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Kelli Oakley & Adam Goodyear

working through the obstacles to be together

* just married! *

Wedding:

August 28th, 2005

Engaged:

August 25th, 2004

Our Theme & Colours:

silver, white & burgundy

Guests Invited:

100

Guests Expected:

85

Our Budget:

$30,000

basics

How We Met... @ work through his brother!

We wanted to share our story because... Because it is so not a fantasy, I want to share with every bride that planning a wedding isn't as fun as you all think and there are many obstacles along the way, but, don't let that discourage you, there is always a way around if you really love him!

How He Proposed... On one knee while I was doing homework, he told me of his past, present, and what he wanted in his future, then asked me to marry him, I couldn't even look him in the eyes, I just smiled and said yes!

How we feel about our upcoming married life... So excited, we have done a lot of planning and worked around a lot of obstacles, it has got to be as close to perfect as it can get!

Our Dream Wedding is... All our family being civil with each other!!!

Our Colour/Theme... Silver, White, and Burgundy

planning

So far (by February 7th, 2005) we've planned... Pretty much everything, we have are d.j., photographer, caterer, hall, chapel, invitations, we have made our giveaways, purchased our centrepieces, the guys and girls go pick their dress and tuxes out this month, I have purchased my dress and it is absolutely gorgeous, BUT... I just found out I am pregnant, and I am in due in September!!!! Wow!!!!! So I now need to purchase a new dress, cause mine is too low cut a waistline to be altered :-(  but I am sure we can work around it! 

Our biggest concern right now is that... The fact that I will be VERY pregnant for our wedding, and that our families can be civil for just a few days this year!

Ceremony @ Doon Heritage Crossroads Chapel

Reception @ The Armanian Club

Invitations @ The Wedding Shoppe

Decorator we are doing it ourselves

Gown @ Avalon Bridal

Formal Wear @ Collins Formal Wear

Favour ideas... we made something real unique from these little frosted glasses we put potpourri in them and a vanilla candle, wrapped them up with cello wrap and put a burgundy ribbon to hold it together with favor tags! Also little bookmarks with a sweet poem, our names and wedding date and a little burgundy tassel on the top of bookmark.

Gifts for our attendants... Engraved wine glasses and beer mugs for wedding party, personalized, framed poems for parents and family!

bridal diary

February 7, 2005

How we're feeling now... Frustrated because we just found out we are having a baby, and now I am going to be very pregnant for the wedding and I know this sounds silly but, I am now getting a new dress, I wont be able to do much for the stag and doe, the bachelorette, and NO honeymoon :-( but that's okay I am still marrying the man of my dreams!

Lately, my Groom has surprised me by... Nothing, he doesn't have to, he amazes me everyday just by being him, he is so sweet, sensitive and caring, almost like dating a girl (with a *****) lol, It is amazing when you truly find that one you are meant to be with, there is nothing we don't share with each other and he never ceases to amaze me at how much he cares.

What's going on with my bridal party... Well we have already had to replace 2 girls in the bridal party (you really learn who your real friends are at times like this) but I think everything should work now, we pick out the bridal party dresses next weekend (let's hope everyone shows up and with money) lol.

What happened to this week that was frustrating... We found out I was pregnant! and accepted reality (no honey moon).

What happened to this week that was awesome!... We went for our first ultrasound and got an exact due date and don't have to change the wedding date...phew!

And the hunt continues... We go next week to get bridesmaids dresses... then our next goal is to agree on and purchase wedding bands and get them engraved! 

Advice for other brides out there... Take it day by day, things are going to happen, but you can work with it or around it if it means enough to you, trust me I am there, and nothing is a straight path!

stay tuned for more of Kelli & Adam's wedding story

Janie-lee Teeple & Jesse Free

Real High School Sweethearts

* just married! *

Wedding:

December 10th, 2005

Engaged:

March 27th, 2004

Our Theme & Colours:

Winter Wonderland

Ice Blue & Silver

Guests Invited:

125

Guests Expected:

110

Our Budget:

n/a

basics

How We Met... High School

We wanted to share our story because... I found my Prince Charming. I always dreamed of finding someone that I knew I would be with forever, and I did. I want everyone to see our love. It is possible to have your very own fairytale with a happily ever after.

How He Proposed... In my living room, it was just me and him and he completely surprised me!

How we feel about our upcoming married life... Amazing. We are so excited to start our lives together. We love planning the wedding.

Our Dream Wedding is... A Winter Wonderland.

Our Colour/Theme... Ice Blue & Silver.

planning

So far (by November 7th, 2004) we've planned... Our wedding party, some of our ceremony details, where we want our reception, our honeymoon.

