Dream photographer = amaaaaaazing

Alright.  Still pretty stressed out today.  But the phone conversation with the photographer went SO WELL.  She really is such a nice person, and she answered all of my questions (and with the exact answers I was hoping for).  From what it sounds like, she will try her best to get 9,000 pictures for our wedding.  All the options I could possibly hope for.  Not to mention, creative, fun ones. 

We discussed an engagement shoot in the early spring.  If we are able to book her, we'll get to meet with her before the actual wedding.

Awesome, awesome, awesome lunch conversation.

To change the date.....or not to change the date

Alright.  I've spent a good portion of the day hurriedly searching for a photographer in the event I keep 5.21. 

I am not satisfied.

I haven't talked to my Dad yet to see what he thinks about several of his relatives not being there.  Obviously, I realize that not everyone will be able to attend.  I really do get that.  However, when he only has one brother left, and only one sister-in-law he's relatively close with (as close as my Dad can be with people) and they BOTH can't attend....it makes me think perhaps that's not the best day.

Or maybe I just really want that photographer.

Well.  One of the two.

CRAP

My dream photographer is booked. 

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Originally, we were looking at Friday, May 27th (because of the restaurant).  However, now that we don't have to do it on a Friday, we decided Saturday May 21st is the day.  Unofficially. 

When I originally talked to the photographer, I gave her the 5.27 date.  When I emailed her last night to follow up, she responded this morning letting me know she's booked that day.

On top of several key members of the Ferri family who are out of town on the 21st....now I am left to wonder, is it REALLY crazy to change the date.....for the photographer.  (And the family, of course).

Photography is my number one.  Ugh, this is frustrating!

Cocktail vs Full length

Alright, here's the two dresses we're deciding between.  Both will be in a shade of very pale pink. 

                                                           MOH Allie in the full length

                                                                  Me in the cocktail

                                                   Comparing my dress with each option

      

                                                   MOH Allison in cocktail, me in full length


Cocktail would be sassy, and fun to accessorize with chunky statement jewelry.  Full length is more classic and romantic. 

Decisions, decisions.

Bridesmaid Dress Search #3

Tonight, Allison and I are headed back to MB Bride so she can try on the first gown (full length).  We'll see what she thinks of it, and then head to dinner for some girl talk. 

UPDATE:  Jackpot!  Conveniently enough, as Allison had on the full length dress, and I had on my wedding dress, a girl in the dressing room next to us popped out in the cocktail dress!  How perfect!  So, we were able to take a look at both dresses, at the same time.  Also, we took a picture of me in the middle, with the dresses on either side. 

So far the vote is pretty split.  All the girls said they are happy to wear either one, but obviously, each has their preference.  My only concern now, is what the full length will look like in all pink.  It's GORGEOUS in a dark red...but tough to picture in pink.  Allison and I were discussing, and are a little worried it might turn out looking like Barbie/prom gown.
I'm going to review the pictures and send them out to the girls.

Bridesmaid Dress Search #2

Tonight I went with Sarah to search for more bridesmaid dress options.  I'm still not in love with the color of the dress we found the first day.  I refuse to put Allie in bubblegum pink....or anything remotely close to it.  I fell in love with a cute cocktail dress I saw at this store when I picked up my dress.  It's very modern, cute, and sassy.  I'm just not sure it meshes that well with my dress.  But it does have this adorable little belt.  I'm going to send the photo to my girls and see what they think.  After all, they're the ones who will be wearing it.

Bridesmaid Dress Search

Today Allie, Deena, Sarah & I went to look for a bridesmaid dress.  My hope was to find something that all of them would be happy to wear....and that would flatter all figures.  I want my girls to look amazing, and be comfortable in what they're wearing.  The search for a sassy bridesmaid dress began at MB Bride in Greensburg.  We tried on MANY dresses, and finally decided on one that all three were happy with.  I sent a picture of the dress to Allison, Jamie, and Shanna, and all three approved.  The only problem with it is I'm not totally sold on the shade of pink it comes in.  As Allie is a redhead, I promised her I wouldn't put her in red.  Luckily, she looks good in the shade of that dress....I'm just not sold on it myself.  We decided we'd keep looking, but it's definitely a consideration.

