August 2009 Wedding Tips and Ideas - Part 2

IN THIS ISSUE:      

INSTRUCTIONS AND RECIPES MENTIONED IN PART 1
        BASKET WOVEN RING BEARER'S PILLOW
        SILK FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS

        OUR WEDDING PRAYER

        WEDDING PROGRAMS OR INVITATIONS WITH A RIBBON INSERT
        PEN HOLDER       
        BONNIE BUTTER CAKE

        WACKY CAKE

        BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE
        CHOCOLATE MAYONNAISE CAKE
        FLUFFY FROSTING

        OREO TRUFFLES 
      CRANBERRY-PECAN SPREAD

REHEARSAL DINNER
WHAT ABOUT ADVICE GIVEN AT THE REHEARSAL?

THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE
WORKING PROGRAMS
HELPFUL WEBSITES
 

INSTRUCTIONS AND RECIPES MENTIONED IN PART 1

BASKET WOVEN RING BEARER'S PILLOW
As I did for each of our children's weddings, I made the ring bearer's pillow for the bride and groom to keep afterwards, if they desired.  After making the first pillow too large for the little three year old ring bearer to carry easily in our daughter's wedding, I learned my lesson.  The last two pillows were only 9 inches square, using 1-inch grosgrain ribbon in white or ivory - 9 rows vertically and horizontally.  The ribbon was woven in basket-weave fashion, just as kindergartners make placemats with construction paper.  The woven ribbon was stabilized by pinning it to matching fabric (9 pins on each of the four sides = 36 pins), but it is very easy to do!  Next the ribbon was sewn to the base fabric all around the edge.  When sewing the front and back together, it works best to round the edges significantly, making it look better when stuffed.  After stuffing the pillow and hand sewing it shut, I hand sewed a delicate fabric or silk flower in the center, and added two strings of pearls forming two rings (to resemble wedding rings), and ribbons to tie on the rings.  A larger basket-woven pillow would also look very nice in colors that match the decor of anyone's home, and it makes a nice handmade wedding gift as well. 

SILK FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS

I began with two heavy crystal dishes, four to five inches high, that were my mother's Avon dishes.   Foam was cut to fit tightly in each bowl.  Then using only one floral bush and a few small burgundy roses, I went to work with wire cutters, sticking the rather short stems of flowers and greenery into the foam in a symmetrical fashion - a little higher in the center.  Every bit was used.  Then using 8-9 inch circles of burgundy tulle, left over from tying up M&M's for the favors, I stuck circles of burgundy tulle into the empty spots. It also helped to bring out the burgundy color more, the main color in the wedding.  In fact, the tulle made a big difference.  I was pleasantly surprised at how nicely these centerpieces turned out.  The Lord definitely "went before me" once again!  

OUR WEDDING PRAYER 

by Lois (written a few months before I became a Breneman)

This is a song I wrote for our wedding to the tune of the hymn, "Oh Jesus, I Have Promised,"  which I love.  This was sung during our wedding ceremony while we knelt at the altar. 

Oh Father, how we thank Thee
        for sending us your best;
You've led us both together -
        we'll trust you for the rest.
This love that You have rendered
        so tender and so pure,
We leave in Your control, Lord,
        to blossom and endure.

You've planned our lives so fully,

        a blueprint so divine!

Our human minds could never

        be nearly so sublime.

Our goals and our ambitions

        we give to You to hold,

And with your glorious blessings,

        we'll see each one unfold.

Again, Oh Lord, we thank Thee!

        In Thy dear name, Amen.

 

WEDDING PROGRAMS OR INVITATIONS WITH A RIBBON INSERT
Instructions on how to insert ribbon into two punched holes to resemble a bow at the top of programs. 
The hole puncher should match the width of the ribbon for the best effect. 
Try this on a scrap paper first to see the finished effect.  If you do it one step at a time, it is not difficult.  Like tying a knot.

