It takes a village

One of my favorite things to do is to tell people that Brad and I are planning our entire wedding in 40 days.  The reactions are priceless.  Most men give Brad a big high five.  Most women look at me perplexed and ask a series of questions, like "Are you eloping? Is it a destination wedding? How are you going to manage to get everything done in time? Do you have a dress? How many people? How in the world..."


Well ladies and gents, it takes a village, that's how in the world...


We had been engaged for 32 days and had made zero decisions.  After booking the Botanical Gardens as our venue, we needed to make ALL of our decisions in 40 days.  It was a little overwhelming to say the least.  However, when we made the decision, we decided to play like a team and make quick decisions.  And by team, we meant each other and our broader community of friends and family.  


On the eve of our big decision, we made a list of the major things we needed.  All along, I wanted a personal wedding that reflected our relationship.  This was the perfect time to call upon our network of friends, who know us best, to help us create a truly personal wedding day.  Our vendor philosophy was simple - if we knew you and you performed a task/service that we need needed and were available, SOLD!  If we didn't know anyone who did that task, we began our outreach, first to our church community (www.journeyon.net) and then to facebook :)  


Within 48 hours, in addition to a ceremony and reception site, the following people had already agreed to join us on our journey:


-  Kelly, our photographer, who we know through church (www.relicphotography.com)


-  Our very talented friend Mandy, who agreed to design invitations and programs (joyeverafter.com; etsy.com/shop/joyeverafter) 

- A cake from our first choice bakery - The Cakery (www.cakerybakery.net) 

- Cordell, a pastor and family friend


- Our friend, Courtney, our soloist (and as Brad likes to say, a soloist and local celebrity)


- Julie B, my friend and makeup artist 


- A list of about 50 confirmed guests all willing to lend a helping hand


As the days have passed, many more friends and personal connections have signed on to make this time extra-special for me and Brad.   One of the things I am most excited about is seeing our village come together on September 24.  For every vendor on the list (with the exception of our florist and caterer), we either know them personally or have connections with them through our church community.  I am so excited for this wedding,  not only because it will be reflection of me and Brad, but also because it is a celebration of the talent that exists within our village.  It takes a village and I wouldn't want it any other way!  We are so blessed!!