd get to being in a church!)
To get to the Ceremony Room we had to walk down a zig-zag path which started with a lovely archway (photo op!) and had raised beds along the sides with lots of shrubs, bushes and flowers.
Below is the entrance to the Ceremony Room with my son peeking inside!
The room is licensed to hold up to 100 people for a civil ceremony (although I imagine, at a big squash!) but it holds 65 seated - perfect as our numbers were just under that (more on that later). We were told we'd need approximately 5 pieces of music for the ceremony and could play them on the CD player at the back. Or if we wanted a musician there was space at the back of the room for them to sit/stand.
I personally was sold on the ceremony room!
We then walked out to the Courtyard which is where (weather permitting) we would hold the champagne/canape reception immediately following the ceremony. These photos were taken over two different visits (hence umbrellas in some!)
Info from their website:
The Courtyard. This attractive, landscaped area is sheltered on three sides, and provides views over the moat and 15th century Marks Hall Farmhouse. Tables, chairs, parasols and a “minstrel’s gallery” above provide a delightful setting for drinks in fine weather.
As well as the seating in the courtyard, there is also a "Minstral's Gallery" with seating. You get up there via a spiral staircase (more photo ops!)
We then we shown the Reception Room which is where we would hold the evening reception with a bar and DJ. At one end is the dance floor and the end "closest" to us is the bar area.
Info from their website:
The Reception Room. A spacious, tasteful reception area complete with a bar hand-built by local craftsmen. There is also a dance floor for evening entertainment. For larger ceremonies, the bar may also be used as an alternative ceremony room for up to 120 guests.
Where I'm blogging about the venue and re-looking at the photos we took I'm getting all excited over our venue again!
The Reception Room leads throw a small hallway (where the loos are) into the Dining Room which is where we would have the wedding breakfast....
TTFN xx
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
The Great Big Venue Hunt
A church wedding was always going to be out of the question for H2b and myself - what with him being Jewish and me being Catholic - it was never going to happen...
A Saturday wedding was also going to be out of the question owing to the fact that the Jewish Sabbath is a Friday evening to Saturday evening and a lot of H2b's family wouldn't be able to come because of it.
We had a few requirements when hunting out a venue for our wedding:
Having found 20 or 30 (yes, you read correctly, 20 or 30!) venues that we "liked" the look of. I say liked, what I mean is, they were in Essex and were less than 45 minutes away (O_O；)
We then found our way to their websites (if they had one - any that didn't got deleted from our list!) and sent off for brochures if they didn't have a brochure download on their site, and started to make a spreadsheet with all the financial info we needed - cost of venue, price per head, extra costs plus what additional "stuff" they offered.
(All this searching, by the way, did happen over a few weeks!)
We then narrowed our choices down further, mainly based on cost (!) and arranged to view the venues. I can't remember what order we viewed them in now, but I'm going to list them all here for you so you can take a look at where we looked...
Orsett Hall
A very nice place - we went to a wedding fair here and this was where we found many of our vendors - dress maker, florist, suit man and videographer! However, they have several different rooms, and sadly the room which was the correct size for our guest numbers had burned down in a fire and was in the process of being rebuilt - not due for completion till March 2009 - a bit too late for us view as we wanted to get our venue sorted as soon as possible, and didn't want to risk us not liking it....
Braxted Park
This was venue that was outside of the 45 minute distance rule, however, we were in the locality, and there was a wedding fair on that day - this is where we had the teeny tiny burgers that I spoke about in the post about our caterers! Way out of our league price wise!
Stock Brook Country Club
We didn't actually view this place, as once we found our venue (more on that later) we stopped looking at places - and this was one of the two or three that were due "after" the venue we picked! We hear it is a popular place though for weddings!
