Some religions have traditional ways to walk down the aisle for both the couple and the attendants. Most dictate that the attendants enter the ceremony one by one and then exit grouped together. Regardless of religious traditions, these practices have become wedding staples.
The big problem? The groupings are typically boy-girl. Some couples even elect to have their attendants enter the ceremony this way.
Now, maybe this is a small detail that many people would scoff at or even never think of, but I can’t help but feel this whole boy-girl thing just rings of ‘And THIS is what a couple should look like, awwww!’ It feels icky. It feels like just another reminder to LGBT attendants that their idea of a couple is not normal.
This often carries over to the reception if the attendants are being announced into the reception. Here, again, the boy-girl thing is very popular.

A lot of couples are now picking attendants not based on gender or even number (like 10 bridesmaids and 3 groomsmen) or how ‘it should be’. So this begs the question, how should a couple send attendants down the aisle? I really loved this article about alternative attendant formations.

Ideas for attendant walking down the aisle that is non-gendered and fun?

• Have attendants walk down the aisle individually both to enter and to exit
• Have all the attendants standing for each side walk down together (I LOVE this idea! What could be more exciting than a group of super happy attendants walking down the aisle with arms linked)
• Have random gendered pairings, friends, couples, and people you want to walk together do so
• Have your attendants all already waiting for you at chuppah, altar, appointed marriage location, etc.

Other ideas? How have you made your attendants’ walk down the aisle fun and non-gendered?

After a year of planning, our wedding was everything we hoped for.  We were blessed with friends and family from all over the country making the trek to Maine.  The ceremony was ocean side a Wolfe’s Neck Farms and the rain took a perfect 20 minute break for the nuptuals. The reception was in North Yarmouth in a beautiful renovated barn.  The things we will always remember are the amazing words of love and support from our friends and family, sewing Susie into her dress at the last minute and crying so hard we had to whisper our vows in eachothers ears.  It was all over so fast, we wish we would have made it a week long affair.

Image courtesy of Brooke Schwab Photography

photo courtesy of Heather Boerner, friend of the brides-to-be

Liz and I had a bit of a conundrum when it came to combining our last names.  Her parents, progressive California liberals that they are (although they might eschew the label), hyphenated their two last names when they got married and gave both their daughters the hyphenated last name.  I think that is just such a beautiful gesture, but creating a double hyphenated name was something neither one of us wanted to consider, especially when two of those last names are in the top five most common surnames in America.

Liz came up with the idea of throwing our last names into an anagram generator and creating a new last name from the results.  The results were, well, less than ideal:

Mobster, Boner, Rimshot, Wormsnot, Rhinoworts, and my favorite, Mister.  You see, Liz is getting her PhD in Neuropsychology and that would make me (drumroll, please)… Mrs. Dr. Mister.  And while we laughed about that so hard we cried, ultimately we found we didn’t want our last names to be a joke for the rest of our lives.

After a lot more discussion — and soul searching on my part – we decided to carry on the hyphenated name that her parents had created.  I will take Liz’s last name and the name will live on for at least one more generation when Liz and I have children.  My only regret so far is that it means all those cool looking monogrammed napkins and cake toppers and single-letter invitations are right out.  Liz assures me after years of experience with a hyphenated last name that I will have problems inputting my credit card information online, electronically checking in for flights at any airport and that our children won’t be able to fit their full name onto their SAT forms.

But, you know what?  I don’t care about my future hassles; I have spent many a staff meeting practicing my new signature in the margins of my printed out spreadsheets.  I couldn’t be more thrilled that Liz and her family are sharing such an intimate part of themselves with me.

Another one of our bloggers, Emily Kate, did a post on changing her last name.

How many forms, online services or comment boxes have you filled in so far under the guise of Bride/Groom? Or, really, less under the guise, and more under the inability to choose Bride/Bride or Groom/Groom? I’ve lost track already.

‘Brides Name: Alex, Grooms Name: Erica‘

I almost filled in another one today, but I stopped myself because I couldn’t keep from adding this comment in:

‘What would it be like if I didn’t pretend to be the groom?‘

Please forgive the fuzzy screen captures, but this is what it looks like for Alex and I when we try to sign up for some various services or inquires online (wedding registries; inquiry or comment forms). In sticking with our ceremonial gender flips, Alex is the ‘Bride’ and I am the ‘Groom.’ Her nickname, Alex (full name: Alexandra), would also make it easy for us to ‘pass’ as a straight couple, but that just seems to defeat the purpose.

