still need a dress!

So i am beginning to think about setting a date to begin dress shopping. I was discussing this with my mom the other day on the phone expressing my concern with going to one of the bridal megastores like Bridesmart or House of Brides or even Eva's... I know some people have had a good experience with them, but I feel like I hear more bad things than good. The reviews online (every review site) are not good generally, and it's leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

I have decided to try out the smaller boutiques first - there are some around where I live. I feel like if i can't find a dress at one of them, then I will possibly try the larger less personal stores with the bad reviews. BUT I am optomistic and think I can find "the dress" while avoiding the bride megastores - plus it always feels better to give $ to the small business owner and not the corporation :-)

update

we have an appointment saturday 2/7 to see the 19CC again while the caterer is setting up for a wedding; taking Mom, Martha & Emily to gain feedback and ultimately for them to see the venue! Nothing other than that planned - Kelly, Beth, Madelyn & I attended a bridal show last weekend. It was fun to see the runway show (more fun to watch Madelyn watch the runway show - but no flower girls! disappointed). We are going to another one on sunday 2/15 that should prove to be bigger and hopefully different stuff.

appreciate life

i read the chicago tribune online at lunch most days (when I am not doing homework). I sit at my desk and eat my salad or whatever healthy thing I'm forcing myself to eat these days... Well today I came across an article about a girl around my age that started a blog about her fight of cancer.... It was impossible not to tear up while reading through her words since she ultimately lost her life just weeks ago. It made me reflect on how short life is, and how you must appreciate all your time here b/c you never know when it will be taken from you. Her sense of humor never stopped even when enduring painful treatments - it was very inspiring for those that have an interest and feel like crying: http://kindramclennan.blogspot.com/

waiting

yes it's been awhile, but i have done some updating to the sidebar, so that accounts for something! I've been working with the caterer to get a few proposals and things on paper... once that pans out we may move forward and have more information (fingers crossed!!). Then on to the fun things!

out

i immediately felt the need to blog because i just eliminated KLM from the running of sites. It was subconsciously out anyhow I think - we love the space - but it will just not accomodate our guest list in the manner we would like. We want everyone to be able to be in one room at any given time, and we just don't see how that can work at KLM. The coordinator, Deena, just called me b/c someone else is intereseted in the date [12/12/2009] and since we were penciled in, she wanted to give us the opportunity to sign a contract first (or at least she says...). BUT if anything, that forces you to have to make a decision! We pretty much knew, but now we KNOW b/c it's no longer an option!

invitations

for the sake of remembering, i came across some websites for inexpensive cardstock for invites:

http://www.cardsandpockets.com/, http://www.thepapermill.com/, http://www.paperandmore.com/, http://www.anchorpaper.com/retail/paper.htm (bad website, email Tom there for help)

Def early, but i wanted to remember these! I LOVE this site for ideas: http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/ - I copied this invite for Emily's shower invitation and it came out great using Adobe Illustrator and recycled paper from Office Max!

twomaytoz catering

We met with Anthony from TwoMayToz catering [restaurant is Cucina Paradiso in Oak Park] the exclusive caterer for the 19CC [19th Century Club] last night. We both liked him, he lives near us and is friends of a friend so I am thinking that helped :-)

We came up with a good plan for a cocktail reception - he claims he's done many - and worked out some things that are necessary for us. He has done events at both KLM and 19CC, so we were able to ask him things about both places. We love KLM, but it would mean cutting our list significantly to fit everyone comfortably. If anyone is ever looking for a unique space that is reasonable and easy to work with for about 100-125 people comfortably - def check out KLM in Hinsdale!

We discussed everything from hotels to places to go out in Oak Park after the reception (in walking distance!! to possibly holding our rehersal dinner at his restaurant. He's a very nice guy that guarantees he will be at our event to make sure everything is golden... Here is a link to their restaurant: http://www.cucinaoakpark.com/

Stay tuned for more updates, hopefully soon!

post visit

ahhh, i am feeling lovely as I just indulged in sushi for lunch. it helps to take the stress away, for real. We met with the coordinator and took a tour of the 19th Century Club last night. We were especially impressed with the auditorium space; there is plenty of room to host 180-200 (the target)ppl. Not in love with the location - not Oak Park itself - it's a great community with a ton of stuff to do (especially great for out of town guests staying there - shopping, restaurants, etc..) but it's a little hard to get to - but a positive thing is that there will be no commuting between locales for ceremony & reception -this is an all-in-one [bonus].

I have made an appt with Anthony for Tuesday from Cucina Paradiso [TwoMayToz] to discuss all the other fun things that come with picking a venue: food, booze, etc..... He is meeting me closer to our house though, so score for him. Everything I've read is good reviews, but most importantly will it work for us within our budget.

The pictures do not do the place justice - plus it wasn't my camera [I forgot my camera at home so borrowed one from work before going]. You can see how gorgeous the floors are though, they have recently had them refinished. I am able to picture everything happening here, which makes me feel good, but will know more after next week!

a new year

I'm back! Nothing too new, but we have an appt to go see the 19th Century Club on Thursday. I'm crossing my fingers. here is a picture of gorgeous centerpieces I'd love to mimic - Emily sent this picture to me...