Last night Rachel and I went to the Melting Pot for dinner. On a whim, I decided to check out the website. I THEN found out it was a bridal show night! No, Rachel didn't want to surprise me, just a happy coincidence. :)
We ended up getting there a little early and checking out the show. We met a florist, a baker, a photographer, etc. It was fun, but it really just cemented that I have to really get to know the people we are going to be working with. Some of the people were great, others weren't, and I know they may have great websites, but you realize how important personality is.
I think I have finally settled on a black/white/jewel tones color scheme. As Rachel pointed out, it is something I have wanted for a long time. I think the more choices I have (and there are a lot!) the more times I will change my mind and I just need to remember what I have ALWAYS wanted. I don't want to look back at this wedding and think "We should have..." at any point.
Otherwise, just trying to get ideas together. We may not have made decisions, but it's still fun to talk about the things we COULD do.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009 -- Michelle
Yesterday Sarah came by and we dropped off the second installment of the deposit for the country club. It was set up for another wedding so we went and peeked. It looked GREAT. Seeing it set up like that made it a whole lot easier to visualize it being OUR reception. The tables were set, the placecard table was set, the guestbook was set, it was really nice to see how they set it all up.
My debate now is that I want my bridesmaids to wear black, but we need some color. I am not really sure how I feel about black with fall colors (gold/orange/red), but I don't know that I really want to do brown/bronze for the bridesmaids. I am now wrestling with all of that.
We went to Target and did some registering today. The gun they give you is very strange, and it kept ringing things up that we weren't registering for. Example: we were trying to register for towels and it registered us for Gerber Onesies, 3-6 mo. Uh, no. That's not coming for a while. I think we went a little gangbusters putting stuff (like towels) on there, but it's easy enough to change that stuff online.
Otherwise, same ol' same ol'. I am trying to hold off so as not to get too much planned. So far that strategy is working.
My debate now is that I want my bridesmaids to wear black, but we need some color. I am not really sure how I feel about black with fall colors (gold/orange/red), but I don't know that I really want to do brown/bronze for the bridesmaids. I am now wrestling with all of that.
We went to Target and did some registering today. The gun they give you is very strange, and it kept ringing things up that we weren't registering for. Example: we were trying to register for towels and it registered us for Gerber Onesies, 3-6 mo. Uh, no. That's not coming for a while. I think we went a little gangbusters putting stuff (like towels) on there, but it's easy enough to change that stuff online.
Otherwise, same ol' same ol'. I am trying to hold off so as not to get too much planned. So far that strategy is working.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
April 5, 2009
538 days! It seems like a million though. I know the extra time will keep me from freaking out and rushing into making decisions I wouldn't normally make, but I like instant gratification! (Though, really, after dating Adam I think we all know I will wait forever).
Looking at save the dates and invitations. It would really help if I could decide on a color scheme. I think I am settled that my bridesmaids will wear black, but then I am in the air if the flowers should be white or be colored. I like black/white/red combos (and black/white/pink but I don't know if I can talk Adam into that). Since it will be early fall, I would kind of like to go with the oranges, golds and reds of the season.
This whole experience is just a lot to handle. Adam has been SMART enough to not really argue with me unless he has a strong opinion (remind me to thank Betsy for buying him that book that told him to do that), but at the same time I can come up with a million ideas and it's hard to narrow them down. I think that's the biggest challenge I am having right now: EVERYTHING is a possibility, but what is realistic?
Now that we have the hall booked, I feel so much better. I think I had a bit of a spaz attack because it is the single biggest commitment we are making for this wedding (besides to each other, but whatever :) , but now I can think of flowers and centerpieces and table seating and all of that good stuff. I am also thinking of themes (not necessarily to be incorporated into the invites, but for naming tables) and it's getting very exciting. I am really ready for this and trying to not get ahead of myself or get myself too wrapped up in things (like my last couple of blogs probably indicated).
I am ready for Adam to come home now.
