Registered at...

Hi all,

Its been awhile. So sorry...

A few weeks ago, Tyler and I went to register. Um...it was fun. Tyler's initial reaction was "Do I have to go?" Once we were there and got started with everything, he had a great time! So did I!

We registered at Crate and Barrel. Sorry, San Antonio friends and family. There is not a Crate and Barrel in S.A. but I hear they are building one soon! Be prepared for greatness! You can still do it all online.

We would also like gift cards from IKEA. You can go into a store and get them there. If you don't have a store near you, please call 1-800-434-IKEA.

That's all from this end!

Talk to you soon!

-tam

Photography, Cakes, and a Caterer

The last few weeks Tyler and I narrowed down our photographer to two choices. We met with them both and settled on Terrence from Beautiful Capture. He does mostly daytime weddings...which is us. I really enjoy his style and his pictures. He is in the middle of revising his packages that he offers to clients so he threw in a free engagement secession. Exciting!

Cakes...this was fun. Sunday we went to Matty Cakes. This is one of the cheaper bakers in Austin. However, their service was wonderful. The owner and I emailed each other several times with ideas before we went to taste the cakes. Upon our arrival, he warmly greeted us and placed two abnormally large plates in front of Tyler and myself. On the plates were the three cake flavors, fillings, and frosting. The cake flavors we chose were butter yellow, red velvet, and German chocolate. Neither Tyler nor myself were a fan of the red velvet cake. However, the other two cakes were AMAZING! I could not decide. Tyler decided on the butter yellow for us. Anything with the word butter in it must be good! We chose the chocolate butter cream filling and the sweet vanilla butter cream frosting. As for the design of the cake...let's just say the owner of Matty Cakes is brilliant and is giving us exactly what we want. You will have to be surprised.

The caterer. This was the most difficult part of planing this wedding. The amount of time devoted to finding a caterer in our budget was enormous. Alas! (I've always wanted to use that work in everyday conversation). We found one. All Fired Up catering is the catering company for Pok-e-Joe's barbecue. It is not barbecue, it is a little nicer! The menu consits of hours'd'ouves only:
*Texas White Wings bacon wrapped chicken breast with a sliver of jalapeno
*Pork Tenderloin & Red Onion Marmalade Crostini
*Texas Tapas - queso, guacamole, pineapple salsa, salsa verde, picante sauce, and tortilla chips
*Beverages - water, tea, Shiner Bock, Red and White wine, and champagne

Yummy!

-tam

Bridesmaid Dresses and Flowers

I know...it has been a while since I last updated. So here it goes. Two weeks ago Tyler and I went to Dallas. We left bright and early on Saturday morning to meet Tim and Debi. We spent most of the day looking for brown cotton fabric that will translate well to a dress. We did not know what a challenge that would be. Several hours later and much to Tim and Tyler's relief we were finished.

Later that night, Sarah (Tyler's cousin) our florist came over to talk flowers. She had so many good ideas. I will leave it a mystery until the wedding day. But...thanks to Sarah it will be beautiful.
Visit Sarah's website.

-tam

Things to do in Austin

If you decide to stay in Austin here are a few things that you and your family can do!

Museums and that sort:
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum - some history and an IMAX
The Capital - a bit of history and gorgeous building
Austin Children Museum - lots-o-fun
The University of Texas - beautiful campus, lots to do, Hook 'em Horns

Outdoor Fun:
Texas Rowing Center - kayak on Town Lake
Barton Springs Pool - naturally spring fed (big Austin landmark)
Mt. Bonnell - must watch the sun set from here. It is beautiful.
Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail - take a walk, ride a bike, run, enjoy Austin
The Zilker Zephyer - small train that roams around Zilker Park, family fun!

Comida (food for you English speaking folks):
Oasis - mediocre food with a great view of Lake Travis. Also has beautiful sunsets.
Chuy's - great family restaurant - about as Austin as it gets
Hula Hut - bring your quarters to feed the fish (you will see what I mean) be prepared to wait
The Tavern - best burgers in Austin and it is haunted....spooky
Amy's Ice Cream - if you don't do anything else...you must do this! Order Mexican Vanilla!

