rodent

Welcome letter for OOT bags http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...etterfront.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...letterback.jpg (I ended up changing the background on this one)

Ceremony programs. I am ordering them through vistaprint & mounting them on blue cardstock. The blue border won't be printed. That's to see what they will look like finished. http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...forposting.jpg Meet the guests brochure. I made some improvements. I post the real deal when it comes in. http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...uestsfront.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...guestsback.jpg

OK, starting on programs now...thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks Sarah! I think a lot of people will see this now & find it as helpful as I have. I thought putting together the ceremony would be hard. I'm so glad these inspiration scripts were posted in time to help me with mine.

Quote: Originally Posted by aeroo Ooh that's a great idea! Didn't think of that when I first started the thread. How do we change it?? A mod has to do it with their magical mod powers. I'll PM one that is online right now.

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t21660 here are more. I'm loving it!! This was a project I was dreading. I thought it would be so hard. But, it's been great. I've just found ones I love & merged them into something that make me cry like a baby. I'm going to sit down with mike & personalize it for us. Almost have a BIG check off the list.

Do you think we should change the title to "Share you ceremony script"? I think more people will view it knowing that there is more than just 1 script. And then more will share. More beautiful verses for me to use

This is what I have so far. I've been searching to forum & merging everything I love. I still have more personalizing to do. We'll probably change the vows together. I am getting so excited about the wedding! Morgan and Michael June 21, 2008 Opening We are here today to participate in a most joyous occasion; to celebrate one of the greatest moments in life, by acknowledging the wedding of Morgan and Michael. This beautiful setting should remind us that, like the ocean, human life is an ebb and flow- The life of the spirit and emotions- moves in cycles. To be in a relationship does not guarantee an eternal summer. To make a sincere and honest commitment does not promise, an end to all struggle. What a good relationship does offer, much like this ocean, is the opportunity for renewal. It recognizes the abiding, shared hope that after every fall and winter, spring and summer will come again. On behalf of Morgan and Michael, I welcome you and thank you all for gathering here on this beautiful day to witness their marriage ceremony. The fact that you all have travelled such a great distance to be here today is a testament to the amazing amount of love and support they have. Many of you have given them much happiness, love, warmth, and guidance through the various stages of their lives. They would like to sincerely thank you all for being here to celebrate their big day. A special and respectful acknowledgement must also be made to those friends and family members who were unable to attend, or have passed on, but whose spirit remains alive and strong in all our hearts. I have also been asked by Morgan and Michael to thank their parents for the wonderful lives they have given them, for the hard work and guidance they have provided, for their everlasting love, support, and encouragement. It is from them that they have learned the true meaning of love, friendship and family. Ceremony The marriage between Morgan and Michael does not mark the beginning of a new relationship; rather, it is an acknowledgement and celebration, of a relationship that has been flourishing since they met. Marriage has been described as living in love with your best friend. Love is one of the few constants in the universe. It is reality, affinity, and communication. Only love is capable of joining living beings by their deepest essence, uniting, completing, and fulfilling them. You have chosen to walk through life together. There is no truer statement of love. The choice was not made by any one moment, but by being together you grew to realize that you belonged together and that you fulfilled each other’s needs. You have come to thrive upon each other’s presence, loyalty and wisdom. The foundation of your love is profound friendship. A friendship you have nurtured until at last you realized that you wanted to be together always. The commitment you make today will be the foundation on which you will build your life together. Morgan and Michael would you please face each other and join your hands. Vows Morgan, as I say these words, would you please repeat after me… I love you, Michael. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life. I am forever yours……faithfully. Michael as I say these words, would you please repeat after me… I love you, Morgan, You too are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life. I am forever yours……faithfully. The Rings Morgan and Michael, your rings are intimately associated with your intent to honor and treasure the vows you have made today. By exchanging rings, resolve to live your vows and not to let them drift in shallow promises. Believe and trust that the words you have spoken have the capacity to create the marriage, family and life of your dreams, and that the rings you exchange will have the power to return you to your vows. Michael as you place this ring on Morgan’s finger please repeat after me… Michael, I give you this ring, as a sign of our marriage, and a lasting reminder, of the vows made between us today. I give you this ring, as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever. Morgan, if you accept please say I do… Morgan as you place this ring on Michael’s finger, please repeat after me… Mike, I to give you this ring, as a sign of our marriage, and a lasting reminder, of the vows made between us today. I give you this ring, as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever. Michael, if you except, please say “I Do”. HAND CEREMONY Morgan, please hold Michael’s hands palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will massage tension from you neck and back in the evenings after you’ve both had a long hard day. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief engulfs your heart. And these are the hands that when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch. Michael would you please hold Morgan’s hands palms up so you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will hold you in joy, excitement and hope each time she tells you that you are to have another child; that together you have created new life. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving. And these are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized. Commitment of family and friends Ladies and Gentlemen, Morgan and Michael have demonstrated in your presence today, their belief in their love, and their desire to live together in matrimony. If you also believe in their love, and wish to add your blessing on their marriage today, please respond now by saying……………WE DO And are you all willing to sustain and strengthen this marriage, by giving Morgan and Michael the public commitment of your love and support, through all the ups and downs ahead of them…If you are willing, please say……….WE ARE Pronouncement Now that you have joined yourselves in marriage, may you strive always to meet this commitment, with the same spirit you now are now shining. We all bear witness to this ceremony you have just performed, and this bond that has been formed today can be broken by none. In the City of Puerto Aventuras Mexico, as your officient today, July 21st, 2008 you may now call yourselves by those old and respected names, Husband and Wife. Ladies and Gentlemen, Family and Friends Mr. And Mrs. Michael xxxxxxxxxxx, you may kiss the bride………

