Tradition......TRADITION (if you sung it, you get a gold star!)

There are a lot of 'traditions' surrounding weddings.  Many that were founded in other countries and lots that I probably don't even know about.  When I read some of the origins it seems crazy that some of these have lasted as long as they have and have changed in their 'meaning' so much.  When it comes to our wedding, I feel like Javs and I are going halves-ies.  Let me elaborate....

We're out! Some traditions that we've decided to forego:
Receiving line - Its a great way to ensure you see (and thank) all of your guests.  I'm just anti-line.  I think it can create a bottleneck, slow down the pace, etc.  I'm out.  It just means that Javs and I will have to hustle during dinner to make it around to each table to greet our guests!

that's right, Isabel picked a dress (post to come!)

Matching bridesmaids - I read some interesting origins on this one (that they used to not only match each other, but the bride too? so that evil spirits would be confused and not go after the bride?)  Now, I think it can definitely make for some adorable pictures :) but with my ladies' varying height, age and personalities I just thought letting them pick their own dresses would work best.  More than anything I wanted them to look and feel their best on such a happy day.

Bride in white - I know what you're thinking, 'are those rumors about Aud's wedding dress being red really true?!?!' Nooooo, that's just something I tell Javs to throw him off ;)  But I am curtailing the white shoes for something a little more modern and fun.  Wait til you see them :)

Bouquet Toss/Garter Toss - This was one Javier and I went back and forth on a bunch.  It can definitely be a fun little challenge for your guests at the reception, but I've just never felt quite right about it.  Its always meant with good intentions, but I worry that it causes pressure and maybe that single lady who catches the bouquet doesn't want you to put a ring on it or whatever.  We talked about attaching little gift cards to each for the toss - so the 'winner' was really a 'winner' of something but in the end decided it was something we really didn't care about and that might break up (what we hope will be) a kicking dance party so its out.

Champagne toast - Not everyone likes champagne.  I often see full flutes sitting around on tables after a toast at other weddings.  It just felt like something we didn't want to spend $$ on (especially if it would be wasted).  We'll have a toast, but folks can clink with whatever they have in their hand at the end of it!

Cake - Funny enough, both of our favorite cakes growing up weren't typical cakes (at least they didn't have frosting...)  I was a chocolate pound cake girl all the way (barn girls, you're welcome) and Javs loved his mom's poppy seed cake (which I now love and only partially because I've decided its a defensible breakfast food...).  Icing just isn't our thing.  I usually don't even get a piece of cake when I'm attending a wedding cause I'm just not that excited about it.  Pie though (man I could write a whole post on pie) is a love of mine.  And while Javs likes it too - I think he's indulging me a bit to have us serve it as our wedding dessert.  Thanks love :) 

We're in! Traditions we're planning to uphold on the big day:

Aisle reveal - As you already know (from my wedding dress posts), Javier is not planning to see me before my big walk down the aisle.  This was one that Javs wasn't willing to relinquish.  I tried to explain to him about the benefits of a first look: private pictures of just the two of us when he sees my dress, we'd get to attend more of the day because portraits could be done before guests arrive, timing allows you to select multiple sites for pictures, it can settle any nerves you (both) might be feeling before the ceremony, etc etc.  And while I still think all those things are super true, I think I am really excited for our magic moment and that all our guests will be a part of it. (slightly offensive blog post defending this tradition)

this is us practicing at Ash Lawn

Dad's walking me down - This one was a no brainer for me.  I know some girls think its old fashion or that its too much of a throw back to when father's sold their daughters to husbands, yatta yatta.  Totally fine if you feel that way - I just happen not to.  Even though I'm a self sustaining, independent woman at this point I love the idea that its gonna be my Daddy-o, such a strong representation of my past, of how I grew up to be the person I am, that will be leading me to this next person who is going to help me grow and be the person I'm becoming.

Dances - We're doin' em.  All of them: Me & Javs, Father/Daughter, Mother/Son.  I know this isn't the most exciting portion of the day for our attendees, but we liked the idea of sharing some special time with each of these people.  Besides we're going to schedule them so that you'll have other entertainment while you watch ;)

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue - I'm saving the details for another post, but yep!  I'm planning to have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue with me for the big day.

Wedding rings - Not everyone elects to buy and wear wedding rings these days.  Lots of ladies are keeping their engagement rings as their 'ring.'  We're hearing more and more from friends that the groom doesn't want to wear a ring (especially if he isn't used to wearing jewelry).  I'm happy that Javs decided he did want a ring and you're silly if you ever thought I wasn't jumping at the chance to add to my hand accessories. 

Honeymoon - Honeymoons are taking lots of new and different forms these days.  Many couples are going on what they call a 'Minimoon' right after the wedding (usually a shorter, less distant trip).  Because of timing or money couples are postponing honeymoons or forgetting the whole tradition altogether.  While $$ is always an issue...I am SO excited that Javier and I are going to be able to take an amazing trip right after the wedding.  I think it'll be a great way to relax after the day and spend our first couple weeks as 'The Cabezas.'  (We're also super pumped that we're going to get to see some family in Chile to celebrate our marriage with them!)

In the end, I never felt like we selected to do something 'because it's tradition!'  Sure, we are following some traditions, but that was never the why behind what we chose them for.  As always, we tried to stay true to what we wanted and make decisions based on the enjoyment of the overall day (not just regarding a checklist of wedding 'must dos')  and I'm really happy and excited about each tradition we are (and aren't) incorporating :)