Thus led me into my search for alternatives
A crystal etched bowel would be pretty amazing if I had the money and/or was willing to spend it on such a thing—but I don’t and I couldn’t so there goes that idea. Along those lines, I’m not much of a cook so a signed platter didn’t ……
A wishing tree/pot/etc. is a cute idea but honestly are people really going to write much more than “congratulations!” or “good luck!” along with their name? Don’t get me wrong, I think this is a cute idea but it seems like something rarely accurately executed. It seems to me that it is probably quite hard to be heartfelt when you’re being rushed and on an empty stomach. While your guests obviously care about you—they are probably just a wee bit more interested in the food and open bar. Besides after all is said and done all you’re really left with are a plethora of pieces of paper that need to be displayed…and of course the consequentially guilt you’ll feel when you put them in a box in the back of your closest (admit you, you’ve thought about doing it!)
Having everyone sign a picture of us or a picture book of us is also a cute idea but overdone and (I feel) slightly narcissistic. Don’t get me wrong I love photos of S. Monster and me and am always up for taking more but I have to draw the line somewhere. We’ll have framed wedding photos, engagement photos and old everyday photos and then wedding albums on top of other albums—and you want me to add a signed album or frame to that mix? Don’t you think it’s a little much?
No, none of the above options would work for me/us. Ultimately, what I was looking for was something a little non traditional, something that had a special meaning to us and something people could sign.
After searching high and low for ideas I stumbled across my solution—a coffee table book. It couldn’t be more perfect.
You see, I have had a torrid love affair with coffee table books for quite some time now. I simply can’t get enough. What makes this brilliant though is that not only are both of us are both book junkies, given our nomadic lifestyle and oh so very long distance relationship, travel has also always been a huge part of our lives. So why not combine our two loves? What could possibly be better than lovely giant book celebrating the country of our first home (the first *hopefully* of many more to come)? Below is the book I think I’ve decided on using. A lovely little (big) special something that I will enjoy cherishing for years to come. Let me know what you think!
“An enormous book in terms of dimensions, it won't fit on the average bookshelf. It might even serve as a coffee table all on its own. Spectacular Ireland, a magnificent collection of more then 140 color photographs by some of Ireland's best landscape photographers and elegant text by Peter Harbison, one of Ireland's most distinguished archaeologists. This handsome volume celebrates Ireland, a small island country of extraordinary beauty, fascinating history, and evocative myths and legends where the old and the new thrive together in an interesting mix”
