We have a venue, folks! The Grand Ledge Opera House is just what Ed and I need: spacious, no booze limits, 20% booking-at-crappy-time-of-year discount and more. Best of all, they’re nice folks to deal with. Now to order my dress, design and mail out save the date cards, and book a caterer! Did I mention our classes start again next week?

Last night, Ed and I headed to Michaels to grab some ribbon and tulle to begin experimenting with making our own centerpieces, ring holder and boutineers. Check out the results of our experiments:

The book on the left in the above picture was an attempt at using masking tape and old books to make table numbers. We’re not planning on having a set seating arrangement, but I’ve got some other variations on this concept percolating.

Using an old book as a wedding ring holder came from Craftzine, and you can see what the holder looks like closed in the picture at the left.

If you couldn’t guess, the brooch/ribbon thing is likely to become a template for our boutineers. Using puff paint (white, green? Not sure on the color yet), I’ll write “Heidi’s Mom,” “Ed’s Dad,” etc. on them to help ID families of the bride & groom.

We’ve finally decided on a date, folks! Ed and I will be married in Lansing, MI on Saturday, March 5, 2011 in the late afternoon with a reception to follow. Our ceremony will be held in the same location as the reception/dinner/dance. As a courtesy to our families (but mostly because we think it will be super fun), we will be having two additional receptions during the summer of 2011. One will be held at Ed’s parents’ home in Arkansas, and the other will be held somewhere in Minnesota for Heidi’s extended family. Dates for both “hometown” receptions are to be determined. Save the date cards for the wedding proper and two hometown receptions will be mailed out at the same time.

We’re not sure yet on location. Here are some ideas.

The Henry Ford (Dearborn, MI)

The Lansing Center (Lansing, MI)

Turner-Dodge House (Lansing, MI)

Old Town Manor (Lansing, MI)

Rosewood Inn B&B (Lansing, MI)

Dinner