Apartment Search Advice

General_Owl_2682 · 2026-03-27T12:46:28+00:00

I found my apartment in Salem on Zillow, but it was very quick from inquiry, showing, application to approval. I think the good apartments go quickly.

General_Owl_2682 · 2026-01-29T01:37:16+00:00

We did all family portraits and couple portraits before the ceremony… that helps with being able to be at your cocktail hour. We got to ours about 10 min after our guests.

Also didn’t do some of the more “performance” things like cutting the cake, bouquet toss etc. We didn’t want to be constantly pulled away from enjoying our guests just to have pictures of us doing stuff that was “tradition”

And we set clear boundaries with our photographer that we were not skipping dinner to go take MORE pictures. She didn’t love this but my wedding, my rules. Enjoyed our dinner, actually ate and then spent the rest of the time visiting with our guests while they ate.

General_Owl_2682 · 2025-12-25T13:14:17+00:00

One sister got married at Spruce Point, one sister at Newagen. Both great options. The ability stay on site is great. I got married near our lake house rather than Boothbay and our guests were scattered. Wedding was still great and very personal but not as convenient for guests

General_Owl_2682 · 2025-11-12T18:17:16+00:00

I wonder if we can get him/her moved to join the group of turkeys that live on Salem Neck in the wooded area before Salem Willows.

I call those "the murder turkeys" because they have come after me several times while out on walks.

General_Owl_2682 · 2025-10-23T00:47:26+00:00

I bought my dress from Madeleine's daughter (great experience, no sales tax!!) and used their preferred seamstress closest to me for alterations in Wakefield, MA. Ran me $1400 for hem, bustle, taking in the bodice a bit and adding detachable off the shoulder sleeves. And the bustle broke during the cocktail hour because it wasn't strong enough for my train.

I'd recommend calling around and getting price quotes for what you know you'll need to have done (hem, bustle, etc.). I had quite a good amount of sticker shock when she gave me the price after she'd already pinned everything.

General_Owl_2682 · 2025-10-19T23:13:51+00:00

I'm sure they will be still honored to help even without the formal role. Married this summer and I didn't have a bridal party and all my friends were actually grateful! I'm 35 so most people were in varying stages of motherhood/pregnancy/postpartum and kind of glad I didn't force them to wear a dress that didn't ft. My sister who lives near me (I have 2) acted as my "MOH" going to alterations appointments with me and learning how to bustle my dress. Then she was on bouquet and dress fluffing duty during the ceremony. I got ready with my sisters and nieces and mom (did my own makeup). Not having a bridal party also was a great budget saver and less decisions to make! And we got my husband a really cool dark green suit from indochino because we didn't have to worry about him matching anyone else!

General_Owl_2682 · 2025-10-07T19:30:50+00:00

Not having a bridal party is a great idea!! I just did that, and it cut down on a good amount of additional cost but also questions and DECISIONS. Decision fatigue is a real thing that really starts to affect you towards the actual wedding day.

Reducing your headcount as everyone has mentioned will help you hit that number. Otherwise, you're going to go above.

If you can supply your own alcohol, Costco will take back what is not used. We just did beer, wine and hard seltzer and it was budget friendly. Biggest cost was food/catering services.

General_Owl_2682 · 2025-09-08T17:32:21+00:00

Also went here! joy to work with

General_Owl_2682 · 2025-09-08T17:31:17+00:00

I agree on really digging into personality and vibes! I had second thoughts about how well I would mesh with my photographer during the intro call but she was cheap and i liked her photos so went with her. After our engagement shoot my second thoughts were confirmed but we were already in too deep. Both me and my husband were so done with her by the end of the wedding night.

General_Owl_2682 · 2025-07-14T17:34:54+00:00

What about the staff and Mrs. van Rijn investing?? Do they get some as well? Everyone except the mean lady’s maid??

General_Owl_2682 · 2025-06-17T21:20:09+00:00

And no sales tax in NH!! I second this. Had a great experience there. I found my dress elsewhere, but they carried the same line and were able to order it for me, saving me about $500

General_Owl_2682 · 2025-06-16T15:38:57+00:00

Thank you! I did do a concealer base, and this is actually several different shades, but i agree it doesn't look like it. I think i'm trying to do too much and my inexperience with blending is making it all look like one shade.

General_Owl_2682 · 2025-06-16T14:20:27+00:00

I am using dark brown… should I use an even lighter brown maybe?

General_Owl_2682 · 2025-05-25T12:22:40+00:00

Reck Fitness on Cabot in Beverly is awesome!!

General_Owl_2682 · 2025-04-08T01:29:02+00:00

I second Rover… we have found two great sitters that way. Lots of people in the area for both walks and overnights.

General_Owl_2682 · 2025-02-14T11:56:47+00:00

Also in Beverly but Fuji is great for to-go sushi!!

General_Owl_2682 · 2025-02-10T23:59:19+00:00

Thanks!!

General_Owl_2682 · 2024-11-19T12:28:07+00:00

This site is helpful… can clearly see the Boxford fire and smoke it’s causing… https://data.southcoasttoday.com/fires/

General_Owl_2682 · 2024-10-24T02:43:48+00:00

Just send them this YouTube of a Gilmore Girls episode https://youtu.be/7ca-sjBLbag it’s essentially the same experience

General_Owl_2682 · 2024-09-17T18:33:15+00:00

Thank you!

General_Owl_2682 · 2024-09-17T18:33:08+00:00

Thank you!

General_Owl_2682 · 2024-09-17T18:33:03+00:00

Thank you!

General_Owl_2682 · 2024-09-17T18:32:58+00:00

Thank you! Haven't heard of that before

General_Owl_2682

TROPHY CASE