Location, Location, Location!

It's been a long road (on this fast track) but we finally found a location for our wedding over the Christmas "break" via a trip to my fiance's hometown. I am in love with it as much as I was in love with my original idea- a backyard wedding at his Mom's home, and just when I was ready to be okay with "whatever hall who cares" as long as we ended up married at the end of it all, it was as if showing up here was meant to be.

During our tour of the grounds, I was giddy for the first time in our search, and found myself so enamoured. We had 6 more places to see- so to me, it was a good sign that we'd find something we loved.

"Today is a very good day." I shared with the entourage (Brian, his Mom, my sister, and brother in law).

Over the course of the day several of the competition locations eliminated themselves for various reasons- availability, cuisine limitations, style, (and then there was that one place with that one girl who distracted all of us - especially the guys- with her terrible makeup so we didn't hear a word of the pitch she'd presented....)

And in the end, after a "very good day" and two very strong candidates for our final location still in the running, we decided to rest our decision making a bit to spend sightseeing in the city of San Francisco and I realized how swimmingly my sister, my brother-in-law, and my future husband were bantering, and how happy it made me. This is true travel. This is going to actually be such a good thing! And oh how much it meant to me to see the trio actually start to really know and love each other!

The next morning over breakfast I called for a family vote. Will it be WW? or PO? make your mark and we'll tally the votes.

Brian's mom insisted in sitting it out. And although I hoped she'd be a good swing voter in case of a tie, I kept her on call in case we needed a tie-breaker.

A minuet later my sister announced the winner. It's unanimous! the PO has it!!!

I had no idea that all four of us felt that that place was so right. I was ecstatic that Brian had cast a vote without knowing my vote, and so, it was meant to be and there was no more indecision.

We signed the contract that afternoon, and set an actual date which began a real countdown to our nuptials.

Suddenly it became so real, with everything falling into place with so little effort.

The best part is that it still feels very much like the homey and intimate backyard gala I dreamed about in the beginning of all of this- but instead of doing all the work, we'll have a staff to do that for us, and an amazing rolling hillside as our next door neighbor.

I could let you in on more of the enchantment of our "PO" but that would ruin all the mystery behind it!

Instead, dream big, and specific, and just when you think it can't come true you'll find yourself in the middle of something bigger than you could ever imagine (and yep- within your budget).

Think it's too unrealistic? I did too. And yet over and over The Lord reminds me that it is SO easy for Him and all I have to do is trust.

Oh and Congratulations to the newest 2009 brides to be!

Be inspired. It's a very good day for you too.