Ch-ch-ch-changes!

Of course, right when I think I've finally made a decision, something else awesome comes along the way and forces me to reconsider!

Laura, Christine and I went to Aria to try on the aforementioned green dresses. I loved them and had decided those would be it! Until, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a dark purple dress. I had them try them on, despite the over 90 degree weather and lack of AC.

Because I want a purple and green theme, I had them try on the green sash as well. We al thought it would probably look terrible, but it actually looks pretty good I think! So my friends, I think we might have a winner here!

Check Laura out wearing the silk dress in Aubergine with an Aloe sash and an example of the pretty purple flowers they will probably carry as well!

On Top of Her Game!

Props to Christine Kohlmeyer (affectionately known as "The Other Christine) for being WAY on top of the ball and reserving her room at Lansdowne for the wedding!

She's the first...who will be next?!

PS: I recommend staying at Lansdowne b/c that is where we are staying as well as where we will after-party at Stonewalls Tavern. All the cool kids are doing it. :-)

Happy Birthday Future Husband!

Hotel Blocks

The hotel blocks are done! Well--I need to sign the contract with Lansdowne, but it's basically done.

So here's the lowdown:

1. Lansdowne Resort--Lansdowne, VA

We had some communications problems here at first, but that resulted in an advantage for both our guests and ourselves! Basically, my calls and e-mails weren't returned for a couple of weeks and I made a phone call to another sales manager indicating that I was getting a bit frustrated. I got an e-mail the next day with profuse apologies--for my trouble they reduced the previously negotiated rate of $179 down to $135 and they're comping Belinga and I a suite for 2 nights!

Lansdowne is a beautiful resort! There are 2 championship golf courses and 1 short course, which guests can play for a fee. There is a wonderful spa on the premises with numerous services as well. There are also 5 pools on the premises (unfortunately most won't be open b/c it won't be season yet, but there is an indoor pool).

$135 a night is a steal for Lansdowne! The rooms usually run at least $250 and up a night!

Transportation can be arranged through Lansdowne for $25 each way.

2. Holiday Inn at Carradoc Hall--Leesburg, VA

I was able to work out a slightly reduced rate here. There are 10 rooms reserved for the nights of Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19. The rate is $109 and includes free transportation to and from the airport.

The hotel is currently undergoing renovations and the rooms look pretty nice! There aren't any frills here though, just your basic hotel room.


Please make sure you refer to the Javad/Essama wedding block at both hotels to get the rates!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is the greatest day of the year, if I do say so myself! Had a great weekend in Annapolis with Belinga, Rommie and Christine. We checked into the Loews Annapolis Hotel, which I got a great on deal through Priceline (I was very nervous, was my first time Pricelining, but it was great!) We had appetizers and drinks at Middleton Tavern, one of the oldest taverns in the country, where Thomas Jefferson used to hang out (or so we think), we took a sunset schooner cruise and then went to LunaBlu for a wonderful 4 course meal that was only $35 each. On Sunday we went to Cantler's for a big ole Maryland style crab feast. We topped it all off with some tasty homemade ice cream from Storm Brothers. Was a great weekend!

Bridesmaids dresses!

While no decisions have been finalized, I am pretty close to saying that these are my bridesmaids dresses!

Rachel, Maggie and I went to Aria Bridesmaids in Dupont Circle on Friday evening to take a look at a few dresses I'd seen online. Despite the fact that it was pretty hot, the AC wasn't working and the door buzzer didn't work and we were all stranded outside at one point or another, it was pretty fun!

I've been grappling with what colors I want and I think I finally have that nailed down also! My colors will be Green and Purple with perhaps Ivory/Champagne/or Silver accents--I'm not sure yet on the accents, but I know I want green and purple.

Please forgive the terrible camera phone pictures! Above, you can see Maggie modeling the exact dress (colors are Kiwi Stripe for the body of the dress and Aloe for the top and bottom trim and the sash) with a picture frame Aria had of purple flowers.

The second picture is of Rachel in the exact dress I like and Maggie in the style of dress I like, but in the colors Rachel has on.

It feels really good to be making progress on something!

LBS--Lazy Bride Syndrome

(This is what you get when you Google Image search "Lazy Bride Syndrome"!)

All you acronym-lovers out there (Caryn?!) take note--it's a new one I came up with today to describe what I am suffering from.

I have been given a stern talking to by several blog stalkers who are none too happy that I haven't been posting. I'm sorry!

There's lots to blog about--I've gotten quite a bit done in the last week or so!