akulaji tells us all about her dual-ceremony wedding!

Posted Monday, February 08, 2010 6:08 PM

Knot Name: akulaji

Wedding Date: May 9, 2010

Knot Annie: Tell me about the Knotties on your board that you post on. Have you ever joined them for a GTG?

akulaji: I post mainly on the CT board. The ladies there are fabulous! I literally have planned 90 percent of my wedding on their advice. They are so helpful and encouraging. They've helped me through many difficult decisions and have applauded the planning successes. I actually planned a CT Knottie GTG in December. We got together for a cookie swap and gathering. It was a lot of fun and so nice to finally put face to names (screennames). I know that I've gained some friends that will last even after my wedding planning is done.

KA: Describe your wedding.  

akulaji: FI and I are actually having two ceremonies. One is in the a.m. on our favorite hiking trail at a waterfall with a the Justice of the Peace. We wanted a friend to officiate our wedding, but online ordination isn't legal in Connecticut, so we decided to do two ceremonies. One just for us (that takes care of the legal stuff) and one that we share with everyone where we exchange rings. Our friend that will be officiating the p.m. ceremony will be present at the a.m. ceremony also. Our p.m. ceremony is at the Lounsbury House, a Georgian mansion in Ridgefield, Connecticut, where FI's parents got married. We will have our reception there too. We basically wanted a laid-back atmosphere where we could have a big blowout party with awesome food. We'll even have an Xbox set up in the groom's suite for the teenagers.

KA: How have the Knotties on your board helped you plan?  

akulaji: They've helped me plan everything! Before I booked any vendor, I consulted the Connecticut ladies for reviews. I've gotten great advice about DIY stuff and on the DIY board from the Connecticut Knotties.

KA: Favorite bio on The Knot and why?

akulaji: Hmmm...I'm not sure. I love reading all of the bios. It's so nice to go through the same process with so many different people. If only we could all go to each other’s weddings too!

KA: Best vendor that you’ve worked with and why?

akulaji: Our caterer, Ciao! They’re out of Danbury and have been so creative with our menu and extremely helpful and accommodating. I feel totally comfortable handing our wedding over to them.

KA: What will make your wedding stand out to your guests, and where did you find the inspiration?

akulaji: We have a few special elements happening. We'll be doing a Chinese tea ceremony after our wedding ceremony to honor my Chinese family and elders of both of our families. We also have members of the American Classical Orchestra coming to play for our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. We feel so fortunate to have such amazingly talented people playing for our wedding. Family and music are two things that are very important to FI and I. We wanted those two elements to come to the forefront at our wedding.

KA: What are you looking forward to most on your wedding day?  

akulaji: I'm looking forward to the planning being over and having some fun!  

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