This form was for the shop that will more than likely make the alterations on my wedding dress. I don’t know if they have knowingly served a same-sex couple before, but I do know I was the first same-sex engagement they had heard of (and this was BEFORE I had even proposed). And this is in London, in a country where Civil Partnerships are legal throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Damn, people, c’mon.

Well, that’s my first reaction, anyway. To get angry, justified in my resentment, and feel personally done out by the straight, mass marketed wedding world. However, I want something more: a more connecting and joyful experience–I am getting married to the love of my life after all!

With that joy in my heart, I’m beginning to wonder what would happen I approached the the companies, businesses, people I want to interact with and asked them about, say, their gendered forms. Alex and I have a few different axes upon which we’re choosing our vendors: local, independent, eco-friendly, pro-gay. While it would be great if all four of those overlapped, the likelyhood is sometimes slim, especially when, in truth, same-sex weddings taking place en masse (and thus being a market to go for; which, thankfully, Kelly, Natalie, and Lara are supporting!) is still a new idea for many businesses out there–no matter how cool they might be in their local, independent or eco-friendly ways. What would a conversation look like about opening up their paperwork, forms, etc., to be gender inclusive (and maybe put the Groom first once in a while in the hetero world, too!)?

So far, I have approached the business owners I have found on my own, often by chance, about the fact that I am in a same-sex relationship and inquiring about their previous work with same-sex couples. In response, I have gotten nothing but support and acknowlegement.

I have also encouraged some of my favorite vendors to become official pro-gay vendors on SYE–a positive response as well–but have not been brave enough (?) to share with them them the SYE Wedding Vendor Guide: Working with Same-Sex Couples. All of these conversations have been on a one-on-one basis and have been generally been lovely.

And yet, I still get frustrated: reading a book, a blog, or article; contacting a vendor or viewing their products; searching for vendors and items/pieces we want to incorporate into our wedding, our celebration of our love.

What have you encountered in your own wedding planning? How are you dealing with technical issues like forms and applications?

If you remember we were pretty disappointed with our first engagement photos, so we had a redo with Kelly Prizel. I had a total freak out that morning about what to wear. I was so stressed after our previous experience that this time would be awkward or uncomfortable, but it so much fun. J and I drove out to a pick your own pumpkin farm in Maryland to meet Kelly. I had a great time, especially with the goats (I love goats). We are both so happy with the experience and how the pictures turned out. If any of you still need a photographer, I highly recommend Kelly. In fact, we liked her so much that she is officially our wedding photographer!

One of the pictures below is the front of our Save the Date postcard. Can you guess which?

Photo via Kelly Prizel Photography

Please tell us a little bit about your business.

The everyday you and the glammed up you are always welcome.  Our sessions are never rushed and are held on location so that everyone is comfy giving me a peak inside their world.  The little ones have a chance to run around play, while couples get a chance to spend some lovey dovey moments together, all captured on film.  We develop a friendship during these sessions.  They love it, I love it!

How did you get into doing what you do?

During my last semester studying Psychology at Hofstra University I took both a Photography  and Sculpture course. I enjoyed them both and found my true love which was photography. If I could only have gone back four years, and changed my major it would have been great! My love also grew while documenting my son and realizing just how important it is to have beautiful, emotion filled photographs of your loved ones.

What do you wear when you’re doing what you do?

During a session its jeans and sneakers, or flats. I  have to be comfy and don’t mind getting a little dirty, especially during sessions with the little ones! On wedding days I stay close to all black, and very very comfy shoes. I always wish I could wear an awesome dress though.

How is your business “pro-gay”?

Everyone is welcomed with open arms. Literally. Do not be shocked if you get a hug at the end of our session! I also worded my wedding packages so that it speaks to all types of couples.

What do you love about what you do?

I love to get to know my clients as I have a genuine curiosity in people and relationships… remember I was a psychology major. I also love when a Mom or couple cry tears of joy when they see their final images.

What do you love about working with gay couples?

I love all couples really. Its great when you can feel the love oozing all around you. I do love to see such great turnouts and support at gay weddings. It has a little extra something knowing that they are getting the support and love that everyone deserves.

Do you have a favorite “moment” that happens while you’re doing your job?

My favorite moment has to be when we are walking along on location and I spot something that totally connects with my client.  The “Free Love” photo is a great example; they actually made it their wedding theme!