Our biggest concern right now is that... We are both only 21, and haven't completed college yet. Also, we just moved our wedding date up by six months, so we are feeling a little worried, but we know we can do it!

bridal diary

December 17, 2004

How we're feeling now... The wedding is a little less than a year away and we're getting more excited as each day passes!

Lately, my Groom has surprised me by... My Fiancé came up with an amazing idea for favors... Christmas tree ornaments! We're going to write our name and the wedding date on them and give one to each guest. We bought them yesterday at a department store. I think the cashier was a little shocked when she saw how many ornaments (125) she had to ring through! Hehe..

What's going on with my bridal party... We're planning on going hunting for bridesmaids dresses in January.

What happened to this week that was awesome!... We got awesome favors and they were really inexpensive!

And the hunt continues... We hope to hire a lot of my vendors after Christmas when we have some free time.

Advice for other brides out there... The more things that we plan and get done, the more I can see a little bit of what our wedding day will be like, and it brings tears to my eyes =)

bridal diary

February 14, 2005

How we're feeling now... 10 months away... woohoo!!!

Lately, my Groom has surprised me by... Today (Valentine's Day) with a rose, a card, and a gift card... he's so sweet!

What's going on with my bridal party... I keep checking the stores in the mall for bridesmaid dresses to save some money. We got our tuxedos at an amazing price because I work at formalwear store... hehe.

What happened to this week that was frustrating... Because our wedding is in December so close to Christmas, the church we go to isn't available for our wedding... we are now looking for another church to get married in.

What happened to this week that was awesome!... I got my veil, and it is beautiful!

And the hunt continues... We've got quite a bit done these past few weeks, but I still need to get invitations and hire our decorator.

stay tuned for more of Jamie-lee & Jesse's wedding story

Angela Jervah

& Peter Schmidt

Real High School Sweethearts

* just married! *

Wedding:

September 10th, 2005

Engaged:

October 23rd, 2003

Our Theme & Colours:

Black, White & Silver

Guests Invited:

150

Guests Expected:

150

Our Budget:

n/a

How He Proposed... Peter and I got engaged in October of 2003. For work each year in October we go to the States for a convention. That October happen to be in Las Vegas. We were both very excited because we had never been there before.

Well I guess he had purchased my ring at the beginning of September and was trying to figure out the best way to ask. Him and my aunt (who he purchased the ring with) decided that Vegas would be the place. and somehow they came up with the gondola ride in the Venetian resort.

 
He had decided that he was going to ask me on the Monday. So he asked my Dad, and got already with the ring. But we had gone out for dinner that night and didn't get back to the room until 10:30. and I really didn't feel like going to the strip at that time. But he insisted and off we went. So after running around the Venetian we finally found the gondola ride and oh they closed at 11pm and they book the last ride at 10:30. So we left... analyzing the situation he realized that between working at the convention and our other plans the only other time he could get me to the Gondola ride was Thursday - and that was his absolute last possible option because we were leaving early Friday Morning.

 
So for the remaining week he had to continue to hide the ring. He did this by wearing it around his neck during the day and then at night he would slip it into the ring box and put it in a drawer.

 
Well Thursday came and that night we had tickets to Celine. So again his time was limited.

We were about to leave for the strip when he came out of his room dressed up in dress pants and a long sleeve dress shirt. Well I couldn't understand why he was doing this so I insisted he go change into shorts because it's so warm.

 
Well we finally got to the Venetian resort - standing in line for the ride he started to get nervous because the line was so long he thought we wouldn't be able to get on before the Celine show. But we did, the cost for a private boat was $50.00U.S. I kept insisting that we should just share the boat because that was to much money to spend. But he refused. So off we went on the gondola ride. And well he isn't the most cuddlesome guy but he was being really loving on the ride (so I kind of thought something was up). Well he eventually he asked the gondola driver to stop the boat so he could ask me a question. And he got down on one knee and proposed. Of course I said yes!!!

So far (by November 12th, 2004) we've planned... Everything is planned and booked. The only things left is ordering my girls dresses and the favours. Other than that it's the little things that will come as the wedding get closer.

Ceremony @ St. Michaels in Waterloo

Reception @ St. Jacobs

Wedding Attire @ Taylor's Bridal Boutique in Elmira

Advice for other brides out there... Even though it can be stressful enjoy the planning process because your wedding day will come so quickly.

