13 Weddings...

Not counting the ones for work, Mr. FJ and I were invited to 13 weddings this year (not including our own).  Last year, it was 12.  Maybe next year, it'll be 14, who knows?

At this going rate (and not to mention being a professional event planner), it's easy to think that I have seen it all and have become all too jaded by this 'wedding' business.  Truth be told, there is indeed a general formula and equation to the entire wedding process.  Some people can become so wrapped up in it all- the 'bling', the glitz, the glamour, the "different" ideas, the favors, the colors, the stationery... the list can go on forever and ever.  Basically, it becomes easy to forget the real meaning behind a wedding celebration.  A wedding, in it's core, is two people coming together to celebrate their union with the ones they love the most.  It's really just a big ol' party!

Regardless of all the weddings which I have attended, planned, and/or coordinated, there are still moments and universal elements about each wedding that still gets me all teary-eyed.  These elements, I believe, are also the simplest moments involved in a wedding.

In no particular order, these things include:
- The bride walking down the aisle to her groom
- The groom's face while watching his bride walking to him
- The exchange of vows
- Parents' faces and expressions during the ceremony
- The first dance b/w the bride and groom
- The father/daughter & mother/son dances
- Toasts and speeches

I was recently at a wedding, and there were a series of events that occurred which triggered some realizations in me.  As the host of a wedding celebration, it is such a precious feeling to know you are surrounded by people who are rooting for you in one of the most important moments in your life.  As the guest, it is incredibly special to be there for your loved ones as they take such a huge step as individuals and as a couple.

To all brides- & grooms-to-be: While it's important to make your wedding as special, memorable, and different than others, just remember that there has never been and will never be 2 other people who are just like you to get married.  Just relax and try to enjoy planning, because YOU ARE LOVED no matter what happens!

To all guests-to-be: This might be "just another" wedding you are attending, but please remember that you are very special and dear to the couple; so special that they want to remember you in their wedding photos and in one of the biggest days of their lives.  Enjoy and have a good time!