Weddingbee boards

I’m not much of a blogger…I’m on most of the regular social networking sites and I don’t really want the guy that sat next to me in algebra in high school to know the going ons of my daily life these days.  I am a bit of a voyeur though – I love reading everyone else’s going ons. 

I’ve been checking out the BEE for awhile now.  My nephews call me Aunt Bee so this site seemed like a fine fit.  I figure I can remain slightly anonymous (since the guy that sat next to me in algebra in high school will most likely not be looking for me here) and talk about the only thing I’m much interested in these days…MY WEDDING! 

I have never been one that was much into weddings.  I always envisioned having a simple destination wedding or even eloping (although I knew deep down I’d never have enough nerve).  When I met the mister and we started talking marriage, we both agreed a destination wedding would be beautiful and romantic.  The logistics of it was impossible though…how would our favorite and most important family members possibly be able to afford a week in Hawaii?  Did we really want to spend our honeymoon with family?  So we decided to get married near our home in Portland, Oregon so we could celebrate with everyone we loved. 

We got engaged in February and initially thought a 2009 September wedding would be perfect.  We have always known we wanted an early September wedding – that is when we fell in love and the weather is a little more predictable here in early September then in June.  A week into the engagement, I was sitting on the couch sobbing.  How would we be able to pull this off?  Not only would it be stressful financially but I’m an extremely detail oriented, option exploring person.  How would I be able to come up with every possible scenario in less than 7 months? 

After looking at a few venues that didn’t have our ideal weekend available this year – we realized that all signs pointed to a 2010 wedding.  I am calmer and no longer stressing about the timeframe.  It does, however, seem like a million years away.  The upside is we get to explore every possibility and option.  We get to go each week to Michael’s and save 40% on each visit.  We have the luxury of time to interview a dozen photographers and half a dozen florists and get our first picks.  We will also get to go to the bridal show – which is typically held in January.  And all the feedback I’ve gotten from people is that it was a smart move to have time on our side. 

The biggest driving factor in having the wedding next year is that we can budget for it.  We are not only able to save money up for the wedding but we are also spreading out some expenses over the course of the 16 months ahead.  Plus – a lot of vendors are willing to hold their 2009 pricing since we are being pro-active. 

I’ve also been motivated to join Weight Watchers and have time on my side on this weight loss journey.  I’m so excited about the success I’ve had thus far (12 pounds in 10 weeks) and the motivation that I’ve discovered I have.  This isn’t about looking good in the dress – this goes beyond that .  I want to learn to eat right and exercise so I can set a good example for when I have children.   The mister and I have begun walking in the evenings – at least 2 miles 5 days a week.  It’s been a great way for us to spend time together in the evenings.  I am excited about what my body will look like in the months to come because I am realizing I CAN do this! 

We’ve also been doing lots of projects.  I’m an interior designer but my job isn’t all that creative – although I love it – I design cubicles for a living.  This isn’t all that exciting – but it’s secure, I like my co-workers, and it pays well.  It also doesn’t suck up all my creativity because it’s mostly cookie cutter (and I love working on the computer!) so I get to expend my creativity doing other projects.  And for this wedding – I’ve already started doing a LOT of projects! 

Because I’m a designer, the space is probably more important to me then some of the other aspects of the wedding.  I’m all about the tables and the details (and the chivari chairs!).  I’m also trying to do this on a budget (40% off coupons baby!). 

Since lately it’s been all things wedding related and I’m starting to drive people around me a little crazy (my boss and some of my co-workers…although one co-worker would probably just prefer to pull her chair right up next to mine and look at centerpieces and dresses for 8 hours a day), I figured this might be just the outlet for me.  So here I am.   

I figure this will be a good place to show some of my little projects, get some ideas from others and maybe some feedback on things I’m considering.  

Did any of you fellow Bee’s move the wedding day out so you could accomplish everything you envisioned?  Are any of you on Weight Watchers?