Alysha and Patrick decided to give books away as gifts for their wedding guests.  Hand-picked by them, books that they’ve read over the years, books that have inspired them, made them laugh, made them cry.  They wanted to share their love of books with their guests and honestly and truly, I can’t imagine a better thing to walk out of a wedding with.  Each book was wrapped in gold with the title of the book printed out and attached to the gold wrapping.  There was one mystery book without a Title attached to it.  I remember standing by the books, watching a young man struggling with whether to take the book he had in his hands or exchange it for the unknown.  Ultimately he scooped up the unknown book in a rather rush, not wanting to lose it to someone else, and took his seat awaiting the start of the reception.  I wonder if he kept the book or changed his mind a few times.  I felt his pain, I love surprises, but fear the unknown.  What a conundrum, and I love that Alysha and Patrick so well thought out every single detail of their wedding.  It truly was a day to remember.

Alysha’s father kicked off the speeches during the reception with tales of reading and watching movies to ensure he had things in common to talk about with his children.  When he called Patrick up to smash popcorn bags, I wasn’t sure what to make of it.  When Alysha’s dad pulled out a nail from the one bag Patrick did not smash with both of his hands, we were all shocked, surprised and nervously laughing, no one more then Patrick though!  I find myself wondering how Alysha’s dad will top his speech when his other children get married.  It really was a perfect tribute to the perfect couple.  Patrick’s groomsmen not to be outdone, presented Patrick with a “Zelda” T-shirt.   With the exception of marrying his beloved, that may have been the highlight of the night for Patrick. I half expected him to put it on over his Tux!

Alysha and Patrick, I cannot say enough about your wedding, from start to finish.  It was an incredible day, thank you for letting us be a part of it!

Not sure who I feel worse for in this picture…