Happy Days Lodge Peninsula, OH

The Happy Days Lodge has a 4,000 square-foot Great Hall and breezy screened-in porch surrounded by a rolling meadow.  It is the ideal setting for an unforgettable wedding event. This unique venue is on the national register of historic places and is a gorgeous example of a wormy chestnut and sandstone structure, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Lodge is a perfect backdrop for planning a creative wedding event. The facility can accommodate up to 180 guests for a seated dinner.  If you thnking you would like a rustic wedding theme, I can't think of any venue more suitable to make all your dreams come true.  I recently married Hayley O'Hare and Frank Ziegler in the meadow.  It was a warm, sunny and perfect day.  Much attention was given to decorating the hall with baby's breath, brass chandeliers and twinkling lights hung from the wooden rafters, chalkboard signs, antique suitcases, ball jars, and colorful table runners.  I have done several weddings at the Happy Days Lodge but have never seen it shine the way it did for the Ziegler wedding.  

Happy Days Lodge

500 West Streetsboro Road 

Peninsula, OH 44264 

330-657-2909

weddings@forcvnp.org

Seven Blessings Ceremony

The Seven Blessings are a key part of a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony. The blessings are adapted from ancient rabbinic teachings, beginning with the blessing over the wine and ending with a communal expression of joy.

In many ceremonies the prayers are read or chanted in both Hebrew and English. There are also numerous modern English variations on the blessings.

Many couples also ask friends or relatives to read some or all of the blessings, or may ask all the guests in attendance to read the blessings from a wedding program. Some couples create their own blessings, or ask honored guests to create their own.

~Person One: May the power of your love bring you health and well being throughout your lives. (Amen) 
~Person Two: May you have wisdom in the ordering of your common life that you may each be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, and a companion in joy. (Amen) 
~Person Three: May you have the grace, when you hurt each other, to recognize your faults, and to seek each other's forgiveness. (Amen) 
~Person Four: May your life together be a vessel of divine love and a symbol of peace to our struggling world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guild, and joy conquer despair. (Amen) 
~Person Five: May you be ever thoughtful and gentle, patient and forbearing, regardful of each other's feelings and opinions, and lenient to each other's infirmities. (Amen) ~Person Six: Despite whatever challenges and struggles lie upon your relationship path, may you always find life good and worth celebrating. (Amen) 
~Person Seven: May you discover such deep fulfillment of your mutual affection that you may always be inspired to reach out in love and concern for others. (Amen) 

Herb Garden School of Cooking/Bed and Breakfast

I recently married a couple on the park grounds of Geneva on the Lake.  My husband, owner of Caruso Images, was their photographer. The couple chose to host their reception at a hall located about 40 minutes from where the ceremony was held,  Since we knew it would be a later night, rather than drving back to Cleveland, my husband looked for a bed and breakfast close to the reception venue.  He chose the Herb Garden School of Cooking/Bed and Breakfast located in Jefferson, Ohio.  It was a perfect spot. The home has been in the family for almost 100 years and is hosted by Chris and Paul Martello.  The farm house is the only home Chris has ever lived in.  The home is located far enough away from the noisy city that you can truly enjoy the sounds of nature.  Flowers, herbs, ponds, and trees are every where.  If you are considering a small, personal wedding, hosting a bridal shower, or would just like to get away for the weekend, be sure to check them out.  Chris is also experienced in the field of nutrition and hosts very interesting cooking classes.  Be sure to check them out.

A Wedding to Remember--Holly and Jennifer!

If you know me then you know that I love my job and that being  part of every wedding ceremony is a real honor and joy for me.  I must share, however, that on August 4th I performed a wedding ceremony that touched me in a way like no other.  That is the day I married Jennifer and Holly Fredericks.  Jennifer was a student of mine when I taught Home Economics at Rocky River High School.  "Jenny", as I knew her then, was always special to me, but I worried about her because she didn't have the joy in her life I thought she deserved.  I suspected I might know why, but it wasn't my place to tell her.  Some time after graduating from high school, she called and asked if I would meet her for lunch.  I had learned years before that when a graduate asked me to meet with them, it was usually to confess, apologize, or ask for advice.  I was pretty sure I knew what Jenny wanted to share with me--that she is gay.  That was eight years ago.  During the past eight years I have watched Jennifer go from a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly.  Why? Because she has become true to herself and she found her soul mate.  She has found the joy her life was missing.  Jennifer and Holly truly are each other's best friend and you don't need to be with them very long to know they simply are better together than they are apart.  

