I Wonder.....

Been working on music.....pre-ceremony, ceremony, post....

Cocktail (i.e. - obligatory pictures) hour....

Reception....

First dance.....

What we want played.

Brown? He's purely a country boy. He DOES like some "club-like" music, but basically, he's country. AND I'M COOL WITH THAT!!!!

Me???? Weellllllllllllllllllllllllllll.....

I'm a little eclectic. No, VERY! And I'm afraid that's going to be a little "off-put-ish".

I'm hoping people will put aside their conceptions of what "music" is, and just have fun.

Gotta Love Freebies!!

The hubs-2-be has the GREATEST connections!!

Freebies = testing out reception menu items.

Yep, having WEDDING food tonight!!
...............
Then......

After spending a couple of hours setting up tables, counting seating, etc. on Sunday....and being confident in our decision....looks like we're going back to RE-DO table set-up!

NOT MY FAULT, people.....NOT MY FAULT!!

But I understand the reasoning behind it...which is what I wanted from the get-go. . . . to have our families sit TOGETHER!!

It's time we all got to know each other!!

Table Layout......COMPLETE!!

Went to the venue this a.m. and set up tables.....where's the food going, the cake, etc.

Taking measurements, trying to maximize the space.

Not worried about having enough food or drink, just SEATING! And we counted 102. WEATHER PERMITTING (hopefully!!!!) we'll have the bar on the porch AND seating for dining....which would be a BIG relief! But, might as well PLAN for inclement weather.

.....................

Seeing all the tables set-up, and envisioning table cloths, chairs, centerpieces, and PEOPLE, warmed me!

Plus, using this "dry-run" is saving us TONS of set-up time the day before~~gonna be stressful as it is.

Went on the porch to take a break, and realized there are 8 concrete planters on the porch that we're going to HAVE TO do SOMETHING to!

I'm thinking luminaries and some kinda inexpensive, but TASTEFUL, artificial flowers.

Everything's coming together......and I'm not medicated yet!

OMG!!! FLOWERS?!?!?!?!?!

OUR fault.....

We've only discussed "basic" flowers.....for the ceremony party and the tables.

But we go into the florist, and she's drawing out floor plans and what-would-look-good-where....

And I'm, like....."H'UH???"

Pre-spousal unit is taking it all in and asking questions, looking at things to use....and, still...

I'm, like....."H'UH???"

Decision. Flowers are HIS responsibility! STAY IN BUDGET!!

FLOWERS Tomorrow!

Yep...meeting with the florist tomorrow to pick out what's going to be "in season" (i.e. relatively inexpensive!)

Have to decide on flowers for the ceremony party, the officiant, and the TABLES!! Personally, for mid-April, I want plain, simple, spring flowers. After all, they're going to be in....

Oh wait. I shouldn't say.

THEN, on Sunday, we're going to the venue to set up ALL the tables and chairs to see EXACTLY how many we can seat. I have a good feeling, that our guest list is about to swell.

And for that, I am extremely happy.

Iddy-Biddy Details......

We've picked out our ring style - simple - silver, white gold, or platinum bands.

But that's just the TIP of the iceberg.

Tuxedos....flowers for the ceremony......do we need to rent an ice truck??

Contract Signed!!

Got insurance on the place and FINALLY signed the venue's contract!! (Don't ask...it's ridiculous!)

Suggested to the "betrothed" that NOW might be a good time to go ring shopping!

Thankfully, we're both white-gold or silver guys!

I want something "pretty", but masculine.....with a diamond.

Is that possible????

Another Christmas!

MORE table linens arrived! Storage for all this is getting "kinda" cramped! But I "think" we've got the bulk of it.

Now.........

Problem. I don't want to spend Friday afternoon ironing table cloths (fold marks, ewww). What can I do??

I thought about misting them with water and HOPE that by Saturday, the folds would level out!

And then....I could always get sheets of plywood and lay on top of the tables to "flatten" them out.

What do I do????

And Then There's.......

"Which of you is the bride and which one is the groom?"

Really?

REALLY?????

Um...we're both GUYS...there IS no "bride".

Makes me giggle.

Random Thoughts

How many people are gonna think "EW!" when we kiss?

How many people are gonna think "Will they slip the tongue?"

How many people are gonna think "That's hot."

Do I give a shit? No. But it's fun to look at the guest list and guess!

Some of y'all have nasty thoughts!!

Every Day Is Like CHRISTMAS!!!

Packages.....daily......

Yesterday, wrist bands for the servers.

Today....1 of 3 linen shipments! Tracked another for tomorrow...then again on Monday!

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To Grand Rental Station We Goooooooooooooo!!!

Ice tables, beverage "bins", chafing dishes, bar top (SOOOOOOO much nicer than what they had online!), etc. rented.

