I work in real estate, which, as everyone knows, spawned the catch phrase "Location, location, location." But the deeper I dive into wedding preparations, the more this phrase haunts me.

Many young girls dream of fancy wedding cakes and beautiful dresses, cute shoes and sparkling jewelry. I, however, dreamt of Maymont Park in Richmond, Va. As any true Yankee transplant would, I envisioned myself among the magnolias with a wedding full of Southern charm.

To be honest, I think that I looked forward to getting married in Maymont’s spectacular gardens more than wearing a gorgeous gown. Even before R and I were engaged, I contacted the park to find out about prices and catering options. It was only after the engagement ring was on my hand that I realized R and I would not be exchanging vows at Maymont, which was far too pricey for our meager budget.

Plan B was quickly formed. We would still get married in town, at the much smaller and cheaper, but still beautiful garden at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. Quaint and not overly used, it seemed the new perfect location. We toured the grounds and, hand to God, even saw a dead raven. R and I were in agreement: we could make this work.

Then came the small issues of chairs, food, alcohol, and location for the reception. Slowly, but surely, the idea of the Poe Garden became nevermore, nevermore. Now our dilemma seemed to be with the reception, not the wedding. How could we combine the two, without taking a second mortgage, in the process?

A co-worker recommended Banana Bay Resort in Key West. Why not do the wedding, reception, and honeymoon all together? Sure, it was far from home. But hey, even that had its advantages -- it was the perfect excuse to have the small, intimate wedding that we really wanted. Amazingly, with all expenses included, I still think the total cost will be less than what a similar wedding would be here in Richmond.

Of course, there are downsides as well. Guests must travel, dogs must be kenneled, cars rented, etc. But the positives far outweigh the negatives. So to Banana Bay we’ll go, we think, with a supporting cast of about 20.

Now the location, location, location problem is solved, but what to do about the dress?