Quote: Originally Posted by ErinB I might just use this one, before the rings, so I won't be crying through the ENTIRE ceremony! We are doing it after the rings. I want to have our rings on as we look at our hands. Also, I want this after we have to say anything so I'm not a blubbering mess. I'm putting together my ceremony today & it's making me very emotional. I love personalizing it to be something that we believe.

so did you originally book ryan air? I haven't been able to figure out if our ryan air guets were switched to aeromexico. It looks like they were. Its good because it puts more people on the same flight.

I picked riviera maya because it was a quicker flight from Texas & North Carolina. I'm so excited about a trip to the ruins & snorkeling in a cenote. I've been to cancun, but there is so much we didn't do on that trip.

You can sort of adjust some text, but it's messy. If it's mostly text, you can select all the text & copy & paste it into word & then just redo it. Not that simple though. PDFs are not great for templates.

Quote: Originally Posted by chibi411 i'll give you a review when i come back in time for yours! wonderful!!! I'd love to hear from someone who went on the trip for advice!! Quote: Originally Posted by tlomlad hey morgan quick question are you doing this tour different then your trash the dress session with ur awesome photog, and if so could you give us some info on how and where you are planning on doing your trash the dress cenote shoot cause we did some research and found a few places but are not totally sure about there photo restriction an i dont want to show up in my dress and have them say no lol that would be my luck....oh and less than a month for you how exciting im down to 2 and cant wait!!!!! We are doing the trash at that same trip to the cenote. We are changing during lunch. I haven't heard any restrictions about photography at a cenote. i know you can't do it at Coba. Hopefully my dress dries out before 4pm the next day (kidding). I'm wearing heidi's TTD dress for my day before session. The day after the wedding I'm trashing the actual wedding dress on the beach with 2 friends that are bringing their wedding dresses. Can't wait!! I just thought about it & it doesn't make sense to trash both dresses. I'll probably just rewear the one. Then I'll get my real wedding dress hemmed short & it can be a party dress after the wedding. heidi's TTD dress is from the same line as my wedding dress. They are similar except for the neckline.

OK, one more post for more pictures. These 3 posts will get replaced by lots of info & pictures once I return from mexico.

here are some pictures Mike's sister took This is the lunch spot We rode the 30 minutes back to our hotel. If you take this trip, be sure to bring extra to tip the drivers. We were gone about 9-5. It was such an amazing day. I was so happy we were able to take our guests on such a cool adventure.