Shopping (ladies...):
South Congress - unique shopping for the whole family! Very Austin. Very eccentric
Toy Joy - top ten toy store in the nation...toys for kids of all ages 0-99!
The Drag - across for The University of Texas, an entire street of shops and artisian markets

Day Trippers:
Hamilton Pool - don't miss this if you have the time. Amazing
Wine Trails - 2nd most visited wine trail in the country

Adults Only:
6th Street - bars, bars, bars, bars and crazy people. 21 and up please
4th Street - a little more sophisticated. For you late 20's to mid 30's folks.
The Daught House - beer and wine only. One of the bars in Austin where you form a line!
The Dog and Duck - same as above with a British feel.

Accommodations

Hi all! I am working on discounted accommodations for guests who wish to stay in Austin Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night. I have contacted several hotels and three have given me a good deal. They are all within five miles of the wedding venue and are all off of IH 35. Like I said before, there are three choices.

Homewood Suites is moderately priced at $119 a night. Amenities include a pool, fitness center, kitchenette with a full size refrigerator, and continental breakfast. When making a reservation for this hotel please enter AMW in the group code for your discount.

Springhill Suites is cheaper and priced at $89 a night. Amenities include a pool, complimentary WiFi, microwave, tiny refrigerator, and continental breakfast. I will let you know the group code when they get back to me. Do not reserve this hotel until I get the discount code. You don't want to pay full price!

Finally, The Omni is for you swanky folks that want to have a slightly luxurious stay for a slightly higher rate of $125 a night. Of course this is for their cheapest room. The other rooms are discounted at $145 and $165 depending on the room. Amenities include a pool, turn down service, several restaurants, a spa, kids program, and many more. Again, do not reserve this hotel until I get the discount code.

I should get the discount codes for the hotels sometime this week. I will update this posting with the information and instructions for reservations. I have also posted the links on the side under accommodations.

I hope you can stay with us here in Austin!

-tam

The Dress

Last weekend I had the pleasure of spending the day with my mama, aunt, and future mother-in-law. While the boys went out to play golf, the ladies went wedding dress shopping.

It was surprisingly painless and fairly quick. I had an appointment at David's Bridal in north Austin. We were warmly greeted by our salesperson, Linda. She ran us through dress sizes, colors, and styles. It was a bit overwhelming. There were hundreds of dresses to choose from and I could only choose four to start. I did not know where to begin. Thankfully, my mama and Tyler's mom stepped up and began to choose a little for me. I was told to choose one ivory dress and three white. So after we chose the dresses we went to the mirrored dressing area.

Linda went to get a "bridal bra" which went below my belly button all the way up to my boobs. Men, consider yourself lucky you don't have to wear one. A petticoat was added at one point prompting me to sweat. I am sure it had something it do with the florescent lights and room of mirrors. Oh yeah, and the layers of clothing.

I tried on two dresses. I got to the second one...and told everyone I was finished. I found my dress and had no desire to try on another. Then, thankful that Debi was there, began to talk about alterations and bustles. After ideas from Debi and the quote from the alteration lady, we decided that Debi would do the alterations. The quote for the alterations was half the price of the dress. By the way Debi, thank you thank you thank you again!

Veils, jewelry, and shoes will be decided at a later date.

As for the bridesmaid dresses, they will be a chocolate brown which Debi will make as well. She's awesome huh? The will be short, it is July in Texas. I am also leaving the style of the dress up to the girls.

The groomsmen will wear suits and...well Tyler has not fully made up his mind on that. I will update when I can.

Overall, the day went quick and was pain free. The dress will come in at the end of March. We will then make the trip up to Lake Dallas to begin alterations.

-tam

The Date

After careful consideration of family, friends, and ultimately Tyler and myself, we have decided on Sunday, July 26, 2009. Why Sunday? In a word...cheaper.

It will be here in Austin. Austin is the place that Tyler and I call home, so it only seems appropriate to have our wedding here.

Our wedding and reception will take place at the same venue. Happenings should begin at 1 p.m. and end around 5 p.m. Short and sweet. Hors d'oeuvres and cake will be served. Yes, there will be alcohol! A menu to come soon...

The place, Mercury Hall, is an old church/hall from Po'Dunk, Texas. It was taken down piece by piece and then brought to Austin where it was restored. Directions to the venue will be included in the invitation, however link on the side of this blog will give you directions as well.

The wedding party will include:
Sam (maid of honor - Tammy's friend)
Tiffany (bridesmaid - Tyler's sister)
Jason (best man - Tyler's friend)
Trevor (groomsman - Tyler's cousin)
Cody (usher - Tyler's friend)
Zach (usher - Tyler's friend)

Updates to come!

-tam