Just nine days now till the big event of our personal world – when Autumn and Karl
become officially Mr. and Mrs.
One year ago we did not know if a day like this would ever be possible….
except for Faithful God.
Our hearts are screaming with joy, no doubt.
But I have been doing a lot of thinking about all of you and this upcoming monumental event.
Truly, if I had the ability, ALL of you who cared so much, prayed, fasted, interceding,
took shifts on the prayer log, {even middle of the night shifts}
for Karl’s healing would be invited.
Many years ago when I was thinking about dreaming about something that was kind of costly,
I would say to my sweet hubby, “Well you know Whitey, it’s always free to dream….”
So in my dreamy world….
Not only would you mighty prayer warriors all come, but I’d pay for your lodging
in this really cool place that’s not far from the wedding.
I’d pay for your transportation as well,
no matter if you had to come by jet from overseas
or by car from a few states away.
But since this is the real world and we don’t live in a dream world,
I have an idea that prayerfully might be the next best thing…
I am wondering if any of you have any ideas about how to make this memorable
for you bloggy friends who showed so much love and support to us
while Karl lay in a coma for those 15 days and in the subsequent
days of healing/rehabilitation?
So I’m posing these questions:
Have you seen anything that really stands out from other weddings that
we might be able to incorporate?
Is there anything you would love to see us do?
Mind you, I haven’t asked Autumn about any of this, but being the Mom of the Bride
and living out of state I haven’t been able to actively participate much toward the big event…
yet, I would love to offer some unusual ideas.
Frankly, my brain is stumped but I really, really, really want in some way to honor
each of you who cared, fasted and interceded during those horrific weeks.
Of course, we will take lots of pictures {having a professional photographer daughter –
Abigail – helps a whole bunch and don’t forget Emmy is a pretty rootin-tootin’ talented
photographer as well.}
But I kinda figured if I threw the idea out to a few thousand bloggy friends someone
somewhere might have a really cool, creative, crazy-fun idea that we could do
to make the event even more wonderful for all of you.
So any one have an idea?
Any thing at all?
Don’t be shy!
I just want some way of thanking you all during this beautiful event…
Have a photo of the couple holding a thank you banner
Oh Linny, you are just so sweet. I am so looking forward to the wedding. I have no idea what to suggest, but I do know I will be addicted to the computer waiting for details and pictures. Too bad you couldn't do a live video feed so we could sort of be there.
A few ideas…
(1) flowers on the altar for those there in spirit
(2) everyone could send in a square if fabric amd someone could make a wedding quilt for the couple …would be like taking part in their special day (even though it might be a bit after the actual day)
A few ideas…
(1) flowers on the altar for those there in spirit
(2) everyone could send in a square if fabric amd someone could make a wedding quilt for the couple …would be like taking part in their special day (even though it might be a bit after the actual day)
I wonder if anyone else feels the way I do. I have never ever felt left out. Instead I am constantly amazed at how you have the gift of including all of us in your life. You tell stories, retell events and communicate in a way that I always feel like I have experienced it with you. The fact that you even care this much leaves me speechless. You are just always in my eyes a step above amazing.
Years ago I had a group of online friends who were all struggling with infertility. Our "leader" had been trying to conceive for over 10 years. When she finally did become pregnant we hosted a baby shower for her, though we were not all able to fly across the country/world to be at the shower we found a way to live stream it so we could all "be" there.
Perhaps you could invite us all to the wedding via internet livestream and have a secret code, look, sign or phrase that all the bloggy friends would recognize as a thank you.
That's all I got.
A Live Stream of the wedding ceremony would make us feel like we were 'there'. 🙂
At my brother's wedding, instead of getting a favor, we got a slip of paper (printed off of their home computer, cut into strips), that said a new coat was donated to a child in the area (it was a winter wedding, we live in a cold climate). Something donated to orphans? Or prayers for the same number of orphans as the number of slots/people that signed up for Karl's prayer log? Or maybe prayers for the patients that are current at the rehab facility Karl was at?
How about you find a really neat jar at one of your antique stores and allow us to send good wishes to the bride and groom (to you) and you print them out and tuck them in the jar. Annie
People could write a prayer or wish for the couple and fold it into a paper crane and the couple could open a box of crane wishes.
As the wife of an ex motorcycle rider from learners permit on- (until the adoption of our child) I would really like to never have to think of either of the wedding couple on a motorcycle again.
I like the unity candle, even if its old fashioned.
I also like group singing.
Most of all its so much about celebrating the past and future with close family and friends.
