Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Is hanging mini-blinds an accomplishment?

You may ask where we've been. Is f&*)ing working an answer?

Sorry, it's been a stressful few days for me. Allie too. The good news is we managed to hang new mini-blinds in the kitchen. The bad news is we didn't manage a whole lot else.

The hotel place I last blogged about promised to send me a contract but hasn't. That could be a bad sign. Got a (slightly more expensive) quote from the Radisson so maybe I'll follow up on that and let you know how it goes.

I don't know how lunch there is. Please, no more Fargo references.

It's a little farther from the reception site, but a little closer to tourist stuff downtown for those who are into that.

In other wedding news, here's a story from New Delhi straight out of Jerry Springer.

'til next time.
Nate

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

No news from me, but check out what the Brits think

Not much to update you about our wedding, but I don't want the blog to become stale simply because we are not meeting wedding planning benchmarks.

As a news man myself, I'll turn to the papers to entertain you.

Here's a story on British attitudes toward marriage with several interesting findings — including that Brits don't necessarily believe what they read (or are illiterate) and that most people see weddings for their party-dom more than their commitment-dom:

The survey exposes the decline in the importance of marriage with the finding that most people see weddings as an excuse for a party rather than a public declaration of lifelong commitment.

The average cost of a wedding may have soared to £17,370, but 53 per cent of people regard it simply as a celebration.

Despite a Government-funded media campaign three years ago, half of adults still wrongly believe there is such a thing as "common law marriage", which gives cohabitants the same rights as married couples.


If we in "the States" are anything like those in the U.K. I guess we have high hopes to live up to.

However, there's no way we're spending £17,370 — even if the economy is down. We also plan to say at least something about commitment during the wedding; hopefully that won't bring the party down too much!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Biltmore sweet!


On Friday, Allie and I viewed the first hotel we are looking at for our guests, the Biltmore Suites, about 10 blocks from the reception site. Dougherty's Pub is also on the way.

I initially decided to check here because its the closest hotel to the site, but admit I was a little leery after reading some of the reviews here.

However, after checking it out we were very impressed. I think some people may have confused old with dirty. It has an awesome courtyard and with only 24 rooms, we are thinking of booking the whole thing for our party.

Still negotiating rates, but I'm hoping to make it happen for less than $100 a night. Also, many of the rooms have beds and futons if anyone wants to double up.

Let me know what you guys think. Click on the comments button.

Poll winner




We have a winner! Leading the way with 2 votes for songs that should be played at the wedding was "We Like to Party" by the Vengaboys. Get ready to dance on tables Pat!

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Tax victim

That Maryland sales tax hike has hit us in the pocket book for $109.

Here's the pleasant reminder:

Dear Nate,

As you are probably aware, on January 1, 2008 Maryland increased its sales tax to 6%. I have updated your proposal to reflect this change. As always, give us a call if you have any questions. Thanks!

A. Matthias Hess
Assistant to Charlene Calvert


Wait until I have to buy a car without a trade-in!

Oh well, someone has to pay for the governor's trips to Ireland.

Checkin' that check list and looking for music ideas

So...as I headed off for Christmas Break, I set out to accomplish the following goals:

-- Ask people what they are looking for in a hotel
-- Schedule appointments to view some possibilities for a hotel
-- Review potential DJs for the party
-- Consider the possibility of not hiring a photographer
-- Check my checklist

A poll of wedding-goers predicted I would finish two, as the last two on the list would only take a minute.

Well, actually by the time I missed my flight to Iowa and had to re-book a flight on the way back, I didn't even manage one (I am currently boycotting Northwest Airlines).

However, I did at least start to develop some potential places for the rehearsal dinner. Among those in the running are Bo Brooks Restaurant; Ammicci's, which is my Mom's favorite; Shuckers, which has more affordable options than I had guessed; and Milton's, which doesn't advertise private dining but has great food.

Lest you think I'll call that accomplishment, I've already contacted three DJs, and have two front runners, DJ Dunick and DJ Danny T (this page plays music).

I'm also compiling "do play" and "don't play" lists, so if you have a preference on either one, post it on the blog or send me an e-mail.

Allie and I are going to see a hotel on Friday night that we are considering for guests in Mount Vernon. More on that this weekend. (After I go to a candidates' forum that day. Why do we have to live in a Democracy?)

--Nate