When Hannah and Mickey met in a Bible study at Stanford University, they knew they had some fundamental priorities in common. Their relationship grew as they returned to Minneapolis, and at last lead them to set a wedding date in early February, 2010.
Neither of them had any experience planning or even participating in a wedding, so the initial questions was a panicked "what do we do?" Their premarital counselor sent them to me to help them plan a low-cost simple, yet meaningful, wedding ceremony and reception.
Hannah's family is from Great Britain, Mickey, from across the world in China. How do we bring together two vastly different families and cultures? Only God could do that, so we prayed for wisdom and sensitivity toward both families.
For a cold Minnesota winter wedding, we decided on the theme of "Light" for the ceremony and tried to incorporate the theme into all our planning. Hannah was able to reserve Bethany International Church in Bloomington. The large, sunny church foyer fit perfectly with our theme and would serve as the reception space as well.
Hannah was able to borrow her gown from a friend but it looked like it was made for her! Her bridesmaids got to wear a black dress they already owned and the men all selected black suits. Bright spring flowers brought together red from Mickey's heritage and fragrant English garden roses and tulips from Hannah's. I selected "ming fern" as the foliage.
Their ceremony took place in candlelight: in keeping with our theme, I brought my candle screens holding 160 tea lights and we used the church's spiral candelabra and aisle candles. Bible passages and songs referring to Light enriched the ceremony.
The new Mr. and Mrs. greeted their guests as they left the sanctuary and entered the reception space. Nice not to have to go outside on a cold winter day! Yummy desserts were served buffet style and guests mingled or sat at little bistro tables.
Mickey's mom prepared some special Chinese peanut desserts for everyone to sample.
The guest tables carried out the theme with a black candle ring with bright spring floral in the center.
I was able to help Hannah and Mickey achieve the wedding they desired on a budget and with little stress. The key was that were very willing to adjust their vision to fit the budget and were realistic about it. A church reception is not for everyone, but it fit this couple and was a major cost-savings. Being surrounded by loved ones from around the world and honoring their faith and heritage was the central focus. It was beautiful.
That's my two pennies.
