ROLL CALL!!!!!!!

Allison&Donnie

IT'S BEEN QUITE AWHILE SINCE WE HAVE DONE ONE! I'VE NOTICED TONS OF NEWBIES ON THE BOARDS LATELY. SO LETS GET SOME UPDATES, LADIES!!!!!!!!:)Fiance's (first)name and how you met:Wedding date:Ceremony/reception location:Colors/theme:# of guests:Honeymoon plans:One unique thing about your wedding:Biggest planning pet PEEVE:

Allison&Donnie

OK...I'll start!!!!!!! LOLFiance's (first)name and how you met: Donnie (duh!)We met on match.com :)Wedding date:May 29, 2010Ceremony/reception location: Cantigny Park in Wheaton. Ceremony will be in one of the beautiful gardens (weather pending), then the reception will be at Cantigny's new Restaurant Le Jardin Colors/theme: Celedon and pinks. Garden theme, I guess # of guests: About 200Honeymoon plans: Bora Bora and Moorea for 10 days One unique thing about your wedding: Just found out my fiance will be leaving for 6 month training for a new job soon. SO he will be flying home for the weekend of the wedding, and we have to post pone the HM til his training is over! Bittersweet...Great new job-bad timing LOLBiggest planning pet PEEVE: Snarky people on the knot. Ugh, cant we all just get along?!?! LOL

beautifulnryan

Fiance's (first)name and how you met:  Ryan, at collegeWedding date:  May 15, 2010Ceremony/reception location:  Old St. Pat's, Hyatt WoodfieldColors/theme:  Chicago...but with pink, dark brown, and champagne colors# of guests:  sigh...like 400Honeymoon plans:  We're thinking the Greek IslandsOne unique thing about your wedding:  Incorporating my heritage into the ceremonyBiggest planning pet PEEVE:  how our guest list doubled and we were forced to change rooms...and the look of our reception...ah well.

rhodesign

I'm old news, but I'll play. =)FI--Joel. Met at a friend's birthday party at a barDate--32 days!Locale--Hotel AllegroColors/theme: 'modern vintage' look and feel--deep purples (eggplant, plum, wine) with hints of chocolate and ivory#of guests--TBD! ha! So far we're expecting in the 140sHM--delayed til March, but doing Napa/Sonoma and Vegas, baby! I call it 'classy to trashy' =)Unique thing: we're having burlesque performers at cocktail hourPlanning peeve: people not rsvp'ing on time. I don't care if it's a no, TELL ME!! And being broke.

angantonio

Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Dave/graduate schoolWedding date: May 15, 2010Ceremony/reception location: St Marys/Arboretum ClubColors/theme: black and white polka dots, hot pink accents# of guests: invited: invited 220Honeymoon plans: Italy (Venice, Rome, Florence, and Almalfi CoastOne unique thing about your wedding: Good question...trying to make it very personal.  Biggest planning pet PEEVE: Coming home late and exhausted from work and still needing to work on my "second" job-the wedding. 

Litgirl77

Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Dan - we met on eHarmony (Yes, we're just like those commercials!)Wedding date: November 14th!!! 11 days!!!Ceremony/reception location: Architectural ArtifactsColors/theme: brown/apple green# of guests: 185Honeymoon plans: Hawaii in DecemberOne unique thing about your wedding: the venue is probably the most unique thingBiggest planning pet PEEVE: the cost of chairs!!!

thealphabride

I've been here a while... but thought I'd play too.... Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Steve, match.com Wedding date: 9-11-10 Ceremony/reception location: Mayslake Peabody Estate Colors/theme:Rich Jewel tones, to match the stained glass windows in the Event hall, and the colors on the mosaic on the chapel. # of guests:125 Honeymoon plans: FI is planning a surprise, hope is tropical.., One unique thing about your wedding: nothing unique really, just your standard wedding. Biggest planning pet PEEVE: Vendors that don't call you to get to know you, but want to do everything on e mail. E mail is fine after the first phone call or visit, but if you want my business and I show an interest in your company, please pick up the phone and call me to schedule an appointment, otherwise I'm not interested.