Rave and picture time!

“This day was special for the both of us…. We usually take pictures with our cellphones not quite like Nas’ photos. I love her work and her dedication to what she does, her incite and visionary ideas really stand out from other photographers… Thank You Nas”

“Nas thank u so much for your love of this and because of it, we get to enjoy what you have captured while wanting to show off her debut photos. I’m scared to see the final product and the rest of the pics being the sneak peek has bought tears to my eyes already. You really did your thing and we can now savor her precious moments forever because of it. Love you Nas”

“I’m a wedding planner and recently downloaded this wonderful e-book. I didn’t realize how unfriendly my terminology was and have since made several changes across my company.

“Aimed at wedding vendors who want to increase their same-sex business, this straightforward book walks you through the correct terminology to use on your website and in marketing materials to help these couples feel comfortable. It gives insight on navigating conversations about important topics so you can best work with your clients. It also helps put things in perspective so you can understand where these couples are coming from and what challenges they’re facing.

“Two thumbs up all-around! I wish there were more resources like this!”

Thank you so much, Laura! We believe this resource is valuable to wedding vendors, and are excited to be donating 25% of profits to GLSEN! Download it here!

My past two visits up to Bennington, Vermont, I have noticed awesome moose statues.

photo via me

photo via me

(taken while driving and across the street, sorry about the blur)
photo via me

photo via J

I love them all of them, especially this one robot moose that lives in a hardware store parking lot. I had images in my head of wedding pictures with multiple beautiful moose. It seemed like a great way to have family portraits, but without the prom posing.

So when I got home I googled moose in Bennington and found out about Moosefest 2009. The moose are made out of fiberglass and given to artists to decorate as they wish. Then they auction them off to support Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Bennington Free Library, Young Professionals and the Bennington Center for the Arts.  The last time they did this fundraiser in 2005 some of the moose went for as much as $18,000!

Our venue actually has one of the moose (it is cooper), but since the auction is way before the wedding, it won’t be there next summer. The site vendor told me that she wants to buy one and put it on the roof of their barn as a weather vane, which is an awesome idea, but a little hard to take picture with, so it looks like no moose pictures for me.

Did anyone else immediately have something they wanted in their wedding pictures?

I can’t help it: I love books. Even with the vast array of DIY ideas available online (like here, here, and here), there is still nothing to me that beats being able to crawl into bed with a book–even if it’s a book about DIY wedding planning and I’ve got a pen and mini post-it notes with me, too.

This is basically the reason that when I was at Powell’s Bookstore in Portland, OR, and my best friend shoved Kelly Bare’s The DIY Wedding: Celebrate Your Day Your Way I couldn’t resist. (Plus, all craft books were on sale–I mean, c’mon, it was a sign. What if I was just Moses being handed the DIY 10 Commandments…)

The DIY Wedding -- and, yes, I did make that quilt and embroidered pillowcase. (Photo via me.)

So have I stumbled upon (like many others in independent bookstores around the country) the DIY gospel, as Diane put it? Not totally convinced, but if you’re thinking DIY, are a DIY goddess yourself, or freshly-born DIY-er in the wake of your engagement, Bare’s got more than a few good things for you to munch on. Plus, she’s funny.

But before you jump on your favorite internet book supplier, here’s some more specifics about what’s inside (and consider taking a trip to your local independent bookstore instead).

The Perks: Bare is a funny, sassy writer who can keep your attention, dish out the truth, and remind you to breathe at the end of every chapter–which if you’ve ever read anything wedding-advice related from cover to cover (or just chapter to chapter) remembering to breathe is sound advice.

There are 11 chapters which pretty much cover the entire wedding process: Getting Started, Attire, Invitations, Photos and Video, Food and Drink, Flowers, Favors, Rings, The Ceremony, The Reception, P.S. Craftily Ever After. The longest chapter is on Attire, but the other chapters are under 22 pages and easily readable in one sitting.

I’ve taken to reading a chapter when Alex and I have decided to focus on a new item on our wedding planning list. For instance, we’re just about to order our wedding invitations from a designer we found through Etsy. Over the weekend, I had a flick through the Invitations chapter to see what Bare had to say. As it turns out, we were already following Bare’s advice for postcard RSVP (less money, less waste, less trees), but we hadn’t even thought about a customized return address rubber stamp! (Ordering one, pronto. Our wrists will thank us.) Plus, Bare had a list of ways to be “green” with your wedding invitations with links to printers and paper suppliers if we were doing our invitations ourselves.

