We are so excited to introduce another couple in our Real Aide-Mémoire Weddings blog series. Thank you, Catherine and Christian, for sharing your special day with us!
Names: Catherine and Christian
Location: Josephine Butler Parks Center, Washington, DC
Date: August 15, 2015
What was the most memorable and/or favorite part of your day?
The most memorable/favorite part of the day was our exchange of vows. We have been in a long distance relationship for almost two years, and one major way that we have stayed connected during that time is by writing letters and emails to each other. Our vows were a culmination of those letters. They were the most important letters that we could write to each other. We hadn't shared them with each other prior to the wedding, so when we read them aloud for the first time at the ceremony, it felt very special, exciting, and intimate. Even though we were in a room full of family and friends, it felt like we were the only two people in the world. We will never forget that feeling.
Any advice for other couples who are currently planning their weddings?
A very dear and wise friend gave us the following five pieces of advice, which we found super useful:
- Whenever you get flustered or caught up in the minutiae, call your partner and remind yourselves of your joint priorities and then toss anything on your list of stressors that doesn't directly speak to the priorities. Basically, don't be afraid to step back and refocus.
- After the ceremony, go sit with one another for 15 minutes. Drink a glass of something, have a small snack, and take in each other's company.
- During the reception hold each other's hands. It's really easy to be separated for the whole thing. If you don't want to be, holding hands reminds you (and the family and friends pulling you in different directions) that you are allowed to hang as a couple.
- Try to not set expectations of friends or relatives because a small handful will do crazy, selfish, or thoughtless things that will stick in your craw. If you are unsurprised by it, you won't let it drive you nuts or detract from what is most important.
- On the day before the wedding festivities, anything that isn't finished can get tossed out. It's not important. No one will miss it but you. And you won't care about it after you are married.
If you could do it all again, would you change anything?
Catherine completely forgot to hug her Dad after he walked her down the aisle. (Sorry, Dad!) If she could do it again, she would give him a big hug!
What was your wedding song?
"Tonight You Belong to Me" by Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters
What surprised you the most about your wedding day?
The number of unexpected issues that popped up. Despite all our planning, there were a lot of unplanned events in the hours before the wedding — Catherine's sash got stained, our table numbers were attracting ants, we were about a half hour behind schedule, etc. Just goes to show that no matter how much planning you do, there will be surprises, and the best thing to do is roll with it, be present, and enjoy the day!
Why was choosing an ethical and eco-friendly jeweler important to you?
We wanted our rings to symbolize our love for and commitment to each other but also to represent our values. We love that Aide-mémoire’s jewelry is made from all recycled materials and that it donates money to causes that we support. And, of course, we love the simplicity and elegance of your designs.
Photos courtesy One Summer Day