The Date is Set: July 7, 2012

Well, if we're being honest, it's not carved in stone... but it's etched in pencil lead on a piece of paper somewhere!

As for the venues, though neither of you commented, we have a winner. And the winner is La Scala... the first venue I showed and described. The most bang for our buck, we decided, and we're both really, really happy with our decision. We love the place, we love the food, and everyone we know who has used La Scala has been more than happy with their choice. (Watch me go ultra-girly, here:) It's even a featured reception venue on The Knot, a "The Knot Best of Weddings" winner for venue, and has received very enthusiastic praise from numerous brides online. So... it's pretty fancy.

After going a little spreadsheet-wild, Trevor was able to put several of our top-pick vendors side-by-side so we could do some comparative pricing and, though La Scala wasn't quite the cheapest (damn close, though), we were getting the most for our money through them. I have less stress to think about in relation to centerpieces, we'll be able to afford a limited open bar, the food will be thoroughly awesome, and the price for kids' meals is $11.99. Also, the place is gorgeous. Once we decided that we were tired of looking and still very stuck on La Scala, Trevor called and conversed with their wedding planner, Cathy (also, I get a free wedding planner), who said she would place a "soft reserve" on 7/7... the date in July I was most excited about... because it sounds cool and is easy to remember. He explained to her that I'm in Central Vag, and won't be available to go over details and sign shit until May 28th, so we have an appointment there at 11:30 that morning. According to Trevor she was a very, very friendly, pleasant sort of person who was excited to hear that he would be an "active groom."

The "soft reserve" means that we haven't paid the $500 deposit that will etch our names/date in stone, but that we're almost assuredly a done deal; therefore, if anyone else calls with an intention to book for our date, she will call us first, allowing Trevor a chance to go cough up the dough so we don't lose our spot. We'd just really like to be able to cough our dough up together.

So, 7/7 it is. I suggested that we see if they cut us a deal on "7 & 7"s for the night and we can offer that as "our" drink for the evening, including it as part of the open bar. My mom will be happy... June just loooooves 7 & 7's.... we're gonna get my mama loaded...

Anyway... yay!

427 days to go.

Of course, this means my bachelorette party with y'all will have to be either 7/4 or 7/5... very patriotic... I totally want sparklers.