sswed13

Congrats and welcome to BDW. This website is wonderful and has many inspirational ideas. Happy planning

Hi Lauren,

Welcome to the site fellow Calgarian

Yes it can be overwhelming at first. Try to prioritize your list: select a resort, start looking for a dress, invites etc. I signed up on www.weddingwire.com and also made my wedding webiste via that site. It is easy to navigate, and has a readymade checklist! Maybe that will help you to organize everything that needs to be done.

We are getting married June 2013 at Barcelo Maya Tropical in Mayan Riviera. When we were selecting a resort, we made a list of "must haves" and "like to have" at the resort. Our list included things like many restaurants, beachfront property, large resort, multiple pools, kid friendly. We decided on Mexico - Riviera Maya specifically because my FI insisted on white sandy beaches, and I wanted direct flights. We have family from Calgary, Van, Toronto, and the US. Flying from Calgary during June, we wanted to ensure the majority of our Western Canada guests don't have to have connecting flights, so that right there knocked off Jamaica and DR as destination options (Calgary folks would have to route through Toronto). We didn't see the point in spending all that money to have your guests waste a day flying there and back. We have family flying from all over Canada and the US, we knew we wanted a TA to help us organize and arrange the travel for our guests. I attended two of the Bridal Shows in Calgary and from that signed up for a Destination Wedding Seminar with AMA. We went to the AMA Seminar which was oh so helpful. We talked to many different travel agents (uniglobe, flightcenter etc), but we really appreciated the service AMA offered. We booked with them, and our TA is wonderful! She sends me regular updates when people have booked- the best email ever  Currently, we have 60 people booked and counting, so like you, we are expecting a big group of people, and the Barcelo is a large resort which will accmomodate our guests. We are paying $1570 (incl taxes) for June 9-16 with direct flights from calgary, (toronto is $1350)

As for dresses, I have been to a lot of stores in Calgary.

-The Bridal Center requires an appointment- I personally did not go there for my dress, but my friend did, and she found hers there, and everytime we've had lovely service. My friend paid their $50 for their "wedding passport", and she loves the perks. She ordered our BM dresses and her grooms + groomsmens tux's there- it's a one stop shop.

-I made an appointment at Beautiful Bride and Cameo & Cufflinks

-I did walk in's at Blissful Bride, Sonia's, Ever After, and Ethos

If you're up for a drive one day/weekend, I went to the David's Bridal in Edmonton South Common, I didn't make an appointment (but I was there during the week, so it wasn't busy and I had a consultant within 20 min)

Happy Planning

Sabina

this is probably my favorite thread on this site. I am brought to tears and very inspired. I can't wait to make my own contribution.

Originally Posted by pacificgirl 

 

This is ours! I have all of you wonderful ladies to thank though! I couldn't have done it without all of your beautiful scripts

 

 

WELCOME

 

Joshua and Halsey, you have known each other for 3 wonderful years, from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way.

 

All those conversations that were held riding in the truck, lying in the hammock in the backyard, or during those days that you overlooked the valley from high atop the mountains - all those sentences that began with “When we’re married†and continued with “I will and you will and we willâ€- those late night talks that included “someday†and “somehow†and “maybeâ€- and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart.

 

All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed- well, I meant it all, every word.†Look at one another and remember this moment in time.

 

Before this moment you have been many things to one another- best friend, companion, lover, motivator, motorcycle riding partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you.  For after these vows, you shall say to the world, “this is my husband,†and “this is my wifeâ€

 

The Blessing Of The Sea

 

Halsey and Josh, as we stand by the ocean, may your love always be as constant and unchanging as these never-ending waves that break before us, flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea. Your love came softly upon each other's hearts, just as the sea foam lies softly before us, and just as there will never be a morning without the ocean's flow, may there never be a day without your love for each other.

As the tides ebb and flow so to, do the fortunes of life. Footprints in the sand are washed away, driftwood moves on its endless quest for a peaceful harbor. Only a deep and abiding love can withstand the tides of change in two lives.

Pledge yourselves to each other this day, and promise to be as faithful and dependable as the tide. Just as these waters nourish the earth and sustain life, may your constant love nourish and sustain each other until the end of time.

 

 

HAND CEREMONY

 

As an expression that you are joined together in love - will you please hold each others hands, so you may feel the gift that you are to each other.

 

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 hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands that will wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

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.

