Full of color and depth, I’m excited to share the real wedding {via Brides.com} of Heather and James.  This beautiful couple successfully blended Heather’s Korean heritage into their May, Rhode Island wedding.  Unique and exciting, I’m sure this celebration was a delight and a wonderful experience for everyone in attendance.

Asian Inspiration Throughout the Wedding…

Attire… Ceremony… Food… Decorations

Overlooking Narragansett Bay, the couple took their vows outside.  Afterward, everyone went inside for a traditional Korean pyebacek wedding ceremony.

For the ceremony inside, Heather slipped out of her white gown and into traditional dress: hanbok and flower robe where she was formally introduced to the groom’s family.  Sitting beside the bride and groom during the ceremony were duck figurines {a symbol of fidelity in Korean culture}.  Heather’s family minister performed the ceremony in both Korean and English and traditional Christian hymns were sung in both languages as well.

Korean-inspired menu items consisted of ceremonial treats during cocktail hour, rice cakes and homemade kimchi {spicy pickled cabbage} by Heather’s mom.  Giant paper spheres representing the moon, adorned the reception tent.

Lovely, inspiring and so very interesting!

What a great shot of Gary Cooper looking all kinds of cool, sporting his pocket square.

For the  modern groom wearing a suit or  jacket, a pocket square is a hip and classy alternative to the boutonniere.

Pocket squares seem to have a way of accentuating, varying and completing the look of a suit… really quite effortlessly.

Of course, your pocket square should complement the colors in the wedding party.

Check out the awesome blog, The Art of Manliness for all things manly AND to learn the different and correct ways to fold your pocket square: Puff Fold, Straight Fold, and One Corner Fold.

Love this contemporary lavender, silk version too.

Source

*Warning* This blog post contains serious content but~ is still suitable for all audiences.

You’re in love {check}

… but you’re committed to different faiths.  Or, perhaps one of you is committed to a faith and the other is not.  Is this reason for concern? Does it really matter if two people have different faiths?  Won’t love conquer the potential hurdles of married life anyways?

Well, while I sincerely believe that love never fails, I also think that interfaith marrying might just be one of those hurdles where love is put to the test.  If you’re anything like me, you hate hurdles.  But, the fact of the matter is~ they can’t be ignored.  Eventually, it becomes necessary to ask each other the big questions, anticipate scenarios and have thoughtful discussions… and best before the wedding day.

Do you know any couples who struggle in this regard? Since I’m married, my circle is made up of mostly married couples and I do know couples who struggle in this regard.

Here are some questions to ask each other in the main areas that interfaith marrying will impact mostly:

1. Worshipping.  How do you feel about not worshiping together?
2. Holiday celebrations.  Which ones will take priority?  What do your in laws expect of your involvement in customs, etc?
3. Raising kids {the biggest consideration, in my book.}  In which faith will you raise your children?  Will you be ready with solid answers about your faith differences?
4. Commitment. An active faith requires commitment.  Discuss the level of commitment you are comfortable with.
5. Support. How will you continue to support each other?
6. Conversion.  Is it necessary for one or the other to convert?
7. Financial commitment. How will your giving be affected?
8. Friendships. Will your friendships be impacted?

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? How are you working it out?

As always, I look forward to your thoughts!

SPECIAL… All this week! …. through Friday, 5/1/09

Cute! Cute! Cute! Carrier cards to coordinate with your mini Save the Date magnet….

Not only do they do they sweetly frame your Save the Date, they act as the perfect communication tool for getting extra information to your guests.  Personalize the backside of a Carrier Card to include additional info on i.e.  hotel accommodations… directions… your wedding website… registry info… share a special poem or proverb… ANYTHING!  And~ the Carrier Card does not have to be separated from the magnet; they will both stick to the fridge!

Check out the Mini Save the Date magnet gallery here and to coordinate, check out the linen paper carrier cards here.  Play around with the colors and fonts and text in the Design Studio!