Two Turtle Loves

Yup, turtles. Again. We love 'em -- and I did warn you we'd be weaving them throughout our reception.

Several months ago, I spotted this blog post. As the photographer writes, the couple shared a kiss at the reception whenever guests rang a bell -- but only if the ringer made a donation to a charity the couple had designated.

Daddy Bruschetta, who will welcome everyone and offer his own brief remarks once our guests are seated for dinner, has agreed to briefly explain the "rules" for our dinner game. We'll encourage guests to clink their glasses to request we kiss. We won't comply, though, unless the guest contributes funds to benefit the Wetlands Institute.

Here's where I need your help and input! I'm still unsure whether we should set a price -- $1 per kiss? $2 per kiss? -- or leave it open to our guests. If we decide on an amount, will guests participate? Or will they not want to part with a few greenbacks? Would requiring a specific amount raise more funds or discourage people from joining in the fun? What say you, hive?

Oh, and look at the amazingly adorable "piggy" bank we found. This cute little turtle will sit on our sweetheart table -- and it'll be a useful little money holder after the wedding. (When, um, we have money again!)

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Did (or will) you and your new spouse (!) participate in any sort of kissing game as part of your reception?

We're Adopting

Not one of these.

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Or one of these.

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And we're definitely nowhere near ready for one of these.

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Figure it out yet? Need a hint? Early in our planning, Mr. Bruschetta and I agreed that we'd make a charity donation, in honor of our wedding, to the Wetlands Institute -- and in so doing, "adopt" one of these.

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We're thrilled that our small gift will support valuable research and contribute to projects that help protect nesting diamondback terrapins and hatchlings. And making this commitment is all the more special since we've been closely connected to this cause for a number of years.

The mister and I agreed, though, that our guests should receive some token of our appreciation in addition to the small note that will explain about our donation and connection to the Wetlands Institute.

I'll reveal further details in a future post -- yup, I'm teasing this one out -- but for now, I'd love to hear your opinions on charity donations as favors.

Love 'em? Hate 'em? Should they always be accompanied by some tangible item, or is a note expressing your gratitude -- and explaining the reason for selecting the organization benefiting from your money -- all that's necessary?