I just got this message from a friend, setting out his and his fiance's marriage plans. I am SO impressed by what they're doing that I decided to repost the message here. It is so laid back, so casual, so focused on just having fun with friends instead of "what people think needs to be done" that I love it!
By the way, he sent the message out through Facebook of all places!!! Beyond that, the whole approach of celebrating across multiple cities is very appropriate for our day and age. I just love their plan so much that maybe I'll start thinking of getting married one of these days.
Obviously I've nade all the names anonymous...
Dear friends and family,
The time has come to 'save the dates'. A and I are really excited to have ALL of you participate at least in one of the 3 planned festivities.
A little about the concept we are working with. We both feel incredibly fortunate for the life we have. There are some amazing people in our lives and everyday I am thankful for you all being in our life. To that end we really want to focus on enjoying ourselves and our friends. So we are going casual. We are not sending out wedding invitations we are not picking centerpieces, we are just going to enjoy this exciting and meaningful part of our life.
Of course we do not expect ALL (or even most) of our friends to make all of our 'parties' but I hope you will consider making an effort to come to one.
So here is the schedule:
On December 2nd we are planning an engagement party in Los Angeles that is the extent of the details available so far. We are thinking BBQ but have not committed to anything yet.
On December 13th we are planning an engagement party in New York. This will take place at a lounge in the city and is being organized by my dear friend B (thank you B!).
On December 16th A and I are flying to Israel where we will spend some time and prepare for our wedding in the Old City of Jerusalem overlooking the Western Wall on December 24th (the wedding will be sometime around 4ish). We will then spend another week in Israel returning on New Years eve arriving early January 1st. A couple big thanks: C for lending us his amazing home, D for giving me the time off, E, F, G, H, I, J and I am sure others who I am forgetting right now for helping us plan a wedding in Israel no small task.
Additionally, the day after the wedding, the 25th, I am thinking we can 'all' have brunch and then I am arranging for a tour of the Old City that should be amazing.
I hope some of you will really consider coming to Israel if it will be your first time you can not imagine how wonderful it is, if you have been before when was the last time you were there? Now you have an excuse!!! Please consider celebrating the beginning of our new life together.
The plan for us is to spend most of our time in Kadima (near Netanya) as our HQ and then take day trips. We will definitely be going to Tsfat, maybe Eilat, obviously Jerusalem, etc.. Because it is our wedding trip and a quasi honeymoon we will be focused on what we want to do. With that said anything we are doing everyone is welcome and encouraged to join.
We rented a car for $215 for the 2 weeks not bad .
For those of you who cant make it I am really considering webcasting it (K I might be using your platform, give me a good deal?).
So this is what I would like from everyone. As soon as possible please let me know if you are considering/able to come to any (or all) of our parties. I need to start getting a hold of the numbers. For those of you who live in San Fran or Atlanta or Vancouver or any other place that is not LA/NY/Israel I figure we all travel so much nowadays I might get lucky and find you in town at the right time. Additionally, if you would consider watching a webcast of our wedding and you understand there is a 9 hour time difference on the West Coast (6 hours on East Coast) please let me know. Webcasting a wedding 10K miles away for 3 people, just does not seem like its worth the effort.
For those of you who asked we (A) have finally gotten around to registering. Not sure if we are going to register in other places but as of now you can find us at Bed, Bath and Beyond. So we are practical is that so bad?
In terms of travel: We used a travel Agent named L tell him you are calling about our wedding. I would also recommend M, N, and O as good sites for fares
We really hope that we can see all of you in the month of December. Details to come for those who want them.