Bringing the past into present

I've been debating back and forth on what we will serve for our dessert. Whether it be a wedding cake, cupcake, cheese cake or candy. As I was thinking about this huge decision, I decided I'd take a break from it and work on something else.

I have read numerous ways brides are incorporating their loved ones who are no longer with them into their wedding. This got me thinking about Tony's Grandpa Meyer. He passed away shortly after Tony was born but he has always been a large part of his life. I felt it was important for us to remember him in some way. For those of you Meyers who are reading this now, keep your eyes open. I don't think I want to write in detail what our plans are, but I do want others to know that he will be remembered.

This also lead me to think about my grandparents. They have been happily married for fifty eight years and continue to love each other day in and day out without batting an eye. I've always looked up to them and hoped that I too would find someone to love like they love each other. I was lucky enough to find him. I emailed grandpa asking him if he had a picture handy from their wedding day. A few days later I received this in the mail:

I'm hoping I can steal something off of this to incorporate into our wedding. Possibly the cake? I plan to take this to our hopeful baker and see if they are able to replicate it. Cross your fingers.

Taking a chance on a chandelier

Awhile back I had posted about creating our own chandelier.

Like this...

A got to thinking tho that maybe this wouldn't go with my centerpieces. In case you forgot, here's a refresher of what those look like. (side note-I've been working on these...they are coming together nicely if I don't say so myself ;) I'll post about those later)

Are they too different? Will it be too many things going on? The wonderful decisions...ugh.

I emailed FBIL Brent to see what his thoughts were. He seems to think they'll flow together nicely with all the "natural-ness"...I'm hoping he's right. But that didn't ease my wonder. So I started thinking...dangerous I know. What if I were to take that plastic centerpiece out of the "chandelier" and replace it with a "real" chandelier. An old school antique chandelier. Painted black. here's where I squeal with excitement of how brilliant I am This leads to research on the good ole craigslist. I knew going into this that it could be completely out of our budget and not worth it. I was preparing for heartbreak. I sorted thru the $300-$400 chandeliers and ended up finding two, $35 and $50. EEEEk! Sold! The first for $35 was used as a mobile for a child's room (creative) so it is not a "working" chandelier. This is ok. However, the second one I found for $15 more is beautiful. I want it. I need it. Here's this morning's email to my love...

I found another chandelier that I love more that has actual lights still on it. It's $50 but I can hang it in Marilyn's room after :) it still works. Can I email about that one?

Muahaha...Marilyn's room is coming together nicely...after the wedding of course. It's currently being overtaken by wedding flowers, feathers, headpieces, feathers, jewelry, feathers, vases, feathers...ya get the drift.

I have yet to hear back from the second chandelier. If that one falls thru, I'll go with the first.

What are your thoughts? Too much? Or do you think it will flow?

Or am I just DIY crazy?