Leez Priory
Because this venue looked like a castle (and fulfilling my childhood wedding dream of a medieval type wedding!) I was in love with this place before we even went to see it - despite the huge cost (H2b said he'd have re-mortgaged the house so we could have it!), but having learned that some of the rooms in the place were only got to by going up/down dodgy flights of stairs, it was out - have to think of those who can't manage them (my nan). Also, they had this weird ceremony set up where the guests sat outside and you were inside (in the UK we can't get married outside *boo hiss*) Again, we didn't actually go and see this as the appointment was scheduled for after the venue we picked.
Blakes Golf Club
I must have misread the literature that came with this venue as when we went to view it, they didn't have a licence to hold civil ceremonies - they have since been granted this though. It was a nice place, very contemporary but didn't do anything for me as far as having our wedding their was concerned.
Greenwoods Hotel Spa & Retreat
Too small - next....
The Barn at Blake Hall
I really liked this venue, it was exactly as it says on the tin - a big ol' barn - lovely and rustic inside, I had visions of a medieval feast in there with its timber beams. Thoughts of guests on the lawn playing giant chess... but the ceremony and the reception would have to be held in the same room, and I didn't like the idea of that...
Gaynes Park Barn
This venue was totally gorgeous - I love, love, loved it - it was pricey, very pricey compared to our chosen venue - but it had everything going for it.... a beautiful ceremony location in The Orangery, this outdoor barn for people to mingle in, rustic interior, chevari chairs (lush - not those rank bog standard banquetting chairs), picturesque gardens and the Apple Loft bridal suite... if we hadn't gone for our venue and had unlimited cash, I would so have pushed this one through... shame... just writing this and looking at their website makes me wonder...but anyways - onward...
The Room in the Rodings
This venue is actually the sister venue to our venue (what a mouthful - too many "venues"!), I had misread (again?!) the amount of people it held in the sister venue and we went and saw this instead - I was sold on the outdoor ceremony - arriving in horse and carriage (my theme was starting to turn towards olde English Country Style) I know I said in the UK you can't get married outdoors - but as long as it's on a fixed floor and covered, you can... go figure... And we could have our own catering and bring our own alcohol without a corkage charge!! But.....we didn't like the actual reception room though - was a bit "meh", and the bar was kinda round the corner and the dancefloor was kinda long and weird... I don't know - it didn't do it for me either!
So we re-read the brochure and realising that the sister venue would be big enough for our guest numbers we decided to go and visit The Reid Rooms...
TTFN xx
A Saturday wedding was also going to be out of the question owing to the fact that the Jewish Sabbath is a Friday evening to Saturday evening and a lot of H2b's family wouldn't be able to come because of it.
We had a few requirements when hunting out a venue for our wedding:
- must be able to hold both a civil ceremony and reception at the same place
- ideally allow us to have our own caterers, and if not, be flexible
- be less that 45 minutes away from our guests (who were mainly from London and Essex)
- must have somewhere for the bride (me!) to get ready
- must be of a reasonable cost
Having found 20 or 30 (yes, you read correctly, 20 or 30!) venues that we "liked" the look of. I say liked, what I mean is, they were in Essex and were less than 45 minutes away (O_O；)
We then found our way to their websites (if they had one - any that didn't got deleted from our list!) and sent off for brochures if they didn't have a brochure download on their site, and started to make a spreadsheet with all the financial info we needed - cost of venue, price per head, extra costs plus what additional "stuff" they offered.
(All this searching, by the way, did happen over a few weeks!)
We then narrowed our choices down further, mainly based on cost (!) and arranged to view the venues. I can't remember what order we viewed them in now, but I'm going to list them all here for you so you can take a look at where we looked...
Orsett Hall
A very nice place - we went to a wedding fair here and this was where we found many of our vendors - dress maker, florist, suit man and videographer! However, they have several different rooms, and sadly the room which was the correct size for our guest numbers had burned down in a fire and was in the process of being rebuilt - not due for completion till March 2009 - a bit too late for us view as we wanted to get our venue sorted as soon as possible, and didn't want to risk us not liking it....
