We had a cake tasting with a cake baker named Karen Rodkey in Littlestown, Pa. She made 3 fabulous mini cakes for us to try. They were some of the best cakes I’ve tasted. We had fun working with her to create the cake design that we want.

The empty plate below is an indication of how much we liked the cakes.

After our visit we stopped by an antiques store. Jesse found some old tools that he liked. I happened upon this lamp:

Does it look familiar? It’s a replica of the classic lamp that was a highlight of “A Christmas Story” movie! We thought it would be fun to have in our basement, but it wasn’t for sale.

On our way home we stopped at an orchard where we purchased tons of jam, apples, and apple cider. We both loved the pumpkin pyramid next to the parking lot.

I bought my gown at Rosalin’s Bridal Boutique in Falls Church. I visited the store in July and found a gown I liked, but was reluctant to purchase it until we nailed down a date.

Originally I wanted my sister Lisa to make my dress. She made her wedding gown and attendants’ gowns. She also made my sister Michele’s wedding gown and attendants’ gowns. I really wanted to continue this family tradition. She would have needed a pattern to use to create the dress. We went to several stores to find wedding gown patterns, but couldn’t find many, and certainly none that excited me (or her, for that matter). I guess people aren’t sewing as many clothes as they used to. I eventually accepted it that I wouldn’t have a one-of-a kind-creation and set out to look for a dress at a local store. Lisa will be making my veil, though.

I think the one that I like the best is the first one I tried on today. The weird thing is, I never thought I’d like this type of dress! I tried it on first to basically rule it out. I never thought I would look good in that type of gown.

I then fell in love with a completely different style of gown. The bad thing is the designer doesn’t manufacture that gown anymore. So, do I buy a gown off the rack for an insanely cheap price that is a number of sizes too big for me and needs to be majorly altered and dry cleaned, or do I go with another one that I can order directly from the designer? I have some things to think about.

All in all, it was a fun time. My thanks to Jessica for coming along. Again, I cannot stress how important it is to have someone else accompany you to these visits. They can give you a whole new perspective on things.

When I walked into the store, I was overwhelmed! There were so many gorgeous gowns! I wanted them all! I think I tried on about 10 different gowns–some of them twice. I narrowed them down to my top three. I need to check out at least one other store before I make my final decision.

It was so much fun to try on gowns! I’ve waited so long to get my chance to slip one on. I think that even after I get married I will visit various bridal stores and try on different gowns, just for the fun of it!

No date has been set. We hope to visit some potential wedding locations over the weekend.