I found my wedding dress!

Mom, Amy and I went dress shopping for the first time on Monday and went to three bridal shops - Brandi's Bridal in New Glarus, Moments to Cherish in Fitchburg, and Beautiful Brides on the Eastside of Madison. Because the wedding so soon, I pretty much have to buy one off the rack. I was nervous about what I'd find - but Brandi's had a GREAT selection! I probably had close to 15 dresses in the room for me to try on! The "Wedding Consultant" helping me was Caitlyn, and she was great - totally listened to what I wanted and was looking for and found perfect dresses as we were looking too. She actually found the one that I love the most and am going with! The other places didn't match the dress from Brandi's. I wasn't overly impressed with Moments to Cherish, and although the dresses at Beautiful Brides were gorgeous - they were much more expensive than I wanted, and I was quite annoyed with the sales lady. If she made me try on one more strapless dress...which I specifically told her I didn't want...I was going to scream! OK, I'm exaggerating...they were beautiful dresses, but not at all the style I wanted.

So anyway - back to the dress! It's a "Maggie Sottero Couture" Dress...and only requires a few alterations to the hem (of course) and some adjustments in the shoulder straps. It's a sheath style dress, that's between an ivory and a champagne in color. I can't find a picture online of this particular dress...but...I wouldn't show you here anyway in case Benny would decide to read our blog! Oh yeah...it's a great deal too - more than 1/2 off the original asking price! I'm trying it on one more time on Thurdsay evening, and assuming I still like it...I'll buy it!

The Reception - Saturday, October 18th
Devil's Lake, Red Oak Shelter

After basically planning on going to the Mecan River Lodge in Princeton, I was contacted by Devil's Lake saying that the Red Oak Shelter I had inquired about (about a month ago) was available. After much deliberation, and finally getting in to see the shelter - we decided that we wanted to go that route.

It is an enclosed shelter that isn't all that special from the outside, but I think it's very nice in the inside. Rustic woodwork and a fireplace seem to fit us well, and lots of windows overlooking the lake. I'm not crazy about the plastic tables/chairs - but ...what can I expect at a park, right?

The Ceremony - Friday, October 17
Durwood's Glen, Baraboo

We went to visit Durwood's Glen in Baraboo, and I totally loved it. The chapel is small, rustic, and seems to fit us and what we want perfectly! We pretty much had our minds made up, and then later that night we had dinner with Joe and Carolyn and found out that Lois and Mike (Ben's Godparents) also got married there! I thought that was the cutest thing and makes it even more special.

The Ceremony will be small and intimate, with immediate family and a few other special people in our lives. The wedding party includes:

Best Man: Dan Frisk (Ben's Brother in Law)
Matron of Honor: Amy Ramsay (Sarah's Sister)
Ring Bearer: Joey Frisk (Ben's Nephew)
Flower Girl: Gianna Ramsay (Sarah's Niece)