After the wedding programs are printed on card stock (9 1/2 x 11 inches), fold in half, after making a sharp crease.
Mark and punch two holes about 3/4 inch from the top, in the center, with a space of 3/4 inch between the holes. 
Using at least a six inch long piece of 1/4 inch Olfray ribbon or another good ribbon, insert it into the hole on the right (from the front) and into the hole on the left (from the back side to the front), leaving a little over an inch sticking out the front of the right hole and pointing to the right side of the card. 
The ribbon on the left front of the card should be at least 3 to 3 1/2 inches long. 
Fold the right part of the ribbon over to the left while you insert the left end of the ribbon into the right hole (from the front to the back) and into the left hole (from the back to the front). 
Smooth out the ribbon to resemble a bow (without the loops).  Keep it rather loose.  Do not pull tight.
Trim both ends of the ribbon at an angle.
The center "knot" should be about 3/4 inch wide
 

PEN HOLDER
Ingredients: 2 cups salt, 1 cup cornstarch, and water.   

Mix the salt and 2/3 cup water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring until the salt is dissolved. Remove from heat. In a separate bowl, slowly add 1/2 cup water to the cornstarch. Stir until smooth, then add to the salt mixture. Return to low heat and cook until smooth, stirring frequently. Store in a sealed plastic bag if you can't finish the project right away.  Form into the shape of a 3 inch heart, about 1 1/2 inches high.  Form a hole for the pen to fit in at an angle.  Place the heart on wax paper to dry either inside or outside in the sun.  When this clay hardens in the sun, it won't crumble.  After the heart is completely dry throughout, glue felt on the bottom.  Use acrylic paints to paint the heart the same color as the flowers you intend to glue on next, so white clay will not show through any spaces.  Hot glue tiny flowers (about 1/2 inch) on the heart, starting at the bottom edge, close together, leaving the hole for the pen clear.  Hot glue a band of pearls along the bottom edge, and you have a beautiful custom made pen holder!

 

BONNIE BUTTER CAKE

From the Betty Crocker Cookbook - New and Revised Edition

This was part of the recipe for our daughter's wedding cake, along with the best chocolate cake (recipe below).

1 3/4 cup sugar                                              

2/3 cup butter, softened                                

2 eggs                                                             

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla (or almond flavoring)         

2 3/4 cup unbleached flour or 3 cups cake flour

2 1/2 tsp. baking powder                               

1 tsp. salt                                                         

1 1/4 cups milk                                                

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour oblong pan (13 x 9 x 2 inches, or two 9 inch or three 8 inch round layer pans.  Mix sugar, butter, eggs and flavoring until fluffy.  Beat in flour, baking powder and salt alternately with milk on low speed.  Pour into pan (s).  Bake until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Bake oblong pan 45 to 50 minutes, layers 30 to 35 minutes; cool.  Frost. 

For a Whole Wheat Bonnie Butter Cake: Decrease sugar to 1 1/2 cups. Substitute 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour for 1 1/4 cups of white flour.  Do not use cake flour.

WACKY CAKE

One of my mother's favorite cake recipes - very easy and tasty, although I try not to eat sweets most of the time.  It's just very difficult not to have sweets at a wedding.

1 recipe                           4 x's the recipe                 

2/3 cup cocoa                 2 cups                                

2 cups sugar                  8 cups                               

3 cups flour                   12 cups                                    

2 tsp. baking soda         2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp.                 

1/2 tsp. salt                    2 tsp.                                 

1 cup oil                         4 cups                               

2 cups water                 8 cups

2 tsp vinegar                 2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp.

2 tsp. vanilla                 2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp.

Combine all ingredients; beat well.  Pour into 13 x 9 x 2" pan for a single recipe.  Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.  Four times the single recipe fills 3 Airbake pans plus one round cake pan.  For the round cake pan, cut in half, down the center and make half of a two layer cake.

BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE

From the Betty Crocker Cookbook - New and Revised Edition

1 cup unbleached flour       1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. buttermilk

1 cup sugar                           1/4 cup shortening

1/2 tsp. baking soda            1 egg

1/2 tsp. salt                          1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. water    

                                2 oz. melted unsweetened chocolate, cool

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour square pan, 8x8x2 or 9x9x2 inches.  Beat all ingredients in large mixer bowl on low speed, scraping bowl constantly, 30 seconds.  Beat on high speed, scraping bowl occasional, 3 minutes.  Pour into pan.  Bake until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes, cool.  Frost.

MAYONNAISE CAKE

Combine:                                      Add:
2 cups flour                                  1 cup cold water
1 cup sugar                                   1 cup mayonnaise      
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder            2 tsp. vanilla    
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda                        

1/4 cup. unsweetened cocoa                                      

1/4 tsp. salt

Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl. Add the water and beat 1 minute. Add the mayonnaise and beat 1 minute. Add the vanilla and beat 1 minute. Pour into a greased and floured pan, 13 x 9 inch square for a very high cake.  If you don't use frosting for other occasions, you may want to sprinkle with chopped nuts and chocolate bits for a good frosting.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

FLUFFY FROSTING

For chocolate frosting, add sifted unsweetened cocoa and mix well.

Whip the following four ingredients with an electric mixer until fluffy:
        2 cups Crisco (or 1 cup Crisco and 1 cup real butter)
        1 Tbsp. vanilla
        1 tsp. butter flavoring (or other flavoring)
        1 envelope Dream Whip powder
Add and beat well:
        Pinch of salt
        2 pounds confectioner's sugar (add gradually)
        1/3 cup (or less) milk or water

OREO TRUFFLES 

60-65 Oreos
1 (8 oz.) block of cream cheese
white candy melts or almond bark 

Crush the Oreos in a food processor or crush very fine with a rolling pin.   Add cream cheese and mix (in processor or mixer until it is able to be formed into balls. The amount of cream cheese will vary, depending on how stiff you want the truffles. You might want to add just a little, check the consistency, and add more if needed.  If it's not stiff enough, add a few more Oreos.  Chill until firm.  The balls can be frozen at this point to finish later.  Melt either white or dark chocolate and dip each ball into the chocolate and place on cookie sheets lined with wax paper.

CRANBERRY-PECAN SPREAD

Recipe was adapted from a Townhouse Cracker box.

*Note: Liquid orange juice works very well, if not better. 

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese                         

1/8 - 1/4 cup concentrated orange juice*     

1/4 - 1/2 cup crushed pecans                        

1/4 - 1/2 cup craisins                                       

                                                                            

Blend cream cheese and orange juice until creamy (a food processor works well).  Stir in the crushed pecans and craisins.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes or more.  Serve with crackers.  Work with the ingredient amounts to see what works for you.

REHEARSAL DINNER

For our one son's rehearsal dinner, the bride and groom requested the rehearsal dinner be held in the fellowship hall of the church, so the tables could be set up and decorated for the reception before and after the dinner, with lots of help available.  We thought about catering, but decided to cook the dinner ourselves. We bought everything except the ice cream and ice at home and the day of the rehearsal dinner, we transported two large coolers in our vehicle two hours away to the wedding location.  This was the rehearsal dinner menu in which I tried to emphasize preferences of the bride and groom, flavor, color, variety, texture, convenience and cost:

Baked Chicken Breasts with Onion Sauce

Ham with Pineapple Tidbits

Baked Potatoes with Butter, Sour Cream and Herbs

Miniature Orange, Red and Yellow Peppers 

Buttered Corn with Pimentos

Green Salad with Spinach, Cauliflower, Carrots, Purple Cabbage, Grape Tomatoes
Several Salad Dressings

Whole Wheat and White Rolls / Soft Butter

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream / Hershey's Chocolate Syrup and Peanuts

Fruit Punch -  Water - Coffee - Herbal Tea

       

I tried to think of the easiest possible menu, yet still have it be a great meal for the fifty or more guests who came.  A gallon of creamy onion soup to cover the chicken breasts was made at home from a white sauce base including lots of sauteed onions and herbs, to avoid the MSG contained in most soups.  My good husband cut the fat from nine bags of frozen chicken breasts and sliced them into thirds, because they were so large.  He also cut the eyes and spots out of twenty pounds of golden Yukon potatoes that were already washed at home.

