McMenamin's resorts/restaurants/etc. are super well priced places to hold receptions/ceremonies. We went and checked out some places at the Grand Lodge in Forest Grove yesterday. They range from 1,000-1,500 minimums. You pay that much, the location is free. We'd definitely exceed that. The Children's cottage there was really cool, lots of nooks and crannies to go hide and play in, plus for an 1,800 minimum you get this entire huge building. Drinks, food, magic. Hurray! The ceremony could be held at another location on grounds, like the grove, or underneath the giant ceders outside the Children's cottage.
I really liked the space, McMenamin's has a great menu for catering, and the price just can't be beat. The Children's cottage had a pretty room that used to be a library right when you walk in. It's got a fireplace, and plenty of room for all our guests.
John hated it, thought it was too compartmented and cramped.
Well, that did that. Onwards and upwards!
We've still got the community hall in Cannon Beach - which has real promise. Apparently Chinook Winds has a cool set up... I'm checking that out... Now.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
More locations!
Checked out McMenamin's Sand Trap today, or this evening rather. It's got the quaint rustic charm that the Loft had with the classic McMenamin's flair that I do love. The site overlooks the green hills of the golf course and is within walking distance to a fairly secluded beach.
Downside to the locale is that we do have to go with their catering to get the room covered, it's a $2,000 minimum. No problem with that really - we'll be able to do full course salad, meal, desserts with that in mind. It is an 18% gratuity as well so really it's $2360.
They do really cover everything there, including ceremony if we wanted. However, if we're not going to have it on the beach like I want - I'd rather do something closer.
Which brings us to the Grand Lodge in Forest Grove which we'll be checking out sometime this week. They have some pretty outside spaces as well which would work... Their minimums are $1,000 and $1,500 depending on the space. Definitely a cash saver, so we'll see.
Downside to the locale is that we do have to go with their catering to get the room covered, it's a $2,000 minimum. No problem with that really - we'll be able to do full course salad, meal, desserts with that in mind. It is an 18% gratuity as well so really it's $2360.
They do really cover everything there, including ceremony if we wanted. However, if we're not going to have it on the beach like I want - I'd rather do something closer.
Which brings us to the Grand Lodge in Forest Grove which we'll be checking out sometime this week. They have some pretty outside spaces as well which would work... Their minimums are $1,000 and $1,500 depending on the space. Definitely a cash saver, so we'll see.
Behind!
As on 10/22/09 we have yet to complete these items supposed to be completed nine months before the big day... they're kind of important ones....
1) Get everyone's address that's invited.
2) Reserve reception site.
3) Book officiant
4) Book Caterer
5) Send save the dates
6) Buy wedding accessories
All but that last one definitely should be done...
We are going to look at reception locations as soon as John gets out of shower.
Now I see why people hire wedding planners!
1) Get everyone's address that's invited.
2) Reserve reception site.
3) Book officiant
4) Book Caterer
5) Send save the dates
6) Buy wedding accessories
All but that last one definitely should be done...
We are going to look at reception locations as soon as John gets out of shower.
Now I see why people hire wedding planners!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Location Location Location
Johnathan and I went to Astoria today to look at locations to host our wedding reception. There aren't really any beachy beaches there, but we did see some pretty things.
The Loft: Situated right on the water, next to... some bridge it was really pretty. Big wooden beams and skylights. There is a large amount of potential to turn this place into...whatever we want it to be. It's quite large for the price and there's a dressing room and kitchen on site. We'd have to do catering though it seems -- or get preprepared trays from a grocery store. I'm totally okay with doing that.
Hotel Elliot: Cheaper by half, this place had a lot of stairs and a weird smell. It was in town with very limited parking. The areas themselves were pretty and a lot more intimate than the expanse of the Loft...but we'll pass.
I still want to look at one location in Cannon Beach that has a fire-place and such. John really loves the Loft, but I'm not sure where we would have the ceremony if we did the reception there.
Also, I have now began to doubt the wedding dress. I think I need to go put it on again. I mean, when I looked at myself with it on (once we beat the zipper) it was like - yes please. Now after looking at wedding things and seeing all these long flowy dresses I'm starting to doubt myself. I don't know...
There are pictures and videos to come for the events of today. To be posted on our wedding site that is currently being constructed.
UPDATE: So... we're poor and don't have cash to pay for hosting so the wedding site no longer exists.
The Loft: Situated right on the water, next to... some bridge it was really pretty. Big wooden beams and skylights. There is a large amount of potential to turn this place into...whatever we want it to be. It's quite large for the price and there's a dressing room and kitchen on site. We'd have to do catering though it seems -- or get preprepared trays from a grocery store. I'm totally okay with doing that.
Hotel Elliot: Cheaper by half, this place had a lot of stairs and a weird smell. It was in town with very limited parking. The areas themselves were pretty and a lot more intimate than the expanse of the Loft...but we'll pass.
I still want to look at one location in Cannon Beach that has a fire-place and such. John really loves the Loft, but I'm not sure where we would have the ceremony if we did the reception there.
Also, I have now began to doubt the wedding dress. I think I need to go put it on again. I mean, when I looked at myself with it on (once we beat the zipper) it was like - yes please. Now after looking at wedding things and seeing all these long flowy dresses I'm starting to doubt myself. I don't know...
There are pictures and videos to come for the events of today. To be posted on our wedding site that is currently being constructed.
UPDATE: So... we're poor and don't have cash to pay for hosting so the wedding site no longer exists.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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....
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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....
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