joyfulsong's Red Wedding Blog - Wedding By Color

30 Days ... - hath September, May, June and November

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:12:00 PST

Wooooooooohoooooooooooooooooo!!! September 18, 19, and 20 brides: We have one month left, and then it's our turn!!! Isn't that awesome??!! Sometimes it feels like this time would never come. It was always so far away. There was always plenty of time left to do everything. This is a wonderful time right now. I've enjoyed looking back on our relationship today. We've come a long way from the time that Mr. JoyfulSong got down on one knee (IN THE SNOW!!!) and asked me to be his wife. It's been even longer since he forced out the words, "do you want to come on a walk with me sometime?" all those years ago. Since that time, we've had a lot to deal with. He's helped me seen myself in a new light, and whenever I lose sight of how precious I really am in God's eyes, he reminds me. He loves me so completely and wholly. I am the luckiest girl alive. Well, it's pouring rain all this week, so I hope it rains itself out. Hopefully, this is not a premonition of what the weather will be like in exactly one month. I doubt it, but you never know. I must say, I've really enjoyed the wedding planning experience. For me, it wasn't stressful at all. Now, I'm a planner and an organizer by nature, and I have had a lot of support from my family, my friends, my bridal party, and my church. I am very blessed!! This engagement has been magical. I wish it would never end. We've had our arguments - the worst ones were about invitations and the ceremony itself, because we wanted different things - but we learned new skills in compromising. I can't describe it more than that. We're suddenly a team, and no one else matters. It's nothing short of a miracle. How is your planning going? What was the good, the bad, and the stressful? I hope you feel as blessed as I do on this cold, rainy, August day.

Photography - Boudoir Photoshoot tips and ideas

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:07:00 PST

This is just information that I really don't want to lose. I want to do my own boudoir shoot, mostly because I'm really shy, but also because I don't want to spend the money for pro pics. There are lots of websites that give you good ideas and tips. Here are my faves: - http://loribarbelyphotography.blogspot.com/2009/02/boudoir-basics-tips-for-getting-most.html - http://jenniferimages.blogspot.com/2009/01/tips-for-successful-boudoir-session.html - - http://www.weddingbycolor.com/mamamia321/milestones/61807 ----------------------------------------- These are the tips to keep in mind (most of these aren't listed in the links above): - There is a program that you can download for free to edit pictures, similar to Photoshop. I haven't checked it out yet, but the link is: www.picnik.com. - Make sure to wear lingerie that doesn't blend into your background. - Use natural lighting wherever possible. Flashes make a person look two-dimensional and less real. To filter the light, use a room with a large window, and place a white sheet over it. You get the effect without the glare. - Don't take it too seriously. Have fun. Let your sexy beast loose!!! Things I have on hand that I can use: - Current lingerie. I have two pieces of lingerie, one of which is from FH. - Feather boa - Scarves - Tights / Pantyhose - Moisturizer - Coveralls - FH is a mechanic by trade, so he'd get a kick out of this! - tub and bubble bath - makeup - FH likes lots and lots of it! - a kimono-style dress that FH bought - other dresses I own Now, what will I do for props and/or backdrops?? My house seems kind of boring, and if I wait until I move, then he'll be home. I'll have to come up with something. Maybe in front of the fireplace, if I can ever get the house to myself. We'll see.

My monthly friend ... - Oh crap! oh crap! oh crap!

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:19:00 PST

Hey ladies! I need your expert advice. I'm exactly 33 days away from my wedding, and my period started today! It wasn't supposed to start just yet. I was expecting another week or so, making it absolutely ideal. Now what do I do??

Photography - FREE?!!? Really??

