whew, this week is proving to be a whirlwind already! In order to take a break from it all I thought I’d come back to my happy place and blog about a recent visit to a possible wedding spot. Even though our wedding date isn’t set exactly, we have an idea to look out for September 2012. I know you’re thinking, well why the heck are you already looking when it’s 2 long years away?! True True. I confess, once I get my mind going on something there’s no turning back! We visited a local golf course/country club called Anthem and it was gorgeous!
I’m not quite sure why the wedding thoughts all of a sudden, even though we’ve been together for 4 years now, but Chris and I sat down and thought it would be a good idea to just set a ‘date’ and start saving. Two years should give us enough time to graduate with our Masters and save up if we can buckle down and put some away each month. I just want to start looking to get an idea of what’s out there. Plus, well, it’s just plain darn fun!
I don’t want a big, lavish, over the top crazy expensive wedding. I just can’t fathom spending that much moola on one night, no matter how special it is. I have been looking at all sorts of wedding ideas and man oh man it’s tough not to get all googly-eyed on all the extravagant things you can do. Then I just think about the price tag and get slapped back to reality.
Ok, I’m kind of thinking an Italian, rustic, Tuscan, backyard type wedding theme? I love the idea of a backyard wedding. Something simple yet elegant. Oh yes and I love sunflowers and don’t care if I don’t see a single rose. I’d also love to have those hanging light bulbs like you see on patios. Kind of like this but with more greenery?
[photo by: Leigh Miller Photography]
and this . . .
[source]
This one on the other hand, may be a fire hazard . . .
Anthem is at the South end of town and sits pretty high so that it has a gorgeous view of the valley. Not sure why we always seem to choose the spots looking at the strip from afar 🙂
Anthem invited me, my groom and wedding party for an Open House showcasing their wedding venue which included different vendors they prefer and free samples of their appetizers and cake. I’m always up for that.
The dining room was just gorgeous and I think I got a bit googly-eyed to be honest. (Thank you to Kristen who let me use some of her pictures since I was a doof and forgot my camera memory card).
There were a few photography vendors. Chris actually found some friends from high school in one of the books!
This cheese was outstanding!
A little bubbly.
I guess you can have balloons and even fireworks.
cool drink favors.
I thought this potato bar was the coolest idea ever. Basically the chef scoops out whatever kind of potato you like into a martini glass (purple, sweet, or russet) and then tops it with your favorites. This would be awesome for a party, not just a wedding. I think you can guess what party I’ll be having next *wink, wink*
Chris and I definitely want to have some kind of live music during the cocktail hour, especially jazz or a crooner type.
Imagine sunflowers and probably smaller 🙂
And the cake was ah-mazing!
Quite a big sample to try and I couldn’t resist them. We liked the almond with strawberry mousse a lot and she said she makes a banana cake with peanut butter mousse too. I’m sold!
We didn’t get too many pictures from the outside, but here are some others from the Anthem site . . .
Well there you have it, what do you think for a first wedding venue choice? I was actually surprised at how reasonable the prices were too.
I also want to say thanks to Kristen for joining us and being one of my bridesmaids!!!! I can’t wait!
There’s actually another bridal show I found on Sunday and I may go just for fun!
Any wedding ideas/advice from those of you who have been there?
hey kristen! i love that wedding spot. we live in anthem! (but of course not the country club…i wish).
i don’t know if this is your style, but i look at this website sometimes and i love all their ideas for their wedding. check it out : http://www.younghouselove.com/ . just click on “our wedding”.
Comment by jamie k — August 31, 2010 @ 9:54 pm
jamie , yes!!!! that is adorable, love it!
Comment by Kristen :) — August 31, 2010 @ 10:01 pm
I’m so embarrassed to admit this, but I thought you two were already married! Ooops, I was wrong. So this is very exciting. I bet you and Chris will get married around the same time Nick and I do. I would think we’ll get married either next fall or the following fall.
The venue looks so amazing and the food looks even better. You are definitely smart for starting early, even if it’s WAY early (I say it’s NEVER too early!!). I’m so excited already!