       

Ham, one of the bride's favorite foods, was sliced at home and drained pineapple tidbits were added at the church.  Heating was all that dish required. 

At my request our son picked up a couple packages of wonderful crisp colorful miniature red, yellow and orange peppers at a local store for a great price to be served in a large crystal bowl.  They were about 2 to 3 inches long and an inch in diameter. 

About 6-7 potatoes at a time were placed in a row on aluminum foil, sprayed with canola oil, sprinkled with salt, wrapped up and baked.  We baked 20 pounds of various sizes.

       

Soft butter was made at home way ahead of time, blending a ratio of 8 to 10 sticks of real butter to 1 cup of olive oil.  I kept this in the refrigerator until the morning of food preparation.  When it was close to room temperature at the church, I spooned it into smaller crystal dishes for each table to be used on the potatoes and rolls.

We bought the rolls on sale the day before - half whole wheat and half white.

       

For the green tossed salad, I cut the purple cabbage and cauliflower, and grated carrots at home the night before and bagged them separately to transport.  In the church kitchen lots of purple leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce and spinach were washed, spun dry, towel dried, and cut with scissors.  A huge 24-inch salad bowl was supplied by the church.  The colorful bagged vegetables were tossed into the green salad mixture.  Baby carrots were arranged around the edge of the tossed vegetables. For extra garnishes, rings of miniature red, yellow and orange peppers were cut with scissors, and lots of grape tomatoes added more color.

       

This dinner could not have gone so well without the help of my sister, Nancy, who arrived from out of state just in time to get instructions before we walked over to the church for the rehearsal.  She had the food almost ready when the rehearsal was over.  She did a wonderful job and was a lifesaver!  She has a special talent for feeding large groups, as she has done many times for her church, large family gatherings, missions trips and for missions conventions.  Afterward, Nancy, her husband, Ed, and daughter, Diane, were a tremendous help in cleaning up too. 

       

You may wonder, "Would we have cooked the dinner ourselves, had we known the end from the beginning, knowing all the detailed planning, work and some flustered moments involved?"  Probably so.  It was a one time occasion, but it would have been a lot easier had it been nearer home.  I think it was a nicer and healthier meal than we would have had at a restaurant and everyone told us how they enjoyed the meal.  Again, the Lord had "gone before us" and we were so thankful for His help!

WHAT ABOUT ADVICE GIVEN AT THE REHEARSAL?

by a good friend, anonymous, who has coordinated dozens of weddings.

The following advice is good for any personal event but especially for a wedding.  It's just good manners and shows respect to the one who did the planning.  If advice must be given by bridesmaids or anyone, it should always be done in private and only if it is absolutely necessary.  No advice should be given just for the sake of advice or an idea. There are tons of ideas and most of them are excellent, but one should use restraint when making suggestions.  I've seen brides break into tears, get mad, or both,  because this one or several give advice.  The bride, the groom, their families and wedding coordinator have, or should have had, all details worked out by now.

Before the rehearsal we have the bride and groom and everyone that was to be involved in the wedding, sit down in the pews. At that point the wedding couple might introduce people, make some comments, etc.  And then they would introduce their wedding coordinator. 

One of my first statements as the coordinator to everyone seated was:

"This is a wonderful time for all of us, especially the bride-to-be and groom-to-be.  I would ask that you all listen to something very important that I want to tell you.  This couple has worked very diligently on their wedding plans and put into place those things which they want in the ceremony, and have not added things they didn't want.  This is not the time or place to make changes.  Things have been thoroughly thought out and planned.  If you think of anything that should be added, subtracted or changed, we would ask that you save them for your wedding.  If it is just a "must have to say something" then please come and talk to me in private and we'll decide what to do.  We all thank you for your cooperation."

THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE 

by Betty Lemon, Wedding Coordinator at Blue Ridge Bible Church (1999-2006), Kansas City, Missouri

(This is the letter given to each bride getting married in the church where Betty served as Wedding Coordinator.  It includes very helpful guidelines and tips, and although it was specifically meant for this church, everyone can find useful information.)

Allow me to share some helpful hints, practical suggestions, information and things learned the hard way. 

Really, really, really purpose to enjoy this monumental project, your wedding.  It does not have to be stressful and aggravating.  After all, how can it be the happiest day of your life if you are bickering and cross with someone? 

Accept offers of help—it takes a lot of people to put a wedding together. 

Make or buy yourself a wedding planner/calendar.  Divide the tasks out over the time you have so that you don’t feel overwhelmed at any particular time. 

Set a deadline for yourself to have everything done a week before the wedding.  Leave only “getting beautiful” for the wedding day. 

Do something every day. 

The last month, put everything still to be done on 3 x 5 cards, one task per card.  As you accomplish a task, tear up the card.  You’ll feel so good as you see the stack get smaller each day. 

Make a list for the photographer of every shot you want.  Give a copy to the photographer (at least a week before the wedding) and one to a friend or family member who can check them off as they are taken and make sure nothing is forgotten. 

Write out a minute-by-minute schedule of the wedding day including arrival of bridal party, photos, ceremony (in detail) with specific instructions to each person (I have samples) and distribute a copy to EVERYONE involved. 

I have lots of invitations and programs if you would like to see them for ideas on style, wording, etc. 

I also have business cards, a couple of wedding etiquette books, and other resources I will be glad to share. 

Depending on the time of your wedding and arrival for pictures, you may want to provide a light snack for the wedding party.  (This helps avoid fainting during the ceremony.)  Nothing drippy or greasy to spot clothing.  Don’t forget paper plates, cups, and napkins. 

Bring punch ingredients to the church several days before the wedding and place in the refrigerator.  It takes several day to chill a large number of 2-liters.  Label everything. 

Bring Tupperware, paper plates, foil, etc., to take home leftover cake and/or food or to send goodies home with other people (possibly even the bride and groom).
Ask me or another keyholder to lock dressing rooms during the wedding to protect purses, wallets, and other valuables. 

Have someone remain in the fellowship hall during the wedding to provide security for gifts and valuables. 

The church does not allow:

• Wax candles (other than votives in votive cups) in the sanctuary
• Any red food coloring, jell-o, juice, or Kool-aid in punch
• Tacks, staples, or scotch tape to be used on walls or woodwork. Masking tape ONLY may be used.  

Keep a running list of things to take to the church with you.  (Especially the rings and marriage license!) 

You may want to bring an iron and ironing board. 

A stool with no back, such as a bar stool, works well for the bride to sit on after she is dressed.  Her dress can be lifted over the stool so she can sit down without wrinkling it. 

I will provide window coverings and labels for the dressing rooms. 

I will bring an “emergency kit” of first-aid and repair items—everything from needle and thread to Pepto-Bismol. 

Allow me to help any way I can.  I love weddings and I love to help other people carry out their plans and dreams.  Every wedding is unique and special.  Don’t worry about comparisons.  Let the day express your idea of a beautiful wedding.  Enjoy!

WORKING PROGRAMS   
This a rough draft the Wedding Coordinator puts together, so nothing important will be missed.  These three Working Programs were sent to me by Nancy Pfeifer, the current Wedding Coordinator at Blue Ridge Bible Church in Kansas City, Missouri.  In the following three samples the names have been changed, as well as a few of the songs. 