Braxted Park
This was venue that was outside of the 45 minute distance rule, however, we were in the locality, and there was a wedding fair on that day - this is where we had the teeny tiny burgers that I spoke about in the post about our caterers! Way out of our league price wise!
Stock Brook Country Club
We didn't actually view this place, as once we found our venue (more on that later) we stopped looking at places - and this was one of the two or three that were due "after" the venue we picked! We hear it is a popular place though for weddings!
Leez Priory
Because this venue looked like a castle (and fulfilling my childhood wedding dream of a medieval type wedding!) I was in love with this place before we even went to see it - despite the huge cost (H2b said he'd have re-mortgaged the house so we could have it!), but having learned that some of the rooms in the place were only got to by going up/down dodgy flights of stairs, it was out - have to think of those who can't manage them (my nan). Also, they had this weird ceremony set up where the guests sat outside and you were inside (in the UK we can't get married outside *boo hiss*) Again, we didn't actually go and see this as the appointment was scheduled for after the venue we picked.
Blakes Golf Club
I must have misread the literature that came with this venue as when we went to view it, they didn't have a licence to hold civil ceremonies - they have since been granted this though. It was a nice place, very contemporary but didn't do anything for me as far as having our wedding their was concerned.
Greenwoods Hotel Spa & Retreat
Too small - next....
The Barn at Blake Hall
I really liked this venue, it was exactly as it says on the tin - a big ol' barn - lovely and rustic inside, I had visions of a medieval feast in there with its timber beams. Thoughts of guests on the lawn playing giant chess... but the ceremony and the reception would have to be held in the same room, and I didn't like the idea of that...
Gaynes Park Barn
This venue was totally gorgeous - I love, love, loved it - it was pricey, very pricey compared to our chosen venue - but it had everything going for it.... a beautiful ceremony location in The Orangery, this outdoor barn for people to mingle in, rustic interior, chevari chairs (lush - not those rank bog standard banquetting chairs), picturesque gardens and the Apple Loft bridal suite... if we hadn't gone for our venue and had unlimited cash, I would so have pushed this one through... shame... just writing this and looking at their website makes me wonder...but anyways - onward...
The Room in the Rodings
This venue is actually the sister venue to our venue (what a mouthful - too many "venues"!), I had misread (again?!) the amount of people it held in the sister venue and we went and saw this instead - I was sold on the outdoor ceremony - arriving in horse and carriage (my theme was starting to turn towards olde English Country Style) I know I said in the UK you can't get married outdoors - but as long as it's on a fixed floor and covered, you can... go figure... And we could have our own catering and bring our own alcohol without a corkage charge!! But.....we didn't like the actual reception room though - was a bit "meh", and the bar was kinda round the corner and the dancefloor was kinda long and weird... I don't know - it didn't do it for me either!
So we re-read the brochure and realising that the sister venue would be big enough for our guest numbers we decided to go and visit The Reid Rooms...
TTFN xx
Monday, 11 May 2009
Wedding Weekend
My little man stayed the weekend at his nanny's house so H2b and I had the weekend to ourselves and a chance to get some wedding type stuff done and a few more things crossed of the (now getting shorter!) "To-Do" list.
It was mainly printing off "stuff" and burning CDs for the ceremony music and for the DVD guy.
I also found my "evening flats" as I know I won't make it all day in my killer heels!!
Here are my killer heels.... I ♥ them...
Shock, horror, they're not traditional white/ivory but lush purple (our wedding colour ♥) They aren't actually as purple as this in "real life" don't know what went on with the camera but this is how they turned out... a shame as that is the EXACT purple I would love them to be..... But I saw them in one of my mum's catalogues and they were a bargain at £30... even more of a bargain as they were doing a 3 for 2 offer and I bought myself a pair of black ones too, as well as for all the bridesmaids, working out at just £20 a pair!
And here are my evening flats.... not quite the same shade, but I gave up being Bridezilla about the shades of purple a loooong time ago!!
