I can't believe how fast time flies. It was a little over six months ago when Allan and I finally decided on where and when we'd get married. Now, we have about 5 months left to pull the whole thing off.

At first, we wanted to do something extremely small, immediate family only, on the grounds of our favorite bed and breakfast in the Poconos. But after a few tries we never heard back from them.

So after many hours of searching we found a hidden gem, Ellicott City Weddings & Events. We are still keeping it small, which most venues in and around Baltimore do not support. I'm not going to name specific venues or call out certain email exchanges that went back and forth before I found Ellicott City Weddings & Events. Let's just say that certain venues wouldn't even talk to us because our guest list was far below "the 100-person cut-off."

As if getting the bad news wasn't enough, it always took at least five or more days to receive.

One Wednesday night, I was determined to find the right place, somewhere affordable in or around Baltimore. I can't recall the exact search terms I used in Google, but I remember feeling bleary and exhausted, when Ellicott City Weddings & Events came up in my list.

Days later, I emailed them, expecting the usual runaround. But within hours, the owner/event planner got right back to me. I knew then that this place had to be different and in every regard it has been so far.

Allan and I went to check out the place, situated right in the middle of Main Street in Historic Ellicott City. We instantly liked the look and feel. The exposed brick and hardwood floors were clean, yet rustic.

After making our way up a short flight of stairs, there were two roomy bathrooms on their own floor.

On the top floor, we found a bright, vibrant space that almost felt like a friend's spacious rowhome in Charles Village when facing out onto the street.

There were other cool amenities as well, such as the huge LCD monitor on the wall in the room on the top floor, which will allow us to create a personal slideshow. There is also a sound-system that is connected to both the bottom and top floors.

Also, a minibar is available, free of cost -- as are chairs, tables, fake petals, and candlelight along the bottom rail of the wall on the first floor.

If the weather behaves, there is also the chance to use a private back deck area, again for free, which brings a more relaxed, nature-like feel to the day or evening. If it's nice on our wedding day, our bartender will be back there.

The best part is that the space is extremely affordable to rent, compared to most places in or around the city that will still charge you high prices despite not making their desired headcount. If the space is only used for the reception, it's a steal! Parking is also easy, there are multiple lots within a short walking distance in addition to street parking.

Earlier today I went to the space (when these pictures were taken) and did some planning with one of my bridesmaids. The cool thing is that we'll have two floors for guests to spread out in, in addition to the back porch space. There's also a new inn, located just footsteps away (where I will get ready with  my bridesmaids) called The Obladi. Their prices are also very affordable.

Allan and I are not having the best luck with catering -- in fact, the experience is quite similar to what we encountered with venues at first.

Stay tuned for more tips for the small wedding bride. I've done a lot more planning, have a lot more to do, and have plenty to share.

I was surprised to hear from a friend last week that The Judge's Bench in historic Ellicott City had vegan and vegetarian meals on their menu.

So another friend and I decided to check it out last Saturday. She got there before I did and called me to confirm that yes, there were in fact options for the both of us.

The choices? Between a spicy black bean burrito, an elaborate German sounding tofurkey dish, a housemade lentil burger and other plates, there weren't terribly too many meals to choose from -- maybe 5 or 6 at most. But it was enough to hit the spot. My friend and I both ordered sunshine burgers, packed with veggies and toppings of our choice. 

While this was the first time that I've ever set foot in the bar/restaurant despite spending almost my entire life visiting Old Ellicott City, I definitely plan to go back. I'm not quite sure if there are other vegetarian options along "Main Street," but plan to look into it more. Stay tuned!