The gift of hope.

Now that we're in our new house, Steve and I have started thinking about setting up wedding registries (and by we, I mean me, except when discussion turns to the Home Depot list and the gadgets section at Williams-Sonoma). We've added a few items to our wish lists so far, and I'm having quite a lot of fun exploring all the goodies we might hope to receive from our wonderful circle of well-wishers.

But the best thing I've learned on this topic so far is that WeddingChannel.com and the I Do Foundation have created an easy way for guests to make charitable contributions in honor of a bride and groom. And at my request, they agreed to create a charity registry for us to support the Foundation Fighting Blindness. We even have a snazzy link on our wedding webpage providing quick and easy access to the donation form.

I love the idea that the joyous occasion of our wedding will help fund research that may save or restore my sight. I can't think of a better wedding gift than this. Except, of course, for the KitchenAid Mixer.