Yay! It's official!

Re: Yay! It's official!

• LittleSweetie member

  

  February 2010 edited December 2011

  CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement! That's so exciting!  How did he do it?  We need stories

  
  

  Don't be afraid of pulling the trigger.  Feel free to bounce ideas/questions/concerns off us - hopefully we can make you feel better about any decisions you need to make.  Also check out weddingwire.com and any of the other review sites to see what others are saying - that should help as well.

  
  Our big girl, Cora, and our sneaky kitty, Roxy
  
  

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• maybe984 member

  

  February 2010 edited December 2011

  Well, we've always enjoyed taking little mini-vacations together. A weekend in Red Wing, an evening in Duluth, 3 days in Bayfield... that sort of thing. So I didn't think anything of it when he suggested we have a little "staycation" in downtown Minneapolis last weekend. We booked one night at the Marquette and just planned to go out to eat and shop and dink around for the better part of the weekend. Plus, it was a nice excuse to spend some time away from the hubbub of our house (we have two other roomies, 3 cats, and a dog).
  
  On Saturday afternoon, we checked into our room, relaxed a bit and then went to Barrio for lunch. Several tacos and a margarita later, we meandered our way back to the hotel. Back in our hotel room, I'm raving about what a blissful mood I'm in, and how our little weekend getaway is the best idea we've had in a while... and when I said "Oh, I'm just so happy right now!" he says "I know how I can make you even happier..." and pulls the ring out of his overnight bag.
  
  From there, it was really simple and sweet. And I think my response was something along the lines of "Yes. Of course. You idiot."
  
  
  

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• kkaew816 member

  

  February 2010 edited December 2011

  Congrats! What a cute engagement story! I have made a lot of on the spot decisions while planning, because when you know you like a vendor, you know (at least in my case!). There are so many options, don't be afraid you are making the wrong choice. Just start with the venue and go for there. Congrats again!

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• Izzygrim member

  

  February 2010 edited December 2011

  Congrats and welcome!!! That's a super sweet engagement story.
  
  I'm always amazed at how helpful this board is on really any topic, so feel free to post any questions you may have.
  
  I was a little nervous about settling on a venue too. My FI really wanted to have the reception at a hotel to accomodate OOT guests and to simplify transportation issues for anyone drinking, so that REALLY helped narrow down our options. From there, we picked 3-4 venues within our price range and then visited them and knew from there. Seeing a place in person really helps.
  
  Good luck!

  

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• maybe984 member

  

  February 2010 edited December 2011

  Yeah, I think the trick is actually going to see the venues.
  
  So far, my main 3 interests are Elm Creek Park Chalet, Harriet Island Pavilion, or Nicollet Island Pavilion. The first two are still open on 10/10... Nicollet isn't... but they have a bunch of Sundays in fall that are available if we wanted to change our date by a week or two, which wouldn't be the end of the world.
  
  We're still finalizing our budget, but it's probably going to be about $15k, give or take a little... so I'm a little limited in my choices. Normally, Nicollet would be totally o/b, but their deals on Sundays for rental fees are INSANELY good. Problem is, that would mean I'd have to go with Mintahoe for catering... and they're a little pricier than I had hoped. Whereas, I could go with Elm Creek or Harriet and hire a cheaper caterer like Classic Catering. But, both Elm Creek and Harriet end up being far more expensive than Nicollet on Sundays. Bah.
  
  I think I just need to actually tour them all and see which one makes me the giddiest.
  

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• Clare13 member

  

  February 2010 edited December 2011

  Congratulations!!!  I would start by touring all three venues and seeing which one feels "right." Make sure your take into consideration the staff you will work with over the course of the planning.  How well are they are communication, giving you ideas, etc.  You'll know when you have the right venue.  Good luck in the planning and ask any questions you have.

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• drdifabio member

  

  February 2010 edited December 2011

  Congrats! What a cute story!
  And we share the same weekend! We are getting married on 10/9/10!
  
  Visiting places really helped us make a decision....budget def played a big role too. The place we ended up with lets you bring in your own alcohol which was huge for us. Really at some point you just have to make a decision and dont look back. We have been engaged for over a year now and I have found myself trying to go back and "redo" things that are already done - my FI has had to hold me back from some of it . Just keep in mind that you are getting married no matter where it ends up - that at least helps me keep things in perspective. GL!

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• babybrd182 member

  

  February 2010 edited December 2011

  First off, Congrats! I just got engaged in January so I feel your stress about trying to get things moving.

  
  

  The hardest part thus far for us has been the reception site and the church. It's hard to compare apples to oranges because some places include things that others don't.  Our budget is about the same as yours and I know I looked at Nicollet and Harriet Island.

  
  

   You're right in saying that you should go and check them out first. That really helped put things into perspective.

  
  

   Bring a list of questions you have with you the days that you go. Afterwards I made a spreadsheet of prices and a rough estimate so we could compare one place to another (one place we looked at charged for use of the microphones, glasses, china, etc...AND had a room rental fee!) That way you can get what you want without blowing your budget I hope everything works out well for you and I can't wait to see what you end up deciding on!

  
  
  

  -Knottie Bridget June 11th, 2011 Bio

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• MoriaMN

  

  February 2010 edited December 2011

  Congrats! I've found making the first couple of decisions was hard--I was a little indecisive at first, but after that I was on a roll. Just got that "this is the right choice" feeling and felt a good release/excitement after I nailed something down.

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• maybe984 member

  

  February 2010 edited December 2011

  Well, I made my first official decision today! I already have my dress! And I've only been engaged for a week! Haha.
  
  I went to David's Bridal with my parents, thinking it would be a fun place to just get a taste for the bridal-gown shopping process. I was expecting to try at least two or three other stores. Within 20 minutes, I was in a dress that I knew was the one. It was the only dress I tried on. Hell, it was the only dress I even had them pull.
  
  It pretty much fits me like a glove, so I'm hardly even going to need alterations. I'm super excited!
  

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• leggwilliams

  

  March 2010 edited December 2011

  Congratulations! That's super exciting!
  
  As far as venues and picking vendors go, it totally can be a little scary to make the final decision on something that huge. I agree with drdifabio though...you're going to have the moments where you wish you had picked something/someone/somewhere else. It's hard to not to do that, especially on these boards! I get vendor envy all the time! Just make sure you ask all the questions and cover all the basics that are important to you and your FI and follow your gut! Congrats on the dress purchase, too! What a big achievemant!

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