Here is the Dream Wedding

I have never been one of those girls that sat around envisioning what my wedding day would be like. It's just never been something that occurred to me. There were always more important, more concrete things to think about. Like what to have for lunch. This used to bother me a little. I suspected there might be something missing in my female make up. Perhaps this contributed to the fact that I was still unmarried at an age where many people are on their second go-round.

In retrospect, I'm glad I missed out on the "wedding day dream" gene that seemed to afflict so many of my girlfriends. Think about it. If I had still been planning it at this point and after as many relationships as I have had, it might have been a little creepy. Or worse, desperate.

SO - here I am, engaged (finally!), and i have to plan a wedding. I figure the best way to do this is to start out with a big picture of what my dream would be and make all the choices that I will be required to make keeping this vision of perfection in mind. No doubt it will not end up what I think of now, but hopefully it doesn't stray too far. I also hope that if anyone reads this and they seem e getting too far from my original ideal they will be kind enough to remind me.

As for Grant, luckily, we have the same dream (although he does appear to be more flexible on everything except the beer).

Ideally it's outside at the ocean. This being Oregon and the coastal weather is what it is, so I know right away I have to be flexible there. The important thing is that it's outside, someplace beautiful with water and/or trees and/or mountains in view. I'd love it if people could stay overnight. That way we can all be together for a long time. (I've been to too many weddings where the bride and groom don't get to see the guests.) So preferably someplace that can provide both lodging and a place for the wedding, so folks don't have to drive anywhere. Music is key. So many of our friends are musicians (as is Grant), and I would love if folks brought their instruments and everyone played until the wee hours. Of course there also has to be some dance music, which would require a dj, or in this day and age, an i-pod pre-loaded with good dance tunes. It would be 2 nights: Friday - Sunday. Friday night there would be a big bbq that we provided for everyone. Saturday the dinner would be our favorite meals: chicken tetrazzini (mine) and salmon(his). The beer would be brewed by Grant, and the wine would be purchased at a substantial discount by me because of my connections in the wine business. The cake is ice cream (Carvel, preferably, but anything else will do in a pinch). My dress, super simple. (After all, I will be at a campground of sorts.)

That's it so far. Doesn't seem like too much to ask. Oh yeah. I don't want to spend over $6,000. (I know, I know - HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!)

I know we have to find a place first. We've got a couple in mind. I've already determined that my ideal location (Camp Westwind) is not available. :( I hope to put up links to the places we are looking at and get feedback. I am also open to suggestions.

Am I the only one who stopped being able to get work done during the day after getting engaged?