Holidays, work, and blogging don't mix

I'm a delinquent. I wanted to come right out and say it. I could say that no one sent a Bridespot in for November, which is true. I could say I haven't attended any weddings this month, which is true. I could say, the weather is lousy and I don't like the cold, and it makes me cranky. BUT they would all be lame excuses. Truthfully, I have been crazy busy and my personal life and fun hobbies (like this blog) have taken a backseat to the 9 to 5 and alllllll my social commitments lately. Do you know I have to skip work to go to a florist with my best friend??? How are we that busy, really? And now as tomorrow brings December and lots of holiday parties, my schedule will only tighten. Sometimes you just need a day off. I think I'll get one around January 3rd. Ha! Just have to power through til then. I apologize for being a deliquent, I really do. I hope to get the creative juices flowing again this weekend. Love to all!

Venue of the Month - Meredith Manor

Name: Meredith Manor
Location: Pottstown, PA
Rental Fee:
Day Time: Barn; Barn & Tent

Friday 4 hrs: $1,200; $1,500

Friday 5 hrs: $1,450; $1,825

Saturday Afternoon 4 hrs: $1,200; $1,500

Saturday Afternoon 5 hrs: $1,450; $1,825

Saturday Evening 4 hrs: NA; $2,800

Saturday Evening 5 hrs: NA; $3,400

Sunday 4 hrs: $1,400; $2,200

Exclusive Caterer: They have an exclusive caterer on site. Their food is amazing. They do not offer separate food tastings for every couple getting married at the venue, instead they have 2 open houses a year where they set up food as if for a wedding and there you can taste the food.

Main Ballroom Capacity: The minimum guest count for tent use and/ or for a Friday Evening, Saturday Afternoon, or Sunday is 100 people. The minimum guest count for tent use and/or for a Saturday evening is 125 people. For groups less than 100, the Barn facility may be used on Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons, or Sundays. Maximum Capacity is flexible as a bigger tent can be used.

Limitations/Rules: You must use 1 of their 2 pre-approved DJs and they have an in house baker for the cake which is Bakers of Buffington. They have a recommended (but not required) florist and photographer as well, if you'd like to use them.

# of events per day: 2 events per day.
Parking: plenty of outdoor parking.
Outdoor Space: there is a patio where they have the bar with gazebos and fountains nearby.
Separate Cocktail Space: cocktail hour would be held in the barn and outside on the patio.
Ceremony Site: Yes-outdoor, can be held indoors if weather is bad.
Bridal Suite: Yes.
Air conditioned: Yes.
Handicap Accessible: Yes.
Overnight accommodations: No.
Nearby accommodations: The Inn at Chester Springs, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, all located in Exton, PA.

Special Comments from the Bride Jenn: "The reason we picked this space is because we both absolutely love the outdoors! It's the perfect location for a summer wedding and everything is included so there really isn't much to worry about!"

Thanks to Bride Jenn for suggesting this venue and helping with the post!!

A Fall Colored Wedding

My Beautiful Friends post was just a small preview of the fun to be had at Lissa Bee and Officer Jack's Wedding. They created a lot of the things seen around the wedding themselves or with the help of friends and family. I love when couple's do this, because it makes everything so personal and special. As you can see above, fall colors were everywhere! Sister of the Bride Lil'Jess made fabulous centerpieces below for all the tables with different photos of the couple on each table attached to a pumpkin and paired with a bouquet of fall flowers.


Their cake also featured a very unique cake topper with the bride and groom poised to shoot. Lissa Bee and Officer Jack met when they both joined the Capitol Police Force about 3 years ago.


The Bride and Groom also really love them some tattoos. In fact one of the first things Lissa Bee ever told me about Jack was how beautiful his leg was because of the gorgeous tattoo on it! Here you can see some of the Bride's ink as she breaks it down on the dance floor!

Beautiful Friends

Last night my friend Lissa Bee wed her true love Officer Jack. The whole day was amazing. Another friend of ours officiated and started the day off with an extremely personal ceremony. We all laughed as Lissa Bee swiftly kicked her train out of her way and tossed a grin over her shoulder. Tears were in large supply as the Bride and Groom exchanged their vows and shared their first kiss as man and wife. As they walked down the aisle, Lissa Bee raised her bouquet in victory and let out a cheer. The reception was also a rockin' time. Highlights included a garter removal not to be forgotten as the groom found a flip flop, spoon, condoms, and finally a garter hidden in Lissa's dress. I'm in the middle of taking out the red eye and sharpening the photos now, so a full post is to come later this week. It was a beautiful day with cherished friends and lots of special moments. Congrats you married lady!

Bridespot - Lissa Bee

Well Miss Eliza Blu, Here is my wedding story!

The most fun part of wedding planning for me (so far) has been picking the dress, theme, colors, favors, etc. Of course the most fun will be actually getting married! It was wonderful to make things what I wanted them to be, and how I wanted to do it. I had a vision in my head and tried to create it. I wasn't ready for people to get mad at me, expect me to use their opinions, or have my wedding be how they thought it should be. Officer Jack and I have learned compromise through out this whole process, and have enjoyed it. We have had our bumps in the road with the planning of our wedding, but other than that, everything was pretty smooth. I can't believe I am getting married in 12 days. What's my biggest triumph you ask? Besides paying for most of the wedding ourselves! And besides marrying the man of my dreams! Hehe. Well that would be hand-making lots of stuff for the wedding! I handmade all my wedding favors, and I am helping make the dessert. Now, what will I do after it is all over? :-)

Love,

Bride Lissa Bee

Thanks for sharing! I can't believe you'll be a Married Lady soon. This is a very special first Bridespot as Lissa Bee has been a friend for over 10 years. She is also very modest, she printed her invites at home (you can see them featured in the DIY Invites post), homemade pumpkin butter for her favors and embellished 100s of little jars, AND she decorated her very own pair of white shoes seen in here. She is a DIY Bride Machine.

In addition, she made beautiful gifts for her bridesmaids, which I will post photos of after her wedding, as not to ruin the surprise. I can't wait to be there to see you and Officer Jack tie the knot!