6 Months Later...
A few more lessons learned along the way:
6 Months Later...
With only three months left until the big day, it feels like everything is done. We booked the band, caterer, photographer, florist, minister, and bought the dress. Of course, we are sure that there are a million more little things that will come up between now and the end of September, but for now we are feeling quite accomplished.
1. MUSIC: We learned that a Band is more pricey than a DJ, yet if you have your heart set on live music like we did, you CAN find a great band that plays a variety of music without breaking the bank. Meet The Groove Doctors, managed by Dr. Dave, the band's Bassist. We went and saw them play a live set at the Pleasanton Brewery and were blown away by their energy and ability to get EVERYONE on the dance floor. Not only were they fun, but their sound quality was also the best of all the bands that we previewed. They've been a pleasure to work with and are even learning 2 songs for us for our special day.
2. CATERING: This was the fun part! Our recommendation is to taste as many different caterers as you can before you select the one for your wedding. For us, we wanted high quality food in terms of taste and presentation and we also wanted to work with someone that we trusted could pull off a sit down dinner outside in an olive orchard. It took us about 5 caterers later, when we finally found our hero, Skip Hinsley of Pampered Palate, catering wing of Girasole Grill in Pleasanton. Skip sat down with us for several hours allowing us to taste his signature dishes and made sure that we were pleased with what we chose. We loved him and were so happy that we were able to connect him with the Purple Orchid Inn even though they did not have a pre-existing relationship. Skip has already executed several weddings at the Purple Orchid in the Olive Orchard which turned out beautifully. We can't wait to feast on his famous Jamaican Jerk Salmon dish and of course the Filet Mignon - YUM!
3. DRESS: When you step into your first wedding gown, zip up the back, add shoes, a veil, and take your first look in the mirror, there is an amazing feeling. You realize that everything is real and that you are going to walk down the aisle and marry your man. My first shopping experience was quite emotional. I remember being at Jaime Bridal in Pleasanton, walking out to show my Mother and Aunt the first dress. They both just stood there with their eyes watering and jaws dropped. My Mother said "that is your dress" and my Aunt nodded in agreement. I couldn't believe that I was done before it even began. I had heard from other people that it is often the first dress that you choose and now it was coming true for me.
For no reason other than fun, I decided that I should try on a few more dresses, just since we were there. Yet, to my surprise, the second dress was even more beautiful than the first one, which I couldn't believe since I had thought I had already made up my mind. This trend continued pretty much through most all of the dresses. It was impossible to choose one. They were all beautiful and special in their own ways, but there wasn't just one that stood out to me more than the others. I decided that I needed some time to think, so I left the store and went home to look at the pictures. Once I saw myself in the photos I realized that each dress had its own personality. One was the "princess" with its pick-ups and floral adornments. It was beautiful but I have never considered myself the "princess" type so figured this one wasn't for me. The next one was "ultra glamorous" but reminded me more of someone going to an Oscar party than a wedding. The third one was "simple yet elegant" and that matched my style perfectly; the one I would be comfortable in all night and the one that would fit an outdoor evening wedding. I went back the next day and bought it and haven't had a second thought sense. My recommendation is not to make a purchase on your first day. Give yourself some time to react to the emotions of the experience and find the dress that looks like you.
Most dresses are not purchased off of the rack. You order them in your size and then they are made. This is what takes so long and for my dress in particular, it took ~4 months due to flight delays from Europe during the Volcano Eruption in Iceland. That said, the entire staff at Jaime Bridal was incredibly helpful throughout the process, giving me updates on its arrival and meeting with me in the meantime to pick out the bridesmaid dresses and accessories. I have especially enjoyed working with Jaime and Renee, one of which is there pretty much every weekend. Jaime was very accommodating, providing swatches of the dress to help me match the color, providing recommendations for a reasonably priced seamstress and even allowing me to borrow the veils for my trial hair appointment.
I couldn't be happier with all of the decisions we have made so far, but I wouldn't quite call it luck. We definitely shopped around and did our research before making any decisions. We also leaned heavily towards working with people who we trusted. I believe this is one of the most important elements to planning a wedding successfully.
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