The Quirks: The How-To’s and asides from the author in this book are by far the most entertaining and thought provoking. Like, did you think of just tying to objects together for cuff-links…?! Awesome. Other bests included How to Embellish a Shoe, ‘Tis the Season (a chart of in-season flowers), and How to Make a Nosegay.

The Pitfalls: Ok, so I really just picked that last How-To because it is (as far as I can tell) the only time the word ‘gay’ even makes it into the book. Bare is aware that there are TWO people planning this DIY wedding and does, helpfully, reminder her (bridal) reader that her (male) beloved probably wants in on the planning process too. Still, while the book questions the wedding industry and all its selling ways, it doesn’t do much questioning of gender roles or the heterosexual hold on the wedding market. I can’t ask for a book to have everything, but I have found myself clenching my jaw occasionally at the repetition of ‘husband’ or just wondering where men are at all in this wedding DIY world–are you guys (and I do mean you self-described gentlemen out there) interested in wedding planning, too?

The Recalls: Remembering to breathe with all that said, I have enjoyed The DIY Wedding: Celebrate Your Day Your Way and I can’t deny it hasn’t been helpful to Alex and me. So if you’re looking for a 70% recycled, woodfree paperback out there for yourself or a recently EnGAYged DIY-er, I give it 4 out of 5 quilted stars.

Gretchen says, “We had been planning our wedding the day following my proposal to Erin. We were in Florida for two weeks and when I asked her, I said we should just enjoy the engagement, etc before jumping in. IMPOSSIBLE! The next day Erin has already found a dress that she “had to have” and I have already started building what would be our wedding binder.”

My favorite color in the World is green and when Erin and I met I asked if that could be a color. She laughed and agreed probably thinking that was the only request I would make. WRONG! (hehe) Our colors were clover green and chocolate brown.

One of my favorite moments of the day was the “first glance”. It was somewhat scripted as my bridal party was at the house (location of wedding) and hers joined us early for pictures. It was raining ALL DAY and when her party arrived, I stood with my back to their car under our doorstep while her party walked into the house. I could vaguely see Erin in the reflection of the glass walking up behind me with an umbrella. I was so nervous and already had tears in my eyes. She passed off the umbrella and tapped me on the shoulder. It was an incredible moment for me! Erin says on of her favorites was when the DJ announced us into the tent as Gretchen and Erin Randolph-Sullivan. We then joined our bridal parties on the dance floor and did a somewhat choreographed dance to “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas.

The ceremony was incredibly unique and had every talking about it. Our goal was to make it extremely personal and not the usual “insert name here” wedding. People were all listening as secrets were revealed about each bride and sentiments were shared. Erin and I wrote and recited our own vows which had everyone in tears. There were also some jokes thrown in and even some audience participation. My Mom passed away 6 years ago and when she did her best friend, Kerry, stepped in as my “spiritual godmother”. We asked her to officiate our wedding not only because she is very close to us and knows us well, but helped add the element of personalization that we were looking for. (My Mom was her Maid of Honor and her wedding day happen to also have been Sapt 26th, same as ours!) Kerry, Erin and I wrote the entire ceremony. OH, I almost forgot. I wanted to do something that had NEVER been done so instead of the sand being poured into vases or the candles being lit, we had each bridesmaid or bridesmen (as we called them) carry one single different flower down the aisle and put it into the vase. Our parents and of course Erin and I did the same and by the end, there was a beautifully colorful and unique bouquet that we had all made. It was really special!

Funniest moment of the day…there was a bunch. I guess I was more nervous during my vows than I thought and when I had to repeat the part about being faithful I paused and forgot the lines. NOT INTENTIONAL but made for a funny moment. Erin at that point than made a face and turned like she was going to run. Our flower girl (who is 7) also walked down the aisle twice despite countless practices (such a showboater).

Three adjectives to describe the day are…Wet, Romantic and Unforgettable!

