planning with the in-laws

i met Mike's brother over the weekend.. and i saw his sister and her family again. Mike shared our engagement news with his siblings over the weekend! He wanted to do it while his brother (Mark) was in town. (it's always more fun to share the engagement news in person!)

Laurie (Mike's sister) had some useful advice. Although i think we'll scrap the flip-flops idea, and the bamboo centerpieces idea... i did love the idea of putting the ring bearer in black shorts, a white dress shirt, and black suspenders. it just looks way better on little boys than mini tuxes do. i don't like seeing little kids look stiff and uncomfortable. (probably mainly because i remember what it felt like to wear clothes that were stiff and uncomfortable as a kid) ;)

We also asked Laurie to do a prayer during the ceremony. Our officiant is not a religious man (but he is an artist, which I love!)... so we thought it would be nice to invite a family member to do a prayer for us. Laurie agreed, then threatened to break out the Latin (which i thought was funny ~ but then i think everything is funny!) :)

I think we're going to have one of Laurie's youngest daughters (Maddie) help my flower girl, since Brooke will only be 2 1/2 next summer. Maddie will be almost 5. They're both totally adorable little girls ~ they'll be so cute together!

Marks' youngest son will probably be our ring bearer. There are so many kids between Laurie and Mark... I have trouble keeping them all straight. Laurie's kids are easier for me, because I've met them twice. They're incredible kids!

Laurie's kids are all very musically inclined, so we've asked them to do the music for the ceremony. Her oldest son will play the violin for us. (I know i'm going to start crying as soon as I see Mike and hear that violin! It's a good thing the bride is supposed to carry a handkerchief for that purpose!)

--Chrissy