April 29, 2005

Susan Harris

& Jason Edgington

College Sweethearts

* just married! *

Wedding:

July 23rd, 2005

Engaged:

February 14th, 2004

Our Theme & Colours:

Black & White

with Touches of Pink

Guests Invited:

120

Guests Expected:

110-120

Our Budget:

n/a

basics

How We Met... at a college party.

How He Proposed... Valentine's Day... he brought me breakfast in bed, a big stuffed dog, flowers, chocolates, and a ring down on one knee...

How we feel about our upcoming married life... We can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together.

Our Dream Wedding is... Classic, Beautiful and Elegant.

Our Colour/Theme... Black and White with touches of pink.

planning

So far (by November 17th, 2004) we've planned... Ceremony and Reception (hotel, all inclusive), photographer, decorator, DJ, Wedding Gown, Bridesmaids Dresses, Grooms Attire (picked out, but not ordered), ring bearer and flower girl attire, invitations, wedding cake.

Our biggest concern right now is that... That our photographs turn out.

Ceremony @ The Church of the Good Shepherd

Reception @ Delta Kitchener (formerly Four Points by Sheraton)

Other stuff we've booked includes... our photographer, DJ, invitations, decorations, cake, gowns and formalwear, gift registry (we've registered at two stores), guest favours will be donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, and our transportation will be my parents' vehicle. We are considering a chocolate fountain, and still have to choose a florist and gifts for our attendants.

bridal diary

November 20, 2004

An update on how we're feeling... We are so excited, only 8 months, 3 days until the BIG DAY!!! We are really just focusing on family and Christmas right now, but we plan on going full swing into wedding mode come the new year!

Lately, my Groom has surprised me by... He surprises me all the time, he's a huge sweetheart!

What's going on with my bridal party... I think they are planning something behind our backs... because there has been a lot of whispering and that sort of thing going on whenever they see each other...

What happened to this week that was awesome!... We found out that our hotel, which we initially thought would not allow homemade wine, will allow it!!! It saves us about lots of $$$ a bottle because my fiancé's father is going to make all our wine as a wedding gift, and now we only have to pay the corkage fee... also a big plus, his wine is the best, and we already know that my fiancé's whole family enjoys his wine, so we don't have to worry about wasted wine that people don't like...

Our budgeting issues this week/day/month... There are always budgeting issues... weddings are expensive, and with Christmas coming up in about a month, it's hard, but I think we are going to squeeze by, and and understanding and helpful family is great...

And the hunt continues... I am still looking for a florist who is not too expensive, and will be able to do 4 small calla lily bouquets in white, and 1 larger bouquet in pink calla lilies, as well as approx 7 boutonnieres, and 5 corsages in various flowers...

Advice for other brides out there... I am happy with all of the vendors I have worked with so far... I didn't have to do a lot of shopping around because I was able to do a lot of background work and checking before I met with a select few people, and was able to book right away rather than humming and hawing about it...

bridal diary

January 17th, 2005

An update on how we're feeling... We are excited about our wedding, it's only 6 months 17 days away now!!!

Lately, my Groom has surprised me by... My fiancé bought me my digital camera for Christmas, which was so exciting...the hints he gave me were that we could use it at our wedding, and on our honeymoon (we are going to Ottawa).

What's going on with my bridal party... My girls are all getting together next weekend with me for a final measurement, and to order the dresses... we did go awhile ago to get measured and try them on, but now I am excited cause they are ordering them!!

Things we're finding frustrating or stressful... We are looking for flowers this coming week... I know what I want exactly, but I am a little confused as to where to start, what questions to ask, and all of that, but I am sure when it comes down to it, everything will be ok.

Planning pet peeves lately... My photographer sent me her price list, and it went up from what we had discussed, so now I am in negotiations to have her honour her original prices...will update you on how that is going...

And the hunt continues... Looking for flowers... This should be fun...

Bride stuff... I am looking so forward to the next few months when some of the small stuff gets to be decided... I haven't shopped for things like my shoes, garter, and bridal party gifts, but I am looking forward to it...

bridal diary

April 25th, 2005

An update on how we're feeling... We are getting very excited about the BIG day... it's now less than 3 months away, we are starting to do our invitations, and  book appointments for dress fittings, and such, and it's becoming much more real, and we can't wait!

What's going on with my bridal party... My girls dresses just came in, and it only took 3 months, I was impressed!!! Then again, my dress only took 3 months to come in (from the same store)...

Things we're finding frustrating or stressful... Money is always frustrating...with Jay just having finished school 2 weeks ago, and now looking for a full-time job, it gets a little stressful.

What happened to this week that was awesome!... Just the regular stuff... not much exciting stuff going on right now.

And the hunt continues... We have everyone hired and are just waiting until we can start to finalize the details.

