For a Bible.
As part of the Hispanic traditions that we are incorporating into our wedding ceremony, we will be presented with a Bible and Rosary. The catch is that I don’t want your ordinary, plain leather Bible that you find at your local Christian store. I want something intricate that shouts, “Hey this is our Family Bible!” Something that we will display in our home and, when people ask what it is, we can explain how we received in on our wedding day. Something that our children can always look at and read through, knowing that one day it will be their Bible and their children’s Bible, etc.
(images courtesy of Jo Marz website)
I have fallen in love with the Jo Marz Designs, but, unfortunately they are on the more expensive side. I took it upon myself to e-mail them to see if they did custom Bibles, but a quick response from their company let me know that they are not producing anymore until June 2008, when their 2009 line will come out. I’ve looked and looked online, and I’m afraid I’ve come up with only a few possibilities. I’m on the hunt for a Bible that we will pass down to generations of Hydrangeas to come. So now, I ask you all, my fellow Bees, where can I find an intricate Bible?
Ebay, of course!! http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=ornate+bible&category0=
Is there a specific version or translation you’re looking for? I may try looking around for you.
Have you tried online book sellers? Or antique bookstores?
Miss Hydrangea,
Have you tried Sacred Heart in Dallas? If you look for a bible on-line make sure it is a Catholic version.
Miss Teacup
Hey Miss Hydrangea,
I can completely appreciate your wanting to pass down an ornate family Bible of your own…so I was completely inspired to help you on your hunt, because these are stunning!
I found this woman who does a ton of custom work in leather books and rebinding…Just looking at the wealth of experience in her products, I’m sure she’d do her best to replicate what you’re thinking:
http://www.leatherbooks.info/pages/BibleRecovering.htm
I also found this person who does incredible work, but of course with a price tag to match…look at all of those embellishments!
http://www.oldleather.citymax.com/jewels.html
Good luck on your search! I hope something pans out. 
You may already know this, but in case you don’t: there are “family Bibles” designed to be heirlooms, handed down to your kids, with space to record major family events, sacraments received, family tree, etc. We got this one (in white) as a wedding gift. (There’s also a link to one in Spanish at the bottom of that page.) If that fits the bill but you’d like a more ornate cover, you can always have one crafted, as suggested above.
None of my family’s bibles every looked like those! Seems like something that perhaps the royal family would have. I was talking to my sister last night though, and there are two things we both remember about the old family bibles on both sides of the family that made them seem really special. First, of course, just the names and dates written in the front cover over generations. Second, the pictures! Both old bibles had beautiful, full-color plates, and a lot of them. And they were pretty big books - definately not meant to carry to church - so the pictures were quite large.
This is what our family bibles look like:
http://www.amazon.ca/Catholic-Family-Bible-RSV-Deluxe-Stampley/dp/1580870619
I’m not sure if you found a Jo Marz bible or not, but http://www.celebrateyourfaith.com has the HUGEST selection of Jo Marz bibles and they are in stock. I noticed some Spanish ones absolutely beautiful, I only wish that I could read them! Check it out. Hope your day is spectacular!
Mrs. Hydrangea, Dallas
Age and Occupation: 26, Administrative Assistant
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Network Analyst
Engagement Date: June 2007
Wedding Date: September 2008
Blogging Since: January 14, 2008
Venue: Catholic Church and Reception at The W Hotel
About Me: Mr. H and I come from very different cultures and backgrounds so I'm excited to plan our wedding with a balance of both traditions. My mom has always been a DIY queen, and I'm just now starting to get into it with a new house and a wedding to plan!
I was raised in large catholic family; my mom was one of 7 kids… My Grandmother wanted them to each have a Bible for their wedding just like you. So she hand embroidered the front and back covers incorporating gorgeous beading. the designs are beautiful. If you know someone who can embroider this is a special way to make it very personal. You may be able to find someone on etsy as well.
I hope you can find what you are looking for, this is a wonderful tradition.