1. Correct size of wedding shoes. I chose Martinez Valero, “Ozzie” in black satin. I’m so tall when I wear them! 4 and 1/2 inches with a 3/4 platform. LOVES it. Check out 6pm.com for awesome deals on designer shoes. They are the outlet website for Zappos- so I promise it’s legit. Just make sure you double check the right size- because they don’t have exchanges available- so you’ll have to return and reorder if they are wrong. But you can’t beat the deals.

2. Candles. I ordered about 200 candles from YummiCandles.com. I have wrapped them individually with different types of lace to go with our theme. I highly recommend the company- you can order pretty much any candle you can imagine in any color you need for a great price and they are a company out of my hometown in Buffalo, NY.

3. Rehearsal dinner/lunch. Being that our rehearsal will fall on New Year’s Eve- it is making our plans to find a restaurant difficult. It’s difficult to get anyone to accommodate such a large party on a holiday. I’m hoping we found the place finally. It’s called Bacchus and it’s associate with the catering company we are using for the actual wedding. Major score! Amazing food, amazing service, amazing everything. Another plus- it’s a wine bar!! How perfect considering we got engaged in Napa! Thank you again to Austin at Asbury Hall- the best damn wedding coordinator you could hope for. Seriously- if you want to get married in Buffalo- get married at Asbury Hall. You won’t regret it.

4. Lights for the venue. We are using Buffalo BalloonMasters to hang across the balconies on and we are sharing the cost with another bride who’s in the same venue the night before us. It will add such a fabulous ambiance to the room- especially since our ceremony and reception are in the same room. Saving cost by not having to decorate 2 separate spaces.

5. Weight loss. I’m 8 lbs. down! WOOHOO!!! This is major cause for celebration. I haven’t seen this number on the scale in quite some time. I contribute this a lot to working out and Jazzercise and also to making much better food choices, but also taking the time to relax as well and eat when I’m hungry. Who would have thought- diet and exercise are finally working! I’d like to lose 5 more by the end of the month and then work on the last 10 through the Fall. I think I can do it!!

6. Budget budget budget. Enough said. We are doing well but I’m always nervous because there are always things you forget about!

7. Our engagement shoot with Elisha Orin. I have an idea of “vintage picnic” in the downtown Elmwood area of Buffalo. It’s always been one of my favorite places and I think it would be fun to showcase some of the things Chris and I love. I’m currently searching for adorable outfits and props. I also can’t wait to meet Elisha. If you haven’t seen her work- check it out because she’s incredible.

8. Bridemaids and parents gifts! I have the BEST idea ever (which I cannot divulge here because some of my girls tune into read this little blog) but I’m on the hunt for what I need. Hint- it will make pictures completely fun.

9. Save the dates have officially been sent- very exciting news! I’m getting lots of emails and texts from people saying they love them! Now I’ve got to finalize the invitations and get those ordered. If you need an awesome designer try Shana at PoshPaperWorks.com. Custom designs at unbeatable prices. Shana has made some beautiful stuff for us and I’m so excited to see the final product.

10. Photo booth. I really want a photo booth at the wedding. I think it’s fun and quirky and the guests will love it. But the best price I’ve found is still $700 for 4 hours of time. That’s NOT cheap. Now I’m considering DIY options. I love these chalkboard speech bubbles and how much fun I’ve seen the guests having in all the pictures of weddings who had them. I think I can do it myself but it’s another project- do I really want to take something else on right now?

11. Bridal showers. Yes I said showers. There are 2 separate showers in Buffalo back to back to include all the family that wants to come. That’s a LOT of bridal madness. It’ll be really fun though and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there. It’s nice to know how many people want to celebrate with you. I think some of my friends are also planning another shower here in Columbus because they can’t make it to Buffalo for the others. I’m a lucky girl to have such wonderful people in my life.

12. Music. I have a fabulous DJ for the reception- thanks to Signature Entertainment (who has also promised not to turn into my DJ nightmare filled with the chicken dance or We Are Family). I also have a jazz band for the ceremony which is being run by a friend of mine and I’m trying to figure out exactly what I want played and if it’s even possible with small jazz trio or quartet. More on this later…

I think that about covers it but I hope that somewhat explains my recent absence in blogging. I can’t blog when I’m out there actually planning! There are so many decisions to make. I should probably write about them more so I can work out my thoughts and not be so scattered. I’ll work on that.