 

 

 

 

Vows

*Still holding hands from Hand Ceremony*

Josh, do you take Halsey, to be your wife? Do you promise love to her, respect her and care for her, under all conditions and circumstances of life to be a faithful husband to her for the rest of your lives together? [i do]

Please repeat after me:

 

Halsey, I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems difficult. I promise to cherish you and to always hold you in highest regard. I promise to support you and to be there for you, through the good times and the bad. These things I give to you today, and for all the days of our life.

 

 

Halsey, do you take Josh, to be your husband? Do you promise love to him, respect him and care for him, under all conditions and circumstances of life to be a faithful wife to him for the rest of your lives together? [i do]

 

Please repeat after me:

 

Josh, I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems difficult. I promise to cherish you and to always hold you in highest regard. I promise to support you and to be there for you through the good times and the bad. These things I give to you today, and for all the days of our life.

 

 

 

RING CEREMONY

Josh and Halsey, your rings are intimately associated with your intent to honor and treasure the vows you have made today. By exchanging rings, resolve to live your vows and not to let them drift in shallow promises. Believe and trust that the words you have spoken have the capacity to create the marriage, family and life of your dreams, and that the rings you exchange will have the power to return you to your vows.

 

Josh, please place this ring on Halsey’s finger and repeat after me. “Halsey, with this ring, I give you my heart and I promise from this day forward, you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter and my arms be your home.â€

 

Halsey, please place this ring on Josh's finger and repeat after me. “Josh, with this ring, I give you my heart and I promise from this day forward, you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter and my arms be your home.â€

 

 

 

Closing

Josh and Halsey if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, may it be the love that brought you here today, it is only love which can make it a glorious union, and by love which your marriage shall endure. Today your separate lives with your individual memories, desires, and hopes merge into one. You are now taking into your care and keeping the happiness of the one person in the entire world whom you love above all others. You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other, but also the companionship and blessing of a deep trust as well. You are agreeing to share strength, responsibilities and to share love. May you be a blessing and comfort to each other, sharers of each other’s dreams, consolers of each other’s sorrows, helpers to each other in all of life's challenges. May you encourage each other in whatever you set out to achieve. May you trust each other, trust life and be unafraid. May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a marriage should bring, and may life grant you patience, tolerance, and understanding.

 

With friends and family, along with the sun, the sand, and the sea, I have the pleasure of announcing you as husband and wife.

 

You may now kiss your bride!

That is a lovely hand ceremony. I never heard of that part in a wedding before. I absolutely love it!

Originally Posted by Jenna1511 

 

This thread is awesome! So many inspirational ceremonys, thanks for sharing! This is going to be extremely helpful and I feel like I can take on the task of writing my own too!

took the words right out of my mouth

Originally Posted by LolaTX 

 

We did a interfaith symbolic ceremony! 

 

WELCOME

We have gathered together in this place to witness and experience one of life’s most precious moments. Benjamin Washington and Laura Goldstein have invited us to share in the celebration of their love as they commit themselves to each other in marriage. Being assured of your love as life companions, and that you have your families’ blessings, I now ask, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?â€

Dad: “Her mom and I do.â€

This beautiful setting should remind us that, like the ocean, human life is an ebb and flow- the life of the spirit and emotions- moves in cycles. To be in a relationship does not guarantee an eternal summer. To make a sincere and honest commitment does not promise an end to all struggles. What a good relationship does offer, much like this ocean, is the opportunity for renewal. It recognizes the abiding, shared hope that after every fall and winter, spring and summer will come again.

The fact that each of you has travelled such a great distance to be here today is a testament to the amazing amount of love and support they have. Many of you have given them much happiness, warmth, and guidance through the various stages of their lives. They would like to sincerely thank you all for being here to celebrate their big day. A very special and respectful acknowledgement must also be made to celebrate our loved ones who have passed on, and who are unable to be here today, yet their spirit remains very much so alive and strong in our hearts. PAUSE.

Every marriage ceremony is unique, and today, not only are two special people being joined together, but two faiths, as well. From  two different and distinct traditions, they have come together to learn the best of what each has to offer, appreciating their difference, and confirming that being together is far better than being apart from each other. May your life together be a witness to others that people can live together in peace in spite of differences? Your marriage then becomes a sign, a very precious sign, that nothing is stronger than love. The Bible says, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. So faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.â€

Chuppah Explanation

We are surrounded by a beautiful chuppah. The chuppah represents the home. Its four poles symbolize the four pillars upon which a strong marriage is built: family, friendship, love and respect. A shelter that is open on all sides we see an invitation and a sign of welcome to those we love. The chuppah's delicate structure reminds those beneath it, that the only thing real about a home is the people in it, who love and who choose to be together as a family.

