Totally stoked for the menu

We've been going back and forth with our caterer the last few months trying to figure out what we're going to eat. Food is very important to us, and we have a fair number of guests coming that have restricted diets (gluten intolerant, vegetarian, and 'meatatarian'). The last few menus she's sent us have been okay, but we haven't been truly wowed.

Until now. Our caterer sent us the new menu and now it's making me hungry:

Passed Hors d' Oeuvres (for cocktail hour)
AHI POKE, lotus root, avocado mayo (gf)
HANGER STEAK, polenta, green tomato relish (gf)
JAPANESE EGGPLANT ROUNDS, tempura battered, confit of tomatoes, crispy shallot rings, crisp basil leaf (veg)

Heavy Hors d' Oeuvres Buffet (for dinner)
SLICED FLANK STEAK with chimichurri (gf)
COFFEE BBQ PULLED SHORT RIB SLIDERS on brioche roll
HOUSEMADE SWEET POTATO CHIPS, lime salt, chipotle dip (gf, veg)
PEPPER SPICED DUCK BREAST, gingered potato cake, honey-lavender gastrique (gf)
GRILLED BABY ARTICHOKES, meyer lemon aioli, spring carrots, chervil (gf, veg)
BUTTERNUT SQUASH EMPANADAS, pecorino, paprika (veg)
BEET MOUSSE, pickled golden beets, pistachio (gf, veg)
CANNELLINI & SAGE, ARTICHOKE FENNEL, & MOROCCAN CHICKPEA SPREADS served with rustic breads and gluten free rice crackers (gf-option, veg)

One of Cody's favorite foods is chips. I used to have steak and artichokes for my 'birthday dinner' every year when I was a kid. There's a hint of asian flair (to go with part of our theme) with the eggplant, tuna, and duck, but it isn't overpowering. There are no longer evil red bell peppers or too much seafood. Almost everything on the menu Cody will eat (or at least try), and there should be enough gluten-free and vegetarian options to keep those people full.

EPIC WIN!

In other news, today marks two months until the big day. I can't believe how fast time is flying by. I still need to polish up the ceremony, finish the decorations, make programs and favors... Should be doable. And finally, I brought home my dress last week. Things are coming together!

Invitations Sent!

I put the formal invitations out in the mail this morning. I've been assembling them for about the last week, and Cody and I worked most of last night on finishing them up. I feel accomplished now, and they turned out really nicely.

Now I get to wait for the RSVPs to come back...

Let's see... I set up the video stream page last night, so that's ready to go. We need to test it out with the new camera, and see if we can get it to work in HD. I don't want to have to fight with it the day of. Press play and let it go! I really hope people tune in.

Still cranking through getting decorations figured out, painted, and/or assembled, not to mention writing the ceremony. Now that I've finished my graphic novel, I should have more time to do everything...

Three to go.

So, real life just ate me for the last few weeks. We visited the future in-laws for a long weekend (I lurve them so much), and I haven't quite gotten back into the swing of things.

Today is the three month mark, and it's been a busy month for wedding planning.

Although it wasn't really for planning, we went out to dinner with our photographers a few weeks ago. Madlove = MAD AWESOME. We chilled and had dinner and beer. It was fantastic.

While we were off in another state, we chatted with his parents about rehearsal dinner–mostly about the menu, since we've already decided we're going to keep it small at just the parents and wedding party, plus photographers. We want to have some real quality time with our closest friends and family so we can spend more time with the rest of our guests at the actual wedding.

Also on the topic of food, we went to a catering tasting last week, and are going to talk to the caterers on Wednesday about finalizing the menu and getting a final proposal. Also that day we're going to visit the venue and try to get a final layout for where all the furniture is going. Chairs and tables and COUCHES, OH MY! Yeah, you heard me right. COUCHES.

I spent most of yesterday printing off my invitations. I will probably spend the rest of tonight cutting them out. Thankfully, Cody is going to help me assemble them. :)

Next Monday I go in for my second dress fitting (SQUEEEEEE). I also need to get cracking on finishing my decorations (omg so many mobiles) and finalizing the centerpiece design. I'm thinking of painting those cylinders you put candles in. Or something. Hrm.


Oh right, and help our officiant/friend write the ceremony. No pressure.