We hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday! We were very blessed to be able to spend time with family and have safe travels to NY and PA for Christmas.
While we were in Erie, Brandon and I were very busy with wedding planning! On Friday, the girls started the morning with an appointment at David's Bridal where I showed them the dress that I like and Liz tried on many bridesmaids dresses. The appointment helped me to accomplish two very important decisions. I purchased my bridal dress and I decided on a bridesmaid dress and color. The bridesmaids will be wearing a plum colored dress. It was all very exciting.
After dress shopping, I met Brandon at the church where we had a lengthy meeting with the priest who will be performing the ceremony. He went over the layout of the mass along with the reading choices and guidelines for the church. He also asked some "get to know you" questions so that he can personalize the wedding ceremony. It was a very nice meeting.
When we returned to my Aunt's house, we looked through photographs of cakes. One of my Aunt's friends does wedding cakes and has agreed to do ours giving us a friends and family discount which we really appreciate. We also reserved the date with a florist who is also one of my Aunt's friends.
Brandon diligently tried calling photographers in the area. Brandon has asked to be in charge of this since this is what he does! We did not have any luck with meeting with a photographer as the ones we contacted are all booked on 8/1/09. So, it is back to the drawing board.
After that, Brandon also contacted possible places for the rehearsal dinner and we ended up going out and taking a look at some. Brandon's Mom will be planning the rehearsal dinner but needs to find a place to have it. We didn't have to much luck with that but we will keep looking.
Brandon and I were able to actually stay at the Sheraton Bayfront Hotel for the two nights that we were in Erie. We were very impressed with the hotel! On Saturday morning, we were able to meet the wedding planner that I have been in contact with through e-mail and phone. It was nice to finally meet her in person. She was able to answer questions that we had as well as show us the ball room that was set up for a wedding.
I am awaiting a contract from the Comfort Inn in Erie, PA for a block of rooms reservation. I was quoted a price of $116 per night through e-mail. With that block, we will then have rooms blocked at the Sheraton (where the reception is going to be) for $149 per night and the Comfort Inn on 12th St. (there are two Comfort Inns in Erie) for $116 per night. Once that is signed, I will let you all know.
All in all, it was a very busy trip but we were able to accomplish a lot! Brandon and I are now awaiting confirmation of the date for our engagement retreat through the church. It will either be in February or March. I will be planning another trip up to Erie once I don't have to worry about horrible snow storms so probably some time in April! It's amazing how everything seems to be coming together right now!
We want to wish everyone a very safe and happy New Year!