Scripture

Ben and Laura have chosen a reading from the Book of Ruth    1: 16-18

Wherever you go, I will go.

Wherever you live, I will live.

Your people will be my people.

Your God will be my God too.

Wherever you die I will die.

And there I shall be buried beside you.

We shall be together forever.

And our love will be the gift of our life

Vows

Ben and Laura, would you please face each other and join your hands.

 

Ben, as I say these words, would you please repeat after me…

 

I love you, Laura. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.

 

I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life. I am forever yours……faithfully.

 

Laura, as I say these words, would you please repeat after me…

 

I love you, Ben; you too are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life. I am forever yours……faithfully.

The Rings

 

“May I have the ringsâ€

 

Laura & Ben, your rings are intimately associated with your intent to honor and treasure the vows you have made today. By exchanging rings, resolve to live your vows and not to let them drift in shallow promises. Believe and trust that the words you have spoken have the capacity to create the marriage, family and life of your dreams, and that the rings you exchange will have the power to return you to your vows.

 

These rings mark the beginning of a long journey together, wear them proudly, as they are symbols which speak of love that you have for each other….

 

Ben as you place this ring on Laura’s finger please repeat after me…

 

Laura, I give you this ring, as a sign of our marriage, and a lasting reminder, of the vows made between us today. I give you this ring, as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever.

 

Laura, if you accept please say I do…

Laura as you place this ring on Ben’s finger please repeat after me…

 

Ben, I give you this ring, as a sign of our marriage, and a lasting reminder, of the vows made between us today. I give you this ring, as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever.

 

Ben, if you accept please say I do…

ADDRESSING THE AUDIENCE: Family and friends, are you willing to sustain the strength of this marriage by giving Laura & Ben the public commitment of your love and support, through all of the ups and downs they will encounter on their journey. If you are willing, please respond now by saying, “we areâ€.

SAND CEREMONY

Laura & Ben, before the two of you met, your lives were on separate roads, each going in different directions and seemingly leading to different destinations. But, somewhere along the way, through some twist of fate, you did meet, and you fell in love. Today, you find yourselves standing here together at the threshold of a new path, as you promise to forever join your once separate lives into one.

To symbolize this union and the importance of the individuals within the marriage, two separate colors of sand will be combined. Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole. However, when these two are blended together, they create an entirely new and extraordinary more intricate entity. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination. Please pour the sand into this common container to symbolize the union of your two lives.

The couple has chosen Harry Hotimsky, the uncle to the bride, to join us and recite the Traditional Seven Blessings.

The Seven Blessings ~

"Seven is the most frequently used number in the Bible. It took seven days to

form the earth, leaving the number seven to mark for us the path to creation.

Since every marriage is celebrated as a new creation, It is customary in Jewish

tradition that the bride and groom are bestowed with seven blessings. These

blessings represent Ben and Laura’s hopes for the future.

 

Blessings are given over wine

1. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohainu Melech HaOlam, SheHakol Borah Lichvodo.

Blessed are You, G-d, our L-rd, King of the universe, Who has created everything for His glory.

 

2. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohainu Melech HaOlam, Yotzer Ha'Adam

Blessed are You, G-d, our L-rd, King of the universe, Who fashioned the Man.

 

3. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohainu Melech HaOlam, Asher Yatzar Et Ha'Adam Betzalmo, b'Tzelem Dmut Tavnito, VeHitkon Lo Mimenu Binyan Adei Ad. Baruch Ata Adonai Yotzer Ha'Adam

Blessed are You, G-d, our L-rd, King of the universe, Who fashioned the Man in His image, in the image of his likeness and prepared for him from himself a building for eternity. Blessed are You G-d, Who fashioned the man.

 

4. Sos Tasis VeTagel HaAkarah, BeKibbutz Bane'ha Letocha BeSimchaa. Baruch Ata Adonai, Mesame'ach Tzion BeVaneha

Bring intense joy and exultation to the barren one through the ingathering of her children amidst her in gladness. Blessed are You, G-d, Who gladdens Zion with her children.

