Steve Plus Emily = Hope Squared

We got married!  And we took ownership @ a new space 

However if you stumbled here ..... first check out my wedding planning experience and then jump on over to Hope Squared  as I blog as a newlywed. 

The Final Week

With only one week left - I have finally begun to feel the last minute pressures.  I keep thinking about all the time I wasted (like now) that could have been dedicated to getting stuff done.  But no - I discovered Mad Men.  I developed a new crush on Don Draper so therefor watched three entire seasons in less than a month.  But seriously - how handsome is this man?

He's like a grown-up version of Chuck Bass.

Anyhow that's not the point I was trying to make.  I am starting to panic a little (OK a lot).  Last night I tried to print off out the table place cards - but alas the format went all wonky and the damn things wouldn't print straight.  OK - I gave up on that after five attempts.  I took a breather (insert drank a beer and watched Mad Men, we can talk about my obsessive nature to TV series later) then decided to attempt printing out the beautiful thank you cards I made for the bridal shower that was two weeks ago.  Test number one worked wonderfully.  The colour looked good - the alignment was perfect.  So I put in the rest of the paper and selected print all.  Well card number two - was anywhere from perfect.  The colour was wrong - the image was crooked.  Same with cards three, four, and five.  At this point I gave up and decided to call it a night.

Today I got my final cut.  I decided against the trial style since I really like fresh salon flat ironed hair.  I can at least get two days of wear out of it.  Impulsively I decided to go a bit blonder.

This is what the results are, does this not scream 'this woman needs to be on a beach'?

At least the haircuts are off our list - but that was an enjoyable task.  I have a feeling I have left all the worst tasks for last - This should be an interesting week.

Two Weeks

Alright - let me get this out.  TWO.WEEKS!!  I am getting married in two weeks.  Where did the time go?  Things are nearly done and I am nearly ready.  My dress finally fits and is in my possession (I only look at it at least three times a day - it's frikkin' beautiful). Oh and my (fake)tan is starting to look pretty awesome. 

Trust me - it looks great with my dress!  It seriously makes up for me feeling guilty about how awful tanning beds are for my skin.

My hair appointment for my final wedding cut and highlights is scheduled for this coming Sunday - because if you didn't notice in the photo my roots totally need some tending to.  I am also going to get a trial style done.  I want my hair to look like this.

I wouldn't mind looking like Christina Applegate either - but I am not sure that's possible.

I need to figure out what to do about my make-up, buy the groom some shoes, get a mani-pedi and pack our bags.  Ok seriously my to-do-list is at least 75% longer than that - but I don't want to stress you out.

The Suit & Bands

The groom has clothes!  This is a huge relief considering all we had purchased for Steve was a boutonniere (which is completely amazing).  We opted to not go with the traditional white linen shirt and khaki linen pants - to be honest I don't really like that look and go with something a bit more formal.  I won't ruin the surprise - but trust me he looks very handsome.  Seriously - just look at this man! He'd be handsome in anything.

And that's not all.  We also got our wedding bands. At which I also breathed another sigh of relief. So that leaves us with just a few things left on our to-do-list and then we are ready to get on that plane out of this awful cold and snow.

Speaking of snow - have you checked the weather lately?  If not you should - because there is a serious (and I mean serious) winter storm looming for the city of Toronto.

But keep thinking about the warmth of the tropical sun we are about to experience - while you are snuggled up on your sofa because it's going to frikken' awesome.

The Best Man or The Maid of Honour?

Is it embarrassing to admit that your best friend is a cat? Well if so then consider this post embarrassing.  Steve and I have a cat.  And we both love him immensely.

Even if that love is sometimes forced. His name is Basil.  But we call him Donkey. He's a good listener.  A good TV watching couch snuggling partner. Most of you who have met him probably think he's a jerk.  It's true - he is a jerk.  Last thanksgiving he bit Steve's hand hard enough that a trip to the Dr. for antibiotics was necessary.  But if we were to have a wedding party - there would definitely be an argument as to whether Basil would be the best man or the maid of honour. But I somehow doubt that Basil is interested in taking a flight to Cuba.  Plus he doesn't have a job and couldn't afford it - what a freeloader.  Luckily he's cute.

