Loves2cook, I missed it completely. Good thing, I'm not so poetic anyway! So you used all of the poems? Even LindaC's about the guy from Nantucket? (grin) I'm not too far from Chicago, just about straight across the Lake in Michigan. You missed out on a forum get together just a couple of weeks ago with Linda (doucanoe), Sherry (sheshebop, the poet), Peppi (who lives in Chicago) and me. Oh, and Peppi's Dad, her dog Dylan, Linda's daughter and future SIL and probably others that I missed while I was tipping the wine bottle, LOL. Annie

As a professional photographer I have had the opportunity to see an entire wedding day and weeks later hear the bride's opinion of the day's flow. Listen to your church coordinator, florist, photographer & other wedding pro's advice. A private, romantic meeting before photographs start actually creates the first of two exciting "reveals". It is an opportunity for the couple to exchange wedding gifts ALONE. It will be the only time you have together the entire day. The second heart-pounding "reveal" moment is walking down the aisle. It will always be a memorable moment for both of you even if you've seen each other earlier. Shorten your photo request list if you insist on doing them after the ceremony. It will take two hours only if you give the photographer a two hour list. Your parents, family & friends are anxious to attend the party, not pose for photos. At this point you are on an adrenaline high yourself & wish you could just pop over to the reception. Now that carefully planned pose list has become an obligatory nuisance. Please do not keep your guests waiting for several hours during a cocktail hour. Yours may not be the only function they are invited to that day. I personally arrived at a reception as a guest, waited an hour and a half for the couple to appear (they had photos at a park after their ceremony) but had to leave for another social event. A reception is the time for the couple to "receive" their guests. Many times I have heard brides say "Oh, they'll entertain each other" in such a flippant manner. Many have such selfish attitudes toward guests: "Those bothersome guests should just drop my gifts by the door & leave me alone". Yes, this is your special day but don't throw social graces out the window.

Unity Candle ceremony: Personalized pillar candle and individual personalized tapers and gave each child a personalized taper. The ceremony was actually a Family Unity Ceremony. All children write a congratulation and thank you note to the bride and groom. Once the Unity Candle was lit, take turns lighting their tapers from the pillar and in unison, recited the following: "As I light my candle from the Unity Candle, I feel the warmth, love and excitement of my new, larger family. Thank you(BRIDE'S NAME or MOM or MOTHER) and (GROOM'S NAME or DAD or FATHER) for having given me an extended family to love and be loved by. Congratulations! I love you! Groom: "(childrens names), I want you to know that I dearly love your mother. We have become very good friends over the weeks and months and we have learned to love each other. As you have so graciously shared this wonderful woman with me, so will I share the love I feel for her with you. Together, we will learn much more about each other. I promise also to be fair and to be honest, to be available for you as I am for your mom, and in due time, to earn your love, respect and true friendship. I will not attempt to replace anyone, but to make a place in your hearts that is for me alone. I will be father and friend, and I will cherish my life with all of you. On this day when I marry your mom, I marry you, and I promise to love and support you as my own." Bride: "(childrenÂs names), I want you to know that I dearly love your father. We have become very good friends over the weeks and months and we have learned to love each other. As you have so graciously shared this wonderful man with me, so will I share the love I feel for him with both of you. Together, we will learn much more about each other. I promise also to be fair and to be honest, to be available for you as I am for your dad, and in due time, to earn your love, respect and true friendship. I will not attempt to replace anyone, but to make a place in your hearts that is for me alone. I will be mother and friend, and I will cherish my life with both of you. On this day when I marry your dad, I marry you, and I promise to love and support you as my own." The bride and groomÂs children then responded to the following vows when read by the pastor: (ChildrenÂs names), do you promise to love your mother and her new husband? Children respond: "I do." Do you promise to support their marriage and your new family? Children respond: "I do." Do you promise to accept the responsibility of being their children, and to encourage them, support them, and accept them just as our heavenly Father accepts us? Children respond: "I do." (Children names), do you promise to love your father and his new wife? Children respond: "I do." Do you promise to support their marriage and your new family? Children respond: "I do." Do you promise to accept the responsibility of being their children, and to encourage them, support them, and accept them just as our heavenly Father accepts us? Children respond: "I do." Today is the wedding Of more than just two. We're blending our families With love that is true. Today marks the birth Of a new family: One that is special For all here to see Today's a Day of Love Not Just for Us by Nicholas Gordon. Today's a day of love not just for us, But for all of those who brought us here. So please excuse us if we make a fuss Over you, the ones we hold most dear. In you we see the love we replicate By joining on this day our separate lives. Our choice was neither accident nor fate, But homage to good husbands and sweet wives. We hope to make a family just like yours, And be to our children parents much like you. You have been to us wide-open doors Onto a serene and peaceful view. We look to you with gratitude and pride. What joy this day to have you at our side!

I'm not sure about the watches. They seem to me to be very personal. Along with many others, I don't even own a watch, but if I did, I'd want to choose the style myself. Of course, you know your daughter better than I - I'm just talking in general terms. How about landscaping, if they've just purchased a home? Or a set of outdoor furniture? Or bed linens, as they can be quite expensive. Maybe an antique that's been handed down in your family. Maybe a decorative piece - I love to give art glass, and it's always well received. If they cook, you might get a set of cookware they'd like. If they're professionals, you might get good briefcases or portfolios. You can also give experiences, such a tickets to the theater or a concert, gift certificates to dinner, etc. Or even a trip. If you haven't already done this, how about a photo album with pictures of relatives living and dead, with captions including a bit about the person. Things like, "Great uncle Andrew - he once worked as a sword swallower with the circus!" Good luck - I can imagine how tough this would be.