Let the planning begin

Almost a year ago, we decided on a date for our wedding, chose our attendants, started this website, and purchased materials to make our own invitations. For the next 11 months, we pondered how to pull this all off. We had a specific budget to work within (our corgis are footing the bill--and neither one of them as a job! ;) ), and wanted to keep things relaxed and fun. Then yesterday, we finally got a lot done towards planning our wedding! I am pretty excited to announce:

1. We settled on a venue (an awesome historic building in downtown Richmond that was once a warehouse, remodeled into a 3 story restaurant with tons of character). The first floor has a stage that should work for the ceremony, and the 3rd floor is set up for seated dining. Because they are opening the restaurant early for us on Saturday, we will have the whole building to ourselves for a private party. They even have a club in the basement with a dance floor, bar, and DJ area. Everything you need for a party under one roof!
2. We began the process of reserving a block of rooms at the classy Omni hotel just across the street from our venue, for our out-of-town guests' convenience.
3. We hammered out a rough draft of a program of events to cover the exchange of vows and the celebration that will follow.
4. We are updating the website and working on adding an option to RSVP to our wedding through this website.
5. Crystal ordered a dress (we'll see if it's the one once it arrives!) and got some starter materials for my bouquet.
6. Started making invitations. We never thought stamps were that expensive until we had to order 200 of them :o

What is still left to do:

1. Mail invitations
2. Create music play lists
3. Find an officiant & obtain a marriage license
4. Purchase our wedding bands
5. Write our vows :-)
6. Make a few purchases for the activities we have planned during lunch
7. Order our 'cake'
8. ...there are probably a few other things, so we'll amend this list as we go!

Who says it takes 9 months to plan a wedding? ;)