Advice for other brides out there... If I had to do it again, I'd elope! No, just kidding... I really have enjoyed planning my wedding, and giving myself 14 months to do it in gave me lots of time to plan and to book everything.

bridal diary

May 28th, 2005

An update on how we're feeling... Planning is going really well, we are just starting to finalize details... it's SOOOOO exciting!!!!

What's going on with my bridal party... They are planning a couple's shower for us, and our stag and doe is in 2 weeks from today... they are awesome!

What happened to this week that was awesome!... We went on a trip to North Carolina to go to Jays aunts wedding... it was so much fun, it was a small wedding, and then the couple had everyone back at their house which was built onto the side of a mountain, it was so neat, and they had this huge party, and a band, and catered, and there was like 100+ people, it was great! We had a wonderful trip, and the mountains are gorgeous!

Our budgeting issues this week/day/month... Some things are over, some are under, but overall I think we are on target.

Advice for other brides out there... I am so excited, it's getting soooo close now, less than 2 months!!!

bridal diary *just married!*

August 16th, 2005

Advice for other brides out there... Biggest advice I can give about your big day is take a look around, take everything in, enjoy it all, talk to people, don't drink too much, hold your new husband's/wife's hand, take a private moment together, don't worry about anything, breath, relax, and smile!

Stay tuned for more of Susan & Jason's wedding story & photos

Crissy Kuepfer & Matt Aigner

Internet Sweethearts

* just married! *

Wedding:

July 16th, 2005

Engaged

August 21st, 2004

Our Theme & Colours:

blue, silver & white, along with gerbera daisies

Guests Invited:

120

Guests Expected:

100

Our Budget:

$5,000

basics

How we met... on the internet.

We wanted to share our story because... I wanted to let brides know that they don't have to do a wedding for 30 000 plus you can have just as nice of a wedding on a small budget !!

How he proposed... At a surprise birthday, he got down on one knee and told me that I was the only person for him and then asked me to marry him in front of all of our friends and family. Of course I said YES !!!!

How we feel about our upcoming married life... We are super excited about the wedding and planning but we are even looking more forward to spending our lives together.

Our dream wedding could be described as... being surrounded by the people you love the most to share in that special moment.

Our colour/theme: Blue, Silver & White along with Gerbera Daisies.

So far (by April 10th, 2005) we've planned... Everything has been planned, all I have left to do is the favours and programs and get the marriage license !!

Our biggest concern right now is... I have none at all.

Ceremony @ Club Willowells

Reception @ Club Willowells

Other Bookings: Invitations: DIY... doing the decorating ourselves, bought silk gerbera daisies for flowers, doing cupcakes instead of a cake...

Favour ideas... filling little cupcake papers with the infamous mint smoothie fudge :)

Gifts for our attendants... guys undecided girls, pyjamas with a candle.

bridal diary

April 10th, 2005

How we're feeling... We are excited about the upcoming planning. It all seems overwhelming at first but it has been a lot of fun.

The groom surprised me by... He surprises me every day. He always has these things to say to me that just make me feel like I am the queen of the world !!! And he always gets me when I am least expecting it. :)

What's going on with my bridal party... I am having my bridal shower on April 17th. I am really excited. All of my girls are going to be there except for one. She has a really important job that she can't turn down stuff if it comes up. Well except for my wedding.

What happened to this week that was frustrating... I can't think of anything right now. I guess the most stressful thing was that we needed new front brakes on the car !!

What happened to this week that was awesome!... My Mom gave us the money to pay of the caterer, we got Matt's ring. We got my earrings, tiara, program paper and envelopes. Matt's Mom got her dress and it is beautiful.

Stay tuned for more of Crissy & Matt's wedding story & photos

Kendra Druar & Wesley Foerster

Workplace Sweethearts

* just married! *

Wedding:

February 4th, 2006

Engaged

March 26th, 2005

Our Theme & Colours:

black, red & silver

Guests Invited:

183

Guests Expected:

165

Our Budget:

$25,000

basics

How we met... at a restaurant/bar where we both worked.

We wanted to share our story because... When we first started dating, I knew that Wes was "the one." It's just that feeling you get when you know something is right. Our relationship over the past 4+ years has blossomed into a love I never imagined. Wes and I are true soul mates with a sincere friendship that will last a lifetime. We laugh, smile and enjoy each other's company and I can't imagine my life without him. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with Wes, he truly completes me. :)

How he proposed... He created an Amazing Race adventure!

How we feel about our upcoming married life... Completely at ease. We are perfect for each other!

Our dream wedding could be described as... Modern Elegance.