Noron

Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Tim, we met at workWedding date: January 2, 2010 Ceremony/reception location: Victoria in the Park in Mount ProspectColors/theme: Colors - black BM dresses, red flowers; Theme - fun# of guests: 258 invitedHoneymoon plans: Riviera Maya!One unique thing about your wedding:Biggest planning pet PEEVE: I have soooo many.  I second Rho on the being broke thing - I need new work clothes like you wouldn't believe!  I also can't stand when someone asks you a specific question, like "What are your bridesmaids wearing?" or "How are you doing your hair?" and after you answer, they say "Oh.  Well I'M going to have MY bridesmaids wear PINK" or "Oh.  MY hair is going to be UP".  For the record, I have never gotten that from someone who is actually engaged (that would make sense!), only single girls or someone in a brand new relationship.  I mean, seriously?  You've picked out the details of an imaginary wedding?  Wow.Sorry, rant over!

kthame

Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Mark; we met at work (we no longer work together) Wedding date: June 18, 2010 Ceremony/reception location: St. Andrew / DiNolofo's Colors/theme: Tiffany Blue # of guests: Inviting approximately 200 Honeymoon plans: Considering Costa Rica One unique thing about your wedding:  I planned the majority of it from Melbourne, Australia. Biggest planning pet PEEVE: I thought I would have won the lotto by now, and I haven't. Just kiddin'. I love the planning process to be honest, I just don't like dealing with vendors that turn into complete a-holes once you tell them your budget.

Noron

I forgot the unique thing - probably that it's in winter.

mandybear7

Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Dan- in collegeWedding date: July 10, 2010Ceremony/reception location: St. Edmund's in Oak Park and Renaissance Oak Brook HotelColors/theme: Chicago theme, navy/ivory/blush pink# of guests: around 200Honeymoon plans: Hawaii! Maui and OahuOne unique thing about your wedding: unique? not sure, but it will be awesome.Biggest planning pet PEEVE: Some people have been super annoying about having 9 bridesmaids and 9 groomsmen. Sorry, I'm not sorry, I wanted to include family and have lots of friends. How is it anyone's business? Also, basketball season has begun and between coaching and teaching, planning is definitely on hold for awhile.

Sparkette19

Fiance's (first)name and how you met:Brian; we first met in college, fell out of touch, then again randomly at a bar of all placesWedding date:6/25/10Ceremony/reception location:Ceremony - Elk Grove Village; Reception - Arboretum Club in Buffalo GroveColors/theme:Navy and pale pinks# of guests:100 - 150Honeymoon plans:Mexico, Riveria MayaOne unique thing about your wedding:I am planning on doing a lot of DIY stuff, which is out of character for me. I didn't think I had a crafty bone in my body but I'm doing quite well for myself. Biggest planning pet PEEVE:I am so worried about how others will perceive our wedding plans. I get wrapped up in what others might think and I definitely worry about the expenses for everyone involved. People are telling me not to worry about it and to do what makes me happy. But I don't want to put people out b/c of one day. I want to be considerate, but I am learning that you can't please all the people all the time.

Fink-Nottle

Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Mike, at workWedding date: April 10, 2010Ceremony/reception location: St. Luke's/19th Century ClubColors/theme: green and yellow# of guests: 150 invitedHoneymoon plans: maybe Palm SpringsOne unique thing about your wedding: Hmmm, now I'm depressed there's nothing unique about it...though I totally want to steal Rhodesign's burlesque performers!Biggest planning pet PEEVE: so far I'm mostly just annoyed with myself for being so clueless and taking too long to get anything done

SoonToBeB

Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Ethan, match.comWedding date: May 22 2010Ceremony/reception location: Divine Mercy Polish Mission/White PinesColors/theme: Cornflower Blue and Yellow# of guests: inviting 180 with kidsHoneymoon plans: Riviera MayaOne unique thing about your wedding: It will be a bilingual wedding with Polish traditions incorporated.Biggest planning pet PEEVE: Parents trying to butt in even though they are not paying and wanting as much as Possible in Polish.

