An Amazing Photographer: Hasain Rasheed

So we're going to be working with Hasain Rasheed as our wedding photographer. He's a very cool, laid-back guy whom we met with his wife and business partner, Joanna Kaplan, an equally cool and friendly person. I'm SO excited about having them as our photography team for our wedding, because Hasain is a true artist and because they are just people we vibed with immediately. They weren't fake the way the other photography consultant was that we met with, who (honest to God) emailed us after our meeting with a form-email that said, "It was so great to meet you both! You are so adorable together!' I was like, "Eeew...uh, NO." The wedding industry is a trip. And Hasain and Joanna are just regular folks who have skills that we need to make our wedding memorable and reflective of our values, which include not paying $3500 for mediocre photos. Not to mention that they're both from the Town! So we're supporting local business at the same time.

Tonite we're going to have dinner at Silver Dragon Restaurant, where we're thinking of having our reception. I'm worried that if the food isn't good, which judging by the reviews I've been reading, it isn't, even for a banquet, our options will be severely limited. We're on a tight budget ($1000 if possible for the venue rental) and anyplace that rents for wedding and is half-way decent tends to charge at least $1200. It's crazy! I can't believe that a 'budget' wedding for 175 has to cost more than a new car.

Anyway, if you have any bright ideas for us I'd love to hear them. Otherwise, just cross your fingers for us that the food at Silver Dragon is yummy. The upshot is that they've already told us we can have a lechon, so that's good.