Let me tell you a little bit about my search for the "perfect" venue. I wanted an outdoor summer wedding. Not by a log cabin or in a garden with gnomes and waterfalls OR in a chapel (we're religous I just want that outdoor wedding). Not exactly sure WHAT i wanted but i knew what i didn't want. Well I drove 3 hours to Eureka Springs and wasn't impressed, 2 hours to everywhere surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks, an hour to Branson, and EVERYWHERE possible in between- including Springfield (only 30 minutes away). So finally I discovered this newly renovated AMAZING venue. It was perfect. It's a historic firehouse from 1902 and is located in the heart of downtown Springfield. The courtyard was simple but beautiful..the inside of the building had a "loft" feel and was more contemporary than the typical chapel reception halls around here. AND they allowed any outside catering! For the whole day is $1100. Well.. we know for sure that we want our wedding to be July 3,2010. So since we put this off until recently we really had to scramble around to get the $600 deposit. I had been talking DAILY with the woman calling to make sure they didn't have anyone else thinking about our date since there was NO way that we would have the deposit until ATLEAST Jan! 2 days ago she called my mom saying that she was sorry but another couple was very interested in our date and coud provide the amount..but she gave me "dibs" for another day just in case we could figure something out. No need to say I was devestated but we just couldn't provide that much money so fast (especially with our rent being due and CHRISTMAS!) Well my parents wrote her a check yesterday! Apparently this was going to be my Christmas present they just had to do it a little earlier than planned. I'm sooo thankful for my parents! Because I really just couldn't think of another place that Randy and I would both love.

 I'm just sooo happy to have such a great family.

Oh, that's fantastic!  What great parents!  Your wedding is going to be so beautiful.

that is good news!

That just made me a little teary. :)  Congrats!!

beautiful!!!

That was awesome of your parents!! Also congrats on finding your venue!

Aw Congrats!! & Hooray for your parents, your venue looks very pretty!

Thanks ladies!