Full Swing!

I know I said that I had upated the Bride Log but then didn't. I started to but then never finished it.

So things have definitely been moving in the Wedding Planning department since the New Year. Over Thanksgiving I tried some dresses on and I think I may have found the one. I am going to keep looking since I haven't really gone dress shopping with my mom and I don't want to rob her of the experience. We're moving forward with our menu. We've been talking to Shannon from Black Angus Catering and the first menu she proposed was almost 50% that of Catering Concepts in Va Beach. Now, Ryan and I were both impressed with the way Catering Concepts handled their business and their menu definitely did not seem cookie cutter but their prices were really high. Plus, with Black Angus it seems like we just get a lot more bang for the buck. For one thing, they will setup our centerpieces for us without extra charge. Also, gratuity is included in our cost. So, I guess once we pin down a menu, I guess we'll book them. They do so many weddings at the Contemporary Art Center.

We've also started thinking about our registry. We literally need EVERYTHING. We are still working with mostly hand-me-downs from college. I'm definitely excited at the prospect of being able to finally consider getting new things that would make our lives easier. Of course, we need a bigger place and we're hoping that is something that will change for us in the next few months. We'll most likely rent but that's fine for now. We just want a bigger place with at least a den if not two bedrooms and that will let us have Aja with us. Anyway, back to the registry. So, I know there isn't a Crate & Barrel everywhere but we really like the store and it's not as expensive as Pottery Barn. They have these sessions called Sunday Morning Engagements where couples planning a wedding can find out about registering at Crate and Barrel. I have us slated for Feb 19th at the one up the street from us.

I also went ahead and signed us up for those premarital classes required by the Catholic church. After talking to a few people, mostly Ryan's friends who had to go through it and have gotten engaged in the last year or two, I decided to sign us up for the one that is given here by the Arlington diocese. It seems a lot less painful than some of the other ones that are out there. We are basically doing a Friday evening and Saturday day. We're signed up for March 3rd and 4th in McLean.

I've also been doing some research for Ryan's family. They are considering renting a beach house for the week of our wedding. I really have found some great places big enough for two or three families to share and the nice thing is that since our wedding is in late September we are considered off-season and the rates are less. If this is a route that you are considering, please make sure you contact me so that I can point you in the right direction because I don't want you to end up too far from the festivities.

I am foregoing watching the Steelers in the playoffs this weekend to attend the Karen Eagle bridal show in Norfolk this weekend. Since I am still looking for a florist and some information about transportation, I thought, "Why not?" I don't really feel I need to go but again I would like to do this for my mom and anyone else willing to come along.

Notice that I didn't say that I was still looking for a DJ. Well, I think I'm not anymore. I went on TheKnot.com and got this great recommendation for Rod Canon from Positive Vibes. The wedding that he did had a mixed group like ours and when I received a PDF brochure and application they listed on there that they have music for Filipino line dances! LOL Ok, if you're not Filipino or have never been to a Filipino shindig where they do the line dances then you won't understand but for all those of you who know what I'm talking about should know what I'm talking about. Not that I couldn't just get the music from Joy's dad and have him bring a CD to the wedding. ;) They are also the cheapest among the three quotes I have received from DJs. AND ... their deposit is only $75! Woo hoo!

This past Saturday I attended a wedding invite workshop at the Paper Source in Georgetown. I got some AWESOME ideas and had a lot of fun! Maybe I'll get a picture up of one of the things we made. I also made a new friend there who happened to be getting married in Va Beach this year as well. It's always nice to have people to talk wedding stuff too especially if you're in the same area.

I'm also starting to go to the gym more regularly again. The holidays were NOT good to me. Or rather I wasn't good to them maybe.

So that is my long over-due update. I think that I'll start posting more regularly now that we're in the full swing of things. Things seem to be coming together but there's still so far to go. Stay tuned!