They were £10 from the High Street... We went into Peacocks to pick a t-shirt for H2b's stag do and some bits for my Hen Night, and I saw them on the rack.... couldn't find my size and the size down were a little too tight （；_・） but I asked at the checkout if they had any more in the back... and they did!!!! Woohoo!
For the record, I heart shoes to the max - but I find it hard to find them as my feet are on the wide side (｡_｡) so to find two pairs of shoes in purple, that fit me is a big fat score!!!
TTFN xx
It was mainly printing off "stuff" and burning CDs for the ceremony music and for the DVD guy.
I also found my "evening flats" as I know I won't make it all day in my killer heels!!
Here are my killer heels.... I ♥ them...
Shock, horror, they're not traditional white/ivory but lush purple (our wedding colour ♥) They aren't actually as purple as this in "real life" don't know what went on with the camera but this is how they turned out... a shame as that is the EXACT purple I would love them to be..... But I saw them in one of my mum's catalogues and they were a bargain at £30... even more of a bargain as they were doing a 3 for 2 offer and I bought myself a pair of black ones too, as well as for all the bridesmaids, working out at just £20 a pair!
And here are my evening flats.... not quite the same shade, but I gave up being Bridezilla about the shades of purple a loooong time ago!!
They were £10 from the High Street... We went into Peacocks to pick a t-shirt for H2b's stag do and some bits for my Hen Night, and I saw them on the rack.... couldn't find my size and the size down were a little too tight （；_・） but I asked at the checkout if they had any more in the back... and they did!!!! Woohoo!
For the record, I heart shoes to the max - but I find it hard to find them as my feet are on the wide side (｡_｡) so to find two pairs of shoes in purple, that fit me is a big fat score!!!
TTFN xx
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Another Reading.... and a Song!
My sister has a fantastic singing voice and is singing Ave Maria at my [other] sister's wedding in May... it got me to thinking that I'd love for her to sing at our wedding too...
We were out the other evening at a P!nk concert and I asked if she would sing Bette Middler's 'The Rose'
She said how much she LOVES that song and would be delighted to sing it... in addition to the reading she is going to, err, read.
Because of this, I thought it was only fair that H2b have someone do a reading.... as long as he found one - I had struggled to find the two that I actually liked! So he found this:
Apache Blessing
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.
Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulties and fear assail your relationship – as they threaten all relationships at one time or another – remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives – remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there.
And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.
Which his sister will read.
So ceremony elements are now all picked and confirmed and everything is sealed in an envelope ready to be sent by recorded delivery to the Registry Office in the morning! No going back now!!!
We were out the other evening at a P!nk concert and I asked if she would sing Bette Middler's 'The Rose'
She said how much she LOVES that song and would be delighted to sing it... in addition to the reading she is going to, err, read.
Because of this, I thought it was only fair that H2b have someone do a reading.... as long as he found one - I had struggled to find the two that I actually liked! So he found this:
Apache Blessing
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.
Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulties and fear assail your relationship – as they threaten all relationships at one time or another – remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives – remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there.
And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.
Which his sister will read.
So ceremony elements are now all picked and confirmed and everything is sealed in an envelope ready to be sent by recorded delivery to the Registry Office in the morning! No going back now!!!
All Clear Now!
So, by the time I got to thinking I need to call the Registrar, the office was closed, so I have done it this morning and found out that we can have the extra (optional) responses in addition to our own vows which is cool. So in all their glory they are:
Do you _______ take _______ to be your lawful wedded wife/husband
Do you promise to be loving, faithful and to care for her/him throughout your married life together.
Response = I Do
Exchange of Rings
I give you this ring _______ as a token of my love and as a symbol of our marriage
There is a slightly longer response which reads:
I give you this ring _______ as a token of my love and as a symbol of our marriage.
I promise to care for you with love and friendship,
To support and comfort you through good times and through troubled times,
I promise to care for you, respect and cherish you,
To remain faithful always.