Kaylee Chandler- Karl Salatar Wedding

Working Program

                        MUSIC

Prelude       Jesu, Joy or Man's Desiring, Air from Water Music, Pachelbel's Canon, Bist du bei mir (Bach), Air (Bach), Be Thou My Vision, Trumpet Voluntary by Clarke

Seating of Grandparents            “Hymne” by Vangelis piano

      Charles & Valerie Salatar   Usher BEN              GROOM side Row 2

      Landon Patterson & Twyla Kapinsky  NO usher            GROOM side Row 1

      Leon & Patricia Story         Usher ISAAC            BRIDE side Row 2

      Kenneth Chandler                Usher ALEX            BRIDE side Row 2

Seating of Parents            “Hymne” by Vangelis piano

     Mr. & Mrs. Chandler            Usher  DREW            BRIDE SIDE Row 1

     Mr. and Mrs. Salatar            Usher  BEN            GROOM side  Row 1

Candle Lighting by Mothers            “Hymne” by Vangelis piano

     Mrs. Chandler & Mrs. Salatar

Pastor Robert and Karl - Enter (from baptistery area)

Processional            “Arioso” cello/piano

     Kallie & Bert

     Emily & Jon

     Rachael & Brad

     Kyla & Greg

     Christina & Chris

     Ella & Chad

Presentation of the Bride            “How Beautiful” (Micah-Cello)

     Kaylee & Dad

Welcome            Pastor Robert

Giving of the Bride            Pastor Robert/Mr. Chandler

Prayer            Pastor Robert

The Couple            Pastor Robert

Exchange of Vows            Pastor Robert

Exchange of Rings            Pastor Robert

Unity Candle                    “Jesus Paid It All”  cello/piano

Presentation of Mr. & Mrs. Karl Salatar            Pastor Robert

Recessional            “Hallelujah Chorus” – cd

Benediction            Pastor Robert

Postlude       Jesu, Joy or Man's Desiring, Air from Water Music, Pachelbel's Canon, Bist du bei mir (Bach), Air (Bach), Be Thou My Vision, Trumpet Voluntary by Clarke

 

SPECIAL NOTES (USHERS):

• After seating someone, please use the SIDE aisle to return to the back of the church.
• Seat according to Bride or Groom acquaintance.  If one side fills up before the other, fill up the other side first before using far side pews.
• First row: Parents   
• Second Row: Grandparents
• Third Row Bride side: Kerri, Val, Brian, Ben, Andrew, Drew, Alex
• Fourth Row Bride side:  6 Aunts and Uncles
• Following the wedding, ushers are to dismiss each row.

Rebecca Sully and Shawn Isaacs Wedding

Working Program

Hi Rebecca!  Following are a few items you might want to consider making sure are covered for the wedding day.  You may all ready have them taken care of and they were not noted; but just in case they were overlooked here you go.

What about a table for the gifts?  If it will be in Fellowship Hall, make sure you have a couple of people who will greet guests when they first arrive to take the gifts to FH.

I have noted that you want Sean wired, and the pastor wired for the ceremony.

I found it easy to line everyone up in fellowship hall in the order needed about 15 minutes before hand (except bridal party).  Since you have the reception set up the hall outside your dressing room will work. Have the first set of grandparents, followed by next, and so on.  ASSIGN an usher and introduce each grandparent to their usher at the rehearsal, if possible.  They will be less nervous this way.  Make sure both moms know who is ushering them in and line moms up behind grandparents in order.  As Kristin and “crew” leave the hall a knock by someone signals you ladies need to come out and line-up following the parents.  It will look like a big train but with the distance of everything it works best.

When the mothers light the candles, is there a different song for this?  Make sure moms have lighters to do this.  Either place them in the pews or at the candles.

Make sure the usher for the aisle runner is assigned.

Decide which set of doors "Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Isaacs" want to come back in through to greet guests by pew.  I would recommend either side door off of hall or coming back down mail aisle.

Check timing of all music to see if lit is ong enough to get everyone down the aisle.  Do you want Jerry to play the song again if needed?  Let Jerry know as you work through this at the rehearsal.

