we found a venue for both the ceremony and reception! it is a gorgeous house right on the beach that my family will rent for the week. i love the idea of having everything right there. i think it will make the week more simple (and more fun to have my family right there)! we are looking to put a tent up in the main yard area (not including the pool or deck). a 40x55 tent apparently can fit tables and chairs for 200 people! the band will also set up a small stage at the edge of the tent and we can use the cement area around the pool as our dance floor.
we are thinking we will set up chairs in rows under the tent for the ceremony. then we will open a bar on both sides of the pool and have a cocktail/appetizer hour and encourage people to walk down to the beach. during that time, some guys can set up the tables and arrange the chairs under the tent for dinner. i think if it is organized enough it should go smoothly...
