First Post!!

Matt and I got engaged in May 2009. Now, about 1.5 years later, we are days away from putting down a deposit, and having an official date , in January 2012. So, we are taking things verrry slowly, but we both had it planned that way from the start. With any luck, it should make things easier, I have had a lot of time to get inspiration, and sort get an idea for what I want.

Details so far -- We are going to have it at the Holiday Inn in Carol Stream, both a ceremony and reception, ceremony in ballroom, and reception in the tent. Looking at about 100 - 125 people, and a pretty typical wedding.

The wedding planner at the HI is very no-nonsense and unsentimental, which I appreciate a lot; in the same way that I admire Patti Stanger from 'The Millionaire Matchmaker'.

Example: Matt was concerned about the temperature control in the tent, so he asked about it in the framework of "my grandmother is always cold, is she going to be ok?" and the planner's response was "we set it at 70 to start; we will have you walk in and see how it is, and adjust based on what you want. If anybody complains about the temperature, I will come and see them, and say "I am sorry ma'am, but the bride and groom are comfortable at the current temperature, and we are not going to change where it is set" ".

Damn, this lady is awesome at telling people no, and I will have power! !