Well, we finally found some where to hold the big party. We've set the date for July 11, 2009. We will be having the reception (and possibly the ceremony) at the Metropolis Ballroom in downtown Arlington Heights. (If you are looking at the Web site, please ignore any photos with a colorful mural in it. That wall has been knocked down to enlarge the room.)

As soon as we saw the room, we really liked it. The space is really open and loft like. The wood floors and the high ceiling was a big plus also. And through the glass doors is a terrace that people can go out on and smoking is allowed on the terrace too so people can still feel like they are a part of the party.

Better view of the ceiling(above). The lighting is really modern. The "chandeliers" look like twinkly lights!

If we had the ceremony there, it would be in the ballroom too (set up somewhat like this). To the right of this photo you can see the bar. Though I really like that there is a 'real' bar in the room, I'd probably want to do something to cover it up for the ceremony so that it didn't look like I was getting hitched...in a bar. Or who knows, by that point...I probably won't care. We aren't sure what to do about the ceremony yet. Most of the other places that we looked at, which of course didn't work out, all had pretty nice places to have the ceremony outside. That is not the case here. Plus, I'd like to do the ceremony a bit earlier in the day so that we can have time to take pictures and still be able to partake in the cocktail hour.

Speaking of cocktail hour, one other thing that isn't perfect, but can be worked with is the location of the cocktail hour.

This is only one view of the room. I really like the exposed brick, and there is a built in bar (see below). But, it's a bit dark for my tastes. ALSO BUT...it's only one hour, right? I may have to get creative with some decor.

Above is the former mural in the cocktail space. I never really saw with my own two eyes, but I think it's a good thing they knocked it down. Also, you can see the bar I mentioned before.

So yeah, it's official! We're actually going to get married. We weren't just jerkin' your chain. 7-11. Get your free slurpees on the way to the PAR-TAY!