Potential photographer: Nine Photography

So, we're going to meet with another photographer. Actually, Nine Photography is a couple: Kelli and Brendan Ahern. I've been emailing back and forth with Kelli, and just like her and Brendan's photos, she's bright, bold and sincere. I like her. After filling her in on the basics of our wedding, she was able to offer up a couple packages (one with an album, one without) that were what we're looking for -- in the kind of price range we wanted to see. Definitely makes me happy.

Their Web site features a gallery with photos from a single wedding. It highlights their creativity and use of color. Both Matt and I liked the pictures. They're fun, and we want that. Plus, there's not one of the bridal party jumping. It's a deal breaker. I'm pretty sure Matt would quit participating in the formal photos if a photographer tried to get him to do that. Can't say I'd blame him. We don't want anything that looks fake or posed. We want to remember our day the way it was -- the real way. Makes sense, no?

The package we're looking at with Nine Photography includes an engagement session (with as many locations as we want, all the images on CD with print rights, a proof book and a handful of prints), full wedding day coverage (up to 12 hours with both photographers), online viewing and ordering, all high resolution images on CD with print rights, proof book and another handful of prints. Really great. By getting the images we can print our own pictures and create our own albums via Shutterfly. (I've made one there before and loved it.)

Scoping spring bridesmaids dresses

Many of the bridal companies are releasing their Spring 2008 bridesmaids collections right now, so I'm back looking for the right dress for my favorite ladies. B2 by Jasmine Bridal has the entire spring collection available on its site. Of course, you have to go to a store to get a price, try it on and order. There are a couple dresses from the line that I like -- especially now that they are offering lighter fabrics like chiffon. I also saw a couple that could work from Ann Taylor Celebrations (one is pictured).

A large bridal salon in Lewisville, Bridal Boutique, carries the B2 line, After Six, Dessy, Alfred Sung, Bill Levkoff and all the other major lines. I'm hoping to convince my aunt to go with me over there to look at the dresses. Hopefully, I'll be able to narrow it down to a couple. Then, my lovely maid of honor Megan can check it out in Phoenix. Planning from afar isn't easy, but it helps to have good friends.

Oh, it's official

I'll become Mrs. Mueller on May 24, 2008, at Bridlewood. My mom (the awesome lady she is) put down the deposit Wednesday morning. So, I should be getting the contract in the mail to solidify most of the details (plated dinner, open bar, ceremony, etc.). More details to come.

Potential photographer: Sara Dane-Scott

I'm feeling particularly productive this week. We're moving forward with things at Bridlewood, and I've started work on finding the group hotel. Better yet, Matt and I will be meeting with a potential photographer this coming Sunday. Her name is Sara Dane-Scott and she's based out of McKinney, Texas. Her company, SDS Photography, does more than just wedding photography. Her philosophy is all about capturing the big moments in life. Sounds about right, huh? Check out her portfolio on her Web site or various new pictures in her blog.