We have many friends and family to thank for their help and support during the weekend, and we are truly indebted to them.  From the Rafferty's who pulled more than their share decorating, to the girls in my lab for being their every step of the way, the Chicagoans, the Ahrens for coming such a long way, the El Pasoans who didn't forget old friendships, the aunts and uncles who helped in all different capacities, and all of the great people in between, we say THANK YOU.  Really, thank you.  We love you.  You all are the best friends and family a couple of goofs like us could ask for. Bryan and I are very blessed.

On to the good stuff:  I will be posting photos as I wrangle them up, and if you have any, please email them to me, at bolner34@gmail.com.

Happy New Year, and may all your hopes and dreams be fufilled!

Love,

Chelle  &  Bryan 

Our outdoor ceremony option, if the weather is permitting in December.

The patio overlooking Lake Travis

This isn't the best photo, but the lake will be the backdrop for our outdoor wedding!

The entrance to the ballrooms. Quaint but pretty in person.

An example of the spread we'll be having!

There are two large rooms in this facility, which we'll be using. This is where we'll hold our dinner reception.

The two guys that will stand beside me (and probably keep me from getting away... Just kidding.) I love these boys.

Now I know that some people find it odd or non-traditional to have a guy as my maid of honor.  Leo has been my best friend and closest confidant since middle school - this is the guy that had his ear chopped in half by one of my goats, been beaten up by my ex, and has helped me move from here to there and back again, and has held no remorse.  To be clear, I have never had many girlfriends, and have always been one of the guys, so it makes perfect sense that Leo stands up with me at my wedding.  And did I mention that my other best friend Sam is taking all our photos for this shindig?

Yep, Bryan's marrying a tomboy. I know its because I can change the oil in a car, drive a truck and can hammer a nail straight. 

- Chelle 

http://www.photoshelter.com/c/samuel_gonzalez/gallery/Engagements/G0000HHSihj5154g/

However, as of 4pm CDT today we do have:

• a venue - Vintage Villas will be the site of both the ceremony and the reception, complete with an indoor rain plan,
• a dress (which I'd LOVE to show you, because its so darned cute and girly, which is so unlike me),
• and a photographer (who just happens to be the most awesome photojournalist I know, and my best friend!).
• I have a color scheme laid out -claret, black and white,
• the makings of a guest list
• *a cake and bakery in mind*,
  
• been narrowing down honeymoon ideas.

But there's still a lot I haven't done nor even begun to think about yet.  I haven't flushed out my wedding party, I have yet to look into florists, DJ's nor a set of strings for the ceremony.  Not to mention that my uncle has backed out of playing at (or even attending) my wedding for a Christmas cruise through the Panama canal (can we say OUCH?).  I have looked at one cake baker, but really should taste at least one other place.  Thankfully I don't have to worry about a caterer, just narrowing down what I want served at the venue (its included in the rental), and of course engagement photos need to be taken, save-the-dates sent out, groomsmen and usher attire picked out, etc, etc, etc until I want to shoot myself.

So why didn't I listen to my Dad and elope? Heavens knows.  I do know one thing though, and that is that I really need to get off my ass and start working on this!