Dreams + Reality = Perfection

Man oh man. I just started this whole wedding planning thing and I was already prepared to throw my arms in the air and elope. Like, seriously elope. I was trying to figure out how I could convince Carl to think eloping was a good idea. But, being the level-headed one (sometimes) between us, he kept reminding me that down the road I would regret not celebrating with my family and close friends. I suppose he's right...just don't tell him I said that :)

With my work schedule, work consumes my life from June - September. As a result, I really wanted/needed us to nail down a wedding venue & date as soon as possible. We both knew we wanted it this year and in October. I figured this would be simple. I feel as though someone should have pulled the whole 90's expression on me: Yo Sara, picking your venue will be a cinch...NOT!

DREAMS + REALITY
We started with these venues. Each had something we liked - but none left us feeling excited.

Turner Hall - Awesome local music venue with tons of old, vintage style.
Photo Property of Turner Hall

Coast Restaurant - Classy. Not a ton of unique character. Just classy and way out of our budget. Dang it, why are we not rich! Whatever, it was kind of boring anyways.
Photo Property of Coast Milwaukee

Grafton Ale House - Lots of character...awesome wood beams, cool outdoor patio and super budget-concious. But we were a bit concerned about the casual bar atmosphere downplaying the fact that this is such a big day in our lives.
Photo property of Milwaukee Ale House

PERFECTION
Today I was really feeling unenthused about the whole venue selection. My friend Abbey made a comment about her wedding and how when she visited the venue, she just knew it was the place. Well, tonight - I felt what she was talking about.

This place is soooooo amazing. It combines what we liked about all of the venues we visited! Carl & I didn't even have to discuss it - it was just apparent in both of us. Not only was the venue full of character, but it also was intimate and classy. Minimal decorations will be needed - the space seriously speaks for itself.

Here's a pic from their web site...I'm not telling you where it is just yet :)

If this place pans out...you are going to have a blast at our wedding. #Fact.