Espresso for the Heart - A Sweet Start
by Louise Bergmann DuMont

Putting together a dream-come-true wedding using metropolitan area resources is easy; but doing it without second mortgaging your home is a bit more difficult. I recently conducted interviews with a group of newlyweds for my next book* and one couple, who was on a shoestring budget, competently met the challenge. They were able to create a memorable wedding, a delightful reception, and provide a compelling spiritual message for their guests without breaking the bank.

Martin & Melody’s ceremony was held in a quaint country church with all the charm of a picture postcard. Their reception, set to generously serve one hundred family members and friends, took place in the nearby fellowship hall. The couple personalized their special day by adding two elements, chocolate and coffee, to every aspect of the event. Needless to say their guests were eager to see the results.

The bridal attendants dressed in doe colored silk that draped like mocha clouds around the girls feet. The groomsmen sported tuxedos in a deep espresso brown. Instead of rice or birdseed, the guests were given coffee and chocolate scented streamers to toss when the newlyweds emerged from the church. At the reception a gleaming brass espresso-cappuccino machine was set on crisp brown linens, lined with ivory rose petals. Cocoa dusted mocha cappuccinos, rich brown espressos and frothy sweet lattes accompanied slices of chocolate-chocolate wedding cake.

But the best was yet to come. Neatly arranged to one side of the coffee bar were stack upon stack of gourmet chocolate bars. Dark, milk and white chocolate were lavished with raisins, almonds and caramel. Whatever an individual’s preference, they would find it waiting here. Before each guest departed the bride and groom presented them with the chocolate of their choice, custom-wrapped in a pale brown wrapper with gold lettering. Each read: "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. Rev 22:16-17 NIV

I can’t think of a sweeter way to start married life.

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. I Thessalonians 2:8

*Louise’s upcoming book is tentatively titled – If a Tux Could Talk: The Men Who Help Plan Their Weddings, and the Women Who Love Them For It. If are going to be married, or if you were wed within the last five years, please feel free to fill out either the bride or the groom's survey on Louise's website - www.louisedumont.com