OK here is my post-wedding review of the trip These guys were great! Here is his email: [email protected] and phone number: 984 116 4423 The vans were very comfortable. The guys were so professional. They called me in advance to confirm. They showed up exactly on time. They made our lunch reservation, kept an eye on the van, and got us a cooler full of ice. I can not say enough great things about Sinal Tours & this trip. We paid $160 for an 11 passenger van & $180 for a 14 passenger van. So a total of $340 to get 20 people to Coba ($17 each). We covered the cost of the vans & our guests paid for their own enterance fee. We bought everyone a huge bottle of water & a package of cheese crackers. Both our WC & the Lomas rep offered to pick up water for us in playa del carmen. We paid $16 for 24 huge bottles, plus a tip. I bought the crackers before we left for Mexico. Our guests appreciated the water & snack. It was really hot. I also brought along bug spray & sunscreen to share. It was a 1 hour van ride from Puerto Aventuras. We left at 9 am. The fee to enter Coba was 48 pesos. They do no accept US dollars. We got our money converted at our hotel lobby. There is a clean bathroom right by the enterance. There are also some little shops, but they are kind of pricey. When you enter Coba, you can turn right & climb a ruin. If you go straight, there are bikes & bike taxis to rent. Bikes were 30 pesos & the bike taxis were right under 100 pesos. 2 people fit on a bike taxi. Some of our guests walked the whole thing. I rode a bike taxi with Kristie. Mike walked with his sister. Riding on the bike taxi was nice. It was very shady & we got a good breeze on the bike. Kristie & boy Morgan were snapping pics the whole time so there will be their great pictures to see later. ** You can't do pro staged photographer in the ruins. You are allowed to take pictures of the ruins, just not use them as a backdrop for a photoshoot. We saved the photoshoot for the cenote. There are no restrictions there. Until then, here are some that our guests took You can climb to the top of this 140 foot ruin. Mike's 5 year old nephew made it to the top. We spent 1 1/2 hours in Coba. Afterwards we went to lunch nearby. The Sinal Tours guy had already reserved us 2 tables. The place we went for lunch was very nice. There was a great breeze. It was an all you can eat buffet. The food was very good, but it was overpriced. I imagine we got the tourist discount But, it was worth it to have good food in a clean, cool place. It was $11 for the buffet with rice, beans, chicken, fruit & pasta. There was probably beef. I don't remember. Drinks were $1.50 for a soft drink & $2 for a beer. They took US $s. Coba is the only place we went to that didn't. We traveld about 30 minutes to Gran Cenote. It was $8 to get in. There were life jackets & snorkel equipment to rent. There was also a small bathroom. The cenote was wonderful. Our guests loved it. We stayed several hours.

Email address [email protected] Planning the trip through Sinal Tours is much cheaper than going through a tour company. We are paying $340 for and 11 passenger & a 14 passenger van ($13.60 per person!) This allowed us to treat our guests to an excursion. They will be covering the cost of getting into the ruins, renting a bike & getting into the cenote (~$20). We are paying for the vans. *I’m usually hesitant to put prices on the forum because they are always changing. But, I wanted to give their current prices just so you can see how affordable it is. I plan to write up a full description after my wedding to help others who would want to take this tour. But, with all the June/ July weddings I decided to put some info on the forum now for those who would want to book sooner. After the wedding I’ll give my review, suggestions & post pics. This is what we are doing: 9am leave hotel (wanted to allow plenty of time for breakfast) 1 hour drive to Coba 1.5-2 hours at Coba Lunch in Coba 1 van will head back to the hotel & drop anyone off who wants to go back The rest of the group will go to gran cenote 8 hours is the recommended time, but it can be done in less time. Payment can be made at the end of the service Enterance fees Coba 48 pesos *must be paid in pesos Bike 30 pesos *must be paid in pesos Bike taxi 98 pesos (two people can ride) *must be paid in pesos Gran cenote $8 accept US$ I attached a pdf of information about Coba & cenotes that I sent the guests. There are lots of pictures. I can't wait for this trip!!!!! VERY IMPORTANT be a responsible tourist! here is a website about protecting the wonderful natural resource of cenotes Cenotes of the Riviera Maya Home, Steve Gerrard Cavern, Cave, Technical Instructor Friday morning adventures.pdf

What have you done? With this little time I'd skip things like decorations, programs, OOT bags, etc. You really can just show up & get married. The rest is just extra.

