This is shoeaholic's Purple Wedding!

Last night I did the last final exam to become a certified wedding planner!... well I PASSED! I'm now official a certified wedding planner!! I'm so excited about this new adventure in my life! My sister and I are setting up shop so I will let you all know very soon about it. I'll also be setting up a vendor account at that time!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!

So our photos are finally done!!... Its been 2 months since we got married and I just love reliving the day through these images. Here's a bunch of them. I tried to include detail photos from what I made from my documentation on this website!

Enjoy!!

UPDATE: my photographer sent us a link to a slideshow he did... its great!... Check it out: Slideshow

I still can't believe our day is over. It was absolutely amazing!!

Enjoy the photos.

I discovered while planning my wedding and helping my sister plan hers that I really love planning weddings!! There's something about the excitement in the air that I love. So I've decided to become certified as a wedding planner. I've registered to take the course this fall. I've done event planning before which I enjoy doing so I know what i'm getting into.

Wish me luck ladies!!...

As promised a few weeks back.. here is my vendor review.

DRESS
Vendor: Ellana Bridals
Grade: A+
Review: Both Lana and Grace are absolutely amazing ladies. They treat you like family from the moment you walk in. They remember your name and are truly happy for you. Since I bought my gown there, they also gave the BMs 10% of their bridesmaid dresses. Win win situation for all!

JEWELLERY
Vendor: Denilore Bridal
Grade: A
Review: The ladies were helpful since I was very unsure of what type of jewellery would look good with my gown. They allowed me a week to exchange or return the jewellery. Which was helpful as I returned the first set and then brought home the right one! The only reason they didn't get an A+ was because it took them a while to refund the difference between the two sets on my credit card.

HAIR
Vendor: Beauty Beat
Grade: B
Review: My hairdresser works here and I love her. She did an amazing job. Her name is Renata. Definitely someone I recommend. The reason for the B was some of the other ladies didn't do such a great job. They were happy with their hair but my sister's curls started to loosen up before we left the salon so my hairdresser had to go in and give her a quick fix. Other than that, it was great!

MAKE-UP
Vendor: Jenn Kowton www.jkowton.com
Grade: A+
Review: Jenn is amazing. I absolutely loved her work and personality. She did a great job on everyone and in a timely manner. She also did my sister's wedding this past weekend and she's very punctual!.. love her!

WEDDING PLANNER:
Vendor: Atmosphere Wedding Planning & Design
www.atmosphereweddings.com
Grade: A+
Review: Jen, the head planner is fantastic. I loved that she was there for me before I even needed to ask. She did a great job making sure the day ran smoothly and did a phenomenal job on decor. Have nothing but great things to say about her and her team.

CEREMONY:
Vendor: Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish
Grade: A
Review: The priest was pretty relaxed which was great and easy to deal with. It was nice to see this side of Father.

RECEPTION
Vendor: Radisson Edmonton South
Grade B
Review: There were some bumps but for the most part they were great. They missed one of the special meals for a guest, and didn't have rolls out for the late lunch but other than that were very attentive to our needs. And after discussing our concerns with them they gave us a refund on those items. We were happy to deal with a venue that cares about the client even after the event.

PHOTOGRAPHY:
Vendor: IAWAR Photography www.iawar.com
Grade: A+
Review: Sam and his team are great. They took the shots we asked and made sure we were done in time to head to the hotel. The location and ideas were great. I know he will not disappoint us with the results.

HARPIST
Vendor: Sherelle Carey
Grade: A+
Review: Sherelle is a student at the University of Alberta but you would not be able to tell that she's only a student. She plays beautifully. She was very professional and on time. Definitely recommend her.

DJ
Vendor: More Dance DJ (Michel Carrola)
Grade: A+
Review: We've known Michel for years and I think very highly of him. He did not disappoint on our day. He had everyone on the dance floor all night. He truly knows how to rock the crowd!

TRANSPORTATION
Vendor: Champagne Limos www.champagnelimos.ca
Grade: A+
Review: Champagne Limos were great. They were on time and went where we asked. They returned at the end of the night to give the wedding party a ride home from the reception.

VIDEOGRAPHER
Vendor: JayCin Creative Productions
Grade: A+
Review: Jason and his team were great. They went above and beyond what we expected and we all had fun in the process. What a great guy. I would definitely hire him again!

