broken*saucer

{ marvimon in la (not where we are or where they will be marrying, but isn't it so, so pretty... sigh.} in the last 24 hours I have been researching venues for our dear friend's wedding. it's so much less stressful when it's for someone else. why didn't anyone want to help me do it? (no offense mom. you were really busy with other stuff and I was a basketcase. BASKETCASE. ah hindsight.) I say that having not yet found a venue, but having emailed seven places for info. for this year. my couple is already feeling the heat of finding a venue on a budget for six months from now. is it bad that I really want to be the hero and find them something fabulous and cheap? is it worse that my new dream is to find a lovely loft that I can rent to lovely couples who want to get married? talk about a paycheck! did you enter my le creuset giveaway yet???

Heather at One Love Photo has given me permission to post some of her gorgeous photos. I said it before, I can't afford her, but you really should check out her work even still, because her work is stunning, and she isn't so unaffordable. Like everyone says, depending on what you spend your money on, maybe you have a little extra for the memories. Just yesterday, I heard yet another bride tell me that she wished she had more pictures because the whole day was a blur. And some more advice from Chelene - once the day has come, pause to enjoy as much as you can. First, this is why I fell in love with my venue. It really is beautiful. But then, Heather and her husband John took these shots too: this from here , and remember this from a practical wedding ? Yeah, I thought so.

But I just wanted to mention One Love Photo's Heather Gilson . Her work is beautiful. And, the last wedding she posted was at the LUC, my venue. I don't know that I've mentioned how paranoid I am that our photos will be bad, because the venue is darkish in a romantic sort of way. But I am, especially after seeing the tragic photo's on the LUC's website gallery (I'm sorry if that is your wedding, I'm not bashing you, I just don't want to hire your photographer). I have only interviewed one photographer so far, and I do love her work. But I have been non-commital on everything in the last few days so... I haven't gone into further discussion. Anyway. Go check out One Love Photo , and check out some not just decent, but gorgeous pics of my venue .

So, I wanted some decent pics of the place, but my lousy snapshots of the partially and poorly decorated event (I'm sparing you the white chair covers with sparkley pink organza bows, and the over capacity seating - I sincerely hope that I have better taste than that) will have to do for now. Honestly, I love the place but perhaps now you'll understand why I'm so concerned about getting a talented photographer who can wield a flash well -- clearly, I am not that person. The mirror shot above a booth to show how big the space can look, and yet how intimate and romantic it is as well. There will be something like 400 candles around the room. There are five booths on either side of the room. Very 20's. This is the ceremony stage, and it will have more chairs, and then it will be converted into the dance floor. (but there will be no bouquet throwing or garter throwing - just toasts, more drinking, and gettin' down. p.s. okay, I lied. I had to show you how hideous the ...

Okay. Just to keep track, here are a few to consider: Acalia Events : for venue, catering and planning (or just catering and planning) and a good review of the catering. Lake Union Cafe : venue, catering and planning - no outdoors, byob for a fee, tack on service... Sunday is the less expensive way to go. Uptown Hideaway : for venue only - no outdoors (although a little dark, maybe if we have to push it into October) Golden Gardens Bathhouse : from agrandwedding and much too expensive because they charge for alcohol is Hotel 1000 - but maybe for the wedding night. Herban Feast catering : catering and planning help - organic food (their venue is too big) planner possibilities: modern seattle weddings , article from agrandwedding.com , recommendations from them, and brides on a budget

From SMP (again), by Allison Hotchkiss.  the color, the casual, the hors d'ouvres, the paper lanterns, the tent...  click the image to see bigger, go here to see the full post.

Pictures from Style Me Pretty . Nancy of Brideface. The venue, the flowers. So pretty, but "Brideface?"