The Preparations

January to October, 2005 - Once our engagement became official, then the "fun" of planning began. Our date with the church was booked almost a year ahead of time, long before Dave officially asked me to marry him. Our reception site was booked in December of 2004. Two big ticket items off of the long, long list.

The next big item was finding a wedding dress. Deb, my matron of honor went with me one Saturday in February. A stop at Starbucks over coffee and bridal magazines was really helpful and narrowed the choices. I wound up purchasing the second dress I tried on. It was perfectly me, so why look any further??

Dave's mother agreed to do the flowers for us so that was another headache I didn't have to contend with. My sister and brother-in-law agreed to play prelude music, and one of Dave's friends was on board to play and sing for the ceremony.

Thankfully I made use of a wedding website (theweddingchannel.com) which helped considerably in sorting out the details for this first time bride. I don't know what I would have done without a checklist like that to help keep me somewhat on track in the planning.

I was a little late in searching for a photographer, but finally found one who's work I liked and who was available.

Free massages - I don't think so!