So, we never realized just how many fabulous wedding cards there are out there! Specifically, how many unique, simply lovely, gender-neutral cards. What a wonderful surprise! That is not to discount the many cards with nature photographs or art on the front and a heart-felt personal note on the inside. We're keeping those for ourselves for now. The following are the best the greeting card industry has to offer. Our friends have great taste in congratulations.
We absolutely love that some of our friends shared one card between two households to conserve paper and combine resources. We even received a couple of wonderfully thoughtful combined gifts - our favorite of these was a three-household cooperative purchase of a gift certificate to Green The World!
Here are our favorites from the generous mini-mountain of well wishes we received. The text before the : represents the front, the text after is the inside.
"Where there is love, there is beauty that cannot be described, strength that cannot be broken, and joy that cannot be surpassed.: Listen to your hearts. Imagine a beautiful future. Embrace the love you share. Wishing you a wonderful life together."
"Where love is...Hope is heard. Forgiveness is found. Laughter is shared.
Where love is...Work is worthwhile. Sadness is softened. Faith is deepened.
Where love is...Trust is cherished. Peace is present. Hearts are at home.
Where love is God will be.: God's love is entwined with yours, strengthening your faith and preparing your hearts for a beautiful lifetime together.
Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)"
"'Happily ever after' is more than just a dream...it's a lasting promise between two hearts: Wishing you joy after joy as togehter you make dream after dream come true."
"A wedding toast with our best wishes: May your lives be happy, your love be strong, your troubles, short, and your laughter, long."
"On your wedding day: A wish for you on your wedding day, given with so much love and happiness. You've made your dreams come true and this wish is a symbol of more good things to come."
"On your wedding day: It's nice to know that the two of you, who are such wonderful individuals, have chosen to spend the years ahead developing a new and beautiful part of yoru lives - your marriage."
"For a wonderful couple. One of the greatest gifts life can offer is someone to live with, to care about, and to love.: On this memorable day, you are both receiving a wonderful gift- the promise of a lifetime of love. May your wedding be beautiful and may you enjoy a long and happy life together."
"In your lives, may you always know joy...In your hearts, may you always know love.: With a simple wish that you'll always find your dearest friend, your deepest love, and your greatest joy in each other. Congratulations on your marriage."
"Two Become One: It's that simple...It's that beautiful. Wishing you every happiness"
"It's your story. Make it beautiful. Fill it up with what you love. Remember what matters. Forget what doesn't.: Happy a happy life together."
"May your love for each other deepen and grow through all the years to come."
"Two hearts...one love. Two souls...one destiny. Two lives...one beautiful future."
"A wedding gift: Wishing you love and laughter today, tomorrow, and every day thereafter."
"All the best wishes for a lifetime of love."
And, the most unusual greeting we received: a card in the form of a bumper sticker that reads, "I don't mind if you are straight as long as you act gay in public."
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Dove Lovin'
The day after our wedding we went up to Wolf Creek for a couple of days. It was glorious to leave the hectic clutter of our lives-surrounding-a-major-event behind in exchange for a fireplace, an incredible (snowy!) view, and a soak in the hot tub.
While on our "mini-moon" as we affectionately refer to it, we took along some Dove brand dark chocolates. The pearls of (sometimes cheesey, sometimes inaccurate) wisdom encased in red and silver foil wrappers were fun and we wanted to share them. This wisdom was made truer and sweeter because it held chocolate treasure. We love when tea companies have pearls of wisdom on the tea bag tag. It's the same sort of thing. These pearls had names and cities under them, which made us think that people must have submitted them in some sort of contest to have their favorite saying wrapped around Dove chocolate.
"Celebrate the small victories in your life."
"Dare to dream, and go for it!"
"Keep moving forward, don't look back."
"Don't stress - think, and this too shall pass."
"Here's to something more powerful than chocolate: hope."
"If you fall down 7 times, get up 8." (Really? How can you get up one more time than you've fallen? Wouldn't you already be up?)
"Always follow your heart - it's never wrong."
"Sing out loud! Who cares what you sound like?"
