Kristen and Dane's Wedding - kristenanddaneswedding

Our invitations are out and from many of you we've heard that you've gotten them! Please send us your responses and we hope everyone can join us on our wedding day!

 

We spent a very long time individually folding, wrapping, and stickering each invitation, so I hope you all feel the love and time that went into making them.

 

I've been insane at work lately, so Dane has been fantastic about getting things taken care of. We have our limo and the shuttle is now all set to take people to and from the reception site. I'm looking at florists, and trying to get my sisters to pick out their dresses (I love you guys, but seriously, you look good in everything so pick one!). Time for all our finishing touches, which is fun because I feel like you really see it all come together now.

Dane and I spent about two weekends ago with Scott, our invitation and everything else designer, printing out our invitations. We did all of them, and it took at 6 hours on my little printer. We both absolutely LOVE the way it all came out and are immensely thankful to Scott and his patience.

 

You'll all be getting yours soon! We're planning to mail them in about a week or so. We're going to have to have a night of assembling them. Maybe with some snacks and a glass of wine.

 

On another note, Dane booked our hotel in Dublin for the first few nights of our honeymoon. The next few days we'll be heading down to Cork to meet my family for the first time. I got a voicemail from my Grandmother's cousin, Sean, over the weekend. They are so excited to meet us and got the letter I wrote them a few weeks ago. His 8 year old daughter is writing me back, and I can't WAIT to get her letter! They have a brand new baby, 5 weeks old, so they've been understandably pretty busy.

 

And I've decided I'm getting blue satin pumps to wear for the wedding. It'll be my something blue :)

It's been a while since I've had some updates or some time to post!

Dane and I enjoyed our engagement party this past weekend in NY on July 4th. We're so thankful to my family for throwing us the party and all the work they put into it. You can check out pictures on the "Pictures" tab at the top of the page. If anything has more pics, please send them to me! I know many of you got some great pictures throughout the day, which we didn't have a chance to do.

The day after the party, we went into New York City with Jason and Sam to meet our photographer for the first time. It was so great to finally meet her in person. I've been talking with her over email for about 6 months now! We all went over to a new park, called Highline Park, and she took some photos of us so we could get a feel for each other. I'm absolutely thrilled with the results, and we're so happy she's going to be with us at the wedding!

We also booked our DJ! Dane did all the research and set up an appointment for us when we were in NY to meet with the company. We both loved them, so we went ahead and signed the papers.

Last night I made the little pillow for our little ring bearer - Jesse Oliver. I found really cool fabric and made little buttons myself. It took all of 20 minutes, and I love the results. I couldn't believe how expensive some of those little pillows were in stores! None of that for me, all hand made. It's more fun.

Other than that, we're starting to work on some of the details of the ceremony and reception. It's fun having some time to dive into planning now that I'm off for July!

I put some pictures up of the new apartment on the Pictures tab at the top of this page. Everyone's been asking to see so here it is! We're still in the midst of unpacking and deciding where things will go, so bear with us :)

We moved into our new apartment on Saturday. We're still in the midst of unpacking, but all of the big stuff is set up.We absolutely love it. I have to work late almost every night this week, and all I want to do is hang out in our new place! We're definitely making it our own, thanks to the help from our friends who helped move us and went to IKEA with us this past weekend.

 

I keep forgetting to take pictures, but I'll try to take some tonight and post them tomorrow!

 

 

Dane is so organized. Last week he called the hotel we will be using and block booked rooms for Friday (11/20) and Saturday night (11/21). For all of you who are simply dying to make your reservations, the hotel is the Holiday Inn Express in Hauppauge. Rooms will be $99 a night for guests who reserve one of the rooms in our block. The info is below!

 

Holiday Inn Express Hauppauge

Phone: (631) 348-1400 - Ask for In-House Reservations and give them the group code

Group Code: GZW (That stands for Gallo-Zdunowski Wedding)

Website: http://www.holidayhauppaugehotel.com/

 

A great thing about this hotel is that they will be providing a shuttle service that will take guests from the hotel to the reception site. There will be two runs, one at the beginning of the cocktail hour, and one at the end of the evening. The ride is about 5-10 minutes, so we're hoping that you all use this service!

