Ring glitch, Michi glitch

So I picked my engagement ring up from the jeweler's Tuesday after getting it sized. (A seven down to a five--all that cheesecake and short rib I eat at work hasn't fattened my fingers, apparently.) The ring looked and felt so great and I wore it all day. Well, someone must have forgotten to readjust the settings, because somewhere along the way one of the accent diamonds fell out and left a big, gaping hole.

I got irrationally scared to go with Sarah to take the ring back to Zales. I guess I was afraid the repair wouldn't be covered by the warranty and we'd have to argue, or that they'd think we were trying to scam them, or that they'd scoff at us because we didn't buy the Kohinoor. Or worst of all, that they wouldn't be able to fix it and I'd have to return it and look for another ring when I like this one so much.

Sarah ended up going by herself, and of course, there was no problem at all. My customer service nightmares did not come true. They took the ring, apologized profusely, and promised to have it fixed and back in my hands as soon as possible.

And fittingly enough, the whole situation helped remind me of yet another reason I want to marry Sarah: She's damn good in a crisis. Especially a Michi microcrisis. Usually I'm pretty rational, but sometimes a stupid little problem just completely derails me. Then she's there to scoop me up, dust me off, and fix everything before I even know what happened, all without making me feel silly. I love you, Sarah.

Sea dreams

Currently looking for my Little Mermaid tape so I can watch the shipboard wedding for inspiration. (The second wedding, that is, not the first one where Eric almost marries the Sea Witch.)

Ahoy!

One idea we're floating (heh) is to have the ceremony (and reception, if the guest list permits), on the Elissa. She is a restored 1877 merchant barque currently moored at the Texas Seaport Museum in Galveston, and one of the oldest ships still sailing. I toured the Elissa as a child, and it was way cool. Unique, historic, and beautiful--what else could we possibly ask for in a venue?

Oh yeah, affordable. According to the Texas Seaport museum's website, $500 or $750 (weekends) gets you the ship, museum, and pier for a whole evening! (The ship is open to the public during the day.)

This is currently my number one choice. I'm too nervous to call or write. Sarah's going to email them later and ask the important questions. Are our dates available? What's included in the rental fee? Do they allow alcohol? Are they cool with a couple of girls tying the knot on board? Etc...

The one that got away

This beautiful ivory 100% silk chiffon with feather-trim dress by BCBG Max Azria would have been fabulous! Unfortunately, its from the Spring 2008 collection (which is already in the final closeout stages) and no one has it in my size. Boooooo!!!

Nah, that's okay, I wasn't ready to be done shopping, anyway.

Cro$$ing off the Dalla$$ Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum has long been on our shortlist for ceremony locations. It's beautiful, it's serene, and it's popular too--during the spring you can't throw a skipping stone without hitting a flower-festooned bride. Still, after getting more details on wedding rentals, we've decided to take a pass. Man, I should have given up on that place when they started charging $10 to get in.

Several gardens are available for ceremony-only rentals, at prices ranging up to $1000. (On the low end, $200 buys a gazebo for an hour, no seating, 10 guests maximum. ) Reception facilities start at $2500 base rental fee and go up from there. Also, depending on the location, the number of guests, and whether alcohol is served, the Arboretum may require the hosts to add valets and DPD officers to the payroll. Oh, and you can't bring in your own caterer. You have to choose from among the Arboretum's ten or so "approved caterers."

The bright side for brides: The Arboretum will allow non-commercial bridal photography (Sarah: "How generous of them!") during regular business hours with paid admission.

Candy buffet, what's not to like?

Sorry to go all Martha on ya, but...

I love this wedding favor idea from theknot.com!

You buy different bulk candies (preferably color-coordinated with your reception decor, natch), put them in pretty jars, and supply baggies and ribbons. Your guests make their own mix to take home. Just like at the mall! No, seriously, I am going to do this.

Setting a date

We won't have a final date (or even an official working date) until we swap schedules with friends and family, but...

Saturday, September 12, 2009 will be me and Sarah's five year anniversary of dating, and is a) far enough in the future to give us time to plan, b) convenient for guest with work/school schedules, and c) hopefully not to doggone hot for an outdoor ceremony. If that doesn't work out, the 5th or the 19th are other possibilities.