"Treating yourself is never wrong." (We would add, treating yourself well...)
"Happiness is one bite away."
"Accentuate the positive."
"Try something new today."
Though now it seems silly to have spent the time typing these, they were a lot of fun on our mini-moon. Some led to conversations, others to taking a bite out of happiness. As our friend and flower pixie said to Lisa a few years ago, "Enjoy!"
While on our "mini-moon" as we affectionately refer to it, we took along some Dove brand dark chocolates. The pearls of (sometimes cheesey, sometimes inaccurate) wisdom encased in red and silver foil wrappers were fun and we wanted to share them. This wisdom was made truer and sweeter because it held chocolate treasure. We love when tea companies have pearls of wisdom on the tea bag tag. It's the same sort of thing. These pearls had names and cities under them, which made us think that people must have submitted them in some sort of contest to have their favorite saying wrapped around Dove chocolate.
"Celebrate the small victories in your life."
"Dare to dream, and go for it!"
"Keep moving forward, don't look back."
"Don't stress - think, and this too shall pass."
"Here's to something more powerful than chocolate: hope."
"If you fall down 7 times, get up 8." (Really? How can you get up one more time than you've fallen? Wouldn't you already be up?)
"Always follow your heart - it's never wrong."
"Sing out loud! Who cares what you sound like?"
"Treating yourself is never wrong." (We would add, treating yourself well...)
"Happiness is one bite away."
"Accentuate the positive."
"Try something new today."
Though now it seems silly to have spent the time typing these, they were a lot of fun on our mini-moon. Some led to conversations, others to taking a bite out of happiness. As our friend and flower pixie said to Lisa a few years ago, "Enjoy!"
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Preparations
Thanks to the marvelous talents of Janet Gioffre-Harrington(An Array of Artistry), we were spoiled before the big celebration even happened. Meet up with Janet and Chey at ONC's Botanical Body Art class on May 15!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Our Vows
So, we were wired. Headset microphones. Techno-saavy brides.
One small glitch in our ceremony was the fact that Lisa's microphone was somehow turned off between installation, sound check and show time.
Everyone said they heard both of us sharing our vows. But, just in case, and because we are seriously proud of them, because we feel they are meaningful, thoughtful, and amazing, we want to share them here. The next time you're over for dinner, you'll see them framed on our wall. We're printing them out on parchment as a lovely daily reminder of our covenant.
For those who were unable to make it to the ceremony, Lisa started and spoke the first vow. I repeated it and spoke the second one. We took turns starting and repeating all the way through. Balanced and mutual, as is our love.
Feel
I vow to remember to face each day with gratitude for all the experiences that have brought us and kept us together, to remember that the price we pay for this beautiful life is to feel it.
Hear
I vow to hear and honor your truth as we support each other in having the courage to share our whole selves.
Speak
I vow to speak my truth in healthy, motivating and inspiring words; to express my passion for my wife and for my life creatively and continuously.
See
I vow to see the best in you and the best of myself reflected in you, to grow old together with big love, open hearts, grace, honesty, and mutual trust.
Grow & Be
I vow to continue growing a balanced life together, maintaining the space and time at home for our marriage to flourish, and investing in our community to bring our love out into the world.
Think
I vow to devote my mental energy to forward-moving, now-honoring thoughts, keeping our higher selves, truths and purposes in mind.
Know
I vow to remember that today we create the loam of tomorrow; that we are the soft, yet solid place for Forest and Emelia to spring from into their own lives and to land when they need to be held in our love. I vow each day to remind them of their greatness and the safety of home.
One small glitch in our ceremony was the fact that Lisa's microphone was somehow turned off between installation, sound check and show time.
Everyone said they heard both of us sharing our vows. But, just in case, and because we are seriously proud of them, because we feel they are meaningful, thoughtful, and amazing, we want to share them here. The next time you're over for dinner, you'll see them framed on our wall. We're printing them out on parchment as a lovely daily reminder of our covenant.
For those who were unable to make it to the ceremony, Lisa started and spoke the first vow. I repeated it and spoke the second one. We took turns starting and repeating all the way through. Balanced and mutual, as is our love.
