Well, it's our big day - the one we've been looking forward to and planning for a LONG time :) Despite some last minute panicks, it appears as though things will go smoothly.
We enjoyed a beautiful boat tour with family and friends last night, along with a couple heart-felt speeches thanks to Eric, Rob, and Randy. Be sure to bring your handkerchiefs tonight - not for the emotional sobbing but rather for the fitful laughing due to unending cheesy jokes and embarrassing stories :)
Well, after a light round of golf with the boys, it's time to go to the chapel. I'll see you all there!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
A tale of two traditions
Although I hardly feel like a foreigner anymore (I've been a citizen for 2+ years), I do come from a heritage that has somewhat different traditions than can be found here in the U.S. One such example is the way in which we celebrate marriage...
In the Dutch-Canadian tradition it is well known that the wedding reception is an opportunity for close friends and family members to roast the bride and groom. Embarrassing and funny stories, whether truth or tall tale, are shared with all gathered there - often these are the stories that either the bride or groom may have tried to forget or even omitted to tell their significant other. Well, all of this comedy gets amplified when you are one of the last ones in your family or group of friends to get married, and you've shared at all of their weddings... simply put, payback can be ______! For those of you not familiar with this tradition, I should explain that it's not out of spite or any ill feelings; on the contrary these embarrassing stories are shared out of love and good humor - if you can't joke with/about your family or best friends, with whom could one jest?
On the other hand, Amanda's German-American heritage is somewhat more conservative with regards to wedding celebrations. More closely aligned with a typical American wedding, she is used to a smooth progression from dinner to dance, with toasts from both the best man and maid/matron of honor, and possibly a slide show as well.
At any rate, our differing perceptions about the on goings at the reception require us both to make compromises (sounds a lot like marriage, no?) in order to respect both of our traditions and make it a beautiful day to remember. All of this means that yes, there will be some lively banter and embarrassing stories - mostly directed at me I would imagine, hmmm - but it will not be the main attraction.
Leading up to our big day, we're still crossing our Ts and dotting our Is. I'm even helping out occasionally with Amanda's creative and crafty genius :)
In the Dutch-Canadian tradition it is well known that the wedding reception is an opportunity for close friends and family members to roast the bride and groom. Embarrassing and funny stories, whether truth or tall tale, are shared with all gathered there - often these are the stories that either the bride or groom may have tried to forget or even omitted to tell their significant other. Well, all of this comedy gets amplified when you are one of the last ones in your family or group of friends to get married, and you've shared at all of their weddings... simply put, payback can be ______! For those of you not familiar with this tradition, I should explain that it's not out of spite or any ill feelings; on the contrary these embarrassing stories are shared out of love and good humor - if you can't joke with/about your family or best friends, with whom could one jest?
On the other hand, Amanda's German-American heritage is somewhat more conservative with regards to wedding celebrations. More closely aligned with a typical American wedding, she is used to a smooth progression from dinner to dance, with toasts from both the best man and maid/matron of honor, and possibly a slide show as well.
At any rate, our differing perceptions about the on goings at the reception require us both to make compromises (sounds a lot like marriage, no?) in order to respect both of our traditions and make it a beautiful day to remember. All of this means that yes, there will be some lively banter and embarrassing stories - mostly directed at me I would imagine, hmmm - but it will not be the main attraction.
Leading up to our big day, we're still crossing our Ts and dotting our Is. I'm even helping out occasionally with Amanda's creative and crafty genius :)
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