*WHEW*

Linens ordered, cameras for the tables ordered, knick-knacks, etc......

Time to take a break and concentrate on the music that is going to be played. Thought I had the ceremony music all set, but after listening to it in the car, I've changed my mind.

BUT - have plenty of time!

Be sweet, friends!

Tomorrow - RENTALS!!

Time to go reserve chafing dishes, ice-tables, bar tops, silver punch bowls, etc.

Thankfully, LINENS for the tables are ordered, paid for, and are being shipped!

Little by little........

We may need a storage unit soon!

Now....Let's Plan The MUSIC!!

The ceremony music is down pat. Ain't no changing that...

But NOW....."mulling-around", cocktail hour music...you know, during pictures, before the reception begins, havin' a few stiff drinks, etc....

Many options....

Want to make it pleasant and inspiring....but builds closer to reception time.

This is going to take awhile.....

Baby Steps

I've got the ceremony all typed up....invitations are ready to be printed....menu planned.....yadda yadda yadda....

Thursday, going to see about renting chafing dishes, beer ice-buckets, punch bowls, bar tops, ice tables........

$$$$

Started thinking about the alcohol bill, too. It's hard to judge....WHO is gonna drink WHAT?!?!?! And we're talking 4-5 hours, soooo........

"Priced" cases of wine, spirits for the bar, beer, . . . . . GAH!!!!

..........................

But it's a celebration. I say go for it.

Memories.....

We want to have a "Memory Table" of family members that we wish were there.

Going through old pictures.....

Sad looking at those.....

But I think they're okay with it. I feel it.

Falling Into Place

Menu - 99% finalized.

Chafing dishes, ice tables, party coolers, and bar top all set to be rented.

And I believe I've got the DJ!

Time to coast for awhile? NO!

We Are Planning FOOLS!!

Sat down....decided on the FINAL menu.....

Decided on "cocktail hour" drinks....

Decided on "dinner" drinks.....

Coming along nicely, and we're not fighting A BIT over things.

YET!

2 Updates In ONE Day??

We went to the venue tonight....haven't paid a cent, but we were given the access code (feeling welcomed).

Measured tables, fixtures, counted dinnerware, checked indoor lighting options and variations (bulbs need replacing).

Then, came home and downloaded a program that lets me create a floor plan.

Trying to stay on-top of things....I don't want ANY surprises the day of the ceremony.

My Cluttered Desktop

Files......lots......

Guests.

Invitation layout.

Menu.

Recipes.

Itineraries.

And on and on and on........

However, there are GOOD things happening, too! Our neighbor's granddaughter TAUGHT photography at GHS, and since her dog has SOILED our lawn NUMEROUS times, she's going to take our wedding photos FOR FREE!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

So Excited, I Could Just Pee!

WE'VE GOT A PLACE!! The Andrew Johnson Clubhouse!!

Went and met with the woman that oversees it (she was a DOLL!!), looked around, "visioned" it (which will change a 100 times before then, but....), and knew this was the place.

Still need to go back and measure tables, check what the lighting looks like at night, do a thorough inventory of flatware and dinnerware.....yeah, it's about details.

We're doing this shit RIGHT!

Update-Less

We sat around and talked about a few things.....mainly laughing at who we're gonna dance with!

So, if we HAVE to, we CAN have the ceremony somewhere and the reception at another place. Not my IDEAL choice, but with budget and travel restraints, ain't gonna have much choice.

I'm not freaking out so much today about it. I feel confident. I need to use my contacts, and I haven't done that yet.

Yeah....I know a person or two.

In lieu of gifts, premarital valiums would be much appreciated!

Please Tell Me This Is Normal

I AM FREAKING OUT!!!! 6 months and 5 days....still no venue. HOWEVER.....

Looking into the Andrew Johnson Clubhouse.....bad thing is....there's really no place - OUTSIDE - to have the ceremony.

Maybe it's just me, but I want to get the BASICS taken care of NOW! I DON'T wanna spend the week-of running around crazy!

If we have the place, I can envision it, and make it happen.

Worse comes to worst, ceremony in one place, reception in another.

This is EXHAUSTING!! And with my ADD, ADHD, OCD, PMS, LMNOP.......

The Ceremony

After doing some work in the yard, I sat down and tackled the ceremony....the vows.....the script, if you will.

Listened to our "down-the-aisle" music and cried as I read through everything.

Every word I read....I felt.

I'm gonna be a blithering idiot before this is all over!

A Break...

Needed to halt the talk for a bit....getting a little overwhelmed.

So, had dinner under the stars with Elrod (outside kitty) begging for, AND RECEIVING, scraps. And listened to various songs.....

And TALKED.

Good night.

As I said on facebook, laughed till I cried...and cried till I laughed.

I love him.

At LAST!! A MENU!!

And that took forever....

