Just like our readings, we spent a lot of time choosing music for our ceremony. Music has always been important to us individually and as a couple, from the Arcade Fire songs we listened to when we first started dating to the Death Cab for Cutie and Postal Service songs that will always remind us of college. We were excited to add to our “collection” with the wedding. Furthermore, music has always triggered my emotions like nothing else, and in this situation, I wanted them to be triggered! I wanted to feel the enormity of what was happening. Have you ever noticed how much more impactful words layered over music is than just words? Like in movies? Or at my church, when they always play Borning Cry in the background as the confirmands are blessed by their parents and pastor? (I used to make fun of my mom for crying every year, but now I do, too!) Photo from our ceremony by Nancy Ray In the end, we were so, so happy with the musical choices we made. Here they are: Entrance of parents and gentlemen: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring Played by: String trio My mom, accompanied by my brother in law, and John’s mom, accompanied by John’s dad, walked into Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. Once they had been seated, our pastor, John, and his groomsmen entered from the front side entrance of the church. This song just says “joyful wedding” to me like nothing else, and sure enough, when I heard the first swells from where we were waiting in the narthex, excited bubbles rose up in my stomach, and I might have let out a few squeaks :) Bridesmaids’ processional: In Christ Alone Played by: String trio and pianist I think this was the choice we

Hi friends! Lately, I’ve been preoccupied with trying to decide what to put on our Paloma’s Nest ring bearer bowl, so I thought I’d turn to you all for some suggestions. Melissa Schollaert If you were getting a ring bearer bowl, what would you put on it? (Or, if you actually had a bowl at your wedding, I’d love to hear what it said!) Would you go simple, with just the date (that’s John’s vote)? Would you take a line from your vows, or a ceremony reading, or your first dance song? Let me know what you think – I’d love to hear! P.S. Wouldn’t it be a brilliant idea for Paloma’s Nest to make a Pinterest board showcasing their custom ring bearer bowls from real weddings? They’ve currently got a board with their product photos pinned from their website, which is a great way to drive customers to their site, but this board I’ve got in mind would be more about inspiring customers like me, who are trying to decide on an inscription. With the hundreds of ring bearer bowls that have been featured online, they could pull amazing examples from all different wedding websites and blogs! And Caroline, if you’re listening, you’re welcome :) P.P.S. Enjoy the opening ceremony tonight, friends! John and I are kind of Olympics nuts, and are so excited!! Also, be sure to check back in on Monday for the conclusion to a wedding saga that’s been years in the making&#

I spotted this idea on Southern Weddings and instantly fell in love – bells at the end of the ceremony! The sound of all your guests ringing little bells as you walk back up the aisle must be so joyful and celebratory! I especially love that in this wedding, the bells have been passed down for generations and used at every family wedding. So special! Photo by Don Mears. See more here!