Jennifer and Holly chose to be married at Niagara Falls because, unfortunately, Ohio does still not recognize same sex marriage.  Jennifer and Holly wanted to do a first look photo so Jennifer was blindfolded during the drive from the hotel to the park at Niagara Falls. Holly, wearing black pants, black shirt, and purple tie took her spot at the tree first.  Then Jennifer joined her wearing a beautiful long white chiffon dress with a purple short sleeved sweater. As they stood back to back at a large tree located near the Falls, Holly held an index card that read "I love her" with an arrow pointing in Jennifer's direction.  Photos were taken and then the magical look!  Of course, Jennifer needed to immediately let Holly know that she didn't really like her tie clip!

With Niagara Falls in the background, their two close friends, Bear and JJ, serving as their witnesses, I conducted this special wedding ceremony.  My husband, Frank Caruso, was the photographer.  It was a beautiful ceremony with very special ceremony wording selected by the two of them.  They also shared vows written by them.  Holly struggled getting through hers which I love about her.  Bear and JJ shared a reading "Union from The Beginning to End" by Robert Fulghum.  Rings were exchanged and then all was sealed with a kiss!  

Frank and I purchased two pieces of cake so they wouldn't miss out on that traditional photo opportunity.  I am happy to report they played very nicely.  Lots of photos were taken--some serious and some not so serious (mustaches, jumping, and just being silly).

The six of us celebrated by sharing lunch together at Niagara Falls Culinary School, a student run fine dining restaurant.  It was a delicious and the restaurant treated us to a bottle of champagne to celebrate this special event.

It was a perfect day.  In the past two years I have performed over 250 marriage ceremonies but I have not always felt the love and joy shared by Jennifer and Holly.  This is a union I believe will last!   

As of August 2013, only thirteen states have legalized same-sex marriage. This makes me sad because same-sex couples want nothing more than to join society as fully integrated socially responsible family-centered taxpaying Little League-coaching nation-serving respectably married citizens.  Jennifer and Holly love each other and want to share their lives together.  Isn't that exactly what every person hopes for and is entitled too? 

This was a day that shall forever remain a special moment in my heart!

Unity Sand Ceremony to Include Mothers and Children

Is it important to you that you involve each of your mothers in the ceremony?  Do one or both of you have children that you would like to include in the ceremony.  I am not always a fan of the Sand Ceremony but I love it when including others is a priority.  Below is wording for the officiant that would allow you to include all those special people in your lives.

FAMILY SAND CEREMONY

We now invite the women who gave the bride and groom life, their mothers, to please come forward for take part in a sand ceremony.  (Bride’s name) and (Groom’s name) would like their mothers to pour some sand into their individual vases representing their giving them life, as well as all their wonderful contributions to their lives.

You can also have a flower of choice (i.e. a rose, an orchid or a lily) laying on the table by the vases with attached notes of love and gratitude addressed to your mothers. These notes would be rolled as small scrolls and attached to the flowers with a lovely ribbon. After your mothers finish pouring, you and your groom present your mothers the flowers with the surprise note along with a hug and kiss. (Your mothers will read them after the ceremony in a private moment.

(Bride’s name) and (Groom’s name), will you now step up to the Sand Ceremony table and hold close to your heart the container sand representing the essence of all that you are and all that you bring to this union.  As you do so, embody the grains with all your hopes and dreams for the future. Bring to mind the strength of your promises, the honesty and integrity with which you make them, and all the particles of personality that make you unique and wonderful in one another's eyes.

 Within a marriage each person is both their own and each other’s--two individuals choosing to create a new life with endless possibilities and new dreams that are theirs together. Will you now pour the sand that is to represent the foundation of your love which is to support and nurture, your marriage and your family.

Will the children please join us now.

These containers of sand, are here to represent you, (each child’s name) and your importance. Like colors of the rainbow you are each different and special, valuable, and precious. Therefore it is only fitting that you be shown as an

important part of this marriage.  After all, marriage is really about family. So will you please pick up your sand and add it to your mom and dad's.

(Bride’s name) and (Groom’s name), will you now please finish pouring your sand.

And will you now seal the vessel as a reminder that nothing is more important nor more sacred than the bond that you share as husband wife and family. (Each child’s name), do you see where you all are?  You are in the center of your mom and dad's hearts, now and forever.

