Selecting the Wedding Site.

wedding words of wisdom #5

It's good to get all the information before placing a deposit and selecting a wedding site. Even if you know exactly where you want to get married, make sure to take time to ask questions so there are no surprises.

1. If the venue has many rooms, ask for a tour of each room. Ask the occupancy of each room and which rooms are available when.

2. Do they have any packages? Ask what is included in each package and what items are up to you to provide.

3. What are the fees? Then ask if there are any other fees. Is there a fee not only for the ceremony time, but for any setup time?

4. Can you use any vendor you want? Or does the site only work with specific vendors? It is nice if they have vendors they work with if you are still looking for these services. But, if your vendor is not on their list, ask what accommodations can be made, if any.

5. Do they have any rules or restrictions you will need to follow? Can you decorate? Maybe they limit the beverages allowed, or have policies against lit candles.

6. Will you have access to other spaces at this site? You may need a separate room to get ready or take a breather. Maybe you want to host cocktails in the garden.

7. Will your event be the only event taking place that day? Do you need to be out by a certain time to allow for another party? Will a booking before yours prevent you from getting in to do some decorating? How will the site manage guests from different parties?

8. How much guest parking is available? Do they have valet parking? You may have guests arriving in inclement weather, or elderly guests who need close parking.

I am sure you will have many more questions to ask, but this should atleast get you started and give you a good foundation of information to base your decision on.

Setting the Date.

wedding words of wisdom #4

Coordinating the calendar to select the perfect wedding day may not be as easy as first thought. Here are some tips to consider when setting a date for your wedding ceremony.

• Check your own calendar and look for any conflicts, like vacation, holidays, hectic times at work, etc.
• Have family and your attendants check their schedules. An attendant may not want to be in a wedding on her baby's due date, or the groom's parents may spend winters in Florida.
• Consider the weather. Do you want flowers or autumn leaves in your photos? Guests who have a distance to travel may not want to drive far on icy, slippery roads in winter.
• Think carefully about holidays. Some loved ones may have special holiday traditions that make them unavailable to attend.
• Keep special days in mind. For sentimental reasons, you might consider your parent's anniversary, or your grandmother's birthday.
• Minnesotans who have hunters and fishers in the family might want to avoid hunting season or fishing opener. Some football fans might want to gander at the Vikings schedule.
• Do you definitely want to get married on the standard Saturday? Think about a Friday evening ceremony or maybe Sunday. There are only 52 Saturdays in a year and many couples trying to book those times. You might even be able to have your pick of vendors if you get married during the week.
• Find out what is available. If your heart is set on a specific location, find out first what they have available and work from there.
• Give yourself enough time. Consider how long it will take you to pull it all together while still maintaining your daily life. Or you may need time to save up for your big event.

Once you set your date, you may consider sending "Save the Date" cards way in advance so loved ones don't book other activities on your special day.

ANYWHERE SOUND

DECEMBER 2009 FEATURE WEDDING VENDOR
Anywhere Sound is a wedding ceremony and reception music service. With over 15 years of experience, they know what it takes to get the job done. They know how important reputation is, as well as how to exceed expectations, one person at a time. They work especially hard to make sure the Bride & Groom's wedding day is a special and memorable one. Not only do they work hard to create a dreamlike wedding, they take the steps necessary to get all the music the couple wants and needs before the date of the event to ensure there isn’t a song missed! Please read on!!

Anywhere Sound Services:

• 100" Slide Show Projection
• A Generator for Outside Events
• State of the Art Equipment
• Lapel Mics for Clergy
• Wireless Mics
• Thousands of Songs
• We Will Find and Play “Your” Song
• Experienced DJ’s
• Amazing Sound
• Crowd Participation
• Customized Service
• Contract for Your Protection

Contact Anywhere Sound

Anywhere sound will work with your clergy person, event coordinator, parents, photographer, or personal attendant to make sure that your special day is perfect and how you pictured it to be. They are here to make your day special! Please contact them or visit their website!

Anywhere Sound
Contact: Gina Leann
P.O. Box 545
Waite Park, MN 56387
Phone: 320-761-5070
Web: http://www.anywheresound.com/
Email: sales@anywheresound.com

Delegate.

wedding words of wisdom #3

When I was planning my wedding, my fiancé helped out alot, but I definitely had the bulk of the duties. One thing I delegated to my fiancé was to select the song for our first dance. I loved that he came up with Dr. Hook, “Years From Now”. Looking back, I could have asked him to do more. But I really liked planning and organizing and I was excited to do it.
However, if you are feeling overwhelmed by all the wedding planning, you should feel comfortable asking your partner, family, and friends to lend a hand. In fact, I would say most loved ones would consider it a privilege and an honor to be involved in planning your wedding day. It's a compliment. When you pass a task off to someone, it says to them that you trust them, and believe in their ability to get it done. So don’t wait until you are frazzled. You and your partner can sit down together, make a to-do list, and check off the tasks that each one of you can accomplish. The remaining tasks can be divvied up among loved ones who have agreed to help. Keep in mind to be careful not to overwhelm your helpers, just a little errand here and there adds up to big help for you.

