Latest GTG Idea - Joint GTG with Local Boards

Hey mods,

Just wanted to give you a GTG idea that we pulled off in January ? a joint local GTG for our Knot/Nest/Bump boards!  We connected with our local sales rep, and she put us in touch with a venue, a florist, and a photographer.  Even though most of those in attendance were either married or had wedding plans already in place, it was great to see another venue and interact with the photographer (the florist had come and gone prior to our arrival) since we are either giving recommendations on the board or suggesting vendors to friends and family for their own events.  And hey, the vendors got some free publicity on our board - I'm happy to do that if we have a good experience at the venue/with the vendors!

The venue is in a gated community, and no one on TK thinks about having their wedding there, likely because it?s either not attainable or physically locked away!  We saw the venue, had some awesome apps (and hosted wine, not gonna lie!), and saw their space for weddings and events. 

The florist is a lesser-known florist in the area who put together some beautiful winter arrangements in milk glass vases that we each took home.

The photographer hung out with us and snapped some photos of the GTG.  (Some of the expressions are hilarious!)
There are pro pics here: http://www.heidisollphoto.com/webdocs/Knottie/index.html

There were a few Knotties (4-5) and older Knotties turned Nesties (5-6) (a few also post on the Bump) in attendance.  We primarily ate, drank, and chatted, then played Wii on a giant screen in the dining room.  I also prepared a trivia game (coordinated via PMs - those coming PMed me for the Evite and with their trivia question) to fill out during the GTG to get to know one another better ? which Knottie/Nestie/Bumpie ___? what?s their screenname and real name? 

The GTG was a blast!  It was a fun way to join the boards together, and most of us know each other from either The Knot or The Nest.  Those on The Knot will likely eventually post on The Nest, so it was great to get everyone together.  It broke down some barriers between the boards, which I think will be great in the long run!

Definitely something to think about for your own local boards if you're interested in doing something to bring everyone together.  Doesn't hurt to get some local venues involved for the free food/space either!