These promises I make to you today and for the rest of my life.
But as we've written our own vows, we thought it would be a bit much to have that and the vows - especially as we would
I also asked about the photographer situation, and it would seem that the photographer can take pictures during the ceremony, just not during the signing of the register.
ヘ(^_^ヘ) *Happy Dance* (ノ^_^)ノ
I also asked if we could have a candle in the room (in memory of those who have passed) and she said it was fine as long as it was OK with the venue (which it is) so I can now print off that part of the Order of the Day booklet!
TTFN xx
Do you _______ take _______ to be your lawful wedded wife/husband
Do you promise to be loving, faithful and to care for her/him throughout your married life together.
Response = I Do
Exchange of Rings
I give you this ring _______ as a token of my love and as a symbol of our marriage
There is a slightly longer response which reads:
I give you this ring _______ as a token of my love and as a symbol of our marriage.
I promise to care for you with love and friendship,
To support and comfort you through good times and through troubled times,
I promise to care for you, respect and cherish you,
To remain faithful always.
These promises I make to you today and for the rest of my life.
But as we've written our own vows, we thought it would be a bit much to have that and the vows - especially as we would
I also asked about the photographer situation, and it would seem that the photographer can take pictures during the ceremony, just not during the signing of the register.
ヘ(^_^ヘ) *Happy Dance* (ノ^_^)ノ
I also asked if we could have a candle in the room (in memory of those who have passed) and she said it was fine as long as it was OK with the venue (which it is) so I can now print off that part of the Order of the Day booklet!
TTFN xx
Thursday, 30 April 2009
With This Ring....
We have got some choices as far as the ceremony is concerned. There are certain words that must be said to be legally married in England. We chose the following:
Declaratory Words
I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I ______ may not be joined in matrimony to ______
Contracting Words
I call upon these persons here present to witness that I ______ do take thee ______ to be my lawful wedded wife/husband
This is where we now are a bit confused. We know we can say our own vows, which we have both written (and blubbed at!) but there is also on the info sheet the registrar sent to us about the exchanging of rings. We have chosen:
I give you this ring as a token of my love and as a symbol of our marriage
Here is my sparkly - I love it! It goes so well with my e-ring!
And this is H2b's ring - he loves it!
I will have to call up the registrar in the morning before sending the stuff off to find out what is what!
I won't put up our vows as only we know what is in them! I am debating whether to learn them off by heart, or read them from a card.... (･_･?)
TTFN xx
Declaratory Words
I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I ______ may not be joined in matrimony to ______
Contracting Words
I call upon these persons here present to witness that I ______ do take thee ______ to be my lawful wedded wife/husband
This is where we now are a bit confused. We know we can say our own vows, which we have both written (and blubbed at!) but there is also on the info sheet the registrar sent to us about the exchanging of rings. We have chosen:
I give you this ring as a token of my love and as a symbol of our marriage
Here is my sparkly - I love it! It goes so well with my e-ring!
And this is H2b's ring - he loves it!
I will have to call up the registrar in the morning before sending the stuff off to find out what is what!
I won't put up our vows as only we know what is in them! I am debating whether to learn them off by heart, or read them from a card.... (･_･?)
TTFN xx
Readings x 2
As we are having a civil ceremony we are not allowed to have anything with religious content, including the readings. Civil ceremonies are notoriously short (10 mins?) which is over just too quick! So we are allowed to interject the ceremony with readings and poems.
I looked high and low - Googling contemporary wedding readings, wedding poems, civil ceremony readings.... found lots but none that struck a cord - they were either all too gushy and mushy or too vomit inducing!
I then stumbled upon an extract from The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. I've never read the book, and the only reason I know about it is because of that episode of Friends where Chandler buys a 1st edition copy for Joey's girlfriend for her birthday...
Here is the extract:
"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"
"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."
"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.
"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."
"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"
"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."
