So, my "i'm really getting married" reality check came last week when I bought my dress.

On Thursday I went to pick up my dress. Since I bought it at a sample and consignment store - white Chicago - I had to take it home with me. Then in June I can call them and set up my fitting. So this is my official reminder to myself to call them in June. I also have to have purchased my shoes by then too. Not that I should worry about shoes anytime soon, but I have to ask, how does one shop for bridal shoes? It's not like you can take the dress into the store with you and I hate online shoe shopping. I guess this will be an early spring task. Also, I have to say that finding a place to hang the dress was next to impossible. My dress doesn't have a long train but it is still in a giant garment bag. I finally found the perfect spot in the coat closet but it took awhile to make room!

Henry's reality check came today when we didn't have anything to do so I suggested that we go to Crate and Barrel to look around and register for gifts. He was fine until we had the scanner in hand... then he was definitely freaking out. After we got over it I realized that although it is fun to register for gifts it might be easier to do it online - especially if you know what you want. Speaking of registries, I am trying to limit myself to three places. So far it's Crate and Barrel, Bed Bath and Beyond, and I think either Bloomingdale's or Macy's. I started a Target registry and then came to the decision that BB&B has a better selection of sheets, plus they also carry Dyson vacuum cleaners which is why I originally went to Target.

My take-away for the day is that even if your man likes to shop he may not really care what goes on your wedding registry (unless it's a flat screen tv).

I just bought this Melissa Sweet dress! Actually buying a dress is making all this wedding stuff more real. When I called the store to confirm my interest I didn't know how to tell them that I wanted it. So I explained who I was and that I had a dress on hold then I just blurted out - "I'll take it!" It was very surreal, but I'm super excited about the dress.

I'm nearly done with wedding stuff. I just need a dj, florist (or at least figure out what I'm doing for my flowers), and then figure out bridesmaid stuff, oh yeah and invitations too. Okay so I'm more like half way done but I feel like I've accomplished quite a bit! Hooray!

Trying on dresses is exhausting - here's one I liked the best from Saturday's extravaganza.

hmm... what can i say for myself these days? My fiancee has joined me in Chicago so things are well. I've been working on a wedding website! My goal for September is to book blocks of hotel rooms for guests and find a wedding photographer. I also think I found a place that will make me a silkscreen so I can start making save the date cards.

Oh yeah - Save the Date - September 27th, 2007!

Hooray.

ugh. First on the list of things to do is decide on a place. I'm kinda focused on the MCA right now.

I ruled out the Garfield Conservatory this past weekend - based on the lack of good dancing space. However if you're in Chicago I would highly recommend seeing the "Niki in the Garden" exhibit - it was amazing. Although it is beautiful place it's not quite right for me. I decided it's important (for me at least) to have my wedding at a place that is not run by the parks district (for today at least).

I also found the Chicago Illuminating Company which looks to be an amazing space!

Anyone have Chicago-area wedding planner suggestions?

A bigger better picture (Thanks HCG)!

Also - is it lame to have a wedding that ends at 11pm? Even if the venue is really cool?

Here's a better image of what my ring kinda looks like (far right)! A beauty designed by Alex Sepkus.

nicole miller

I love this. Maybe my dream job is a wedding planner... uh, just kidding.

Hooray for new things. New places, new degrees and new rings.