What an AWESOME approach!

How awesome would this be???? (via Desire to Inspire)

Hangings

How cutie are these??? - Another Loving Photo from Once Wed!

Photographers

Oh I'm in L-O-V-E with these photogs!

I think this is some really bad-ass ideas too! Michele M Waite

A Bryan Photography

Amy Deputy - i LOVE this and she's "local" but the least expensive package starts at $4500!!!

Table Settings

All from Once Wed

How adorable is this??!!!???

Or this one?

And the top left one!!

The White Dress

It's pretty and it's white!

ABS by Allen Schwartz Strapless Chiffon Gown @ Nordstrom's $358

Simplicity about

(Pottery Barn)

I'm in love with the simplicity of these vases - nothing even needs to be in them and the bonus - if i mix them all up and get different sizes, colors, shapes, etc.....i can keep them ALL!!!!

*okay i know that its overboard for 3 sets of vases at 13 tables - who needs 36 vases?!?*

A non-traditional wedding dress for a non-traditional bride

Okay so i know its not white, but i also know how flattering this pleating is on me...plus i LOVE the bodice!

$537 badgley mischka at saks

table settings

Nancy Liu Chin Designs

oooooo found something neato! Really like the simplicity of the polished riverstones, not a fan of the (a) orange flowers and (b) somewhat dead looking flowers. I also like the colored bottles with the singular flowers. Also, how cool is the banana leaf wrapped candle holders!

It's all about the location

So here's where i have been having my breakdown. I have this image as to what I want my wedding to look like in my head and I can concede to certain things but the bottom line is this. if its not what going to be the perfect day - the one perfect, semi-controllable day - what's the point in even having it. And, for that matter, Jay and I could just go to the justice of the peace. But, that's just it - it IS our day. The one and only day that we decide the date on. Kids - not in our hands, buying a home - not in our hands (closing dates, etc). A wedding, and our wedding, that day is our choice and damit - i'm gonna try and perfect it!

So here's my list of things I desire for the ultimate Shannon & Jason wedding.

1) An outdoor ceremony AND reception. As optomistic as I can be, there is the mother who constantly (daily, hourly) reminds me that yes if its all outdoors and it rains then what's hour back up. And that's the thing - backup - I don't mind tents or even a stand alone shelter. In fact, if that had to be the set-up and the sides were removable that'd be just fine as well!
2) Sleeping quarters - I would love to accommodate everyone, however I would be okay if 40 people or so (about half the expected) could stay onsite.
- these accommodations have to be CLEAN and reasonably priced (i'd love to get it so its around $250-300/couple for the weekend OR less of course)
3) At around $100pp for food and open bar for the entire evening
4) I kinda sorta need a water source and trees. Like kinda as in HAVE TO! The romance of tree canopies and serenity of water.....SCREAMS shannon and jason's wedding :0) Also, I do not whatsoever want to see any highrises, or neighbors or a parkinglot.
5) No end @ hour - no requirements that we have to have everything shut down by 10pm, 11pm or midnight....or that i can't take photos after 6pm. NO RESTRICTIONS!
6) If I could I'd love if I could bring in my own booze. But if I can't then it MUST be reasonably priced.....not $30/hour/person.....
7) Required - as per Jason - that it has to be within a 4 hour drive distance from Asbury Park
Here's what I've gotten so far.....most of the things I need......check'em out:

Maryland's Eastern Shore:
Ransome's Chesapeake Bay Retreat - $4500/weekend, sleeps 34 comfortably, other rentals nearby, bring in EVERYTHING
*runner up: Captain's Quarter's, Cod's Point

New York's Catskills:
Full Moon Resort - $145pp (includes, 3 hours open bar) + LOTS of additional costs....

Bridal Dress Ideas

Stumbled across these guys while searching around for ideas (as usual)

Lela Rose (Fall Collection - The Chapel)

Lela Rose (Fall Collection - The Cloisters)

Power Shots

Here's kind of what I'd love/dream of having my wedding like...lots of cool ideas!

Loving the tree canopies, candle lit pathway and blue linens!
(curtoesy of Soiree)

Nice Arched Area and Huge Trees.......
(Curtoesy of Liz Banfield Photography)

I love the simplicity (and the scent) of lilies and these are a great example! I also think that it might be a great idea to take flowers (fake handmade ribbon / not real) like this from the trees!(curtoesy Soiree)