Alyssa

i can't wait to see the pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!

my FI got a big surprise today at work - when he got in this AM, his co-workers had decorated his work area with wedding bells, a veil, some tulle and a button that says "i'm the groom". he was hysterical and said they took some great pictures. then at lunch, they surprised him with a catered lunch, congrats cake and a card filled with money they all collected as a gift for us!!! he was so touched by their generousity and thoughtfulness - i was pretty surprised to - that is so cool! he had a man-shower lol here are some pictures...

i have such a craving for chocolate covered pretzels right now - i am really fighting it b/c my wedding is next week so i keep thinking about that yummy coconut and chocolate wedding cake we are going to devour LOL what is your sweet tooth craving?

Quote: Originally Posted by Blkatz Alyssa it is really pretty! I love that it is palm trees!! Thanks!! we loved the 2 trees imagery but kept finding oak trees and such. we figured since we are getting married on the beach it would be cool to have the palm trees with white orchids. they really did a good job and were great to work with!

Quote: Originally Posted by lauren i'm glad you're happy w/ it! where do the guests sign? Lauren, the signature lines are done in light pencil above the orchids near the bottom - this is so that we can erase them away after everyone has signed it.

Wow!!! We just received a picture of our final Wedding Certificate ... My FI is Quaker and I am Jewish and both of our faiths utilize specific types of wedding certificates during the ceremony. We used Documents & Designs Wedding Vows-Guest Signature Documents-Special Event Certificates-Reception Accessories-Table Numbers-Place Cards-Seating Charts-Menu Cards-Stationery-Wedding Programs to have a custom wedding certificate made that incorporated some traditions from both of our faiths, our actual vows and a significant poem to us. The artwork is all custom based on images of our ceremony site that we saw - there are also 40 signature lines so that each guest (witness) can sign the certificate. We are planning on framing it when we get home! We have been working with them for months and could not be happier with this final product!!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by ethrondson All I can say is WOW! That is sooo unprofessional and he has no right to talk to you like that. If you ask him for advice on B/C then he can say that he does not believe in the use of B/C so he does not prescribe it. As for asking your religious beliefs and then telling you not to have sex and to go to confession....maybe he should reconsider his profession. If that is how he wants to practice and he is allowed to practice that way, then he should make it very clear to any potential patients. Maybe he could rename his practice to something stating he is catholic! When people come into the hospital, especially the ER, there are a lot of times that I don't agree with things patients have done or are doing, but I keep my lips sealed, because they are not there to get lectured about that. They are there to get treated for whatever is wrong. Eg. Circumcision - I don't agree with it, and neither does the one nurse that goes in for them, but the parents aren't there to hear our thoughts, they are there to get a procedure done on their infant son. The only person I really shared my opinions with on that was Larry! And I won!!! LMAO! Yari, even if you don't want to report him to the board, I would contact your insurance company at least and let them know and maybe they can make a note on their website that he is a strong catholic and follows his beliefs in his practice. great feedback Erica!!!! and P.S. love the new siggy

I know that there is a long thread about this (fun) topic already but i just searched and can't find it anywhere - what good am i? anyway - our wedding date is really significant to us - it is our anniversary date - 9/5/03 - our wedding datae is 9/5/08 so exactly five years and on the fifth and also 9/5/03 fell on a Friday and so does 9/5/08!

check Ebay!

Shandra - they came out great! are you making him a book?

hey! i didn't make one myself but i bought one from I Do Originals if you click on my planning thread you will see a pic!

Hey! We are going to Big Island for 1 week - staying the entire time at Kona Village Resort | Hawaii Hotels | Hawaii Resorts - this is also where our guests will be staying and our wedding will be (next Friday!!!!!). we are then going to Kauai for 1 week for our honeymoon - we are staying at Waimea Plantation Cottages for half of the week and at Kauai Vacation Rentals - Hale Makai Beach Cottages - Kauai Guide for the other half so that we can really explore Kauai and see both sides of the Island. Another place i really like on BI is The Palms Cliff House Inn, A Romantic Inn 15 Min. from Hilo Town on the Big Island but this is in Hilo so quite a drive from the Kona Side. also - here is a good site for BI activites! Hawaii Forest and Trail - Nature Adventures & Outfitting on the Big Island of Hawaii Good Luck!

he doesn't look like he is wearing makeup - he is funny! maybe a bit shiny. i say just use them and be done with it Carly!