The Re-fit

I want to say a lot of bad words - but I will spare you. Today I went for my re-fit of the dress. Mainly this re-fit was scheduled because a) the dress was a bit snug in my hips and b) I still hadn't found my shoes.  Today I went to try the dress on again (my god it's beautiful) hoping that the third time would be the charm - but of course there is just one spot that still is a bit snug.  The seamstress isn't 100% that there will be enough material to take it out and kindly advised me "Well if there isn't enough material - you can just wear SPANX."  I have nothing against SPANX - I was just hoping that I wouldn't have to wear them.  I am getting married on a beach.  In the tropics.  It's going to be hot.  I didn't really want to have to be constricted. It looking like that's the way it's going to be.  SIGH!

So I had to book a FINAL FIT! There goes my goal of getting everything done by January 31.  The final fit is on February 14.  Yes valentines day.  That damn dress better fit if I am to splurge on SPANX.

Now excuse me while I wallow with an old friend....

Yes - I do realize that the glass is quite full.  SPANX for noticing.

The Weather

OMG - have you been outside lately?!  If you haven't don't even bother.  It's disgusting.  It's freezing.  It's the type of cold that freezes your boogers within seconds. Seriously why do we live here?! 

 How badly do you want to be here?

The Surprise Spoiler

I stink at surprises.  I also stink at getting things done. Well that's not exactly true - I get things done but I think things over a lot.  I mean A LOT!!!  Have you ever heard of analysis paralysis? Yup - that's what I live with everyday until I am forced to make a decision.  This sometimes leads to me not following through on ideas or making important decisions.  Like say not buying a wedding dress until the last possible minute.Well this weekend I am determined to complete a task I set out to do two months ago.  I dusted off my sewing machine (we had a brief reconnection at Christmas - but it was too short and scheduled).  This weekend I will make 22 Fabric Luggage Tags- one for each guest attending our wedding.  Steve hates when I spoil surprises - but like I said - I stink at surprises.  I bet you can't wait to get your hands on one of these bad boys?!

Of course this project will be paired with a large bottle of red wine and a few 'Mad Men' intermissions. But I will finish this weekend (maybe).

The Tan [or soon-to-be tan]

Post-tanning session #1

In order to ensure that I am not as white as my wedding dress - I have decided to fit in a few tanning sessions before we leave.  Hopefully in roughly 6 weeks time - I will look about 2 - 3 shades darker than shown above.

The Shoes

Originally I selected a pair of shoes to wear for our pictures that I had no business wearing.  They were blue and suede.  Yes my friends - they were blue suede shoes.  They had a five inch heel and a 1.25 inch platform.  I am already 5 feet 6 inches tall - Steve is only 5 feet 9 inches (though he claims to be taller) this would have brought me to a height that I wouldn't feel comfortable at. Last week I got an e-mail confirmation that my online order got messed up and was automatically cancelled.  In hindsight this was a blessing.  I don't think I would have had enough time to practice walking in them and I doubt our neighbours below would enjoy me breaking them in while doing housework. So I set out this weekend on a mission to find another pair.  And I did and since their system was down - I got $15.00 off the original price - BOOYAH!  And another item to check off my list.  What a relief because I was really feeling the pressure since I was ever so politely requested by the seamstress that I really needed to have my shoes for the re-fit next week.  She even wrote it in block letters on the appointment card - how embarrassing.  But the shoes I found are lovely.  They are in a soft grey. They are satin.  They have some frills/ruffles - because I am a fan of both frills and ruffles.  And they have a little bling to make them all fancy.  They are an appropriate height - so hopefully I won't fall over (but that's not guaranteed because you never know where your heel is going to get stuck).

And just because I tease you enough - I thought I would provide you all with a sneak peek.  Enjoy.

