My friend filled out this survey on her wedding blog, so I thought I would as well. The questions have helped me narrow down what we want and need for the wedding. And I thought it would be a great way to share my progress so far with everyone:

How long did you date before you got engaged?

4 years and a bit (engaged Summer 2009)

Did you get the ring you wanted?

I had no idea what kind of ring I wanted beforehand. He said it was the first one he saw and the whole process of buying the ring only took 15 minutes. He knows my style!

Was the proposal a complete surprise?

We had been discussing the idea of marriage for some time and I figured Paris would be the place. It was still a wonderful surprise.

Do you wish you had a bigger/smaller diamond? If so How big or small?

Because we were both students at the time, he joked that I could trade it in for a bigger one in a few years, but I would never. The ring reminds me of that special day and I love it.

Did you cry when he proposed?

Yes, right away

Was the proposal romantic or creative? Explain how if you’d like.

It was the first day of our Europe trip and our first stop was Paris, France. After a long day of trains and sightseeing, we had dinner and I just wanted to go back to the hotel, but Mike insisted we walk to the Eifel Tower. I was still wearing a hoodie and sweatpants from our busy day. We found a spot on the grass underneath the Eifel Tower and I went to grab some cookies out of our backpack, when Mike grabbed a ring box out of the bag. He proposed and I started crying and then we just hugged each other and lay on the grass and watched the lights of the Eifel Tower at night time. The most romantic moment of my life.

When do you want to go for your honeymoon?

Probably after the wedding, depending on work/school schedules.

We’re thinking of melting down some antique rings that belonged to his Grandmother.

We haven’t set a budget yet, but when we will, it will be a very important consideration. I’m going to try and make a lot of the things for the wedding myself (hopefully with a little help from my friends). We’ll probably not have a huge budget (or a huge, extravagant wedding). We’d rather spend the money on things like a house, traveling or other things.

We’re thinking April, 2012.

Warm, but not too hot. Hopefully not rainy or cold.

Not sure yet.

Probably justice of the Peace.

No more than 100. Around 70-80.

Late afternoon, so people don’t have to spend their whole day there.

Country/rustic/vintage/bright colours

Not sure yet. Depending on our ceremony location, we may not have a bridal party. Is that crazy? We’d like to have our ceremony with just us or a small group at an exotic or adventurous location to be determined. Then when we get back, we’ll have a big party for friends and family as our reception. Kind of like a destination wedding I suppose.

What kind of cake/what will it look like?

I’m thinking a cupcake/candy bar. Or I will make my own cake. (Those cake decorating classes will come in handy!)

Where will you have the reception?

We’re currently researching various places near where we live. So far, I’ve been steering towards a country/rustic feel, like a winery or converted barn.

Not sure yet. I love ballgowns, but depending on our reception place, which may be more casual, I might go for a shorter vintage type dress.

What kind of flowers in your bouquet?

I love cala lilies, but they are my dream flowers. I love anything with lots of colour. I might buy a whole bunch of flowers from a shop and make my own bouquets and boutonnieres.

Kind of wedding bands?

Gold/white gold.

How will you wear your hair?

Wavy/curly or with a flower.

Who will be important to be there?

All of our friends and family and hopefully most of my family will make the trek from England.