Talented Relatives

There are many Bees who engage "friendors" for some of their key wedding tasks - from photography to caterering, makeup artistry to graphic design.

We didn't have those talents in our arsenal, but we do have two very special guests lending their gifts to our wedding celebration in different ways.

I'll back up a little bit...on Turkey Mom's side of the family, I am the oldest of 9 cousins, by a bit. When the next oldest cousin (we're excluding Turkey Brother here) turns 21, I will have just hit the big 3-0. However, despite the age difference, we've all remained pretty close. In many ways, our relationship has been more like siblings than typical cousins (I was the "big sister").

At Christmas 2012 (7 of the 9): L, G, Brother Turkey, L, N, Miss Turkey, M

In a perfect world, I would have loved to include the 4 lovely ladies above in my bridal party, but we opted for a (relatively) small number of attendants. However, it was constantly in the back of my head to find a way to include them.

Cousin L shared her talent before I even had a chance to truly think of ideas!

Had to throw in this old photo of me and L...how cute is she!?!?

For our engagement party, she put together a beautiful slideshow.

Engagement video from Miss Turkey on Vimeo.

It was a complete surprise and we absolutely loved it. L then managed to outdo herself with an even more amazing video at my fashionista bridal shower (warning: my "awkward stage" was long...and pronounced)!

Bridal Shower Video - Fashionista Style! from Miss Turkey on Vimeo.

So, we have asked her to "donate" her skills and put together a slideshow for Mr. Turkey and my rehearsal dinner. She agreed (yay!) and we'll be sure to share her amazing work during recaps.

Cousin N's talent is one that we should have known to consider very early on. You see, N is an accomplished singer and is currently studying vocal performance at one of the top conservatories in the country.

Singing with a full orchestra - amazing

Although it would have been AMAZING to have N sing all the musical parts of our wedding ceremony, the church only allows cantors to do so.

However, they so kindly found a way for us to include her beautiful voice...twice. N will be singing "Laudate Dominum" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as a prelude when guests are arriving and Schubert's version of "Ave Maria" when the parents and grandparents are being seated. Turkey Mom cries every time N sings and "Ave Maria" always gets her...so we have a feeling there are going to be some serious waterworks!! I can't wait to hear her gorgeous voice against the sound of the organ.

We also found a way to include M & G, albeit in a small way. They will be greeting our guests and handing out programs. I hope that I can sneak in a "hello" to them before I walk down the aisle.

Mr. Turkey and I are lucky to have many special people involved in our day - from bridal party members to readers, etc. - but including these special cousins made me quite happy!!

How are you including special friends or family members in your day?