A Very Special Ceremony

On July 7th, I had the honor of sharing a very special vow renewal ceremony with Keane and Diane. They held the ceremony in the backyard of Diane's parent's home.  It sprinkled a little earlier in the morning, but by 11:00, just before the guests arrived, the sun came out.  It is said that rain on your wedding day guarantees good luck, so they have been blessed.

As each guest arrived they found a small blessing stone, note card and pencil at their seat.  Near the beginning of the ceremony, I asked each guest to hold the blessing stone in their hands throughout the ceremony, reflecting and offering their personal blessings for Keane and Diane as husband and wife. I also asked them to use the note card provided to write the couple a note of advice or an individual blessing. There was a lovely box on the gift table for family and friends to place the stones and cards in after the ceremony, creating a lasting reminder of the magic and love shared by those who celebrated this life event with them.

Keane and Diane also suggested to their guests that if they were attending their wedding with a spouse or partner, to let their ceremony be a reminder--a rededication of their own loving bond. Their decaration of intent (the I do's) were very special and I will add them to my wording library.  

Before the ring exchange, the couple asked their closest family members to participate in a ring warming.  It began with me placing the rings in Diane's mother's hands and asking her to hold the rings for a moment to warm them with her love.  The rings were then passed from family member to family member gathering more love and hope for Keane and Diane  I also asked the other guests to voice a silent wish or prayer for the couple's marriage and future together.  As the rings were passed, Vale, Keane's sister sang.  When the rings returned to me, I placed each of them on a long-stemmed rose (their rings had been specially designed by a jeweler) symbolizing the purity of their Real and Highest Self, and of the purity of God's love. 

It was a very special and unique ceremony that I am sure their guests will remember for a very long time.  Wishing this wonderful couple a lifetime of love, happiness and peace.

A Lovely Love Story by Edward Monkton

This is one of my favorite ceremony readings.  I suggest asking two friends or family members to share this reading--one read the parts of the Dinosaur and the second read the parts of  the Lovely Other Dinosaur!

The fierce Dinosaur was trapped inside his cage of ice. Although it was cold he was happy in there. It was, after all, his cage.

Then along came the Lovely Other Dinosaur.

The Lovely Other Dinosaur melted the Dinosaur's cage with kind words and loving thoughts.

I like this Dinosaur thought the Lovely Other Dinosaur.  Although he is fierce he is also tender and he is funny.  He is also quite clever though I will not tell him this for now.

I like this Lovely Other Dinosaur, thought the Dinosaur.  She is beautiful and she is different and she smells so nice.

She is also a free spirit which is a quality I much admire in a dinosaur.

But he can be so distant and so peculiar at times, thought the Lovely Other Dinosaur.  He is also overly fond of things.  Are all Dinosaurs so overly fond of things?

But her mind skips from here to there so quickly thought the Dinosaur. She is also uncommonly keen on shopping.  Are all Lovely Other Dinosaurs so uncommonly keen on shopping?

I will forgive his peculiarity and his concern for things, thought the Lovely Other Dinosaur. For they are part of what makes him a richly charactered individual.

I will forgive her skipping mind and her fondness for shopping, thought the Dinosaur. For she fills our life with beautiful thoughts and wonderful surprises. Besides, I am not unkeen on shopping either.

Now the Dinosaur and the Lovely Other Dinosaur are old.

Look at them.

Together they stand on the hill telling each other stories and feeling the warmth of the sun on their backs.

And that, my friends, is how it is with love.

Let us all be Dinosaurs and Lovely Other Dinosaurs together.

For the sun is warm.

And the world is a beautiful place

Important Questions to Ask Before Selecting a DJ

Your wedding DJ will play an important role in your wedding and reception.  The DJ will be the one who sets the mood for your event. A good wedding DJ will be able to read the room, have everyone up and dancing and, ultimately ensure everyone has a great time. On the other hand, a bad wedding DJ can kill the mood of even the most party-ready reception crowd. Take time to make sure the DJ you book is the right match for the two of you.  You should interview three DJ's before making a decision.  Consider asking the following questions of each to help you find the perfect fit.

What equipment do you use? (You want professional equipment that is loud enough but not overpowering)

If we need a sound system for the ceremony, can you provide this as well? 

Are you a DJ that will stay in the background making necessary announcements or will you be visible and more of a performer? (It's usually the couple who should be getting the attention, but some couples do enjoy a DJ who is the center of attention.)