The items on the next page that I highlighted in yellow I need you to answer so I can have Jerry’s information ready.  You will need to give Jerry the CD’s (if that is what you are using) at the beginning of rehearsal.  Mark appropriately.

Don’t forget a roll of masking tape for the rehearsal so Kelly can mark where everyone will stand.  Just a small piece is needed in order to keep everyone on mark for Saturday, not too big so no one will notice from the pews.

I think that is everything at least for now.  I’m sending a copy to your dad just in case this doesn’t make it through to your email.

Questions…give me a ring…See you Saturday at the shower!
Following is what Jerry will need for sound and lighting.  He will need to know if you want the lights at a certain level at anytime.  Work this out at rehearsal.

2:30     Prelude Music         

Are these on one CD that should play until the wedding begins?

•         In the Image of God ................... Peterson
•         Each for the Other ..................... Peterson
•         Thank You, Jesus ...................... Hallett       
•         The Love of God ....................... Lehman

                      

3:00     Seating of Grandparents                                                                 

            Seating of Parents                                       
Of Love I Sing ..... Peterson   

            Mothers Light Candles                                                                     

            Officiate, Groom and Groomsmen enter

            Processional                                                                                                                                  

•         Bridesmaids                                         
  "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee"
•         Usher (Who?) Pulls aisle runner?        
•         Flower Girl pulled by Ring Bearers    
  “Lohengrin" Bridal Song ......... Wagner   
•         Bride

Welcome and Wedding Devotion        Pastor mic ON

Giving away of the Bride

Reading:  Nathan Isaacs                     Turn stand mic on

Exchange of Vows                               Sean’smic on

Reading:  Hallie Turner                  Turn stand mic on (Sean off)

Unity Candle                                                 
"Living for Jesus" ..... Chisholm   

Marriage Blessing & Prayer                         Pastor Mic on

Presentation Mr. & Mrs. Shawn Isaacs         Pastor mic on

The Recessional                                          
     "Wedding March" ...... Mendelssohn

• Mr. & Mrs. Sean Isaacs
• Ring Bearers
• Grooms & Bridesmaids
• Grandparents
  Officiate invites guests to stay for the reception with directions         
  Pastor's mic on

Mr. & Mrs. Sean Isaacs re-enter and dismiss guests at pews

Photos

RECEPTION:  Slide show; handheld mic for use during reception, and background music.

Hodges/Gable Wedding - Working Program

Decorating on Friday, June 8….

·        Delivery of candlelabras, etc. after 8 am

·        Decorating to begin around 8 am

·        Sanctuary will need:

o        4 podiums; need a fifth podium

o       Communion table on stage

o       Row of chairs removed in front of the pews

o       Choir chairs removed

o       Choir platform removed???

o       All flags down

o       Welcome center to be cleared (used for pictures of Bride and Groom); I need to clear on Friday (Pam usually takes care of this)

o       Gift table with linen and ruffle in front or near welcome center; I will do on Friday with white table linens; tulle bows, and greenery garland

o       Guest book to sit on the podium we use in the Fellowship Hall hallway for programs

·        Fellowship Hall for Rehearsal Dinner

·        Set-up by 8 am on Friday

·        Fellowship Hall will need:

o       8 round tables of 8

o       Linen tablecloths

o       3- 8ft tables for food (2-lavender tableclothes-Karlie) Check for 1 more lavender tablecloth

o       8ft table for bridal party gifts (use linen cover with gold and silver threads)

o       Dinner will follow rehearsal approx. 6:30

Nursery will be needed, Karlie has arranged for Maria Taylor.  Guidelines were given and reviewed.

