A busy Columbus Day!

Okay, let me begin by saying, I realize this is about 2 weeks late. Turns out, life got busy! With that said, Trey and I spent Columbus Day (a furlough day for teachers) hashing out wedding details! So, let's start with the beginning...

Our day started at Judy's house. (Judy is Trey's aunt FYI...) Apparently, she is quite the little event planner (little did I know). So as she pulls out her wedding book, notes, bible...I immediately realize we are in for quite the morning! We discussed chairs, tables, linens, my dress, a bridesmaid dress, tuxes vs. suits, flower, centerpieces, food, drinks, cutlery, shoes, dress shops, my bouquet vs. the bridesmaid bouquet vs. Mom's bouquet, designs for the bride's room, designs for the groom's room, traveling in the morning, cakes, lawn games, and I'm sure there was more...but quite honestly, I can't even think of it at this moment. I will admit though, one of my favorite moments of this visit with Judy was shoe shopping in her closet! (Thank you for the Tori Burch shoes!)

After our productive visit, we headed up to Smithgall to review the ceremony location because as it turns out, the lovely field where we intended to host our ceremony...isn't flat. And while it's a GORGEOUS field, I simply do not have balance THAT good, and I'm prefer my guests were having to sit sideways as well. (You can thank me later!) On our way we stopped for lunch at CUPCAKES at Truelove Celebrations. Now, I must admit, our tasting with the caterer was wonderful, but the cupcake tasting was MUCH better! Trey and I each grabbed one of their homemade salads to sample (I chose the chicken salad...which if you are ever in Gainesville and nearby...try it. You won't be disappointed!) and 3...yes THREE, cupcakes. We sampled Pumpkin, Strawberry and Italian Cream. When I tell you amazing, I am not even exaggerating! We were in the car fighting over who got the last bite of each one! We enjoyed them so much, we got two more on the way home! (Thankfully, I've got 6 months til the wedding! Won't be having many more of those trips!) We ended up deciding on Key Lime and Italian Creme cupcakes with a strawberry cake for us to cut, while Trey's cake will be either the Spice or Pumpkin! I promise, if you don't love them, we aren't friends anymore! :) With that said, take a peek at their page and make a visit to Gainesville for some deliciously sweet indulgence! 
http://www.facebook.com/truelovebakery

On our way back from Smithgall, we ran by Lanier Tent rental to look into cupcake tiers, table, chairs, and linens. When I say "stuff is expensive," I mean, THIS JUNK IS EXPENSIVE! We were pleased with the individual cost of the chairs...until we realized that we needed 100! Thankfully, we aren't having many tables (and in turn, many linens) because once again...that stuff is EXPENSIVE! Now, with that said, we aren't renting a ton of stuff, so it's not going to be outrageous, but we talked with them about a recent wedding at Smithgall Woods where the couple rented $11,000 worth of stuff! ELEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS PEOPLE! That's simply out of control! We...welp, we're going for under a grand! Woo Hoo!! We were very pleased with the company and they had exactly what we wanted! Check that off the list!

We ended our day at Christopher's Bridal and Tuxedo Rentals. My favorite part of this shop was the shoe section! If you buy shoes from Christopher, he will dye them for FREE! CHA-CHING! Now, the trick is finding shoes that I LOVE! (That's being saved for another shopping adventure with Mom!) We were able to get some great ideas for Trey, the groomsman, and the man of honor! I can't wait to go shopping with them, because let's face it...this is simply not like my dress shopping. I get a say in what those men wear! :) 

After a busy, exhausting, exciting day, we headed home feeling very accomplished and productive! I continue to hope that the rest of our planning goes as easily as these first several months!

Our Favorite Part of Wedding Planning thus far!

So after looking at what felt like a million venues....everything else has been a piece of cake! (And with that said, we are going to look at cakes, CUPCAKES on Monday!) The photographer could not have been easier, and next up...catering!

Now, I'll admit, this was hands-down the part we were looking forward to the most. Let's be honest, who doesn't like to sample a variety of yummy foods? WE DO! Being novice "foodies," it's silly to say we do anything but enjoy a nice, long, delicious meal! Now with that said, before we actually make it to meet with the caterer, my mother leaves me with the wonderful bit of advice..."You aren't going to have any of those fancy foods you guys like so much? Think of your guests, Sarah!" Well, lucky for dear 'ol Mom, those fancy foods didn't fit with our feel for the day...or our budget! (Turns out wedding planning...it's NOT cheap!)