6 more months and this will all be over. Would you believe me if I told you I was excited for the end to come? 2 year engagements are a LONG time. Please leave words of encouragement so I don’t have another bridal breakdown.

We’ve chosen a jazz quartet for our ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner, but I’m looking for a fantastic DJ for our reception. I’ve sent out numerous emails with very little success trying to track down one. Come on Buffalo! Help me out here! I know my criteria is a little… we’ll say… strict, but I can’t help it. I have a firm policy of “no crap” at our wedding. I want plenty of fun- I just don’t want that fun to include synchronized dancing a la “YMCA” or “Macarena.” Is it so much to ask for a little originality in wedding music? Do DJ’s have nothing else up their sleeves than “We Are Family?”

I get it I get it. People love cheesy weddings songs. But I don’t. And neither does Chris for that matter. Call me Bridezilla, but seriously if I have to listen to that junk, I will walk out of my own wedding. Ok- maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but if I can prevent a conga line from forming- that would make me incredibly happy.

So here is my wedding DJ criteria and if you know of any around the Buffalo area who fit the bill and are available on January 1, 2011- please feel free to send them my way!

DON’T (and yes I have personally witnessed every one of these things at a wedding in the past)

• Props. There is nothing worse than when a DJ gets on the dance floor with a fuzzy pimp hat or afro wig and dances with your guests to “Play that funky music white boy” while doing the ‘sprinkler.’ Or when he tries to strap a fake ankle restraint with a ball and chain on your new husband. It’s not funny and it’s not cute. Please leave the props at home and let the drunk groomsmen take care of the ‘running man’ and the ‘worm’- they are entertaining enough.
• Advertisements. I don’t want to look at a banner for “PHENOMENAL SOUNDS ENTERTAINMENT, LLC HIRE US FOR YOUR NEXT PARTY!!” across your booth or see that in my wedding pictures for many many years to come. If people like you, they’ll ask me and I’ll be glad to give them your number if you do a great job. Let your work speak for itself.
• Flirt with or try to hook up with any guests or members of the wedding party. It is not ok. Period.
• Drink or smoke. I’m paying for a few hours of your time. Please don’t partake in my open bar and try to leave the cigarettes in the car until the night is over.
• Have a video montage on your website to Kool and the Gang’s, “Celebration.” This should go without saying, but I saw this on 4 COUNT EM 4 websites for DJ’s alone in 1 day. There are hundreds of thousands of songs out there that can represent you and the weddings you’ve worked. I’ll say it again- originality.
• Bottom line- don’t be THIS guy.

DO (I know there are amazing DJ’s out there who do these things without thinking…

• Have a fabulous catalog of songs with a large mix of genres. Big band to contemporary. Let the couple give you some suggestions of their favorite stuff and work with them on a playlist that won’t make them or their guests cringe.
• Update your website. I can’t tell you how many awful sites I’ve seen which immediately leave a bad taste in my mouth. You don’t need a HUGE site with tons of bells and whistles. Give me some basic info, a contact number and email, and some of the services you offer. Keep it simple, keep it clean. and see my note about the video montage above. I beg you!!!
• Dress professionally. I don’t need you in a tux necessarily but a nice all black outfit is always appreciated.
• Be punctual with all aspects of planning and the big day. Prompt email responses, phone calls returned in a timely manner, and showing up on time every time, demonstrates that you are responsible and trustworthy to handle the huge task of running the night and helps ease the already stressed out bride.
• Be personable and fun. You can be just as fabulous of a DJ without props or the cheese factor. Your emcee skills, knowledge of music and reading the crowd should be enough to entertain a room of people. No disco balls needed.
• Maybe this cat can be my DJ… because he is awesome.

Ok randomness. So anyway, I think this is a pretty comprehensive list. I know there is a DJ like this out there somewhere! I know it, I have faith! I mean, am I asking too much? Honestly- am I nuts and totally off my rocker with my requests for a music provider? Feel free to add your thoughts to my list. Anything you’d add or subtract? What are your dos and don’ts for a DJ?