After shopping, we went to dinner together.  We looked at some possible dates for the shower/bachelorette, and made some more pre-wedding decisions.  I am so lucky to have girls who will use their days off from work to come shopping, and give their time to me.

                                                           Deena, Allie, me & Sarah
I have such pretty friends :)

Cermony music

Last night Jamie and I went out since she's home for the holidays.  We went to Atria's for dinner, then out for some drinks.  Conveniently, we ran into Jess (MOH Allie's younger sister) and I was able to ask her if she'll sing at our wedding.  I've known Jess for years (the Reynolds family refers to me as 'the 5th sister') and she has an absolutely amazing voice.  And by amazing voice, I mean she tried out for American Idol online, and out of 40,000 people, she was 1 of 40 chosen.  She'll add so much to our ceremony, and whatever she sings will be beautiful.  She's currently at school in Philly, but she said just give her the date, and she'll be there!

Cross that off my list!

Pops picks the place

So tonight at the restaurant, I was talking to my favorite Lamplighter employee, Dinah.  I've known her ever since I can remember, and she's always been really generous with my brothers and I.  More than that, she's the only employee I can say is "close" with my Dad....and will let me know when he's not feeling well or even what he wants for Christmas.  :)

Anyway, today she told me a story that happened earlier this afternoon.  The health inspector came for a regularly scheduled visit.  She checked everything, and toured the building with my Dad.  Once she was done, they had this conversation in the dining room, which Dinah overheard:

Health Inspector Lady (HIL):  Well Dan, everything looks great!  I'll be back to see you in a few months.

Papa Ferri (PF):  Okay.....But don't come see me in May.

HIL: Ummm...okay?  Why?

PF: My daughter's getting married in May.

HIL:  Oh, how exciting!  Does she know where she'll have the wedding?

PF: This place called Springwood.  It's in Verona.

HIL:  Wow, Daniel.  That's really exciting for you!

....conversation probably carried on, but that was the important part.

So, let's review:

1. It's not exactly protocol to tell the health inspector when a visit would be convenient for you.  Visits are scheduled depending on the month, and how well you passed the last time.  Not to mention, it is standard for them to do surprise visits, unscheduled.

2.  No, I did not set a date yet.

3.  While I did really like Springwood, I had not officially said that's where I'll have the wedding.

The good news is: my Dad is involved!  And apparently likes Springwood enough to announce that's where it will be held.

All in all, great news for me....since I loved Springwood :)

Wedding dress shopping

Today I went wedding dress shopping with Sarah and my Mum.  A local bridal store was having a Maggie Sottero trunk show, so I made an appointment to see the gowns.  I've known for a while that when I did eventually look at dresses, Maggie was where I wanted to start.  She makes gorgeous gowns, unique and individual.  I tried several on, but unfortunately they didn't carry the gown I would really like see.  I found it in a magazine and instantly fell in love.  All I have to do is see what it looks like on me.  I did find a gown that would be a second option, if I can't find the one from the magazine.  Seriously, trying on gowns is SO fun.  I can see why it takes some girls so long.  Talk about decisions!  Too bad I can't wear three :)

Wedding Venue #2

Today I took my parents to see Springwood Conference Center.  It's amazing.  Gorgeous property, amazing and intimate building...definitely a unique venue.  Photography is HUGE for me, so I need a place that is beautiful in its own, without needing much to dress it up.  Also, we'll need a place we can hold the ceremony and reception.  There are several different areas to choose from for the ceremony.  I really liked the stone patio.  Simple, but would be great for photos.  Also, there is a huge outdoor wooden deck, perfect for the cocktail hour to entertain my guests (while I take hundreds of photos).  Dinner would be in the atrium...with a gorgeous chandelier hanging above.  I want an evening wedding, so watching the sun setting from inside the atrium....I get chills just thinking of it :)

My parents both really like it, as does Fred.  My only complaint is that they don't allow candles.  Which is really disappointing, since all along my theme was an evening, candlelit wedding.  (Everyone looks better in candlelight, right?  Not to mention, talk about romantic).  However, if that's the only thing I don't like about the place, is it really a reason to pass on an otherwise perfect venue?

We still want to look at a few other places, but it's definitely number one so far.