After multiple phone calls with our potential caterer (because we had to set a menu of food choices that provided us a selection...and multiple things to taste!....and a variety to keep our guests' bellies full and happy!), we finally decided on a date, time, and food selections. On our drive up to Cornelia (yes, Cornelia....our attempt to avoid travel fees, and find some good 'ol Southern food!), we discussed questions we had for the caterer, what they could cover and take care of for us to elimate some of the "smaller" food-necessary items, and what we were going to do about drinks!

As we arrive, we are immediately sat, drink orders taken....and then the trail of food begins! They were bringing it out faster than we could taste it! (Needless to say, lunch was NOT a necessity after this outing!) We tried such a multitude of different treats, that we had a difficult time deciding what we wanted! Thankfully, like a solid caterer should, he came to us and asked what we wanted and they would create a menu for us! CHA-CHING! So, after much deliberation, we decided on EIGHT...yes, eight (I'm a little bit overly excited to admit this because quite frankly, we know some of our guests like to eat...and we want them to be securely filled up!) different finger foods! I won't tell you what they are just yet...I want there to be some surprise! Just know...most everything can be eaten off of a skewer or a toothpick! Finger foods...at their finest!

After deciding on the foods, we moved on to drinks, tables, set up, times, etc....the uneventful stuff! We left with Greg (our caterer) letting us know they'd put together a cost for a menu and get back with us the following day! So now the waiting begins...

We were really hoping to get away with going UNDER budget somewhere, and this was the area it happened! By avoiding a full meal, we were nearly able to cut our food budget in half! (With plenty of food to still go around!) When he called the next day, I could not contain my excitement as I called Trey to tell him the good news! Not only did their amazing price cover the food, but also table set up for the food, 6 different drinks, glass plates, cups, and silver...and even a bartender! WOO HOO!

So, of course, since this was one of the parts we were looking forward to the most, I made sure to ask Trey if he would prefer to try out another place before making our final decision...and come to find out, apparently we are the lazy wedding planning couple, because it only took the one and we were sold! For all ladies currently planning your wedding, outside of finding our venue, everything else has been so easy! We attribute that to going with something when we got a good feel for it...not deciding to see multiple photographers or caterers just because! Hopefully the cupcake tasting (the part I'm most thrilled about) will be a hit too! Fingers crossed!

With that said, we've decided to use Food Factory on Main out of Cornelia, GA! Take a peek at their menu! YUM!

http://www.foodfactoryonmain.com/

Headed to an AA Meeting...

And by AA...I don't mean Alcoholics Anonymous, but rather a meeting with Mrs. Amy Arrington (Truelove!) Last night Trey and I hiked our happy butts up to Gainesville (at 5pm mind you) to meet with Amy and her husband regarding photography for our wedding!

I, personally, was so thrilled to once again be back on the Wedding Planning Train, after a multiple week sabatical where school took over my life. I had emailed SEVERAL photographers, looked at a million blogs, and truly spent entirely too long on this decision. So when Trey's aunt mentioned this lady out of North Georgia (woo hoo!) who was our age...I was on board! And then, upon talking to Amy over email, I was really won over! I had received so many of the "standard" email stating congrats on our engagement, pricing, willingness to meet, etc. Quite frankly, I don't blame them! I'm sure emails are a dime a dozen in that industry. Actually, I could be wrong, maybe they aren't. Turns out...I don't know much about making a living being a photographer. ANYWAY...I really got a good feeling about her, but felt like things were just too easy.

So, finally, I took the leap, decided it was time to make a decision, and set up an appointment (after consulting my partner in crime on his schedule...which I already knew because he fails to have any concept of weekly planning!) Upon discussing this plan, Trey asks me roughly how long I think this meeting will take....my answer: 30-45 minutes. I couldn't have been more wrong!

As Wednesday arrives, I am wiggling with excitement and running around like a mad woman trying to ensure that as soon as the last kid is out of the office, my happy butt is in the car on the way to Gainesville! Welp, OF COURSE, not only did we have 1 child come back on the bus, but we also had 4...FOUR...who were not picked up in car riders! UGH! Thankfully, after making multiple phone calls, and hiding my rising worry, I was released to go!