Three words: "live internet stream." Oh, I know that's not too exciting on your end (and probably too crazy hard to accomplish), but that was the first thing that popped into my mind. 🙂 Regardless, we're so excited for Autumn and Karl and the whole family!
What if you were to include pictures of those who prayed for Karl. Everyone could send a picture and you could Hang them clothesline-style somewhere.
You could buy several Jenga games and use a permanent marker to write advice from people on your blog and people that attend the wedding can also do it. Or just write the name of people who prayed for Karl on the pieces. All the kids can sign their own side with a special message. Might have to many names though.
Here is a link to an example.
http://www.jkelleyphoto.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/19-Jenga-Wedding-Guest-Book-Picture.jpg
Linny,
What if we tried to put a face to all of those bloggy friends who prayed, fasted and interceded, for Karl and Autumn? You could ask everyone that wanted to send a picture and a small note, or words of encouragement. Then someone (I would be willing) Could put these together in a photo book and you can present it to them on our behalf at the wedding.
Just an idea…Can't wait to see pictures!!
Shanna
Can the wedding party dance down the aisle? 🙂 I think after the tumultuous year… this would be a fun and celebratory way to praise the Lord for the joyous union that has finally happened!!!
Have a police car be the getaway car! hahaha since that was part of the engagement…it would be fun to see it resurface in the wedding!
Another idea that I love love love…. we filmed a wedding where the bride and groom's families came forward during the ceremony and surrounded the couple and prayed over them as they began their journey as husband and wife….it was one of the most moving things I've ever seen at a wedding.
But those are all really big things to change last minute if Autumn already has it planned out… so take my ideas as dreaming "out loud" only! 🙂
Well you could video it and put a portion of it on u-tube to put on your blog 🙂 !!!! I`m so EXCITED!!!!!
Ok a bit of work typing and cutting, but what if folks wrote a verse or short prayer or words of wisdom for the couple. These could be printed on colorful paper, cut up and used to "shower" the couple once the are pronounced hubby and wife. Another copy can be kept for their later reading.
amy in ga
Hi Linny,
Kelly green ribbon is the symbol of traumatic brain injuries. Thanking our good Lord that Karl was able to overcome his TBI. I am quite sure you and your family will never forget and will always be thankful of the power of God to help Karl so that he is able to meet Autumn as she walk down the aisle and be Autumn's groom. Having green ribbons with the meaning behind the green might help remind all of just where these two were at a year ago and how much they have overcome in their young life together. It might also put in perspective just how blessed you all are. Thank God, He spared one person from the evil effects of a TBI. I worked with people with TBI and it can be so horrible. I am so happy for you and your family that Karl was healed. Good luck with the wedding….what a wonderful day to look forward to. I cannot wait to see the pictures.
Love,
Wendy
Hmmm…how many people prayed? What's her thing: balloons, flowers, ribbons, chocolate (as in Hershey's hugs and kisses)? Build an archway (or cover a trellis) with something that coordinates with Autumn's theme and make sure they get pictures. It would represent the covering of prayer over them over the past year.
Or, prayer shawls with a special knot or bead representing each one who prayed.
I can't wait to see what you do. No matter what. I know it will be well thought out and incredible!
Maureen
This is one that Autumn and Karl would definitely have to approve, but, a friend of mine got married in India and had quite a few family and friends that couldn't come.
He set up a live web cast of the wedding so that those of us that were thousands of miles away could watch the ceremony.
It was pretty cool and allowed us to 'participate'.
What about a candy table to honor all of your "sweet" friends that prayed for Karl.
I've done something similar at showers I've thrown but instead of a guest book, ask guests to use provided papers to write down wishes for the future or blessings or marriage advice. Then put those papers into an album, hopefully with photos of the guest next to it too.
KK
How about putting a poster board in the back of the church. We send pictures and you tape 'em to the board, than we can "be there" at the wedding too… if the bride does not mind us "looking" on. ~Smile~
Another idea is to buy a new bible. Again, this instead of a guest book. Ask guests to find a verse that reminds them of the couple or is special in some way. Have them circle the verse and sign their name in the margins. As the couple reads the bible together, they will find the surprise notes from wedding guests.
