New Plans, New Planner

7.10.11

Big changes since the last post. Aaron and I got tired of trying to get this shit together ourselves. We were both getting super-stressed and it was making me more than a little snippy. So we've done what we should have done in the first place and have decided to hire an official, professional planner. His name is Dave and he's pretty awesome. He planned Amber's wedding so we know he's up to handling unusual requests. We've had one meeting with him so far and are hoping to have another on the 21st at the Freebird. He's working on tables, chairs, and linens, videograpgy, food, and he's going to emcee. We're still providing the music because, as he pointed out, he probably doesn't have what we want. Because we're not normal! Hee hee! But that does solve the problem that we had with not having an emcee. He's totally chill and laid back.

We put the deposit on the Freebird yesterday. Tim was expecting us to have a contract for him to sign as they don't generally write contracts. With them the deposit esentially IS the contract. But, for our own sanity we're going to put together a contact that he's gonna sign when we meet him again on the 21st. We're also going to show my mom, Marcie, and Dave the space.

Speaking of Marcie, she's going to be in town the week after next and wants to "do wedding stuff." I'm not really sure what we're going to do as we're taking care of a lot of it through Dave or the internet. I'm thinking about going for a mani/pedi. Anyone interested? If not that then maybe dinner? If you want to meet Marcie before the wedding this is your chance. We're going to bring her to the venue but other than that... not real sure.

Now that we finally are officially (and I hope that's the last time I have to type that) in the save the dates are going to a printer and will be sent out when we get them back. Aaron and I are starting to purchase decorations too.

FYI we are now registered at Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Etsy. There are links to each of our registries on our wedding website. Supposedly I'm supposed to tell you guys where we're registered and then you tell other people. I'm not allowed to tell people myself. Anyway, we found some really, really awesome stuff on Etsy *winkwinknudgenudge* so if you guys happen to send people to that site... Also, registering for gifts at BBaB is somewhat stressful. They expect that if we send out 200 invites we need to have literally 400-600 things so people can choose. What?! The lady who helped us set up our accound was encouraging us to throw away all our old stuff and get new. Greed and avarice! She also wanted us to get things like pillow protectors. They go under your pillowcase. Again, what!?

I'm pretty much where I want to be weight wise so I'm going to get measured for my corset soon and order it and my skirt. I've been in contact with Starkers and Wai-ching already.

Please continue with the dress search if you're still looking. Cici, the rest of the girls are going with a more vintage look, highligting a nautral waist, full skirt, etc. Maybe you want to find something similar? Laura is wearing a black dress with a red sash, Amber's dress is red, and the dress that Ashleigh is considering is red. Have you decided which color you'd like? Perhaps teal? You look great in that color and no one else is wearing it.

As for accessories, I know what Ashleigh wants, and Amber has her accessories narrowed down to a couple. Laura, are you wearing the feather peice you already bought or did you like something else? Sorry if you told me and I don't rememeber... Cici, have you decided? Let me know so I can start purchasing things for you. You can't have them until the wedding! :)

Just a note about your shoes. The ramp to the stage is very, very steep! Please consider wearing flat shoes or at the very least heels you feel comfortable and stable in. Stilettos are not a good idea. Keep in mind we'll also be descending a staircase.

Sorry for the mega-post. Don't forget to send me your choice of accessory if you haven't already!

One more thing. For some reason the spell-checker is not functioning. So, forgive the spelling errors in the above post.

Freebird Update, Assignments

3.11.11

The Freebird is officially ours for November 5, 2011. Yay! The deposit isn't due until August, but the date has been booked/reserved for the wedding! So... now it's time to hand out some assignments. Please note, feel free to decline if I ask you to do something you don't want to do, don't have time to do, etc. We've all got lives. I understand. Also, if there's something you'd rather do instead please let me know. Anything you guys want to help with is super appreciated!

