6/27/10

175 Days

I wanted to wait and share this news on the blog after we spoke to our families and made them aware of our plans first.

Originally Marrvelous and I had envisioned a wedding celebration next summer (either Memorial or Labor Day to capitalize on the long weekend), in the city, with roughly 130 guests. We thought if we waited until next year, it would give us more time to save and plan, as well as give the Scottish guests a lot more time to prepare. As months went by (and as witnessed here) we were struggling with what we wanted to do, what we wanted our wedding to look like, feel like, etc. I admit, I definitely got caught up in a lot of the blogs - I mean, have you seen Style Me Pretty? And during that time, we felt so stressed, so confused, there was definitely a bit more bickering...all of the emotions that neither one of us wanted to associate with our celebration.

With all of this going on, we sat down and decided to talk about the goals of our wedding. As I talked about before, we needed to have an honest conversation with each other and determine what we wanted our wedding to feel like, to say about us and how to make sure it was true to who we are as a couple. And some of the biggest items that we pulled from that conversation was that
1. We wanted one. For sure.
2. We needed our immediate families and our closest friends there.
3. It is more important to us that the marriage and our relationship is stable - not only emotionally, but financially. And that we don't hinder our other life goals for the wedding.

So what is the final word? Well, we're 175 days away from getting married in front of approximately 40 guests - our families and a handful of friends! On December 19, 2010 we're going to have an intimate Sunday morning ceremony in Philadelphia followed by a brunch reception at a local restaurant. I can honestly say that since we made this choice and since we have spoken with our families about it, we are overwhelmed with joy and excitement. It just feels right.

I do want to make a note that there is obviously a piece in both of us that will miss our extended families and our larger circle of friends that day. Our lives are what they are today because of these people. With that in mind though, we also discussed having a smaller party here in Philly for our US friends (think house party). And we will also now go to Scotland next summer to properly celebrate with our family and friends there. [followed at that time by a honeymoon in Europe - can't wait!]

Even just writing this post has put a smile on my face! I am so excited for the path we've chosen and the way it's all going to fall into place (I really disliked the fact that we wouldn't have been back to Scotland until 2012, so I have to say, adding that party next summer really made me happy). But not only that, the fact that Marrvelous and I could sit down and discuss these things and be able to focus on what is best for our marriage fills me with strength and confidence in what we will be able to do as we move through life together.

With all of that said - 175 days!!!! YES! And man do we have a lot of stuff to do!

15 comments:

  1. December brides unite! This sounds like an awesome plan. The idea of a brunch reception is so chic it makes me want to die. Congrats on the plans!

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  2. @Kerry - thanks! I'm so excited, and brunch is one of my most favorite things ever! Yay for December brides :) My girlfriend who got married a few years back in January is so happy just to know someone else doing a winter wedding! I think it's going to be so festive and cozy :)

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  3. Congratulations!! It's a hard decision to make, but intimate weddings are so wonderful and personable. (I am biased as we are having an intimate affair with only 60 guests)

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  4. I LOVE this idea! We definitely talked about just having our immediately families in my parents' backyard followed by a delicious meal, but I just couldn't give up dancing. I can't wait to see picture of your nuptials--I'm sure it'll be stunning!

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  5. We considered a Sunday brunch wedding, too. Definitely high on our list, and we're keeping our guest list down to about 40, too. I think small weddings seem to be coming back in vogue.

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  6. @azinaugust - Thanks! I know, I'm excited about how intimate the ceremony will be and am looking forward to being able to spend a great deal of time with each of those people!

    @Olivia - I know, the dancing is so hard for us to give up. I mean we practically already had the music list made up already. But we figure we're going to make people rock out at both the smaller US party and we know the Scottish party will most likely end at a nightclub...that's just how it goes ;)

    @Sarah - Sunday brunch is just a big part of our lives so it made so much sense. But I love how you guys are renting out the house - I think that's such a genius plan

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  7. When we looked into a Sunday Brunch reception, I called around to some of the big/best champagne brunches in our area. There were a couple at hotel restaurants that offered a great option -- they would let us use an adjacent ballroom for a reception, but guests would get their food and beverages from the restaurant by going through a side door between the ballroom and the restaurant. We would be charged the regular Sunday Brunch buffet per-person fee, plus a small fee for the use of the ballroom. It was one of the most affordable options, and had the benefit of giving us our own private space while not making us commit to crazy-expensive catering. And the brunch buffets included unlimited champagne, coffee, tea, juice and sodas, so we didn't need a bar service. Definitely worth asking about.

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  8. @Sarah - that's so helpful! Thank you!! Will definitely be snooping around!

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  9. I don't usually link to my blog posts in comments, but you might find this one about the Sunday Brunch option helpful.

    http://mysanfranciscobudgetwedding.wordpress.com/2010/04/13/and-now-for-something-completely-different-a-sunday-brunch-buffet/

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  10. Yay! I was smiling for you while reading the post! Glad you and the Marrv are doing something that makes you happy.

    Because that's what it's all about right? :)

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  11. Definitely!! That sounds so wonderful, Sunday morning, 40 guests...ROCK. It's gonna be wonderful and I couldn't agree more with your third point, lady, the marriage is the important part. {But damnit, weddings are so fun!}

    So excited for you, it's gonna be excellent!!

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  12. from one sunday afternoon bride to another- this sounds awesome.

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  13. Awww thank you all! We're so happy about this plan, but always nice to get some validation from the ladies :)

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  14. yay! also, i love the title of your blog... thanks for commenting on mine, i look forward to reading more of yours!

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  15. Congratulations sweetie! It's definitely a tough decision to make but it seems like you made the right one for both of you. Marriage is the most important part of the day anyway. You'll be doing it right. So happy for u :)

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