Fit for a Prince!

The last few weeks have been full of preparation. Brase’s Christening is fast approaching. The date has been set for Saturday, June 19th at noon.

We thought this date would be a perfect time to celebrate two very important events. First and foremost, Brase will be initiated into the Roman Catholic Community through the sacrament of Baptism. Secondly, the date falls closest to the 3rd Sunday in June which is always Father’s Day. The coordination of dates makes this sacred event even more special in our family’s eyes.

Invitation design was finalized and printing was completed last week. The printing service hand addressed event envelopes and added post marks. The mailing option was a wonderful value added service as our time is limited these days. Below is a version of the invitation that has been edited for privacy.

A small luncheon has been planned immediately following the private church service. We have arranged to host our guests at a local Italian restaurant. The place is elegant and a regular venue for small intimate parties. The light summer lunch menu will begin with tomato caprese and a hearty Italian chopped salad. A choice of chicken picatta or lemon herb salmon will be offered accompanied by fresh asparagus and crispy red potatoes. New York cheesecake and almond pound cake will be served as a final course.

We have looked for table favors for weeks. Finally, a beautiful silver cross pendant surfaced via the Internet. Each piece of jewelry comes in a white organza bag tied with silk ribbon. The bags will also include personalized prayer cards. Each card will have Brase’s complete Christian name, Baptismal date, Godparent’s names and our parish priest’s name. A brief prayer will be printed at the bottom of the card. The prayer will read, “...watch over and cherish this child, whom You have blessed with the grace of baptism.” Sepia wallet sized photos will be set in silver frames at each guest’s place setting. Place cards and menu cards will accompany the table favors.

Presentation gifts have arrived and were sent to the engraver. Brase’s Godparents will receive a personalized silver coffee table box with royal blue velvet lining. In addition, they will receive a black and white photo of Brase mounted in a sterling silver frame. Our gift to our son will be a sterling silver Baptismal shell set with his initials. We hope Brase will later use this shell to hold personal belongings from his pockets and be a daily reminder of his Baptism.

Brase will be almost 6 months old by the time this special event takes place. That being said, he will not wear a Christening gown. In lieu of the tradition garment, we have opted for a classic white ribbed jon jon by Strasburg Children. Accompanying his outfit is a bib and blanket embroidered with laurel wreaths. The finishing touch to his ensemble will be a sterling silver pacifier clip in the shape of a cross.

A few loose ends still exist. We must decide on floral arrangements and a photography session needs to be scheduled. Brase will of course be posed in his Christening clothes.

Continue to follow this unfolding event via Daddy Times Two and look for pictures in June!