Laura: Caterers! But you already knew that. We're shooting for heavy h'ordeuvres for between 160 and 180 people. I'd like to have a good variety of foods. Some of my guests may be vegetarians so having some veggie options is important. Also, Aaron only eats a limited type of foods... The Freebird has very limited fridge space and no way to heat things so that will have to be worked out. Would you like to be in charge of the cake too? Because Freebird does have a fridge we really could do Jello cake. I'll need to have Aaron taste it to see if he likes it but if he does that might be a good way to save money AND have a cake people will want to eat. Comments? Ideas?

Cici: Music! We're doing our own music from an iPod but you know my taste in music, you know, not stuff everyone likes or can dance to. Could you possibly come up with a list of songs that might be good for the reception? Maybe some popular stuff from the time we were in high school through now? You don't need to actually download anything. I'll do that so you don't have to pay for it but a list would be great. I've got a ton of music that I like, Pearl-type, but I need help so I can have a variety. I want to start downloading soon so it won't be so expensive at one time.

Amber: What I mostly need from you is advice. We've got a venue, a band, a photographer, and save the date cards. We're working on food and hotels for out of town guests. Any idea on what needs to be done right now? Did you get your tables through Dave or did you have to rent them separately? The Freebird has no tables or chairs. We'll need enough for 160-180 people plus food.

Tween: You're already handling a lot so I won't ask anything more specific of you right now.

All: Venue walk-through! I would love, love, love to be able to have you guys see the Freebird some afternoon. It can probably be arranged. If we can coordinate a trip up there I'd love to hear your ideas for decorations. So far we know we want to use custom concert posters with the wedding on them, metal lanterns, and paper lanterns.

Okay, wow. That's a lot of stuff. Like I said, if any of you ladies doesn't feel up to something or would rather do something else please call me and let me know. No worries! I want you ladies to be comfortable with what I ask you to do.

Thank you guys! <3

Lanterns

I've been toying with the idea of using paper lanterns for decorating the Freebird. We've been okayed to pretty much do what we want up to and including nailing things into the walls. I thought it would look very pretty to string lighted lanterns from the balcony suspended over the ceremony space. Perhaps something like the photos below?

Okay, so this is just a beautiful shot!

Square lanterns!

Freebird!

2.25.11

Wow ladies! It's been 3 months since I've posted anything. A three months were Aaron and I did absolutely nothing. Seems that makes people a bit antsy when we're, you know, supposed to be planning a wedding. But, fear not! Ashleigh has decided to take the reins and since we've gotten quite a bit done.

The Freebird Saga has a new chapter, one in which Ashleigh has championed over Tim the booking agent. So without further ado: we're getting the Freebird! Ahhhhh! We still have to talk money with Tim, pay the deposit, and sign a contract, but (unofficially) it's ours November 5th! Yesterday we (myself, Aaron, and Shwee) met with Brad the manager of the Freebird who was awesome. With a little sweeping and possibly a carpet shampooer the place is going to be fabulous. The upstairs portion is big enough for a cocktail hour, the stage is great, they have rooms for us to use beforehand, and AND we can make a grand entrance coming down the stairs. A word of caution though, high heels may not be a good idea. The stairs are steep and so is the ramp to the stage. I don't want anyone breaking an ankle so I will advise you all to get flats! If we can arrange it I'd like you all to see the place beforehand. I'll need to go up there at least one more time in order to start figuring out decorations. Once I know when I'll let you know to see if any of you would like to scope the place out.

Yesterday we also started checking out local hotels which resulted in all sorts of hilarity. Shwee is going to bat on this one as well. It looks like we're going to get a block of rooms at the Best Western and the Quality Inn Suites. The Best Western isn't as nice, although I'd have no problem staying there myself, but it is cheaper. That'll give people options. Aaron thinks his family will probably stay at the Quality Inn and his friends the Best Western. We think we're going to get the jacuzzi suite in the Quality Inn. It had an awesome beach view.

So, that's really all for now. After we speak with Tim the official work will begin! Hurray!

Thanks ladies,
I love you all!