The wedding-planning devil

We've all heard it before...the devil's in the details.  I can think of no truer example than wedding planning!

A week ago, you may have heard me say something like the following:
Oh, the planning is great!  It was sticky there a while back, but now everything is done, it's just the fun little details we get to play with.  It's so much fun!  I love this part.

What should I have been saying?
Oh, sure, we got the big pieces taken care of, and now I'm at the eye of the storm.  In a minute, though, I'm going to become completely overwhelmed by my own desire to DIY a thousand extra details that I never really wanted, convince myself that they're essential, and start giving myself bridal panic attacks because there aren't enough weekends in the world to accomplish all these little projects.  Oh, and I'll start freaking out about the seating chart, too.  That part's a beast.

It's true, all the essential pieces are all set.  I just have to remember my early planning mantra, "it's about the marriage, not the wedding."  And the classic, "if he shows up, and I show up, and someone's there to do the ceremony, the rest is gravy."  Riiiiiight...foolish just-engaged me, how little you knew.

What's left to do, you ask?

• creating my brilliantly simple centerpieces
• figuring out sashes for the girls
• finding shoes for myself
• getting a suit for George
• hiring an organist for the ceremony
• the second piece of George's wedding present
• tying down the liquor list
• choosing the cake flavors (ok, that one's fun)
• seating chart!!!

Oh...and finishing the invitations to put them in the mail.  Tomorrow.  Three weeks later than my original deadline for myself, and even more frustrating since I know a few folks didn't get their rain-smeared save-the-dates.  (Mom, I'm thinking of you.)

Seems like I might have to stop writing for a minute and start stuffing envelopes...

Going to the Chapel

It was always assumed that we’d have a Greek Orthodox wedding.  Sometimes I’m sad that all of our family and friends won’t hear us say vows or sing hymns, but I’ve made peace with it.  It’s a special way to honor George and his heritage, and God is everywhere!

As far as I know, St. George once slayed a dragon. This is a bit confusing to me, as I don't think the Greeks had many dragons, but it sounds good. Either way, St. George performed enough miracles to have a Greek Orthodox church in Hamilton, NJ named for him.

Why does this matter? It's where George and I will get married next year. My George has never slayed a dragon, though I'm sure he could if the opportunity presented itself.

If you've never been in a Greek Orthodox church, they're beautiful. They're a teensy bit like Hogwarts, insofar as the ceiling is painted to look heavenly. Always ornate, and full of icons (pictures of saints), there's a lot going on. This makes my life a little easier, since I don't have to worry much about the ceremony looking boring!

Here's where all the magic happens (okay, maybe that's not the best choice of phrase). Anyway, I'll share more details about the ritual itself in a future post!