FLORIST
Vendor: Azlea Azoreana (Alice Teixeira)
Grade: F
Review: I don't even know where to start. She had me go see her a few times on Thursday and Friday before the wedding to make sure I was happy with the flowers. Problem was everytime I showed up there was no more progress from the last time. The only thing I ok'd was the bridal party bouquets. The boutinineres needed a change that I had mentioned but the change didnt' occur. They also labeled the boutinineres in correctly so one of the groomsman had my fathers.
The flowers I had requested for the altar were wrong. I asked for lots of colour from our palette and I got WHITE hydrangeas!!

When I arrived at the reception the flowers were yet to arrive. People were arriving and only half of the flowers were there. Those were the flowers that my wedding planner had picked up herself. When the flowers did arrive, they were smaller than I expected. And she did supply the flowers I asked to decorate the cake. My wedding planner had to go pick some from other areas to put some on the cake. Needless to say I would not recommend this florist to ANYONE! The only flowers I was happy with was my bouquet and my BM bouquets.

WEDDING CAKE
Vendor: Cakes by Janna www.cakesbyjanna.com
Grade: A+
Review: The cake was amazing. We had so many people take photos. Not only did it look better than we imagined, it also tasted great. They were highly recommended and I know why. Janna is great!

RENTALS:
Vendor: River City Event Rentals www.rivercityeventrentals.com
Grade: A+
Review: Joe and Maria are fantastic. They are super sweet and make you feel at home. They went above and beyond what I dreamed of for the day. They worked closely with my wedding planner to make sure everything was done perfectly!

OVERALL: Everything went great, I can't complain. Even with the flowers being that way, no one knew the issue so I was not stressed on our day and was able to enjoy and have fun!!

P.S. these vendors are all located in Edmonton.

My photographer sent me a sneak peak of our photos. We have to wait another month to see the full lot of them. I can't wait!

I'm back as a married woman. The day was beautiful from the weather to the ceremony and reception. We couldn't help but smile all day. I'll come back with some updates in a few weeks. We're off on our honeymoon tomorrow..can't wait to relax in the bahamas!!

Enjoy these photos from family and friends. Our professional photos will be ready in 8 weeks!

Thanks to all the ladies that inspired me to have my dream wedding!

-Shoeaholic.... aka Mrs. M!!

Its been a busy couple of days but I just wanted to let everyone know that i'm doing well and am excited to marrying my FH in the morning!! Thanks for all the brides that inspired me. You have been great!!

I'll be back in a few days with an update!!

I got the call from my florist last night... the ranunculus that I wanted are out of season so she's picked something similar. I know it'll look beautiful no matter what but I was so looking forward to them. With 4 days to go, I have other things to worry about so I'm going to try to let go and concentrate on the positive!

I'm getting married this weekend!!!!!!.... YAY!!! I'm so excited, I honestly cannot believe the day is so near!! Its been an exciting time since Friday when 3 of my BMs arrived and my aunt from Portugal on Saturday!!... it seems everyday its an adventure!

This week is super busy, every night I have something going on... meeting with the DJ, and MC. Getting my nails done, eyebrows waxed lol...picking up crinolines, bridesmaid dresses and MY dress!!.. we have the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner...

AHHHHHH....... i'm getting married ladies!!

I had my stagette this past weekend. What a great time! I had so much fun!! It was a busy day from pedicures in the morning and lunch to a ride on a trolley bus in the evening...with missions to complete, including going into the men's bathroom, and going on stage and taking my bra off! haha....

Here's some pics of the good time!

I was thinking today that I've been on this site since the beginning of my wedding planning... nearly a year and 1/2 later, I'm approaching my special day. But there was something that kept me coming back to this site.... the brides that gave me inspiration to try something new and gave me TONS of great ideas!!... I think we need to acknowledge which brides inspired us through our planning.... I'll go first...

SCHERI
VICTORIAS1911
IAALOO (GONNABEMRST)
IRISHPOCAHONTAS
AMCS76
STAMMLINDSAY
THE BUDGET QUEEN HERSELF...RHONDA!

Without these ladies, I wouldn't have tried some DIY or known about certain etiquette or even inspired my wedding to be what its become.