KK
You could live stream the wedding for us…
ok, first of all, i'm really really really sad that you were IN my town and i didn't get to met you!! 🙁 but i'm really glad that you got to get home faster than you first thought you might. 🙂 if you ever drive through here again…i get first dibs on getting to see you! 😀
second, you could use an idea i have seen several adoptive families use when they're fund raising (just without the fund raising part) – you could get a beautiful puzzle and write the names of each person who prayed, fasted, etc. on the back of each puzzle piece as you put it together and then frame it and either hang it at the reception or give it to them at some point as a gift at the wedding or even during the ceremony?
or you could have everyone that wants to send a note and put them all in a scrapbook type thing?
i'll keep thinking. 🙂
Have a special blog post where we can send blessings, kind thoughts to the newly wed couple. Then print the comments and put them in a book for them to read later. Just a thought. So excited for all of you! Hugs and be happy!
Oh linny stream it for us!!! How stinking cool would it be if we could all be there…well you know…not actually but really… 🙂
You could print out prayers, messages, encouragement, even advice for the bride and groom from your bloggy friends and then hang them from a tree or branches positioned together like a tree. Good luck with the wedding!
I have no ideas, but I can't wait to see what other people come up with – what fun! 🙂
how so exciting… I think August 18 is a special date! it is because of… Autumn and Karl's wedding… and on that date, Adeye will be leaving for Bulgaria to adopt two more children… and just recently, I found out that a pastor friend of mine, his 28th wedding anniversary is on August 18 too! 🙂 18 is a special number 🙂
You could put the names of all those that were on the prayer log on little pieces of paper, and then put them all in a vase. The vase could be near the front of the church, or on a special table at the reception.
Another idea is to write the names on a ribbon, and drape the ribbon somewhere special. It could be around some flowers, along the edge of a table, etc.
I'm sure folks will have LOTS of good ideas for you!
We wanted to honor the grandparents who weren't alive to be there at our wedding so we thought of printing pictures of them to place on the tables. That grew into printing their wedding pictures and all the other wedding pictures in our family of generations above to place on the tables and it looked great, we got a lot of compliments on it. You could get pictures of all the families who prayed and place it with their name on the tables. Very cool way of honoring Karl's prayer family 🙂
Hi-
We did a scrapbook for my mom's fiftieth birthday since she didn't want a party. People sent letters and a picture. Maybe you could have people email you a note and a picture and print them out to put a face with all of those names of people who prayed.
We arranged the chairs in a circle for our wedding and sat in the middle, and we surrounded the outside with flowers of people who had passed on but who we wished could have been there, and then made note of it in the program.
What about a virtual wedding shower? I don't know what all they need, but I'm sure some would be happy to donate.
Also, I emailed you a few days ago at aplaceofsimplicity@yahoo.com. I know you are busy and I don't expect you to answer it right away, but just wanted to make sure you received it. My email is aksprinkle@gmail.com if you need to do a search. Thanks!
Have you consider live streaming the event?
Hmm, maybe you could ask for family photos of readers, then make a poster-sized collage that sits on an easel (thank you, Spell Check!) in the foyer (if that didn't interfere with Autumn's foyer decorations)?
several years ago a bloggy had a very sick child and she asked for prayers. people started sending a photo of themselves, wherever they might live, holding up a piece of paper with the childs name on it. pictures of prayer warriors came from all over. the child's name was written in the sand on many beaches all over the world, his name was held by people on mountain tops, in Paris, on top of the Empire State Building….literally anywhere and everywhere in the world. You could put all the photos of Karl's prayer warriers in a book for him to keep
Two ideas come to mind…
1. bloggy friends can make a donation to International Voice for the Orphan in Karl and Autumn's honor as a wedding gift!. If you're invited to a wedding you should bring a gift after all!
2. Our best friend's daughter had all guest write "Words of Advice" to the bride and groom instead of a guest book. She then displays one or two of them at a time in her kitchen.
So excited for them!!! Your family is growing!!
Blessings!
Laurie
We prayed long and hard for Karl's recovery. My kids would ask often about him. I think anything with bubbles or helium balloons released would represent prayers toward heaven on their behalf. Maybe colored sand representing the countless people and prayers sent for Karl and Autumn during his recovery. Some people do sand instead of a unity candle–using two different colors in clear jars. When they pour them together into a larger clear jar, it makes something new and beautiful.
Thats the best I can do today.
Stressed out mama waiting for her Travel Call to Korea.
This isn't especially "weddingish" but you could put up a world map with heart stickers on each place where people were praying. Maybe we could email or comment wedding wishes and you could cut them out and stick them around the map?
Hi Linny~
Here is my dream RSVP for the wedding!
Can't wait to see the photos.
