Day 37 and Counting

Day 37: He Inspires Me


Chris is the most hardworking, diligent, disciplined and intelligent person I know. If you know him then you can understand what I mean. I have always been such a creative and go with the flow type of person. Never really planning things out or very disciplined. While both of us have our strengths, he makes me want his. To see how brilliant his mind is, the kindness he bestows on everyone and his ability to see the positive in every situation is like none other. He is naturally a great human being in every way. I have always been content with who I was and didn't feel the need to change. But somehow, when I spent enough time, I found myself gravitating and yearning for all the wonderful qualities that make him so great.

Day 38 and Counting

Day 38: He Makes Me Feel Safe (My Warm Blanket)

I remember years ago when I first moved to New York. I was a young college aged girl who despite her great job struggled to constantly make ends meet and. I was scared, lonely, and not sure of what I was really doing. While I knew my parents always had my back I felt so insecure about just day to day living. I knew God wouldn't let me fall, but I just never felt secure. I got lost almost every week on the subway, barely had any friends, and just felt miserable sometimes. Fast forward to today and things couldn't be more opposite. Chris has become a physical representation of the security that Christ gives me. With him I don't worry about even small things that used to get to me. It's safety that you can't get from money, career, education, status or people. It truly comes from Christ shining from this man onto me.

My Bridal Trunk

While I was shopping in the Home Goods store recently, yes...it's my guilty pleasure, I came across the cutest thing. A stack of vintage looking trunks. Each came in different colors, but all had butterflies on them. If you know anything about this wedding I have been using butterflies on just about everything from the Save-the-Dates to the invites. So when I saw the pink one I just knew I had to have it. Everything inside me wanted to throw it in my cart, head to the cashier, and never look at the price. It was pretty with its leather trimming, brass grommets and red velvet interior.

Hmmm...what was a girl to do? It had to cost more that what I wanted to spend. It just had to. It was right at that moment I thought of Chris and all the sacrificing he has done to make the wedding special for me. I knew I couldn't just sneak some expensive item. So, I decided to leave it.

But wait...before I go...let me just entertain myself and look at the price. Here we go...$29.99!!!! What is this shouldn't it be $299.99. Do my eyes deceive? Did some random stock person put the wrong tag on. I double checked all of them and sure enough it was the price. Well, I don't think I need to explain what happened next. I am so happy I bought it.

I wanted something to keep all of my stuff in over the wedding weekend. My shoes, accessories, and other bridal items will go inside. I can't wait to make it a keepsake to show my children and grandchildren down the road. If I hadn't come across it I may have never even thought to get a gorgeous box to keepsake my bridal memories.

Here is a shot on the tissues that will be placed on guest seat at the ceremony...more on that later.

39 Days and Counting

Day 39: He Is a Leader

I have seen Chris walk into a room and command the respect and attention of everyone in there just by being his presence. People naturally gravitate towards him and want to follow in his footsteps. He is a gentle yet firm leader that does not coerce or manipulate. Rather he is straightforward and honest. I respect this quality the most, because it requires humility, strength, and wisdom. It gives me assurance that I can follow this man anywhere, because I know he will lead me on the right path. I fully trust his decision making abilities and never worry if he will make decisions that will harm me or our family. Like Joshua, he seeks God first for guidance and seeks what is best for those around him before he makes a choice. I am so fortunate to have such a strong and confident man.

Chuppah

There is one design element I love at wedding ceremonies and it's a chuppah. Before you ask what is a chuppah, here you go:

A chuppah (Hebrew: חוּפָּה‎) (also spelled hupah, chupah, or chuppa - plural: chuppot or chuppahs, Hebrew: חוּפּוֹת) is a canopy traditionally used in Jewish weddings. It consists of a cloth or sheet, sometimes a tallit, stretched or supported over four poles, or sometimes carried by attendants to the ceremony. A chuppah symbolizes the home the couple will build together. Chuppah literally means a canopy or a covering. (info via Wikipedia)

Yes it is a Jewish tradition. While I am not Jewish I am a Christian and our roots are based in Jewish culture. Not only are they a pretty decor element, but are rich in symbolism and spirituality. The Bible talks about Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding and while I could not say for sure, I would guess that He witnessed the ceremony under a chuppah.

The basics are built from four simple poles and cross beams. From there you can pretty much adorn it however you like. Common elements are fabric, flowers, branches and crystals.

*Images via Inspired Goodness


*Image via Yvonne Designs

This one is made of glass!


*Images via Davinci Florist

The prettiest one I have ever seen...

Image via InStyle Weddings

Here is a bit about the symbolism of a Chuppah. Hopefully I will get to have one :)

Symbolism

In a spiritual sense, the covering of the chuppah represents the presence of God over the covenant of marriage. As the kipa served as a reminder of the Creator above all, (also a symbol of separation from God), so the chuppah was erected to signify that the ceremony and institution of marriage has divine origins.^{[citation needed]}

The "chuppah" may also represent the home of Abraham and serve as a reminder that he was a foreigner in a strange land, looking for the place God had promised to him.

Before going under the chuppah the groom covers the bride's face with a veil, known as the badeken (in Yiddish). The origin of this tradition is in the dispute of what exactly is the chuppah. There are opinions that the chuppah means covering the bride's face, and that by this covering the couple is to be married. Thus, some insist that the marriage witnesses also see this act of covering, as it is a formal part of the wedding.

The groom enters the chuppah first to represent his ownership of the home on behalf of the couple. When the bride then enters the chuppah it is as though the groom is providing her with shelter or clothing, and he thus publicly demonstrates his new responsibilities toward her.^[2]

(info via Wikipedia)

40 Days and Counting

I can't believe that in 40 days the man I love will be my husband. So in these days I will list one quality a day that I love about Chris.

Day 40: He Loves and Lives for God
It is such a gift of God when He brings someone in your life who loves Him above all else. Chris places Christ above everything, including me. That is what I want and need in my husband. He spend from five to 10 hours a day in the word or ministering and I have never seen a more dedicated person to the things of God. He calls God his Friend, Counselor, and Father. What more could you ask for?

Yes...that is soda :)

Bernie!

I got to hang out with my friend and bridesmaid Bernadette. We went dress shopping for her. It was so much fun. Being with her is like putting on your favorite dress. No matter how long it's been since you last wore it...it still fits. She looked great in so many dresses. I am so happy she will be in he wedding :) Now if we can only find that dress in black!


Bernie Chillin...

The lovely choices...

Va Va Voom!