It's not glaringly obvious what it is about (IMO) but I *got* it and LOVE it. I can't read it aloud with out a shake in my voice. It's a go! The last line gets me every time...
My Chief Bridesmaid (CBM), my gorgeous sister will be reading this on - she *got* it too! (’-’*)
Our second choice is a poem which I found - I don't know where, or what website, or even who wrote it - by that point I was pulling out my hair trying to find something that made me say "that's it". This one will be read by my 10 year old son, who is also our Pageboy.
The Loving Heart
Someone may love you because you are clever
Someone may love you because you are wise
Someone may love you for beauty or humour
The fun in your heart or the light in your eyes.
But if there is one who discovers your failings
And love all the good and bad that is you
This is the love that will last you forever
This is the love that will always be true.
And yes, I cried at this one too!!
I really am gonna be an emotional wreck on the big day!!
TTFN xx
I looked high and low - Googling contemporary wedding readings, wedding poems, civil ceremony readings.... found lots but none that struck a cord - they were either all too gushy and mushy or too vomit inducing!
I then stumbled upon an extract from The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. I've never read the book, and the only reason I know about it is because of that episode of Friends where Chandler buys a 1st edition copy for Joey's girlfriend for her birthday...
Here is the extract:
"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"
"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."
"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.
"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."
"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"
"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."
It's not glaringly obvious what it is about (IMO) but I *got* it and LOVE it. I can't read it aloud with out a shake in my voice. It's a go! The last line gets me every time...
My Chief Bridesmaid (CBM), my gorgeous sister will be reading this on - she *got* it too! (’-’*)
Our second choice is a poem which I found - I don't know where, or what website, or even who wrote it - by that point I was pulling out my hair trying to find something that made me say "that's it". This one will be read by my 10 year old son, who is also our Pageboy.
The Loving Heart
Someone may love you because you are clever
Someone may love you because you are wise
Someone may love you for beauty or humour
The fun in your heart or the light in your eyes.
But if there is one who discovers your failings
And love all the good and bad that is you
This is the love that will last you forever
This is the love that will always be true.
And yes, I cried at this one too!!
I really am gonna be an emotional wreck on the big day!!
TTFN xx
Ceremony Music - Part 4 - The Recessional
And now comes to the piece of music that we are struggling most with - the recessional song - or the one we walk out as husband and wife to.
We've narrowed it down to a few choices, but still don't know which one to choose. I would like it something a little upbeat and "celebration-y" but at the same time nice lyrics! I know a popular choice is "Signed Sealed Delivered" by the wonderful Stevie Wonder - but listen to the lyrics people it's about a dude who left his missus and hopes that she'll take him back! I know people go for it for the "Signed Sealed Delivered" bit, but uh-uh *shakes finger*
The number one choice at the moment, lyrics wise is
Forever and For Always - Shania Twain
It's a little bit country sounding, but it's nice an upbeat and has lovely lyrics too!
Then there's the rock choice
The Best Thing - Savage Garden
Which I think with the intro might be a bit rocky for the guests （．＿．） but the words, the words!
And then there's the song that I love the beat of, but I don't think the words go that well as the opening line is "I started talking then the line went dead" (>。<) I don't think so! The rest of the song gets nice though, but the opening is pretty much what we'll hear! So that's probably a no.
You're the World To Me - David Gray
Finally we've got
Everything - Michael Buble
So many choices - but which one do we choose (･_･?)
TTFN xx
We've narrowed it down to a few choices, but still don't know which one to choose. I would like it something a little upbeat and "celebration-y" but at the same time nice lyrics! I know a popular choice is "Signed Sealed Delivered" by the wonderful Stevie Wonder - but listen to the lyrics people it's about a dude who left his missus and hopes that she'll take him back! I know people go for it for the "Signed Sealed Delivered" bit, but uh-uh *shakes finger*
The number one choice at the moment, lyrics wise is
Forever and For Always - Shania Twain
It's a little bit country sounding, but it's nice an upbeat and has lovely lyrics too!