Let me just say that 85 was my friend that day as I drove under the speed limit to get home, where my happy fiance was waiting patiently. When we arrived at Atlanta Bread Company (great meeting spot...even if we didn't eat), we immediately started talking! I think Trey even became more excited than I did! Not only did we get to share our ideas, but they were able to share some of their own and wisdom that we newbies simply don't have. As the evening went on, our conversation changed from wedding to personal lives to pets (for a long time....those of you who know us know we LOVE our pets and could talk about them at lengths longer than the average person cares to listen!) and even to travel and plans of places to visit. I'll be honest, at one point I almost told Trey to hush so someone else could talk! (I think he was a little excited!) My theory on a 30-45 minutes meeting was way off! Turns out, at the end of the day we were there for almost 3 and a half hours! At that point, not only had we invested quite a bit of time, but we were both sold! We loved their work, they seemed to truly understand the non-traditional look we were going for, and we spent 3 and a half hours talking to them! That's just nuts!

So with that said, we've now covered.....dress...venue...photographer! Next up, caterer!

In the mean time, take a look at Amy's blog! She is just wonderful!

Amy Arrington Photography

"TownCraft!"

Here on the Hales/Deaver front, we've had some excitement! As in...prize winnings! Err...winning! (Definitely only one, not multiple!) My mother and I attended the Georgia Bridal Expo two weekends ago at the Cobb Galleria Center. Mom and I were both informed at just how "overwhelming" it would be. Now of course, I thought this would be a fun adventure...an opportunity to scope out some deals...and see some wonderful ideas! I couldn't imagine the thought of being overwhelmed by loads of yummy treats, beautiful dresses, and lots and lots of giveaways! I have to tell ya, I'll be the first to admit...BOY was I wrong! Mom and I walked in and simply did not know where to start. We also had trouble with the massive number of venue and dress booths...both of which, we already have covered. We also discovered from many booths that due to the location of our venue, we would be charged a travel fee on top of the fees to use their services. (Definitely not what I wanted to hear.) Now I will say that the food samples were absolutely delicious! We had planned on going to lunch afterwards and to our luck, we ate more than I'd like to admit! But boy, was it delicious!!! So after visiting all the booths and gathering more pamphlets and paperwork that I ever wanted, we made our way for the car thinking that was the end of our bridal expo experience. 

Fast forward to Tuesday. On my way home from an awesome, amazing, incredibly frustrating day at work, I receive a phone call from a representative with TownCraft Cookware saying that I had WON the drawing from the Expo! What was my prize you ask? A catered dinner at our house (woo hoo!) and $300 worth of cookware! Now I'm pumped! I never win these things and this one sounded relatively promising! So as I run through the house telling Trey about it and deciding who to invite and such, my dear friend Rebecca informs me that while it's great that I've won...in reality, it's a sales pitch. Dreams...crushed! (Just kidding Rebecca!) With that said, I immediately got pumped once again at the idea of some of my favorite people all together and I didn't have to do ANY work!

Fast forward to yesterday! So after running home from school to ensure that all plates/cups/bowls are put away, clothes are off the floor, beds are made, etc everyone starts to arrive! Now despite the quickly flattening tire from the Harris clan that made for some pre-dinner excitement, we were all set and ready to go about 7pm. Quietly thanking myself for taking the time to clean the countertops one last time and put the last few dishes away I note that my entire kitchen is covered in cookware! (If only our prize had been $3000 instead of $300, we might've had something more to show from it!) The cooking show began with Matthew (the young face of the company) chomping on gum and informing us about the events of the evening. After a five minute blurb, he was benched for the remainder of the evening. Newbies gotta learn somehow. At that point, Larry took over. A true salesman. Like I said, if only I had $3000! He proceeds to compare TownCraft products to other standard cookware and then makes us TASTE the effects of the pan on boiled water. To best explain how it tasted, I gave Ruckus my spoon to lick (I sure wasn't about to drink all of that nastiness), and she promptly begins shaking her head like crazy and running to the water bowl! (We always claim that she's like a little human!) Back to Larry...as he cooks he is continually explaining how the various pieces of cookware can be used (ie: stacking pots and pans filled on top of the electric skillet and continuing to cook everything inside...neat trick!) So after watching Larry's song and dance, and trying to keep the boys in the group from harassing them too much...boys will be boys, we were finally able to eat! YES! Now unfortunately, the food was maybe a C- in quality (we like spices in this house!) So after chowing down (let's be honest, by this point we were starving!) Larry proceeds into his "sales" mode. Another unfortunate....turns out our $300 prize didn't win us a whole lot! I was AMAZED at the price of these items! An electric skillet for $800!!!! A dutch oven for almost a GRAND! WHAT! Welp, we certainly don't have that kinda money lying around, so we thanked Larry and Matthew for there time, embraced our new "man pan" and called the evening a night!

