Thursday, December 24, 2009

Possible Date Change...again

Originally, Mr. GrapeJuice and I had picked the all-typical Saturday night wedding.

photo : southwest airlines spirit

Our original plan was to have our wedding on a three day weekend so that all our OOT family and friends would be able to make it and have an extra day of travel. We are still highly considering this, and it will most likely be part of date picking. [See? Trying to be considerate of the guests! No bridezilla yet.]




 photo : gretchen b photography

The first weekend that was spat out was Memorial Day weekend. While I thought it would be a good idea and good timing, it won't be possible. I'm a teacher, and that's the end of the school year. Talk about stress!
 
photo : naomi win

The next 3-day weekend suggestion was 4th of July. I jumped on that bandwagon quickly. It was the perfect time because the 4th will fall on a Monday in 2011, which will give people an extra day to travel home.


photo : barrie downle photography
Now, here's where the possible date change comes in. Mr. GrapeJuice and I had originally chosen July 2, 2011 as our wedding date. It hadn't been set in stone because - obviously - we still have time to make that decision. But, we've seriously been struggling with where to hold our ceremony and reception. We're both Catholic so it's a no brainer that we'll be getting married in the church. But...which church? That's been our struggle all along. Don't get me wrong. I love the church that I'm a parishoner of, but, the new church is horribly designed. Hello! No center aisle = epic fail! [for me at least] Below are some pictures of the new church I found on our facebook group.




Picture One: A view of the whole church from the side
Picture Two: A view of the altar from the center aisle
Picture Three: A view of the baptismal font and door I would enter through

It's a beautiful church, but I always pictured my self walking down a long center aisle to my one true love. Could I suck it up and get married in this church? Absolutely! My grandmother is the wedding coordinator at the facility. My grandfather is a deacon at the church. Definitely some bonus points and freebies heading my way. But...the reception facility leaves a LOT to be desired as well...if you have your wedding on a Saturday that is.

On Friday, Mr. GrapeJuice, my parents, my grandparents, and myself all went to the church Christmas party. The party was held in the old church. And, let me tell you, it's gorgeous! It was originally a barn that was remodeled into a church. It has stunningly stained wood for the ceiling, and the lighting can be adjusted from bright, bright, bright to a sultry, romantic feel. Plus, it easily and comfortably fits 200+ people with a more than adequate dance floor, as we discovered on Friday.

photo : facebook

The only downside is that if we want to use this gorgeous space for our reception, we'd have to have the wedding on a Friday. There are pews and other knickknacks that have to be moved out and moved back in before Sunday mass. Totally doable though!

So...here's a recap:
1. we still don't have a for sure date
2. i could compromise and settle for my church even though i hate the logistics of the design and it cost millions of dollars to make it look like that
3. a friday night wedding gives us a prettier more spacious reception venue
4. i hate being indecisive
5. this would be VERY easy on our budget
6. but, now i'd have to rent tables, chairs, linens; find a caterer; etc.

p.s.
Merry Christmas Eve!
Photobucket

4 comments:

  1. We’re getting married on a Friday, and I think it was definitely the best choice for us for reasons including budget, our honeymoon, etc. But I would say you definitely shouldn’t settle for the church if you keep feeling it’s not the right location. No center aisle? What a strange design! Merry Christmas!

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  2. Merry Christmas Miss C! Just a thought ... you seem pleased with your church's reception space, but less so with the layout of the church. Have you considered holding both your ceremony and your reception in that space? You could build your "dream" center aisle and have the guests pre-seated at their dinner tables as they witness your vows.

    Would the money saved by using your church help to pay for the rentals?

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  3. Merry Merry Christmas!! Hope you get it all figured out so you don't have to worry or stress about it!

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  4. I totally get it and feel your pain. But I personally highly encourage Friday evening weddings, especially if you have a guest list heavily loaded with church goers (like us). Friday weddings mean they won't leave early cuz they have church Sunday morning. And Fridays give you discounts for everything from catering to photos, florists, coordinators, videographers, DJ's, etc. Yes you'd have to rent a lot but the savings might actually be worth it! I would totally understand if you choose a different, more prettier location, but I would highly support your decision for a Friday wedding :) Can't wait to see what you think of!

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