Moments

One of life's finest moments

To be honest - I wish I never put that damn ticker on this wed-blog!  Each day I see the days getting lower and lower I think of all the things I have to do.  If you ask Steve - he'll say we don't have that much to do at all.  Did you know we haven't even bought our wedding bands? And that Steve still doesn't have clothes?  Seriously - doesn't he know who he is marrying?!  I am just slightly freaking out.  If you see him - tell him to get on it OK?  But since winter decided to show up this year - I am equally counting down the days until we leave and trying to drag them out.  It's pictures like above that remind me to SLOW DOWN and take it all in and just enjoy the moments.  OK Steve reminded me of this - but he's on to something.  He's so wise like an old barn owl. 

But, I did get something accomplished this week - something fabulous.  I got got to try my dress on again.  It's just as beautiful as I remember. Steve's mom, sister, and niece came with me.  It was nice to have them there and I am so happy they all came. These are the moments he must be talking about.  Anyhow back to the fitting - well the dress is perfect all except it's a bit tight in the hips.  Come on people I can't help that my milkshake brings all the boys to the yard.  Well - I could probably do something about it but seriously beer and food are the only things keeping me grounded these days. Anyhow - there is enough room to let it out a bit (let's hope).  I am scheduled for a re-fit on Jan. 25.  Let's hope that goes over well. Fingers crossed!

48 days!

48 days - that number frightens me a bit.  I am not ready.  Not at all.  Don't get me wrong - I am very ready to get married.  But my shoe order somehow got cancelled.  How annoying.  A pasty white body to tan.  A jiggly body to firm up.  A bikini to buy. Decisions to make. I am not complaining.  I am just wondering how on earth am I going to pack all that in in just 48 days when I work full-time? But to be honest when I look outside at this - 48 days can't come soon enough. 

Facebook Vs. Blogger

When our invitations were first sent out - it was discussed whether to create a Facebook group or create a wedding website.  I immediately figured that a wed-blog would be the best choice for us and for myself. It's a great way to convey information and keep everyone updated.  Also, I dream on a daily basis about entering the world of blogging but really who is interested in reading a blog about a girl who attempts to sew, travels instead of having children, works a full-time plus job and is obsessed with taking pictures of her cat?

Well like most blogs I have started - I slacked.  I didn't update regularly enough and most people probably forgot that we even created this wed-blog.  So with the new year chalked full of resolutions - it was decided - I would create a Facebook group. Because honestly that's where everyone is hanging out. Did you get the invite?  Check your notifications because I am sure it's there.  If you didn't - let me know and I'll get on it. I plan to use the newly created Facebook group as a place where you can all chat together (not that people do that) but honestly if you have a question - post it there - it's a private (insert exclusive) group so go wild (but not too wild - unless you want to?!).  Speaking of wild...

Don't be like Basil - drink responsibly

New Layout

Can you believe it?  With less than two months to go which means less than two month of life for this wed-blog- my previous layout messed up. It appears that the designers photo bucket site had reached it's maximum bandwidth. With some research I discovered that this happened to several other bloggers.  At first I might have shouted a few curse words, downed a bottle of beer (or two) and then decided to recover. I was never really attached to that particular layout anyhow - I chose it strictly based on the colour scheme.  I never planned on using it after the wedding - I have decided to cut my loses (which by the way was $20.00). 

As you can see my new career as a blog designer has come to fruition. I quickly (and I mean quickly - so don't judge my very lacking inDesign skills - I plan to buy a how-to-book in the new year) whipped up a new header - and shuffled a few things around and we are as good as new.  This means I should probably update some of the content?  All in due time.

So keep your pretty little (or big?) eyes peeled for an update.......

p.s. Are you ready to hit the beach or what?

Wannabe DIY Bride.

