just around the riverbend weddings

It's been a stressful few weeks; I'll be going to study overseas in two weeks. In the meantime, I'm trying to take advantage of this time that I'm in my hometown in order to get some crucial wedding business done- ie The Venue... dunh dunh dunh.

Ok, so I'm going to be honest. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed about this whole wedding planning thing. We decided that we wanted to get married next summer, and when we decided that in July we felt like that was plenty of time. And I guess it still is. But considering the fact that I'm going to be out of the country for four months... I guess I'm feeling like I should be getting a whole lot more done. The only thing we've checked off the list is finding an officiant... and I haven't even talked to him about it yet. *Gulp*

At least I'm getting a little further in being able to help F feel like he is being included... he's even bringing up wedding business on his own!

I think tomorrow we are going to be checking out some venues. Here's what we have discussed: we want the ceremony and reception to be at the same place. We really want them both to be outside, in a more natural location (maybe in looks more than geographically location). I want a lot of natural flowers, and water if possible. We need it to be easy for our older relatives to get around. We want it to be pretty close to Vancouver so that people are having to trek too far, or drive too far late at night.

Personally, I love the idea of renting out a B&B and having a whole wedding weekend, a la . F and I haven't set a budget yet, but it will not be too much more than that, him being a working man paying off school debts and me being a student, coming back to the country with a huge student loan.

I just keep collecting pictures of things that I love, so I know what I like, and what I don't like. Is that enough? I haven't decided yet.

In the meantime, things that I love:

I'm still having a love affair with cocktail dresses

I love the simple, small centerpieces, especially when there are more than one. And especially when they are all the same color in each container.

Flowers that look like they are freshly picked.

I love this picture for a couple of reasons. One, I just love the picture. They look so happy! I love her dress, I love his light brown suit, and I love his shoes.

Admittedly this is me. At this point, although finding a dress is one more thing that I need to do, this is one that I have tried and really loved myself in, but this one was out of my budget. So, I'm keeping my eyes open.

I love self-created save the dates, especially the ones that include pictures. I'm going to ask a friend if she will take sort of engagement type photos that we can use for our save the dates.

Simple centerpieces mixed with an adorable tablecloth equals <3

Some things that I know I don't like, and some things that I feel are a waste of time and money:
- Throwing the bouquet- tacky
- Programs? I don't get the point other than another waste of paper
- A get-away-car... if I'm having the ceremony at night, will any one be around long enough to see it?
- Elaborate escort cards
- Engagement photos, bridal shoot- what's the point?
- Tiaras
- Purses for the bride
- A change of outfit for the bride- hello? you just spent all that money so you can switch clothes?

Ok, this is a long enough post. I'm going to try and remember to take my camera along with me as we go along and search for our venue. Wish me luck!

Am I the only one having this much trouble getting organized? Or deciding on things for the wedding?

~Mandie