Laura and John

Snowed In

John Davis — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:04:29 +0000

My sister Jean has been trying to get here for the past three days and is snowed in up in Seattle.

Jean, the wedding is about to come to you.

On Saturday, the uStream box above will carry a feed from a camera in the church’s balcony.

We miss you, but we still want to share this moment with you. I hope it works!

Love,

John

Last minute reception notes

John Davis — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:45:22 +0000

We’re not assigning seats at the reception, but we will be placing table cards with how you know us (family, friends, co-workers, etc.) These are suggestions to help you find friends and tablemates that you have something in common with. However, you’re free to sit wherever you like with whomever you like. Since we’re at capacity, you might find yourself making new friends at dinner on Saturday!

Also, happy birthday to Lew Davis, who turns 80 on Thursday. I’m running out of time to shop for him, but I am getting him a new daughter in law for his birthday…

You like us, you really like us…

John Davis — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:41:41 +0000

…not to get all Sally Fields on y’all, but judging by the RSVP’s so far, it’s going to be a full house. Don’t worry, we’ll have enough to feed everyone, but the reception hall may be a little cozy. It’s a good problem to have!

So we had a little mix-up on the hotel…

John Davis — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 03:19:13 +0000

When my parents made their hotel reservations and sent out e-mails to my extended family, they had opened up their AAA Travel Guide and found the information for the other Residence Inn in The Woodlands and not the one we had visited several months ago. Therefore, some people are staying at the Residence Inn on Lake Front Circle, which is not the hotel listed on this website or on the maps included with the invitations.

All is not lost; the Lake Front Circle hotel is approximately one mile from the hotel adjacent to The Woodlands Mall and Market Street shopping area, so it is still near everything.

If you’re staying at Lake Front Circle, here’s how to get to the other hotel (as well as the mall and other attractions): turn right out of the hotel onto Lake Front Circle. Turn left on Six Pines. The Residence Inn will be on the right. To get to the church, follow the same directions (right on Lake Front Circle, left on Six Pines) and continue to Woodlands Parkway. Turn right on Woodlands Parkway. Turn left on South Panther Creek (this is a traffic light just beyond the sign for Village of Panther Creek.) Make a u-turn into the church at the sign for Creekwood Park.

The Market Street location is currently sold out of two bedroom suites; they only have studio and one bedroom units left. Lake Front Circle has studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom suites available as of 12/3.

One final word of advice: while the red light cameras are turned off in the city of Houston, The Woodlands is not within the Houston city limits and the cameras are working in Montgomery County. Respect the red light camera at the South Panther Creek turn arrow.

Perfect Love

laurafrnka — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 18:22:11 +0000

I was searching on the Internet to find some things I might want my brother to read at our wedding ceremony when I came across a poem titled, “Perfect Love” by author unknown. I started reading it and seemed awfully familiar. I think someone told me to read this after my heart had been broken one too many times as a way of bringing me comfort. I can’t remember who that person was, but I’d like to thank them.

This poem is definitely spot on. I found “it” when I wasn’t looking.

I hope to use this poem in some way during our ceremony or in our program.

PERFECT LOVE
~ Author Unknown ~

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone. To have a deep soul relationship with another, to be loved thoroughly and exclusively. But God to the Christian says, “No, not until you’re satisified and fulfilled and content with living, loved by Me alone and giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me, to have an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone.

“I love you, My child, and until you discover that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found, you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with another until you are united with Me — exclusive of anyone or anything else, exclusive of any other desires or belongings.

“I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow Me to bring it to you. You just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things. Keep learning and listening to the things I tell you. You must wait.

“Don’t be anxious and don’t worry. Don’t look around at the things you think you want. Just keep looking off and away up to Me, or you’ll miss what I have to show you.

“And then, when you’re ready, I’ll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any you would ever dream. You see, until you are ready and until the one I have for you is ready, I am working this minute to have both of you ready at the same time, and until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me and the life I’ve prepared for you, you won’t be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me, and this is perfect love.

“And dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love. I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me, and to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty and perfection and love that I offer you with Myself. Know I love you. I am God Almighty, believe and be satisfied.”

God’s watch

laurafrnka — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 22:05:34 +0000

The summer seems to be flying by, which means it will soon be fall. I remember when everyone was saying, “wow! Your wedding is a long way off.” I knew it would go by quickly! Today John’s parents, John and I went looking at places for the rehearsal dinner and hotels for out-of-town guests. Even though those are minor details in the scheme of things, I still savored every moment because it won’t happen again.

