HOORAY!

After much research, discussion, comparison, and number crunching, I am happy to announce that Jack and I have settled on a venue for our wedding reception.  The party will be at the Rosewood in Rosemont, IL.  YEAH!  We could not be more excited!

 

And truthfully, I am extremely relieved.  I had been told that finding a reception place would be the toughest part and that once this was nailed down, all other things begin to fall into place.  But I have to say, after weeks of countless emails, phone calls, and visits, this part was starting to not be fun and I was getting irritated that I wasn't enjoying the planning.  I got an email from a friend of mine the other day who is also planning a wedding and was experiencing the same frustrations as me.  She asked me, "Is it really supposed to be this hard?" and part of me assumed that it was, but I hadn't imagined this.  I was at least glad to know it wasn't just me or it wasn't just because we were planning to get married in less than a year from when we got engaged -- that this frustration and exhaustion is normal. 

 

The first time we visited the Rosewood, the space was already set for a slient auction that evening.  And although the room looked nice and you could generally tell what the space was like, it looked cluttered.  When we went back this past weekend with my parents, the room was just set for a luncheon with no themed party decorations.  For me, it was almost like seeing it for the first time because it was a blank slate and I could actually imagine what it would look like with our flowers, with our guests and with our special touches.  I felt like it could work here. 

 

Oh, and for everyone travelling from out of town, this place is very close to O'Hare Airport and numerous hotels.  We'll be in touch with more of that info for you.  Get ready to party!

Just as we thought

I just wanted to follow-up in case anyone was curious as to how the luncheon went between Jack parents and my parents.  Just as we thought, everyone got along wonderfully!  I was never worried about it, nor were my parents from what they told me, but we were all just so excited for everyone to finally get together. 

 

We all met at Antico Posto in Oak Brook.  (On a side note, the wild mushroom gnocchi is fantastic!)  With all of the wedding planning taking place, there was certainly never a shortage of things to talk about and before we knew it, two hours had passed.  I was kind of sorry that it was time to go because I feel like we could have stayed and talked for a while longer, but with another reception venue appointment scheduled for that afternoon, we had to break up the fun.  Everyone left saying that they looked forward to when we could do this again. 

 

We are each so much a part of our parents.  They raise us and pass on their values and insight and we grow up hoping to find someone that compliments each of us.  For two people to meet and get along as well as Jack and I do, I never doubted that our parents would enjoy one another's company. 

We're So Close

The day after my last post, Mary and I visited two places that have both made it to the top of our list.  One is a more traditional banquet hall in the burbs, and one is a restaurant in the city.  They each have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.  The tough part now is going through the pros and cons and weighing each accordingly. 

 

With the banquet hall, we know we'll have plenty of space, the hall is a bit newer, and ultimately, nicer than most halls we've seen.  The restaurant is a more unique setting, but presents some tough logistical challenges.  Whichever one we choose, though, I feel much better about our situation.  We were starting to get really worried that we'd never find a place that we liked enough.  Now at least we feel we have two really good options!

 

On a similar note, we went to visit a restaurant today as a possibility for our reception on the north side of the city.  While we both ruled it out pretty much right away because it just wasn't our style, it was probably the most pleasant experience we've had thus far in our reception venue hunt.  The restaurant had been family owned and operated for 40 years.  The woman with whom we had our appointment showed us their facilities first.  After seeing the space, we went back to her office where she had (wedding) cake and tea served while she went over their menu options and photographs.  It was very apparent that they were really a service-oriented place only concerned with their customers having a truly wonderful experience.  The best part was that she didn't try to pressure us into anything.  She made very casual and polite conversation, and at the end of our appointment, she said should wouldn't be calling to hound us.  It was really the kind of service you never knew you wanted, and for that, I was very appreciative.

The First Meeting

Tomorrow afternoon, my parents and Jack's parents are going to meet for the first time.  I know, I know - you are probably saying, "How could they have dated for so long and not have their parents meet?".  To start, it was not intentional, and in fact, we had tried a couple times, but for various reasons it just did not happen.  I also think we are all so laid back, that it was never an issue of "Will they get along?".  We just knew it would happen in its own time.  But truth be told, I am excited for all of us to be together tomorrow and know that it will be the first of many good times as our families get to know one another.

It Has To Be Soon

Sooner or later, we'll find a place for our reception.  I just hope it's sooner rather than later!  So far, Mary and I have been in contact with over 75 venues, either by phone or email.  Everywhere is either booked, too expensive, or too lame.  It's hard to think we're ruling out a place that is available and affordable, but at the same time, having our reception in a banquet hall that feels like your high school prom isn't the most appealing, either.

 

We have found a couple places that we think would work out just fine, but there was no "wow, this is it" factor.  Since we haven't exhausted our list yet, we're still looking.  We have three appointments this weekend, two in the suburbs and one in the city, and another one on Tuesday night in the city.  Cross your fingers!