Tomorrow John, my grandma and myself are going to see all we need to do to make McMenamin's Sandtrap work for us. Yay! I'm sure we'll go over the menu - which I kind of already have picked out, and all the things that need to happen to make the ceremony of my dreams (the part of the wedding I actually care about) a reality.
In other news, I've decided that red should be implemented a bit more. I am, after all, getting married to a half Chinese man. There aren't too many traditional Chinese things we can implement besides color and putting red envelopes for money in the reception locale because of the fact that he doesn't have a family. Hm, I wonder if Lithuanians have cool customs? So I figure I'll throw red into the bouquets, and we'll do the money drop box with double happiness symbol and red envelopes to implement a smidgen of that side of him.
My grandfather agreed to be our officiant, so that's fantastic, we just need to do the ordaining part of that. My grandma knows what kind of cake we're having - just a small one for John and I since dessert comes with the catering plan. Check check and check! We're almost back on track. Will be once we book Sandtrap officially. Yay!
... now what?
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Dilemma
I don't really care too terribly much about the reception location. I just want my perfect ceremony on the beach and for lots of gorgeous pictures to be taken and to have music and dancing and fun times. John wants to have a coursed meal for all our friends. So we know that the event has to be catered. Beyond that... it's pretty open. We have three main options as of right now.
The Loft: PICTURES It's open and large - space for 250. Due to our date, it's going to be $500 to rent for the whole day. Catering would be extra on top of this, as would decorations. There aren't any beaches close by so ceremony would have to be set somewhere driving's distance away.
Mcmenamin's SandTrap: PICTURES Same wooden vibe as the Loft, but with McMenamin's style decorations. Location is free with a $2,000 catering minimum. We would need to provide centerpieces and any additional decorations we felt necessary. Beach is fairly close by.
Cannon Beach Community Hall: PICTURES Wooden interior, much like the other two - fireplace (not that it'll be used in July). $600 to rent for whole day. Catering and all decorations would need to be provided by us. Easy beach access.
So, which should it be?
The Loft: PICTURES It's open and large - space for 250. Due to our date, it's going to be $500 to rent for the whole day. Catering would be extra on top of this, as would decorations. There aren't any beaches close by so ceremony would have to be set somewhere driving's distance away.
Mcmenamin's SandTrap: PICTURES Same wooden vibe as the Loft, but with McMenamin's style decorations. Location is free with a $2,000 catering minimum. We would need to provide centerpieces and any additional decorations we felt necessary. Beach is fairly close by.
Cannon Beach Community Hall: PICTURES Wooden interior, much like the other two - fireplace (not that it'll be used in July). $600 to rent for whole day. Catering and all decorations would need to be provided by us. Easy beach access.
So, which should it be?
Bridal Party
Hurray! I now will have Brittany, Azurell, and Tiffany with me on the big day. I love each of you three girls more than I could ever express and you've each helped me grow, thrive, and love as much as possible. I cannot express how lucky I am to have you three wonderful and diverse women in my life and I cherish each and every one of you.
Love!
Love!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Yay Az!
I've been pestering Johnathan to figure out what he's doing for his best man / groomsmen situation. He wants Corey, and maybe Nate/Mouse but thinks Corey will fail (because he will....just sayin') and doesn't want to make either Nate or Mouse best man and is so confused.
I, on the other hand have been waiting for him to make up his mind so I can ask my bridesmaids to be my bridesmaids before it's ridiculously late. John finally said to pick mine and then he'll follow. So I asked Azurell, my dearest to be a bridesmaid and she said yes. Hurray! I am uncertain as to whether I should ask Tiffany as well yet or not. I should figure this out, huh?
Anyway, I am super excited that Az is going to be there with me. Keeping me sane and alive with her Azness. All is well. (Except that we're crazy far behind.
I, on the other hand have been waiting for him to make up his mind so I can ask my bridesmaids to be my bridesmaids before it's ridiculously late. John finally said to pick mine and then he'll follow. So I asked Azurell, my dearest to be a bridesmaid and she said yes. Hurray! I am uncertain as to whether I should ask Tiffany as well yet or not. I should figure this out, huh?
Anyway, I am super excited that Az is going to be there with me. Keeping me sane and alive with her Azness. All is well. (Except that we're crazy far behind.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Grand Lodge
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.
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.
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)