nether regions of the internet

ah, sorry for the lack of posting....deadlines at work combined with the fact I have nothing interesting to post = postless.

but WAIT!

Last Monday we started our PHYSICAL venue search, we went to about five places on our list from Portland down. Three country clubs, an inn and a to-be retrofitted church.
We met with a potential wedding coordinator at city-side events, she was super nice by the way. They are included with the "inn" package and the "retrofitted church" package. Unfortunately unless we want to expand our budget they are just a little out of our league and I feel like extra things could add up really fast...BUT they were absolutely accomodating and amazing. I just think I would rather have a house than a fancy smanchy party.

The country club venues were less than impressive. I refuse to get married in a box with evergreen carpet, burgundy drapes and gold light fixtures.

With no "Affordable" venues remaining, I searched the nether regions of the internet in search of a non-traditional venue (it was seriously like page 27 of a google search). I came across a post written by a photographer who was proud of herself for handing her business card to a women at the grocery store who mentioned she was getting married in a barn in cape elizabeth that was owned by one of the biggest florist businesses in Portland....

Yup, I emailed her. She was able to give me the name of the florist. [Good Start].
So I emailed the florist prefaced by an apology for the randomness of the email.

A few days later I got an email with a name and phone number of a guy. Rodney.
I called, left a message, we'll see what happens.

Here's what I'm hoping for :

walk your heart out...

two-tone ballet flats
hmm. jewel themed wedding in the garden.

peep-toe flats
modern wedding. black/white/turquoise with cocktails.

peep-toe mary janes
short dress. vintage vibe with a foot lifting kiss.

i want them all.

Shop It To Me

When I find that perfect dress I will surely search for it on here before I pay full price. And probably my outfits for engagement pictures, bridal shower, and bachelorette parties, and oh, just about anything else I don't need right this second!!

I HEART not paying full price!!!!

the cake

When I first got engaged I was doing my daily blog-stalking, and found this great cake (can't remember where I found it now, but I've seen it on a lot of inspiration boards since) and I just knew it was going to be my cake. I loved the proportions of the different tiers, HOWEVER, I was painfully aware that my budget would never allow for a this to happen. So here was my plan: *fake cakes*

Supplies Needed:
[18] 12" styrofoam discs at 1" ea. (9 for each side cake)
[10] 8" styrofoam discs at 1" ea. (middle tier of center cake)
[6] 6" styrofoam discs at 1" ea. (top tier of middle cake)
Joint Compound
Spray Paint - white and green (or whatever my colors end up being)
1 piece 3/32" Chipboard

My Plan of Action:
Purchase the bottom tier of the center cake from an actual baker so we can cut into it. Cake served to guests will be from sheet cakes in the back. *The design might need to be paired down depending on the skill-level of whomever our half-cake baker will be.
Glue together styrofoam 'tiers' and cover with joint compound; sand smooth. Paint. Cut pattern (either the one shown or a damask pattern) from the sheet of museum using a laser cutter. Spray paint pieces white. Attach to fake cake tiers. Finito! If you don’t have access to a laser-cutter to make super tiny precise cuts you could also use puff-paint, (I’m pretty sure they still sell that stuff)!

We'll see if it actually goes down like that. Test run required.

...the search continues...

Option 6 : The Landing
[no photos]
Cost : $5k site fee (includes all tables/chairs/event coordinator/etc.) + food
Pros : outside caterers allowed, on the water
Cons : under construction

Option 7 : The 1812 Farm

Cost :$3k + all rentals and food
Pros : no tent required
Cons : not on water, dark interior

Option 8 : The Laudhalm Farm Barn

Cost :$6k + all rentals and food
Pros : on water, no tent needed, available for set-up the day before
Cons : no candles, fireworks

Option 9 : Linekin Bay Resort

Cost : TBD
Pros : affordable
Cons : midcoast location, must rent a certain # of rooms, limited availability

Option 10: Sumaria

Cost : $4k + food
Pros : on water
Cons : no outside caterers

the search continues...

My gmail is overwhelmed with little blue email ID's labeled "the M word". I feel like I have exhausted every possible venue that has a website throughout the entire coast of maine. Here it goes -

Option 1 : Dunegrass Golf Club


Cost : $45-$60pp; $5k min charges on Fri and Sun, $9k on Sat. + [$500 + (120x$3 for chairs)] for ceremony on site
Pros : no facility rental charge; banquet room is neither green, burgundy nor gold
Cons : not on the water

Option 2 : The Inn on Peaks Island

Cost : $50pp; $5k rental fee for Sat., $3.5k for Fri/Sun.
Pros : Rental fee includes tent, tables, chairs, linens, lighting package, event coordinator and set-up/breakdown; on an island
Cons : on an island, small number of rooms for rent

Option 3 : Private Residence in Bar Harbor

Cost : $1k/day, $3,200/week + all rentals and food
Pros : huge house w/ lawn leading down to private dock, can bring your own alcohol
Cons : no nearby hotels for guests

Option 4 : Private Residence in York

Cost : $5k + cost of all rentals and food; another $3k if you want to spend the night
Pros : awesome location, you can bring in your own alcohol
Cons : expensive

Option 5 : Falmouth Country Club


Cost : $40pp; $5k rental fee for Sat., $3.5k for Fri/Sun.
Pros :Rental fee includes tent, tables, chairs, linens, lighting package, event coordinator and set-up/breakdown
Cons : not on water

faux chandelier

I just saw this super cute 3D chandelier from urban outfitters via Kate's Wedding and I must have it. And by 'it' I mean six.