I just wanted to say thanks!!... and now its your turn, which brides have inspired you??

I'm officially in the single digits... 9 days to go!!

My 3 bridesmaids from out of town arrive tomorrow!.. I can't wait to see them. I have family from Portugal arriving on Saturday. Saturday is also the day of my stagette (very excited about that!).... so things are starting to get busy!!

Last night I packed up all my wedding stuff so I can deliver it to my wedding planner tonight. I also have to meet with my FMIL to go over the seating arrangements.

I've got a lot of things done from my to do list...all that's left is:

-Do Programs
-Do Escort Cards
-Make seating chart (FINALIZING)
-Make sign for wish tree
-Make wedding wheel tabs
-Make CD for limo ride (BM is doing this)

I can't believe how short the list is now!!... I'm so excited. I'm marrying my soul mate in 9 days!!

Ok, I love my mom but she lately opens her mouth when she shouldn't!!! Yesterday when I told her that my friend couldn't be in the wedding I also asked her advice on whether I should replace her. She asked me who I would replace her with...I said I wasn't sure but perhaps my cousin that is coming from Portugal. Welllllllll.... she just informed me that she was speaking to my cousin and mentioned that I may need her to be a part of my wedding!!!!! UGH!!!!!!!!!!! Are you kidding me???. .... mom said she didn't realize I wasn't sure. I can't believe this, I told her it was just me voicing my thoughts to her and that she wasn't suppose to share as I didn't know what to do!!!!!!!

Mom said I could still get out of it, because she said that it was dependent on whether we could find her a partner.... I know she was trying to help but it just placed more on shoulders. She said it would be nice for me to involve my cousin since she's coming from so far!!!

SIGH!!!!!!!!

Hi Ladies, I ran out of paper 2 weeks ago and so I decided to order more online since running to the local stationary shop would cost me a bit much for the paper I needed. I ordered more paper from Anchor Paper. They are fantastic!!... not only is it much cheaper to get fancy paper but they're quick too!! I ordered it on Monday last week and it was at my door step on Friday!... from the U.S. to Canada!

Tom is awesome to deal with... he is super polite and answers any questions you have. If you're looking for a great deal on paper, check them out!!

Anchor Paper

I've been a busy bee lately..trying to get everything done before the BIG DAY! This past weekend, I worked on my wish tree, and some extra floral arrangement. I also finished printing all my menu cards and did up some signs for our dollar dance in honour of my FH's grandma that passed away.

Let me know what you ladies think of my results!!

Pic 1-2: Wish tree - will add crystal garland that I rented to bling it up a bit more. The wish tags are in plum with green ribbon so it'll stand out.

Pic 3-4: The signs that will be placed on each table giving them a heads up about the dollar dance where the funds will go to the Alzeihmer's Society in honour of my FH's grandma who recently passed away

Pic 5-6: Floral arrangement that I put together just to add to those places that need "something." I bought the vases a while back so I decided to do something with them

Pic 7: Guest book pen holder. I bought the mini vase at the dollar store and just added my special touch to it.

Pic 8: I had purchased these beautiful purple bling vases a few months back and as I was clearing out all the wedding stuff I remembered that I hadn't planned on anything to do with them so I grabbed some silk flowers and did up a quick arrangement. I still need to add some green filler to it.

So I just got the call from one of my best friends that they've booked their flight to see her ill grandpa in California and unfortunately can't be a bridesmaid!! I'm so sad, I know she is too and really nothing I can say. Family is number 1. You can see the full post on the situation a few posts down.

Aside from being sad, I'm 11 days away from my wedding day!... Do I find someone to fill in her spot or just leave it the way it is...(her husband was a groomsman so it would be even, as they are both out.) I purchased all the things for 6 bridesmaids and she was going to get alterations on her dress this week so its still untouched. She said she would give it to me just in case.

What should I do???

I've been going tanning (fake 'n baking) for a few weeks just to get a nice colour for the wedding. I also find it helps my skin from not breaking out (especially my back). I try not to go too often to allow my skin some time to breathe.

So when is a good time to stop tanning before the wedding??... Should I stop 2 days before or more than that?? I'm sure I'll get super busy so I won't have as much time but when is a good time to stop??

p.s. I only go (2 to 3 times a week).

