Colors

I haven't updated this in a while because I've just become stuck on this whole wedding venue piece. People have had great ideas that I've checked out - and that have been really, really close - but not quite there.

So, recently, I've decided I have to get out of this whole de-motivated around weddings and find a piece that's exciting so that I can well, be excited, and want to make things happen, since I've been so disappointed when it comes to venues.

So, my solution is thinking about things like color.

Currently, I'm thinking about silver, black, white and touches of evergreens. (Although Leila thinks that this all made read too Christmas-y.) But, when I look at the colors like paint swatches, it doesn't seem quite right. Too dark, maybe?

And, so, I will come back full circle - stuck in too many decisions, wanting things to be too perfect, and never able to commit. (I guess I should say that the only thing I don't feel this way about is Leila & marrying her.)

*le sigh*

The Search Continues

And, unsurprisingly, it has not yet been successful.

Why is it unsurprising? Well, lets take a look at my list of qualifications in order to make it to be the wedding venue of my dreams:

*Perfect Size - meaning it holds somewhere around 50 people

*Located in NH, in the Lakes Region or the White Mountains

*Available for Winter Weddings

If you're curious, these three already severely limit the options, but don't worry, my list continues. It also must have:

*A fireplace (at least one)

*Sleigh rides - or close proximity to sleigh rides

*Vegetarian friendly cuisine

*LGBTQ friendly owners/staff

And it would be nice if there were:

*No round tables (long rectangle ones with regular chairs would be great or even better cool sofas instead of any chairs and side tables - so awesome)

*A place to do an outside ceremony, in the falling snow

*An option to have lit candles at the reception

Also, it needs to just look right and have the right sort of feel. In short, there has to be a je ne sais quoi.

Okay, I'm insane. I get it. But...why spend all the money, go to all the effort, be exhausted, plan it for over a year and a half, have people travel, hire a photographer...well, why do all that if it isn't going to be just how you want it?

I know, I know: My privilege is showing. If this were twitter/tumblr, I would end this by tagging: #firstworldproblems

What I've Been Doing Instead of Wedding Planning

I never thought that there would be wedding planning avoidance in my life. In fact, I've been imagining wedding ideas and venues since long before it made any sense to do so.

However, I've quickly discovered that planning your actual, real-to-life wedding comes with icky details like "budgets" (ugh) and "guests" (guest lists are the worst thing ever invented - shouldn't people who I like and want to have come just show up without me trying to figure out who those people are??).

So, this summer has mostly been spent on non-wedding related things. Here is some pictorial (and written) evidence:

1. Leila, Matt (Leila's friend from WIT), Cori, and

I went to the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester. It was incredibly nerdy, but also kind of enjoyable.

2. Leila became the Goat Whisperer at Friendly Farm.

(And also her and that chick have the same hair style. Too cute, right?)

3. Both Leila and I underwent a metamorphosis at the Butterfly Place and don't-we-look-pretty?

4. We took a much needed vacation to Wakefield Inn (my favorite bed and breakfast in the whole world - it's scrumptious and comfy and lovely) which also included seeing Castle in the Clouds (Leila is still not over how large of a horse lived there), visiting Leila's feminist, postmodern literature professor at her newly architected house in the lakes region, and - how could I forget - Monkey Trunks.

5. My parents, my Grandma Pat, Leila, and I went to Longwood Gardens

(so pretty!!!) and the Philadelphia Zoo (I want a pet otter). It was only a gagillion degrees both days. (Also, here is another bird that has Leila's hair style.)

Oh - and um - right. The one wedding related thing we did: Have a super awesome amazingly fabulous engagement party! (Which so many cool and wonderful and nice people came to.)

So...we've been busy. And it's all good and fun and summery. But it has not been wedding productive. And now it is time to get Fall-like (which is a serious season, believe you me).

Winter Wedding?!

Yes. December 2012 - and, if possible, December 29, 2012.

I think it's going to be magical and wintery and romantic and cozy-by-the-fireplace and just perfect.

But finding that perfect venue is just proving so difficult. Many places seem to be set up for summer weddings (or spring, summer, and fall weddings). There seem to be far fewer that are equipped for winter weddings.

I swear that I've looked (online) at every single wedding venue in New Hampshire, at least six times. I keep hoping that one will appear that I haven't seen before and it will be beautiful and everything I want.

Other people who I've seen doing wedding planning seem to figure this out right away. I've been stuck on this step for months now.

Now, it's time for the mantra: I will not be a bridezilla, I will not be a bridezilla...

Congratulations to Us!

We're engaged!!!

And along with that engagement comes planning for our engagement party and our wedding - and emotions and drama and fun and family and excitement and gift registries and matching table linens.

So, we've started a blog. So that as we make progress, you can look at it. And as we do things, we'll remember them along the way. We'll probably post pictures of random things and we'll give you updates about serious wedding business and Gwen will attempt to be witty.

Feel free to leave comments and advice and well wishes.