Our Married Life

I saw a decent photographer – Duran Photography – that I like who has the style of photography that we both like – artistic photojournalism mixed with formals. Plus he has a good website!

So I found the perfect dress at JCrew, but it’s of course wayyy too expensive. 250 bucks a pop. It’s the exact color combination and everything. I’ll keep checking to see if it’s on sale….

It also depends on how it fits on everyone too. I can’t force someone to wear a dress that they’re not comfortable in.

What does everyone think?

I was checking out The Knot website since they have such great tips and all, I ran across these sample images of centerpieces and bouquets. It goes really well with the orange, red, and fushia themes. I don’t think I will be spending a ton of money on centerpieces, other than the ones that is offered at the country club, but I’d like to at least decorate the head table with some flowers. I read somewhere that Central Market is cheaper than most florists….we will see.

Today we were supposed to meet with a photographer from Bella Pictures to view her portfolio and ask any questions. But of course I never check my voicemail and missed her confirmation call. She never showed up. Is it my fault? Oh well. I think I may need to go by Bridesmart to check out their invitations since they claim I get 40% off.

I also need to call Julie and Yi so we can check out some bridesmaid dresses. I don’t like any of the ones I saw at any of the bridal shops. They’re so ugly. We may just go shopping at the mall and find matching dresses, I’m sure it’s cheaper. I know the tradition is for the bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses, but I just find it difficult to tell them that, especially since I asked them to be in my wedding. We’ll definitely have to work something out. My mom and sister told me to pay for the dresses and skip the attendent gifts. I think that’s a good idea. Either way, I just don’t want it to be a complete financial burden on the bridesmaids as well as myself. We can always rent. Um yeah. Maybe not.

Anyway, I do like the idea of getting the dress from the mall versus the bridal stores (they require too much alterations). I saw some at Jessica McClintock that was really cute! We’ll have to go. I just hate shopping when it’s hot out. So starting in early November, we’ll go. I’ll give you girls a call….

So I had an idea yesterday while driving home from work. There’s this place on Preston called Cookie Blooms or something of that sort. It’s basically a place that makes cookies, decorates them and puts them in a bouquet or basket. Wouldn’t it be fun to get together the night before and decorate cookies, wrap them in clear saran wrap or plastic with a cute little bow. We can either use them as centerpieces, favors at the reception or at the church….

So I just got confirmation from Julie that she will be my bridesmaid. Yay! There’s so much more to do….

After much deliberation, reviewing ALL the options Dallas has to offer, we are finally going with Brookhaven. It’s cozy, homey, and the perfect size and location. Located in a neighborhood in Farmer’s Branch, the country club comes from old money. There is a view of the pool just outside the reception area. We need to scope out churches in the neighborhood for our ceremony. Of course we can always have the ceremony out on the golf course somewhere, although we prefer a church.

The wedding coordinator at Brookhaven called on Friday saying that there was another bride interested in the date that we held. We knew we had to act fast if we wanted it. It was our top and best choice out of all the places we’ve looked at. The only problem was the minimum, which was 7000 for the main dining room area… It’s not that it’s high, it’s just that if we wanted a smaller wedding or if we dont have enough headcount, then we’d be spending money for extra people that won’t be there. Even though our list hit 150 guests, who knows if everyone will be there…

I’m just finally glad we made a decision. Brian just asked his old friend to be his best man. Yay!

Our next steps is to find the ceremony site…

So I left work today at 3. I wanted to go dress shopping considering we haven’t done anything else. I wasn’t determined to buy anything, I just wanted to see if there was anything new in stock. All the dresses I tried on were blah, except one. I stopped by Bridesmart off LBJ, I think this is my third trip there. I walked around and found THE DRESS.

Well I knew it couldn’t be, but I pulled it off and set in the dressing room. I kept looking and found another dress that looked like it could be pretty. Yet after looking at all the dresses out there, I kept thinking about the one I pulled off. So I tried it on, and it fit like a glove. It’s a little tight, but heck I plan on hitting the gym to lose all that college weight anyway. Now I have a reason to…

So by next year, I might have to get it altered a couple sizes down, but I love it. I love the dress, it’s perfect. It’s not ivory nor is it white. It’s in between… she called it candlelight. It’s more off-white to me. There’s beading at the top of the bust and the bottom part of the bodice. The same strip of beading goes down the back. The back has a zipper, but it also comes with drawstrings or whatever. Too bad there isn’t a picture out there. It’s a BridesMart exclusive. Wah. Basically it had alllll the details I was looking for. The only bad thing was that the train was longer than I was looking for. But it didn’t bother me. I even tried it on a second time, and it still didn’t bother me. It’s not longer than some of the dresses I tried on. I do have to get it hemmed and get the bust altered, and hopefully take it down a couple sizes. Total cost $589 for an off the rack dress…. is it too much?

I felt guilty on the way home (mainly because I paid that much for an off-the-rack dress). I was hoping to not spend over $500. I’m guessing the alterations will cost another hundred or so… Damnit! Oh well, it’s a lovely dress, and the dress I’ve been looking for. It’s on layaway (something I’ve NEVER done before, and wish I would never do again, I felt like a cheapo)! But with gas prices these days, layaway is the best option, plus it’s not like I had to fill out paperwork!

Finally, the ball is starting to roll….

I made an appointment with this place called Le Renaissance today. It’s next to the Dave & Busters on Walnut Hill. It’s basically a reception hall. The price was decent, I think. It’s $5750 (up to 150 guests) for the rental which includes:

• Full use of our Chapel and Reception area for 4 ½ Hours
• Multi-Tiered Bride’s Cake
• Fresh Flowers for Bride’s Cake
• Groom’s Cake
• Tuxedo Strawberries for Groom’s Cake
• Wedding Punch, Gourmet Coffee and Iced Tea
• Fresh Vegetable & Fruit Trays
• Cheese Tray
• Fruit Carving Centerpiece
• Champagne Fountain
• Professional DJ for Four Hours
• Unity Candle, Tossing Garter, Guest Book
• Specialty Linen Tablecloths, Napkins, and Chair Bows in YOUR Choice of Colors
• One Hour Wedding Rehearsal
• Wedding Coordinator to oversee every detail
• Professional Uniformed Wait Staff
• Bubbles for your Departure
• Plus 10 bucks a person for food.

I’m not sure if this is worth saving a few hundred dollars though. The place is kinda drab.

I think in the end we might still end up with Brookhaven or CityPlace. AHHHHHHH!!