David and Kelsey were married this past Saturday at Indian Trails in Colona, Illinois.  Kelsey’s mom swung into action last Winter with an idea of how to decorate for her daughter’s wedding. Thousand Origami Cranes (千羽鶴, Senbazuru^?) is a group of one thousand origami paper cranes held together by strings. She changed the traditional strands to differing lengths, but all else was  followed.

At the reception were attractive bags for each guest.  Inside the bag was a note:

“These cranes were strung with you n mind and with prayers in our hearts. Thanks for being a part of our special day! Kelsey and Dave”

white = purity
red = love
blue = loyalty
green = health
yellow = creativity
orange = enthusiasm
purple = spirituality

Many hours of cutting, folding, stringing, and of course counting plus storing went into the project.  All the time spent was also time in prayer.

The table centerpieces were origami lilies, flowers, reeds, butterflies, and small cranes.

These 3 flowers were very tiny and adorned a letter holder out to hold envelopes from guests.  Totally adorable idea and in perfect agreement with the theme of the day.

It seemed somehow special to include the cranes in the ring photo

These images don’t even begin to cover all of cranes!  Meet the paper folder extraordinaire!

Linda is crying here, and I really could have posted a big smiley image of her.  BUT! You have to know the reason for the tears.  She is watching her new son-in-law David dance with his grandmother knowing how special  his grandmother being there was to him!  He didn’t gain a mother-in-law… he got a beautiful warm heart second mom!

Linda, we are still marveling at you and the beautiful origami gift for David and Kelsey!