Wedding Expo Madness and a slow 5k

This weekend I went to my second wedding expo. 

My first was a bit of a disappointment - only a handful of vendors, no more than one of any type of vendor, except bakers (lots, and lots of bakers), a higher price tag, and a "goodie bag" that only had a few older copies of wedding magazines.

This expo was quiet the experience.  It was hosted by a local bridal network.  There were plenty of bridal shops, many of which were very sorry that they didn't have the dress I continue to search for, but they all assured me that they had a good relationship with the designer and could get a sample when it was available for a loan.  One of the bridal salons had a goodie bag with Bride and Groom flutes  (one less thing to do!).

I must say that David's Bridal lived up to their online reputation - rude and pushy.  I don't think I'll be keeping the appointment they pushed me into booking.

Tons of photographers, all of which asked the date and checked their calendars.  At least they didn't bother to waste my time if they weren't available.  Photographers I am finding to be one of the more difficult vendors.  They all have these long detailed packages - most of which include a ton of stuff that I have no clue what they are!   And yet packages that cost three, four thousand dollars that don't even seem to include an album.   And what type of editing is this that they are including?  Are they going to Photoshop us?  If so, can I skip any treatments and just have everything done digitally?  I think I'd rather sleep in the morning of the wedding rather than do hair and makeup appointments. 

Speaking of beauty treatments - I've become that bride: toning exercises, teeth whitening, etc . . . but that's for another post.

I was also glad to see several travel agents, with lots of brochures that I could hand off to the fiancé to plan our post wedding getaway.  He kept nixing my honeymoon ideas, so he can plan it. 

Since I now have an ample selection of vendors to meet my every need from balloon centerpieces to photo booths (maybe, and I doubt it) I think planning may be a little easier. 

On the other hand, I did drag myself to the gym for my first "run" since I did a 10k a week and a half ago.  It was the first time I did a treadmill 5k (my standard workout) since getting injured in September.  I walked it, but it was only 42:08.  My bad knee was fine, my worse knee was fine, my hip was cranky, but all in all it was a nice start. 

The Maggie Bride

My parents are snowbirding it this winter.  Since they are leaving mid January, there are a few things I want done before they leave.  Number one: the dress. 

This weekend I started my dress shopping experience.  The first place we went to was a little shop about the size of my closet and twice as full.  I found a dress there I liked, and liked more and more after leaving the shop.  The thing is, the shop was so tiny I didn't really get a chance to see the dress.  So I called other salons that carried the same line.  And called.  And called.  No one had this dress! 

Finally I talked to a very nice woman at a salon that explained that this dress was too new.  Most places didn't order the dress, and the salons couldn't get a loaned version until after the trunk shows completed for the season (ie: December). The woman said a lot of places didn't order the dress because it was very different than most of the designer's dresses, and most "Maggie Brides" (it is a Maggie Sorreto gown) wanted a certain look. 

So then I wondered: how many times does one have to get married to be a "Maggie Bride"?  After all, I thought you were just a bride, and you bought a dress.  Personally I'm hoping to only be a bride once, but are Maggie's brides often returning customers?  If so, do I really want to go to a designer that other brides go to time and time again?  Somehow that feels like a bad omen.

The Running Bride

To anyone that stumbles across this blog: welcome!  I am the Running Bride. 

So a bit about me.  A few years ago, I started to run.  I hate running, but did it anyway to try and lose weight and improve my health.  The couch to 5k program turned into regular 5ks with friends, which turned into 10ks, which turned in a half marathon, which has now turned into even more half marathons.

Along the way I met another runner.  And then about one month ago, we sat on a beach watching the sunrise over the ocean and he asked me to marry him.

So the purpose of this blog is simple.  The next year will be a bit of a roller coaster.  The last 30 days have already been filled with ups and downs, visits to reception venues and physical therapists.  Between planning a wedding, training for multiple running events, selling and buying a new home - this next year is going to be crazy, and I want to remember as much of it as I can.