I was looking at my wedding folders and found all these invites I had saved for inspiration. I thought I'd post them in case they can give you fellow brides some inspiration as well.

Enjoy!!

I've decided that I won't be dying my shoes. They heel isn't tall enough to make the fashion statement intended....so now it leads me to this question, what colour should I paint my toenails?? Since I'm wearing ivory shoes, I think I should paint them something bright. However, I'm not sure. Should I go with a natural colour instead?? I was thinking bright because then we are off to the Bahamas on our honeymoon and I would like a brighter colour but I can always repaint them after the wedding.

So what do you ladies think??...Bright or Neutral?? If you have any colour suggestions, that would be appreciated too!!

I just wanted to say that since a fellow WBC bride (sorry can't remember who) posted about the lack of comments on here, I've seen a huge increase in comments on blogs!!... so I just wanted to say YAY!!! and welcome back brides!!... we all knew that we were out there we just needed a little wake-up call!!

So give yourselves a pat on the back!...and let's keep it going!! We all know how helpful comments are...that's why we're here!

Our Rehearsal dinner is booked for Aug. 13th... my FMIL had mentioned that she wanted to add a theme and asked me if there is anything I could think of. She wants it to be fun and more casual since our wedding is quite extravagant!

So we came up with a beach theme to go with our honeymoon in the Bahamas. I've purchased some shells at our local dollar store along with cute beach place holders to mark the seating of the bride and groom only. I'm pretty excited...I think this could be fun!

Oh and my FMIL is going to get a cake made in the style of a suitcase! haha Too cute!!

Last night I went to get my hair streaked before the big day and while I was there my hair dresser decided to do a quick hair trial to add to the 2 I already did!l haha I just love her. Anyways, I liked what she did even though its very rough (she did it in 10 min). I can see what it'll look like when she takes her time and my hair is actually dry. So please try to vision the actual end result. I've posted a picture of what it'll look like when she takes her time and my hair isn't half wet and fuzzy!

I know have an issue, I can't decide which hair style I like better, the one from last week or what this one can potentially look like. Both buns would be larger. In Trial 1 the bun will be larger on the side so it peaks out a bit more, and in Trial 2 the bun will be larger so you can see it peak from both sides of my head.

HELP!!...what do you ladies think??... Please note that I didn't have my hair piece with me for last night's QUICK trial....so please use your imagination and see the potential of trial 2.

So this morning I was so excited and nervous as it finally hit me that in 16 days I'll be married!! Well, I spoke to one of my bridesmaids this morning and she mentioned that her grandpa is very ill in California. Apparently he's got a tumor in his pancreous and they don't give him much time. She told me that she might be away before, after or even DURING the wedding to go down to the States to be with him. I'm so sad, not only do I feel for my friend who is losing her grandpa but also that she might miss my wedding day. I love this girl to death, I was her MOH when she got married and I can't imagine not having her here for my wedding.

She said that if she won't be here, her husband (who is a groomsman) will step down so we don't have to find replacements.

There's nothing I can do, and really nothing anyone else can do...its in God's hands. I'm praying that God watches over her grandpa.

Please pray for my friend's family and her grandpa.

I finally have been able to fill my bridesmaid loot bags! I posted a picture before of all the bridesmaid bags I made.

Here are some pictures of what I put in the loot bag:
-jewellery for the wedding day
-initial luggage tag
-make-up case with mirror and nail file
-purse for the wedding day
-initial notepad

I made a little tag for each saying thanks!
I think they'll like their goodies! I'm so excited...16 days to go!

As I was reading the previous article I posted, I noticed this one on the left sidebar... the title caught my attention... How to stay calm on your wedding day.... Now that's a must read! Here it is:

Your wedding is supposed to be one of the greatest days of your life. So why do you feel so stressed? Unfortunately, the flip side of having a "Big Day" is the amount of pressure connected to it. But there are many ways you can minimize your stress. Here are some things you can do to help keep your cool and enjoy the fireworks.

The day before
Just relax and prepare yourself physically, mentally and emotionally for tomorrow's events. Keep your to-do list light, with a focus on the rehearsal dinner and plenty of rest and relaxation.

Any last-minute wedding prep details should be handed off to a trusted friend or relative. And unless we're talking about visiting a loved one who's literally unable to leave their hospital bed, most social visits can wait.