We got the apartment! Dane and I signed the lease yesterday and will start to move in around April 15. My current lease is up April 30, so we have two weeks to slowly move things over and then we'll probably do one day for all the bigger furniture. So exciting! We have an extra bedroom that will be a guest room, so come visit!

Dane and I have been looking for an apartment for the past few weeks. After seeing quite a few, we finally found one we love! We went to see it on Wednesday night, filled out our applications with the realtor yesterday, and are now waiting to hear if everything goes through and if the landlord wants to meet us. It's not very far from where I live now, and right near the Orange line so that Dane can easily get to work in the morning (it's only three stops away). It's a two bedroom apartment, but one of the bedrooms has this little room off of it. Not really sure what we'll use that for, but I guess that makes it a 2.25 bedroom. The living room is big and bright, the kitchen is huge (perfect for us because we love to cook) and it has a roof deck! I think that might have been what sold us. As soon as we walked up there, we were set.

 

Everyone think good thoughts for us! I really hope everything works out!

Dane and I are big do-it-yourselfers, as you could probably all tell when you got your Save the Date magnets. I plan on doing all the flowers myself, with the help of my mom and sisters. Dane and I will probably do the centerpieces together. Now I just found this fun idea on a blog I read all the time, and I think it would be perfect for little programs to give out at the ceremony.

 

http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2009/03/make-booklet-with-pocket.html

 

Anyone have some free time that wants to help me make about 120 of these cute little things?

Because the Save the Dates were sent out this weekend! You should all be getting your very own magnet for your fridge. We hope that every time you open your fridge and get something to eat, you will think of us :)

Now we can move on to the engagement party invitations and then the actual wedding invites!

I was SO excited on Thursday when our Save the Date magnets finally arrived! Dane and I are pretty much ready to send them all out. We have our cards that we stamped, envelopes, address labels. Just waiting on the magnets. But when I opened them I found that the last line had been cut off on almost every one of the 100 magnets we ordered. It was disappointing. I called the company we ordered from and they are going to re-do our order, free of charge. But now we have to wait another 2 weeks to get them! I'm very impatient with this sort of thing. The magnets did look great, other than the line that was cut off. So, the Save the Dates are coming, but not for another two weeks!

When Dane and I went home a few weekends ago, we talked with my parents about having an engagement party. We have had many parties at home before, and it's always my favorite way to host a party with family and friends. Since I am lucky enough to have the entire month of July off from work, we'll be planning something for the weekend of July 4th at my family's home in NY. I'm really excited to have another opportunity to celebrate our engagement with everyone. It means the world that everyone has been so happy for us and willing to offer help! Come celebrate with us!

Dane and I went to NY this weekend for some wedding related fun. On Saturday we visited the reception site again, this time with my whole family in tow. Everyone loved it, and I think Dane and I loved it even more the second time around. They were setting up for a wedding that night, so we actually got some good ideas to use at our own.

 

On Sunday we went to our first service at the church where we will be married. It was great! The church is small and cozy, the Pastor was great, and we're both very happy with it.

 

After church, I decided I wanted to start looking at dresses. Well, without really meaning to, I found my dress! It's beautiful and I didn't want to take it off. It needs to be hemmed (since I'm so short) and to have the bustle put on, but other than that, it fits perfectly. It's now sitting in my room and it takes all my willpower not to just wear it around the house all day. Dane doesn't want to see it until the wedding day, but I'm so excited about it that I want him to see it! We'll stay with tradition though, and he'll have to wait until November.

 

It was a really productive weekend!

Our amazing friend Scott created the design for our Save the Date's. They will be little magnets to put on your fridge. Whenever you open the fridge you can think of us :)

 

Scott is amazing and talented and has created all the designs for paper so far. You can see the design to the left of this post. In the next month or so, check your mailboxes for your very own magnet!

Paige, if you're reading this, happy birthday! We wish we could be in PA with you, Billy, and Jesse. Have a wonderful day and know we're thinking of you :)

I just got a phone call from our church telling me that our ceremony has been approved! This means we can go ahead with booking our date, November 21, 2009. Now I'm waiting to hear back from the reception site to make sure they still have that day available, then I can call the church back to book our day! This is very exciting. It feels like it's real now that we have an actual date we can tell everyone.

 

Everyone mark your calendars for November 21, 2009 for the wedding of Kristen and Dane!