I just read yours & I love that opening!! I might have to merge it with the script I planned to use. Great thread. I'm glad you started it. Getting the ceremony together is one of the last things on my list. Thanks!

This is the las caletas script. I love it & plan on using this with a few personalizations. Entering of the Bride xxxxx and xxxxxx month xxth, 200x We are here today to participate in a most joyous occasion; to celebrate one of the greatest moments in life, by acknowledging the wedding of xxxxxx and xxxxxxxx. Today xxxxxxxx and xxxxxxx proclaim their love to the world, and our joy and thoughts are with them. Being assured of your love as life long companions, and that you have your families blessings, I now ask, who gives this women to be married to this man? Thank you xxxxxx. Opening Blessing xxxxxxxxx, xxxxxxxx, Family and Friends, I would like to welcome you to xxxxxxxx. Bienvinidos Todos…. By entering into this marriage, xxxxx and xxxxxxxx are stating publicly, the feelings, and commitments they have held privately between them. They are proclaiming their love for, their trust in and their loyalty to the one, they cherish above all others. Marriage has been described as living in love with your best friend. Love is one of the few constants in the universe. It is reality, affinity, and communication. Only love is capable of joining living beings by their deepest essence, uniting, completing, and fulfilling them. Marriage is a symbol of the commitment, to create a lifelong partnership, based on love. Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and before your witnesses, I am to remind you of the serious and binding nature of the relationship you are now about to enter. Are you both here of your own free will? xxxxxxxxx and xxxxxxxxxx would you please face each other and join your hands. Vows xxxxxxx, as I say these words, would you please repeat after me… I love you, xxxxxx. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life. I am forever yours……faithfully. xxxxxxxxx as I say these words, would you please repeat after me… I love you, xxxxxx, You too are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life. I am forever yours……faithfully. The Rings The wedding ring, traditionally, is a symbol of the unbroken circle of love as it has neither a beginning nor an end. It should always remind those who wear it of the sacredness of marriage and the love that feeds it. xxxxxxx and xxxx, your rings are intimately associated with your intent to honor and treasure the vows you have made today. By exchanging rings, resolve to live your vows and not to let them drift in shallow promises. Believe and trust that the words you have spoken have the capacity to create the marriage, family and life of your dreams, and that the rings you exchange will have the power to return you to your vows. These rings mark the beginning of a long journey together, wear them proudly, as they are symbols which speak of love that you have for each other…. xxxxxxx as you place this ring on xxxxxxxxx’s finger please repeat after me… xxxxxxxx, I give you this ring, as a sign of our marriage, and a lasting reminder, of the vows made between us today. I give you this ring, as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever. xxxxx, if you accept please say I do… xxxxxxxxx as you place this ring on xxxxxxxxxx’s finger, please repeat after me… xxxxxxxxxx, I to give you this ring, as a sign of our marriage, and a lasting reminder, of the vows made between us today. I give you this ring, as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever. xxxxxxxxx, if you except, please say “I Do”. Hand Blessing xxxxxx, please hold xxxxxx’s hands palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief engulfs your heart. And these are the hands that when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch. xxxxxxxxx would you please hold xxxxx’s hands palms up and take a good long look at the position of his hands, "because this is the last time you will have the upper hand". These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will massage tension from you neck and back in the evenings after you’ve both had a long hard day. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving. And these are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized. Ladies and Gentlemen, xxxxxxxxx and xxxxxxxxxxxx have demonstrated in your presence today, their belief in their love, and their desire to live together in Holy Matrimony. If you also believe in their love, and wish to add your blessing on their marriage today, please respond now by saying……………WE DO And are you all willing to sustain and strengthen this marriage, by giving xxxxx and xxxxxxxxxx the public commitment of your love and support, through all the ups and downs ahead of them…If you are willing, please say……….WE ARE Pronouncement Now that you have joined yourselves in matrimony, may you strive always to meet this commitment, with the same spirit you now are now shining. We all bear witness to this ceremony you have just performed, and this bond that has been formed today can be broken by none. In the City of xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Mexico, as your officient today, month xxth, 200x you may now call yourselves by those old and respected names, Husband and Wife. Ladies and Gentlemen, Family and Friends Mr. And Mrs. xxxxxxx, xxxxxxxxxxx, you may kiss the bride………