Our colour/theme: black, red, and silver.

So far (by April 30th, 2005) we've planned... Church, Reception Hall, Photographer, Videographer, DJ, Wedding Dress + bridesmaid's gowns.

Our biggest concern right now is... Money!!! Having savings to purchase furniture etc. Weather. I'm hoping that there's not a big snowstorm or freezing rain!

Ceremony @ The Church of the Good Shepherd

Reception @ The Pines

Other Bookings: invitations: designing our own!... gown shop: Taylor's... planning books or websites: this website is awesome!!! So many wonderful tips.

Gifts for our attendants... have some ideas, but not finalized.

bridal diary

April 30th, 2005

How we're feeling... At this point, we feel that we have quite a few things organized. We finalized our budget and have a 1st draft of our guest list. I don't feel stressed out at this point because I've dreamt about our wedding for a while and already had a vision. We are both looking forward to having our own place.

The groom surprised me by... Wes always surprises me with little things. We both work at the same company, so he will bring me coffee, or surprise me with flowers and such. It always make me smile. I told him not to stop doing those little things when we are married!

What's going on with my bridal party... My maid of honour (Vanessa) and my mom went dress shopping last week. I have found my dress and will order it next month. We also chose the bridesmaid's gowns. They are a 2 piece Alfred Sung design in Black. I wanted the girls to have something that was modern and classy so that they could wear it again. My maid of honour is a real big help. She's been waiting for this day just as long as I have, so she is really excited to help plan with me!

What happened to this week that was frustrating... Money discussions always get frustrating. We have come up with a budget for the wedding, but we also realize that we will need a lot to furnish our apartment. We will be living on a very tight budget for the next 9 months.

What happened to this week that was awesome!... Finding my dress last Saturday was the best feeling in the world. I'm absolutely in love with it. When I came out of the dressing room, I was glowing (so I've been told). I felt like a princess in it, and I can't wait to wear it on our wedding day.

Our budgeting issues this week/day/month... Budgeting for furniture/TV, rent, honeymoon on top of saving up for the wedding. It'd be a real treat if we won the lottery or something :)

And the hunt continues... We still need to figure out the transportation, flowers,  decor, cake, etc. but we still have a lot of time to figure these things out.

Advice for other brides out there... The vendor reviews are great on The Ring. We've taken a lot of advice from the reviews and other brides that have gotten married. Very helpful.

bridal diary

August 29th, 2005

How we're feeling... We have pretty much everything planned at this point except all the minor stuff like favours, gifts for the attendants, etc. We are starting to get anxious because we are now at the 5 month point.

The groom surprised me by... He bought me some chocolate (my favourite) But he's not helping because we are both trying to get in shape for the wedding/honeymoon :) Oh well.

What's going on with my bridal party... My bridal party and I went to Taylor's on the weekend and they ordered their bridesmaid gowns. They are so nice and modern. I love them because they go so well with my dress and our theme. I think the girls are happy that I've gone with black, because they can get a lot more use out of the gowns.

What happened to this week that was frustrating... We've been dealing with some frustrating things with the new house we are building... but we have now worked through everything and we can't wait to start seeing it get built.

What happened to this week that was awesome!... Saturday was so much fun spending time with my bridal party. Everyone gets along so well, and I am just pumped that they are all a part of our big day. Our wedding party is having a stag and doe for us in October. I'm super excited about that because I know it will be a blast.

Planning pet peeves lately... None really this week. Our next step is to get our engagement photo taken. That's about it!

Our budgeting issues this week/day/month... Budgeting is going all right. My fiance and I have consolidated our bank accounts. So far, it's going well. I'm finding it interesting to see how much he spends each week. We are both keeping each other in line.

And the hunt continues... In the last few months we have booked our florist, decorator, SUV limo, and we are just working on the favours and the cake. I am also designing our own invites. So far, so good.

Advice for other brides out there... The time seems to be flying. I am enjoying the process of planning :) It will be sad when it is over. However I just got asked to be in my fiance's sister's wedding in September 2006, so it will be really nice to be on the other end of things too.

Stay tuned for more of Kendra & Wesley's wedding story & photos

James Sinfield & Bryan Patteson

University Sweethearts

* just married! *

Wedding:

October 15th, 2005

Engaged

June 27th, 2003

Our Theme & Colours:

fall colours & butterflies

Guests Invited:

115

Guests Expected:

100

Our Budget:

$7,000

basics

How we met... In first year university.

We wanted to share our story because... Being a younger couple, I feel that it is important for us to share our story so that it may inspire other young couples to follow their hearts.

