Look at the top!

Did you see it? We have an OFFICIAL wedding date. Only 3 months after our engagement but that is okay we are really excited about it! We have signed the contract at the Concorde. They have been awesome so far. They gave us lots of free things (and NOT just because I cried!) Next step = ceremony site!

In the Past Week...

We've have had a lot of new things going on!

First, Blake got a promotion! WOOHOO! We are very excited for him. He is really happy doing what he is doing...which is a true blessing. He motivates and encourages me the way he enjoys his job.

Second, I went back to work on a part time basis. I am very happy to be working again, it makes the days go by faster. It is very exhausting and my motivation to update the site and work on my wedding list of things to do is, little to none!

Third, we have a tentative place for a reception. The Concorde in Kildeer- right off of Rand Rd. Of course-nothing is official until the papers are signed. We are hoping to get there next week!

Fourth, my best friend Kelly has had some pretty bad news. At 26 years old, she has been diagnosed with Cancer of the Bile Duct. (There is a fancier name-but I don't know it!) We are praying for her everyday. Kelly and I went to school together since elementary school but our friendship really kicked off towards the end of high school. She is truly an amazing friend. Unfortunately, our relationship has been "long-distance" since college but she is home now. Please keep her in your prayers. I'm including her blog for all to follow. As you can imagine, her medical bills are growing. She is selling T-Shirts if anyone is interested to help with the costs. Please let me know!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kellymeloney/mystory

We are looking forward to another great week ahead. Not to mention-Friday afternoon marks the beginning of spring break. Let's hope the weather cooperates here!

**Meagan**

Smiling today woohoo

So today we went to see Astoria Banquets and I really liked it. Not coming out stressed is a good sign! It's in Buffalo Grove-the only thing we would need is a ceremony location-any suggestions?

I finally feel at ease about the whole thing! I think we are headed in the right direction!

Edit: We are going to try to see the Concorde on Tuesday the 9th. Blake has not seen it yet! After looking over all our positives and negatives from our favorite sites, this seemed to be the clear cut winner. BUT that all depends on what Blake thinks after visiting them!

*Meagan

Reception Locations = DRAG!

Touring the reception halls has been really hard. I haven't found the perfect place yet! They are really expensive with nothing to offer. I recently saw the Arboretum in Buffalo Grove and it was not what we were looking for. We want a fun, simple reception hall and an outside ceremony.

A few places that are on our list:
Poplar Creek in Hoffman Estates
http://www.poplarcreekcc.com/

The Concorde in Kildeer
http://www.concordebanquets.com/

And we are going to Astoria Banquets on Saturday
http://www.astoriabanquets.com/

I have requested information for a few more locations then we will make the decision and pick a date!

I attended a Bridal Expo with my mom and sister this past weekend. It was very overwhelming! We won $100 off a photography package and Aileen and I won $300 off laser hair removal and skin tightening (hmmmm....I didn't think this was an issue for us!) We are still waiting to win something we will use :)

We have changed a few options on our blog-you will have to register to leave comments. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do so-we would love feedback, encouragement, etc. We just want to know who is leaving us the message :)

House news: Seller approved the offer the next day-we are awaiting on the bank. It is looking good! Our attorney has been in constant contact with everyone and we signed the mortgage papers so that they are ready for take off!

*Meagan*