Then there's the rock choice
The Best Thing - Savage Garden
Which I think with the intro might be a bit rocky for the guests （．＿．） but the words, the words!
And then there's the song that I love the beat of, but I don't think the words go that well as the opening line is "I started talking then the line went dead" (>。<) I don't think so! The rest of the song gets nice though, but the opening is pretty much what we'll hear! So that's probably a no.
You're the World To Me - David Gray
Finally we've got
Everything - Michael Buble
So many choices - but which one do we choose (･_･?)
TTFN xx
Ceremony Music - Part 3 - Signing The Registar
Setting the scene.... we've said our vows, we've heard our readings, we've exchanged the rings and now it's time to get all official and sign the register!
We've been told to have one or two song choices for this - depends on how long the the photographer takes to take the official photos apparently! Unfortunately the registrar doesn't allow photos to be taken during the ceremony itself which I'm gutted about, but what can we do? So, I'll probably milk it for all it's worth during the register signing!
Of course, our wedding day wouldn't be the same without a song by Darren Hayes!! Okay, so it's Savage Garden, but it's still his beautiful voice!
I Knew I Loved You - Savage Garden
'And in your eyes I see the missing piece, I think I found my way home'
I love the whole song but ^^^^I love this line^^^^ and this one too >>>>
'I am complete now that I've found you'
Just writing these posts and listening to the songs as I embed them into my post is making me all lip quivering and soooo excited for the wedding day. I really will be marrying the man of my dreams on that day ♥
TTFN xx
We've been told to have one or two song choices for this - depends on how long the the photographer takes to take the official photos apparently! Unfortunately the registrar doesn't allow photos to be taken during the ceremony itself which I'm gutted about, but what can we do? So, I'll probably milk it for all it's worth during the register signing!
Of course, our wedding day wouldn't be the same without a song by Darren Hayes!! Okay, so it's Savage Garden, but it's still his beautiful voice!
I Knew I Loved You - Savage Garden
'And in your eyes I see the missing piece, I think I found my way home'
I love the whole song but ^^^^I love this line^^^^ and this one too >>>>
'I am complete now that I've found you'
Just writing these posts and listening to the songs as I embed them into my post is making me all lip quivering and soooo excited for the wedding day. I really will be marrying the man of my dreams on that day ♥
TTFN xx
Ceremony Music - Part 2 - The Bridal Party!
Now for my big entrance! OMG, I have been waiting for the day that I walk down the aisle for a loooooooong time.... and I'm so glad to have found "the one" in my H2b. （*＾＾）＾*）
Everyone thinks, that as I love Darren Hayes (former Savage Garden) that I would have chosen one of his songs to walk down the aisle to. Don't get me wrong, my obsession with DH is huge and I even surprised myself when I didn't pick one of his songs....
...but I was Googling wedding processional songs and up popped
Shania Twain - From This Moment
I had NEVER heard this song. EVER.
The guitar intro got me all a flutter...
Then the lyrics...
---------------->blubbing like there was no tomorrow<----------------- It was the one... Without a doubt and stopped looking.
Shall I tell you the line that does it for me?
'I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start'
I envision reaching H2b at the end of the aisle when the song gets to that line. I'll be in bits won't I?!
TTFN xx
Everyone thinks, that as I love Darren Hayes (former Savage Garden) that I would have chosen one of his songs to walk down the aisle to. Don't get me wrong, my obsession with DH is huge and I even surprised myself when I didn't pick one of his songs....
...but I was Googling wedding processional songs and up popped
Shania Twain - From This Moment
I had NEVER heard this song. EVER.
The guitar intro got me all a flutter...
Then the lyrics...
---------------->blubbing like there was no tomorrow<----------------- It was the one... Without a doubt and stopped looking.
Shall I tell you the line that does it for me?
'I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start'
I envision reaching H2b at the end of the aisle when the song gets to that line. I'll be in bits won't I?!