Comment by The Candid RD — September 1, 2010 @ 3:47 am
@Gina, haha sometimes I forget too. It’s like we’re already married practically except the legal documents and tax breaks. I’m sure you feel like that with Nick too 🙂
Comment by Kristen :) — September 1, 2010 @ 7:50 am
I think the venue looks beautiful. I love your idea for a rustic Italian theme. My friend had outdoor lights at her wedding, and it a really nice effect. I definitely don’t think it’s too early to start looking at sites and planning ahead!
Comment by Emily — September 1, 2010 @ 5:09 am
What a fun experience!! All of the food and drinks look fab. I love the potato bar. I’ve also seen a similar set-up but mac & cheese. And I’ve seen 1/2 avocados that you can dress up with Mexican-themed toppings – I think they had ground beef, shredded chicken, black beans, salsa, etc. I’m about to get married but Billy and I aren’t having a typical wedding. Just a private ceremony with the 2 of us in Italy (in 2 weeks!) then we’ll have a big party with fam & friends to celebrate when we return. 🙂
Comment by Dorry — September 1, 2010 @ 6:58 am
Dorry, That is so neat, congrats!!! You’ll have to let me know how Italy is. Chris and I want to try to go there for a honeymoon 🙂 Can’t wait to see pictures!
Comment by Kristen :) — September 1, 2010 @ 7:49 am
http://offbeatbride.com/ love this site! Check it out!
Comment by Jeanne — September 1, 2010 @ 7:31 am
What a beautiful spot! It takes me back to my own wedding planning. I really enjoyed the process. Its nice that you’ve given yourselves so mcuh time to plan…without a time crunch, you can really take your time and mkae the day exactly what you want it to be 🙂 So happy for you!
Comment by Shannon — September 1, 2010 @ 9:19 am
That place is so pretty! And the potato bar is so unique and tasty sounding. I wanna do that at home for a party.
Comment by Heather @ Get Healthy with Heather — September 1, 2010 @ 10:48 am
Looks pretty snazzy. I would say go with crooner music, see if Buble is busy that weekend? 🙂
Comment by Allen — September 1, 2010 @ 11:02 am
Allen, yea that’s what I was thinking. We wanted to see if Richard Cheese could play for fun but he charges $12,000 per hour, yikes! lol
Comment by Kristen :) — September 1, 2010 @ 11:07 am
@Kristen 🙂,
Richard Cheese would also be cool….but not at 12,000 / hr!!!!
Comment by Allen — September 1, 2010 @ 11:47 am
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Love those drink favors!!
Comment by BroccoliHut — September 1, 2010 @ 5:15 pm
Yay! I am so excited! I really liked that venue a lot. I can’t wait for you guys to check out Lake Las Vegas. It is just so beautiful out there.
I can’t wait to share this experience with you!
Comment by Kristen (swanky dietitian) — September 1, 2010 @ 8:19 pm
I love the idea of a rustic, backyard wedding. This country club looks beautiful! And if almond strawberry mousse cake is an option…I’d be sold too!
Comment by Lily @ Lily's Health Pad — September 2, 2010 @ 4:07 am
What a GORGEOUS venue! I am in love with those stringy lights!!
Comment by Megan @ The Oatmeal Diaries — September 2, 2010 @ 5:54 am
Looks great. I am familiar with Anthem and the location is great. Sounds like good food. We had live music for the processional (or whatever you call it). When we walked in and out of the ceremony, my sisters old roommates (who have a local MD band) played keyboard and violin for the music. It was very nice, tasteful, not too loud, and well received.
Comment by Melinda — September 2, 2010 @ 8:48 am
my oh my – everything looks stunning!
Comment by Lisa (Bake Bike Blog) — September 2, 2010 @ 3:40 pm
hahahaha. wedding advice !?!?! 😉 Here’s my best advice…
Spend twice as long planning the marriage as you do planning the wedding and you should be golden.
Looks like a gorgeous venue! Never too early to figure out what you want!
Comment by bhealthier — September 3, 2010 @ 7:17 am
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