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:30:00 PST

A number of posts ago, I ask the question about using my roommate as a photographer, or hiring a professional. My roommate, "L", has finished a one year photography program, but doesn't have a lot of experience. Now, she'd be willing to do it for free, which would save a lot of money. I chose the professional. They are Bob and Lynn of Celebrity Photo Studio in St. John's, NL. I went to book them yesterday. Yes, I know, there's less than two months left, and I should hang my head in shame for not doing it a year ago. I realize that I am incredibly lucky that these guys are still available. After I had made my downpayment, and they had gotten all the information they needed for my wedding and such, Bob mentioned that there was something he had always wanted to do but hadn't. I figured it was some sort of silly pose or something, and I was thinking that I'd be game for it. Then he says that there's this new trend that hasn't really been done here in NL, and that's the Trash The Dress phenomenon. So, I get really really really excited. My eyes must have lit up. Anyway, they booked me on the spot (FOR FREE!!!!) for the day after the wedding. All of them had really great ideas ... Lynn suggested we go to the gun area of Cape Spear to do some of it, and we can use the swords as props in the pics. ... anyway, we had great fun. Anyway, long story short, I was excited! Imagine, a free TTD shoot!! With professionals!! ... aaaaaand, this means that I'd be featured on their website, their blog, probably in large blow-up pictures, and all sorts of things! No one here has people in a TTD shoot in their portfolio! I think I'm gonna be a part of starting the trend here in Newfoundland! I think that's really really cool. ------------------------------------- Ladies, if you want a TTD shoot, JUST ASK!!! Photographers want in on this phenomenon, and are willing to do discounts, or for free. I got lucky, because I was going to have my friend "L" do the TTD, but my professional photographer OFFERED to do it for free! ------------------------------------ I chose Bob and Lynn because: 1. I liked their shots 2. I liked their personalities & attitudes 3. I thought I was getting a good deal 4. I liked their creativity & the way these two worked together 5. They were willing to let my friend "L" take photos as well, and they said they'd give her pointers for starting her own photography career. (They recognize that she'll want some for her portfolio, and they said they would give her as many tips about business and photography as they can! "L" has met them, and approves of them, too.) They're just really great people!! This is what they offer: Engagement shoot 2 photographers for the entire day (a husband-wife team w/ 25 + years of experience) Attendance at the rehearsal (I've never seen a photographer to offer this!) Unlimited photos 120 page 12x12 scrapbook of wedding photos Showers, engagement parties, gift openings, etc. possibly at an additional cost. I didn't enquire, because I don't really need them that much. Not only that, but these guys are a-ok with my friend "L" tagging along and taking photos too. They recognize that she'll want some for her portfolio, and they said they would give her as many tips about business and photography as they can! "L" has met them, and approves of them, too.

Decoration - Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 07:28:00 PST

I woke up this beautiful Saturday morning. I fritter the morning away on my lovely facebook and WBC friends. I check the mail, and the Saturday flyers are here. I rummage through the pile for the Michael's flyer. I find it, but I don't look at it. Instead, I'm distracted. My super-crafty roommate wakes up. We discuss a trip to Michael's before she has to go to work. That reminds me, I need to actually LOOOK INTO the flyer, to see what's on sale. I'm waiting for beads to go on sale, to make my wedding jewelry. I open the flyer. Oh, yay!! Beads are 50% off. Sweet. I continue on. Their entire selection of baskets are on sale. Exellent. I'll pick up two for "Bathroom Baskets". Ribbon is on sale! 3 spools for 1.00!!! Surely, they have one of my wedding colours. After all, I'm using an autumn theme, and almost any shade of red, orange, yellow, or brown can be used. Speaking of autumn, they have autumn flowers and chains of autumn leaves on sale for 3.00 and 5.00 each, respectively! Well, then!! Is there anything else I could possibly need at Michael's that's on sale??

Ask a Question - Alterations

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:32:00 PST

I suppose I'll start out with the remainder of my story. (A few posts back, I had written that the bridal salon had LOST my dress. The previous post was about me going to look at it, and pick it up, since it had been found again!! Yay!) Well, I was a little frustrated with the service I received today at the bridal salon. It wasn't all bad, but I arrived when only one other person was around, and other people came in and out, and got served first. I enquired about what I should do for alterations (who do they recommend, how much should I budget for it. ... etc. The saleslady calls their seamstress up to talk to me. The seamstress talks to me for a few minutes, but then goes off to get a tux or something for someone else. I don't see her again. (I'm going to take the advice of the beautiful ladies who commented on my last post, and I'm going to go elsewhere for my alterations.) This is my question: How much did your alterations cost? Or, what did seamstresses quote you? What is reasonable? What should I expect?

Wedding Dress - So very nervous!

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:05:00 PST

Well, a few posts back, I told about how the Bridal Salon has misplaced my wedding dress. It has since been found. Woooooohooooo! I'm going to have something to wear on my big day! Today after work, I'm going to go try it on. I need to make sure it's the right dress, and that it hasn't been damaged. Who knows where it's been!! I'm also going to have to look into alterations. I'm afraid of alterations, that's for sure! I'm afraid of the costs, and I'm afraid that I'll end up feeling "fat" if I need to get too many. I know, it's irrational, but still. I can't help feel that way. Wish me luck, ladies!! I really hope I fall in love with this dress all over again!

Market Place - Want to buy: Punch Fountain

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:58:00 PST

I would love to have a punch fountain or two at our wedding. If anyone is willing to sell theirs after their own nuptials are over, I'd appreciate it. Our marriage date is September 18th of this year. I don't care about the style, shape, colour. I'd prefer that it light up, but it's not necessary. I did post on someone's blog who had a list of items for sale, but I can't remember who it is. I did look in the market place category, and tried a site search to find that post again, but with no luck. If you are this person, I'm still interested in your punch fountain, if it's available.

I think I'm gonna cry!! - THEY LOST MY DRESS!!!!!

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:47:00 PST

So, my MOH and I went to the bridal shop today, to put money down on the dresses. They ask if we want to see the dresses, and try them on and stuff. We said "sure", even though we didn't need to actually see them. Boy, am I glad we did!!!!! The really sweet saleslady left, and came back with a few dresses - one of them was MOH's dress, and the others were for other customers in the store. She leaves again. A few minutes later - ten, maybe? - I see her speaking in half-whispers with another saleslady. I think I hear my name. The second saleslady leaves. Another while passes. She comes back, and apologizes, but says that they cannot find my dress. She explains that they were moving some stock recently, and it may just be misplaced. She assures me that the dress has to be in the store. She tells me that she has already phoned the manager, and he will personally look for it the next time he's in the store. They tell me they will call me as soon as they locate it. At least they were nice. At least they were apologetic, and at least they admitted to their error. BUT THEY LOST MY DRESS!!! I know I still have time - a little under three months - but right now that's not reassuring me. To top it off, this has been a really really really crappy week. Check out some other highlights to my week: 1. FH leaving. He works on ships, and his ship sailed. Nothing I can do. But, I'm now on my own until two weeks before the wedding. 2. Email chatting with my BM. She keeps going on and on and on about all the trips she's taken lately and is about to do. She lives in the UK, and while she is committed to coming to my wedding, her husband isn't, due to financial reasons. I can count FIVE separate trips between January - July of this year so far. Those are the ones I know about. I'm really hurt. I know that I'm super emotional, since I learn about all these random trips ON THE DAY FH LEAVES, but still. It hurts that really close friends of mine are choosing not to attend my wedding. 3. No money. Get this. FH's work mails out cheques. They mailed one TO THE WRONG ADDRESS!!! Once we call them because the cheque does not arrive, after waiting and waiting and waiting, we learn of the company's error. They DO NOT REISSUE ANOTHER CHEQUE!!! They won't for another two weeks. Boourns!! This means FH's bank account is depleted of money. He has gotten his most recent paycheque, but there's a five day hold on that money. There is 50 cents in that account that we can use. 4. Because of #3, we've been using my account more. I don't use my account a lot because it charges a lot of fees. No biggie, I don't mind paying them because I need the money. THE BANK SHUT DOWN MY ACCOUNT, BECAUSE OF SUSPECTED FRAUDULANT ACTIVITY!! Yes, it's nice that they are viligant, but they didn't contact me. I didn't know what was wrong with my debit card, since it only said "Denied Access". I went most of the week without money at all. SERIOUSLY???!?!?!?!?!? CAN ANYTHING ELSE GO WRONG THIS WEEK???????? At least the weekend is looking up???

I need your help... - ... to win a contest!

Fri, 15 May 2009 04:16:00 PST

Right now, Air Miles is having a "Million Air Miles" giveaway. To enter, you need to write a story about what you would spend your million air miles on if you were to win. Here's what I have so far. I really need feedback, so I can tweak it before the deadline. I want to submit it next week! ----------------------- Ah, the college years. When I look back on them, I have fond memories. Sure, there were times when I survived on peanut butter, gala apples and good 'ole KD. I never did like marathon study sessions either, but there were great times too. The thing that made my university time good was the friends I've made. I think the struggles we faced with our college buddies cement the friendships like nothing else can. We would go for "study breaks" at a local coffee shop together. They would usually last the same amount of time the study session had. You may think that would be a waste of time, and perhaps you are correct, but something magical happened. We bonded. We talked and laughed - laughter is a great stress reliever - we shared our joys, triumphs, and successes. We divided our heartaches, our sorrows, and our struggles. As it turned out, the material we were studying wasn't important. My friends were. College was where I learned what's important in life. Sadly, these dear friends of mine have scattered over the earth. One dear friend is teaching in Saudi Arabia, another preaching in South Korea. Many friends are doing Masters or PhDs at prestigious schools around the world. I would love for these wonderful people to be at my wedding this coming fall. One million Air Miles would go far in helping me and my fiancé celebrate our nuptials with those who love us! Oh yeah, I almost forgot. With the leftover Air Miles, we could have an awesome honeymoon, and buy new furniture. It's time to upgrade the mismatched student furniture. -------------------------------------- So, what do you think? Too wishy-washy? Too informal? An interesting read? Any sentences or phrases you'd change? Should I rewrite it in 3rd person? Should I address the reader? I'm not happy yet with the 1st & 2nd paragraphs. I'm 75 words over the limit. What can I cut out / condense? Anything to make it better or more interesting?

Bridesmaids - Can't wait! It's kind of like Christmas ...

Thu, 07 May 2009 05:07:00 PST

Yesterday, when I came home from work, I noticed there were messages on the message manager. I went to listen to them, when my brother appears out of nowhere - he does that! - and tells me there's a message for me from the bridal salon. It turns out that the bridesmaids dresses are in!! I want to go see them so badly! I need to wait until the store opens. I'm excited, and nervous. I really want to go look at my girls' beautiful dresses. I want to imagine them in their silky claret coloured beauties. What if they're the wrong size or colours? What if something is drastically wrong with them? I don't know if I have it in me to argue at all. On a completely unrelated note, we now have 125 days until the wedding! Cool! *grin*

Wedding Dress - How to look your best in your dress!

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 07:09:00 PST

One fabulous bride posted a link to a very informative youtube video. I made the mistake of not putting it into my faves immediately. I went back to look at it again, but could not find it under the "site search" feature. Since posts can be easily missed, I also thought that it may help someone else out. The video is done with a former prima ballerina, and it tells you things like how to get untangled from your train, and the best way to walk with grace and poise while wearing a large wedding gown. This is also my very first youtube embedding procedure, so just in case it doesn't work, here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=nNFnaAID9uw

Gift Registry - Canadian help!

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 05:07:00 PST

FH and I decided to go make our registries this past weekend, only to learn that Canadian Tire and Walmart have taken out the gift registry option! We live in a small city, so we don't have a Bay, Eatons, Target, etc. ... where on earth are we going to register? If we don't register, what do we do? We do have a Sears, but there's not a whole lot you can buy there. Everything is also super expensive, and not all that great quality. Any advice? Suggestions?

VOTE! What would you do? - I need photography advice!

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:02:00 PST

Like everyone else, we have limited funds, and want to cut costs where possible. My roommate "L", is currently doing a one year photography program, and will graduate in June. She has offered to do our photography for free as her wedding gift to us. We would only need to pay for the prints we want. She does good work in general, but she takes a long time to set up a photo (because she's playing with the aperature and the iso and all that other stuff), and she doesn't own equipment like the lights & stands and stuff that other photographers would have. Now, I know FOR A FACT that the instructor for this program is not considered a professional photographer by the other photographers in the city, and in general the students' work is sub-par. He (and his students) have such a bad reputation in this city. What would you do? Would you hire a "real" photographer for a heck of a lot of money, or would you use a friend?

Reception - I need inspiration and creativity!

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:04:00 PST

I have been to soooo many weddings in the last five years, so nothing seems unique anymore for the kissing game at the reception. I want something that's original, and that fits our personality. I want something that's totally different than anyone else has done. I've been thinking about this for a few weeks now, and I've read every article I can find on the subject. Does anyone have good ideas? Can you all give me your completely-wacky-off-the-wall ideas?? Please? Pretty pretty please? I'll give you an example: Friends of mine had a fairly typical kissing game, but before each kiss, she would apply bright red lipstick. The first few kisses were on his cheeks and forehead, so the "red lips" would remain. It wasn't until midway through the reception that she would kiss him on the lips. Each kiss got more and more passionate. The kisses during dessert were old fashioned dip-the-girl kisses.

Wedding Dress - Ordered!!

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:35:00 PST

I have finally ordered my dress and the bridesmaids dresses. I hope all the sizes come out correctly. She had me sign the back of the order slip saying that I wished to order xx size, even though we weren't measured there. She even had me sign the order slip that had my dress on it, even though she DID measure me. I'm all paranoid now, and worried that my dress will be too small, and my BMs dresses will be too large. Eep. The girls will be soooooo beautiful. They each chose their own dress, as long as it was tea length and strapless/spaghetti straps. Two of the girls chose separate tops/skirts, so I've only shown the top they've chosen. They are Alfred Angelo dresses, and the colour is "claret". I had a busy day today. I own my own house, and supplement the income with the basement apartment. Today, I showed the apartment in the morning, went to work, ordered the dresses, showed the apartment again, had supper, and then started sending emails to various vendors asking for more information. I'm soooo close to putting a deposit down on a venue. I really should do that soon. I'm getting married in 183 days, according to my countdown.

NWR- Monday Blues - I just need to vent!

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:25:00 PST

Today is so miserable. My mood matches the weather (icy, wet and pouring rain). At least it will get rid of some of this snow! There is just so much on my plate right now. My MOH has had a ridiculously hard time these last two months, and is fighting clinical depression. I'm really worried about her. She's super strong, but she's had a lot to deal with lately, and she is prone to depression. Then, both FH and I have new jobs. (Yay!) ....... buuuuuuut his job requires that he works long hours, and doesn't even get weekends off. I never see him anymore! He's tired in the evenings, and has studying to do, and he volunteers once a week, and we take an aikido class twice a week. On top of that, I started a new job where I needed a car. It just so happens that one of my friends went to Saudia Arabia, and didn't need her car. I knew her parents, so I got a great deal on this car. It's a standard, and I live in a VERY hilly area. I haven't driven standard in 6 ++ years, and I'm super nervous. Not only that, but I have a fear of new jobs as it is, since I've been in some really bad work environments. I need to be at work in an hour and a half, and I'm dreading going there. This will be my second week on the job, but I'm still so frightened. It's the kind of job where I work fairly independently, and I don't get much feedback. FH and I have been - well, not fighting, but getting on each other's nerves - and that's not fun. I got mad at him yesterday because I thought he had criticized my parking last night. I went to drive two friends home, in the freezing rain because it's cruel to make them walk. (Did I mention I only got this car on Friday, the roads were super slippery and I'M NOT USED TO STANDARDS!!!!!). Anyway, we talked about it, and during the conversation we talked about other random snippy comments we've said to each other over the past few weeks. I just can't handle the stress. A random aside: one of those "other" things I had gotten mad at him for was he ran into a "friend", and invited him and his girlfriend of the day to our wedding. This "friend" doesn't even know my name, I am sure, is rude and loud, and I'm pretty sure that he only hangs out with FH because FH will loan him tools. GAH!! more animals

Need opinions - Calling all Red Brides!

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:04:00 PST

I'm just curious about something. My roommate (whom I'll call "L") made a comment about bridesmaids in photographs, and I decided I didn't agree with her. I'm looking for other opinions. L is studying to be a photographer. One of her profs mentioned this, so she passed the info on to me. This is what she said. "The eye is drawn to bridesmaids in red, and away from the bride in white". Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Ask a Question - Kijiji??

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 05:13:00 PST

I'm trying to cut costs with my wedding, so I went onto kijiji last night. I found a few classifieds of the dress/colour/size I want. Do I trust kijiji or not? Anyone have horror stories about it? Rave reviews? Advice? I'd appreciate anything. I don't typically shop online. This is a huge purchase for me, and I'm a little frightened about ordering a large purchase like this. PS. I also checked craigslist, but didn't come up with anything.

NWR: Change and Encouragement - Or: How I spent my Christmas

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 06:17:00 PST

Well, since I haven't touched my journal all Christmas, and strangely have no desire to write, I will blog. This is unusual for me, but I think it will be nice as well. Christmas was great. It was quiet, but lovely. As a bit of a back story, I own my own house. I pay for it through rental income. I live in one room, and rent the rest of the rooms out. I was young when I bought it (20 years old), so my parents cosigned the mortgage. Right now, my mother, my brother, and one "tenant" (a really good friend of mine and my photographer) are living in the house. My mom is staying quasi-temporarily, as she's doing courses at the University here in the city. Mom left first, to go to their (ie. Mom and Dad's) house for Christmas. Roommate (Who'm I'll call "L", as I don't know if she'd like me putting her name on the internet ...) is from Ontario, and left next. She left a pile of presents for FH, Bro and myself, though, as her shopping was done. After those two had left for Christmas, the house was quiet. FH is staying with us over Christmas, as he just moved back here. His family is from NS, and he just moved here permanantly, but can't get into his new place until Jan. A few days before Christmas (the 21st maybe?), we decide to open the gifts from "L". Bro got a huuuuuuge canister of hot chocolate. FH got a brandless Nerf gun, and I got some writing supplies (did I mention that I journal, and that I write letters on a regular basis?) and some Crayola window markers. Too cool!!! I proceed to decorate every window in the house with Christmas messages. ... fun times. :) The masterpiece is on the large living room window, overlooking the main road. I wrote a large "Merry Christmas" sign on it. I had to write it backwards, so people could read it from the road. Above the fireplace in the living room, I have a huge (and very old) mirror. We learned that the darts from FH's gun stick to the mirror. So, using my handy-dandy window markers, I drew a target. Bro and FH had a ball trying to beat each other's high score by shooting the mirror target from across the living room. It was a sight to see. On the 23rd, we decide that it is time for all of us to head out to Mom and Dad's house for Christmas. I learn that the bus has raised their prices. It will now cost 80.00 round trip each. That's 240.00 for the three of us. We could rent a car for less than that. FH and I decide not to go - Bro heads out alone. He has student loan money left over and nothing to do with it. So, FH and I are alone for Christmas. Wheeee!! On Christmas Eve, I start thinking about what to do for food. We haven't gone grocery shopping in a while, so we didn't have much. We were really short on cash. We decide to make a stirfry for supper on Christmas Eve. We made it together, and did some tidying, then walked to our church for the Christmas Eve service. It was about a 45 minute walk, and it was gorgeous. The service was lovely. After the service, FH got a fire going in the fireplace, while I walked to the nearby conveniene store to get some things. I bought 12.00 worth of groceries, which was enough to suppliment our Christmas Day meal - it was mostly dessert. On Christmas morning, we woke up, drank some coffee, then opened presents. After that, I spent some time reading and enjoying the day while FH went back to sleep. He was feeling miserable. It poured rain alllll day. We didn't go out at all, which was very very nice. We only got each other small gifts this year. His main gift to me was a figurine of an angel dressed in purple, with a gem at the top of her dress. Attached to her, on a little card, said "tanzanite: change and encouragement". My ring has a center gem of tanzanite, so it was very fitting for me. It was very sweet. ... Since FH wasn't feeling well, I made the main Christmas meal. I made a maple glazed ham, with an amazing mustard sauce to go with it, mashed potatoes, carrots (also very nice with the maple glaze), and stuffing. I cheated with the stuffing, 'cause it came from a box, but everything else I did from scratch. We also had eggnog, and some baked goods and jello for dessert. Not bad for what was in the freezer + 12.00. :) We had another fire in the fireplace on Christmas, to burn all the wrapping paper that couldn't be reused. FH made drinks using the brand new ice crusher/blender from FMIL!! Wow! On Boxing day, I was very sick. ;( I tend to get tension headaches, and I had gotten a moderately bad one, so spent the day in bed. The 27th was the Saturday after Christmas, and everyone wanted to have a get together "before they left" that day. We went to three separate get-togethers on Saturday alone. It was very nice, but I consumed soooooooo many cookies and baked goods and such. If I gained any weight from Christmas, it was from that Saturday. We were a little partied out after Saturday was over. Today, the first of my friends are leaving. Six of my fairly close friends have come home for Christmas, and they are all leaving between now and the 8th. *sigh* But I can't think about that now. I'm meeting up with my bestest bestest friend "C" tomorrow. She lives in England these days, and we've been writing letters back and forth. Over the Christmas holidays, we've been scrapbooking our letters. She brought all the letters I've sent her when she came, and I bought two matching scrapbooks. We have had sooo much fun designing the pages to make our letters look pretty. It's going to be a wonderful keepsake. Luckily, her and her husband are the last people to leave, so they're leaving on the 8th. I've attached a few photos of the window decorations and the angel FH got me. I'm sorry for the bad photos - I have no flash on my camera, which makes for blurry indoor photos, and the trees in my front yard are in the window reflection for my "Merry Christmas" banner. But you still get the idea.

Survey - ... just killing time ...

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:29:00 PST

FH is away, and returning in about an hour ... so I saw this from another bride, and decided to do it. It's been forever since I've done a survey. --------------------------------------------- My answers.... You can also do your own - just copy and paste the questions.... How long did you date before you got engaged? About four years, I think. Did you get the ring you wanted? In a way. ... A few Christmasses ago, FH-to-be (at the time) went looking for jewelry for me. He was talking to jewelers, who introduced him to the purple gem of tanzanite. He fell in love with this gem, and consequently, I did as well. Fast forward a year or so. FH and I had a habit of dropping in jewelry stores just to browse. Once, I had some time to kill at the mall before my bus came, so I did this. I looked at the tanzanite rings, one of which looked gorgeous on my finger, and happened to be engraved with "past, present, future" inside. I didn't get that ring, but my ring looks almost identically to it. Was the proposal a complete surprise? Yes, but I knew it would come soon. It was a surprise up until the point where he INSISTED on taking a walk around the pond in the middle of winter, even though I was frozen. Then, I figured something was up, and I got nervous, which somehow made me colder. Do you wish you had a bigger/smaller diamond? If so How big or small? No diamond. It's a tanzanite :) Did you cry when he proposed? Nope. I was too happy to cry. Was the proposal romantic or creative? Explain how if you'd like. It was both. Actually, I think he was aiming at romantic and creative, but it ended up as more nostalgic and creative than romantic. Either way, it was a wonderful evening. Oh!! It was also sneaky. He hid my ring in my Easter gift. When do you want to go for your honeymoon? The plan is to do a cross country trip across Canada. I'm thinking that we won't have the $$$ to do it. Are you buying his wedding band for him? I don't know. We haven't discussed it. I'll probably pay for it, and he'll pay for mine, but who knows. Have you gone over your original wedding budget? Not yet!! ;) What day of the year will your wedding be? Friday, September 18, 2009 What kind of weather? It's fall, which is really like summer here, but without the humidity. Inside or outside? Outside, unless there's a hurricane. It is hurricane season after all. Hopefully, though, the weather will follow my rule above. Church/justice of the peace/other? Not church, but our main pastor is doing the ceremony. He's awesome. How many people will be there? up to 150 guests Time of day? No idea yet. We have to talk to Pastor G first. ... booking the venue might help as well. Eep. We haven't done that yet. Any kind of theme? Not really. We have taken the colours from the fall foliage, and our ceremony will have a mini-theme of flute (flute music, and a pic of a flute on the program paper with the phrase "God's duet" or something) How many bridesmaids? Who would they be? 3 BMs and 3 GMs including the BM and MOH. One is my brother, the rest will be friends of ours. What kind of cake/what will it look like? I have no idea. No clue. That's FH's job. Where will you have the reception? Same place as the ceremony, only inside the building. What kind of dress will you have/color/material? Red/White Alfred Angelo strapless A-line Dream in Colour dress. It's pretty. What kind of flowers in your bouquet? Probably sunflowers, maybe with wheat sheaves. Kind of engagement ring? Trinity tanzanite with diamond channels in 14k white gold. ... they really ask a lot of questions about the ring, don't they? Kind of wedding bands? No idea. Jewelers are telling me that my only options for bands are plain or with diamond chanels inlaid. Those seem kinda boring to me. FH wants a design on his ring, so it will probably be a celtic ring or something. Both will be white gold or platinum or something. How will you wear your hair? Half-up half down?? I don't know. I want my curls to show, though. Who will be important to be there? My good friends C&J, who just moved to England. *sob* Will the reception be big or small? I think 100-150 is big What will the groom wear? A white tux. Where will you go for the honeymoon? No idea. Didn't they already ask this question? How long? No clue. It may take a few months to drive cross Canada. What will you do? Drive, see people, camp, do mini-day trips. ... I donno. Will it be modest or costly? Depends on the price of gas ... What will you stay in? ... ... ... I don't know. How old will you and the groom be? He'll be 26, and I'll be 25 (for one more month ...) How long will you be engaged before you get married? 18 months. Live together before or wait till married? WAIT!!!!! Take a long time to plan the wedding or will it be simple? We're nearing the 9 month mark right now, and we have almost nothing done. Will you do it yourself or with family or hire someone to plan the wedding? FH and I are planning it together. There is a day-of planner on-site, but that's about it. Will you write your own vows or use something pre-made? We've contemplated writing our own, but no decisions have been made yet. We may "borrow" a few ideas from the friends I mentioned above C&J from their vows. They wrote their own, and they were really cool.

Excited!! - Coming home!

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:28:00 PST

The fiance is coming home today! He'll arrive in just under three hours. These will be the loooooongest three hours of my life, I'm sure. I'm so excited, and I want to share with someone, but my poor roommates are sick of me talking about him, I'm sure. He's been gone since mid-October, for work, and he's home for Christmas!! Christmas can start now!!! :) Since he's probably only here for a short while, he'll just be staying at my place. There's no point in him getting an apartment or anything, so I get him all to myself. Right now, my parents are also in town, plus my two roommates, so we are going to have one full house!! Fun times. Now, how do I kill another three hours?? I've already made him some peanut butter fudge, which is his fav, and it's cooling/setting right now. It should be done in an hour or so. WHEEEEE!!

Market Place - SALE on bubbles at theknot.com

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:18:00 PST

You all probably know that theknot is having a sale, but they have packs of 48 bubbles going for 6.00. If you're doing bubbles for your wedding, now is the time to buy them. Happy wedding planning!

Ask a Question - Things I wish I knew earlier!

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:28:00 PST

Well, it's almost the 9 month mark, and theknot.com and other checklists say to start getting ideas for the florist. This is an awfully inconvenient time of year to go to florists I'm finding, because all they have are Christmas Poinsettas, and of course they don't have any fall flowers. If I had my time back, I'd talk to a few florists during September for my Sept '09 wedding. What did you learn from experience during your wedding planning?

Ask a Question - Flowers for the boys!

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:44:00 PST

I am looking for unique ideas for boutonnieres. Does anyone have any websites, or ideas to share? I'd really appreciate ideas. The only thing I can find on the net is this post: http://thebcollective.blogspot.com/2008/02/unique-boutennieres.html It has pics of wheat, berry and mint boutonnieres (as three separate ones, not all together!). Please please help me. I really want something interesting.

NWR: my family - My babies!

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:21:00 PST

Since so many people are sharing pics of their pets, I figured I would too. Maisie is the white cat Wowwie is my tabby Tracker is my FH's dog. Tracker may or may not come to live with us when we're married, as my FH lives with his Dad. I think his Dad wants Tracker.

Flowers - The flowers I like

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:52:00 PST

This post is mostly just to organize my thoughts. For all you Canadian brides, or those who are geographically savvy, I was born in Manitoba, and my FH was born in Nova Scotia. We both live in Newfoundland, and have for a while. Since Newfoundland is home to us, this is where we will marry, and where we will live. I wanted to incorporate a bit of Manitoba and NS into the wedding. This is what I've come up with: bouquets of sunflowers and dried wheat sheaves. It's a September wedding, so both will be "in season". Great! To incorporate Nova Scotia, we are thinking of centrepieces of apples. We could have a pyramid of different coloured apples - yellow, green, red, surrounded by guest favours of caramel apples! Mmmmmmm... I wouldn't mind if the centrepieces got eaten, either.

Flowers - I just want to scream!

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:44:00 PST

I've spent the last two days talking with florists. I've gotten referrals, talked to my married friends, consulted my budget. I armed myself with pics of what I like and got pics of my dress, swashes of colour from the BM dresses, and added other photos to the file for a general feel. I got a general idea of what I liked. I was ready to choose a florist. There were two places that came highly recommended. One is just outside the city, so I would need a special bus trip out there, and a lot of time. Yesterday I went to the other place. The florist was nice, and professional, and had lots of ideas. She couldn't give me pictures of past products, and they didn't have a portfolio or catalogue of sorts. She seemed to pick up on my theme and worked with what I did want, though. However, she couldn't give me prices. I left there confused. I was a little frustrated, but she was helpful. I had taken the bus there because I don't have a car. I decided that I would call the other florists, because the lady barely looked at my photos, and it would be easier on me. I called every single florist in the Yellow Pages. I got virtually no information. No one in this city has a portfolio. Most places want to charge me 25.00 or 50.00 to sit down with me and design something, BEFORE I book with them. I feel like I'm going to have to make an uninformed decision when booking a florist. If they don't provide guarantees, or photos of past work, then I highly doubt they'll provide references. Is this normal?? Is this the reaction everyone else is getting with their florists? ------------------------------ Added note: looking at pics of sunflowers, I found a blog with the best photography. This is my inspiration for my wedding pics: http://www.galinawalls.co.uk/wordpress/?m=200606 I like "Emma & Jon @ Weston Park, Norfolk" June 2006

Name Change - ... just so I don't lose this info!

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:49:00 PST

I am directly stealing this information from Amcs, as it was a good question with some great responses. List of things to change your name on: * Driver's Licence * Social Insurance Number * Passport * Will * Creditors - student loans, mortgage, credit cards, etc. * Retirement stuff - stocks, bonds, etc. * Legal Contracts * Work (for tax purposes - T4's etc.) * Bank accounts * Bills / Utilities * Voter Registration * Doctor, Dentist, MCP, etc. * Insurance companies - life, home, auto, etc. * Clubs, memberships, discount cards, etc. * Email addresses http://honeymoons.about.com/od/weddingsaway/a/name_change.htm

Reception - Caterer

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:26:00 PST

I have my first appointment with a caterer tomorrow. I'm so excited!! But, I have no idea what to ask. So far, I have this: What is your menu selection? What are your prices for your meals? Do you offer a buffet service? Is it cheaper? Is there a particular hall that you work from? Do we have to book that hall? If you go elsewhere, is there an additional charge for outside the city? If the hall does not provide linens and china (plates, cups, toasting glasses, silverwear, etc.), do you provide it? What is the price? What additional items will I need? ------------------------------------------------------------------- I really need your help. What else can I ask?? What am I missing?