Feel
I vow to remember to face each day with gratitude for all the experiences that have brought us and kept us together, to remember that the price we pay for this beautiful life is to feel it.
Hear
I vow to hear and honor your truth as we support each other in having the courage to share our whole selves.
Speak
I vow to speak my truth in healthy, motivating and inspiring words; to express my passion for my wife and for my life creatively and continuously.
See
I vow to see the best in you and the best of myself reflected in you, to grow old together with big love, open hearts, grace, honesty, and mutual trust.
Grow & Be
I vow to continue growing a balanced life together, maintaining the space and time at home for our marriage to flourish, and investing in our community to bring our love out into the world.
Think
I vow to devote my mental energy to forward-moving, now-honoring thoughts, keeping our higher selves, truths and purposes in mind.
Know
I vow to remember that today we create the loam of tomorrow; that we are the soft, yet solid place for Forest and Emelia to spring from into their own lives and to land when they need to be held in our love. I vow each day to remind them of their greatness and the safety of home.
Monday, February 22, 2010
RSVP Here!
To RSVP for our wedding, please scroll down to the bottom of this post. Just below it, on the right side of this box you will see the word "comments," preceeded by a number. Please click "comments," click the ID bar and choose "Anonymous," (because it's the only way you can comment on this blog site without registering for a blog yourself), or choose your online ID, if you have one. Then, tell us we'll have the pleasure of your company, or leave your regrets. Because you'll be identified as "Anonymous," please remember to sign your name!
And, a big Thank you!!!! for following through on the RSVP! You're the best!
And, a big Thank you!!!! for following through on the RSVP! You're the best!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
In lieu of gifts...
We enjoy a very full life together, complete with a full home. In lieu of gifts, please consider signing up for an item or service on our Wish List post (below).
If this is not feasible for you, please consider making a donation in our names to the organizations that feed our souls:
The Ogden Nature Center: Online, go to the "Support" tab of ogdennaturecenter.org, and click on "Donate Online." Please designate that your donation is in honor of the Herland Wedding, then use the message box to designate the funds for "Invasive Weed Control." You may also donate over the phone at 801.621.7595 or mail a check to 966 12th Street, Ogden UT 84404. Again please specify that your donation is in honor of the Herland Wedding and is to be earmarked for "Invasive Weed Control." Alternately, you can get a donation envelope from us at our reception.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden: uuco.org. Donations made in honor of the Herland Wedding will be earmarked for music, specifically the purchase of hymnals and supplemental hymnals. Please mail a check to UUCO, 705 23rd Street, Ogden UT 84401. Please specify on the "notes" line at the bottom of your check, "Herland Wedding."
Thank you in advance, for sharing your loving presence at our wedding celebration!
If this is not feasible for you, please consider making a donation in our names to the organizations that feed our souls:
The Ogden Nature Center: Online, go to the "Support" tab of ogdennaturecenter.org, and click on "Donate Online." Please designate that your donation is in honor of the Herland Wedding, then use the message box to designate the funds for "Invasive Weed Control." You may also donate over the phone at 801.621.7595 or mail a check to 966 12th Street, Ogden UT 84404. Again please specify that your donation is in honor of the Herland Wedding and is to be earmarked for "Invasive Weed Control." Alternately, you can get a donation envelope from us at our reception.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden: uuco.org. Donations made in honor of the Herland Wedding will be earmarked for music, specifically the purchase of hymnals and supplemental hymnals. Please mail a check to UUCO, 705 23rd Street, Ogden UT 84401. Please specify on the "notes" line at the bottom of your check, "Herland Wedding."
Thank you in advance, for sharing your loving presence at our wedding celebration!
Wish List: Wedding Contributions
Service is the highest form of love!
Please peruse this list and consider contributing items, resources, and/or services to the evolution of our celebration!
Needs Prior to Wedding Day:
Clean UUCO building before big day
Help set up/decorate at UUCO
Press linens & assemble cutlery bundles
Collect & donate large coffee cans for luminaries
Donate blue, green, brown or white rectangular table cloths
Needs for Wedding Day:
A box of white wine for reception (The Bota Box is nice & recyclable!)