Here are some tips for treating yourself right today:
Graze throughout the day.
Nerves may prevent you from having a full meal, and that's fine. But stay hydrated and fuelled up so you'll feel (and look) your best. Satisfying, stress-busting, calm-inducing snacks include:
• lightly salted (or, better yet, unsalted) nuts
• whole wheat toast or bagels
• oatmeal
• leafy salads
• grilled salmon
• steamed vegetables
• fruit (Oranges and strawberries, two excellent sources of Vitamin C are particularly good choices, since C will lower the amount of cortisol (the "stress hormone") in your blood.)

Sip tea (or coffee)
Caffeine-free herbal tea is a great choice – if you like it. But if your idea of a nice hot bevvie is a latte or hot chocolate, go for it – just don't have more than one or two today.
Many find the gentle spiciness of chai or chai latte an indulgent treat.

Update and thank well-wishers via Facebook
Use social networking sites to stay in touch with your friends, without letting phone calls or text messaging cut into your countdown. Check in once or twice today, and then that's it. Put the Blackberry away.

Hit the spa
Get that massage you've been promising yourself, as well as a mani-pedi. Avoid treatment facials though, as they can cause blemishes and redness. If you want a light facial, free feel, but let your aesthetician know you're getting married tomorrow so she'll focus on relaxation and facial massage, not conditioning or extractions.

The Big Day
Congratulations, the day is finally here. Today, your stay-cool action plan is to:

• Let your support team get you where you need to be. You've spent months planning the big day. In fact, the women in your life have probably memorized it (the printouts you gave them last week probably helped too). So relax and let your maid of honour, bridesmaids, mom, close siblings and others carry you along the "parade route," from sun-up to last dance.

• Rely on designated trouble shooters. Bumps along the way are normal. Delegate, delegate, delegate, well in advance of the big day. You don't need to know the vegetarian appetizers got "lost," or that the DJ is soused. Let your mom and future brother-in-law deal.

• Make like a celebrity and have a delegated assistant keep you fed and watered. Nosh on light snacks (nuts, cheese, grapes, dry toast are among the most palatable and least messy nibbles), and sip water, herbal tea or sports drinks throughout the day.

• Bring out the serenity-now big guns. Depending on your beliefs and lifestyle, you may find any of the following especially calming:
• A morning hike, walk or workout with your future husband
• Yoga or stretches
• Prayer (with loved ones or alone)
• Meditation
• Rocking out to your iPod
• Hanging out with your pets (preferably pre-gown)
• Jotting down thoughts in your journal (ditto)

A final thought about cold feet
Pre-wedding jitters are normal. Hopefully, you've thought things through, attended pre-marital counseling with a faith counselor or couples therapist, or are otherwise sure you and your partner are ready for marriage. To one another.

Books have been written on the topic, but if you're overcome with nerves, ask yourself these two fundamental questions:

• Did I pick the wrong guy?
• Am I having doubts about the institution of marriage itself?

The answer to the first should be an unequivocal "No." If you chose "Yes," um, you may want to check out this article.

And whether you answered "Yes" or "No" to the second, don't worry, it's not uncommon to panic during the last few hours of your life as a single chick!

Just take a deep breath and know that in a few hours, you'll be dancing the night away.

I ran by this article this morning so I thought I'd post it for my WBC brides...

HOW TO HAVE A BUDGET CLASSY WEDDING

Whether you're planning your first or second wedding, you'll quickly discover it can be expensive – the average wedding now rings in at $20,000 to $30,000. Here's how to keep the costs under control and still have a great day.

Establish budget
Figure out how much you can afford to spend and stick to it. Buzz Bishop of Vancouver, who is getting married this July, expects to come in under his $7,000 budget by keeping the guest list under 50, shopping around for the best deals and choosing less expensive options, such as getting married in a park instead of a church.

Save by avoiding the most popular choices
Unless religion prohibits, consider holding the celebration on a day other than Saturday. Also, choose a different day for bridal services. Most Indian brides will get their henna done on Friday, the day before their wedding, but they can save 15 per cent (on average) by booking it for two or three days ahead instead, according to Vicki Singh, project manager for culturalweddings.com. Similarly, opt for a lunch reception rather than dinner, as Bishop is doing. "At a luncheon you can do lighter fare," he says. "We're having a salad, roast chicken and dessert for $40 a head."

