Well we have less than 6 weeks now. I talked with the hotel’s wedding planner on Friday. Unfortunately I don’t have a lot of answers for her right now. She’s looking for details on things like the menu and the timing of all the events. She’s ready to get down to business and we’re stuck on several things. Like that flower list I’m still waiting for (is it three weeks yet?). When I have flowers chosen and a budget defined, I’ll know what other decor I can afford, if any. Then, the cake will coordinate with the flowers so I’m stuck on that. And my fiancé is supposed to be talking with the banquet captain about lighting – funny the things the boys get interested in. And which ceremony arch? Haven’t really decided yet – none are standing out. I have photos from her and the independent planner and am just not in love with any of them. Do we really need an arch?

I asked the independent planner if she happens to have crystals… she does have a few but not enough for the impact / glam I’m looking for. So, do I purchase some here to bring with me? Do I have any money in the budget? Don’t know until I get flowers figured out.

Welcome bags? Still don’t know when / if they will be back in inventory – have sent two emails. Hair and make-up – haven’t really found my inspiration yet. Would LOVE it if I could see a portfolio of work the spa has done, but something tells me I already know the answer to that. And videographer – still don’t have package details but we are WAY behind the ball on that one so I’m not expecting it to happen. If it does – bonus.

One funny / weird thing is that neither of us have really talked at all about the ceremony. Neither of us are worried about the details. We’ll meet the officiant a day or two before or maybe not until the day of and really know nothing about the ceremony except they have some sort of ’sand blessing’ in place of where others might have a unity candle. We’re not interested in picking out any ‘readings’ or writing vows. We just kind of want it short and sweet so we can all move on to the party! (To be honest, we’re doing the legal stuff back at home a week before the trip.) And stranger yet — I really don’t care about the ’sunset photos’ others are so consumed by. For me its an obligatory photo like the family portrait shots. Photos you ‘have to do’ but I can’t imagine they’ll be the ones I’ll hang in our home. I’m much more likely to hang a pic of my shoes and dress than a cheesy sunset shot.  Hmmmm… “ok – now we have to get the ‘bouquet in the foreground and the couple in the background shot’ and now wait, stop right there so I can get the pic of the sun right in the middle of you while you smooch”. But those photos must be so popular because there must be people that love them so please, no offense if you’re one of those. You might have figured out that I’m not a typical bride.

So — all these unanswered questions – seems like I’d be getting anxious by now… Yet I’m surprisingly relaxed. After my ‘DJ Meltdown’ I’m still ok just going with the flow for now. Really, lately it seems that when I let go of things, that’s when they fall into place. I know that when the independent planner is ready to focus on our wedding she’ll bury me with emails. And I think I’ll be able to focus more after our trip to NYC this weekend. Just need to decide if I’m going to bring the wedding dress with me.

At least the conversation with the planner on Friday was fun. She sounds so sweet. And I tell you – they’re always so darned happy! She’s really cute and I have more confidence each time I talk to her. Maybe that’s why I’m not anxious right now. Even if we don’t get everything sorted out I feel like she’ll come up with something to make it beautiful.

We do have a ‘first dance’ though – just need to practice a little. And invitations are in the mail, but guess what? My last name is spelled wrong! Of course it was up to me to proof them. I did email the correction but didn’t pay close enough attention to notice whether or not the change was made. At least I can order invitations one at a time so I can order an extra with the correct spelling for the photo. My brother teases that I only have to worry about that last name for a few more weeks anyway. Hard to imagine being called by another name. I’m sure the reality of all this will start setting in soon!