2 month update

It's been about two months since my last post. Over the holidays, Mr. Sunflower and I spent a lot of time talking about our wedding plans. His parents spent the month in South Africa and that allowed us the space to think and work without the stress of trying to make everyone happy. We decided to have the wedding in my "home" town of Grand Rapids. We were very happy with everything we saw at the Fredrik Meijer Gardens and for 1000.00 we can book our date. Because of the way things go, it would be too expensive for us to have our ceremony and reception at the gardens. However, after talking with my mom, we went and saw the St. Cecilia's Music Center. Their ballroom can hold up to 200 people and we can rent it for 4 hours in the morning for 400.00.

Yes, in the morning. As a way to cut costs and "make things work" Mr. Sunflower and I are having a morning wedding. We're hoping to cater breakfast for everyone attending (close friends and family) and start the ceremony around 10 or 11. We'll have a lunch reception at the Gardens from 12-4. I like this idea for a few reasons: 1) We don't have to pay for liquer. We'll probably have a few wines available, but we won't have to hand over cash for drinks the way we would for an evening reception. Although we don't mind our guests drinking, it really isn't something that we participate in and it's a huge cost. 2) Catering a lunch costs considerably less than catering a dinner, meaning we will either save money OR be able to invite everyone that our families want to invite. 3) It leaves people's evenings free. You only have 52 Saturday nights a year and chances are quite a few are taken up by weddings. This way, if our guests want, they can enjoy their evening at home, in their hotel, or on the town. I'm putting together a packet of things to do in Grand Rapids for our out-of-town guests. 4) It leaves us time in the evening to spend with close friends and family - either for a private dinner or just in our hotel. I think this will extend the day that everyone says rushes by. We'll also be able to have our pictures taken in the morning light (before the ceremony, with a few after).

I've also found my photographer. A couple named Prem and Cheridy from Sterling Heights. They have their own company, Arising Images. Although there is still a lot to be worked out and there have been a few bumps in the road - I really don't want anyone else to take our wedding photos. It will cost me though - more than I'd like to admit.

With that, we have to talk with the Caterer, put down our deposits and we're almost done! I hope to go dress shopping this summer after talking off a pound or two (or 40) . We also have to find an officiant, though we have a great lead on a Rabbi that might work out well, and write our fusion ceremony. Also, my mom and some friends are working on their beading skills to help with some of the wedding decorations - which I can't wait to start finalizing and posting.