Music picked out, soloist, power point completed.  Power point will be given to Jerry Barker along with copy of music outline, as well as notes for power point, and groom to be wired with mic.  Screen to come down for power point presentation during Unity candle and then go back up.  Yes they do want a sound recording.  Music order is as follows:

Prelude –  a 1 hour cd of prerecorded Christian music clips to be started at 1:00

Seating of Mothers and Grandparents – CD

Lighting of Candles – “Make of our Hearts One Heart” Vocalist and Piano

Friends of the bride and bridal party processional – “  CD

Entrance of the flower girl, ringbearer, Bride – “Lohengrin" Bridal Song  CD

Family Prayer – “The Goodly Pearl” Vocalist and Piano

Giving of purity ring

Giving away by father

Address

Exchange of personalized vows (grooms mic on)

Exchange of traditional vows and wedding rings

Lighting of Unity Candle and taking of Communion – Slide Show “From this Moment” – Dim lights – Groom mic off

First kiss as husband and wife

Introduction of new couple

Recessional – “Only God Could Love You More” CD

Jerry, Charity would like you to show her the lights like you suggested. 

They will be sending a list of all participants and outline of stage.  Four ‘friends of the bride’ will be ushered in and will sit in the front row; they are part of the wedding party but will not be standing with the party.  Bride’s paternal grandmother will sit with Mother of the bride.  Grandma Hodges will be seated in the third row with her two adult children (they do not have spouses).  Christina will assign an usher to seat the Aunt and Uncle.  Bride and Groom to decide about seating of remaining grandparents; Groom has a set of divorced grandparents so will work out the seating.  Groom’s grandparents seating arrangement:  Delia Mabry, Sally Grayson & spouse; Ellie and spouse.  Mothers to be ushered by any usher.  Note the two grandmothers who are widows will light a candle in memory of them.  This will hopefully be on a pillar off the stage.  The usher will escort them to the candle then to their seats.

Two candle lighters to be used. (Order is in the program being sent)  Harry will take care of the Aisle runner.  During the recessional Harry will escort the vocalist Elizabeth out following the Friends of the Bride.

When the last bridesmaid comes down the aisle Harry will roll out the aisle runner.  The flower girl and ring bearer will begin down the aisle as soon as the song “Lohengrin" Bridal Song begins.  As soon as they begin walking the doors will close; when the chorus begins the door will open and Bride enters.

Receiving line at this point will be family only.  Need advised as to where???  Receiving line will consist of the entire wedding party that are family members,  (approximately 14).  Line up in foyer so that those greeting will end up outside.  Friends of the bride, ushers, (those in party not family) will go directly outside and be ready for the couple’s exit. 

Removal of all items to immediately follow ceremony; the candlelabras and rental items to be stored in the “coat” area until picked up on Tuesday, am.  Mrs. Hodges has hired Johnny Talbot to remove and do extra clean-up following the wedding.

Jerry, attached is the copy of the Music form for the Hodges/ Gable wedding June 9.

Rehearsal is June 8 at 5:30pm.

Christina would like the power point to be played during the lighting of the Unity candle.  She would like the screen lowered at that point and when completed raised back up.

The groom is to be wired with a mic.  They will have traditional vows plus a set of their own written vows to share and would like that to be heard.

Thanks, Jerry.  Blessings!

HELPFUL WEBSITES
(Do an Internet search for almost any wedding idea you can think of.)

Good News!  New Study Confirms:  Married People Live Longer - http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041644.cfm

Marriage Memo archives from Family Life with Dennis and Barbara Rainey

Self-catering Your Own Wedding - http://www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/plan/wedding.html

Wedding Planning Checklists, Worksheets and Articles -  http://www.weddingdetails.com/ 

Wedding Crafts and Do-It-Yourself Projects - http://www.superweddings.com/bridalcrafts.html

Five Chocolate Wedding Favors you can Make Yourself - http://www.essortment.com/lifestyle/chocolatewedd_ttdb.htm

"Wedding Vows Inspired by Dr. Seuss," read by the pastor at our one son's reception, which was a lot of fun!http://weddings.about.com/od/yourweddingceremony/a/SeussFunnyVows.htm