Adventures in dress shopping...

I have been dreaming about wedding dresses since I was a little girl. My tastes have certainly evolved. I am looking for something elegant, and want to stay away from poofy. I am fairly tall and I just feel like too much poof would make me look like a giant marshmallow. I'm sure my Mom is going to have different ideas on that front... Does every mother want their daughter in a huge princess dress?

This was the first dress I tried on that I liked. I like the rooching and the little detail under the bust. I also really like the volume of the skirt. Not too much, not too little. Perfect. But I didn't really get that "this is it" feeling that I was hoping for, so I tried on something similar...

This one was strapless (which I love) and had a similar but fuller skirt than the first one. I think I would get the neckline changed to sweetheart, but other than that I really liked this dress a lot. I felt very "bridey", and when the veil went on I felt a little teary! I decided to try on one more, with a little more detailing and "snazz".

This one had more detailing. It had some lace (which I loved). The straps were pretty, but I just wasn't feeling it. The skirt felt a bit plain. Also, it didn't have the fullness that I was hoping for. Which is funny since originally I thought I didn't want a full skirt...

I didn't find the perfect dress on my first outing, but that's ok. This trip was really just for fun. I know my Mom will need to be there when I pick "the" dress. It's important to her (and me as well!) that she be there. At least now I am one step closer to finding what I love: strapless, sweetheart neckline, rooching, and a bit of fullness!

And then came the venue...

So after we picked a date I did some major internet research to find the perfect venue. We're planning a small (~60 people) wedding, and finding a suitable venue proved to be pretty tricky! I knew I didn't want to do the usual hotel wedding. Sister Bluenoser got married in December and had an elegant restaurant reception for 22 people. I wanted to re-create the same mood and feel, but on a slightly larger scale. Luckily I stumbled upon this place...

The Courtyard Restaurant in the Byward market is exactly what we were looking for. They have a private room upstairs that has it's own bar! The maximum capacity is around 80 people, so it won't be too crowded. The place has been renovated since these photos were taken, the decor has been updated and it looks beautiful. We're so excited!

And first we picked a date...

We've decided to get married on May 21st, 2011. We're having a long engagement because the boy is working hard on getting his CA! The process takes about a year and it starts in a week or so. It works out perfectly because I have been dreaming of a springtime wedding with tulips for the last year or so.

I am imagining gorgeous photos at Major Hills Park with the tulips in full blossom. If possible I want to include tulips in all of the bouquets.

I sometimes wish we could have chosen a closer date but I am also really excited to have so much time to plan. Hopefully my crafty side will come out and I will have some kick-butt DIY (Do-it-Yourself) wedding creations!