Photography

Can anyone think of some cute ideas for engagement photos taken around Thanksgiving time? I have found a wonderful photographer for the shots... (see here!) but I am just trying to think of some ideas to start.

What are some things that you people have liked/disliked about your photographers, both in terms of services provided and business details? I like the idea of having a slide show from the wedding ceremony available at the reception for people to see, and a website where guests can go and order pics (although I confess I have never actually ordered any... ).

Anyway, I need help on this one.

Dresses!

Too bad I can't post any pictures, but Chaz really wants to be surprised. Oh well... suffice it to say that I tried some on today and found six that I like and 3 or 4 that I LOVE. Thanks to Gillian, for going with me and wrestling with dozens of dresses :-)

The Other Big Decision...

So, the other big decision we are trying to make right now is where to have the ceremony. Our choices are: At the catholic church that we both went to growing up, my Gramby's church which is a block away and the minister is the father of one of my best friends, or not at a church (leaning away from this).

The advantages of the catholic church are that it is OUR church that we have attended since baptism... I went to the attached catholic school (as did chaz... same kindergarten class...) and Chaz was an altar boy until leaving for college. The cons are that it really is not OUR church anymore, since we do not live locally, and we only go on Christmas and Easter. Also, last Easter, we were married to Jesus... so I am not sure I even still get the whole feel for the place.

The advantages of Gramby's church are that I also have been hanging around from a very young age, my Gramby has been going there since she was in high school, and Elisa's dad is the minister. So it is not just some guy with a license to wed, he has known Chaz and I since high school. I guess the disadvantages are that the place has more to do with me than Chaz.

Finally, we don't even go to church anymore so should any of this stuff even matter? SHould we just pick the place that will look best in the pictures / not require crazy classes? What do you have to do in the crazy classes anyway?

We set a date!

The big day will be December 31, 2009...
Yes! Its a New Year's Party!

So far we have reserved the Arrowhead Lodge at Oneida Shores Park. Here is a link to the virtual tour of the actual lodge. We went to peek in the windows over the summer and loved it! It also comes very highly recommended by an acquaintance you may know (Thanks Kristeen!).

The plan is to have an evening reception with hors d'oeuvres and drinks, and then ring in the new year! I would love to get any recommendations for DJs and caterers in the CNY area.

So far the concerns which have been voiced are that it will be winter and driving conditions may be poor. We are planning to shuttle everyone to and from the reception site from at least one hotel. The closest one is the Holiday Inn Express in Brewerton, so hopefully everyone will be able to stay there. If not, we could shuttle to a second place too, I just will have to research that. We will try to block out as many rooms as possible ahead of time. I don't think it should be a problem,... unless Brewerton is some New Year's hot spot and I never knew!

I am excited to have an interactive place to talk about everything, and to hear back from people. I am not sure how often I will be posting, I certainly do not have much time to do wedding things because of school! My first year has been very busy so far! So, please leave comments and wishes and referrals and requests and love!