Wedding planning has been quite the experience. I am currently in Philadelphia going to graduate school. My fiance is currently in Colorado finishing his masters, and we are getting married in Minnesota. Gary's mother has been our main link back home and she has helped immensely!
First, we settled on the potential dates of August 7th and July 30th. We eventually decided on August 7th due to my parents having to leave town the following week, and because Gary has a family reunion in July.
While apart, Gary and I settled on venues, which was not an easy task. We began by calling a bunch of potential places. We asked if they were available during our date and for pricing etc.
When Gary was home he visited different sites. Eventually, we agreed on the ceremony being held at the Duluth Gospel Tabernacle and the reception being held at Marshall School. For those of you that went to high school with me, you may recall that my mother married Mr. Pugsley at the Tab and had the reception at Marshall. I guess we're just following in the footsteps of a happily married couple. They truly have a strong, healthy marriage. My prayer is that we will follow their example beyond their wedding planning decisions, but also in our marriage and love towards each other as we grow together.
This past Christmas, we were able to accomplish a lot!
First, I went wedding dress shopping with my mother, mother-in-law-to-be, and sister-in-law-to-be. I found the perfect dress. One that combined all of the elements that I wanted in a dress. It was the only one I could picture myself walking down the aisle towards Gary in. It was quiet the fiasco to track it down in MN, and thanks to Diana and Tammie, I was able to identify the dress and find a shop that sold it for a reasonable price in MN. I eventually ordered the dress through Bridal Elegance in Cloquet, MN. It should be there by the time I get back into town, so I will have enough time to get fitted, have alterations, and have it ready for the wedding.
Second, we decided on wedding bands. Gary's family had a couple of sets to choose from. This was very exciting, because we loved that we would be able to use a set holding more sentimental value. The set we liked best was very delicate, and when we took it to the jewelers they showed that we would need to add a protective layer and when all would be said and done it would cost as much as a new ring. We decided on a new band that fits the ring Gary bought for me and getting the ring we had for him sized. When they were finished, they looked great! His ring looked like new! We've decided to get my rings soldered together. Although we are sad not to use the family heirlooms, we are happy with the result.
Third, we decided on our cake maker to be Barb Joseph. She made Rosa Cook's wedding cake, and it was amazing!
Fourth, we decided on our photographer to be Matt Denney (If he is able to work it out through school)! I love his artistic style, and he's a good friend.
Fifth, we decided on a videographer, Manny Villanueva. Manny has been working at the news station back home and is going to school for Media Studies. The last time I saw him he was filming Scholastica's graduation for the news.
Sixth, we decided on a DJ. We got a great package deal, and we're looking forward to talking with the DJ to determine what will be played and not played at the reception.
Seventh, (I'm beginning to think that numbering was a bad idea...) I asked Lorna West (my kindergarden/music teacher who sang at my mother's wedding) to sing, and she agreed!
I think that's everything so far. Now we really need to work on flowers, and decorations.
Oh, I almost forgot. We finalized what the bridal party will be wearing. My bridesmaids are now able to go try on dresses. We narrowed down the guest list. This was a particularly hard thing to do. For those who haven't experienced this yet, it was probably the worst part. We really didn't like taking people off the list. We sent out electronic save the dates.
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