Wow.

Tonight I....

Got a photographer, Brook.
Got a videographer, Ike.

Had John's Bachelor party semi-planned.

Had the farewell from reception planned -- it's fantastic.

Realized I am blessed.

The Dress

We went to David's Bridal, and to Macy's, Nordstroms, and everywhere in between. We went to everywhere we could think of that might sell dresses in general. I don't know how many dresses we tried on, but it felt like it was in the hundreds. Finally though, I found the dress. It fits wonderfully, it's lacy and glittery and spectacular. Got it from emporio bridal in Washington Square. It's... yeah, wonderful.

Only downside... I was trying to find a link to post here so you could look at on a model...and when I put in the designer and the product number I found the same dress I got for nearly 90 dollars cheaper... in addition, I bet brand new the zipper's a lot more considerate than it is on the dress I got. Yeah, and that's what I get I suppose. I totally could have wrote down the info and looked it up when I got home to be sure I got the best deal. I always end up doing things like that. It's aggravating as all hell. I would totally return it and buy the one online too... except that for some reason bridal shops make their return policy as there isn't one... So there's nothing I can do about it. Grumble grumble. Oh well, at least I have a wonderful dress to wear on a wonderful day. And I had a great time with my Maid of Honor in finding it.

Working things out

Alright so we're thinking cutting back on wedding/reception costs and spending a bit more on the honeymoon fun that will probably be a Sandals resort.

Meet in Seaside, have a simple arch maybe with some flowers. Say our vows. Perhaps we'll rent some folding chairs for people to sit in.

Reception I'm thinking hitting up Costco for some burgers and dogs and sides and things. Pick up some plates and silverware, some booze and soda and there you go. Something relaxed. . . think along the lines of our unemployment party. But with music...well more audible music. At least for our first dance and such. Light up a bonfire, roast some S'mores... just have fun.

Get a room for the night and fly out in the morning to paradise.

With this plan we'll really need the support of our friends and family. Manning the grills and such. We're also thinking of asking one of our friends to be the photographer, if anyone has the nice equipment. Then we'll throw some disposables around for people to use and return to us.

If I can get a hold of a reception site on the coast that would work too...then have the 'after party' on the beach. Who knows.

Something simple, something fun.

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I'm going wedding dress shopping tomorrow. Eep! I'm more so going to get a feel of what looks good on my frame. I was told by a wise one today that David's Bridal doesn't make the highest quality dresses, and they're hard to alter. So we'll definitely see. If I find 'the' dress, then perhaps a purchase will be made. Seeing has how we have no idea how we're making rent, it'll have to be a credit card purchase...but, yeah....

Paradise?

Not to say that the idea is entirely based on Michael Scott's outing... but a Sandals resort does seem pretty spectacular, right? White sand beaches, gorgeous blue water... all the food and drink you can shove in your face. If you stay six or more nights in a concierge level room, they just so happen to throw in a free 'basic' wedding. Which includes: Personal wedding consultant, Marriage officiant, Certified copy of marriage license, Picturesque wedding location, One 5"x7" wedding photograph, "Just married" T-shirts, Bouquet and boutonniere, Beautiful reception setting, Hors d'oeuvres & sparkling wine (for couple and two guests), Preparation of documentation, Caribbean Wedding Cake, Continental breakfast in bed, and Government / Administrative fees.

If you stay in a not concierge level room, then you pay the Government fees which range from $200-$500 depending on the location, so not too terribly much in the overall scheme of things.

Photography package is $1,200 and includes: (36) 5x7 prints, (6) 8x10 prints, Large ivory & gold matted album, (42) Digital negatives. This is a bit of cash.. but I believe we were planning on asking one of our photo gifted friends to take the pictures for us... and they probably wouldn't be able to afford the trip...

Which brings us to the seemingly only downfall of the entire scheme... guests. I would love to have all my friends and family there, but if we do it destination style, it's just not feasible for us to foot that kind of bill. Airfare is looking at ~1k per couple round trip. Wedding passes to the resort, if guests decide not to stay at Sandals themselves are ~$90. So we're looking at ridiculous numbers. Although, I think that with nearly a year to save, perhaps a few people will be able to put aside some money to have some fun. For four nights in the cheapest room (which is still fabulous) at Ochos Rios, for example it's ~2,500 including Airfare. So... it's a bit to ask someone to pay to come see us get married....

However, I think that people love the sand, the surf, and the sun and might just be in the mood for a vacation around July anyway. If they decide to join us in Jamaica, or wherever we decide, then that's fantastic. If not, then we'll Weddingmoon all by ourselves - and that's okay by me.

If we get 9 other couples, or just 9 additional rooms, then there's the additional perks of group-ness, but I doubt that will happen.

Anyway, it's kind of just a dream at the moment, but one that we could possibly complete. We'd just need to supply ourselves and our attire, which sounds kind of nice. Anyway, that's enough of that for now.

Things to do before October ends...

According to the timeline by OurWeddingDay.com here are some things I should have finished before October 22nd, on that day at the latest....

1) Get Wedding dress and ensemble.
2) Reserve ceremony and reception sites and plan rehearsal.
3) Book Officiant.
4) Book caterer if needed w/ location.
5) Send Save the Date cards.
6) Compile Guest list with addresses.

Well, we're almost finished with the last one, which we can then do number 5. As far as the dress and location reservations, those require money... so... they're not happening any time soon. Also, my beach location has yet to return my attempted contacts, making me think they're probably not the best place anyway.

Standstill...

So we've nearly gotten everyone's address that we'd like to invite. I feel bad about not having extended family there I think. I understand why we have to keep it just close friends and family and such. For pricewise and because... we've still got a lot of people all added together, and the very vast majority of them are linked to Bride, or Both... there's only 9 for groom (18 with +1s).. so yeah. With my second cousins and such, yeah. I'm not going to worry about it until later. We've still got... 319 days until we do the deed.

We haven't really accomplished much planning wise. John somehow can't find time to look into things, and yet feels like he's being left out. Even though he really does have time like...a lot of time.

So we're kind of... yeah, at a standstill.

Adrianna Hill Grand Ballroom

Adrianna Ballroom: a fantastically wonderful little pocket in Portland that is super pretty. However, I e-mailed them for information and it also is a smidgen spendy. All we would need to do is show up with a couple dozen flowers, a cake, and ourselves, though. They do all the rest. . . We'll price out our other options, some of which look more afforable - although we haven't added food/decor into the mix just quite yet.