I’m getting really freaked out about the fact that we have nothing set in stone for our upcoming wedding and honeymoon except for theme park tickets and it’s only three months away. Yes, I know, I’ve been procrastinating. It’s almost like it snuck up on me. Plus since we’re “eloping”, I don’t think it needs to be planned a year in advance like a traditional wedding.
I’m starting to stress about finding an officiant, though. I can’t even decide on someone to call and talk to. I emailed with one lady but didn’t like her. Does it really matter though? The ceremony will be 15 minutes at most.
Last week I actually booked two of the three hotels we were planning on staying at, but now I need to cancel one because we found a nicer place to stay, and change the dates on the other because we keep rearranging our itinerary. Luckily there are no penalty fees for doing this.
However, two of the hotels we’re looking at now are offering some great rates for really nice rooms, but there will be steep fees involved if we don’t stick to our original booking. Needless to say, I am stressing out!
We’re even considering changing our wedding date from Oct 25th to Oct 23rd so we can get married first thing and then do all the fun stuff afterwards. So instead of our original plan of going to Orlando, then the Gulf, then Tampa, then Kissimmee, it will probably be more like the Gulf, Tampa, Orlando, Kissimmee.
We’ve got a lot planned too. Not that I mind, really, as I’m not the type who likes lounging at the pool all day. I like to be out doing stuff. We’ve decided to swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove, so we’re trying to plan that around everything else.
Our plan tonight is to figure this out once and for all, book the hotels, reserve our date for Discovery Cove, and find an officiant to marry us. We want a simple beach wedding, nothing more. Also, we want to find a photographer who won’t charge an arm and a leg to take our photos. He/she doesn’t even have to develop them. I just want 25-50 full resolution photos on a cd for $300 or less. I can get them developed later on at my own cost. Is that too much to ask? :p
I’d photograph your wedding for you! Alas, I’m a little out of the way. Have you considered trying a photography website and asking a good amateur to do your photos? If they’re outside, it won’t be that hard and there are usually some looking-to-get-some-pro-experience-in people who are willing to do it for less. I’m guessing you won’t be able to find a professional who will do what you’re asking.
The place where you’re getting married may be able to recommend some officiants. If you’re having friends go, you could get one of them ordained to do it. Or you could sneakily get married at town hall before you go and then have an unordained person just speak. :)
Ok, I’m answering you here since you refuse to put your real email address in the box *grumble* :)
That’s a good idea about checking a photography website. Once we get the officiant (I will call the hotel this week to see if they have any recommendations), I am going to post a request at dpreview.com’s forums. Thanks mk!
I love the fact that you’re eloping, yet have been planning the wedding for quite a while!
A good place to check out photographers might me knot.com. They split up their discussion boards by state/area and a lot of the brides rate their vendors after the wedding, including photographers. Perhaps if one stood out you could check them out and see if they offer what you’re interested in.