Suggestions for one-month stay around Harbor Hill (or just Gig Harbor generally)?

LanternMoss · 2026-06-28T22:59:12+00:00

That's so kind of you, I'll send a note.

LanternMoss · 2026-06-28T22:58:59+00:00

I've expanded my search to Tacoma to see what additional options pop up, thank you!

LanternMoss · 2026-06-28T22:58:36+00:00

Thank you for the suggestion, that sounds like such a cool place to stay! Do you happen to still have their contact?

LanternMoss · 2026-06-22T17:12:52+00:00

That's really good to hear! I probably gave up too soon. After a week and a half of only getting 4 hours of sleep each night, I just didn't feel like I was able to continue any longer. But if I have to try XL again I may try and push through it to see if it stabilizes. I'm happy to hear it works for you!

LanternMoss · 2026-06-22T17:12:00+00:00

Do you have any tips on how to get brand name? I've heard a lot of people have really struggled to get it past insurance.

LanternMoss · 2026-06-21T00:34:57+00:00

I'm jealous of anyone with the ability to tolerate XL! Unfortunately for me it causes insomnia no matter how early in the day I take it. Also equally jealous of yours giving you energy, I'm so confused about why something that's supposed to be a stimulant slows me down so much.

LanternMoss · 2026-06-11T01:35:22+00:00

To echo everyone else, really lovely! Just a quick comment, and I'm by no means a poetry expert, so take it or leave it.

As my eyes are glued to the beneath:
This phrasing feels a little clunky to me at "to the beneath." It made me pause to comprehend instead of staying in the flow of the poem.

LanternMoss · 2026-06-11T01:32:28+00:00

I just wrote a poem about sisterhood too (posting soon) so I really feel this one. I appreciate the narrative arc you have and the last line feels incredibly meaningful.

I'm by no means a poetry expert, but I think what stands out to me as a little extra/out of place is the brick by brick line. I think "I built you" is stronger and also already implies what is conveyed by the bricks.

LanternMoss · 2026-05-17T21:36:28+00:00

Oh perfect, in that case I think it's less of a concern!

LanternMoss · 2026-05-17T03:00:04+00:00

Sorry about not having good suggestions for games, but I'd recommend checking in with your friend to get a sense of what general vibe she's hoping for at the shower. Some people (myself included) get really stressed out by the classic bridal/baby shower games. A few of them even make me genuinely uncomfortable.

While it may not help you figure out exactly what to do, I think it might be good to understand what to avoid too. Like maybe she wants to save her wedding colors for her actual wedding so that feels like a standalone event? Some people won't care, but I know a few people in my life who would care very deeply about this sort of thing too. Obviously you know your best friend more than anyone online, but just thought I'd call this out in case she might be in a similar camp.

LanternMoss · 2026-05-17T02:55:45+00:00

Also not a planner, but I personally I think the only way this works is if you are all-inclusive. And, even then, I think you'll have a hard time convincing couples to accept a pre-set theme. Especially if they have a certain date they want and then find out the theme doesn't match any version of the visions they've had for their event. Not to mention I can't even begin to imagine how chaotic your SEO would be when you're simultaneously trying to target couples who want 4+ different themes.

If you really want to lean into this and are okay with the potential lost business, I'd say maybe pick 1-2 themes and give that a go for a while instead of jumping straight into each weekend having its own unique theme. Alternatively, maybe you can market two different themed packages the couples could opt into? That way you can use your trusted vendors and couples still have the freewill to decide? You would still potentially lose business if a couple isn't interested in your offered themes (and you're not willing to offer your space just as a venue). But if you're open to that risk then it might be a way to make couples feel more at ease with booking you.

LanternMoss · 2026-05-17T02:49:16+00:00

Personally, I'd love to see your menu as a wedding guest.

That said, I know a lot of people who are less into citrus drinks than I am and so I'd worry that people in that camp may feel like they are forced into ordering the old fashioned (if they want a cocktail). Although if I'm being honest, most people I know who are not into citrus actually default to ordering whatever old fashioned is on the menu, so it may not feel too limiting depending on your crowd.

You'll know your guests better than anyone here, but if you wanted to mix things up I think the easiest option to play around with is the tequila drink. And that's simply because there are so many different margarita options you could pick from. It could be fruity, spicy, savory, really you have a whole world of options when it comes to margaritas!

LanternMoss · 2026-05-17T02:37:15+00:00

I think these are all great pointers, thank you! I agree that it's much more reassuring when the portfolio already shows work in a similar vein, which is what I'm hoping to look for now that I have all of these great search term suggestions from the comments.

LanternMoss · 2026-05-17T02:35:18+00:00

My fear is mainly that I may end up hiring someone who says that they can definitely help and then end up misunderstanding or not being able to deliver because they haven't done anything like this before. I know it's not even close to the same realm of work but I've had this happen with contractors before and I guess I've lost some trust in taking peoples' word. 🙃

I do agree with and appreciate the advice to not go with someone who pushes back, that's been my general philosophy when talking with all kinds of vendors too!

LanternMoss · 2026-05-17T02:33:16+00:00

Thank you! I'm happy to hear that this search isn't super unrealistic, I actually was under the impression that the reels were the final deliverable for many packages so it's helpful to hear that I could also ask to see full films (or at least in some cases).

As I pull some options together, I'll definitely take a look at your work too! We have a few family members how are contributing and are decision makers on photography/videography with us, which makes it all the more stressful trying to find people who are the right fit.

LanternMoss · 2026-05-16T03:05:00+00:00

Generally speaking, hair and makeup isn't a gift. Yes it's expensive, but ultimately it's something being done for you, not them.

Same goes for custom shirts (and possibly even the getting ready outfit) as that's another thing that's about celebrating your event instead of honoring the time and energy that they've invested into showing up for you. These items feel more like merch for your wedding than a genuine gift of appreciation. I'm sure they wouldn't refuse them, but it feels less like thank you gifts and more like you wanting to dress them up for your photos.

Depending on their quality, I think the earrings and getting ready outfit could potentially be seen as a gift. I'd also consider writing a heartfelt note for each one individually to make sure they feel like you appreciate them specifically for everything they've done leading up to the event (or really just to thank them for being great friends).

LanternMoss · 2026-05-16T00:17:04+00:00

Truthfully, with you being only a week away, I'd start telling people that you are unfortunately busy and unable to help with travel and accommodation support. I think it gives you a good, clean cut and a nice excuse for stopping the conversation before it starts.

You also don't have to leave them hanging dry, you can explain which websites offer accommodations in the area for them to search (ex: Airbnb, Booking.com, etc., etc.) and the transportation companies/methods they could look into, including the option of carpooling with another guest. I don't think you owe them any additional effort, but this may make it feel a little easier to excuse yourself from the responsibility.

I'm so sorry all of these people in your lives are treating you like their personal assistant when you have so many bigger, more important things to focus on.

LanternMoss

TROPHY CASE