A box of blush or white zin for reception
Videographing wedding ceremony
Record ceremony (creation of “pod cast”)
Assist clean-up crew after ceremony & reception
Lock up UUCO after reception & clean-up
Needs for After the Big Day:
Dog-sitting while on sustainable honeymoon to Rocky Mtn. Folks Fest!
Please peruse this list and consider contributing items, resources, and/or services to the evolution of our celebration!
Needs Prior to Wedding Day:
Clean UUCO building before big day
Help set up/decorate at UUCO
Press linens & assemble cutlery bundles
Collect & donate large coffee cans for luminaries
Donate blue, green, brown or white rectangular table cloths
Needs for Wedding Day:
A box of white wine for reception (The Bota Box is nice & recyclable!)
A box of blush or white zin for reception
Videographing wedding ceremony
Record ceremony (creation of “pod cast”)
Assist clean-up crew after ceremony & reception
Lock up UUCO after reception & clean-up
Needs for After the Big Day:
Dog-sitting while on sustainable honeymoon to Rocky Mtn. Folks Fest!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
I now pronounce you sustainably wed...
Those of you that've heard us talk about our wedding have heard us describe our upcoming union as a "Sustainable Wedding."
We are being very deliberate about the planning of our wedding. It's bigger than "going green" for the big day, which we are. It is more about reflecting the very satisfying life we are proud to have created together.
Some of the things we are excited about include:
In lieu of a gift registry, we have created a wish list of resources and services (favors) - we don't need any more stuff! (*Please see Wish List - Wedding Contributions post*).
If the donation of an item or service for the big day isn't feasible, we're requesting the gifting of monetary donations in our names to Ogden Nature Center and to our church, The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden.
Opting to purchase partially recycled, seeded paper made from rapidly-regenerating plants and plant tissues that negate deforestation. This paper also supports rural economies and traditional lifeways in Nepal. Check it out: oftheearth.org. From these plant-dyed sheets of paper we've created our invitations and will soon start on our programs.
Recycling an antique dress into part of Chey's wedding dress: one part hippie sun dress, one part evening gown. Sound about right?
Ordering rings from a locally owned and operated jeweler. Skipping the diamonds - who needs the guilt?
Taking our Sustainably Sexy Celebration (a.k.a. "bachelorette party") on the bandwagon (it's actually a comfy bus) to support a new local health foods, deli and more store in their wonderfully creative fundraising. Check out Gina's great store at: dragonflyhealthfoods.com.
Opting for 100% reusable and compostable dishes, etc. at our wedding and related events.
Planting Utah native seeds as wedding decorations and gifts.
Saving and asking others to save coffee cans from which we will make luminaries for decorations.
Please share ideas you may have along these lines, check out the Wish List and other posts, and stay tuned for more inspired gushings.
We are being very deliberate about the planning of our wedding. It's bigger than "going green" for the big day, which we are. It is more about reflecting the very satisfying life we are proud to have created together.
Some of the things we are excited about include:
In lieu of a gift registry, we have created a wish list of resources and services (favors) - we don't need any more stuff! (*Please see Wish List - Wedding Contributions post*).
If the donation of an item or service for the big day isn't feasible, we're requesting the gifting of monetary donations in our names to Ogden Nature Center and to our church, The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden.
Opting to purchase partially recycled, seeded paper made from rapidly-regenerating plants and plant tissues that negate deforestation. This paper also supports rural economies and traditional lifeways in Nepal. Check it out: oftheearth.org. From these plant-dyed sheets of paper we've created our invitations and will soon start on our programs.
Recycling an antique dress into part of Chey's wedding dress: one part hippie sun dress, one part evening gown. Sound about right?
Ordering rings from a locally owned and operated jeweler. Skipping the diamonds - who needs the guilt?
Taking our Sustainably Sexy Celebration (a.k.a. "bachelorette party") on the bandwagon (it's actually a comfy bus) to support a new local health foods, deli and more store in their wonderfully creative fundraising. Check out Gina's great store at: dragonflyhealthfoods.com.