 

5. Sameach TeSamach Re'im Ahuvim, KeSamechacha Yetzircha BeGan Eden MiKedem. Baruch Ata Adonai, MeSame'ach Chatan VeKalah

Gladden the beloved companions as You gladdened Your creatons in the garden of Eden from the earliest time. Blessed are You, G-d, Who gladdens groom and bride.

 

6. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohainu Melech HaOlam, Asher Barah Sasson VeSimcha, Chatan VeKalah, Gila Rina, Ditza VeChedva, Ahava VeAchava, VeShalom VeRe'ut. MeHera Adonai Eloheinu Yishama BeArei Yehudah U'Vchutzot Yerushalayim, Kol Sasson V'eKol Simcha, Kol Chatan V'eKol Kalah, Kol Mitzhalot Chatanim MeChupatam, U'Nearim Mimishte Neginatam. Baruch Ata Adonai, MeSame'ach Chatan Im Hakalah.

Blessed are You, G-d, our L-rd, King of the universe, Who created joy and gladness, groom and bride, mirth, glad song, pleasure, delight, love, brotherhood, peace, and companionship. G-d, our L-rd, let there soon be heard in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sound of joy and the sound of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the grooms' joy from their canopies and of the youths from their song-filled feasts. Blessed are You G-d Who gladdens the groom with the bride.

7. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohainu Melech HaOlam, Boreh Pri HaGafen.

Blessed are You, G-d, our L-rd, the King of the universe, creator of the fruit of the vine.

 

As you have shared this cup of wine, so may you, under God's guidance share

contentment, peace and fulfillment from the cup of life. May you find life's

joys heightened, its bitterness sweetened, and each of its moments hallowed by

true companionship and love.â€

In this Let us bow our heads in prayer for a moment.

ADDRESS THE AUDIENCE: “Please join us in reciting The Lord’s Prayer

 

~ Breaking of the Glass and Pronouncement ~

 

"The traditional breaking of the glass which marks the end of the ceremony, is a

reminder of both the strength and the fragility of the spiritual bond that is

marriage. It is a reminder to appreciate all that we have now, to embrace

change, and to always hold the important things in life above all else. Samantha

and Martin may your marriage last longer than it would take for all the broken

pieces to reassemble themselves, and may all of your troubles be as easily

shattered. As the glass is broken, I invite everyone to shout "Mazal Tov," which

means "congratulations and good luck."

 

Glass wrapped in cloth, is placed on the floor

 

The Bible says, "Love bears all things,

believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. So faith, hope, and love abide, these three;

but remember that the greatest of these is love."

May God bless you and keep you in this wisdom

for all the days of your togetherness.

You are now as your hearts have always known you to be, Husband and Wife.

You may kiss your beautiful Bride!"

 

Groom steps on glass breaking it., couple kiss everyone claps,

 

EVERYONE: "Mazel Tov!"

just beautiful! 

i think you formulated a lovely speech to give credit where credit's due. I also agree with branya2012 that if your husband would like to say something to thank his mom then that would be lovely too.

I like the one layer- the two layer looked like too much material and was too thick. with the one layer, its airy and dainty and the dress can still be seen beneath

I wasn't going to wear a veil at first, until my mom insisted that I wouldn't look like a bride if I didn't wear a veil. *harsh eh? well, I didn't budget for a veil, and I ended up trying on a Toni Federici Swavorski scalloped edge finger tip length in the store and it looked gorgeous- the only heartbreaker was the $495 price tag. But cuz mother dearest wants me in a veil, she'll be paying for it- we both win

Originally Posted by sgreen99 

 

 

Here's mine!  I went the DIY route, a few gluegun burns in the process but I'm happy with it The one that plianab posted from Etsy was my inspiration, just couldn't see spending the $55 on it. 

well done! looks professional

Originally Posted by MissJali 

 

 

I found these two on advantage bridal and I'm sure my FI would agree with either one lol

Ball and Chain Bride and Groom Figurine

 

 

cute!

awesome idea!

This sounds like a great idea and thoughtful for your BMs. Did you see a pic for inspirations? Im curious to know what would it look like

Originally Posted by LCB803 

 

My fiance wants to have his two boys (ages nearly 6 and 10 by wedding time) serve as two of his groomsmen. I've agreed-- I think it's a cute idea, and I am all for anything that makes them feel more a part of things. But I do have some concerns that I will just need to troubleshoot a bit. Such as: Should they walk down the aisle with a bridesmaid, or should they be up there with my FI from the start? Will the photos appear unbalanced with 3 'maids and 1 adult groomsman? How long will they tolerate the picture session before their attention span wears out? Will they stay still at the altar for so long??? (We were thinking of having a full Mass...perhaps we should re-think!)