Looking at save the dates and invitations. It would really help if I could decide on a color scheme. I think I am settled that my bridesmaids will wear black, but then I am in the air if the flowers should be white or be colored. I like black/white/red combos (and black/white/pink but I don't know if I can talk Adam into that). Since it will be early fall, I would kind of like to go with the oranges, golds and reds of the season.
This whole experience is just a lot to handle. Adam has been SMART enough to not really argue with me unless he has a strong opinion (remind me to thank Betsy for buying him that book that told him to do that), but at the same time I can come up with a million ideas and it's hard to narrow them down. I think that's the biggest challenge I am having right now: EVERYTHING is a possibility, but what is realistic?
Now that we have the hall booked, I feel so much better. I think I had a bit of a spaz attack because it is the single biggest commitment we are making for this wedding (besides to each other, but whatever :) , but now I can think of flowers and centerpieces and table seating and all of that good stuff. I am also thinking of themes (not necessarily to be incorporated into the invites, but for naming tables) and it's getting very exciting. I am really ready for this and trying to not get ahead of myself or get myself too wrapped up in things (like my last couple of blogs probably indicated).
I am ready for Adam to come home now.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
March 29, 2009 -- Michelle
OVERWHELMING. That's how it all feels.
It feels good to have the site booked and also the reception site, but in trying to figure out how to keep it all without our budget...HA. Seriously, HA. We were discussing the rehearsal dinner and realizing how we didn't figure how much THAT would cost. Yikes.
I think a photo booth may be out of the question, but I am still counting on a chocolate fountain. We need a DJ and a photographer, which are our next 2 biggest hurdles. Then we have the issues of flowers, dresses (me, bridesmaids), centerpieces (flowers?), cake or an alternative, the chocolate fountain (ha), transportation, the rehearsal dinner...the list goes on and on. I suddenly realize how people can spend $30,000+ on a wedding. Oh my gosh.
At least now I can start to picture things...too bad what I am picturing right now are the dollar signs going out that door. ;) It'll be worth it when it's all done though, I am just anxious to get it all done.
It feels good to have the site booked and also the reception site, but in trying to figure out how to keep it all without our budget...HA. Seriously, HA. We were discussing the rehearsal dinner and realizing how we didn't figure how much THAT would cost. Yikes.
I think a photo booth may be out of the question, but I am still counting on a chocolate fountain. We need a DJ and a photographer, which are our next 2 biggest hurdles. Then we have the issues of flowers, dresses (me, bridesmaids), centerpieces (flowers?), cake or an alternative, the chocolate fountain (ha), transportation, the rehearsal dinner...the list goes on and on. I suddenly realize how people can spend $30,000+ on a wedding. Oh my gosh.
At least now I can start to picture things...too bad what I am picturing right now are the dollar signs going out that door. ;) It'll be worth it when it's all done though, I am just anxious to get it all done.
29 March 2009-Adam
Yeah, buddy! We're well on our way.
Yesterday we went and booked the Hickory Hills Country Club for the reception. We are very pleased with the deal we got, and the owner is very accommodating. We were in a position to negotiate some of the prices down a bit, and we wound up saving a bit of money. We still have to set up a tasting to finalize the menu, but the hall has been booked, and we have a contract to prove it.
I'm very relieved that we've gotten across the two biggest hurdles already. Now we have the details: chocolate fountain? Photographer? Photo booth? DJ? What about flowers? Shellie has to worry about bridesmaid dresses, not to mention her own attire. I have to get tuxes for my guys and I, we have a rehearsal dinner to plan (to say nothing about the rehearsal itself), save-the-date cards to send out, invitations, wedding rings, and on and on down the line. Goodness, there's a lot to do. However, compared to the task of finding, choosing, and booking a venue for the reception (which will undoubtedly be the party of the century, mind you), the rest of it should be fairly easy. (Insert "famous last words" here).
Yesterday we went and booked the Hickory Hills Country Club for the reception. We are very pleased with the deal we got, and the owner is very accommodating. We were in a position to negotiate some of the prices down a bit, and we wound up saving a bit of money. We still have to set up a tasting to finalize the menu, but the hall has been booked, and we have a contract to prove it.