Last week my feelings were hurt because I was referred to as an “OLD BRIDE.” Yes, it stung. I will be close to 40 before I say my vows. I watched everyone in college get married in their 20s or early 30s. I will be 37. I’m well aware of that, but it’s all comes down to God’s planning and timing. I did not meet John on my watch — I met him on God’s watch. God wanted me to find where I needed to be career-wise and most importantly to be an independent woman who could make choices and do things without the aid of a man. Just because you get married and have a husband, doesn’t mean you have security and it doesn’t mean that you should not be equipped to handle things yourself. I’m proud of the fact that I know how to do things like mow the lawn (even though it’s painstaking), fix a clogged sink, plant a garden, unplug a stopped toilet, move furniture and clean carpets with a heavy duty vacuum cleaner! And not to mention, establish an EXCELLENT credit rating so I don’t ever have trouble obtaining loans. Because I have waited, I’ve observed what NOT to do in a marriage by watching those around me and their relationships fall apart.

And what’s more … even though I’m older, I’m blessed to have both my parents and both my future in-laws alive to celebrate it with me. I know this is a huge blessing.

We may not always agree with God’s timing, but He holds us in the palm of His hand and always knows what’s best for us.

The Dress and Engagement Pictures

laurafrnka — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 02:40:14 +0000

The last two days have been full of fun memories! Yesterday I picked up my wedding dress. My parents came with me … I expected my dad to be a little emotional, but instead, he just joked around with me and the other brides. He was trying to make me laugh. I haven’t done much of that lately, so he was glad to see me happy. The dress is in my possession and fits perfectly, expect for the length, which is expected for me, of course.

Today, John and I viewed our engagement pictures. I was really nervous to see them. I’m not one who likes the camera at all, but Shelly did an AMAZING job for both of us. I was so happy and so was John. I have watched the video she made several times and cry each and every time. It’s becoming real. I’m getting married. The girl who always stood on the sidelines and watched other people get married and have babies. IT’S FINALLY MY TURN and it feels surreal! I just can’t believe it! I’m so blessed to have a wonderful husband-to-be, amazing in-laws and a loving and expanding family with the addition of my sweet nephew, Ethan born just a week and a half ago. God is good!

The Wedding Party

laurafrnka — Wed, 18 May 2011 01:55:40 +0000

We chose our wedding party a while back — we knew right away that the following people would be part of our special day in one way or the other. We love you all and we love your children. Thank you for sharing this experience with us.

Best Man is Mike Valdez, friend of John’s
Matron of honor is Amanda Eisele, Laura’s first cousin
Junior Bridesmaid is Ava Lynn James, Laura’s niece
Ring Bearer is Aydan Bennett, second cousin of Laura
Flower girl is Alleyne Bennet, second cousin of Laura

Ushers are:

Scott Frnka, Laura’s brother
Randy Frnka, Laura’s cousin
Brian Shimek, Laura’s cousin
Kevin “Kev” Kline, dear friend of Laura’s and John’s

Laura also is going to have a House Party. For those of you who don’t know what that is (it must be a Southern thing), it’s a group of the bride’s friends/family members who help with the cake cutting, guest book, etc. The House Party includes:

Jean Davis, John’s sister
Robin Bennett, Laura’s cousin
Leeanna Shimek, Laura’s cousin
Vicki Frnka Hensley, Laura’s cousin
Veronica Thomison, Laura’s friend
Kim Vanek, Laura’s cousin and John’s riding buddy

Bridging the past with the future

laurafrnka — Tue, 17 May 2011 02:38:55 +0000

John and I are so blessed to have not one, but two officiants participate in our wedding. Deacon Bob Horner of Trinity Episcopal Church of The Woodlands and Father Mike Besson of St. Catherine of Sienna will both participate in our special day. Deacon Bob represents the past as an integral part of my upbringing in the church. Father Mike represents our future as we continue to grow in the Episcopal faith. They have provided us with solid examples to follow, both in their faith and in their families.

We love you Deacon Bob and Father Mike!

Special Thanks…

John Davis — Mon, 16 May 2011 00:46:03 +0000

Besides our wonderful families, it takes help from a lot of our friends to pull off a wedding.

We’re fortunate to have some talented friends on call. Whether you’re planning a wedding or need a hand with some other event, we’re happy to share our Rolodex with you.

Graphic Design – When she’s not making amazing things for the Houston Chronicle’s advertising department, Kristen Flores does great freelance work, and she’s designed our save the date cards, invitations, and thank you cards. If you need a graphics goddess, talk to Laura and she’ll put you in touch.

Photography – Shelly Porch Chetty at SPC Creative Photography took some great engagement photos that we can’t wait to share with you, and she’ll be shooting the wedding, too. Shelly is creative, a great listener, and easy to work with.

DJ – There’s two names you need to know when it comes to hiring a DJ in this town: Mike Valdez (who you will meet as our Best Man) with Skymike Events and Joey Kovacik with DJ Brothers. John can put you in touch with either.

Ceremony Music — We’re also extremely blessed to have Shannon Perry in our lives. God gave her the gift of a beautiful voice and she will use it during our wedding ceremony. She’s been a wonderful friend and mentor to Laura. We are so happy that she will be part of our special day!