kenright16

Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Greg, and we met when we were interns at the company we now work for Wedding date: July 24, 2010 Ceremony/reception location: Niles Community Church / Woman's Club of Evanston Colors/theme: Blue (not sure about accent colors yet...) # of guests: around 175 Honeymoon plans: Maui and Kauai :-) One unique thing about your wedding: nothing yet...but we'll come up with something! Biggest planning pet PEEVE: I don't really have one, but I am ready for the planning to be over. I'm probably the most laid-back bride ever - I just want to be married already!

alliebaran

I'm not necessarily new, but I don't really post often and thought I would join in...Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Ryan, we met playing softballWedding date: 2-20-2010Ceremony/reception location: Old St. Pat's/Galleria MarchettiColors/theme: Black & White (no real theme) # of guests: 242 Honeymoon plans: Italy in April and can't wait!!One unique thing about your wedding: Who else gets married in February in Chicago??!  Yes, I know we're crazy...Biggest planning pet PEEVE: I don't really have one...things have been going pretty smoothly so far (knock on wood).  Although my FMIL is driving me a bit crazy with shower stuff lately!!

lindz221

ok i'll play!Fiance's (first)name and how you met: John, at collegeWedding date: May 29, 2010Ceremony/reception location: Grand Rapids, MI - First Cov. Church and Noto's Italian RestaurantColors/theme: lots of bright tropical colors - teal, turquoise, hot pink, bright orange, etc...# of guests: 200Honeymoon plans: none yet! still deciding if we will take one right away or wait a little while and go to EuropeOne unique thing about your wedding: John's dad will be doing the ceremony (he is a pastor)Biggest planning pet PEEVE: currently bridesmaid dresses. I am having the hardest time finding ones that I like and are still affordable. I feel like I've looked everywhere!

u_rica77

Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Jeremy, on MySpace back in the day when people were actually still on it Wedding date: 10/16/10Ceremony/reception location: St. Josaphat's in Lincoln Park/Holiday Inn Mart Plaza Colors/theme: Midnight blue and moss green- don't really have a theme# of guests: 150-ishHoneymoon plans: No idea- St. Lucia maybeOne unique thing about your wedding: We are both big sports fans, so I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate our teams into the reception. I was thinking about numbered tables after our favorite players or something like that. This idea is still in the early stages .Biggest planning pet PEEVE: Hmmm- I guess it would be how things book up so early in Chicago- photographers especially. Erica

marissabarone

Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Brian, we met at work 8 years ago, were friends, and started dating in 2007Wedding date: December 31, 2009Ceremony/reception location: St john Brebeuf Niles, Victoria's Beau Jolie, Schiller ParkColors/theme: black and white (damask) deep red# of guests: 299 invitedHoneymoon plans: Secrets Moroma, Riviera MayaOne unique thing about your wedding: It's New Years Eve ;)Biggest planning pet PEEVE:I think it has been trying to please everyone and people asking about our plans and then telling us how they wouldn't do it that way....also snarky brides on her are hilarious, but annoying to me.

Browneyes19826

Finance - Greg , we met at work.. October 9, 2010 St. Celestine church, & Mirage Four Points by SheratonColors- eggplant, raspberry, and chocolate brown.. fall themed.About 250 guests.. Right now, we are undecided on honeymoon plans.. Biggest planning pet peeve.....that I can't get it all done at once!  LOL

thebrilliantdance

Hi all - I'm brand new here, just began with the planning process, obvi I have a long time to plan it all out :)FI name- Chris, we met through a mutual friend in Chicago that I went to highschool with and Chris went to college withWedding date: July 30, 2011Ceremony/reception: 4th Presbyterian/ Westin vs Sheraton downtown, still trying to decide between the two... any thoughts?!  Leaning towards the Westin River North!!!Colors/theme : Royal blue w/accents of hot pink# guests: 150-175honeymoon plans: somewhere hot hot hotone unique thing about wedding:  nothing so far, i've just started planning!