How he proposed... He flew to Winnipeg to visit me with a surprise!

How we feel about our upcoming married life... Incredibly excited!!!!

Our dream wedding could be described as... Smooth sailing and feeling beautiful.

Our colour/theme: Fall colours and butterflies.

So far (by May 16th, 2005) we've planned... Almost everything!! Decorating needs to be improved and the small, details need to be put together.

Our biggest concern right now is... That we have planned this well enough so that our guests enjoy themselves and talk about the event for years!!

Ceremony @ St. Andrew's Church - Guelph

Reception @ Guelph Curling Club

Other Bookings: invitations: hand written... by the bride!... chocolate fountain: Roy-Al Rentals... formal wear: Collins Formal Wear...

Favour ideas... Candy Bar or Shot glasses with Skittles.

Gifts for our attendants... Women - Necklaces, Men - ?

Stay tuned for more of James & Bryan's wedding story & photos

Carrie Wilson & Bobby Broaders

'marrying my best friend'

Wedding:

May 27th, 2006

Engaged

September 18th, 2004

Our Theme & Colours:

lilac & silver,

"Dreams Do Come True"

Guests Invited:

150

Guests Expected:

120

Our Budget:

$20,000

basics

How we met... through friends.

We wanted to share our story because... Because I have learned that being friends prior to being a "couple" has been the best route to go. Bobby and I were best friends for a little less than a year before we began dating. When he proposed, only 3 months after we "officially" started dating, I knew that I really would be marrying my best friend, and what better relationship could exist?

How he proposed... He wanted to make it a "grand display" earlier in the day in a more public setting but his shyness caught the better of him. He proposal at home, in our living room later that evening was perfect as it seemed so genuinely fairy tale like, more so than that of his original plans I imagine.

How we feel about our upcoming married life... Marrying your best friend seems to be cliché, but for Bobby and I , it marks the beginning of our dreams coming true.

Our dream wedding could be described as... dancing on clouds, shooting stars (tulle, smoke effects, twinkling lights), floral, originality; I want to express our hopes and dreams through our wedding. I want to share with our loved ones in person, and in spirit, the people whom Bobby and I are, and can only hope to become as our lives grow as one together.

Our colour/theme: lilac & silver, "Dreams Do Come True"

So far (by August 12th, 2005) we've planned... I have planned the reception from decor to meal, the ceremony from attire to attendant bouquets, the photography and stag and doe. Being engaged for nearly 2 years before the wedding has allowed me ample time to plan this wedding detail by detail. I can only hope that not too much is missed!

Our biggest concern right now is... Right now, my most urgent concerns lie with my wedding party. I am learning slowly, but surely, that every aspect of our wedding will not go 100% as planned. As much as I assume Bobby and I can handle most details on our own, I know now that we need the help of our closest loved ones to make our wedding, and marriage possible. At this point in time, I am experiencing some difficulties with some of our wedding attendants with respect to their acceptance of the responsibilities of being in the wedding party.

Ceremony @ St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Parish, Kitchener

Reception @ Golf's Steakhouse, Kitchener

Other Bookings: photographer: local free lance wedding photographer, videographer: family and/or friends... transportation: We are hoping to rent a stretch SUV however at this time are having difficulty finding one available locally whose price is within our reasonable means of our budget, invitations: I will be making them from scratch, decorator: bobby and I, along with my maid of honour and bridesmaids will be creating and producing this ourselves... cake: We have not officially hired this vendor yet, however we have a  consultation and are learning heavily towards Yvonne with The Cake Box... ice sculpture: We are currently looking into this. We have not found a supplier local to the Kitchener/Waterloo/Cambridge area. At this time, we are considering the costs of having an ice sculpture made and provided to us by a London sculptor reviewed on The Ring... gown shop: Charmenté's Bridal Wear... officiant: Father Con O'Mahony, priest of St. Aloysius Parish... consultant: The ladies of The Ring's bridal chat message boards!... planning books and/or website: I am planning this wedding personally for the most part, along with Bobby, my friends, family, and The Ring's bridal chat message board members.

Favour ideas... I am making "roses" out of rose shaped candles, hand made stems (dowel wood & floral stem tape), silk foliage and ribbon. Each rose will be tagged with a short note advising our guests that $1000.00 has been donated to Sunbeam Home of Kitchener, lifelong home and family of Bobby's late sister Tracey.

Gifts for our attendants... Bridal: yet to be determined, but will be hand made; Groom's: yet to be determined but will be entirely up to Bobby.

bridal diary

August 12th, 2005

How we're feeling... The wedding plans themselves are running quite smoothly. We have most vendors and ideas for the wedding booked, planned, and thoroughly thought out.

