Building our home

No, we're not buying a house... who knows where we'll end up. We are getting ready to make a home and start our lives together. Some of you have been asking us "Where are you registered?" Apparently this is a big question when it comes to weddings. Gordon and I were CLUELESS when we went to the stores at first. What we did like? Using the scanner gun. And the patient salespeople who told us - this is the stuff you'll use for the rest of your lives (or at least this first part).

We're registered at 3 places. Since everyone is all over the map, we tried to pick places that were easily accessible (store-wise) and online. All of the registry websites are easy - you just have to type in one of our names.

Macy's
Bed, Bath & Beyond
Crate & Barrel

Thanks for those of you who are already sending in your RSVPs. Please keep in mind that the RSVP date is coming up soon (Sept. 15). We know many of you will not be able to make it, but please let us know "officially" so we'll know how many to keep in mind for the ceremony and reception in Italy.

Remember to post any questions you have here on the website. Thanks! :)

Invitations in the mail...

Hopefully by now, you all will have received your invitations. Don't worry... we're not expecting all of you to drop everything and come to Italy to watch us get married (see the post below about parties back in the states!). Even if you are not able to come, we know you'll be with us in spirit! :)

Gordon and I just completed our pre-cana classes - which culminated in an Engaged Encounter weekend. I was a little hesitant to go, but it wasn't a bad weekend. Gordon and I found out that we agree on a lot of things that are important to a successful marriage. We already knew most of the stuff, but it was good to make sure we were still on the same page about things. After having gone through the weekend... we would definitely recommend the group to other couples. The presenting couples were really nice and it was good to hear how real married couples have dealt with the highs and lows of marriage.

We've been doing a lot of wedding things lately, actually.

Also checked off the list of things to do is that we chose and bought our wedding bands. We decided to go to Boone & Sons (a local downtown DC jewelry shop) where Gordon chose my engagement ring last year. After some reluctance from the shop lady, we got our ideal wedding bands - very plain and pretty. :)

Another "big" wedding detail - I picked my bridesmaid dresses. This was more fun than picking my wedding dress! :) I was determined to find a dress that Katie and my sisters could wear again. Even though (apparently) every bride says that want that for their bridesmaids... being anti-dress in real life, I wanted a comfortable but cool dress for them. And I found one... WITH POCKETS! It's going to be cool.

If you're saying 'Oh no, I can't come'...

Don't worry! We know that Italy is not just around the corner and can get expensive. But we do know that many of you will be there in spirit.

In order to share in the celebration in person, we will come closer to you. This isn't exactly Gordon and Julie's wedding traveling tour, but we are planning to have get-togethers in the USA after the new year (potentially in a location nearer to you!)

We'll try to bring the Italian spirit of 'molto bene' to all of you and get some more use out of our wedding attire! Please let us know your thoughts on this and any suggestions.

*However we will not have a bridal dance party on YouTube. We don't want to be on the Today Show.

Gordon & Julie

Flight paths

So... Gordon and I are still waiting on our invitations to come in. Seriously... you guys *will* get them eventually. We know the biggest question you might be thinking right now is "where are we supposed to fly to?"

Remember on the awesome save the date (thanks, Joy!) it said the wedding will be in San Gimignano? Well, San Gim. is not a major flight hub, and it's not so close to Rome (3 hours via train). So when you book your flights, book to Florence, Italy. Make sure it's not Florence, SC (believe me, it could happen).


Flights to Florence are not direct... so expect to have 1-2 layovers. From what I can tell, flights usually go through Paris (which is how Gordon and I are going) with Air France, Zurich (via Swiss Air - which the rest of the Abella side is flying) or Amsterdam with KLM. Take a look at *any* travel site (your Expedia.com, kayak.com, orbitz.com, etc) and you'll find prices. It looks like flights are in the $600 - $700 range, so buy your tickets quick. Don't worry... you haven't missed out on any cheapo flights (I've been tracking the flights and I haven't seen anything below $600).

A note about passports. You DO need a passport to go to the EU (which includes Italy). Good news is... American citizens (which is most of you) don't need a visa. In fact you can stay for 3 months or something in the EU without any visa (don't quote me on that... check it out first). HOWEVER...

Please make sure your passport does NOT expire before March 2010. Italy requires that passports be valid 3 months PAST your exit from their country. Renew your passports now... it takes about 1 month to get them back. For those of you renewing your passports (and those of you getting your first passport) please visit the Department of State to find out the rules and regulations on getting one.

Welcome and see you soon!

Gordon and I decided to start this blog so that we can try to answer any questions you may have about our upcoming wedding in San Gimignano, Italy in November. We'll try to answer your questions, but we've tried to answer many questions in our invitation.

If you have questions about where to stay and how to get there, please send an email to Tina (tina@weddingitaly.com) who is helping us by making arrangements for our guests.

On this blog, we'll answer questions like...

What should I wear to your wedding?
Why are ya'll getting married in Italy?
Will there be cake?
How did you get engaged?
Where are you registered?

Stay tuned for more info... but please ask us questions so no one will be confused. Thanks and we hope to see you soon!

Julie and Gordon