njohnson0330

I am a total newbie!  You ladies rock...it's been a relief to know I have people to help.Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Mike, another Match.comWedding date: July 24, 2010Ceremony/reception location: Immaculate Conception/Old Orchard Country Club - MT. ProspectColors/theme: Pink# of guests: 250 invitedHoneymoon plans: Hopefully HawaiiOne unique thing about your wedding: Hmmm, not too sure I have anything unique....Biggest planning pet PEEVE: getting completely overwhelmed.  I always thought I didn't want all the traditional stuff, but come to find out I really do!

jbll326

Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Josh; we met through mutual friends at a bar but it was one of those fireworks movie momentsWedding date: March 26, 2010Ceremony/reception location: both will be at the Patrick Haley Mansion in JolietColors/theme: Sage green, ivory, and gold if needed. We kind of have 2 themes running throughout: STDs, cake topper, and favors are cooking/spices/herbs themed since we both love cooking and then for decor we have a square theme to pay tribute to the design of my engagement ring which will show up in the centerpieces, programs, card box, etc. # of guests: 150 and quickly rising :(Honeymoon plans: haven't decided yet, but somewhere tropical where we don't have to do anything but lay around on a beach and drinkOne unique thing about your wedding: we're DIYing a lot of the decor and little things (centerpieces, pew decorations, invites, programs, FG pomander, RB pillow, bouts, etc)Biggest planning pet PEEVE: the plethora of unsolicited opinions we receive...I'm all for getting people's opinions, but I'd like to ask for them first I guess it's really all from one Aunt who just criticizes every single idea we have and it's very frustrating to have to keep a smile on my face and say "thank you for your opinion, but we really like what we've already decided to do"!

Heeeyhoney75

Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Don, We worked TogetherWedding date: 11/28/2009Ceremony/reception location: Ceremony at Faith Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights/Reception at Meridian Banquets in Rolling MeadowsColors/theme: Chocolate & Champagne with some oranges and gold# of guests: 180Honeymoon plans: We're going to TN the week after the wedding and we're hoping to go on an Alaskan Cruise in the Spring. One unique thing about your wedding: Nothing really unique, but I am doing mostly everything DIY.Biggest planning pet PEEVE: Right now, it's not getting RSVPs back. And wondering why some invites disappeared in the mail!  

mcrotty

Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Anthony - I work with his mom! Wedding date: July 31, 2010 Ceremony/reception location: Ceremony is at St. Margaret Mary in Naperville, reception at the Signature Room at Seven Bridges in Woodridge Colors/theme: black/white/red - i'm thinking polka dots here and there # of guests: around 175 Honeymoon plans: Disney World One unique thing about your wedding: not sure yet. Maybe my family dancing together to a song since my dad isn't around? Biggest planning pet PEEVE: my mom and sister! ha. kidding. it's not too bad, since i plan events for a living

NetWed3

Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Kyle, and we met in High School....Itll be 8 years in December!Wedding date: May 30, 2010Ceremony/reception location:  Dinolfo's Banquets, Homer Glen for Reception and CeremonyColors/theme: Sapphire/Cobalt Blue with Silver accents# of guests:  Hopefully 250 or so but the guest list is 330Honeymoon plans:  We are thinking Las Vegas!  One unique thing about your wedding:  I dont know how unique it is but we are having a guitar player play acoustic versions of the songs we are walking down the aisle to that mean something to us Biggest planning pet PEEVE:  that it is so far away and i am so excited already!

