So, originally our date was 4/13/13 because the weather where we're getting married is perfect in April and we knew a lot of our friends who are still in school would be in town. But our hearts were and are absolutely set on having the reception in the big ballroom at our alma mater (well, his alma mater -- I'm still here, but it'll be my alma mater in a few months), and apparently all the high schools in the area book the room for proms years out. So now I'm going to be a May 18th bride! It's actually a blessing because I'll just be finishing my second year of grad school, and getting married after the end of the semester will give us more honeymooning options.
Officially booked the venue last night, and because they handle all of the catering and bar service (for such low prices!) I now have menus and pricing and details to work with and the whole thing suddenly seems so much more real. Which is a blessing and a curse, since now I have to wait another year and five months...but thank goodness for having all this time to plan!
Anyway, just wanted to share my excitement about the first and only concrete thing we've booked/purchased wedding-wise thus far.