What will you wear? (Make sure he knows how you want him to dress.)

How is the music selected? Do you have a wide variety of songs available? Can we have a list of songs we do not want played?

How do you handle the events of the evening? (It's important to know how the transitions from one activity to another will occur.)

How often will you need to take a break? Will music be playing during these breaks?

Some DJ companies have more than one DJ. Which DJ will be at my wedding?

Will you be bringing a table that will need a tablecloth?

Will you play music as the guests are arriving and during cocktail hour and meal?

Do you provide a wireless microphone to use for speeches?

Do you have liability insurance?

Do you bring backup equipment with you?

How early will you be there to set up?

Do you have references we may contact?

Gervasi Vineyard--A New Favorite Venue

I learned of a new venue in Canton that I must share with you--Gervasi Vineyard.  Gervasi Vineyard provides a graceful and romantic setting for intimate outdoor or indoor weddings. It is a 55-acre Italian-inspired estate that provides a beautiful setting for weddings in two unique and spectacular venues, The Pavilion and the Villa Grande.  The Pavilion is can provide seating for up to 200 guests and overlooks a spring-fed lake, lavish grounds and the vineyeard.  It creates a truly breath-taking picturesque environment for your special day.  THe Villa Grande is the indoor center that can provide seating for up to 120 guests for weddings.  It provides an elegant Italian Villa style setting for smaller intimate weddings in the Gervasi Village complex. To complete the ultimate Tuscan vineyard experience, wedding guests can enjoy the comforts and charm of the 24 luxurious villa suites at The Villas, their boutique Inn also located in Gervasi Village.  Gervasi has its own wedding coordinator, Laura, who will do everything possible to make sure everything about your day goes the way you want it to.  I can not tell you how beautiful this entire area was so plan an evening out to walk the grounds and have a glass of wine!

First Look Photos--The New Trend

Many modern day couples have shifted away from the traditional pre-marriage lifestyle to a more modern approach (extended engagements, living together prior to marriage, etc), so has the “traditional” wedding approach. Today's couples have begun taking many of their formal wedding photos prior to the ceremony.  While some people may feel that it takes away from the “first look” they remember from a bride walking down the aisle, there are ways to capture that “first look” in a more intimate and custom pre-ceremony setting.  

When wedding photos are done prior to the ceremony the photographer can include a ‘first look’ or ‘unveiling’ session. This session can be done with just the bride and groom or it can involve family and close friends as well. Generally, the groom will stand with his back to the bride as she walks into the room. Once the mood is set, and everything is in place, the groom will turn around for the desired ‘first look’ reaction. Couples can hug, kiss, or even exchange precious words with each other that will always be remembered.  

Doing a first look allows couples more time to actually enjoy their wedding day. By seeing each other 2 hours beforehand they can get all of the portraits out of the way (or at least the bride and groom ones), have a 30 minute break before the ceremony, take some formals after the ceremony and then go to enjoy their cocktail hour. Many brides and grooms don’t ever get to see their cocktail hour because they are off taking pictures.  By doing a first look you are able to mingle with your guests during the cocktail hour so that you can actually sit down and enjoy the meal that you, undoubtedly, paid a lot of money for and then enjoy every second of the entertainment part of your reception.  

Alexandria School--Nanny Service for Reception/Guests

Are you planning on having younger children at your reception?  Will you be inviting out of town guests with small children who will need someone to watch them at the hotel they are staying at?If so, I would like recommend that you contact Alexandria School.  They place nannies and offer a temporary service that would be perfect.  Here is information about their services that I received from Erin Whaley, the Director of Operations at Alexandria School.

"Most of our temporary/babysitting nannies are working nannies who would like to earn extra money at night and on weekends.  They have been background checked (which includes National Sex Offender Registry and driving records check), are current in CPR and First Aid, and have been educated in Injury Prevention, Safety, Child Abuse Awareness, and Household Childproofing, to name a few areas of study.  Our nannies have a 4 hour minimum for babysitting/temp jobs and are paid directly by the family at a rate of $15 per hour.

Given the fact that the Alexandria School staff has met and evaluated each potential nanny, we can speak directly to the strengths and talents of each – this can be helpful when placing a temporary nanny with a new client or in a particularly challenging setting (hotel rooms during a special event, multiple children, etc.)."

For more information, contact Erin at 440-914-0044

At the end of the night!

