One of the things that I love about Karen is her sense of fun and her ability to name it when it is happening. Last night we spend some time with one of our favorite couple friends, talking about wedding ideas and plans. They are planning their wedding right now as well. She reminded all of us that this, the work of planning the big day, should 
be fun, bring you joy.
So I stop today, and thank my beloved, for always keeping me focused on the most important things.
To my friends, family and readers who are partnered/married: Think about the planning phase of your big day celebration. What advise, wisdom or warning would you give to us? Please post or email us if you are shy.
September 23, 2006 at 5:57 pm
my lovelies,
one of my favorite wedding stories is about stacy and I’s first day of our honeymoon in New York. After driving six or so hours from vermont into Manhattan, we find our lovely hotel (where stacy had arranged to have a limo pick us up for a drive through manhattan later) only to discover that I had made the reservations for Sunday and Monday, not Friday and Saturday, as we had planned. Ooops. Our first weekend as a married couple, and we were stranded in Manhattan with no place to stacy, uh, I mean stay. So, luckily, the Michelles (Diblee and Morgan, of course) knew we were coming, because we had originally planned to see them while we were there (Morgan was in her last year at the seminary in Manhattan). So, we drove over to the seminary, and we had to call them from the lobby, while I was in tears. Needless to say, the Michelles came to our rescue, and let us stay with them. So, after we secured a place to stay, we dressed all in black, walked the streets of Manhattan together, and ended up eating at this great cuban place in the meat packing district, and then running (literally) twelve blocks to catch the limo in front of the hotel that I didn’t get booked until Sunday. Once we got in the limo, there was a full bar, but it was empty! We found out you have to seperately pre-order the booze. Oh, and all the liquor stores in New York close at 8, so that all the bars make money. Lucky for us, our limo driver hauled ass over to this little Middle Eastern grocery that sold wine and beer. So, I ran in, got a bottle of champagne, and we drove through times square while drinking champagne. Truthfully, one of the most amazing moments in my life. And, when we got back to the Michelle’s that night, they had placed chocolates on the pillows atop our air mattress in the living room! So, the moral, prepare for things to go cataclysmically wrong, and remember to laugh at yourselves and the universe. Remember that your friends will be there to help when you need them, and that you are loved by a universe with a wicked sense of humor.
Best to you both!
Christina
September 26, 2006 at 9:04 pm
Hi Rachel and Karen,
I shared this advice with Rachel in Denver, but I thought I’d post it here as well. The best advice we received before our wedding was to go out on a date a day or two before the big event. The week(s) leading up to the wedding is so full of details and last-minute decisions and things to remember (like vows!) that it is important to make time for the reason you’re doing all these things– your relationship! Take a moment to soak each other up, relish each other, breathe deeply and be thankful that God is confident in you two enough to join this covenant with you.
Peace,
Lindsay (and James)