Drum roll, please!

We booked a venue!! Remember the place that was over my budget? Yeah, that's the one. It was an agonizing decision, truly. Finally, my parents said to Dale and me, "Is this what you want? What you really, really want?" And we couldn't help but say, "Yes." And that was that.

The place is known as Amber Grove, in Mosely Va. Here Are a few pictures from Dale's and my first day out there:

Pulling into the driveway...

And then, the beautiful house...

Then the barn. The crown jewel of Amber Grove. This is where the ceremony will be. T

Inside is a totally gorgeous.

Here's the tent where the reception will be.

And bonus, they have a fire pit. Dale and I met around a fire pit...


I'll post the latest thrift store project soon. 

Starting Point

I’m on a budget. Who isn’t these days? I want my dream wedding, but I want it cheaply. I don’t believe in paying upwards of $20,000 for a single day. Throw it into my future mortgage instead, whydoncha? That’s where $20,000 belongs. 

I can picture it. Rustic but elegant. Homey and warm. Soft lighting, good food, our families united in drunken Italian/German/Irish song….. 

Found my dream location on Friday. For the first time, I was able to imagine myself walking down the isle, my dress rustling, tears rolling down my face. Smiles around me, someone taking pictures, and at the end of line, Dale: smiling biggest of all, also probably crying (man crying, that is, which I believe is only very watery with no actual spillage). But the dream will end here, because that alone is $4,000 over my dream budget. 

Instead of moping (too much) went thrifting today and found some goodies: (Yay, distraction from depression! It’s medically proven!)

All about $2 and all different. Then this:

Which I did NOT buy at a thrift store but at A.C. Moore ($8.99). Also notice the time stamp on my hand. It reads “Oil change. 3:00.” Cryptic. 

And finally we get this:

Still needs another coat, maybe two. Dale and I estimate about 18 tables and so 18 center pieces. With all the vases costing me a buck or two a piece, I can safely assume I’m still in the black. Or white. Whichever. 

So it’s a starting point. I feel good about that. 

Wish me luck.

-S