a big wedding as soon as he returns from Iraq. The wedding isn't really "real" yet, but we are already facing difficulties.
First, he lives in one state, his family in another, our family in a different state, and we live 17 hours from them all! AND my aunts and uncles, who all want to attend, live in my hometown, which are also miles away. Where are we going to have the wedding? We live in a state where snow is naturally part of the landscape and the wedding is scheduled for January. Not the greatest time of year to host out of town family and friends, especially when they live in a state where snow is unheard of, except on post cards!
Today, out of the clear blue, we thought of a small lodge we visited about a year ago that is about half way between our state and everyone else. We loved the lodge! It was small and quaint with a huge roaring fireplace in the lobby, which is where the ceremony would have to take place. They offer wedding packages that include a buffet, cake and punch, and nuts. They also have a huge Christmas tree in the lobby that is simply breath taking! It's the perfect solution for us!
Just yesterday, Jordin, my daughter decided on a theme. We have a family history of military men. My father fought in Vietnam, my grandfather in Germany, and my great-great grandfather in WWI. Titus, Jordin's fiancé, is in Iraq, his father was in the Air Force, and his grandfather was in the Navy. Also, my husband was in the Army. Jordin wants a vintage theme, so she has decided to go with a 1940's military theme.
She decided to wear my mother's wedding dress. My mom has given her the liberty to modify the dress, and she is going to remove the sleeves, which are long, and add a cap sleeve. Jordin has plans to add some of the beading and crystals from my wedding dress to the hemline, train, and sleeves of my mom's dress. Also, she will be incorporating a cameo pin that belonged to my grandma.
We are making a display board. Some brides use pictures of the bride and groom and while we will be displaying picture of Titus and Jordin, we are also going to honor our family. We are going to use pictures of our parents and grandparents in their military uniform. She also wants to find old pictures of WWII, like the famous soldier kissing a random girl from the streets on V-day.
We are decorating with military hats that belonged to our heros. We haven't quite decided on how we can use them, but we are thinking maybe on a display table.
The bridesmaid dresses are going to be unique. Jordin wants pencil skirts and jackets and from the 40's era. She has never liked or wanted the typical bridesmaid dress, and the pencil skirt could be worn anytime, anywhere. Her colors are red and black and plans on black dresses with white shirts and red roses. The guys will also be wearing black with red ties.
Titus will be wearing his uniform! And so will her father!
Another nice touch, that truly thrills my heart, is the fact that she wants to use my flowers from my bouquet. My husband and I celebrated 20 years of marriage and renewed our vows 2 years ago. I used the white roses from my original bouquet for our 2nd wedding. Now, my daughter will be using them in her bouquet. I hope to make it a tradition with all my daughters incorporating my roses some way in their wedding celebration. How exciting!
As time goes on, we will plan more, and share more as our wedding comes together.
Tammy Pleasant is a writer, mother who enjoys writing about marriage, romance, education, 
teens, family life, and anything about raising children. With over 12 years in the wedding business, she is now helping plan her daughter's wedding.
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|71.48.200.xxx |2010-05-19 02:46:16 Jordin Pleasant - Jordin Pleasant
so, as the future "bride to be" i can barely contain my excitement as i write this! I cannot express in words alone how deeply emotional and yet completely thrilling it is for me to have decided on a theme that not only incorporates my past, but my future as well. Its as much a tribute to my father and grandfather and great grandfather (whom i never even had the privilege to meet) as it is to my future husband, his father and grandfather. I truly feel honored to be able to include such treasured items as my grandmothers wedding dress, my mothers original flowers, etc. I believe my wedding day will be highly personal and I would encourage all future brides to somehow, someway, include something personal as small as it may be into their special day. I am certain the benefits will be satisfactory in years to come!