The groom surprised me by... Becoming much more involved with and "interested" in the wedding planning process. What has to be planned, and what can be worked on currently.

What's going on with my bridal party... Right now, I have 7 bridesmaids: maid of honour, 5 bridesmaids & 1 jr. bridesmaid. My jr. bridesmaid is young and is currently working at her first part time summer job amidst preparation for her first year of jr. high school this September. 1 bridesmaid just had her first child only 3 months ago, and another bridesmaid has just taken possession of her first home only a few months ago as well. As both bridesmaids currently have their hands almost full, they have been working hard to squeeze out what little time is left in a day to work on the wedding with Bobby and I. My maid of honour and 1 bridesmaid are working wonders as they are dedicated and enthusiastic about helping us work out, and work on every detail. On a lesser than enthusiastic note, I have 2 bridesmaids which appear "less then happy" to help with the wedding. Although I have attempted my best to advise share with them, the basic responsibilities of being such an important role within our wedding party, they seem as though asking them to be my bridesmaids was asking a little too much. *Sigh*, I HOPE that friendship will prevail and that this experience will not hinder the relationship we have.

What happened to this week that was frustrating... Dealing with the bridal party responsibility situation, and this is still a work in progress! Bachelorette Party: Strippers, or no strippers. A bridesmaid, and my maid of honour have asked me this question bluntly, and I am at a mix of opinion! If I let my girls know that I am excited for a stripper, then I may be excluding some important members of my wedding party and family  from attending the bachelorette party. Particularity my 12 year old cousin!

What happened to this week that was awesome!... We found a cake baker that seems to be wonderful for us! She is so dear, and very accommodating for us! We have a consultation booked with her this coming Tuesday! Yeah!

Our budgeting issues this week/day/month... Working on fitting the honeymoon effectively into our wedding budget. We will have the money for the honeymoon of our dreams in Walt Disney World - "The Royal Treatment", so to speak. Logically however,  the real world tells me to spend the money on the house we plan to buy next summer. Decisions, decisions!

And the hunt continues... We are currently working on researching and consulting with vendors for our wedding cake, wedding day transportation...

Advice for other brides out there... Ensure that your bridesmaids are *FULLY* (but don't scare them aware yet!) aware of the "bare bones" responsibilities of what being a wedding attendant truly entails (if possible, PRIOR to accepting to take part in such an important role of the wedding). You don't want to disappoint them, or yourself at a later time in the wedding planning process.

bridal diary

October 19th, 2005

How we're feeling... the planning is coming along... I have most things PLANNED... it's now a matter of getting up and doing things! finally finished the save the date cards though!

What's going on with my bridal party... bridesmaids are starting to come around a little more now-getting closer to the date now I guess-still 7 months away though! they're still not the "dream team" I had hoped for, but every one has bridemaids problems, right? RIGHT?! hopefully as the wedding draws nearer, they'll make life easier for me :) (psssst....so far they've made things a lil' more stressful on me, so I'm hoping for a DRASTIC turn around, SOON!)

Stay tuned for more of Carrie & Bobby's wedding story & photos

Bridget Sharpe & Michel Remillard

'found happiness'

Wedding:

August 19th, 2006

Engaged

August 1st, 2004

Our Theme & Colours:

Lavender, Lilac, Whites

Guests Invited:

60

Guests Expected:

60

Our Budget:

$10,000

basics

How we met... Our best friends Todd and Joan.

We wanted to share our story because... I think that sharing my wedding story will help a lot of brides and grooms. Especially with the planning and budget.

How he proposed... Mike proposed to me on our friends cottage in Wiarton, Ont. Our friends Todd and Joan were present when Mike got down on one knee and knelt beside the fireplace and ask me to spend the rest of our lives together.

How we feel about our upcoming married life... We are pretty excited as this is my second marriage and Mike's first. We are an older couple who waited our whole lives to find happiness.

Our dream wedding could be described as... Our Family and Friends being there to celebrate our Love.

Our colour/theme: Lavender/Lilac/Whites.

So far (by September 6th, 2005) we've planned... Everything is planned!!!!!

Our biggest concern right now is... Money.

Ceremony @ Rose Chapel Kitchener City Hall

Reception @ Bingemans

Other Bookings: transportation: Own Vehicles, invitations: Bride has done her own, decorator: Bingemans, florist: Bride has done her own, cake: Made a Dummy Cake with slab in back, gown shop: Charmante's, formal wear: Tuxedo Royale

Favour ideas... Little Shot glasses with candy wrapped in tulle and ribbon.

