This evening we met with an officiant, Elizabeth Frumin, and really liked her. It was a surreal experience looking for us, looking for an officiant online. Most of the websites were nice enough and the people looked nice enough but their focus seemed to be on “faster, fancier, better.” That’s really not either of us. We’re more of the “straight-forward, heartfelt, honest” type. The first thing that drew us to Elizabeth was the list of questions that she wanted us to answer prior to meeting with her. It showed that she really wanted to know about us and how we were thinking about the ceremony. Thoughout the meeting we got a good sense of her writing style, the way that she works with couples, etc. We got a sense that she could make it spiritual, thoughtful, and heartfelt as wedding ceremonies should be – without going overboard on the religion. (Not that we don’t think religion has a place in a wedding ceremony – it just doesn’t resonate for us.) Both of us were sitting there thinking “let’s just say yes now” but held our tongues until we got out to the car. We agreed that we both really like her and think she’ll do a really nice job for both of us. We’re looking forward to working with her!
Save the Date cards are in the mail! January 24, 2008
I’m happy to report that the Save the Date cards were sent out last week. I know that at least some of them have made it to their destinations. Here’s hoping they all did!
We have a meeting with an officiant next Tuesday and have started talking to DJs. Little by little… 
Starting to fall into place… January 13, 2008
I feel like we’re starting to make some good progress with things! Here’s where we stand at this point:
- Ceremony – We decided today that it will definitely be held at Richland Friends Meeting, although it will not be a Quaker wedding
- Reception – This week we put down our deposit for McCoole’s Arts and Events Place for the reception.
- Photographer – Today we made the final decision to use Bill Brokaw. Man, interviewing photographers was quite the learning opportunity!! We think we’ve found someone who will do a good job and will be easy to work with on the day of the ceremony. We found another person we liked but she was way more expensive. The style of the third guy didn’t quite resonate with us.
- Rehearsal dinner – We went to a bridal show today and were thrilled to talk with the function coordinator at Bethlehem BrewWorks. When I called last week, I was told that their private function room was booked for the day we want it. I was very, very disappointed to hear this! Turns out that, although they don’t do reservations on Friday or Saturday, they will sometimes make an exception for rehearsal dinners. Woo hoo!!!! We love their food and their beer so we were delighted to hear this.
- Bridal party – We decided that we would have one attendant (is that the right word?) each. Jenny Hellman has agreed to be my best woman and Raf Navoa has agreed to be Pete’s best man. We’re very excited about this as well.
- My hair and make-up – My hair place is right across the street from us and they do make-up application so that is where I’m going to go. I’m hoping there will be enough time for me to go into Bethlehem to have my nails done at my friend Susan’s shop, Spa Tranquility.
So what’s next to nail down??
- DJ – We got info. on a couple today so we’ll probably start talking with people now.
- Dress – I’m headed to Boston in February for the Filene’s Bridal Event. If you’re not familiar with this event, click on the Filene’s name in the last sentence and follow the link to their website. It is quite an event!!
- Officiant – This is probably the thing we need to tackle next. We don’t want a Quaker wedding so we can’t be married under the care of a meeting. We don’t know any judges and retired judges, justices of the peace, mayors, or ordained ministers so that won’t work. (Unfortunately, there is some question in PA whether weddings completed by ministers of the Universal Life Church – like yours truly – will be legally recognized so we won’t be asking a friend to marry us.) It means that we’re going to be talking with non-denominational clergy in PA to see who might be a good match for us. Mmmm, more spreadsheets.
Little by little things are falling into place!
October 11, 2008 January 13, 2008
Welcome to our wedding blog! Pete and Heather will be posting information here about wedding planning, details, accommodations, fun facts, etc. The first and most important thing to know is the date of the wedding – October 11, 2008. Save the Date cards will be going out this week – woo hoo! Stay tuned as we update this site with more details.
