Let the Countdown Begin!

So, the DZR and I decided on a place and set a date: Sunday, September 2, 2012 at The Stone Barn in my hometown, Kennett Square, PA.

I’m a little bit back-logged on keeping track of everything exciting that has happened.

Last Saturday, we went with both sets of our parents to The Foxfire for the most delicious dinner I’ve had a while (no offense, Mom). I left my phone at home and I didn’t want to hassle everyone, so unfortunately, there are no pictures of my delicious meal. It’s probably better this way. Our meals were so delicious, your eyes would have wept at the sight of our table. I will tell you that my dad had the Lobster Risotto and I ate the mixed grill (which had lamb, duck, AND pork belly…mmmmmm).

After dinner, everyone, except me, took a walk around the grounds and we all decided that this was probably the place DZR and I will get MARRIED. The DZR wanted to be sure of the inside of The Mill, so we set up an appointment to come back.

Monday, DZR, my mom, and I made detour to The Stone Barn on our way out to Pittsburgh. We had an emergency reconnaissance mission to get things I needed and to take care of some of my apartment stuff out there. You know that your beyonce’ loves you when he agrees to make a 10-hour drive in 20-hours with you, your mom and no air conditioning. KEEPER.

After walking half-way through The Mill, DZR asked me if we should just set a date. His confidence gave me the confidence to commit to a date!! I hadn’t expected to pick a time and place so soon, but we did and it feels great. My mom, the saint that she is, offered to help us put down the deposit for the date and, after hammering out some details, we’re locked in! I can’t believe it!

Our quick trip to Pittsburgh was brutal but I was reminded of a few important things:

Family is there for you: My mom rules and I know she would do almost anything for me. I am so grateful for her positivity and support. I can’t wait to live closer to her.

Friends greet you with smiles: Our two friends, Lauren and Eli, had us stay in their air-conditioned house overnight. As soon as we all sat down I realized that it felt like I hadn’t seen them in a million years. And I had missed them dearly. It sounds totally cheesy but there is nothing in the world like good friends.

When things get shitty, look in the mirror: I found myself in cranky fits during moments in our trip. I am not proud of this. When tensions started to rise, I really tried hard to check myself and see what I could do differently/better. Everyday, I’m working to consider other people’s feelings before expressing my own. (Not an easy task!)

This is it:  The more time I spend with the DZR, the more I am re-affirmed that this is the person I want to be with forever.  The good times. The bad times. And even the hot, smelly, greasy, country-music, car times.

Wedding Countdown:

400 days

The Stone Barn

The Mill at The Stone Barn

Today, my mom and I scoped out our first venue, The Stone Barn, in my hometown of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. It was actually the first place Google recommended when I did a preliminary search of wedding venues in the area. I have a really good feeling about this place, but I’m trying to not let that cloud my judgment. I’m keeping an open mind of all possibilities and not rushing into anything.

I received a packet via email a few days ago after I called and set up an appointment to tour the facility. Compared to what I’ve seen on websites for other local places, like The Mendenhall Inn or Loch Narin, I found the food options at The Stone Barn much more agreeable right off the bat. I recognize that once you actually commit to a location, the event planners and food-service providers will work with you, however, it’s always nice to start with a reasonable framework. I still have other places to check, but some are rated higher on our wish-list.

The view from the back of The Mill

DZR and I are still pretty sure we want to do our ceremony on the same site as our reception. What’s awesome about The Stone Barn is their contingency plans for inclement weather. There are two venues, a larger one (The Mill) and a smaller one (The Stone Barn, which also houses the Foxfire restaurant). Each has an outdoor area where a ceremony can be performed AND either an indoor or sheltered area for ceremonies, as a rainy-day option.

One of the ceremony sites..so pretty!

Let me tell you that The Mill is really cool. The ceremony site is next to two small ponds and a working water mill! There are also areas for pictures like a bridge and a dock-looking deck on the water. The walkways and patios around the building are perfect for cocktails. So nice!

A view of one of the patios

Inside the Mill is insanely cute and rustic. The bones of the main hall were strong, distinctive, and inviting in the late-afternoon sunlight. The chairs are actually handsome, solid wood instead of blah-looking folding chairs.  Even though it definitely needs some decorations, the foundation is pleasant to begin with; it’s the kind of place you can envision a wedding.

Inside the reception area

Like I said, I’m keeping my options open. I WILL say, my most recent dream/goal for my wedding is to drink beer out of a mason jar (classy, right?). I am glad that we got some preliminary information on our first potential site– and we’re still considering it!  My mom wants us to eat at The Stone Barn’s restaurant this summer to get an idea of what their food is about. The gentleman who showed us around discussed how they try to grow as much food as they can on-site or source it locally (yay!) Their lettuce boxes by the office were so pretty, I wanted to nom nom on an impromptu salad right there…but I guess I have to wait a few more days.

Another shot of The Mill

An alternate view of the patio area