My Thoughts on The Royal Wedding

After all these years, I still remember watching Charles and Diana get married. My most vivid memory of that wedding was Diana's train. I was too young to understand the implications and pomp and circumstance behind the ceremony, but I definitely recall that Diana was truly beautiful and so was her train!

My first glimpse of the recent royal affair was later in the morning when the couple was out on the balcony for their first kiss as husband and wife. (sorry, I didn't wake up at 5 am to watch the celebration live!) I had several observations. First of all, Kate's dress was breathtakingly elegant. I was expecting the trendy strapless look since I was certain she would have her world class designer create something that is all the rave. However, her dress was divinely classical and simply beautiful. I absolutely loved her dress as well as her veil. When watching the ceremony later, I thoroughly enjoyed the live choir processional. The music was beautiful and the British accents were pleasing to my ear. I was especially excited, as a Christian, to hear the gospel spoken so exquisitely and the design of marriage articulated so well. The word of God was spoken boldly. Kate's brother reading from Romans 12 was wonderful and the Archbishop of Canterbury's sermon and prayer were heartfelt. The flower girls and ring bearers were charming and Kate's sister was lovely in her dress as well.

If you think I'm only going to gush over every aspect of the wedding, then you need to know that I do have a critical eye when it comes to these ceremonies. I did not care for Kate's bouquet. It was so, well, small. And, the "Thees, Thous and Willests" I could have done without. I know this is a Royal Wedding in England, but come on. Who says those words anymore in everyday language? I'm also really curious as to what Harry whispered to William as HE got to watch Kate walk down the aisle while William had to face forward. I missed getting to see the look on William's face when he first laid eyes on his bride. That is always one of my favorite aspects of a wedding. Another area of interest to me is the British royalty women's hats. I hope those styles never make it to America. They are unattractive, in my opinion, but extremely entertaining. Now I realize that the new Duchess is well known for her outlandish hats, but Kate just makes everything look adorable.

So these are my initial observations concerning the wedding. I'm sure as more pictures, posts and news is published, I'll have some more thoughts. Until then, "Cheers!"

The Royal Wedding

Since the big wedding is just days away, I thought I'd post this fun video to wet our appetites! Enjoy!

An Easter Tidbit

On the day of Jesus' resurrection, his disciples were told by Mary Magdalene that Jesus' tomb was empty. She believed that someone had taken him out of the tomb. So, Peter and John "were running together (towards the tomb) but the other disciple (John) outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simone Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself." John 20:4-7. What is the significance of the folded linen? According to numerous scholars, during a Jewish banquet, the master would wad up his napkin and put it on the plate when he was finished with his meal. This signified to his servants that he was finished and they could take his plate. If he was leaving, but coming back, he folded the napkin which signaled to his servant that he would be returning. So, when John and Peter saw the folded linen, they realized that Jesus, their master, was letting them know that he WOULD BE returning! What does Easter have to do with weddings? When Jesus does return, all those who have believed and called on his name will be participating in a wedding feast like never before seen. It's going to be the party of all parties! Revelation 19:6-8 "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns! Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure" I pray you will enjoy the most glorious celebration in history: the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Chuck vs The Wedding Planner

My husband and I love to watch NBC's hit show Chuck. This week's episode was especially hilarious to us. Chuck and Sarah are conned by their "wedding planner" who promises the ceremony of their dreams, asks for their money ahead of time, and then disappears. Our favorite duo end up creating their own scam and decorate a reception hall for another wedding. Sarah cuts some Styrofoam into circles, stacks the pieces and decorates it with frosting and flowers to create the appearance of a beautiful and delectable cake. There are several funny hap-instances during the fake reception and all I can think about is, "What's going to happen when they cut that Styrofoam cake?" The life of a wedding coordinator never ceases....

Choosing Wedding Flowers

Spring: a word often equated with new growth. The trees are blooming, and here in Texas, we see Bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes and a wide assortment of colors from our renowned wildflowers. For me, it is the time of year that I get to plant a new garden. I have delightful memories with my children planting our beds each year. Last weekend, we went to Lowes and purchased plants with which to landscape. They were each allowed to chose a flower to plant in our garden. So, this year, we will have a bundle of purples to view. One of my sons spent his own money to purchase a hydrangea. I told him that it's my favorite flower for a wedding because it is created in such a way that it already has the same appearance as a bridal bouquet. It seems as though the Lord designed hydragneas for a bride's floral arrangements. They are so beautiful! Of course, they are not even remotely the only popular flower you will find at a wedding these days. The classic, roses, are as popular today as they were many moons ago. Gerbera Daisies are another crowd pleaser as well as orchids and tulips. If you are a person that just read this post and has no idea what is the appearance of any of these blooms, then here's a tip: SEARCH until you can't look at another flower. Tear out pages from a magazine, print pictures off of the internet. Find as many bouquets, centerpieces and boutonniers as you like and take them to your florist. If you have picked the right florist, he/she will be able to help you sort through your pictures and tailor your choices to fit your tastes and preferences. He/she might also be able to assist you in saving money by offering alternative styles of flowers that are similar to those you chose but may be easier on your budget. Either way, you are guaranteed to have as your final choice the floral combination of your dreams. How do you find the right florist? Ask your wedding coordinator for recommendations! And in the meantime, enjoy the spring and the beautiful array of flowers on display. It's an amazing time of year!

Erin Joyner, Wedding coordinator, College Station, TX