This is sokiedoki's Purple Wedding!

Brian's mom took us to see it last time we were in Fresno, and right when we pulled up, I knew it was exactly what I was thinking. Spanish style roof, palm trees, ourdoor wedding overlooking the golf course. It was perfect!

The banquet room is right next to the bar and is a perfect size. I think it will turn out beautiful.

Sticking with tradition (more hawaiian then Japanese) I will go through the grueling hours of folding 1001 cranes. The crane is an important symbol in Japanese tradition, since cranes mate for life. It also is a symbol of hope.

"These traditional Asian paper cranes are symbols of longevity, healing, patience, and most of all lifelong love. Cranes are known to mate for life, a rarity in the animal world. Therefore, they are popular displays at weddings, often seen as 1,000 of them strung together and cascading from the ceiling. They also make meaningful, affordable favors and gifts.

Origami cranes also symbolize peace. Many people know the heartbreaking story of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. She was a victim of the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima, suffering from radiation exposure at the age of two that led to leukemia almost ten years later. Based on the legend that one can make a wish upon folding a thousand cranes, Sadako starting folding, with a wish to get well. Before she was able to reach her goal, her body succumbed to the illness, but a monument was erected at the Hiroshima Peace Park in remembrance of her and other child victims. A thousand paper cranes now symbolizes a wish for peace."

Since the one international trip that my Fiance and I took together was to Japan, as well as being part Japanese, I think it has great symbolism for our relationship moving forward.

I have a friend that had a group of Taiko drummers come and perform after dinner. It was really entertaining and the guests really enjoyed the performance. For many of them, it was the first time that they experienced taiko.

I think it would go excellent with my theme, but now all of my friends have "been there, done that" but there is a good portion of my family and brian's friends that I think would really enjoy it.

Another option that is close to brian and I is to have a tribute band come and play. It would really depend on the cost (and I don't want to say who yet) but I wonder if it would be on the verge of being ridiculous.

initally I went round and round on colors, but ultimately decided on green and purple because like I stated before, I want to use orchids and bamboo. These color boards are a little off but I liked elements in each of them. The green and pink look really fun. It's still an option I guess. I just don't think I can see Brian and his grooms men coming out with green vests and pink ties :)

I didn't have to look very far (well, sorta). My friend and good photographer from philiplloydphotography.com will be coming out from Florida to take our photos. I wouldn't have anyone else share in this special event!

I want to keep it really simple, not spend a ton of money and have it look really elegant. I think the orchid in a simple flower vase may do the trick.

I also don't want the flowers to be too high on the table. It blocks the view when guests are trying to discuss across the table. Just a thought.

I want to use my asian/orchid theme with my colors and make it look handmade, yet classy. I'm finding that this is near impossible to find. And everything that I'm finding they want me to send in some sort of "Box" and will cost me a fortune.

I really like pink, purple, green and black together. I'm thinking Lilies, orchids and bamboo will work well with the asian theme as well as my color palette.

Also, we are saving almost 50% by having a group of college age kids from Fresno State do my flowers. They grow all of them locally. Because I'm not that up tight on the details, as long as there are no carnations and they stick to what I like I will love it!

Orchids are the main flower I think that I want to go with... and definitely include that in the cake/dessert somehow (I'm not stuck on cake necessarily).

Brian and I wanted an asian theme. We even initially thought of Red and Gold as colors but the more we discussed we agreed on a more subtle flair with earthy elements like bamboo, river rock and water. I have a lot of ideas in how I want to incorporate it.

We had just closed on our new house... and right when we walked in for the first time as new home owners he had the place all set up. Roses, champagne and our photos on the wall. He even had our song playing. He said that he wanted the first memory in our new house to be the best of many yet to come. "Will you marry me?"