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.

That being said, I recently heard about a great event coming up here in the great city of Columbus put on by some of the best in the wedding business and I couldn’t resist telling you about it!

This bridal workshop, What To Do Before Saying I Do, promises to be filled with great information and how to’s, so you can get all the knowledge you need to jump into wedding planning full force. This is your opportunity to learn the dos and don’ts from premiere wedding vendors in the area. You can ask them whatever you like and get your questions answered. This is also a fabulous opportunity to gush with other brides (including yours truly!) about your upcoming nuptials and get some fresh and creative ideas that will set your wedding apart from a sea of tulle and beading.

The event is FREE. Yes you heard me… FREE and it promises to be fun and educational and there is no obligation whatsoever to hire any of the vendors. But you’re welcome to if you’d like what you see or hear! You’re also welcome to bring a guest with you. (See below for RSVP information.)

Where: The Loft at Smith Brothers 580 North 4th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
When: Sunday, February 28, 2010 from 12pm-3pm

Vendors Present Will Include:
Alice’s Piece of Cake
Bloomtastic Florist
So Inviting Designs
DK Photographic
Emilie Duncan Event Planning
T.E.A.M DJ
MJ’s Candy & Events
Cameron Mitchell

Light Hors d’oeurves will be provided by Cameron Mitchell and there will also be door prizes given away!

A reservation is required. For questions and to RSVP, email your name and if you will be bringing a guest to: rsvp@bloomtastic.com

As mentioned, I will be attending so if you decide to come, please leave me a comment or tweet me so I know to look out for you and say hello! I’d love to meet you and hear all about your plans that is, as long as you don’t mind listening to some of mine too!

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.

WeddingPaperDivas not only does wedding invitations but shower invitations, save the dates, anniversary, birthday, and any other kind of party invitation you could think of. They have beautiful modern, traditional, formal, casual and everything in between for any kind of stationary you need. And they are incredibly reasonable for brides on a budget. (I found everything I need for under $300 which included invitations, envelopes with liners, reply cards with return envelopes, and place cards for the reception!)

Here are some examples which all have different color options as well:

Go check it out and save some money!