So, like I was saying in my last post, Jer and I had an appointment to check out Centennial Lakes Park in Edina. We met with the assistant park manager, Laura, on Saturday, and she was extremely nice and super helpful. The building itself is cute, but I was worried that it might be a bit small. She assured us it was big enough for 120 people, though, and after looking at pictures of previous receptions, I can see that she's right. It was a bit hard to imagine what everthing is going to look like in the spring, since everything is covered with snow and ice right now, but it definitely looks promising. Here are a few of the pictures that we took while we were there.
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This is the front of the building. Very cute.
This is the back of the building. It might be hard to tell because the picture is a bit small, but there is a big patio that extends from one end of the building to the other. Exclusive use of the patio is included in the rental price.
This is the outdoor amphitheater where they often hold wedding ceremonies. If you reserve the reception building, the amphitheater is only an additional $75, which I think is a great deal. You can't tell because of the snow and ice, but the tented area is partially surrounded by the water from the lake. I guess some couples choose to arrive by gondola during the summer. =)
This is the inside of the building. During the winter, they use it as a warming house for the ice skaters. It looks (understandably) messy right now, but once they pull the mats off of the floor and remove the benches and decorations, it's really nice. I love all of the natural light.
This is a floorplan of the building that I pulled off of the park's website. We would be renting the Fireside and Parlor rooms combined, and we would also be allowed use of the atrium (though I think the public is also allowed in this area, since that's where the bathrooms are located). The room is fairly long and narrow, but I think it would work for the number of people that we are expecting to invite.
This is a shot from one of the bridges. That isn't just a big patch of ground that's been iced over--it's actually a lake! A man-made lake, sure, but a lake nevertheless. =) That's the building where we'd be holding the reception, and you can see the ceremony amphitheater to the left off in the distance.
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This is the outdoor amphitheater where they often hold wedding ceremonies. If you reserve the reception building, the amphitheater is only an additional $75, which I think is a great deal. You can't tell because of the snow and ice, but the tented area is partially surrounded by the water from the lake. I guess some couples choose to arrive by gondola during the summer. =)
This is the inside of the building. During the winter, they use it as a warming house for the ice skaters. It looks (understandably) messy right now, but once they pull the mats off of the floor and remove the benches and decorations, it's really nice. I love all of the natural light.
This is a floorplan of the building that I pulled off of the park's website. We would be renting the Fireside and Parlor rooms combined, and we would also be allowed use of the atrium (though I think the public is also allowed in this area, since that's where the bathrooms are located). The room is fairly long and narrow, but I think it would work for the number of people that we are expecting to invite.
This is a shot from one of the bridges. That isn't just a big patch of ground that's been iced over--it's actually a lake! A man-made lake, sure, but a lake nevertheless. =) That's the building where we'd be holding the reception, and you can see the ceremony amphitheater to the left off in the distance.
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Sooooo, after touring the building and talking to Laura, I was almost ready to book the place right then and there. She told me to sleep on it, though, and to call her on Monday if I still felt ready. She even said she'd write my name down for May 22, 2010 so that no one else would snatch it up in the meantime. See? She was SO nice!
Anyway, I tried to sleep on it, but I ended up stressing about wedding details all night and not getting any sleep until about 8:00 in the morning. I slept for 2 hours and then we had to wake up and check out of the hotel. Ugh. NOT FUN. We decided to stop by Centennial Lakes one last time before heading home, and we both agreed that it was a great spot.
So, after all that, what is my problem? Well, it's this...
I feel bad. I feel guilty. If we have our wedding up in the Cities, we're going to end up excluding 75% of Jeremy's family. He says he's okay with that, but I know he'd love to have everyone there. Plus, his mom and sister are both rather disgruntled at the thought that we might make that decision. I know, I know...it's not their wedding. Still, though, I don't want a bunch of pissy people at our wedding, and I don't want to piss off my in-laws any more than I already have.
I'm so awful when it comes to making decisions. I can never please everyone, and, more often than not, I end up sacrificing my own desires in order to make sure someone else doesn't get upset. It's a trait that I get from my mother, and I just don't know how to get past it. I swear, those chicks on Bridezillas may be bitches, but they are bitches that get the job done. =P Maybe I should take some notes.
Anyway, I tried to sleep on it, but I ended up stressing about wedding details all night and not getting any sleep until about 8:00 in the morning. I slept for 2 hours and then we had to wake up and check out of the hotel. Ugh. NOT FUN. We decided to stop by Centennial Lakes one last time before heading home, and we both agreed that it was a great spot.
So, after all that, what is my problem? Well, it's this...
I feel bad. I feel guilty. If we have our wedding up in the Cities, we're going to end up excluding 75% of Jeremy's family. He says he's okay with that, but I know he'd love to have everyone there. Plus, his mom and sister are both rather disgruntled at the thought that we might make that decision. I know, I know...it's not their wedding. Still, though, I don't want a bunch of pissy people at our wedding, and I don't want to piss off my in-laws any more than I already have.
I'm so awful when it comes to making decisions. I can never please everyone, and, more often than not, I end up sacrificing my own desires in order to make sure someone else doesn't get upset. It's a trait that I get from my mother, and I just don't know how to get past it. I swear, those chicks on Bridezillas may be bitches, but they are bitches that get the job done. =P Maybe I should take some notes.
4 comments:
You are funny! That is a tough call Heather. All I can say is this... all you can do is try your best and that you won't be able to please everyone no matter how hard you try. Try not to stress too hard and enjoy it a little :) This is the biggest party you will ever get to plan and throw (at least most people).
Did you know that is where Kevy and I got married...although in December...on ice skates...in 14 degrees I think *laugh*! It was awesome! I loved it there...all the lights and skaters around ;) We had our reception at Edinborough Park right across the street...well, kind of across the street.
Looking at all those pictures reminded me of when we went to check it out too! Thanks for the pictures...how fun! I will have to email Kevin and have him check out your post.
Oh Sweetie, I know it's hard, but it is your wedding, and if you want to get married there, then by all means, do it. If Jer's family really wants to come, they'll find a way to make that trip. Don't let them guilt you!!! I'm sure Jer would agree with that (right Jer)?
Oh, wow...I had no idea, Jess! That's cool. =) We also looked into Edinborough Park, but I guess they don't rent the place out for private events anymore. Kinda a bummer. Glad you liked the pictures!
Hey - why I am so late to the commenting game! Appears you have to be on the blogs bright and early to beat Jess and Annie... ;)
Anyways - I know that spot! And it is indeed beautiful. I think it would make lovely wedding local. And no matter what you plan, someone will be put-off by something - it is inevitable. So, take the families' thoughts into consideration - but I'd say if you and Jer are happy with it, that is what matters.
And relax! It is supposed to be fun to plan a wedding! Of course, this is coming from someone who became so stressed she developed mono... but after I was forced to let things slide and relax more or my spleen was going to rupture - the planning and actual wedding was much more fun!
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