Even though we got engaged in May of 1997 we didn't start planning until after we got settled in North Carolina. We spent time in the Fall looking at potential places in the mountains where we could have an outdoor wedding and where everyone could just stay and play!
It must have been late October when we decided on
the Highland Lake Inn and started making all the arrangements!
Next, I started looking at wedding dresses all over North Carolina. I must have tried on a ton then I finally found THE perfect dress in Ohio when I was there for Christmas, so I ordered it!
We also met with the chef at the Higland Lake Inn
and chose the menu for the buffet at our reception!
Click here to see wedding MENU!
In January we found a florist, Blossom Basket, and ordered roses and wildflowers for the big day. We also tasted wedding cakes, created by Christy's Cakes (we couldn't decide between carrot or pound cake so we got both! with cream cheese icing YUM!) And we looked at wedding invitations and actually found ONE that we both really liked!
Then in February we booked a band! It's a 4 piece jazz band called
"Stormy Weather" and they play all kinds of FUN stuff, so get your dancing shoes ready! Also found the perfect bridesmaid dresses at Old Navy! They are long summery dresses with a navy & white floral pattern! And Cathy, Kelly & Linda all like it!
In March we met with Barbara Waterhouse, a minister who was recommended as a ceremony officiant. She's SO SWEET! She gave Mike & I each a big hug when we first met! :) She is letting Mike & I compile our own ceremony! She's perfect!
We decided on a TRIP to ENGLAND for our honeymoon! We'll be spending 7 days in a little village called Beckley which is in East Sussex. The cottage we're staying in has rose gardens & amazing views of the surrounding countryside!!
In April I met my Dad & Karen & kids in Asheville to check out the Inn & other attractions like Chimney Rock Park & Biltmore House. Mike and I have chartered a bus to take the entire group to Chimney Rock Park the Friday before the wedding! We finally found a flute & string quartet, called The Four Seasons, to play before and during the ceremony. Also, I had a bridal shower and bachelorette party in Dallas and had my bridal portrait taken there! AND we just ordered our wedding rings!
WHEW! BUSY MONTH!
May was a more laid back month now that the major details have been decided. We organized our 9-hole golf tournament at Highland Lake Golf Course for the Friday afternoon before the wedding. Mike also is playing on the wedding day at Etowah Valley. I've been working on making reception table decorations (painting terra cotta pots which will be used to hold flowers & candles). Also, we sent out a mailing to all our guests with maps, tourist info, schedule of events, etc! It should get everyone fired up about the big event! We booked a place to have a post-wedding cocktail party in New York for all our friends there, so that should be lots of fun!
In June, I worked on making gift bags for all our guests. I used paint pens to write the name on the bag and we filled them with snacks, like cereal bars, chips, crackers, candy bars, gum, blow-pops, and fun items like crazy straws, water guns, bubble bath, etc. I also made a couple welcome baskets with microwave popcorn, chips and salsa, pringles, fruit, etc.