Search out free or low-cost alternatives
You'll find more affordable options everywhere from venues to vendors. Consider, for example, a backyard or park ceremony for a small wedding. Bishop is holding his ceremony for free at Ferguson Point in Stanley Park. Hiring a student is also a costconscious option. Kira Zack from Toronto hired two students to play harp and cello for three hours for $300. You may also consider hiring a photography or culinary student. To save money on alcohol, pay by consumption – as Zack chose to do – if you believe your guests will consume only a moderate amount.

Shop at unexpected locations
Bishop and his fiancée cut their flower bill in half by shopping at a grocery store. Tammy MacArthur from Marion Bridge, N.S., bought a new end-of-season Alfred Angelo wedding dress on EBay for only $250. Cathy Thorne of Toronto discovered her wedding dress in the bridesmaids' department at a small bridal shop and requested it in ivory instead of fuchsia. It cost only $500.

Do it yourself
Bishop created his wedding invitations on his computer and printed them off on paper for $1 each. And instead of spending money on RSVP stationery and postage, Jessica Danylchuk, who is getting married this month in Langley, B.C., created her own website at mywedding.com and asked guests to RSVP to her invitations online. Singh adds that making sure you know how many guests will be attending is crucial to keeping costs in line, especially at large weddings. That way you'll get an exact head count and won't spend money on guests who don't attend.

Let your friends and relatives contribute
Your friends may be happy to contribute to your wedding by offering their expertise. One of MacArthur's girlfriends will make her wedding cake as a gift. "She is taking cake-decorating classes in preparation," she says. Danylchuk and her fiancé will use a family member's luxury vehicle as their "getaway" car when leaving the reception.

Consider renting or buying used
Singh knows brides who have rented a jaggo (a lantern used for traditional Indian dances) from party rental shops for $50, whereas it would cost about $150 to purchase one. MacArthur bought wedding decorations (tulle, candelabras and flower garlands) from former brides on Kijiji for half the price of new ones: a bolt of tulle for $25 as opposed to $50.

I was at a wedding this weekend. During the end of the parents of the brides' speech, the dad says.... "May your ups and downs always be under the covers." And I thought "HUH??" Seriously?? Maybe its just me but that seemed so weird coming from the father of the bride! My dad would be like...don't touch my daughter! haha

Has anyone thought about what they hope isn't said at their wedding?? And if so, what don't you want to hear?

Ok, 18 days to go and my list is huge this week!!

First of all, I can't believe in less than 3 weeks I'm going to be MARRIED!!... (breathe...in...out...) Ok, now that I'm breathing a bit better (NOT! haha) I cannot beleive I've gotten to this point in our wedding planning.

My things to do this week:
-Order Portuguese pastries for the late night snack
-Call DJ to set up meeting to discuss music
-Pay remainder of fee to Cake Bakery and provide cake topper
-Pay 2nd deposit to my florist and provide glass vases
-Pay remainder of fee to limo company
-Meet with the hotel to go over Banquet Event Order (the hotel's bible for the event)
-Pick up more paper! (AHHH, can't believe I'm gone through so much!)
-Buy floating candles

Things to Do in General:
-complete bridesmaid packages (almost done!)
-buy gift for ring bearer
-do up wish tree and tags (started)
-finish printing menu cards (never ending for 344 guests!!)
-make and print programs
-ensure I slit enough cork as card holders
-make escort cards
-make wedding wheel inserts for kissing game
-have one of our pictures blown up for easel
-make CD for limo ride

Wow!!.. where did this list come from? It seems things start to add up instead of checking themselves off the list!! But I'm so excited. I love my FH so much!!... This morning he text me and said.. "Good Morning! How's my bride?"... just totally put me in a great mood on a Monday!!.. what a sweetheart! :)

hey ladies, i've been debating this for a while now and just can't make up my mind! I ordered the duchess dyeable shoes a while back in ivory. I love them but keep thinking about whether or not I should dye them plum!! I like the look of the shoes being colored but i'm not sure! And I'm also afraid that if I decide to dye them, that I might screw it up!

What do you ladies think?? HELP!