Opting for 100% reusable and compostable dishes, etc. at our wedding and related events.
Planting Utah native seeds as wedding decorations and gifts.
Saving and asking others to save coffee cans from which we will make luminaries for decorations.
Please share ideas you may have along these lines, check out the Wish List and other posts, and stay tuned for more inspired gushings.
Thank you!!!!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU to those who have gifted us already by volunteering to bless our wedding with the following resources and services!!!
Additionally, local business folks listed are here because we believe wholeheartedly that they improve life in our community and on our planet! Many of these businesses have gifted us with goods & services at fantastic rates or through barter and trade. We wish to acknowledge:
Wedding officiating - Catherine Patillo, website: www.consciousjourney.net, email: catpatillo@comcast.net
Standing with us at the altar - Forest Church, Sonya Welsh, Lance & Stephanie Howerton.
Henna/mendhi painting – Janet Gioffre-Harrington, “An Array of Art” email: gioffre1@msn.com
Flowers – Janet Gioffre-Harrington, “An Array of Art” email: gioffre1@msn.com
Fresh flowers (donation) - Jeanne Perkins (from her garden!)
Catering – Mexi-veg buffet by Sylvia M. & family, email: rusiso@aol.com
Photography – Ingrid’s Photography, email: ingrid@ingrids.org, website: www.ingrids.org
Beer - Tony Church
Champagne for wedding toast - Mike & Cindy Lund (Chey's parents)
Clean up crew/dishes at UUCO - Peggy Bon, Forest Church, Toni Aland
Creation of dresses/wedding outfits - MaryAnn Downard, email: marf29@msn.com, Esther Montoya
Unity candles (handmade!) - Tana Dupuis-McCoy
Bowl for ceremonial hand washing –
Music for ceremony - Beth Dion, email:bethdion@gmail.com, Susan Snyder
Music for reception - Beth Dion, email: bethdion@gmail.com, El Cantante gifted by Esther Montoya
Help with creation of decorations/favors - Cindy Lund, Faith Slattery
Set up before/Transport flowers & decor after wedding - Stephanie & Lance Howerton, Faith Slattery, Toni Aland
Dog sitting weekend of wedding - Stefanie Miller
Cat-sitting/bring in mail and water garden and yard while on Honeymoon (Aug. 8-16) - Emery Young
Sustainably Sexy Celebration (a.k.a. bachelorette party) - Sonya Welsh
Classroom space for Sustainably Sexy Celebration, Dragonfly Health Foods, www.dragonflyhealthfoods.com, email Gina at dragonflyenergy@gmail.com
Slumber Parties presentation - Kellie Greenhalgh, email:
kelliegreenhalgh@yahoo.com
Award-winning cookies for reception - Kristen Hebestreet
Dessert - Sabrina & Brad Foster
Wine for reception - Susan & Doug, Boz & Vicky
Native seeds for table decor and party favors - Cle Paul Ames, email: xeriseeds@yahoo.com
Videography of wedding - Van Williamson
Barkeeps (pouring of champagne & wine at reception) - Jeanne & Ernie Perkins
Compostable dishes & flatware for reception - Beth Bell, Green The World: 4171 Riverdale Rd., Ogden, greentheworldstore.com.
Additionally, local business folks listed are here because we believe wholeheartedly that they improve life in our community and on our planet! Many of these businesses have gifted us with goods & services at fantastic rates or through barter and trade. We wish to acknowledge:
Wedding officiating - Catherine Patillo, website: www.consciousjourney.net, email: catpatillo@comcast.net
Standing with us at the altar - Forest Church, Sonya Welsh, Lance & Stephanie Howerton.
Henna/mendhi painting – Janet Gioffre-Harrington, “An Array of Art” email: gioffre1@msn.com
Flowers – Janet Gioffre-Harrington, “An Array of Art” email: gioffre1@msn.com
Fresh flowers (donation) - Jeanne Perkins (from her garden!)
