Six months from today, we say... "I do"

In exactly six months we will say, “I do,” and we all know this time will fly! Luckily, Niko and I are in very good hands when it comes to planning. 

Niko and I have happily landed on a beautiful reception venue in Syracuse, N.Y., that has limitless options — The Oncenter. Thus far, we have had the pleasure of working on our reception vision with both Jody Harris, the director of convention services, and Juliana Filippi, the event and sales manager.

Photo Collage via @FarahJadran - Instagram

The crew has been attentive to details, from décor and design to helping create a menu. Speaking of food — we are just a few weeks away from doing our first dinner tasting with Chef Gerald “Jerry” Bolton, The Oncenter’s executive chef.  Recently, Niko and I attended a summer event at The Oncenter exclusively dedicated to the savory tastes of the venue’s signature dishes. Needless to say, we love food and we know everyone will enjoy the dinner they sit down to have at our reception.
   

Speaking of what’s on the menu, we also have quite the creative mind behind the dessert tablescape. Gina Brown, the owner and baker at DivaLicious Desserts LLC in Manlius, not only makes a tasty treat — she also has an eye for unique displays. We have done some tasting (with a few more to come) and we also look forward to seeing her ideas on how to present the beautiful dessert tablescape. We might have one or two small cake tiers, but this wedding will be all about the creative and mouthwatering cupcakes. I have been vying to have my reception seat at the dessert table, but nobody has taken this request seriously. However, I won’t give up on that dream just yet.

I know that one dream has already come true… I found the gown! I have made my wedding dress selection at Bliss Bridal & Formal Wear in Baldwinsville. Owner Gina Bush made the experience incredibly special. She truly took the time to learn about my bridal style and she even helped me come up with some ideas to make my gown a one-of-a-kind selection. I can only hope all brides have an experience like this one. My bridesmaids will be dressed in elegant floor-length gowns, also from Bliss Bridal!

Sometime soon, we will take part in a wonderful tradition and have our engagement photo shoot with Rick Needle of AlterImage Photography. Rick is also our wedding day photographer. We are extremely lucky to have him behind the lens. His work is beautiful, unique and memorable. We will be part of the memory-making that day, of course, but Rick will be the one capturing those special moments.

On the runway at a charity fashion show when Niko proposed!

Since we are only six months away from the big day, we had to really buckle down and get down to business! I know a few people that planned their weddings in less than six months and one that always stands out — the wedding that was planned in three weeks!

Niko and I are happy to have a two-year engagement (to the date) and if anyone knows us well, they know we need the extra time to plan. As members of the media, our schedules never match up and we are very aware that we have limited time to plan together. Although a wedding is one day and a marriage is a lifetime, we want to enjoy the planning process and know that we had fun with the minute and major details with our wonderful guests in mind.

So, will everything be perfect? Of course not! But, will our hearts be happy and will the plans be pretty and practical? You better believe it!

Our exceptional planners in Jody and Julianna, along with a dedicated friend and bridesmaid (Rebecca Shiroff), we know that no matter what the day brings — it will be perfect.

It will be perfect because it will be the day we always wanted. Our wedding ceremony will be a traditional Catholic mass and our reception will be elegant, unique and oh yes, it will be unforgettable!

Bride-to-be Farah F. Jadran shares her wedding plans, interests and other delightful happenings on Twitter, Instagram, Vine and Pinterest — @FarahJadran.