ANTON'S RESTAURANT

NOVEMBER 2009
FEATURE WEDDING VENDOR
When you consider Anton's Restaurant for your wedding gathering needs, you will not be disappointed.
Read the following 9 postings to learn more.
Anton's is an authentic log cabin nestled along the river that is rich in history and character. You will feel special the moment you cross over the bridge and see Anton’s secluded restaurant on the Sauk River. When you walk in the doors, it feels like home. Anton’s has a cozy warmth that welcomes you in, and invites you to relax.

Anton's Food & Drink

But, there is far more to Anton’s than just atmosphere. You will be amazed by the award winning food, and wide selection of drinks. They serve 100% all natural grass-fed angus beef and chicken. You will be assured that there were no hormones or anti-biotics used. Anton’s cares that you receive the highest quality meat so your meal is wholesome and delicious. Browse their expansive selection of beef, chicken, seafood, and ribs. And don’t forget, they have popovers!
*Browse Menu*

You will be astounded by wide selection of Scotch. If you are not sure which one to choose, the staff will be more than happy to assist. Or feel free to browse the wine list and notice they have an excellent assortment of wines to fit your special occasion.
*Browse Scotch List*
*Browse Wine List*

Anton's Ambassador Room - occupancy 18

Anton's Ambassador Room has leather high back chairs and is perfect for small groups. This room can be reserved for any wedding gathering up to 18 guests.

Anton's Upstairs - occupancy up to 80

Anton's Upstairs is terrific for parties. And of course, it overlooks the river so in the summertime, you can enjoy the deck. It offers the most privacy with its own full bar and restrooms. There are two areas to the upstairs, the terrace (occupancy 30), and the main room (occupancy 50). Either or both areas can be reserved for your wedding gathering.
These areas would be perfect for your groom's dinner, or any other gathering for up to 80 guests.

Anton's East Wing - occupancy 56

Anton's East Wing room has two walls of windows facing the Sauk River and has an access to the outside so guests can take advantage of the walkways and gardens, or even feed the geese. This room can be reserved for a small intimate wedding ceremony, reception, groom's dinner or any other gathering for up to 56 guests.

Anton's River Room - occupancy 120

Anton's River Room has large beautiful windows so you have a gorgeous view of the river no matter where you are sitting. This room can be reserved for your wedding ceremony, reception, or any other gathering for up to 120 guests.

Anton's Riverside Landing

Anton's has the perfect spot right on the river for your wedding ceremony. A brick path leads the way up the landing where you can recite your vows in the presence of family, friends, & mother nature.

Escape to Anton's Restaurant

Do you still need a reason to visit Anton’s? Just in case, I highly recommend Anton’s for a romantic getaway. Just the two of you can escape the wedding chaos and spend some quiet


time together over a tasty meal in one of their covered wagon booths.
**********
Anton’s also has a charming bar area…so brides, gather your bridesmaids; and grooms gather your groomsmen for an evening full of laughter and fun.

Contact Anton's Restaurant

The staff is friendly, helpful, and personable. Here is a picture of Patty and I at Anton's. Patty Gaetz is a Manager and you should feel free to contact her or Betzy to make your wedding arrangments.
Also, visit Anton’s website for more information.

Anton's Restaurant
Contact: Betzy or Patty
2001 Frontage Road North
Waite Park, MN 56387
Phone: 320-253-3611
Web: http://www.antonsrestaurant.com/
Email: info@antonsrestaurant.com

Anton's View

These are just a couple more pictures so you can see Anton's view. It was gorgeous, even on the drizzly day I took the photos. :)

Halloween Weddings

wedding words of wisdom #1

I am flooded with ideas for a Halloweeen wedding...
Imagine bridesmaids with broomsticks. Groomsmen with stitches. Igor is the usher. Jack-o-lanterns. Fog. Organ music. The first dance to "Monster Mash". A bleeding red velvet cake. Cauldrons for centerpieces. A wedding toast with Bloody Marys. Do you think that all sounds like fun? Would you want to be married by Morticia?

Themed weddings are full of laughter and create great memories. I doubt the guests would ever forget the wedding where the bride had spiders in her hair and the groom resembled Lurch.

Even though I am whole-heartedly for a themed wedding, I believe it's important to think carefully about certain elements of the marriage ceremony. The day you make a lifelong committment to the person you love is one of the most meaningful times in your life. If the theme takes over and trivializes the occassion, it might be easy to regret later.

So amongst all the fun and creative ideas, make sure to pull out the elements of the wedding that will mean the most to you and keep them true to the spirit of love so you will always look back and remember the closeness and pure joy of your wedding day.

NOW, WILL SOMEONE PLEASE PASS THE COBWEBS? :)

Anton's is coming!

Anton's is coming! Maybe you can't wait to hear all about it? In the meantime, check out their full menu! My husband and I had lunch there today and I fell in love with it all over again. I know you will too.
*Peek at Menu*
*Peek at Wine List*
*Peek at Scotch List*

Featuring a Monthly Local Wedding Vendor

My plan is to feature a local wedding vendor each month. I think it's a great idea for couples to see what is out there and what wonderful businesses we have locally. November will be my fist featured wedding vendor. I am really excited to announce that Anton's Restaurant is Waite Park, MN will be my first featured business. Look for more November 1st!

New Blog

Minnesota in Love.
I felt it was time to start a blog so I can share my knowledge as a wedding officiant. I hope this blog will be helpful and beneficial to all the engaged couples in Central MN. If you have any questions about my services, or I can help with advice or suggestions, please feel free to let me know.