Taking a break. A little overwhelmed at times.

And I KNOW.....WE DON'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING NOW!

But, we need to PLAN NOW! Every detail.

*breathe*

First Venue: Nolichucky Vineyards

The scenery there was BREATHTAKING! Although, I'm a little concerned what the foliage will be in mid-April. I mean, this IS (weather-permitting) going to be an outdoors event. BUT, they DO have a NICE, large pavilion which could EASILY accommodate the ceremony AND reception - if laid out properly (Put on to-do list!)

Jillian was SUPER nice! She said we were welcome to come out there ANYTIME...to just look around, have a picnic, or whatever! The place is quiet, on the river, so tranquil....

Now, the downside.

#1 - the cost. The venue itself is going to be HALF of our budget! Which means, cuts - everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE, else! Not sure that I'm comfortable with that. I'm trying to avoid catering myself, but if push comes to shove, I can.

#2 - We can have ONLY Tennessee wines served. I was puzzled about that, at first. But, with them being Tennessee vintners, I can see their support for the industry.

SOOOOO....going to still look around for a few other places.....

Anxiety....

The Budget! Questions!! INVITATIONS!!! THE DJ!!!! AAARRRGGGHHH!!!

Sat down tonight and re-calculated (considering my addition from quitting smoking) and I can see things a bit more clearly.

We're SOOO excited to be looking at Nolichuckey Vineyards tomorrow! I have compiled a long list of questions like, how early can we set-up? Can we rehearse the night before? Do you provide tables and chairs? You know, that kinda stuff.

Also, going to talk to the printer tomorrow for invitations.....I think we're getting a REALLY good deal. We've picked silver and blue as our colors, and I think those will work WELL on invitations!

Have a meeting next Thurs. with Robbie Britton to DJ the whole thing.

.............

Today, i went to Grand Central Station's website and looked at chafing dishes and ice tables.....very reasonably priced! I can see us getting everything we need - as far as food presentation - at around $100.

OH......and I kicked my first $50 into the kitty....cigarette money.

Let the spending begin!

The Caterer!

A friend from work, who works a second job, told me that her boss does catering! Great, I thought. And she was willing to do it for $5/head.

Was supposed to call me tonight at 7:00.....it's now 7:30.

Punctuality is very CRUCIAL when you plan a wedding, don't you think?

VENUES!!

Heard from Still Hollow Farms today...YES! They ARE gay-friendly!! However, they open in May, but do make exceptions, because April's weather is so unpredictable...and they only have outside facilities.

Still waiting to hear from Nolichuckey Vineyard.......

I HAVE to devise another plan...another venue....a combination of ceremony/celebration places to do this thing.

..........

I'm fuckin' PETRIFIED! Not because of the ceremony.....but the fact that we want to CELEBRATE our union - past, present, and promise for the future, and want EVERYONE that has supported and accepted us, to be a part of that celebration!

It's a PARTY, damnit!

Watch Steel Magnolias.

Nolichuckey Vineyards - Le Sigh.....

BEAUTIFUL PLACE!!! It would be PERFECT.

But I can't get my hopes up.....need to shop around a bit more.

HOW MUCH IS THIS SHIT GONNA COST????

Caterers, licensed bartender(s), the facility, the tuxedos, the flowers, the invitations, the decorations, the alcohol, the cakes.................. Bridezilla ain't seen SHIT!

Here we go.... The trip to the arbor. Chronicling this magic time in my life. STAY TUNED!

Resurrection of the Blawg and the Conquering of Bruschetta!

I don't feel comfortable rambling on facebook....and I felt like it...and then I remembered.....MY BLOG!! So, here I am....going to, FIRST OF ALL, chronicle my Bruschetta recipes and things about it. Last night, I brushed olive oil on one side of a diagonally sliced baguette.....toasted it. Flipped the sliced and brushed on olive oil AND freshly minced garlic....then, topped it with a chunk of fresh mozzarella. Broiled. Rack too close....bread got toasted LONG before the mozz. was fully melted. So.........TONIGHT! I'm going to do the same thing, only lowering the rack a notch. Then, I'm gonna top it with this nice tapenade-like salsa mixture of: Finely chopped roma tomatoes Finely chopped red onion Minced garlic Ribboned fresh basil Splash of Balsamic Vinegar A TBSP of NICE Olive oil. I can't BELIEVE that my friends on facebook "liked" the plate that I displayed last night's endeavor! It was a quick pic-take, but tonight, I'll plan better! STAY TUNED!!

Time to revive...

I have so many feelings going through me, that I decided to "revive" my blog. Haven't been here in awhile, so, now is time. I'm going to "try" to keep this more up-to-date, update my weight-loss progress, hopefully inspire others, and give my perspective on things surrounding me. My life is changing, and I hope your's will,too!