Category Archives: planning

Sounds of joy

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My posts are generally of a “we have this finalized” nature, but this one’s a little different. We’ve received quotes and are evaluating them currently. But that’s not the real purpose of this post.

Really, I wanted to give a little heads-up on the music that will be at the wedding. At least as far as decisions have been made. We are hoping to have a string quartet playing during the wedding ceremony itself, and a DJ providing music during the reception.

That doesn’t sound too impressive, but I think it’s neat. Mainly because I haven’t, personally, been to a wedding that has split the music like this before. I’ve been to weddings with string quartets used the entire time, and I’ve been to wedding who used a DJ the entire time.

Most weddings, to be honest, have a piano accompaniment during the ceremony and a DJ during the reception. The venue we’re getting married at doesn’t have a piano, however, and we want live music during the wedding ceremony. A string quartet seems like a good idea. They can set up in an area that’s convenient for them, and we don’t have to haul a piano up steps.

Emily shot down my requests for a mariachi band and a bagpiper. (I don’t actually blame her.)

Lights! Camera!

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This weekend saw the achievement of another major wedding milestone. We have a signed contract and deposit paid for our photographer!

Choosing a photographer was surprisingly simple, once we used our heads a little. We had a few, relatively simple, requirements:

  • They need to take wonderful photographs.
  • The photographer needs to be able to shoot in the Conroe area.
  • They need to be fun and easy to work with.
  • They need to be experienced in their field and know what they’re doing.

We realized that we actually knew someone that fit this exact bill! Several years ago, our friends Heather and Travis got married in the same area, and their photographers were wonderful to work with and fun, the photos they returned looked amazing, and they knew exactly what they were doing. I sent a quick text to Travis and Heather asking if they remembered who did their photography, and they both immediately replied: “Steve Tarver.”

Emily and I met them yesterday to go over what we needed/wanted, what they could provide, etc. Two hours of fun, laughing conversation later, we made our decision and set things in motion. They’re excited to shoot our wedding. Partly because Travis and Heather will be there, and partly because they’ve never shot at our venue before. We showed them some pictures we’d taken of the place, and they’re looking forward to shooting there. A experienced wedding photographer excited about shooting at a venue should make for some really nice pictures.

This makes the second major aspect of the wedding decided based on the recommendations of friends who married before us. We have good friends. :)

Cake or death?

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Unlike the poor saps in Eddie Izzard’s famous “Cake or Death” sketch, we will have more than three pieces of cake, and no one will need to choose death.

A Saturday appointment at Cakes by Gina had Emily and I trying a selection of cakes in an effort to decide on a flavor for the wedding cake. Many were tried, but there was a winner. I don’t think Emily wants me to give too many details at this point. I’ll just say that it is made of cake.

Once we decided on the flavor, we worked with Gina on a design. Again, I don’t think we’re giving details away at this point. I’ll just say that Gina said she’s going to have fun, and that it’s challenging. Emily and I were amazed at the design she worked out for us. It’s going to be beautiful.

We’re also having a groom’s cake. Gina is excited by it as well. The words “structural integrity” may have been mentioned at some point. Again, we’re keeping details under our hat (and trust me, I have *plenty* of hats under which to keep it). And no, it’s not what you’re thinking. Or that. Just shush.

Now we just need to decide on a cake topper.

Suit and Tie

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This weekend saw another milestone of the wedding planning come and go. Emily and I have chosen a tuxedo for myself and for the men in the wedding party. The other men will be wearing traditional black tuxedoes with dark blue vests and bow ties. I, on the other hand, shall be wearing a light grey tuxedo with dark blue vest and long tie.