Blessings,
Suzanne
How about an extended family tree? Make a big tree where you add pictures of all the families and individuals that prayed for Karl and all of you? Everyone could include a favorite family bible verse, favorite recipe, quote, motto or a note to put in a photo album for the happy couple.
Margy in Iowa
How about rose petals with our names on them being thrown down on the aisle as before the bride walks down? That would be something simple and doable and we could all be there then! My heart sings for you all, really. I love that this day is a REALITY of prayer and the faithful God that we serve! Jesus is Lord!
Red! I have seen wedding photos were the bride is wearing some sort of red! 😀 It's such a beautiful color. Kinda different but not toooo different.
Karl and Autumn need a quilt like the one you received from friends near and far! That will take time, but….blessings could be written on the back of a quilt square…then the quilt could be assembled and given to her later on! For something that could be presented at the wedding people could email you well wishes and you could print them and put them in a book or even add them to a slide show and maybe include a picture of who sent it…
Karl and Autumn need a quilt like the one you received from friends near and far! That will take time, but….blessings could be written on the back of a quilt square…then the quilt could be assembled and given to her later on! For something that could be presented at the wedding people could email you well wishes and you could print them and put them in a book or even add them to a slide show and maybe include a picture of who sent it…
Pinwheels! I recently saw a wedding shoot with pinwheels being used instead of flowers. They are so easy to make, using scrapbook paper. That's my idea! Looking forward to seeing the photos of such a precious couple.
Love, Jo
For my daughter's wedding the end of June they put two colors of sand for each of them, plus white to represent God, in an hourglass–forever mixed. They could do this, but also add in smaller amounts of all kinds of other colors to represent the rest of us who are invested in their lives. (or maybe some kind of container with different colors of beads or something??) Not exactly a "crazy-fun" idea, but at least it's an idea!
It might be too late to decide to do this, but I went to a wedding once that instead of having the awkward unity candle moment (which I think is really lame and omitted all together from my wedding) my friend Katie and her husband washed each others feet in a way to symbolize both following Jesus and mutual submission to one another. It was very beautiful and I thought much more meaningful than sand or the candle.
Also I know of two weddings where they displayed on a table pictures of the bride and groom growing up leading toward the center of the table with pictures of the two together; and on each end of the table was their mother's wedding gowns.
I feel like I must mention that in one of these weddings a mother's gown was lost to fire due to someone leaving a candle too close or it tipping over anyway, use candles with extreme caution. lol 🙂
I happen to live near a kimberly-clark factory and I obtained rolls of the material used to make pads and tampons. lol Sounds super weird but when unrolled it looks beautiful like gossamer and I put lights behind it in a scalloped fashion, I have pictures on fb of two of these weddings (mine included) if you want to see.
You definitely should see my fruit trees, that could be something neat to recreate. Or instead of having a grooms cake we asked friends and family to make specific treats that we loved and labeled them according to what it was and who brought it. That may have been my favorite part of my wedding.
-I recently got married and we had our pastor incorporate my purity ring into the ceremony. I can't really remember much about because it was just done at the ceremony and not the rehearsal, but it really stuck with a lot of people. The most significant part was that I physically gave my husband my purity ring.
-My friend had a tree that said "leaf your thumbprint." Something like this: http://blog.newsunriseevents.com/leaf-your-thumb-print
-One more thing: What if you had people coming to the wedding and blog friends write Bible verses and words of wisdom for Karl and Autumn and then add them into a book.
-I also had a table with cheep kid friendly games (think coloring books, crayons, puzzles)because it made the wedding a lot more enjoyable for the kids.
I hope this helps. Happy wedding.
Kiah
What if everyone sent you a puzzle piece they could paint it, or Modge Podge a tiny family picture or just put their names on it and you guys could assemble it on a big picture frame for them to use with a favorite picture later. A frame of all those who've prayed for them!
Maybe Karl and Autumn could take a moment whenever (ceremony or reception) and say a prayer for all of us who prayed for them? You could videotape it and share whenever you have a free moment here on your blog. What a wonderful blessing it would be to have the two of them pray for whatever God lays on their hearts for us. Speaking for myself, prayers are always welcome, no matter what is going on in my life…the good and the stressful! 🙂
Maybe Karl and Autumn could take a moment (ceremony or reception) and say a prayer for all of us who prayed for them? You could videotape and publish it on your blog whenever you have a free moment. 🙂 What a wonderful blessing it would be to have them pray for whatever God lays on their hearts to pray for us. Speaking for myself, no matter what is going on in my life…the good and the stressful…prayers are always welcome! 🙂