Here is the one my hotel uses. I'm using something different: WE have present in front of us today, Saturday, April 19th 2008, Benjamin and Monica who have come forward for their celebration of unity. “Marriage” is the legal union between man and woman, that joins their lives together to enhance the human race and find eternal happiness. In the marriage, both the man and the woman have the same rights and obligations to each other, and both are equal under the law” Marriage is the moral way to establish a family, to conserve the human race, and to compensate for the imperfections of the individual that can not be fulfilled within himself, in order to attain the duality of marriage. The married person should be and will be sacred, each to the other, even more than to himself. The man, whose gifts are principally courage and strength, should and will give perfection, nourishment, and direction to the woman. Treating her always like the most delicate, sensitive, and finest part of himself. The generosity and kindness that a man owes to a woman is essential, as she devotes herself totally to him The woman, whose gifts are principally beauty, insight, love, and tenderness should and will give assistance, consolation and advice to the man, treating him always like the person who stands by her and defends her. Each one owes to the other, and should have, respect, fidelity, confidence, and tenderness. Both should never do anything to contradict the union. Both should use wisdom to lessen any faults, and never insult, as insults between married people dishonour and abuse the strength of the union. Both should cherish and honour this union as the lasting bond that unites our race, for in the eyes of man, this is considered the most important component of society and of the family. Being so and for all the above written reason, I’ll ask you to take each others hand: EXCHANGING THE VOWS : Benjamin, do you agree to take Monica as you lawfully wedded wife, to love and honour her, stand by her side in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live? Monica, do you agree to take Benjamin as your lawfully wedded husband, to love and honour him, stand by his side in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live? Now please exchange your rings ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… EXCHANGING OF THE RINGS (the man first): I WILL ASK YOU NOW TO SEAL THE VOWS WHICH YOU HAVE JUST MADE, BY THE GIVING AND RECEIVING OF RINGS, LET US REMEMBER THAT THE CIRCLE IS THE EMBLEM OF ETERNITY AND IT IS OUR PRAYER THAT YOUR LOVE AND HAPPINESS WILL BE AS UNENDING AS THE RINGS WHICH YOU EXCHANGE. Benjamin, WILL YOU LOOK INTO Monica’s EYES AND INTO HER HEART, AND REPEAT AFTER ME? I CAME HERE TODAY Monica, TO JOIN MY LIFE TO YOURS I PLEDGE TO BE FAITHFUL TO YOU, TO RESPECT YOU AND PROTECT YOU, TO STAND FAITHFULLY BY YOUR SIDE IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH NO MATTER WHAT WE MAY ENCOUNTER TOGETHER I VOW HERE THAT THIS LOVE WILL BE MY ONLY LOVE. PLEASE ACCEPT THIS RING AS A SYMBOL OF MY LOVE AND FIDELITY, I PROMISE TO LOVE YOU AND RESPECT YOU AL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE Monica, WILL YOU LOOK INTO Benjamin’s EYES, AND INTO HIS HEART, AND REPEAT AFTER ME? I CAME HERE TODAY Benjamin, TO JOIN MY LIFE TO YOURS I PLEDGE TO BE FAITHFUL TO YOU, TO RESPECT YOU AND PROTECT YOU, TO STAND FAITHFULLY BY YOUR SIDE IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH NO MATTER WHAT WE MAY ENCOUNTER TOGETHER I VOW HERE THAT THIS LOVE WILL BE MY ONLY LOVE, PLEASE ACCEPT THIS RING AS A SYMBOL OF MY LOVE AND FIDELITY, I PROMISE TO LOVE YOU AND RESPECT YOU AL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE AFIRMING THAT THERE ARE NO REASONS WHY NOT TO CELEBRATE THIS UNION, I DECLARE YOU HUSBAND AND WIFE. Benjamin: you may kiss your bride!!!

I used to watch it, but it's opposite So you think you can dance which I love.

Yay! Thanks for posting so fast. I know Mike is going to be annoyed when i hop on the forum the moment we get home, but I'm sure I will.

Welcome back!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by sumrdream These look so great! Thanks for sharing all your trouble! I'm not sure if I will attempt a brochure this way or with Publisher...I have both..... publisher is probably much easier. I just got publisher, but I haven't tried it out.