http://www.nikiandbryan.com

We set a date!

MAUI

JANUARY 22, 2011

Our Engagement Party

Sunday FUN-day!!

Multiple venue tours... two months being engaged

After helping plan my sister's wedding just two years ago I was sure that I knew exactly what I wanted. I was so wrong and I am so indecisive!

I really liked the idea of a wedding ceremony and reception at Russel's. This would take place in their loft. There are just a few things that I don't like about it. I don't like that the restaurant is open below the loft limiting music and dancing to after 9PM. The second downfall... after the ceremony all guests need to gather on the lawn outside the building for take-down and reception set-up. Maybe I am just too picky? The more and more I look at venues the more I like the idea of a church wedding with an outdoor reception at my mom's house.

I think Bryan is more interested in the honeymoon:)

Bryan's favorite...

Willows Lodge

After touring 6 of Woodinville's wedding venues no decisions have been made. Willows lodge was Bryan's favorite. We enjoyed the outdoor ceremony at Willows lodge and the idea of not having to leave the ceremony site for take-down and reception set up. The food was delicious and the guest rooms beautiful.

Six venues, 1 day!!!

Woodinville’s Top Wedding Venues

wine tasting

catered food

music

live entertainment

WILLOWS LODGE

JM CELLARS

DELILLE CELLARS

COLUMBIA WINERY

RUSSELL'S BARN

JANUIK WINERY

Today we are attending the Weddings in Woodinville open-house!

We'll let you know how it goes later tonight!!!

XOXO

Going to take a tour of this venue tomorrow

Kensington Gardens in Gig Harbor

http://www.kensingtongardens.com/index.php

One more thing to check off my to-dos!

I bought my wedding dress this weekend. My sisters, mom and I stayed at the lovely Sorento hotel Saturday night and attended the Seattle Wedding Show on Sunday. We thought it would be fun to make a few appointments on Saturday to get an idea of what I am looking for in a wedding dress. Our second stop on Saturday was Marcella's La Boutique on 4th Ave. They were having a sample sale, so it was crazy! I wasn't able to make an appointment in advance but I was lucky enough to sneak in right when one of there assistants had just finished her last appointment.

I fell in love! After trying on two Vera Wang dresses that were absolutely gorgeous I was still in love with the dress I ended up purchasing. They say all of the sample dresses are one size yet one can fit well and the next looks like it is three sizes too big. Well, this dress was meant to be. It is exactly what I was looking for and it fits perfectly... no alterations needed.

Thank you Stephanie, from Marcella's La Boutique, for assisting me even though you hadn't eaten all day and your appointments were complete. Thank you Jenny, Alicia, Beth and Mommy for making me make a decision and for being honest! Thank you Erin Conrad for letting me know about this great sample sale.

Everyone says when you find the right dress you'll know. It's true!

If you are looking for a wedding dress. I highly recommend

The dress options are amazing and the employees make the experience even better!

"... trust yourself, go with your gut, and always stay true to your vision." Carly and Scott

I just received a lovely little note in the mail from my dearest friend Carly accompanied by Utah Bride magazine with a special surprise on page 91. Carly and Scott's wedding is featured in the magazine. They had their ring ceremony and reception at a beautiful home once owned by Carly's grandparents. To view the beauty go to http://www.utahbrideandgroom.com/Utah-Bride-and-Groom-Magazine/Winter-2010/Splendor-in-the-Grass/.

2010

It's going to be a good year!

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart,

and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

- Donna Roberts

Color Schemes

So many options...

What about Hawaii?

The Grand Wailea has some beautiful ceremony and reception sites. Some decide to have guests throw flower peddles or blow bubbles after the bride and groom say "I do" but at the Grand Wailea you can choose to have doves or butterflies released...pretty exciting!! Starting at $110.00 doves are released from a white wicker basket or for approximately $75 dozens of butterflies can be released from decorative boxes. I thought this was only possible in the movies:) Follow the website below to check out some of the enchanting options for a wedding at the Grand Wailea.

http://www.grandwailea.com/weddings-and-social-events/

I already have so many wedding helpers...

Alicia Wenala- Fashion Consultant

Jennifer Fox- Planning and Organization

Breanne Fortun- Cupcakes/Cake

Beth Boscacci- Budget Planning

Megan Bedford- Dress and Invitation

Lauren Millhollin- A little of everything

Eryn Bergquist - Generalist

My wedding location choice of the day

Sun Mountain Lodge

A Winter Wonderland

My mom and step-dad celebrated the New Year at this beautiful location. During their stay they were able to consult with the wedding planner. A weekend here with my closest friends and family sounds amazing. There is the option of sleigh rides up the mountain for guests and a horse drawn carriage to transport the bride and groom to a beautiful mountain top location for the ceremony. The lodge also offers many winter activities such as skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing.