Great things take Great RISKS?

As we all know, I've had a heck of a time finding a venue that I like that is within our budget. I've narrowed it down, and this past weekend - FH, my mom, and I went to see it in person. He loved IT!!! He went so far as to say "well we can switch dates if we can't get it for March 6, 2010" to which I exclaimed "NO". But he responded "I'd rather the venue we like over the date, then just finding a place to suit the date we want." And I am sure that makes sense, but that date has been repeated in my head, out loud, and so on over and over again... Even my ticker counter is counting down to THAT date!

FH also called his mother right away (I was surprised) to say "Well, we Found it!!!" He seemed more excited than I was.

This is what the Ceremony site would be...

So what makes this my perfect venue?More...

1. BYO Caterer and Alcohol
2. Separate areas for ceremony, cocktail hour and reception
3. Chairs/tables included in the fee
4. Full Kitchen
5. Big parking lot - don't need valet
6. Reasonable priced
7. Ballroom accommodates my party size
8. Lots of flexibility with the decor
9. Has a PA and Mic system in the reception area
10. Ceremony is still outdoors and green and beautiful
11. In OC
12. Good setting for various pictures

So... WE FOUND IT! The venue search is over... or is it?

The big problem is that the venue will not allow me to put a deposit until next March. Not more than 12 months from the date, which totally sucks. It makes it difficult for me to move forward with anything else b/c i want the Date and I want the venue. So i can take the risk of finding vendors and hoping my date and venue stick, or i can be more cautious and just peruse my options...

Paola, my lovely WC just emailed me to ask if I felt comfortable to start narrowing vendor options down... b/c that way i can still feel like I'm moving ahead with the planning even if i'm not securing actual vendors.

What do you think? Thoughts? what should I do? What would you do?