The one where we choose a venue and go with it.

Wedding motto #1: Just go with it.

After a lot of internet research and absolutely zero in person viewing we decided on a venue. Planning from LA is tough, but it also helps us to make decisions and just go with it. No agonizing over five thousand visits to different venues. No worrying that we should see just.one.more. Nope, we made a spreadsheet, weighed some pros and cons, and in the end went with our guts.

So what did our gut tell us?

The Newberry Library with a wedding in the park across the street.

image via

Here is beautiful Ruggles Hall, where we will have our reception.

Image via here

Cocktail hour will be in the lobby with this gorgeous staircase:

no clue who they are, but won't it be fun to have a grand entrance down this baby? image here

Here's another view:

image here

The ceremony (with the as yet undetermined officiant) will be held in Washington Square Park:

wait till you see my fun ceremony decor ideas...

image via

So why did we pick it?

• It's a downtown venue, which we really wanted. It's close to the lake, near lots of hotels, and close enough that I can get that law school classroom shot I've been dying for :)
• You can use any vendors you want--huge plus
• You can use a caterer who lets you bring in your own booze. Enormous plus (read more later about our fun "beers where we've lived" plan)
• Sweet non-profit vibe. Their brochure is a word doc. No joke.
• Affordable (for a downtown venue) and comes with those lovely opera chairs!

So there you have it! We booked her sight unseen. I confess my parents took a peek at it and loved it so we aren't totally blind here. It was booked up solid through next August so we will be tying the knot September 22, 2012.

Can't wait.