OMG Dan is really funny - did you ever notice how when he goes into the confessional - he screams at the camera? that is insane and that weird - say this person's name game - STUPID and pointless - i agree with jessica - he was a dick about it. with all being said - i am glad Michelle is on the block - she gets on my nerves - i hope that she goes home and then Ollie with the double elimination - then Ollie, Michelle and blondie can all plot and hang out in the jury house - hahahahahaha

Quote: Originally Posted by Emily&Matt Actually, his beliefs and his work are who he is and I think it's great for him to be up front about what he believes and to stand with his convictions. He is a private individual, not a government employee. Everyone can make their own choice about whether or not they want to go there. He doesn't waste your time, he lets you know up front where he's coming from. We still have freedom of speech in this country and he was exercising it. We really need to stand up for our freedom to believe the way we want to, even if no one else agrees. Lots of people's beliefs are offensive to me, but I just walk away and let them do their own thing and I'll go do mine. Just like everything else in life, if you don't like the TV program, turn it off. If you don't like someone, walk away. Emily, his beliefs are not his 'work' - he is a Doctor, who has to adhere to a regulatory body that governs his medical license. he may be a 'private individual' but he is a service provider entrusted with other people's health. it is ridiculous to have other peoples personal opinions imposed upon us in extremely personal situations. how would you like to go to the bank to make a withdrawl for $1000 - the teller asks you what it is for and you say a political contribution for whatever party - the teller then tells you she won't authorize the withdrawl b/c she doesn't agree with your politics. wait - that is YOUR money right - you shouldn't have to adhere to her beliefs (even if you respect them). this is a lot bigger than free speech - this is OUR BODIES. not everyone can afford to go to multiple doctors, has access (there are people who live in towns with 1 doctor) or is educated enough to know that there are choices - the significance of Doctor's imposing thier personal belief is way beyond 'just walking away'

there are some really good ones! thanks :0

Dez - what a gREAT shower - your family and friends really made it special that is awesome!!!

Wow!!! you are so detailed - your reviews are awesome!!! great advice - thanks girlie! PS - i love the decorations - you really made both events look classy and simple

Quote: Originally Posted by AprilandPatrick I want to update everyone to let you know that my dad passed this past Saturday morning. The memorial service is tomorrow, we will take some of his ashes with us to Mexico next summer for our wedding and spread them in the sea. This is so difficult. Just want you all to know. Oh April - i am so sorry for your loss i will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts through this difficult time - HUGE VIRTUAL HUGS xoxo alyssa

that looked like a lot of fun!!!! i am so jealous - i wish i was there too!!! and Amy - what is the story with the private plane?!? you are too fabulous!!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by katrina what are your favorite blogs? i really enjoy them but the quality ones that people update fairly regularly seem to be hard to come by. my current fave is: The Thrifty Decorating Blog i also like to read alyssa's since i used to live in center city and have frequented lots of those places Katrina - you are so cute!! i read that and was like oh wait = that's me! LOL!!!! hahaha any tips for what i should blog about next? i am stuck in a rut i really like these blogs... https://www.greenworkinprogress.com/ The Shape of a Mother and also see this thread - i love these! http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t25799

Quote: Originally Posted by caporrone Alyssa, They came out awesome! They are so creative. how much did they cost you to make? We are getting married off-site in an non-air cond. church so I will definately have to provide fans - this may be the way to go. ThANKS! Courtney They were very inexpensive to make. we bought the bamboo at Lowe's in the garden section (36" stalks and cut them down). you can design and print yourself and then really just cutting and assembly!

very pretty Erica! you look GREAT!!!!!! your FI is going to be so excited

Quote: Originally Posted by CayoLargo OK this might be long winded but I really need some advice. families are frustrating! First off...My bridal party situation FI has only one girl standing up for him I have two girls standing up for me Dilemma: How do I pick which of my girls stand up for me (signs the paper)? Do I treat my FI grooms-woman the same as a bridesmaid? (does she get ready with me and the girls on the day of, gets ready with my FI, walks down beach aisle or stands at front with FI, etc.) Next...Dad situation Background: My mother did not tell me about my biological father until I was 15 and I found him just 5 years ago...he did not know about my existence at all so our relationship is still growing. Meanwhile my mother married a man I can dad when I was a baby and I always thought he was my dad up until I was 15. We are very close! Dilemma: I want to walked down the aisle by my dad (married mom) but I feel like I owe it to my bio dad to include him but do not want my dad (married mom) to feel cheated out as he has been the one there for me. Is there a way to include them both, and make me feel guilt free as well as be walked down the aisle? I hope this makes a lot of cents as my Fi gets confused all the time! LOL Can't wait for some suggestions. Another thought...how to I break the news to the dads in the future, no matter what I decide? so as for the women situation -who is FI's grooms-woman? if it is someone that you are looking to build a stronger relationship with, then by all means include her in the girls stuff! if this is a rare and special opportunity for your FI to spend time with GW then let them do their thing and you hang with your girls. as for the dad's - i would ask the dad that raised you to walk you down the aisle and the bio dad to be a reader - maybe the only reader - so he can do a meaningful part of the ceremony

those are nice but so expensive!!!