Dredding Gowns

Looking for a wedding gown was probably one of the more hideous shopping experiences of my life.

I don't like clothes shopping. I don't like dresses. So, shopping for the most important dress I'll likely ever wear wasn't the joyous occasion true for many other brides.

Still, while on my first foray for a wedding dress, I lucked out and found a lovely gown that I actually don't hate myself in. (My matronly upper arms are a different story, though.) At least, my mother and grandmother both thought I looked "lovely," as did a few of the other women at the salon.

I'll take their word for it.

The best part? It doesn't weigh a ka-zillion pounds like so many other dresses. Honestly, no wonder brides are so damn exhausted at the end of their wedding day--they've been lugging around 20+ lbs. of raw silk and sequins.

Of course, I still need to do the final fitting, which apparently I should've gotten done a week or so ago.

Ah, well! I foresee an alteration "rush fee" in my future...

Historic Sanford

Our lovely town and setting for our wedding, Sanford, Florida.

For those unfamiliar with Central Florida weather, the temperature in November averages 77º degrees during the day with lows in the mid-50s in the evenings so pack a sweater!

Event Venues: Centennial Park & Bettye D. Smith Cultural Arts Center

Above, where we'll be getting hitched, in the charming gazebo in Centennial Park.


Right across the street from Centennial Park is the reception venue:

"The Bettye D. Smith Cultural Arts Center is a historical pre-1925 building, which has been restored to its original 1920's architectural design."

Lovely!