Your gifts, centerpieces mementos (such as your toasting flutes, cake topper, unity candle and guest book) along with any leftover food, alcohol or cake will need a reliable friend or family member to get them home.  Most venues want you to take all of your things with you at the end of the night so the room can be cleaned and ready to go for the next big event.  Discuss this task with someone in advance and let them know about their responsibility.  If you have a lot of food left over, you might want to donate to a local shelter. You might want to also consider donating your floral centerpieces. Nursing homes typically accept flowers, but call at least a few days before the wedding to find out when someone can drop off the arrangements. If you’re changing out of your gown before you head to your hotel room, you’ll want to make sure someone takes it home.

Hidden Wedding Expenses

#1 WEDDING DRESS ALTERATIONS

Hidden Wedding Cost: Even though your bridal salon took your measurements, they ordered the dress that was in the next closest size to you. Translation: It probably won't fit perfectly and you'll need to have some type of alterations once it comes in.

Avoid It: Ask what the store charges for alterations before you buy the gown. If it's too much, don't be afraid to take the dress to a less expensive seamstress for changes. Otherwise, reserve some of your dress budget money specifically for alterations; meaning you'll buy a less expensive dress and spend the few hundred that you have left over to alter it.

#2 NON-APPROVED VENDORS

Hidden Wedding Cost: Lots of venues have approved vendor lists -- companies they prefer working with -- for the major players, like caterers, florists and even photographers. If you're not bringing in someone on their list, they could charge an extra 20 percent or more.

Avoid It: Before you book, ask whether you'll be charged extra for using someone not from the vendor list. Otherwise, stick to their preferred vendors (remember: there's a reason they've kept these companies on the list). Or, if you've got a favorite caterer or florist, work backward and ask them about the venues they like most.

#3 POSTAGE STAMPS

Hidden Wedding Cost: Sure those invites are gorgeous -- but that awkward square shape means you'll be paying extra postage per invitation. Even if it's just 62 cents per envelope, that can add up pretty quickly: It's an additional $96 for 150 invitations (and other invites can be as much as $2 each to mail!).

Avoid It: Know your standard mail sizes. (For instance, letters can't be more than a fourth of an inch thick or larger than 11.5 inches long by 6.125 inches high. You can get thecomplete list at USPS.com.) If you're looking to save, consider putting an odd-shaped invitation into a standard-size envelope, so you won't pay extra. Or skip boxed invitationsand cards with multiple layers of paper, which can bulk up quickly and cost more than you have in your budget.

#4 PARKING

Hidden Wedding Cost: Don't assume that if there's valet parking, it's simply included in the venue quote, because it's almost always additional. The cost can be per car (if they're being parked in a paid lot) or simply by the hour for the entire venue parking lot.

Avoid It: Before you sign, ask about parking options and costs. If you're getting married in an area without public transportation options, check out the cost of hiring a shuttle bus to take guests back to their hotels (it may end up being cheaper than valet).

#5 PHOTO AND VIDEO OVERTIME

Hidden Wedding Cost: When you hire your videographer and photographer, you'll book them for a certain number of hours. If the wedding runs longer than you expected, or you just want them to stick around to the very end, they'll begin charging per hour, which can start at about $250.

Avoid It: As you're planning, factor in extra time for getting dressed and taking photos. Use this itinerary when booking your photographer and videographer to make sure everyone is on the same page. And don't be afraid to ask up front about overtime charges.

How to save your wedding cards!

You wil no doubt get tons of heartfelt and sweet notes connected to your wedding day.  There will also be cards attached to your shower gifts and you will receive others on your wedding day.  Many couples don’t want to throw them away so they end up in a shoe box.  I have found a much better idea for those of you who just can't bare to part with sentimental things.  Simply 3-hole punch the cards and put them in a binder to make a simple but meaningful book of all your cards.  You will have something very special to look at each anniverary.

I Like You by Sandol Stoddard Warburg

I love "I Like You" by Sandol Stoddard Warburg.  It's a children's book, and it's very sweet.  I think it would make a perfect reading to include in your wedding ceremony.  Here is the full text:

I like you because when I tell you something special, you know it's special

And you remember it a long, long time.

You say, "Remember when you told me something special?"

And both of us remember'

When I think something is important you think it' important.

