Let's find a venue...

My search for a venue begins and ends at the same exact place.  Is it supposed to be that easy?  I began searching online for a farm themed venue.  My thoughts are that I'd love to get married in September, when it's still nice out but not hot.  Fat people hate heat.  So what'd go better with September than outdoors?  Nothing, right.

We nailed down the Red Barn Experience in Laporte within a matter of two weeks.  No other barn that we checked into nailed it on the head quite like this place.  It's on a quiet country road, has the most gorgeous craftsmanship, attention to detail and is only a couple hundred over my budget.  Unfortunately the budget has already gone out the window.  But that's okay, because on September 22, 2012 I'm going to be exactly where I want to be with the love of my life.  There is a pond, a pool, a barn with a bar and an open pavilion with a fireplace.  I don't want to give you all the details...it'll ruin the suprise :)

Elope vs. Wedding

Once the dust settled, my first thought was "damn you, we could've just eloped in Vegas!"  Jerry had known all along that he wanted to propose after Vegas, for that very reason.    I've been very vocal the last few years that 1. I'm not getting married & 2. If I do, it'll be in Las Vegas.  So the discussion begins: I want to elope.  Eloping saves money, time, crazy woman emotions, crazy family drama and is overall less of a headache.  Jerry is afraid of hurt feelings within his family.  Compared to my family, his family is super close.  

At a family cookout about a month later, I was sitting around the picnic table with half the in-law clan.  We were discussing weddings, since Jerry's cousin Amanda is getting married this summer.  They ask me about our plans, and I snuggly say I'd like to elope.  I quickly get a slew of evil eyes and start to rethink my decision.  It means a lot to this family for this boy to get hitched, with EVERYONE there.  So that's how it'll be.  Let's plan a wedding...

So....I said yes...

While across country on our last Viva la Johnny tour, (shamless plug for my other blog: vivalajohnny.blogspot.com) my darling beloved had a big suprise hidden in his suitcase.  Not saying I do not appreciate his sneaky-sneakiness, but I am one who is very seldom suprised.  While on top of the Grand Canyon, surrounded by foreigners, Jerry pulled out a tiny black box.  Tears suddenly swelled up in both our eyes as he pronounced his love for me.  He's crazy, right?  Out came a blue topaz/amethyst/diamond ring straight  from his grandma's collection.  My response?  "What?"  "Stop!"  Yes, I'm a true romantic.  After a moment I came to my senses with an "Of Course!"  So there it is, we're engaged.

                                                        Now on to wedding plans...

p.s. pic is right after he asked...he could've warned me to wear makeup today...ump...