Marie & Mark's Wedding Website

A site dedicated to the preparation details of our marrige ceremony and celebration. Thank you all for caring so much to join us on this journey.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

"Where's Waldo" Guide to the Wedding

It took a lot of effort to find ways to personalize our wedding. Here is a “Where’s Waldo” guide of some of the personal touches you will find throughout the day:

Wooden Rosary – Under his tux, Mark will be wearing a special rosary blessed by Pope Benedict and placed on the tomb of Pope John Paul II located at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Shortly after Mark and I met, Amy (vocalist – Ave Maria) and I went on a church trip to World Youth Day 2005. One of the many highlights of our trip occurred when a Vatican guard took our rosaries and placed them on the tomb of Pope John Paul II (now a relic) praying for a special blessing for all those who come in contact with this rosary.


Personalized Handkerchief – Along with the bouquet, I will carry a hand-embroidered handkerchief, presented to me at a bridal tea party hosted by the Hall Family. The handkerchief made by Renee Hall will be passed on to Emerald and any other daughters of the family and embroidered with their wedding date.


The Date – The date June 16th holds special significance as the anniversary date when Mark and I first met.


Fortune Cookies – As a special thank-you party favor you will receive a personalized fortune cookie. Until a recent dinner, fortune cookies never held a special significance to me. Mark and I were enjoying dinner at our favorite restaurant (China House – Auburn) with my parents when out of his coat pocket Mark pulled out a handful of lil’ paper fortunes. When my mother questioned him he answered that every fortune we were ever given was kept. I do not know what was more shocking…how many times we have eaten Chinese or the sweet unnoticed gesture.


Glass Rocks – At the reception, you will notice a small glass rock holding your menu card. This small detail signifies Mark’s love for glass. I could not find colored glass rocks so I had to settle on clear glass. You still get the idea though ;-)


Red Roses – The main flower in the wedding is the same flower that Mark has given me throughout our relationship. On our first date, Mark brought me a bouquet of wild flowers with one red rose hidden in the arrangement. Ever since then Mark has given me red roses for special and not-so-special dates. Roses also hold significance to the bride. My father has a love for roses and any visitors to my parent’s home will be welcomed with a large rose garden. Oh, how can I forget to mention that Mark and I were engaged in a rose garden.

The Church – I am blessed to be a parishioner at Saint Vincent de Paul Parish for over 5 years. The parish holds a special significance since I have spent countless hours there as a LifeTeen Volunteer for 4 years. Some of the best memories and spiritual experiences have happened in that blessed church.

Friends – Anyone who knows me is aware of what a blessing my friends have been. I have made it a point to include as many friends in the wedding as possible. A big thank you to my gifted friends who are offering their services: Shelley Mauss (photography), Art Leonard (music director/piano), Amy Gallwas (music), Candice Wolfe (music), Michael G (DJ), Melody Peterson (reception coordinator), and the best bridal party E-V-E-R.