I knew going in that this could go wonderfully or poorly, and despite the mediocre food and the bummer on our prize, we had an amazing time! The evening could not have been better with the fun crowd we had! They truly made the evening much more entertaining than what I originally thought possible! After an evening like that, I am even more excited about our "wedding weekend!"

For those of you who are interested, here's what we won...that Trey plans to use TOMORROW for fajitas! 

®2010 TOWNECRAFT INC.

Date and Place-Check!

Welp, after many visits, emails, phone calls, to various venues...We have a VENUE! ::::cheers from the crowd::::  Let me begin by telling you how it is that we stumbled upon this treasure!


You've all heard read about our trip to Heritage Green in Sandy Springs. Not too shabby. Didn't love it. Didn't hate it. It had potential. Unfortunately we weren't looking for "potential." We were looking for something unique and natural and truly reflected our style. So what did I do? Schedule more visits to venues exactly like Heritage Green. Sigh....Sarah in her brilliant moments. So after deciding that we simply could not go look at every venue together (and Trey wasn't interested in these at all!) I drag happily bring my mom along to look at two more venues that, in reality, I knew weren't exactly going to be it! She was such a trooper! So helpful and encouraging. And honest. Our first trip took us to  a lovely place in Norcross where, it just so happened, the in house caterer used to own a restaurant directly across from my mother's work! Small world right? So after hearing how delicious the food was I may have been sold! They way to a woman's heart is through her stomach...errr, anyway. However, after sharing information about the venue with my dear, very involved, fiance we decided that it was only an option if we couldn't find anything else. Fail...onto the next one!


Then, after filling our hungry bellies (smelling that tomato sauce would've made your stomach growl too!) with delicious Panera...we headed off to our next venue. As we run in to the bathroom (another brilliant moment...not going before we left Panera, GREAT first impression) Mom looks into the reception area and says "This isn't it. I can see all of the cars in the parking lot. Not a good view." Welp, I asked for honesty. BUT, like the troopers  we both are...we stuck it out as we were "pitched" into using this venue to celebrate our betrothment. Once again...fail.


So I essentially came home on Saturday after an exhausting, yet SUCCESSFUL, wedding dress shopping adventure to more failed venues. Sheesh! Welp, my very involved fiance informs me that Sunday he wants to go visit a place his aunt has mentioned to him and a state park up in Cleveland. Let me run you through my stream of consciousness regarding both of these places. State Park in Cleveland...do they do weddings in state parks? Where will we get ready? Where will we stay? There's NOTHING in Cleveland (err, very little). Oh well, I'll appease him as he has mentioned it several times. Maybe we can balance out our "failed venue ideas since I've struck out!"


On Sunday morning we get up and head up to the mountains. After speaking with the park manager we learn that all five cottages have to be rented and for two whole nights. YIKES. My first thought was, "Welp this is out...it's going to be entirely too pricey!" Turns out, being a small state park and all, it wasn't too bad! As we drive through the property and view the cottages and the landscape I being immediately talking about where I want pictures (to include a funny sign along a trail saying "Critters Welcome!"), how we could set up a ceremony on the lawn, how nice it would be to have an indoor/outdoor reception, etc. Okay, so perhaps I was a LITTLE excited.....or thrilled...or pumped. Take your pick. So, we keep it in mind (though Trey apparently secretly hoping I love it!) and head off to Loganberry Heritage Farm to check out this lovely barn his aunt has raved about!


As we arrive I am immediately in love. Flowers are everywhere. The view is spectacular. It is so incredibly unique in seating, in view, in...well, EVERYTHING! However, Trey on the other hand...didn't love it. Liked it...maybe. But love it he didn't. So, as we're talking through "logistics" with his aunt and it suddenly isn't looking so good. The more we talk, the less we love the barn...and surprisingly the more we begin to LOVE the state park. As we walk back to the cars his aunt and uncle immediately begin planning for us. (I now understand why people have a wedding planner...whew!) As ideas start swirling I am getting more and more excited, until...in all honesty, we have a plan. Now all we have to do is get the stars to align and work out exactly how we want.


