Floral Preservation

Over the weekend, Justin and I went to pick up the flowers we had preserved by the florist. I must admit I was a bit worried when we dropped them off over a month ago. I was worried that my beautiful flowers were about to be destroyed and I would never be able to see their "pretty" again. I was so excited this weekend when we picked them up and they actually looked pretty in their "not quite new" state. I look forward to displaying them in our new home. :)

I don't yet have pictures because the flowers are boxed up so that we can move them and not destroy them. Also, I believe we are sharing them with family as gifts, so I have to hold off until they are given.

If you are in the states, I would definitely recommend using "Suspended In Time" to preserve your florals. They can't do everything, but I really like what they did with mine. :)

Special Excited Blog Post

Kelly L Photography

How exciting is it that Justin and I were in today's newspaper!!! :)

Unfortunately, I feel so bad that one of our bridesmaids names was crucified. My apologies to Thuong Ho who has since become a Hu. :(

I also am trying a new company for printing photos. (This is also very exciting.) I will let you know if they end up being amazing... or awful. :)

A Little Bit of Excitement

Last night Justin and I started moving things into our new rental house.

I have to admit when we first signed the lease I was a bit concerned that the house looked so old in the inside. A wood paneled room? That is so 1970s... (or earlier). However now that we have moved our vintage couch in the living room, I am so very excited. I have visions of blue that will bring the room together in a very "Mandy way".

We had the most fun looking through kitchen supplies. We haven't really seen them since after the wedding.

Seeing the kitchen supplies gave me incentive to get our thank you notes out asap. We had special things we were sending with a few of the thank you notes slowing us down, but hopefully the majority of those will go out over the weekend so that the more traditional notes can get written and go out more quickly. We are so thankful for everything everyone has done, whether merely coming to the wedding, helping do the "art" for the reception, or even just flying in from another state (or country).

We look forward to sharing pictures of how the gifts are being used and the way we decorate the house.

Pt. 3: Reception!

When we got to the reception site, we did a few preliminary shots before I changed into my reception dress.

Darwin Young Photography

Darwin Young Photography

While everybody was drinking, snacking on appetizers, and mingling, I was getting my hair done for the reception.

Darwin Young Photography

Darwin Young Photography

We were sent this "Chinese marriage knot" from Justin's cousins who are currently in China.

Darwin Young Photography

Darwin Young Photography

The reception was a lot of fun. There were a lot of things planned that did not happen, but it all worked out. Justin and I were able to enjoy our time at the reception without feeling rushed. I would definitely suggest that future brides simply not stress about whether or not everything you plan happens.

Pt. 2 (Ceremony)

Finally it was time to walk down the aisle...

Darwin Young Photography

Darwin Young Photography

Darwin Young Photography

Darwin Young Photography

Darwin Young Photography

Darwin Young Photography

Darwin Young Photography

Day of: Pt. 2 (Prep)

It's taken me long enough, hasn't it!

Darwin Young Photography

This was what seemed like the shortest part of the day. We had spent so much time preparing for the ceremony...  and then it was over!

Everything that could go wrong did go wrong except that Justin and I did officially get married. Woo! Okay... maybe I am exaggerating. I will let you judge for yourself.

Thuong, Marion, and I had an awesome time riding in the old cadillac that my dad rented for the day. Unfortunately, within seconds of leaving the reception site, it occurred to me that none of my bridal party had their flowers. On top of that, I remembered that the rings and garter were still in the bridal preparation room. I didn't have a cell phone, but I was relieved to discover my maid of honor had her cell phone with her. I called Justin praying he would answer and he did! One thing led to another, one person after another was called and the flowers finally made it to the church!

Darwin Young Photography

Upon entrance to the church, I was immediately hounded by everyone wanting to talk to me. The coordinators shooed me away from family and friends that I desperately wanted to hug and see. Talking apparently keeps me from being too nervous. However, I was informed that I was the "cupcake" and I should be hidden away until it was time to walk down the aisle. *sadness* (Note to future brides: do what you want. You get one day. Have fun with it.)

THEN! We were informed that the rings never made it to the church! I was fine with it, but I knew Justin would be sooo upset. Quick thinking and a few calls later, our magnificent coordinator was on her way to meet with our hair person to obtain the rings which arrived prior to the end of the ceremony. Thank goodness!

Darwin Young Photography

We didn't have too many decorations at the church, but I was so very happy with the beautiful memorial that was stationed at the front of the church recognizing beloved family and friends that are no longer here with us.

I'm sure Justin and I aren't the first to have quite a bit go wrong... and we won't be the last. Thank goodness for the wonderful family and friends that made everything possible for the preparation of the ceremony to go as smoothly as possible. Phew!

Day of: Kids ... Or not?

I've heard of quite a few weddings where kids either were not invited or had a babysitter for the duration of the wedding. My opinion until the wedding day was that kids are family and thus should be allowed to attend. I was of the opinion that anybody that wanted to come should be allowed to come.

Luckily, my reception venue was quite accommodating to children -- both little and big.

Darwin Young Photography

The one big thing I noticed at my wedding was that babies, in particular, were not able to sit through the wedding ceremony. Usually the adult had to leave the room in order to care for their crying baby. This was saddening since it meant that not everyone was available for pictures and parents could not always enjoy the ceremony. It might have been a good idea for us to provide a babysitter to watch these children for these purposes.

Darwin Young Photography

Parents and kids alike enjoyed our reception site though since it was very kid friendly. The reception site had a playground with a swingset, a tree house, and we provided the kids with lots of sugar (candy). I even made sure we got an awesome shot of us with a few of the kids.

So my suggestion is... keep in mind who you are inviting and how they feel about children. I had no problem with children since I watch and play with a lot of them (even including 3 in the bridal party), but I think some parents would have enjoyed the peace of not having children with them during the ceremony.