starchild

We totally struggled with this! My dad told us we were wasting money and that we shouldn't have to pay to feed people twice since we were feeding them at the reception...haha Some of our guests didn't arrive until the night before the wedding, some were there for days. We had ours the night before so everyone could be there, even though we had already welcomed some people...lol I don't think you'll seem cheap if you don't do it. I had never heard of a welcome dinner until I came here and many of our guests hadn't either, so I doubt anyone will miss it. It is a big expense. It was so much fun and I'm glad we did it, but it's not necessary. Sometimes all these things we do because we think we should can be too much so if it doesn't work into your plan don't stress, and you can always set a time and place to meet up without hosting a full-on dinner

I don't think it would hurt to request that he write a formal letter of recommendation. I'm not sure if it matters but my cousin is a sub for LAUSD and she gets her jobs from word-of-mouth by teachers who request her. Having a letter on your file won't hurt, or at least I would talk to him again and make sure he has your contact info, because he may know someone at another school who needs a math sub and think of you

Quote: Originally Posted by Christa Karen - rum cream is exactly what it sounds like...Rum & cream mixed together. It's like a white russian, only with rum, in a bottle. It's super yummy & probably very fattening. I like it poured over ice. Did someone say rum cream? MMMMMM....those puppies go down smooth in the hot Jamaican sun! (and they pack a punch!)

If anyone can find the article on the site let us know. Jessalyn that's awesome how you are there & mentioned us! Your wedding pics are my favorite ever and I'm sure they put some amazing shots in the article.

Damn you Glenda, like I need another addiction! Haha...I just tried to order some bath milk & salts but they are sold out...I'll have to try again later

Nice...and don't you pay his salary? Fu@ker!

These feelings happen to most of us who are honest. I was a cool, calm bride and even I had a moment where I started to lose it and wanted to call people cursing...lol (I didn't btw thanks to DH) Don't worry about his parents not staying with you. You'll still see each other and in the end it won't matter. The main thing is that they are making the trip, let people stay where they want. Family and friends will let you down consistently through this process. Some people just plain can't go. For others, part of it is that they are good people but not as into you as you are, part of it is true colors coming to light. It is quite the learning experience and feelings can get hurt Trust me, I could tell you stories about last minute back-outs, people whose names were on the programs & weren't there, and liars in general. I could also tell you stories about people who pinched their pennies to be there and have continued to be our strongest supporters. Do what you want, and if the to-dos are too much then do away with them. Decorations are fun but anything causing stress isn't worth it IMO. Nobody will know or remember how much work/$ you put into them but they will remember if the bride was a stressed mess! Let all the extras go and see how you feel...it's very liberating. Focus on the reason you are going - which is to marry the love of your life. Everything - and everyone - else is extra

Interesting...I could totally do without Libby so I won't be mad if she's only in a flashback. Juliette has grown on me, I wonder what happens to her?

Okay, here goes a random fact: When I was a kid I could speak and write Chinese. My best friend for awhile was 1st generation Chinese & very little English was spoken in her house. We watched Mandarin soap operas after school and played mah jong with her grandma's friends who spoke little to no English...lol Her parents made her attend Chinese school on the weekends. I would do her homework with her so I learned how to write in Chinese, complete with the paintbrush and black inkwell. She moved away after 4th grade so my lessons stopped and my Chinese faded

You look great, what fun!

Quote: Originally Posted by lucky k72 I have always wanted to go but always heard stories about how dangerous it was to go off the resort. So it scared me off. But the more I have read, I realize this isn't neccesarily the case. I think the key is using general street smarts and also going around with the right person. More than 1 person approached us and offered to take us around but we said no until we met someone whose vibe we liked. We were in people's homes, backyards, cars, etc. and all in places where there weren't tourists for miles. We came across people whose patois was so thick we would never have made it alone, so that's where our guy came in handy! People thought DH was Jamaican until he spoke...haha Have fun, don't be afraid to go out but if you are going into people's neighborhoods go with a local, it will make things much easier Here are some pics of our off-site adventure, I have tons more if you like: W/Terrance in someone's backyard (he's the one with the abs of steel) Homes we passed along the way: @ the healing spring (yes my hand is in the fire, it went up my leg & didn't burn...it was crazy!) Neighborhood kids that followed us as far as they were allowed...lol:

I actually like #2 best

Good for you...I probably would have chickened out and checked into a hotel when the weather got horrible! I'm glad you made it and all went well

Beautiful )

Cool alternative to the standard vase...welcome

Show them off! Cute idea

You could always take the face off of your pics if you're worried about that

My favorite place in Hawaii, thanks for sharing. Great photos

Fabulous! We honeymooned at ROR and it was the most bonding experience ever! Beautiful resort. If Terrance still works as a sailing instructor tell him we said hi and have him take you to St. Ann's bay where he lives. Ask about the secret healing spring...shhh! It was the best time we had in JA

Great stuff and very nice of you to offer it!

That is so cool! Congrats on the decision

Very sweet, and yummy sounding dinner

Quote: Originally Posted by Yari His mom Live plants or fake plants live plants Q: milk chocolate or dark chocolate?

Welcome to the forum Josh, let us know how we can help )

Too cute, great colors!