To Do List Shortened

It's been a productive weekend here in wedding-fest land.

Friday Jon and I took a half-day from work in order to visit City Hall (motto: "Come on in and stand in line.") and apply for a marriage license.

We also went wedding ring shopping (the people at DePrisco Jewelers thought we were nuts to order rings so late, but how long does it take, really, to make a simple white-gold band?)

Despite spending about 1 hour total in various lines at City Hall, the whole process was very quick. Jon and I had plenty of time to visit the New England Aquarium. We're trying hard to do non-wedding-related activities to keep our lives in balance. And nothing is less wedding related than a sea cucumber.

At least, I'm having a hard time thinking of anything less related. Go ahead and try.

I went for my first dress fitting on Saturday morning. KellyM came with to help me put on all the gear. The woman at Threads in Roslindale is fabulous. She is so quick and calm. We were there barely half an hour if that.

And today Jon and I purchased groomsmen gifts.

And no, they're not sea cucumbers.

Oooh! Mail!!!

The reply cards are rolling in! How exciting! Not only are we getting "real" mail every day but I get to make a spreadsheet to keep track of everyone's answers.

I love spreadsheets.

Slowly Jon and I are whittling away at the LIST OF THINGS TO DO. It's really the only thing I still use The Knot for - it is a handy reminder for all those little things (oh yeah .... we need to get a marriage license ....).

And I'm about half way through the thank you cards for the second bridal shower. Whew.

Jon and I also survived our first camping trip together. We managed to set up camp, weather a storm, and break camp without any shouting or bloodshed. I think that pretty much means we ace the compatibility test.

Less than two months to go (eek!). I have a lot of paper flowers to make .....

For me? Thank you!

I'm getting used to this bridal shower thing. It's not a bad gig, really.

Anyone want to throw me another party?

Also: invitations are in the mail! Such a sense of accomplishment!

And: the woman at the clerk's office who answers the phone "Marriage!" in a sharp, curt tone might want to improve her phone skills. I felt like apologizing. "I'm sorry we want to get married. Is it OK if we come by and apply for a marriage license?"

Checkmark!

One of the major pieces of our wedding that had yet to be planned was not a what but a who: Who would marry us? Who would be the officiant?

Well, check that box 'cuz it's complete!

Greg Ansin, who I know through Hearth, has accepted my request and will take on the challenge of getting Jon and I to actually plan our own ceremony (and I will take on the challenge of not letting Jon include too much about hockey, sharks, badgers, or Dr. Who in his wedding vows).

So.... wow! A big week for the Fest-APalooza. Save The Date cards are in the mail, my wedding dress is in the mail, and we have an officiant (although he is not in the mail, he is male).