Play that funky music!

It really was never a debate. He wanted a band, and I just wanted to make sure that certain songs were played. Ya know, the first dance, mother/son & father/daughter, and maybe a fun wedding party song. After reaching out to a band we saw at another wedding dance a few months back, we figured we'd see if they were available. If yes, great. If not, time to figure something out.

Well, they were available and their cost wasn't AS much as we had originally thought. Which I guess was good and bad. Would a DJ be cheaper? Probably Or should we just go for it and have a great time to end the day festivities?

After confirming that they'll be able to play whatever songs we want during dinner, being able to play all of those "traditional" dances, and getting done 15 minutes before we get kicked out of the reception hall (to play two night ending song) - we booked! I can definitely say that I am excited, as it will be something we can look back on and say that we did. Yes, a DJ does have some perks... but a band is just plain 'ol fun.

Oh, the bridesmaid dresses got ordered last week! One more thing to cross off the list. I think each of the two will look great together, and the blue will look really nice. They're supposed to come in sometime in August - so here's hoping!

So, now I can say that the following has been done:

• Reception venue
• Ceremony venue
• Officiant
• Photographer
• Band
• Wedding dress
• Bridesmaid dresses
• Wedding band

Time to focus on some little things before getting to more major things in a few months. Next up - invitations!

Making it Official

We met with the Officiant last night, and were really impressed. She was really nice and seems very "go with the flow". It is awesome that we pretty much get to customize how our ceremony will be in terms of what is said and the length. He is thinking less than 10, but I am hopping for at least 10 to make it a little bit more memorable. But, we'll see what gets played out.

She gave us examples of readings, verses, vows, unity items, and more to use. We mainly just have to go through the material and pick which ones we want, or if we like a couple - we can combine and she'll make it work. I love that.

Ya know, I never mind sitting through a wedding ceremony... but it always seemed to go on forever when the pastor/priest did the sermon. I know that's nice and all, but to me - it's not needed. Let us do the other stuff, skip a sermon, and make it official. She is pretty much doing that.


In other news, we sent the tentative booking information to the band we're getting... so that is exciting. The whole time we have thought about doing a band instead of a DJ. For one, everyone does DJ's and sometimes the cheesiness that they bring can be too much (inflatables, feather boas, games, etc.). We have seen this band play before at wedding receptions and enjoyed that all they did was play music - and good music. It's also nice that they are able to play certain songs that we want (like couples dance, father/daughter/mother/son), as music is important to me. I think they'll do a good job to cap off the celebration. We both have a lot of friends that dance, too.

Next up - Flowers, Cake and the little things. Oh, and maybe some engagement pics too.

Say Yes to the Dress... for reals!

After visiting 7 stores (yes, 7), and trying on countless dresses in the style I was looking for - I found "the one"! It was actually at Store #3, and after trying it on... I knew I loved it. It fit well, gave me the amount of curves I wanted and had other features that I was impressed with. And the bonus - it was under $1K!

There were 2 other dresses that had caught my eye as well. One was almost too basic, but still very nice on me (and great price, too). Plus, the store owner was great to work with. It kind of made me sad that I didn't get that dress based on the service alone... but I would consider going there for other things (like jewelry). The other was amazing with features (thinner v-neck straps, lace with a Swiss dot lace underneath, small belt, small keyhole back, corset tie in the back), but it was WAY over what I was wanting to pay. Had it been maybe $1,200 instead of $1,500, I would have justified the cost - as it was a nice dress and also fit me really well. However, the size I tried on was way big, so I wasn't sure that once I ordered the dress in my size, that it would still be as flattering. In addition, this place did not allow pictures and cut the tags out of the dress, so I wasn't able to locate in online to view a zillion times to make a decision.

I am happy with my dress, and can't wait until it comes in... in like 4-5 months. Now I'll be on the hunt for jewelry (thinking pearls), shoes and a veil. The store I got my dress at gave me a $150 store credit, so that can be at least used for a veil - which may have some subtle bling since my dress won't have any of that, which is OK actually. It's nice to have that decision out of the way.

I have also decided on a bridesmaid dress color - Mediterranean Blue according to Alfred Angelo. They're about 10 different long styles dresses to choose from, so finding a flattering style should be easier. I asked my sister to be my MOH when I saw her a couple weekends ago, and then asked Blair's sister last week to be my bridesmaid. Her and I went dress shopping last night, and she found a very flattering dress at a local store. My sister plans on going this weekend to find a style that will suit her. Good deals!!

We also booked out photographer, and I am very excited to work with her. She does weddings, engagement shoots, and families. I know a few people who have used her for family pics, and she has nothing but great reviews... so that is nice. Next week we meet with our Officiant and will hopefully have her booked. Then next will be the band. :)

I am happy that all of our big things are coming together. It's been a very productive couple of weeks.