TTFN xx
Ceremony Music - Part 1- The Anticipation!
Music plays a big part in my life - I'm a words kinda gal, I really pay attention to the lyrics of songs and find their meaning - often having to explain to hubby to be (H2b) what the song is all about - he just either likes a song or doesn't - where as I'm like, listen to the words dude!
Of course I love the melody, but the lyrics really are what does it for me - they can make or break a song for me!
I'm adding the songs we've picked for your listening pleasure - stupid You Tube doesn't allow UK visitors to watch music videos any more so finding songs seems to be more difficult for the modern tracks (O_O；)
We need to have several songs for the ceremony - a few whilst guests arrive and take their seats. We are going to go with classical songs since this is just background music. We have picked
Cannon in D by Johann Pachelbel
Ode To Joy by Beethoven
Falling in Love by Tim O'Neill
That's all we have - I figure we just put them on a bit of a loop - or maybe find another few classical songs to add - as they don't have lyrics, I can't see the registrar getting all stroppy as they won't have any religious context. I really love the song Eidelweiss but struggling to find a nice instrumental version.
What are your song choices whilst everyone waits in anticipation for the arrival of the Bride?!
TTFN xx
Of course I love the melody, but the lyrics really are what does it for me - they can make or break a song for me!
I'm adding the songs we've picked for your listening pleasure - stupid You Tube doesn't allow UK visitors to watch music videos any more so finding songs seems to be more difficult for the modern tracks (O_O；)
We need to have several songs for the ceremony - a few whilst guests arrive and take their seats. We are going to go with classical songs since this is just background music. We have picked
Cannon in D by Johann Pachelbel
Ode To Joy by Beethoven
Falling in Love by Tim O'Neill
That's all we have - I figure we just put them on a bit of a loop - or maybe find another few classical songs to add - as they don't have lyrics, I can't see the registrar getting all stroppy as they won't have any religious context. I really love the song Eidelweiss but struggling to find a nice instrumental version.
What are your song choices whilst everyone waits in anticipation for the arrival of the Bride?!
TTFN xx
What's on the "to do" list today?
Well, we've been procrastinating over the most. important. bit. of the wedding for a long time now - the ceremony.
We went and saw the registrar last August and picked up our Certificate for Marriage after a few weeks. We had planned to submit our vows, readings and song choices to the registrar along with the payment as soon as we got that certificate and the accompanying information... we didn't.
It is now 97 days till the wedding and the vows have been written - took a while, and I was blubbing like a baby when I read mine out.... （；_・）I'm gonna be a total wreck on the day I think!! I figure I'll just go with it if the tears do fall - I'm a such a cry baby anyways, and I know it's going to be an emotional day. Just have waterproof mascara on and make up artist on stand by after the floodgates open!
On the to do list for today is printing all the stuff off in readiness to send to the registrar at the weekend (waiting to get paid!) Once that has been sent off and approved then I can breathe a big sigh of relief as it's the most important part of the whole wedding, and without that being paid for, there won't be no wedding!!
TTFN! xx
We went and saw the registrar last August and picked up our Certificate for Marriage after a few weeks. We had planned to submit our vows, readings and song choices to the registrar along with the payment as soon as we got that certificate and the accompanying information... we didn't.
It is now 97 days till the wedding and the vows have been written - took a while, and I was blubbing like a baby when I read mine out.... （；_・）I'm gonna be a total wreck on the day I think!! I figure I'll just go with it if the tears do fall - I'm a such a cry baby anyways, and I know it's going to be an emotional day. Just have waterproof mascara on and make up artist on stand by after the floodgates open!
On the to do list for today is printing all the stuff off in readiness to send to the registrar at the weekend (waiting to get paid!) Once that has been sent off and approved then I can breathe a big sigh of relief as it's the most important part of the whole wedding, and without that being paid for, there won't be no wedding!!
TTFN! xx
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