lilpsi59

Great post!  I don't think I've done one of these before.  Here goes:Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Rodney; we met during college.Wedding date: March 13, 2010; Our 9 year anniversary!Ceremony/reception location: Both will be at Cafe la Cave in Des Plaines. Colors/theme: Our colors are burgundy and ivory with gold accents.  Were trying to make the room feel warm and cozy since it'll be cold out.# of guests: Hopefully 275ish, but inviting a lil over 300Honeymoon plans: We're putting as much as we can into the wedding and will hold off on the honeymoon.  Maybe we'll go somewhere later on in the year or for our First Anniversary.One unique thing about your wedding: We're also having a bi-lingual(Spanish & English) wedding.  I'm excited to see how the ceremony comes out.  I guess me not getting married in a church is unique for my family.  Everyone marries in a church and then has the reception.  We decided against that to cut down the driving and hopefully the day will 'flow' a lil better.Biggest planning pet PEEVE: I agree with a PP that I care alot about what other people think about wedding details.  I always try to accomodate everyone, but I'm trying to plan the wedding according to what my FI and I like.  For example: We're taking as many formal pics as possible before the ceremony.  We want to get them outta the way while everyone is looking nice and fresh.  One of my aunts was almost outraged telling me that it's bad luck for FI to see me before the wedding and that I'll regret it!  We don't believe it's bad luck.  If we miss out on spending some time with our family and friends with drinks in our hands... that's what we'll regret.Thanks!! 

seventiespop

Doug, we met through a mutual friend.July 3rd, 2010St. Vincent de Paul in Lincoln Park and Embassy Suites-Lakefront in Chicago (near Navy Pier)Pink and orange, summer-in-Chicago feelAround 130 guestsSpanish Riviera and Lisbon, Portugal!We'll have some unique cultural additions at the reception.Mostly family members asking annoying and way too specific questions (i.e. What time will the morning after brunch start?)

tonyandstef

oooh fun :)Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Tony, I met up with some old friends at a local concert (my best's friends brother is in a band) and my fiance is almost 6'6 so he completely stood out.  I thought "Why can't I date someone that hot?" Turns out, he was friends with all of my friends and we were an official couple a few months later.  Wedding date: June 26, 2010Ceremony/reception location: The East Lawn at Cantigny Park for ceremony.  Cantigny Golf in Wheaton for receptionColors/theme: Marine blue with Grass green accents# of guests: hopefully only 120.  Definitely under 150.Honeymoon plans: 10 days in St. Lucia!  Can't waitOne unique thing about your wedding: I think it's kind of cute that my 2 best friends are sisters and bridesmaids, and their younger brother is best friends with my fiance and he's a groomsman.  We have a family of siblings standing up with us.  Ok, that's sad.  Nothing really unique.  Biggest planning pet PEEVE: People offering opinions when they aren't asked for... I'm all for opinions, just when I ask for them... And I wish money grew on trees.  Because I need more of it.  I think I'm just really simple with planning, and sometimes planning turns complicated for no reason.  I can't wait for all the planning to be done, and to have an awesome wedding!

amberb612

Hi All,I'm Amber. I'm from Minneapolis, MN living in Cincinnati,OH getting married in northren IL.Fiance's (first)name and how you met: Mike-I was in Myrtle Beach for a dance competition (as a teacher) he rides Harley's; he was on his annual bike trip. We meet at a bar one night, the next night we hung out on the beach...the rest is history.Wedding date: July 24th, 2010Ceremony/reception location: The Crowne Plaza Mundelein, ILColors/theme:Orange and Blue# of guests: 100Honeymoon plans: The beach-We are going next Thanksgiving w/his brother and wife who were married in June. He's in flight school (Air Force) they haven't had a chance to go on a honeymoon, so were going together!One unique thing about your wedding: I'm to old to worry about formality...fun, fun, fun!!Biggest planning pet PEEVE: Having to deal w/my Mom who thinks because she makes wedding invatations she knows everything about weddings. She's having a hard time w/ my casual style.

jess&lane52804

Fiance's (first)name and how you met: LaneWedding date: 8/7/10Ceremony/reception location: Midlane Resort in WadsworthColors/theme: Black, White, and Lime# of guests: 100-120Honeymoon plans: Right now we are looking at a  Western Caribbean Cruise in January. We want to have a warm getaway in winter.One unique thing about your wedding: Hmmm. My dress should be pretty unique because I changed the neckline and had it ordered in a custom size. But one thing we're doing that I don't think is too common is that our ceremony music will be an acoustic guitar version of the traditional songs. (A recorded version- DJ offered a deal I couldn't refuse to do the ceremony)Biggest planning pet PEEVE: A 21 month engagement