This is where we'd get married.  Gorgeous, right?

Part Two, Re: Venue Visit #1

At 7:14pm this evening, I received the following email from the wedding coordinator, who did not show to the appointment we scheduled:


Hi. I regret that I was not able to meet with you today.  I hope you took the opportunity to look around while you were here in the daylight.  After seeing our venue, if you are still interested, please send any questions you have to me or call us. Again, I apologize that I was unavailable to meet with you today.

Proprietor


.........Proprietor?  So, this was not the fault of a lady who just works there, but the owner herself.  If a first visit, confirmed by an email the day before, slips her mind....I don't want to find out what other detail she may forget. 

I'm not a harsh person.  And I definitely understand that everyone makes mistakes.  But we've been doing weddings since before I was born.  And not once has this ever happened.  Not to mention, had she sent an email with even a hint of apology, I'd have rescheduled. 

I think I'll schedule with Venue #2.

REALLY?!?! Re: Venue Visit #1

Well.

Mum & Dad, Fred and I piled in the car on a Sunday afternoon and made the hour drive to the site.  Upon arrival, the hostess sat us, and let us know someone would be with us.  We sat, reviewed the photo albums, and waited patiently. 

After about fifteen minutes, the hostess returned and let us know that the lady we made the appointment with was running an errand, but should return shortly.

Next, the hostess returned to let us know she tried to get in touch with her, but so far was unsuccessful in reaching her.  Again, she reassured us that she should be returning soon.

Finally, after over 45 minutes, the hostess returned to let us know that she did finally reach the lady we were supposed to meet.  However, apparently, the lady was not coming to meet with us.

Not only did we not meet with anyone, but the hostess was unable to provide us with any print information on prices, packages, or any information on weddings at their site.

As a business owner, my Dad was obviously not happy.  Not to mention this venue is in a remote location...where basically everyone must travel for a visit.  We left, and my Dad wondered aloud if the owner of the venue knows how the wedding consultant handles things.  Good question, Pops.

Driving home, I was mortified I had wasted my parents time.  My Dad was supposed to be at a charity event that he missed because of this meeting.  I couldn't believe we made the trip for nothing.

I am anxious to hear from them.  I guess we'll see.

Venue Visit #1

Today I am taking my family to visit a venue.  My Mum and I went a few years back to see a country club in Edgewood (I think?) but I was unimpressed.  I'm looking for something a bit more unique.  And probably outdoors.  So I set up and appointment for the four of us to go give it a look.  My MOH Allie actually was married here a few years ago.  It was a gorgeous wedding.  One of the prettiest, if not the best, wedding I've ever attended. 

Wish us luck, because this could be it!

Allie tied the knot

Last night, my MOH Allie was married!  Her and Mike had a beautiful ceremony, followed by a reception at the Palace Theater.  As a bridesmaid, it was my duty to shake my stuff all night on the dance floor.  I think it would be safe to say I did my part. :)  Allison has three sisters, and we had SUCH a good time celebrating.  Allison is my oldest friend, so I've known them for years.  Allison wore a stunning BLUE dress...and looked absolutely amazing. 

Here's proof:

Pictures don't do it justice

 

We basically danced all night.  Here I am with the four Reynolds sisters:

                                                     Vanessa, Colleen, me, Jessi, Allison

                                              Her husband Mike is one of the best guys I know

                                                           Now that's a beautiful bride


Such a wonderful and fun wedding.  Congrats to my MOH and her new husband!

Deena got hitched!

My bridesmaid Deena got married yesterday!  It was a beautiful wedding, and she chose really really pretty bridesmaid dresses.  She has great taste, and I love her style, so it isn't like I'm surprised.  She made such a pretty bride!  Her and Casey did the cutest thing when they went to cut the cake.  First, they brought out clear ponchos and put them on for a photo...as if they were going to get covered by cake.  After a few photos, they took them off and cut the cake as usual.  It was such a neat idea, and a fun photo opportunity.

                                                        Shanna, Deena, Casey & me



Also, I had so much fun with Shanna (also one of my bridesmaids) dancing and taking pictures. 

                                                                          love her :)



My favorite of the night was a spur of the moment shot that Fred caught...

Congrats Deena & Casey!  So happy for you both!