The design of the wedding was elegant yet comfortable. There was a nature feel with not only the color scheme but being on our Farm under white tents and by the pool. Inside the tent and in the middle of the dance floor was a pole. Hanging from the top of the pole at different sizes were large green and white lanterns with lights inside which looked like branches of a tree. It was a gorgeous sight! We wanted to create a wedding like no other. We have both been to so many and they are very similar. We tried to have many fun “surprises” for everyone and wanted to make some new traditions for others to share. We had 5 different wedding cakes, all diff flavors for people to choose. The cakes sat on the table with cookies and brownies and was a dessert buffet for whomever wanted it. We had two rubber ducky brides on “our” two tier carrot cake (I have a HUGE rubber ducky collection). Our centerpieces were each uniquely themed birdhouses as my Mom collected birdhouses and it was a “tribute” to her. There was the winery, the yacht club, the farmer’s market, the treehouse, the little chapel, the saloon, etc. Each table was different and everyone made sure to see them all. We even had a “riverboat queen” for our fave gay boys. :) (I think on of them stole it!) Haha!

We wrestled with getting a wedding planner and eventually made the decision that we (I) weren’t going to want anyone else planning our day for us. It became a full time job and created more stress, but we handled it well and got through it together. How many people can say they planned the wedding with their best friend? I mean really. Every detail from gluing the numbers onto the centerpieces to making a making the bathroom baskets and hotel goody bags.

We also tried to use all local vendors to support the local town (Marshall) which is tiny. Our hairdressers, florist (Petals & Presents), cakes (Sheila’s Sweets), etc.

Sunday we took a different approach to the usual morning after brunch. We had a taco stand and a mechanical bull. It was amazing!

I am looking for volunteers for a study of attitudes towards marriage and parenthood among engaged couples.  The study consists of a 25-30 minute online survey. To qualify for the study, you must be 20-35 years old, live in the U.S., and plan to marry or have a commitment ceremony within the next 365 days. You and your romantic partner must not have children, and this must be the first marriage for both of you.

You can:
-Help a doctoral candidate
-Increase the pool of scientific knowledge
-Support research on marriage and families
-Spend some time thinking about your relationship!

I am working with Dr. Charlotte J. Patterson, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia.  This study has been approved by the University of Virginia Institutional Review Board #2009025800.

If you and/or your romantic partner are interested in participating or want further information, please email me at survey.couples@gmail.com.  I will send you a link that you can use to access the study.

Thanks!

The whole wedding will be happening at Hubbell Homestead. While the venue has a lot of space, it is mostly open fields and I don’t want to be able to see the amusement ride during the ceremony. So I thought I would layout a walk through and please let me know if you have suggestions.

This is the side view of the property. The buildings from left to right are the bathroom/guestbook house, the tent, the catering house. All the way on the left behind the trees is our second house where many our guests will stay.

photo via me

I really want to get married under a tree, but I am having trouble finding a good one. These were the two most promising. The first one is nice, but the background of our ceremony would either be the road or the house. Also the branches are so high, I would have to make 20 foot strings of origami cranes.

photo via me

This is the second tree. I don’t mind the shrubs, but I really would rather have a view of the mountains (to the left of the picture). However because of the bushes there isn’t enough space for people to sit and face the nicer view. Also the branches are too low down to stand under.

photo via me

I feel a little like Goldilocks, except that I have only found the too big and too small and not the just right one yet. I did see a tree out of the corner of my eye to the bottom of the parking lot. I kind of want to send an email to the site vendor, but I feel a little silly asking her to take a picture of a tree for me. If that tree was big enough, it would be perfect because the parking lot is surrounded by a large hedge so you couldn’t see any part of the reception set up during the ceremony.

After the ceremony, we will walk over to the patio outside of the tent for some appetizers and drinks. I like the patio and it does have a lovely view, however I am not sure what do to with the wagon yet. Maybe it would be a good place to put the non alcoholic drinks instead of on a table?

photo via me

The house right next to the tent is has beautiful bathrooms. I kinda of wanted to take pictures, but I was a little embarrassed. The main room on the ground floor has a table and a chalkboard in it. I think we will use the table for gifts.

I also really want to have a polariod photobooth. I am torn between putting it in this room and putting it in the tent. I like that there is a chalkboard in the room for use as a photo background, but I think it would get more use in the tent. Also, the tent has space for 255 and we are only having 100 people.  I am planning on a having a ping-pong table, lounge furniture and maybe some board games or an air hockey table to fill up the rest of the space.

photo via me

This field is past the patio and it is where the chair swing, mini golf, and carnival games will be set up. The company is providing lighting, which I am so happy not to have to worry about.

photo via me

I love this wall. I have no idea what to do with it. It is on the front side of the restroom house. I am sure in the middle of summer there will be no mums, however I feel compelled to use it for something.

photo via me

I realize I say “I” a lot.  It doesn’t mean I am the only one planning the wedding, it is just that J is more of the big picture person and I am the details person.  She is excited about the wedding, but doesn’t really care where we are putting the gift table.