Catering – Mexi-veg buffet by Sylvia M. & family, email: rusiso@aol.com
Photography – Ingrid’s Photography, email: ingrid@ingrids.org, website: www.ingrids.org
Beer - Tony Church
Champagne for wedding toast - Mike & Cindy Lund (Chey's parents)
Clean up crew/dishes at UUCO - Peggy Bon, Forest Church, Toni Aland
Creation of dresses/wedding outfits - MaryAnn Downard, email: marf29@msn.com, Esther Montoya
Unity candles (handmade!) - Tana Dupuis-McCoy
Bowl for ceremonial hand washing –
Music for ceremony - Beth Dion, email:bethdion@gmail.com, Susan Snyder
Music for reception - Beth Dion, email: bethdion@gmail.com, El Cantante gifted by Esther Montoya
Help with creation of decorations/favors - Cindy Lund, Faith Slattery
Set up before/Transport flowers & decor after wedding - Stephanie & Lance Howerton, Faith Slattery, Toni Aland
Dog sitting weekend of wedding - Stefanie Miller
Cat-sitting/bring in mail and water garden and yard while on Honeymoon (Aug. 8-16) - Emery Young
Sustainably Sexy Celebration (a.k.a. bachelorette party) - Sonya Welsh
Classroom space for Sustainably Sexy Celebration, Dragonfly Health Foods, www.dragonflyhealthfoods.com, email Gina at dragonflyenergy@gmail.com
Slumber Parties presentation - Kellie Greenhalgh, email:
kelliegreenhalgh@yahoo.com
Award-winning cookies for reception - Kristen Hebestreet
Dessert - Sabrina & Brad Foster
Wine for reception - Susan & Doug, Boz & Vicky
Native seeds for table decor and party favors - Cle Paul Ames, email: xeriseeds@yahoo.com
Videography of wedding - Van Williamson
Barkeeps (pouring of champagne & wine at reception) - Jeanne & Ernie Perkins
Compostable dishes & flatware for reception - Beth Bell, Green The World: 4171 Riverdale Rd., Ogden, greentheworldstore.com.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Love, Love, Love
Happy Valentine's Day!
This year's holiday brought us an incredible event, "Reimagining Valentine's Day," in support of the Unitarian Universalist Association's "Standing on the Side of Love" campaign. Check it out: standingonthesideoflove.org
The day started with the following sweet honor: Our friend H. told us she'd used our family to teach her daughter K., about diversity in relationships. She told her that Lisa and I live together and love each other and are about to be married. At first K. was surprised and asked, "To each other?" H. said yes, to each other. K. had a few thoughtful, quiet moments, then said, "I'd pick Lisa, too." She talked about how awesome Lisa is, so my loving her makes perfect sense!
During the town-hall meeting portion of the event, Emelia chose to stand with me and hold my hand as I shared about the blessing of such a supportive church community, and the challenges for our kids when they are discriminated against because they have two moms. The event evolved into something bigger than the words and music notes that were its structure. Much like the wedding ceremony and sustainable experience we're creating, the event grew, gently and lovingly and passionately, into something so much bigger than the ideas that inspired it.
This year's holiday brought us an incredible event, "Reimagining Valentine's Day," in support of the Unitarian Universalist Association's "Standing on the Side of Love" campaign. Check it out: standingonthesideoflove.org
The day started with the following sweet honor: Our friend H. told us she'd used our family to teach her daughter K., about diversity in relationships. She told her that Lisa and I live together and love each other and are about to be married. At first K. was surprised and asked, "To each other?" H. said yes, to each other. K. had a few thoughtful, quiet moments, then said, "I'd pick Lisa, too." She talked about how awesome Lisa is, so my loving her makes perfect sense!
During the town-hall meeting portion of the event, Emelia chose to stand with me and hold my hand as I shared about the blessing of such a supportive church community, and the challenges for our kids when they are discriminated against because they have two moms. The event evolved into something bigger than the words and music notes that were its structure. Much like the wedding ceremony and sustainable experience we're creating, the event grew, gently and lovingly and passionately, into something so much bigger than the ideas that inspired it.
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