Planning a wedding in LV

To say it nicely, the timeline for getting things done is just a little different here and the way things happen. Here are some fun examples:

We wanted to book the hall for the reception. You only have to book it three weeks in advance. We wanted to book it sooner and at least give some kind of a downpayment. We got as far as being penciled in for that date. It's on my to-do list to call the woman this month and try to force some kind of a downpayment, or at least something a bit more concrete.

I called the seamstress at the end of February. Her reaction: "When is the wedding - the end of June??? Why are you calling so soon?? Ok, call me back in a month, if you must do this so early....." I did call her back this week to set up an appointment, she says, "I'm at home all the time now. Just call or stop in any time. Yes, even on the weekend." I've been ringing her off the hook today, no answer....

KB and I each had to get documentation from our embassies, saying that we are not married in our countries of citizenship and are free to be married here. The letter (in response to this clearly odd Latvian request) reads - the US/Canadian embassy does not write such a letter, but if we did need to write such a letter, it would say that this and this person is ok to get married. Then we have to bring it to the Latvian consulate to get the document legalized (the Latvian government "okays" and accepts this document from the US/Canada), but first you have to go to the bank to pay money for this to happen and bring the receipt with you. Then we have to get these letters translated into Latvian. Then we have to get these translated letters notarized, accepting the translation as accurate. Then we have to go to an office which will tell us what our "Latvian" names will be (on all the documents we have so far, we haven't gotten to use our actual Latvian names with garumzimes and mikstinajumi because we are not Latvian citizens). Then we have to go with all of this documentation to apply to be married one month before the wedding date. I'm only assuming that they have to say yes at this point, because I could not accept any other answer.

By the way, all of these offices mentioned above have a very limited number of hours that they deal with people during the week (for example, 9-12 on Monday, 10-12 on Wednesday and 2-4 on Friday - note these are all within the hours that normal people work). And please don't interrupt at any other time. I called one office this week - the first time no response, then I tried back again 45 minutes later and the lady picked up the phone and screamed, "This office is on its lunch break right now! But speak, if you must!" D: "Um, ok, would you like me to call back later at a more convenient time or can I ask a quick question now?" Crabby lady: "Well, if I answered the phone then obviously you can talk now!" Ok.....

I'm sure I'll have many a fun story to continue to tell as the date gets closer - especially since everything is only allowed to happen at the last minute here. :) It's ok, the sunny and beautiful day of June 28th will be here before we know it!