And that's where things go wrong. First thing Monday morning I call, all prepared with my dates ready to lay down a deposit and finally secure our location. Only to hear "oh, two of the main cottages are booked that weekend." And...our plan crashes. Okay, Plan B: The end of Spring Break? Sure enough, someone else is getting married that weekend. Popular. UGH! So I call Trey completely devastated...and he calls the venue. So, while it may not be exactly when we want it, and it may not be the best time (not Spring Break and right before CRCT Testing) we have secure Smithgall Woods for April 19 and 20 with our ceremony taking place on the 20th! WOO HOO! So...if I seem like someone in need of sedation in April, give me a hug! :)


For those of you curious folks, here is the site: http://www.gastateparks.org/SmithgallWoods/


The cottage shown is where we will host our reception with the reception on the lawn outside! We are very excited to share our "wedding weekend" with some of our favorite people! And...I'm thrilled to at least have something to check off the long list of "to-dos!"

Said YES to the Dress!

So to begin, I FINALLY found the pictures from the Inn where Trey proposed and since it is beautiful, I wanted to share!

The sign outside the inn

Two Meeting Street Inn-Charleston, SC

Trey also, among all the other surprises, had gorgeous flowers sitting on the bistro table on our balcony when we returned!

Starburst Lilies-One of my favorites!

Now, on to the good stuff! Today my mother and I went dress shopping! Upon meeting a girl at Affordable Bridal who was getting married in November, I felt like perhaps I was jumping the gun a bit! However, after shopping and hearing how long it takes for dresses to come in (4-6 MONTHS!) I realized that perhaps...I was okay! And well, let's face it...I was ready to make a decision on something, and this one only needed approval from me (and my mother...Thanks MOM!). So, like my ring, I went in with the idea for my perfect dress. I wanted a fit and flare, sweetheart neckline, with ruching and a little bling. I tried on a scoop neckline...nope. I tried on a dress with pick-ups....nope. I even tried on a dress that weighed what felt like 50 pounds...definitely not! Here's a few of the contenders...

This one weighed a million pounds!

Finally, when I thought I was spent and going to choose through one of these options...the adorable bridal consultant (there is something to be said about a wonderful bridal experience!) brought in one final option that initially I honestly wasn't crazy about. However, after adding a jeweled belt and a simple yet blingy veil...I. Was. Sold! Even my mother, who was also a bit skeptical, just loved it! I must've stood there in it for 20 minutes. Looking every which way, moving the train, bustling the train, looking at the back, trying on various belts...OH MY! Let me tell you, making that final decision when there were SO MANY beautiful dresses wasn't easy, but at the end of the day, I am THRILLED to finally have a my dress!

Now, if only it could come in so I can sit on my couch and just enjoy this wonderful dress!

Learning about the "Sandy Springs..."

After hours, yes HOURS, of looking, emailing, calling, etc. various venues...we finally went to visit one. Only one. And, quite frankly, not even one we were very excited about. Just being honest. However, I REFUSED to sit and look any longer. I felt like it was time to explore, engage, and become excited about a venue! So on Sunday, Trey and I ventured out to Heritage Green in Sandy Springs. If you care to take a look, like my mother did (love you Mom!), here's the site. http://www.heritagesandysprings.org/

Now mind you, the entire drive there we debated, talked firmly, discussed things we liked and didn't like, days of the week, even CENTER PIECES. Yes ladies, my man talked about center pieces! Even upon arrival we were still talking about which day of the week we want...Friday or Saturday.

So here I am, sweating, standing happily outside this venue discussing what we are hoping to get out of this visit....that let me remind you, neither one of us are sold on. When all of a sudden Trey asks, "How long are you thinking this is going to take?" Oh. No. Here we go. This is our first, yes FIRST venue and already I think he's complaining. I could not have been more wrong. (yes!)

As our host shows us around the venue, here comes Trey right up beside her with QUESTIONS! Not just one or two, but a ton! He actually seemed to like this place! So I went from thinking that ten minutes into the visit he would be tapping his watch, doing his famous "time to go Sarah" eyes, and checking his phone for the Braves score. Not the case! Ding! Lucky me! I'm pretty sure I was hustled by my fiance who simply faked a lack of enthusiasm while actually spending the wee hours of the night looking into "What to ask of Wedding Venues." Now, I'm not sure if he's actually done any research or if they were generally questions that he would've asked me had I gone alone on this visit (thank goodness he was there...I hate the 20 questions game when I get home.)

So, what I can take away from this visit...even if we won't be using it, is that I truly don't need to stress much about dragging Trey all over Georgia in hopes of finding that perfect location! Whew!