I always looked forward to doing the wedding registry bit...and then it finally arrived. A chance to pick out all the fun things I will get to enjoy for the rest of my life, until they disintegrate of course.
As well, my love language is gifts, and so each gift will mean something very special to me. Even if it is a bathroom mat, as each time I step on that mat, I will remember who gave it to me.
It sounds crazy, but it's true.
We spent about 4 hours scanning, trying to pick colours on the spot, deciding whether to get a duvet cover or a comforter, and defending our positions on whether we go for the cheapest things, or the mid-range items.
The registry isn't just about getting stuff for the sake of having stuff. What I'm looking forward to most I think is using the dishes to eat meals together, as the dinner table to me represents where relationships are made. We selected Denby dishes - instead of a cheap set and a china set - so we can have them forever. They are beautiful! (pictured above).
The registry also represents building a home together. Having somewhat of a long-distance relationship (40 mins apart) where we stay with his parents for the weekend makes me so excited for the time when I can just go to where I call "home", and rest and relax, and enjoy my husband and be completely myself.
So though we both feel like each week we pack and then unpack, it'll make being home that much more enjoyable (I hope!).
If anything, this article highlights the differences between men and women! For most of my life, until the last few weeks, the registry had been mostly off my radar. (And only guys use terms like "radar" when talking about something as emotional as a wedding). Registry shopping was fun, but definitely somewhat overwhelming and tiring. And further intensified by the fact that we don't know where we'll be living and as such we were trying to find items that would hopefully "fit" any decor.
ReplyDeleteAs a consummate pragmatist, and as someone who knows intimately the frugality of the Asian mind, I probably aimed for the less expensive (not cheapest!) items. We had to shop not just within our means, but within the means of those who would shop for us too. There's always a fear that if we go too upscale, we won't get any of the items on the registry. Time only will tell how this works out uniquely in our story.
At the end of the day, we ended up getting what we would consider mid range (with I think a few upper range) items. I had no idea until I read this post how symbolic these gifts are to my lovely fiancee. Further amplified by her primary love language being gifts. For me, most "things" are more functional/practical than emotive/symbolic. Not to say that I don't recognize the "story" behind objects in our lives, but the weight of the story is usually a lot less in my mind than it is in hers. And as I hang out with Julia, I recognize that there's value in symbolism, and pragmatics should not easily shrug off the symbolic import of events in our lives.
I also echo her sentiments of looking forward to spending life with my wife. With or without the Denby. Although the Denby would be sweet. :) And I'm looking forward to building a home with her, one that is welcoming, hospitable, and filled with the warmth and grace of Christ.
These two posts made me laugh. Not because there's anything particularly funny, nor did I laugh in a mocking, sarcastic way, but rather, out of amusement at God's perfect planning. I don't know Gerald very well . . or at all really, but from the sounds of this post compared to that which Julia posted, you two are very different and the way in which you met was different. But God has brought you together and planned for you to be together and so even though there are these differences, you're perfect for each other.
ReplyDeleteI can see already, without having to meet Gerald or spend time with both of you together, that you have both already taught each other much and have challenged each other without necessarily knowing or explicitly saying it. I am so happy for both of you and am praying for God's abundant blessings to be poured out on you guys.
Love you guys!
Awwww, I just read Gerald's comment and almost cried. And Kat - it's true, we have learned a lot about each other and about what it means to truly love another person.
ReplyDeleteAnd G - I didn't realize this blog was going so public, and no, you weren't going for the cheapest things in the world, but you are right...the less expensive, which I appreciate about you. :)
And for the record - it was only for one item where we differed! :) not too shabby for first time registry shopping!
ReplyDeleteYou know what they say, if you can plan a wedding together, you can build a life together...