Buying a home, money advice, decorating ideas, easy recipes -- The Nest from The Knot

This was the lei exchange we used during our ceremony. A past knottie passed this along to me so I wanted to pass it along to all future knotties who might be interested! - Lei Exchange Bride and Groom - "E lei kau, e lei ho'o’ilo i ke Aloha" Love is worn like a wreath through the summers and winters. Love is everlasting. In ancient Hawaii, the Lei has always symbolized an extension of Love, honor and welcome. A Lei that is closed is a never-ending circle and is called a Lei Mana which means surrounding Power. The understanding that the Spirit surrounds your life with this power and continuous love. The open Lei symbolizes the giving of your love and reminds us of how you extend your arms in love. These Lei symbolize the sealing of this moment in this place for all time. - Lei Exchange with Family - For you, the families of the bride and groom, this is a special day in your lives as well. Those who were your children are no longer children. Those who looked to you for love have become sources of new love. Now they are accepting the responsibility of this marriage for themselves, and they will build together the traditions of their common future. Their marriage will join your two families, drawing together the wisdom of many lives to build their new life. The rest of you are special friends of Ross and Vanessa and you have become even more special by being here to share in this celebration. You have been their community with whom they shared good and bad times. The qualities of your friendship have enriched the quality of their lives. Now you will witness and confirm the beginning of their marriage to each other. And now, with loving aloha, please present your leis to one another and your mothers, as a symbol of a new beginning… a moment of time together in Hawaii where you can look back to and reflect on the occasion you began to weave your lei of life together for eternity.

I really like the idea of blue shoes for my something blue...I was hoping for blue wedges, but no such luck. I love these though.

Cocktail napkins (though they will be our "2nd line napkins" - New Orleans traditional dance). I got these from Invitationsbydawn.com I really like them (espcially with the hawaiian couple!)

Our favors from botanicalpaperworks.com. I wanted something eco-friendly & thought these were precious. Most of the favor websites had these plantable favors that grow wildflowers but this was cheapest I found.

My bridesmaid dress. I picked the color Mermaid (turquoise - teal color). Blue has always been my favorite color & I thought the teal color worked with the tropical/hawaiian setting.

I got this handkerchief for my dad from www.ffcembroidery.com. I really like how it turned out & I know my dad will be touched. I got the idea from fellow knottie, Malia - MyDay1708.