If you have it (an hour away), they will come (hopefully).

SOOOOOO...last time we spoke, I was gushing about my new found love--the MCA. I had finally opened up and thought I had found the one venue who could fulfill all my hopes, dreams and needs. In the end, I got my heart broken--to the tune of $150 to $200 per person! Can you believe it? I'm sure you can. I'm not sure why I ever thought that I could afford something so awesome, but alas, I move on.

Since then, we've looked at 3 other places, all out in the suburbs, each having something wrong with them. 1) They don't fit enough people, even though the sales person tells you they do when you call to inquire about it. 2) The reception has to end at 11 p.m. due to residential restrictions...again, no one seemed to mention this before I dragged my ass--not to mention Sean's ass--there on a Friday night. 3) They don't allow smoking...anywhere on the grounds...at a wedding...makes sense, and thank you again for maybe mentioning this restriction during our e-mail or phone conversations. Really, I appreciate it. Now, the last thing wouldn't really bother me, but unfortunately, quite a few of my friends and family (including my Dad) smoke and I don't want them spending all night in the parking lot just because they have to hide to have a cigarette. Not fun.

So, what am I left with? Well...I did find a place that seems to be sort of a sure thing. It's within our budget (a word I'm starting to despise). I've made sure that all of the above issues are not...issues, I've seen pictures, I've heard good reviews. The only thing that I see as a downfall is that it's about an hour away in Vernon Hills. Now, Sean and I have even gone as far as driving to other states and back in the same day for a wedding, but do other people care if they have to travel a bit? I'm not sure and if I like the place...at this point...I'm not sure if I am in a position to make that a priority. So, we're going to look at it on Sunday and fingers crossed it will be good. I'll be honest when I say it isn't really the perfect place, but I guess I have to take what I can get.

So, that's the update for now. I'm pretty bummed. I hope it gets more fun after this.