Duel purpose chest

Five or so years ago, my grandmother gave all five grandchildren a chest for Christmas. She later told me mine had been in the family for quite some time.

So far, I have only used the chest to hold children's books (alright, alright so I couldn't part with my kiddy books). But soon I will have a new purpose for the family chest. It will become a hope chest! The chest will take the place of a traditional guestbook at our wedding. The guests will be able to leave their wishes, advice, and happy thoughts for us in this chest. After the wedding I will hopefully be able to use all of these notes as decoration in a wedding photo album. The chest will require some work before the big day. It looks similar to this.
Except it is smaller and has two brass straps. I am planning on refinishing the wood and polishing the brass. The chest won't be just holding notes either; its pulling double duty!
I want to make a picture collage to be put on the inside of the lid. I am hoping to get family photos from each of our families. I want pictures with and without Mr. Camrah and I. I hope that it will be a complete display to show our families coming together.

Do you have any family heirlooms you are planning on using to decorate your wedding? Are you doing anything to show the two families coming together?