Gifts for our attendants... Still working on them.

bridal diary

September 6th, 2005

How we're feeling... Its almost 11 months away and feeling kinda of jittery. lol. We are both so excited about our upcoming wedding.

The groom surprised me by... Mike surprised me with a weekend getaway. We went camping for the weekend and had a wonderful time.

What's going on with my bridal party... Bridal Party are doing well most of them have their dresses already.

What happened to this week that was frustrating... Since this is my second marriage it has been stressful legally.

What happened to this week that was awesome!...  Finally got a weekend off of work.

Our budgeting issues this week/day/month... Budget is going according to plan right now.

bridal diary

June 24th, 2006

How we're feeling... Well, we are in the final stages before the big day with only 7 weeks left to go. Everything is all planned and ready for the big event. I was at my fitting this week and reality is setting in. I am getting the jitters. Mike seems to be ok for now.

The groom surprised me by... He says that he is getting really excited and can't wait for me to be his wife. Now that makes me feel like a million dollars.

What's going on with my bridal party... Everyone is getting really excited about the upcoming day. My MOH has been real busy as she is getting married in just under 3 weeks. She is going stir crazy. My bridesmaids have been there and helping me along the way.

What happened to this week that was frustrating... Well, my daughter told me that her husband doesn't want to be in the wedding. So we have asked someone else to stand in for the groomsman all is well now. Thank God.

What happened to this week that was awesome!...  Going for my fitting and at work getting an employee award for outstanding customer service. The prize was 2 tickets to the Grand Prix in Toronto to watch the Formula 1 Racers with lunch and snacks provided. That was exciting to receive.

Planning pet peeves lately... Getting all the groomsmen out to go for their tux's all of them are lagging. I put them straight this morning lol.

Our budgeting issues this week/day/month... Budget is going according to plan.

And the hunt continues... Everything is all done has been for 2 yrs now.

Advice for other brides out there... I have done my wedding with the most personal touch you could ever imagine. Its truly portrays our love for one another as it should always do.

Stay tuned for more of Bridget & Michel's wedding story & photos

Sarah & Peter

'sharing the planning experience'

Wedding:

August 19th, 2006

Engaged

July 2005

Our Theme & Colours:

Black, White & Red, with a smidge of gold

Guests Invited:

125

Guests Expected:

100

Our Budget:

$10,000 to $14,000

basics

How we met... Through a mutual friend.

We wanted to share our story because... I want to be able to share my wedding planning experience online so my friends & family from out of town & out of province can feel as though there right here with me as each day goes by.

How he proposed... On one knee at dinner, that he made!!

How we feel about our upcoming married life... EXCITED!

Our dream wedding could be described as... Oriental Theme.

So far (by December 8th, 2005) we've planned... Booked the hall, bought the dress, bough both rings, flowers, DJ, Church, minister, favors & a co-worker will be taking care of the pictures.

Our biggest concern right now is... That everything falls into place, and runs smoothly.

Ceremony @ Breslau Evangelical Missionary Church

Reception @ Delta Hotel, Kitchener

Other stuff we've booked includes... photographer: Personal Friend (Co-worker), dj: Family friend with business on the side, invitations: ME!, decorator: ME!, cake: Step-Mother....Amazing Cake Maker!, gown shop: Chamanté Bridal, gown shop for bridesmaids: Step-Mother... Amazing Sewer!! She made her own too!, consultant: My Girls & Mothers... of Course!!!

Favour ideas... Czech Mates.

Gifts for our attendants... Not sure, something personal.

bridal diary

December 8th, 2005

How we're feeling... I am feeling a little overwhelmed, only because of Christmas though. I am finding it hard to divide our money between what we have to pay for upcoming deposits and ensuring we still have a great Christmas. Money Money Money!

What's going on with my bridal party... Jen is in Cuba with her hubby Scott, Sarah is at home with the kids and enjoying her new job, Jill is working like a dog at the Still and lovin her new man Paul, Gerica is doing her best to behave!!!

What happened to this week that was frustrating... We are leaving for Mexico tomorrow, work year end trip and I'm feeling stressed because of the trip and Christmas and the wedding and URGGH!!!! Everything. I will be glad when we get there and all my worries melt away!

What happened to this week that was awesome!... MEXICO!!!!

Planning pet peeves lately... None so far, Wedding related anyhow.

Our budgeting issues this week/day/month... Christmas, Mexico & Wedding Deposits due.

And the hunt continues... Limo, I am considering Stage Coach, would like to go out and take a look first.

Stay tuned for more of Kendra & Wesley's wedding story & photos