Whew! I'm back from a wedding planning marathon! I spent the last week in Michigan...visiting my family and working on the wedding plans. Here is what I did:

1. Photography - I was hoping to talk to my uncle about the photography but he wasn't able to work it into his schedule. I hope to talk to him at Thanksgiving.

2. The Gown - I shopped for two days (one very long exhausting day and one short day). I found "the dress" at the second shop on the first day. On the second day, I went back to make sure I still liked it! And...I still liked it! So, I ordered it. It should be in around Christmas (will someone please tell me why it takes so long???).

3. The Cake - I met with our "pastry chef" who is a family friend. She works at the Chop House in Ann Arbor...a VERY nice place. We talked about flavors and hopefully Mike and I will be able to do some tastings around Christmas or whenever Mike can make it to Michigan. Her recommendations made my mouth water!

4. The Church - We reserved the Ann Arbor Unitarian Universalist Church for our ceremony. I took a bunch of pictures but developed the wrong roll. So, I should have photos sometime in the near future.

5. The reception - My family took another look at the reception room and are trying to decide if we should book the patio as well (it is very close to the room). Will this cause our "party" to split up? A handful on the dance floor...the rest on the patio? I'm not sure if I really like that idea.

6. The Favors - I went to the local candy shop in Ann Arbor and bought a bunch of chocolates for Mike and I to snack on (wait, I mean test!). :) I hope they are good because I'd rather buy from the local store than order from another state and pay the outrageous shipping costs.

7. The Centerpieces - I bought a bunch of square glass bowls for our centerpieces. My Mom and I tried out a variety of flowers in the bowls to see: if they would float, how long they last, and how they look. Of course, I'm not sure what flowers we are using because I don't know what "our colors" are (see number 7).

8. The Colors - Yes, it's true. We still don't know our colors. This seems to be the hardest thing! Someday we will figure it out so we can answer everyone when they ask!

9. About a month ago, we booked a band for the reception. We auditioned them via video. I hope they are as good in person as they were on that tape! :)

10. We are going to hire a harp and flute duo to play our ceremony music. My aunt will be the vocalist ... the harp and flute will accompany her. I can't wait to hear them at the wedding. They sound great (very romantic) on the audition tape and are highly recommended.

I think we have all the big things completed. Now we can sit back and relax for awhile (until Christmas?). Then we will have to register, pick out bridesmaid dresses, etc. Whew!