It seems as if lately I am hearing about weddings like crazy! Not only will I have the honor of being in a wedding, a couple of my friends have gotten engaged and I am super excited to see them tie the knot, Cameron and I are planning our own wedding, and we just went to one this past weekend! Needless to say, it was our opportunity to start making a list of what we think is truly important at our wedding.
1. Venue. The couple had their ceremony and reception in two different places. This is typical of many weddings. We started the day with a mass and ceremony, and then headed to the reception site, a beautiful mansion with several large rooms, an outdoor space and plenty of parking. Cameron and I discussed this and we would like the ceremony and reception in one place. I think that the guests would appreciate it and it would cut down on the amount of time spent in general.
This venue is a perfect example! I've heard a lot of bad mouthing about the city I live in from certain people (ahem) but there are good and bad things about every town and every city! This is a little gem Cameron and I found located right here and it's beautiful! Last year we talked about wineries, the beach, and even a destination wedding, but honestly, the most important thing is spending it with the people we love the most. Our family and friends.
2. Dress/Ring. The beautiful bride was stunning in a crystal encrusted gown that was floor length then at the reception, she removed a piece from the bottom that turned into a party dress with the same top half! It was awesome! She also made her way to our table to show off her humongous ring. Once she left, Cameron and I just laughed about it. To each their own. In my years of life, I have learned many things. One of them being what is truly important to me. A ring half the size of Montana...no thanks. Cameron's love isn't measured by how much money he spends on a ring, its how much time he spends with me. Not on his laptop or phone, but with me. I cherish all of those moments. He doesn't judge me, doesn't put me down, and certainly loves me for who I am, no matter what. That is what matters. So when it comes to a ring, it has become a joke between Cameron and I. I have given him a "maximum" amount to spend...no more than $2000.00. And even that is pricey for me. I would much rather spend that money on memories than have it sitting on my finger for all the world to see. The dress...haha...well that's another thing. I won't pay more than $1000.00 for a dress I will only wear once. I know I know...its my wedding. But the memories and what I will be getting in my lifetime well makes up for a $1000.00 dress, promise. Here are a few of my ideas:
3. Food/Drinks. At the wedding we went to this weekend, it was open bar but there wasn't a bartender (which I'm sure was an extra expense). There was plenty of beer and liquor and enough mixers to make your own mixed drinks. Cameron and I weren't sure about this set up. We would like our guests to have a great time but not get smashed at the wedding...not appropriate. So we are still debating on whether to have a cash bar or open bar with just beer and wine.
We have always said that we wanted our wedding to be catered/served...no buffet! The dinner at this wedding was served but it was Chicken Cordon Bleu, served with red potatoes, and pesto pasta. It wasn't my favorite dish. We want to give our guests an option for beef or chicken. Here are some of the ideas Cameron and I were kicking around for serving at our wedding:
4. Traditions. Traditions were abundant at this wedding last weekend. We saw prayers, a lasso, and offerings at a traditional Catholic mass. At the reception we witnessed everything from the bouquet toss, 1st dance, and bridal party introductions to speeches and DJ and a band! Cameron and I had a long conversation about this Saturday night. We feel that some traditions are more important than others. We do not want to get married in a church and prefer that our nuptials are kept short and sweet, no longer than 30 minutes. I would like a 1st dance with my husband but neither of us care about the bouquet or garter belt toss. So we are looking into alternatives, possibly giving the bouquet and garter to the couple who has been together the longest during an "anniversary" dance. We are debating between a band or DJ but feel it should be one or the other. We want people to have fun at our wedding and not be bored by all of the pomp and circumstance that comes along with a wedding!
5. Pictures/Videography. This is probably the most important item on our list. It is something that will last a lifetime. With how far technology has advanced, the possibilities are endless! I already have a professional photographer in mind (my friend Little Lisa). She is pretty amazing at what she does. I would also like a professional videographer as well. Saturday's wedding came with a photo booth. Cameron and I aren't sure about this feature for the guests. I guess for me, it feels like it's fun, but more for a birthday party or graduation. A wedding I went to a few years ago supplied guests with throwaway cameras. Each guest was encouraged to take random photos of the wedding and turn them in at the end of the night. The photos were then developed by the bride and groom and put into an album. I think I like this idea better! Here are a few of my favorite wedding shots:
These are all amazing shots!
We still have a lot of planning to do and we are enjoying every minute of it!
Have a great 4th of July!
Talk soon,
M