Most people would not think that ambition is a bad thing - but let me tell you that it can be.  I am always overly ambitious in most tasks I take on.  Why would planning our wedding be any different?  I have a list of DIY projects that I need to pull together in just under three months.  Under three months - jeez we are getting married in less than three months.  OMG!! Anyhow back to the point - being ambitious and also a procrastinator is simply a recipe for disaster.  Planning a destination wedding was supposed to be a piece of cake (and trust me it's pretty easy) but I have found a way to make it stressful and a lot more work then it needs to be. The more the pressure is on - the less I want to do it.  I am positive I will busting out stuff moments before boarding the plane.  Why Emily - why must you do this to yourself?  But at least all of you will be so excited to see (and receive) all the lovely goodies I have (or will have) prepared for you.  Perhaps when I start these outstanding projects I will post some pictures? Until then - you'll just have to sit and wait in suspense.  You are so curious right now, aren't you?

Seriously though - next time I see something I like and then say "Oh, I can make that" just stop me - let me buy it - because let's get real I don't have time to work full-time, do part-time courses and plan a wedding.  But alas, I will find the time to get it down.

the dress

Alright - I was warned by many past brides-to-be to start looking for my dress early.  Of course I didn't listen.  Why on earth would I shop for a dress 6 months before the wedding?  I am a planner - but honestly I am not that planned.  So I decided to venture out 3 months to the day in search for a wedding dress. 

On Saturday I met up with my beautiful and hilarious friend Gilly (more formally known as Jennifer Gilson).  Gilly is a great friend and I would have not been able to tackle what I did on Saturday without her.  I went out with all intentions and a common statement from all brides-to-be "I am just looking today - I am not buying".  Well - one stop, five dresses, and an hour and a half later I am now the proud bride of the most beautiful wedding dress ever all within in budget - and if I can drop a few inches I won't even require alterations it fits that perfectly.  Want to see it?  Well you'll have to wait until March 3, 2011.

If you know me - a major purchase like this is totally out of character.  I like to think, analyze, compare, contemplate, discuss before I buy anything.  So I am quite impressed with myself - OK I should be giving Gilly all the credit.  I would have never got through it without her. Thanks Jen!! 

Now on with the other not so major (but just as important) details.  Like Steve's attire - this should be fun!

Invitations

If you are reading this that must mean that your invitation arrived - yeah!  It feels so official now.  I was initially going to purchase invites from Etsy - but after hours of contemplation I decided that sending out our own handmade invites reflect us better.  OK, well they reflect me better since I am an aspiring crafter - not the best one but an aspiring one non-the-less.  To be honest our invites aren't 100% original - they are actually a mix of ideas and inspirations.  I spent countless hours searching the web for samples and ended up with this- and I couldn't be more pleased with the end result.  

We're Engaged

OMG we are GETTING MARRIED!!!!  Steve proposed on Thursday March 18, 2010 - in our kitchen hours before we were scheduled to leaved for a three week getaway to Vietnam.  I like to think of that trip as an engagement trip - everyone gets one of those right? Let's just say I was in a mad dash to get the apartment clean - and didn't look my best (at all). Let's just say that I was wearing a red striped top with bright green flannel PJ bottoms (don't judge me on my choice of house clothes). However the proposal was casual, but sweet, and very much reflected our relationship (he didn't even care that I didn't look good - not that I am focusing on this at all). I won't go into all the details (but if your interested I would love to tell you).

We have decided to celebrate our big day with a destination wedding.  It wasn't a decision that came easy - but definitely one that reflects us.  Naturally we would have loved to say our vow's in Vietnam but due to the distance we decided on a country much closer (and cost effective) - Cuba.  I have been to Cuba three times and Steve twice and it never disappoints.  We chose Varadero mostly because of the proximity to Havana (a must see for anyone who hasn't had the chance to visit or anyone who has for that matter) but also because the ocean/beach there is phenomenal.  Don't believe me?

We are both extremely excited to share our day with our nearest and dearest and even more pleased that we get a whole week to do it.  We have confirmed a date at the Iberostar Laguna Azul for Thursday March 3, 2011 (03.03.11).  So brush up on your Spanish and come share a mojito with us.