Our First Wedding "Event"

Today EJ and I attended a local Bridal Expo. Since we originally registered with Wedding Wire, I randomly receive “Tips!” and “Advice!” and occasionally free offers for things. In this case, complimentary passes to the Expo.

We went, but I will admit we were a bit wary and a bit scared at what we would find. As I’ve said we’re planning a VERY non-traditional wedding and reception (to go with our very non-traditional lives!) and we were both expecting a lot of WIC (Wedding Industrial Complex) and cookie-cutter-ness to what was offered.

And there was some of that.

Much to our great surprise, and delight!, we had a blast. It was spread across two smallish expo halls, and we lucked out and went into the fuller one first (the other had a presentation going on, which we didn’t want to walk into, and which ended up taking about half the floor space in the room anyway). There was a lot to see; I told EJ my general plan is to “circle first, then browse in depth” which our Flower Maiden can attest is *always* my plan at conventions but is *never* followed through LOL. EJ caught on quickly and hustled me through once.

We spent most of our time looking at a few specific vendor-types: invitations, photography, and rentals. There was also a lot of snacky-foods available, which EJ took full advantage of: samples of cakes, truffles, tri-tip, a chocolate fountain, mini cupcakes, petites-fours (is that right?), and a bunch of other stuff. He reports that our friend Thomas makes a better red velvet cake than was offered, and the best food item was the petites-four followed by the cappuccino-frosted mini cupcake. I was able to eat one pretzel and one piece of pineapple at the chocolate fountain station, and one cherry tomato stuffed with mozzarella on a stick at the tri-tip place (it was very good, and we will probably incorporate that into our buffet). I was starving by the time we left!

At the beginning I was a bit huffy with all the people ::stopping:: and ::staring:: as they do at conventions (I don’t like crowds for this reason); then I reminded myself that the majority of the women around me are also brides-to-be, and probably pretty excited and overwhelmed like I am, and that was enough of a reframe for me to be able to relax and joke around with everyone without getting uptight.

Best parts: we looked at enough invites that we have come up with a format for when we make our own; AND I THINK WE FOUND OUR PHOTOGRAPHER! I really liked their vibe; EJ also liked them, and their photojournalistic style is what I want in my pictures. I’m looking forward to making an appointment and getting to know them a little better before I decide. We also entered their drawing for a free engagement photo shoot, so fingers crossed!

I also got a lot of enjoyment from every vendor we talked to chirping, “Congratulations!” I know they say it to everyone, but I took it personally anyway LOL

Pet peeve issue: when I specifically stated “my Best Woman” to a vendor and she immediately called Jen “your Maid of Honor”. Use my language dammit!

I was wiped out after walking around (and we only spent about 2 ½ hours total there), so we grabbed some lunch at Mother’s and a coffee at a bookstore, then came home. It was cute, we were both excited and moony-eyed at each other all afternoon; wedding planning is kinda fun and romantic! (Note to self: remember this when you get frustrated!)
- nessa