Finding the Venue

Not so easy. I have a vision. This is what I see:

A castle. Perhaps a lodge. Snow. Twinkle lights. Fireworks. Patrick. Me. The girls. A white dress. A small group of people we love. A short, meaningful ceremony. Light food. Cupcakes. Smiles. Laughter. Quiet background music. Connecting. Tons of pictures. A very nice night that is more of a wonderful party than a traditional wedding reception.

Ideas we've tossed around:

Castle Farms in Charlevoix, Michigan (my No. 1)
Northern Minnesota (his No. 1)
Destination wedding, Ireland
Destination wedding, Alaska
North Carolina (easiest)

My reason for wanting to get married in Michigan is simple: his family is there. Plus, it's just unbelievably beautiful there in the winter. And, well, all year long. It's a place that touched my heart, and I was overwhelmed by seeing Patrick in his element last year. I saw a side to him that I had never seen before. He welcomed me fully into his world, and that was monumental. Okay, maybe my reasons for wanting to get married there aren't so simple.

Castle Farms is beautiful, though. It seems perfect on the one hand with its location and unique beauty. On the other hand - it does seem a bit fancy. It's a little outside of what would accurately reflect who we are.

One place we both really like is The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes in Baxter, Minn. We have stayed there multiple times so we know we like it and are comfortable there. It definitely fits who we are. It's a little out of the way, but it's pretty and in a part of the country that we love. Plus.....

*Minnesota is where he first told me he loves me*

There is magic there for us, and there always has been. It seems like every year our happiest moments are made there.

This could be it, and we both agree it's a possibility (ah! one we agree on!). I have information from two places in Michigan and have requested information from The Lodge in Minnesota. Time for pondering and discussing!

474 days to go!