OK, there've been some changes since the last time I posted about the wedding. I've been so awful at updating this site! I'm so sorry. I promise I'll update it more. Anyway, WE'VE CHANGED THE DATE AGAIN but this is the official date. The date of the wedding will now officially be August 23rd, 2003.

We were looking around at different hotels to have the reception at, when we passed by a banquet hall that caught our attention. After going to a hotel to check out the ballroom (and not being overly impressed) we decided to swing by European Crystal Banquets in Arlington Heights. There was a company Christmas party going on at the time, so the place was decorated. I felt a little awkward walking in, because I just just in jeans and gym shoes, and all the people there were dressed up. But the woman who worked there was more than happy to give us a mini-tour. The place was gorgeous, from the moment we walked in. They actually had people there opening the doors for you as you walk in (even the scrubby looking people, like us). And they had a piano player up on a balcony playing some tunes as the guests were getting their cocktails. When we walked into their main ballroom, it took our breath away. It had a high ceiling, and on each side of the hall there were two domes, and within the domes there were clouds painted within. The room was large and airy, and it didn't feel cramped like the hotels that we went to. All in all, it was pretty impressive. What also sold us was the demeanor of the woman who gave us the tour (who incidentally is one of the owners). She was really friendly, and you could tell that she cared about making our reception the best it could be. They're also booked for the next year, more or less (except August 23rd, of course) and they've only been open for less than a year. Actually, we didn't get the hall that we saw that night, we're getting a new hall that is being renovated. From the way that they describe it, it sounds like it's going to look gorgeous. Instead of having the clouds painted in the domes, it's going to have gold leafing. I was a little wary on reserving a room that hasn't been finished yet, but she said that it should be done by the end of April, which gives them a LOT of extra time before our wedding to get it done. They look to have a pretty tasty menu. Should be some good eats. And I'm really happy to know that a separate dessert (not just wedding cake) is part of the package. Although seat covers aren't included in the costs, I DEFINITELY want them. It just adds that extra touch.

Now the thing is, that the main ballroom was booked for pretty much all of next year, but there was one opening in the new room for August 23rd. As I had posted before, we had reserved September 13th with the church already. There was a little juggling that we had to do, but fortunately, our church had time slot open for August 23rd. It wasn't the time that we wanted (3pm) but at least the time slot that we got (1pm) gives us a little more time to go out and take pictures. Because by having the 1pm time, we won't have much of an opportunity to take pictures at the church because we'll have to clear out for the 3pm wedding. Man, I hate being rushed! But I'm happy that we were able to coordinate the church and the reception hall together. For Christmas, our families went to church together, and it was the first time that my family saw the church that I'm going to be married in. They liked it, but also had issues with the length of the aisle. But that's ok, I'll just walk reeeeeaaal slow. It's my moment. I'm going to stretch it out as long as I can!

So next up, finding the DJ, photographer, videographer and florist. *whew*! This can be tiring work! Anyone have any ideas?