I've really got to get better at updating this thing. The planning process is starting to pick up a bit but is still in a bit of a holding pattern. Here are the things that have happened in the last month:
My mom and I went to visit the Byron Colby Barn. Prior to my engagement, I may or may not have been scouting locations for a long time just to a) be prepared, b) see what is out there and c) fill my time while sitting at my desk. I'd sort of dismissed it, but after seeing newer photos of a recent wedding online I decided to give it a second look. It is situated in the middle of a subdivision but it's not distracting. I don't have all the history off the top of my head, but I know it does have some interesting history. Walking in, it looks a bit small but I'm not willing to count it out. The wood floors are worn and I sort of dig that look. There are exposed wood beams which I absolutely adore. Attached to the barn is a silo. I was told that most people choose to have the bar set up in there which makes sense since there is not a whole lot of space, especially if your event is on the larger side. There is a neat loft area where you can seat either your rowdier friends or the youngsters which I really enjoyed. There are two different places you can hold a ceremony - gazebo and the market square area. It's all very quaint. The bathrooms leave much to be desired but I think this is something I'm going to have to live with when going with an unconvential wedding venue. One other point in the cons section is the lack of bridal room. This is only the second place I've seen but when I come up with ideas, I have this place in mind. I don't know. It's different, less formal, but has so much potential - sort of like me. : )
Brian and I have plans to see it when it is set up for a wedding, but I'm thinking this might be it. Stay tuned!Now, on to the dress shopping. I honestly believed that this would be easy. I am quickly learning that I am going to be THAT bride. The one who tries on 40 dresses and is still not satisfied with my final decision. I've tried on several, I mean, SEVERAL beautiful dresses but I've found something wrong with each of them and believe it or not, it wasn't the price! (I've actually decided to come up on my dress budget. I'm sure nobody is surprised). Either they are too heavy, too plain, too sparkly or too formal. There was a moment last week when I found the most gorgeous dress online. I called approximately 8 stores and nobody has it for me to try on. Major bummer. This worked both me and my lovely and exciteable friend Jill into quite a frenzy. It was insane. I think Jill said she needed a snack after all the excitment. I briefly contemplated driving 5 hours to try it on and/or paying $100 to have it sent to the Chicago Macy's. This earned me the nickname "Bride Diva" among a few of the attorneys I work with/for. Apparently, when you find your dress you just "know". I'm not sure what this moment is supposed to feel like but something tells me I have not had it yet if I even have to question. The quest continues.
Between my duties as an amazing legal assistant and phenomenal person in general (what?) I've been browsing the wedding blogs for ideas. Here are a few:
I love the middle photo with the large flower on the back of the chairs. I also love the idea of bunches of babies breath - for the ceremony, not reception.
The idea of having a picture station where people can use the chalkboard to write funny, cute notes or thier names seems like such a fun idea. Particularly after a few adult beverages are consumed.
Using the white ceramic cake stand and dishes for the dessert table is probably the idea I am most on board with so far. I think it is adorable and pretty and fitting with my more casual theme without being cheap and tacky.
That's all I leave you with for now. I promise I'll try to update more! : )
