When we were first talking about marriage, we were going to an exotic location. Atlantis in the Bahamas was where we decided on first. I had basically everything picked out for my beach wedding. I sent emails and called the numbers that the website gives. I sent quite a few emails, and left about a million messages. Finally after about three weeks they replied to one of my emails. They sent me the same information as one the website. Then when I replied back it took them another two weeks to get back to me. I was so frustrated because it took them so look, but also they never gave me the information I asked for. After being overwhelmed with stress, I gave up the dream of being married there.
The next place we decided on was this place in our neighborhood. It was a part of both of our Heritages. I was really excited because I had big ideas about what to do. A bonus was that the place was really cheap, so we could spend more decorating. The ceremony would take place outside, and the reception would be in a tent. I really like the place because of the history and the man different areas. My mom had different thoughts about it. She pointed out everything there was to complain about. I didn't even notice half of these things because I was so excited about decorating. My mother and I went back and forth about this location.
Then one evening while driving home from school, I started to think of all the work that I would have to accomplish. I really started to panic. I had three exams that week, and now a wedding to plan in just 7 months. I would have to order chairs, tables, linen, flowers, food, etc. The list just kept going on and on. I called my mom to see what she thought about my thoughts (I knew she would be happy). I told her about how school is so important, and I couldn't really devote my time to planning. I really want a spectacular wedding, but I didn't have the time to do it all. My mom asked me if she could call around to go visit other places. I quickly said that it was a good idea. She called me back moments later.
She asked me about Southern Oaks Plantation. My parents went to a wedding there a few months before, and it was beautiful. She then explain that everything was perfect at that wedding, and she has never went to a "perfect" wedding. I went on the computer, and looked at the plantation. It literally took my breath away. Before I could call my mom, she called me back. She was thrilled because the date I wanted was available. We got together a few minutes late, and we talked to the coordinator on speaker. The coordinator started to explain things to us, but the first thing she said was July and not April. I was like hold on, wait I wanted April 21st, and she had told my mom July 21st was the first available day. I asked her if we could call her back, so that we could discuss this.
After getting off the phone, I was frantic because that was three more months. If we pushed it back that would be over a year away. Which some people plan for years, but we really wanted something sooner. As I sat there thinking about the April date versus the July date, I realized that the April date would be right around final exams. I felt totally ridiculous that I didn't realize this before. The July date is so much better because I will have three or so months to really devote to my wedding. I would be so stressed out about school. Then I called my fiance' to ask him if he thought the July date was better, and he was on board for the new date.
We called the coordinator back, and told her we would love to have that date. She wrote us down, and we scheduled a meeting to go look and talk about the wedding. A few weeks later we went to the very close location, and when I pulled into the gate, I had to gasp for air. I couldn't hardly believe that it could be so much more mystical in person. We drove to the back, and met with the coordinator. We sat down to discuss time, contracts, and things I wanted at the wedding. I have options like fireworks, horse and carriage ride, and so much more. The inside was spectacular and more than I had ever imagined. I fell in love for real this time, and it wasn't like with the other places. I was wide-eyed the entire time we were there. The coordinator explain everything so wonderfully, and she let us know the few things we had to get on our own. After telling us about the things we had to get ourselves(which wasn't many), she gave us a list of recommendations. Most of the things that are need are included such as: food, dj, chairs, drinks, centerpiece, and almost anything else.
I am finally happy with the selection of the place I decided to have my wedding, and most importantly it is stress-free. The people at Southern Oaks Plantation are the most professional, delightful, and everything a bride would want to work with. Not to mention that they sent us home with a congratulatory bottle of Champagne!
