I'm ENGAGED! (now what do I do??)

Jake popped the question last week in Oxford. After the excitement of the weekend wore off, I realized it was time to start planning. My first decision was that I think I want to get married in August. I was having trouble deciding between summer and fall.. and it's a little of both. Also, I don't have to worry about the headache of scheduling around football games. I have contacted just about every venue in Memphis/Desoto County/Tunica County/Panola County. I just haven't found one that meets every criteria I want. Here are some of the ones that I have it narrowed down to:

1. National Ornamental Metal Museum

You might be a little scared off by the name, but it's really cool (at least from pictures). It's right on the river. I could married in a gazebo on the bluff over looking the Mississippi river. I really would rather have an outside/inside wedding and reception. I know that it will be hot, but that's what I want! I would have to rent tents and chairs, etc, but it's nice that you can bring in your own caterer and bartender (instead of paying $4 a beer and $7 a cocktail-- not a full bar is out of the question). Unfortunetly, no one will get back to me with any info or pricing.

2. Memphis Zoo

I am definitely going for a bit of an untraditional setting, in case you couldn't tell. Shelley is worried it will smell like animals. I don't think that it will. There are several options. I would consider using the front courtyard area. I think it's pretty and fun.

3. Cadre Building

If you ever saw the "My Super Sweet 16" with the girls from Memphis who had the Sixteen in the City party. This is where they had it. It's gorgeous. I love it. I just don't know if I can afford it. Luckily you can bring in your own carterer and alcohol which will definitely help. I just love love it. Look at the chandeleirs! It's also huge (like 13,000 sq. ft.), so it's easy to have a wedding and reception in the same place.

4. 211 Main

This location is absolutely perfect. I love the bricks walls of the interior. There is a garden for the ceremony. It holds 300 people. You can bring outside catering, but their restaurant next door is AWESOME. There is only one little problem. It's in Como, MS (about 40 minutes from my hosue). There is one bed and breakfast that holds 7 people. I have 10 in my bridal party! The closest hotels are in Senatobia or Sardis. Only 7-10 miles away, but still. Why couldn't this place be anywhere else?

5. Tunica Riverpark Museum

This might sound a little fishy at first, but it's really cool (at least from pictures). I always said I was getting married in Vegas... so I guess Tunica isn't that big a stretch. This isn't actually at one of the casinos, but it's right on the river, which I really like. I'm just worried it might not be big enough, but we will see when they mail out my information.

There are about 10 others that I am also considering (I told you I emailed everyone!), but these are my favorites at the moment. I would love to heard what you think!