I'm very relieved that we've gotten across the two biggest hurdles already. Now we have the details: chocolate fountain? Photographer? Photo booth? DJ? What about flowers? Shellie has to worry about bridesmaid dresses, not to mention her own attire. I have to get tuxes for my guys and I, we have a rehearsal dinner to plan (to say nothing about the rehearsal itself), save-the-date cards to send out, invitations, wedding rings, and on and on down the line. Goodness, there's a lot to do. However, compared to the task of finding, choosing, and booking a venue for the reception (which will undoubtedly be the party of the century, mind you), the rest of it should be fairly easy. (Insert "famous last words" here).
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
March 25, 2009 -- Michelle
Watching "Dr. Phil" about women whose weddings were ruined. Oy.
I am really excited that in 1 year and 6 months, I will be married to Adam. I can't believe it's SO FAR away! But at the same time, I am really bummed that it's coming up so soon. As I was telling A tonight, it's the one day I have been thinking about since I was little, and I don't know what I will do when it's over.
Haven't really thought too much about wedding stuff. Part of me really wants to delve in, and part of me is afraid to because I am sure I will go crazy. I vow not to be a Bridezilla.
I am really excited that in 1 year and 6 months, I will be married to Adam. I can't believe it's SO FAR away! But at the same time, I am really bummed that it's coming up so soon. As I was telling A tonight, it's the one day I have been thinking about since I was little, and I don't know what I will do when it's over.
Haven't really thought too much about wedding stuff. Part of me really wants to delve in, and part of me is afraid to because I am sure I will go crazy. I vow not to be a Bridezilla.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, 24 March 2009-Adam
I am happy that Shellie and I have gotten out in front of this as much as we have. Everything for a wedding depends on two things: the church and the reception, so having gotten one of those knocked out and a second one just shy of being squared away, I'm feeling very relaxed.
I, like Shellie, am pretty much ready to just book the country club for the reception. We've been there before, we know what we're getting, and the room is really nice. Plus, the prices are extremely reasonable, and that makes a big difference. Having looked around at some places up North myself, I have a feeling that the price of reception halls on the North Side resembles the price of homes on the North Side: a lot more money for only a little more hall. The Victoria Beau Jolie, for example, is in the same complex as my office, but their wedding and banquet packages START at more than $60 a head. The place is really nice, has great views, etc. but for what you get for that $60, it's not worth it.
Likewise, the Marriott we looked at on Saturday would be around $35 a head just for the booze. Since neither Shellie nor I is independently wealthy, and neither one of us is even remotely interested in an alcohol-free reception, there goes that idea. Really, I don't think we can go wrong with the country club. Ray and Liz have positive things to say about it, and their wedding was an awful lot of fun. We may wait until the weekend, but I have a feeling that that's where we're going to end up.
On another note, we were able to agree to change the time of the ceremony from 13:00 to 15:00, so I'm very happy about that. Other than that, though... I guess I'll write more when we have something nailed down.
I, like Shellie, am pretty much ready to just book the country club for the reception. We've been there before, we know what we're getting, and the room is really nice. Plus, the prices are extremely reasonable, and that makes a big difference. Having looked around at some places up North myself, I have a feeling that the price of reception halls on the North Side resembles the price of homes on the North Side: a lot more money for only a little more hall. The Victoria Beau Jolie, for example, is in the same complex as my office, but their wedding and banquet packages START at more than $60 a head. The place is really nice, has great views, etc. but for what you get for that $60, it's not worth it.
Likewise, the Marriott we looked at on Saturday would be around $35 a head just for the booze. Since neither Shellie nor I is independently wealthy, and neither one of us is even remotely interested in an alcohol-free reception, there goes that idea. Really, I don't think we can go wrong with the country club. Ray and Liz have positive things to say about it, and their wedding was an awful lot of fun. We may wait until the weekend, but I have a feeling that that's where we're going to end up.
On another note, we were able to agree to change the time of the ceremony from 13:00 to 15:00, so I'm very happy about that. Other than that, though... I guess I'll write more when we have something nailed down.
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