Two Lady Bits Got Married!

Lady Bit Rachael and Lady Bit Anna married their fellas within one month of each other.  Hooray! They both planned beautiful weddings and would like to share their wisdom with all ye other Lady bits out there.

1. Having creative friends contribute their talents to your wedding is completely wonderful and can add a special touch to your day.  But be aware that you are essentially hiring your friends and that can sometimes get tricky, especially if you aren't paying them. I suggest setting up expectations early on.  What is the time commitment?  When do you want to see the final product?  What expectations do you have for their communicating their progress to you? -Rachael

2. Set the level of casual/seriousness that you want -- not the level you think your wedding should have. I chose to run my ceremony like a talent show. We heard a little from the officiant, a song, a poem, another song, a little more by the officiant, our own written vows, and a quick ending. It was important to me to have clapping in between each act -- smiles, laughter, and touching moments too. Jokes were encouraged, fumbles were perfectly ok, and smiles were essential. -Anna

3. Large wedding parties can be incredibly fun and I wouldn't change a thing about my Bridal Party.  But you need to go into it really understanding the extra stress involved when scheduling around so many people and their varying schedules. -Rachael

4. It can be so difficult to choose a wedding party. But I think in the end you just have to follow your heart, and trust that your loved ones will love you whether they are sitting or standing during your wedding. If you think about it, it really doesn't matter, because everyone ends up on the great equalizer together by the end of the night (the dance floor). -Anna

5. When it comes to the physical aspects of your wedding prioritize the things that are really important to you and keep coming back to those.  For my husband and I, the food, finding a venue that didn't require us to put our friends/family to work, and the right photographer were our top three.  So that's where the bulk of our budget went. Having that clarity made it easier to cut things like centerpieces, wedding cake, party favors, things that in the end we didn't really care about. -Rachael

6. If you don't have tons and tons of time to plan a wedding, pony up for a venue that provides a planner and staff. Initially I thought the venue that I chose was way too expensive but then I thought -- wait. They provide a ceremony planner, reception planner, food, bar, decorations, valet, and a crap ton of other things? Worth it. DIY weddings are a blast I'm sure, but too much work for this gal! -Anna

7. "You will not remember what your wedding looked like, you will remember what it felt like." The Wedding industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. It is designed to play on your emotions and make you spend, spend, spend.  So when you start thinking you need customized napkins, step away and remember, no one will remember what it looked like, they will remember what it felt like. -Rachael

8. Try not to kill your husband before you're even married. Remember your partner might not be as good at this stuff as you are. If you're better at this kind of stuff, or you have more time to do it, just suck it up and do the work, and try to remember how much you love him. Also remember that it's normal to have the wedding planning process be messy. You're normal, ok?! It's ok! You're gonna be ok!! -Anna

9. Weddings are expensive.  So always ask for a discount at every single vendor.  If you have a set amount you can spend on something, but your dream vendor is waaaay above that. ASK. I was able to work with some incredible vendors that are normally way out of my price range simply by asking what they could offer me for X amount. This is especially true if you are getting married on an "off day" like a Sunday or a weekday. -Rachael

10. Like Rachael said, if you want a cheaper wedding, do it in off season (November-ish to April-ish), and on an off-day. You will spend literally half the money you otherwise would. -Anna

And above all else -- be grateful. Be so, so grateful for it all! -Rachael and Anna

And now Pictures!

Lady Bit Rachael and her husband, Andy

 

Lady Bit Anna and Man Bit Tom

 

 

Rachael's Restaurant Review - The Mill Northeast

My dear friend Elise and I went to check out The Mill Northeast this week for dinner.  I didn't know what to expect as I hadn't heard of it before, but I was pleasantly surprised! The vibe is upscale hipster, and the food is delicious and generously portioned.  You could easily split an entree or sandwich and be full.  And that, thrifty bits, is always a good thing!

The Mill Northeast-1851 Central Ave NE Minneapolis, MN 55418

Rating - 8 out of 10 
 

I had a cup of mushroom soup which was creamy, savory and had a wonderful depth of flavor to it.  If it's on special when you are there I highly recommend it. 

I followed that up with the Jack Burger (candied bacon, white cheddar, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, onion, and tarragon aioli).  The burger was well cooked, and I love a fried egg on a burger.  I don't have much of a sweet tooth so I think regular bacon would have satisfied my palate better, but for most the combination of sweet and salty will please.

All in all, The Mill Northeast is a welcome addition to Central Ave. and adds a great option for those in the neighborhood who want a slightly more upscale but casual place to grab a drink and a nice meal.

Rachael's Restaurant Reviews - Butcher & The Boar

This is my favorite restaurant in the Twin Cities, and maybe ever.  Andy and I look for any excuse possible to treat ourselves to a Butcher & the Boar meal.   This time around? Well, we've been married for 1 month, so that counts right?! Right! To Butcher & the Boar we go!

Butcher & The Boar -  1121 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Rating- 12 out of 10 (yes it's that good)  

  

   Caramelized Broccoli                        Taleggio Pancetta Mac & Cheese      

 

                                                            Berkshire Pork Spare Ribs                          Bourbon Flight

Butcher & the Boar is a James Beard Award Semi-Finalist so you know they are doing something (everything) right.  Not only is the food incredible but the service is top notch.  Last night I sat on my napkin when I came back from the restroom and was looking around for it, within 20 seconds my server was there asking if he could help me find something.  I told him that I think I must have sat on my napkin and he went and got me another one so I didn't have to stand up! WHAT?! That's just stupid good service. 

As the name suggests Butcher & the Boar is not for the vegetarian minded, this place is for the unabashed meat lover.  And remember that 12 out of 10 rating I gave this place? Well, you are going to pay for it, this place is not cheap (although there are more inexpensive options, it's just, we're celebrating over here okay?). 

I have tried many menu items over a few visits, and I have never been disappointed in anything but these are my "must try" items if you are only going once. These are the menu items that were so good, I kind of wanted to cry a little bit.

Taleggio Pancetta Mac & Cheese

Smoked Beef Long Rib- Tabasco-molasses BBQ 

Red Hot Brussels Sprouts

This meal easily feeds two, in fact I bet you and your dining partner will have leftovers. Lucky!

Berkshire Pork Spare Ribs

  Smoked Beef Long Rib

If you want to try the deliciousness but not spend a ton of money, check out their more casual Beer Garden Menu served outside year round in a cozy heated tent.  I haven't been to that side yet, but if it's even half as good as their main menu, it'll be twice as good as most places. GO NOW!