Our first Valentines Day as a married couple

Generally, I don't go gaga over Valentines Day. It’s always kind of been a thorn in my side.

Background: When my ex-husband and I decided to get married, I thought Valentines was perfect – turn a kind of crappy holiday into a special day. I was SO wrong about that (please listen to me and NEVER, NEVER schedule your wedding for Valentines Day. Yes, my ex was pretty scummy and I should have known he’d leave me – but do you know how BAD Valentines Day was for a few years after the divorce?!)

Anyway, so even though I got over hating the day, I still wasn’t too excited about it, even when Mr. S and I got together. Our first V-Day, he was really sweet and went all out. Last year I got roses, and a diamond bracelet, but then since we had kids it was a “crowded” dinner out at a family restaurant (I know, I really shouldn’t complain).

This year, I felt like I should step it up, do a really nice “wifey” thing and plan the day. Although because of a STUPID wrestling tournament for the boys scheduled on the 14th (who the heck does that?!), we’ll celebrate on the 13th.

No, peeking honey....

Budget

I know that in my grandmother's age, it was rude to talk about money.  But this day in age, I think information is the key.  So, to help those of you out there planning a wedding and who want to know how much things cost, here is a budget I submitted a while ago to Weddingbee for Real Readers's Budgets, but it was never posted.  Hopefully it will help you out in your planning process.

Vendor Review

I had my wedding in Okoboji Iowa, but I used many local vendors in Omaha while planning.


Venue: Gull Point State Park (Lake Okoboji) Super simple to work with and a beautiful location. It is self service though, so unless you have a wedding planner, you’ll have to do all the set-up/cleaning yourself. A+

Caterer: Yesterday's (Okoboji) So, So GOOD! Dwayne was so much fun to work with and he and his staff did an EXCELLENT job. A++

(Dwayne is standing behind me in the kitchen)