And if you’re as paranoid as I am, here is a great  list of questions to ask up front before it’s too late and your DJ busts out a rubber chicken while subjecting your guests to the third grade nonsense of the ‘chicken dance.’ Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Next weekend, Chris and I are driving home to Buffalo for our catering tasting, cake tasting/planning, and florist. Now if all these things work out then that’s some huge checks off on the list, however what if they don’t? I’m only in Buffalo for that weekend. Who knows when I can get in next. I still have to find an officiant, music (DJ or band!?!!), wedding gifts, hair and makeup trials and appointments, accessories, hotel blocks, transportation, invitations and every other piece of wedding stationary, finish our registry … the list goes on and on.

Being the slight control freak that I am, I feel the need to be a part of this planning in every step. I probably should have done more in this past year with my research. Found the vendors I wanted to use and then just put down deposits now. I wasn’t thinking!

From now on it’s wedding time. We’ve got 301 days to go- that’s 9 months and 25 days. I know that sounds like a lot but it’s not… especially when you’re planning a wedding in a location that’s 300 miles away.

Ok I’m gonna go freak out now. But not like this chick… because she’s just crazy.

I also just turned 25 on February 3rd. I’ve heard turning 25 scares a lot of people but this was a birthday I was ready to embrace. It was a quiet and contemplative day and I tried to reflect on what I learned in the last year. This has been a year of exciting events as well as complicated challenges. But overall it was a year of growth in all areas of my life and I am extremely grateful for it. I have wonderful people in my life and overall I am the happiest I’ve ever been. My mind has been opened to possibilities and opportunities that I never thought possible both personally and professionally. I’ve made some great new friends and have been overwhelmed by the community support and encouragement I’ve received from people I’ve never even met. (Twitter rocks!) I’ve gotten rid of some toxic friends and improved my other relationships with those amazing, one of a kind type friends. (Marissa and Miranda- I’m talking about you!) I also feel that my relationship with my sister has grown stronger over the last year and I’m so lucky to have her there for me. But most of all I’m so excited to marry my best friend and love of my life. Chris impresses, amazes, and infatuates me every day and I truly can’t believe I will get to spend the rest of my life with him.

Not to mention that having this new job also makes wedding planning a little easier considering I will actually be able to contribute to our budget. I feel strongly that all couples should contribute something to their wedding budget and I was worried that I might not have been able to. Planning a wedding is really stressful and this new job actually takes some of that stress off of me. (Yeah- a job that takes stress away- how cool is that?)

I wanted to take a little time as well to thank you. I have a wonderful loyal readership and the people who send me emails and ask questions and tweet me are some of the most genuine, awesome people I’ve meet over the last year. Especially you Columbus peeps and the people who helped encourage me to never give up over this tough year. I have found support in people I’ve never met (and some I have briefly) and yet you have been so kind and helpful to me. When I announced I’d finally landed this new job, the flood of congratulations and well wishes I received was overwhelming. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.

Seriously- thank you.

Now everything can be done for a price… so if I wanted to spend a small fortune to have white anemones grown specifically for me in Holland and then shipped to Buffalo… well then I could probably have my anemones. Sadly- I do not have a small fortune to spend. When using only one kind of flower, you also run the risk of something bad happening to the batch and then you’re stuck with no alternatives. It’s a risk that I don’t think I’m willing to take.

This is why I’m very happy I have a back up flower choice. It’s called a glamelia. I found it while reading about celebrity weddings and learned that Katherine Heigl had glamelias for her flowers. A glamelia isn’t actually a type of flower- it’s more of a technique. You start with one flower such as a rose and then you take individual petals and slowly sew them together build them around the original flower. You eventually get the effect of one huge single flower which looks something that looks like this-

Stunning, no? I’m thinking of doing them all white with touches of hopefully black petals randomly placed throughout the large flower. For my bridesmaids, they would just get an all white smaller version. I love things that are just slightly off the beaten path. Something that not everyone has seen before. This huge flower could be the wow that I’ve been looking for.

Depending on the type of flower you start out with, you’ll need one with pretty sturdy, meaty petals, but this can be relatively inexpensive because the florist doesn’t need thousands of flowers. I’ve gotten quotes for $60-100 per bouquet. There are a lot of factors that can go into pricing such as type of flower and size of the glamelia, etc. So call your local florist for an estimate. I also recommend bringing pictures.