Wedding Stuff! (you heard right!)

Like- omigosssshhhh! I'm totally engaged! Yes, as of December 10, and oh my, has much happened! We have set the date for March 20, 2011. Seeing as that I have a year long journey of wedding planning, I figured I'd use this blog as an outlet :) I hope everyone enjoys what I have to share! So- what have I done so far? Me and the fiance (FI) have visited a hall venue. It's not a catering hall, so that in turn gives us the lovely task of also finding a caterer. Once I've put the deposit on various things, I will give the names so you all can check them out too. Our potential venue is used mainly as a performance space, so it has high ceilings which is oh so important to me and a huge stage (not so ideal). Also, the dressing room was once a jail cell, so it brings even more charm to this place. :P Its also at a central location, accessible by public transportation (not that anyone is coming by subway I hope!) which is something we also liked.

Believe it or not- I already have my dress! And not exactly by choice. I went to Alexandra Bridal Boutique in Forest Hills and I was told when I put my deposit down (3 weeks ago) that it would come in July. Surprise, surprise- It came a week later! I was initially skeptical as I have heard of shops selling sample gowns as the real thing. So last Sunday, I took a visit to see the dress. I checked everything from top to bottom! Heres a checklist in case your in the same situation: 1) Check the hemline for dirt 2) Check to make sure every single stitch and bead is in place 3) Check all of the tags and make sure they are all from the manufacturer/desginer. Some other advice I received was to ask to see the invoice between the bridal shop and the manufacturer. Luckily for me, it never came to that. The big day came and I was face to face with my dress. First, the dress I tried on was "alabaster" colored. The one I ordered was white, so I knew it at least couldn't be the sample from that store. It had folds like it had been folded for long time (which I was actually happy to see!) Everything was in place as checked by me and my maid of honor. So all was well. Except of course for the fact that I am SO not ready to pay for the rest of it right now. I had planned to use my money for other wedding related things, but, it feels good to know the dress is all done.
When I get the chance, I'll give the lowdown on my whole bridal shopping experience.

I have 3 Maid of Honors and 2 Junior Bridesmaids. During my many trips to the bridal salon, we also found THE dress for my girls as well! Its really gorgeous, maybe in a few days I'll post the photo and they story of how we choose it.

We also have chosen the church (Holy Family in the Bronx) and are getting ready to take our "Marriage Preparation" classes. I can't wait to share what that's going to be like, especially with a $195 price tag. There had better be cookies at theses classes!

We have an appointment with a caterer for tuesday and we also have sort of decided on our baker. (more info to come!)

Everything else is still in the works, including those damn centerpieces!

There is so much more that I want to share, but I'll do it in bits and as we go along. :)

Stay tuned and stay healthy! (cause this cold I've got is kicking my behind!)