Sunday, September 30, 2012

Luis & Dan's Wedding: Laughs and Tears - and an 80's Band!

Last night I had the most amazing experience of officiating the wedding ceremony of an old friend. Luis and I have known each other since the 6th grade! So, while it was a little surreal - I mean, I still remember us running around in the school playground! - it was also one of the most wonderful moments I've ever had.

Luis and Dan are two of the greatest guys you could ever hope to meet, and the process of creating their ceremony made me fall in love with them both. It's no wonder they want to spend their lives together!
Handfasting cord

 Their wedding took place at Uncommon Ground on the north side of Chicago. The atmosphere was perfect, the food was great - and there was an 80's band. They even had a singer/guitarist who played Crowded House and Eddie Veder during the cocktail hour. What could be better??

The ceremony was so much fun - and wound up being "interactive" with lots of jokes & commentary from the peanut gallery..... I mean, the guests. Not to mention that the grooms kept cracking jokes!

Dan and Luis opted to include a handfasting ritual, so I made their cord as a wedding gift. It included charms representing each of them and their lives together. The red ribbon symbolized the story of the Red Thread of Destiny. Their good friend, Irwin, came forward to offer a blessing during the handfasting.

They also included a blessing stone ritual, where all the guests received a rose quartz on which to place their blessings and wishes. The stones were collected and placed in a vase. Dan and Luis each had a stone in the the shape an their chosen animal totem, which they placed on top of the rose quartz.

And of course, there were tears and laughs - and it was a night I'll never forget! Especially since my feet are still sore from dancing so much!

Angel Eyes Photography was on hand to document the evening, so I'll share a link to those pixs when they're available. In the meantime, here are shots of the ceremony taken by my hubby!

Luis enters with Best Man, Polo

The tears started pretty quickly. Luckily, I came prepared!
Irwin offers a blessing during the handfasting.
Lots of laughs during the ceremony!

Exchanging vows.   Denise, Dan's Maid of Honor, approves


Luis & Dan face their loved ones for the guests' vow of support.


Congratulations, Luis & Dan. I can't tell you how much it means to me to have been a part of your wedding day. I wish you lots of love and happiness. And I expect you to make me dinner (hint: MEATLOAF!!) some time. Love you!!



Monday, September 24, 2012

AnitaWeds Giveaway - Lego Zombie Couple!

It's time for a giveaway, folks!

As most of you probably know, I am a big fan of zombies. Waiting for The Walking Dead to come back is killing me!! So, as I wait impatiently, I've decided to offer a zombie giveaway! 

I have a lovely Lego zombie couple for one lucky winner. This is a brand new Lego wedding couple, but has been "turned" by Lego artist Customized Bricks (who just happens to be my son). 



The unhappy undead couple show the typical wear and tear of the zombie lifestyle, including blood splatters - and even bullet holes on the groom! 

The set also includes a veil and extra hair for the bride (blonde and brunette).

And..... you can opt to receive two brides or two grooms instead of the bride/groom combo. Just let me know what you choose if you win.

So, how can you win this amazing prize? Just leave a comment to this post telling me why you'd like to win. Please include your first name and wedding date! 

The deadline to enter is October 5th. Winner will be announced here on Saturday, Oct. 6th. Good luck, fellow zombie lovers!