Happy 100th Blog Post (& a Very BIG Announcement!)

So today's post marks an important milestone for every blogger -- 100 posts. I knew this post was coming soon, so I will admit that I waited until I had some exciting news to share before posting. I certainly didn't want to use this post to discuss linen colors.

Before the announcement, let me just quickly say that I very much appreciate you readers, from the ones who happened to stumble upon my blog accidentally to those family members who were threatened with the silent treatment if they didn't leave valid comments. I have a lot of fun writing this, and it definitely is sweeter knowing there are people who actually read it!

On to the big announcement:

We're moving the wedding to this summer!!

Those of you who have been around since the beginning may recall my purgatory post. With 18 months to go before the wedding, both Tom and I were continuing feeling a significant amount of angst. The idea of eloping was thrown out, semi-seriously, but was nixed on account of all the family and friends we're so excited to share this day with. We've taken a few weeks to think, discuss, and decide upon our options, which explains my lack of enthusiasm towards the end of December. With so much up in the air, we couldn't, in good faith, continue to plan a wedding which neither one of us wanted.

This isn't to say the wedding we were planning wasn't spectacular, just that it wasn't worth waiting for. As the days pass, I'll begin to reveal more clues about our upcoming nuptials. Since we have significantly reduced our planning time, most of this is coming together rather quickly, so stay tuned! :)

3 Hours Alone + Computer + HGTV = Trouble.

So while Tom (side note: I'm dropping the initial thing because I FINALLY realized that since our names were in the url I was just being stupid!) is off at an in-service and staff meeting, I'm here, alone, with a computer, HGTV, and carte blanche to spend time as I see fit.

Anyone care to guess what the 5 other screens are opened to:
1) House listing
2) Budget calculator
3) Fantasy football score
4) Wedding scenario #2
5) Wedding scenario #3

So while the idea of moving the wedding up is practically dead, I figured I would do some re-con work anyway, so if the opportunity arises, I can be prepared. :)

So, let's just pretend for a few minutes, shall we??

Scenario #2: A Cocktail Reception @ Cog Hill

One thing Tom will not budge on is the size of the guest list. We're looking at about 200 people. Yikes. To include everyone on a much shortened budget, we can host a cocktail reception as I mentioned earlier in the week. At CH, we can have an open bar, 10-12 pieces of food p/p, plus a dessert buffet for about $5,500. No joke. Tempting, eh????



So if we went this route, I wouldn't change the color scheme or such. I'd shorten the event to about 3 hours or so, with an after-party option ---something simple: a bonfire, bowling, etc.

Other expenses: flowers & photography (and speakers for an iPod hookup, maybe?)

Scenario #3: An Intimate Family-Style Affair

So if for some reason Tom was to cave on his original guest list demands and we kept it simple (i.e. immediate family & grandparents only), I would LOVE to have a small, intimate sit down dinner @ Maggiano's. A huge family-style dinner consisting of appetizers, 2 salads, 2 pasta dishes, 2 meats and 3 desserts is only $24.95/person. Crazy, I know!!! Add on a consumption bar, taxes and other misc., the price tag is less than $1,200.



If we did this, then I would nix the blue/green scheme and just opt for a simple bouquet of light pink peonies and a simple boutonniere for him. All other flowers would probably be nixed.



Music/dancing would probably be limited, and the party would be relegated to Lucky Strike Lanes over in Lombard. I LOVE this place. Instead of hard, plastic chairs, the bowling alley has sectional couches, red velvet curtains, low-hanging paper lanterns, and just an overall fun atmosphere.

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Anyone out there have any fantasy budget scenarios out there?????????

Holy Cow.

Wow, it's been yet another crazy-busy day at the office...I can't wait for tomorrow --- we're getting out at 2 pm with the possibility of leaving at noon :)

Anywhoodle, today's post will be short and sweet. And maybe a bit scary.

Let's chat about regrets. And elopement. And such.

Anyone have regrets about their big days? Anyone wish they would have waited to get married? Anyone wish they would have gotten married sooner? Spent less money? Spent more money? Anything???

I know obviously, all situations are different, but humor me. I LOVE hearing other peoples' perspectives. :)

Yours truly frazzled,

B