JulieLeung.com: a life told in tidepools

I wrote a post before Chris and Ponzi’s wedding,; now for a few comments afterwards…

The exception to the rule

I have spoken and written extensively and publicly on my privacy policy for my children. In most situations Ted and I do not allow pictures of their faces to be posted on the Internet. We have even hung large signs on our daughters to remind others. However, when Ted and I considered Chris and Ponzi’s wedding, we realized that the “No Photos Please” signs and black Sharpie marker wouldn’t go well with the beaded and embroidered ivory gowns. So we decided that one gift our family would give Chris and Ponzi would be to allow our daughters faces and all to appear in posted pictures.

Many thanks to those of you who asked us for permission before posting. The wedding of Chris and Ponzi is the one exception to the rule, and we will continue to ask for their privacy in future situations. Kris Krug was one of those who asked us whether he could post some shots he had taken, and I have to say this picture makes me glad we told him yes.

The flower girl named Bob…and the “cool as a cucumber” groom

While we were waiting to take pictures at the hotel, I caught Chris the groom on video with our three flower girl daughters. This may only make sense to those who are familiar with Veggie Tales that features a cucumber named Larry…and a tomato named Bob…or with four-year-olds who “want to be funny”.

Recommendations

I want to give credit – and links – where credit is due. Tracy Gail, the seamstress who altered our four dresses, came to the rescue. Due to weather and other reasons, I tried on my bridesmaid dress only a few days before the wedding. It was too loose in some places, too tight in others, and I immediately began calculating how I could lose ten pounds in three days, even making an emergency trip to Macy’s in hopes of finding miracles in the intimates department. Friday afternoon though when I picked up the dress, I was amazed at Tracy’s work. She also did the girls’ dresses, and even thought of a way to save us some money on the alterations. I’d recommend her again any time.

The stylists Ponzi brought from Gary Manuel were also amazing. The pictures speak for themselves: I don’t think I need to say more. All of Chris and Ponzi’s choices were wonderful. The Hyatt had great places for photography. And the rehearsal dinner at Ruth Chris was delicious. The waiters even brought Ted special side dishes. Hope these recommendations are helpful to others planning special occasions in the Bellevue area.

The Canadians came

Someone – I don’t remember who – mentioned to me the “strong Canadian presence” at the wedding, as if surprised. I wasn’t surprised; after all I first met Chris and Ponzi at Northern Voice in 2005. One of the top reasons to live in Seattle should be because it is close to Vancouver.

It was fun to see many of our Canadian friends in a relaxed atmosphere. I realized that often during the limited times we are together, on one side of the border or the other, some of us have conference responsibilities, speaking duties or other obligations. It was great to be together celebrating the Pirillos and enjoying each other’s company. And when we came home and counted up the little loot from the prosperity dance (more on that below), the Canadian presence was evident.

Finally, I can’t resist writing up…

10 tips: if your young children are in a wedding

1. Get lots of rest the week before and if possible explain as much in advance to the kids so they know what to expect (watch videos of weddings?)

2. Try on outfits completely before the wedding. Pack extra tights/socks/underwear/shoes. Safety pins and or needles and thread can be helpful in an emergency (I wish I had packed some of each). And of course pocket tissues and/or wipes.

3. Pack new little toys, games, books and trinkets for amusement while waiting for photos etc. Items that can be packed up quickly and easily, like a book, are best.

4. Pack “non-messy” snacks such as chewy non-chocolate granola bars.

5. Bring a bag or large purse to keep track of toys, snacks, etc.

6. Convince the bride and groom that they are Italian so they will do the prosperity change dance and ask guests to toss money on the floor for the kids to collect (and start saving for their own wedding)(okay, just kidding). It is nice if there is something the kids can do at the wedding, like a table with crayons or puzzles…or money to collect! Make new friends with other little guests. I know our girls did.

7. Clothespins and napkins can be used to make a great bib and protect wedding outfits.

8. If you want to get a family picture, be sure to remember, write it down, ask someone in advance etc (we forgot to get one of all five of us!) Or if there is anything else you need to remember at the wedding, plan ahead how to remember.

9. Change clothes for the ride home: an outfit that can serve as pajamas works well (pack the child’s toothbrush if you can too).

10. Plan a day or two of rest afterwards for unpacking clothes and memories.

If I had 11 tips, the most important one would be to have a bride and groom as generous and understanding as Chris and Ponzi were, and to have the friends and family they had too. Many thanks to the bride and groom and to everyone who made that special day possible.