We have good ideas

When I say something funny, you laugh

I think I'm funny and you think I'm funny too'

If you find two four-leaf clovers, you give me one

If I find four, I give you two

If we only find three, we keep on looking

Sometimes we have good luck, and sometimes we don't'

Even if it was the 999th of July

Even if it was August

Even if it was way down at the bottom of November

Even if it was no place particular in January

I would go on choosing you

And you would go on choosing me

Over and over again

To Throw Rice or Not???

Where did the tradition of throwing rice come from and why do we do it?

Throwing rice was actually one of the fertility rituals at weddings from ancient times. The rice seeds where symbols of "New Life" because they could germinate. This custom is believed to come from ancient Rome where both rice and later grain, dates, nuts and coins apparently were thrown at the newlyweds to pave the way for fertility, happiness and good force. Nowadays rice is no longer thrown as a symbol of fertility but simply to wish the couple a prosperous future and is a real festive element at the wedding ceremony. Bird safe rice is not the only option though, take a look at the suggestions below and get inspired to personalize your wedding ceremony.

Suggestions of what to throw at the wedding ceremony:

Bird seed, grass seed, rose pedals, cherry blossoms, dried lavender, heather, bubbles, large size party poppers, DIY wedding wands, wild flower seed, sprinkles, autumn leaves, pumpkin seeds, dollar bills, eco confetti, streamers, miniature beach balls.

Shell Blessing Toss at Beach Wedding

While guests are arriving at your wedding ceremony, ask them to choose a shell from a treasure chest. Each shell will have a word of blessing and wishes for the couple etched onto it such as, Love, Trust, Happiness, and so on... At the end of the ceremony the Bride, Groom and Guests will be directed to the water’s edge and after a verse is read by the officiant, the couple counts to 3, and everyone tosses their blessing shell into the ocean together. Not only is it a special photographic moment, but is another way for everyone in attendance to be involved in this special day!

Variations

At the beginning of the ceremony, guests may receive a permanent marker or a piece of paper and a pen to write down the blessing or the wish, and place the shell in a special container. Alternatively, the shells can have labels with the names of the bride and groom, the date of their marriage and a wish or blessing. At the end of the ceremony, the couple's best man or maid of honor will bring the jar to the bride and groom. They will hold it up to the sky, while the wedding officiant prays for all wishes to come true. The newlyweds may choose to keep the jar of shells as a precious keepsake.

Hand Blessing Ceremony

This is a very moving recitation of the importance of the hands of the bride and groom.  It is spoken by the Officiant while the bride and groom are simply facing each other whileholding hands.  There are many wording options that can be read by the Officiant, but this is one of my favorites.

As an expression that your hearts are joined together in love will you please face each other and hold hands, so you may feel the gift that you are to one another.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.  These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future.  These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other.  These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.  These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.  And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Blessing after:

“Our prayer for you today is that both of you will use these hands to build a marriage where all your dreams come true.”

Date Night Jar

One of my favorite things I have seen at weddings is the "date night jar." For this idea, the guests write date night ideas on popsicle sticks that are color coded by cost. The bride and groom can either have a jar of each color of sticks and a single jar for finished ones on the gift table, or they can put a mason jar and a set of sticks at each guest table.

As for color coding, there are generally 3 colors one for free date nights, one for cheap date nights, and one for more expensive date nights that take more planning. At the end of the night, the bride and groom usually end up with hundreds of different date night ideas, while the guests had something to keep them busy while they were waiting for dinner to arrive!  Later on, when the newlyweds are looking for a date night idea, they can pick from the ideas their guests wrote down!

Cambodian Cord Ceremony

 I love learning about new wedding ideas that I can share with couples.  The Cambodian Cord is the newest specialty ceremony that I have found information on.  In Asia, the color red is a sacred color, representing great joy and celebration.  An ancient Cambodian fable states that couples who are fated to be together are joined by an invisible red cord. As time goes by, and the two get older, the invisible red cord shrinks in length.  According to the fable, when the moment comes that the couple is destined by fate to meet, the cord has shrunk so much the two are standing face to face.

As part of this ceremony, the officiant takes a red cord and ties a knot it the middle.  As they do this, they also make a wish, out loud, for joy and success in the marriage (or whatever else comes to mind).  The cord is then passed to the left so that every person attending the wedding may also tie a knot and make a silent wish for the couple. When the last guest has tied a knot, the cord is draped over the bride's shoulders or around her neck.  The red cord will then forever serve as a memento of all the people who have wished the couple happiness.