That Wedding: The Gift Exchange

When scrolling through pictures and descriptions of wedding after wedding during my planning stage, the pictures I always looked forward to without fail were both the first look and the bride and groom gift exchange photos. Even though these two things are non-standard for LDS weddings, I knew I wanted to incorporate them into ours. That Groom was hesitant of both, to say the least, but I think he realized how much I wanted them both to happen, so he went along with it the day of the wedding.

Now that it is over, he admits it was a really special moment we shared. I had no idea how he would interpret the gift exchange after I gave him no hints on what I was giving him, and he had no idea what I would I could possibly get him that he could truly appreciate. I think we both surprised each other with our thoughtfulness.

While I was getting ready, I sent MOH Shay and Photographer Kelli to deliver the goods and document the reactions. I started things off with this card by Sugar Street Cafe. Of course, being the good little Mormon couple we are, we had no experience necking before the wedding. I just thought the giraffes were cute. :)

It was nice to take a moment to write down the reasons why I wanted to be married to him.

My gift to him was a Blurb book that tells the story of our first year as a couple using photos and short little descriptions of the adventures we had.

That Groom, the kind of guy who hates receiving gifts, loved it.

We ended up with hundreds of engagement photos and so I took the opportunity to fill the book up with them. The quality isn't "studio album" like you get from a photographer, but I believe it is worth it for the price.

The book now sits on display in our entertainment center/bookcase and every single person that comes over to visit picks it up and flips through it. I plan on making one and giving it to That Husband as a wedding anniversary present annually.

After presenting my gift to That Groom, MOH Shay returned to the "bridal suite" with a very special package.

I was not just surprised to see her giving me that little black box, I was stunned. That Groom is a very private person and had told me he didn't really feel comfortable giving me a gift when so many people would be around to watch me open it. I'm very glad he changed his mind!

He had been talking excitedly about the card he included for a few weeks.

It really fits our relationship perfectly. We have a strange sense of humor.

What could it be?

No way, did he really? How could he possibly have done such a fantastic job choosing a wedding day gift for me?

I opened the box to find a beautiful pearl necklace. A necklace that would look absolutely perfect with my dress, something I know That Groom could not have figured out on his own (I showed him pictures of the dress, just none of me in it). With all eyes on me I couldn't seem to get the clasp undone.

MOH Shay swooped in to save the day once again, making it look easy to undo what I had thought was a really difficult clasp to open. Little sisters are the best!

I'm pretty sure That Groom didn't buy the necklace with the thought that I would wear it on our wedding day (his mind just doesn't work like that) but as soon as I had it on I knew I wasn't taking it off.

Kali Leenstra Photography

Here comes That Mother to check on my progress. Oh no! That Mother and Father gave me a gorgeous necklace and earring set to be worn on my wedding day. Would her feelings be hurt that I was choosing That Groom's necklace over theirs?

This is the necklace my parents gave me just a few hours before I received the other pearl necklace from That Groom.

I think it's safe to say that she likes it. My parents are so wonderful and understanding. After the wedding That Mother told me that she would have asked me not to wear her gift and instead wear That Groom's gift if I had attempted to do it differently.

Making this gift exchange happen took quite a lot of work. I not only had to create my own gift, but I had to frequently remind That Groom about it during the weeks leading up to the wedding so he wouldn't forget about it. The morning of we had a hard time coordinating the schedules of MOH Shay, Kelli, That Groom, and myself to make the exchange happen. I'm so happy we worked to make it happen though, because taking the time in the middle of all the morning madness gave us a chance to remember, separately, why we want to be together.

All photos by the beautiful Kelli Nicole, unless otherwise noted.

Previously:
That Wedding: Bridesmaid Party!
That Wedding: Whole Foods (Rehearsal-ish) Luncheon
That Wedding: Harbor Sailing
That Wedding: Putting My Face On