It feels like we're coming along now that we've decided on a venue for the reception and for the ceremony. We'll be having the reception at the Island Hills Country Club in Sayville, NY. The wedding will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Islip in Islip, NY (we're still waiting to hear if our application was approved, but we've been assured that there shouldn't be any problems). Once we hear about our approval then we'll choose a date. Right now it's between November 14th and November 21st. It will all come down to when both sites are available.

 

We're really excited about the site for our reception. The catering manager was great when we met with him, the space is beautiful and spacious, and there's a hotel nearby for our guests to stay at that will provide a free shuttle service from the hotel to the reception. We've been told we can make changes to the suggested menu, which is fun. After talking about it, we may do some changes to include some of our favorite foods from our hometowns. That would mean pizza for me, of course, and Philly cheesesteaks for Dane.

 

I was referred to a really unique photographer by my roommate and her brother. She has a really interesting style and is eager to get some experience shooting weddings. I'm also figuring out what the look of the reception will be. Dane really wants some mood lighting, which I think sounds great. Then we have to figure out the limo. But now we're thinking we may want a classic car instead of a limo.

 

It's fun spending this time together and making our decisions. I'll keep everyone updated!

8/25/2009 9:15:09 AM - 002053801141
We can't wait to see the invitations! Happy Birthday Kristen!! Your honeymoon plans sound great- the big lump in your luggage will be your muther-in-law trying to stowaway to Ireland!

Love, Muth

1/20/2009 11:06:00 PM - 002054827526

Greetings everyone- thank you for all the kind wishes.  I have to say that this has all been fun and not as bad as some people might say.  I guess since we both are used to planning things it is in our nature and comes easily.  Things are progressing well and we are well on our way to the big day. 

I will be in charge of booking hotel rooms for all of the out of town guests so let me know in advance if you will be needing a room for the night.  The great things is the country club works in conjunction with a nearby Holiday Inn and will be able to block book rooms for us and offer a free shuttle as well. 

 I am excited for Kristen since she has purchased her dress and I have been telling everyone.  Don't worry, I haven't seen the dress.  I am a traditional guy when it comes to things like that (thanks Muth).  I am also very excited for our honeymoon trip to Ireland! 

Well thanks again for all of your comments and I can't wait to see everyone in the near future!

 

---Dane

1/16/2009 3:43:36 AM - 002053763314

WOW, WHAT AN EXCITING TIME FOR BOTH OF YOU--

THANX FOR SHARING WITH EVERYONE--MAKES US FEEL LIKE

WE'RE PART OF YOUR PLANS!!!

WISHING YOU ALL THAT YOU'RE DREAMING OF !!!

LOVE, AUNT JUDY & UNCLE BOB

1/14/2009 10:44:02 AM - 002053801141

1/14/2009 2:03:44 AM - 002053432721
hello! i adore you both and am so excited for this crafty bonanza of fun that will become the special day you two get married. lots of hugging it out to come. congrats, friends!! xoxo

1/13/2009 2:09:59 PM - 002053921806

I am so happy that Dane found you Kristen!!! I know in my heart how much you guys love each other and that is all anyone could ever hope for their brother...that he finds a beautiful girl that loves him and makes him very happy!!!...and I know that you are that special girl! Thank you Kristen for being the adorable, down to earth and cool Vigro I know you are & I hope all goes smoothly and you don't get too stressed about anything!!! You deserve the best day and I know you'll get it!!!! Lots of love and hugs always!!!

Paiger

1/12/2009 11:01:26 AM - 002053801141

To Kris and Dane:  This is a wonderful idea!  Thank you for doing so much to include us in an event we are thrilled about.  We love you two very much.   Oh, and I love that Dane wants mood lighting at the wedding....I guess he paid some attention to his Muther's decorating ideas!  Or, I made him absolutely frightened of "overhead lighting" !!  (Dull, glaring, un-flattering, and completely devoid of ambiance...!)  Get out those candles!

Love, Muth

1/9/2009 8:37:30 PM - 000083568285
How cute!  I can't wait to follow the plans!  Congrats again!

1/8/2009 7:57:31 PM - 002052836083
Hurray im the first to get to leave a comment!!! I love you both!!! You both are amazing!!!