Help me help Heather with her wedding!

Two big posts in one day. Sorry.

As many of you know, one of my bff's (okay, so she probably is my closest bff as I see her like once a week, I don't care if she disciples my children, she is my favorite person to shop with, my kids call her "grandma", she comments on my blogs -- that is a bonus!, and whether we agree or disagree on something we always agree to disagree. I just love her.), Heather, is getting married. They haven't set a date yet, but they are thinking next September or October.

This is the deal. This is Heather's 2nd marriage. It's Lee's first. Ideally they would like to do a destination wedding but cannot afford it since they are paying for it all themselves. Heather is the head (awesome zookeeper at the city's zoo) and loves animals, outdoors, all that jazz. They are forgoing a church just because the one they attend is way way too small. She would really really like an outdoor wedding, but the whole weather factor scares her. So the idea is setting up a tent someplace. But where? (I even offered my yard! Ha!)

If they didn't have it outdoors under a tent, the locations are very limited. D-town just doesn't have a lot. As far as reception sites, same thing. Really, there are quite a few places, but they don't want to pay an arm and a leg for a place but also don't want to have it at the local community building. (I don't blame her.) Heather had the traditional wedding and reception first time around. She wishes for something more casual and different this time.

Could you guys help me brainstorm? Even if you don't know D-town, she (and I) would love suggestions (you see, I'm the coordinator - hehe, Maid of Honor and photographer!).

Let me tell you what she is thinking firstly. She wants fall colors especially reds and oranges, and pumpkins all over the place. I'm envisioning a big tent with lighted jack-o-lanterns surrounding it, lots of white garland lights, round tables, a small dance floor, etc. The problem is, the location. And how much do these large tents cost? Anyone know?

Please help Heather with ideas. . . . If you were to do your wedding all over again, what would you do differently?. . . Give her some good advice!

My advice would be to have a small wedding party and not to feel like you have to please everyone else (this does not include your wedding planner's thoughts, however ;c)). This wedding is to celebrate YOU guys and the family you already have (Cole). You are the kindest most giving person in the world, Heather, but this day is yours and the only time in your life that you'll have a day like it.

Help Heather create the best wedding ever!

If I had the money I would give her the best wedding ever, and this is what I would do . . .



And I would do this under a big tent:


Love you, Heather!