 

Clearly these are small questions to overcome, and it's much more important that they feel a part of it and feel what a special, exciting time this is. My fiance and I are very close to the boys, and we have already been a family, living together, for two years now, but they're just as excited as we are for the wedding! They keep asking about it and are so excited for our site visit to Mexico in November, which we are bringing them along for. 

 

What we are NOT doing is what their mother did when she remarried earlier this year: She told them the day of or possibly the day before she she and their step-dad were getting married and a friend-- newly ordained online-- married them in their living room. All the boys remember from it is that a bunch of people came over to the house, Mommy wore a pink dress, they kissed, and then they went to dinner at an Italian restaurant.

I think that's a great idea having them as such an important role for your FI. I don't think the picture would look unbalanced- it would be a symbol of your new family. Just think of how many bridal parties are formed because of friendships and the bond with the bride and groom and not based on the person's height. Would the boys prefer to sit during the ceremony? Maybe in the front row with their grandparents? And for pictures, maybe do all the immediate family portraits first and that way they will be interested and well behaved for those, and by the time pictures are taken with the friends group they may not necessarily be in those. These are all little suggestions that I hope can help you.

For my 7 year old step son to be, he too is very excited. He keeps asking "when are we going for the wedding?" And we'll tell him "7 months", his reply "that's a long time." So cute. We are going to be doing a sand ceremony to include him and also having a slide show including many pictures of us as a family. My FI and I were just recently discussing also including him in the cake cutting. 

Good luck with your planning

Originally Posted by edub007 

 

I talked to my WC about renting vases from the florist decorated with ribbon. I will have my bridal bouquets put in these vases on the reception tables. I plan to bring small lanterns, sea shells, sea stars, and glass rocks to put around the vase. This way I don't have to bring anything very breakable and don't have too much to bring. See the attached examples

 

 

 

 

 

I love these!

Congrats to all you June 8 brides- thats my birthday I'm getting marred on June 12

Those look lovely!

We are getting legally married in Canada and having a symbolic wedding in Mexico. One of my dearest friends is a pastor and will ordain our wedding in mexico as well. We are only informing our immediate family that we are getting married pre-mexico. We are planning to sign a piece of paper in mexico at the ceremony to make it 'look' real, but for the most part all of our other guests will not know. We will be using our wedding date in mexico as our anniversary date for the years to come.

This place looks spectaular! congratulations!!

Hey ladies!

Groupon deal on now! $29 for value up to $80 at Picaboo

http://www.groupon.com/deals/dc-bst-picaboo-abbotsford?c=all&p=3

Originally Posted by Dazeydawl 

 

Also having this same problem. My mom has no idea what to wear and of course it doesnt help that shes a larger woman and short so finding something shes happy with is difficult.

My MIL is in the same boat. We did find a dress with rusching (spelling?) along the midline and came together with a collection of small roses to one side which camo'd her tummy area. The only thing is the dress came to below her knees which made her look even shorter than her 4'11" frame. So she will have to get a few inches chopped for sure. That dress we saw on sale at an outlet mall for $39. That was in New Jersey (where she lives). It is so much cheaper down in the states!

Originally Posted by tkuzma 

 

Change of topic, but what your mom's doing for their dresses? My mom and I can't seem to find anything decent, and when I do hear of something it's usually a matter of the purchase was made in the States.  Any suggestions?

My mom is getting her dress made- we have a seamstress. It's gonna be pretty simple, straight cut to the knee, but the detail will be in the neck line and a soft flowing sleeve on one side. She got the pattern from my friend and we're just going to have our seamstress copy it. The only question now is color

great photos!

Originally Posted by CdnBeatPrincess 

Sorry ladies, here is a sneak peak of some of my wedding pictures.

 

I also attached a few from the trash the dress.

 

What a fantastic idea all around. The T shirts are so creative! No doubt your guests will have a blast. Thank you for sharing

Originally Posted by jordanb 

 

Instead of bells or classes clinking, I decided I am going to outfit each table with maracas. They all have a tag on them with a poem about shaking them to see the bride and groom kiss:

 

That's all I have so far, but I have lots more to come. (Now I just have to figure out how the heck to get it all to Mexico!)

I love the maracas. My friend had a DW last year and her mom brought back the maracas for her AHR. Her BM wrote her name and her hubby's name on each. So neat