There have been some traditions that we’ve decided to keep for our ceremony(s), some we’ve opted to do away with, and some we’ve adapted to suit what we want. We’ve decided we do not want the typical couple’s first dance. Instead, while we share our first dance, we’d like other people to be there dancing with us, including but not limited to our matron/man of honor, our friend Jenny and my brother, Dave, and their spouses. But I’ve made it clear to all of our friends that I expect them to join us.

But…a first dance there will still be. So we’re trying to decide pick a song. There are a lot that we’ve decided are definitely not what we want (Extreme’s More Than Words, for example), but narrowing down exactly what we do want has been difficult. Every song seems to have become a possible first dance. We were in the car the other day listening to a CD my mother had lent me, and Dana was like, “Go to number 10! I want to hear it! It has a good title.”

Here is the short list of we’re considering so far. As you read this list, you’ll laugh. Yes, I’m serious. Yes, this is our music taste. Yes, it’s eclectic, but not in the usual eclectic way. Some songs are definitely what you’d associate with a lesbian wedding’s first dance. Others…are probably more songs  you might  associate with our parents. And with good reason – that song from Mom’s CD is on here. But, hey, good music is good music. It doesn’t know an age.

• Power of Two, Indigo Girls. I mean, for us, this is the obvious choice. It’s a beautiful song, easy for not-coordinated me to dance to, and our first date did involve an Indigo Girls concert. Of course it did.
• Every Time I See Your Smiling Face, James Taylor. Dana always says this song makes her think of me.  Our relationship has a lot of laughter in it, and it always has. In the first few years of our relationship, it was sort of long-distance – close enough to make it in under two hours, but not close enough that we could drive down for the evening. So we didn’t get to see each other’s smiling faces as often as we’d like, and when we did, well…you get the picture. Lots of smiling.
• This Moment, Melissa Etheridge. It’s off of her Lucky CD. When I heard this song, I thought of Dana immediately. When we were together, I just wanted it to last. I didn’t want to go back home (or her to go back home, depending on where we were that weekend). I just wanted to “stay here in this moment.”
• Could I Have This Dance, Anne Murray. I know. It’s cheese. But it’s so perfect. And it’s a beautiful song. What better song to dance to for your first dance than one that asks if you can dance that way forever? I’m trying to forget it was in Urban Cowboy.

I’ll admit, too, that last week’s episode of Glee made me want to include I Could Have Danced All Night, but I managed to restrain myself.

So…what do you think? Did you have a first dance? If so, what song did you choose? For us, do any of those stand out to you, or do you maybe have another suggestion?  But before you insist something awful or embarrassing, remember – if you’re invited to the wedding, you’ll have to dance to it, too. It’s everyone’s first dance with us as a couple.

So as I previously mentioned, we are having a weekend of fun for our wedding. On Friday, we will be feeding everyone pizza, beer, and cupcakes (cupcakes mainly because I want to make cupcake flags). For entertainment, I picture lawn games (bocce, croquet, bowling), a roaring fire pit, and people swimming in the pool.

I still need to figure out what utensils we need, how we are getting trash cans, what table we are using for cupcakes and drinks, and how we are going to light the lawn games after dark. Also since the tent will be dressed up for the reception, and right next to the Friday party, how can I prevent people seeing the inside of the tent the night before?

This is the back patio of the house, which also faces the field, the fire pit, and the tent. I am thinking about putting the kegs here. Maybe we will also put some smaller tables here, so there is somewhere other than your lap to put your pizza.

photo via me

This is a semi-wrap around porch, which is where the cupcakes, the utensils, and the non-alcoholic drinks will go.  Also I love the rocking chairs.  Hopefully at some point I will be relaxed enough to enjoy them.

photo via me

This is the fire pit, which is possible my favorite part of our site. I think I am going to have a box nearby with premade s’more kits.

photo via me

The pool is really pretty in the summer.  It is entirely surrounded by tall hedges. Part of me wants to cover the pool with floating candles, but the other part of me want to have group cannonball jumps with all my friends. Maybe I will put floating candles in the pool for the night of the wedding and encourage lots of swimming the night before.

photo via me

This is the view from the hot tub. For reals. Can I just build a house on top and live there?

photo via me