While we knew we'd be getting married at Burning Man 2010, we didn't know when/where we'd be getting married with our family and friends.

As soon as we got the date for our official ceremony, the race was on for a venue. 10/10/10 is a super popular date and many places we called were already booked or more than our budget. One night we were on the hunt for Indian food. We were walking up Market Street and noticed the Swedish American Hall. This historic building from the outside was perfect - it was from the same period as the look we were going for. We decided to call them the next day to see if they rented space for weddings. (We didn't notice the large advertisement for event space on the side of the building.) The space was available.

I have a secret. Before Mr. Firefly popped the question I didn't dream of weddings. It wasn't something I'd imagined, proposals were things that happened to other women.

Shortly after the proposals, I had my first dream. We were standing at the top of the world with fireflies swirling around us. I was wearing a Victorian-style cream dress with dainty boots, gloves, and a hat. Mr. Firefly was wearing a leather duster, britches with suspenders, and riding boots.

Of course, Fireflies by Owl City was playing as we held hands and gazed at each other while the rabbi led the ceremony. As the rabbi pronounced us husband and wife the fireflies circled us and flew off into space.

I have a vivid imagination. (If you haven't heard the song, the video is available on YouTube. Be warned that it's nothing like my version.)

TAKING ABREAK FROM wedding planning and going fishing with my loving fiance! He takes care of the worms, I take care of the fish! Girls, take a break from wedding planning with your fiance an enjoy being engaged! Believe me, diamonds sparkle a lot more with the sunshine!

So after a long time searching we have finally found our BM shoes! I didn't want my BMs to spend a lot but these ended up only being around $40 and my BM's were ok with that. I really like them. They go well with the rouching on their dresses. They have a low heal for my one BM who is a tom boy. They have the backstrap like on of my BM's asked for and they are navy! So they were perfect! We found them at DSW, they are Liz Claiborne.

Meet the Garden Rose....

When I first started planning my wedding, I fell in love with peony bouquets. They are lush, romantic and beautiful! However, after talking to a couple of florists, I came to the realization that I was not going to have peonies (a spring flower) for my late-July wedding. But, after a little extra research I found the next best thing...the garden rose.

OK girls, this may sound kitchy but I had gone to a woman in Walpole, NH (near where I live) for a makeup run. She is a colorist! This is super cool as Stacy will tell you everything from what color looks good on you from a white to an off white wedding gown, to bridesmaid dresses for you and your girls.Let's face it they will be around you all day and you want their dresses to complement your facial tones! I had spoken to her and she was cool with me putting her info on here if you would like to contact her at colorandyoucolors@yahoo.com Her name is Stacy. I had a total ball with it and she is FABULOUS!!!!

Formal photos can be stiff sometimes. Asking your photographer for a group shot of your nearest and dearest all being your goofy selves is a cute way to capture the excitement of the day!

Photo: Jill Thomas

Memorial Day represents a few things in our American lives. We remember our troops who have given their lives in serving our country, which is very important and we should honor what the meaning behind the holiday is for. However, somewhere along the lines it got entangled with other things: We can now wear white appropriately. We have to pay to go on the beach. It's a strange collaboration of events on this last weekend in May.

Since most people will be heading to BBQ's and to the beach this weekend, I thought I'd do a little post on casual weddings.

What would the venue be? Maybe just a tent on the beach:

Photo: Sperry Tents

Hi Chatty Brides!

I thought I'd introduce myself by explaining why a bride (me) decides to have not one but two weddings within a month of each other. This explanation begins with how my fiancé Mr. Firefly proposed - not once, not twice, but three times.

Last year we both went to Burning Man. For those who might not have heard of it, it's a city built in the middle of a desert in three months that 50,000 people call home for a week. Everyone brings everything they need and takes everything back home when they leave. This means each person is responsible for their food, water, and shelter. With the exception of ice and coffee, nothing is sold. Artists and wanderers bring art, music, and more. We helped run 2PiR, one of the fire art installations. (Mr. Firefly also helped to build another project Spurious Causality.) We also participated in a Day Spa theme camp that gifted facials and handwashes to fellow campers.

Burning Man gets it name from a centrally located structure of "The Man." Throughout the week campers are able to write their hopes, dreams, and wishes on the man. Saturday night before Labor Day everyone gathers to see the man burn. It's a pretty amazing experience to see the structure go up in flames.

In addition to "The Man," there's "The Temple." The theme of the temple changes from year to year, but basically it's a place for people to remember loved ones. The temple burns the Sunday night before Labor Day. It marks the end of the Burning Man event and for those who said goodbye to loved ones, it's very emotional.

Near the end of the week, we both went out to the temple. It was my first time to Burning Man so I said goodbye to three people who were very close to me: my paternal grandparents who'd died within a month of each other in 1999 and a close friend who'd died in December 1997.