Melina Baker & Mark Dawson

Engaged

February 25, 2006

Wedding

September 29, 2006

Our Theme & Colours

cranberry and white

Guest Invited

120

Guests Expected

110

Budget

$15,000

basics

How we met... Online - christiancafe.com

We wanted to share our story because... It really is a truly amazing story of love and finding the person you've held out for. I never knew what "true love" was until he came around.

How he proposed... Took me to Niagara Falls for the day and waited for the lights to come on at night time and proposed by putting the ring in a small book that he hollowed out. The book was about love and it was full of quotes.

How we feel about our upcoming married life... Amazing!!! That's the word that comes to mind. I can't believe the love we have for each other. it's like nothing else I've ever experienced before.

Our dream wedding could be described as... Just me... walking towards him. That's all that matters.

Our colour/theme: Cranberry and white.

planning

So far (by April 5, 2006) we've planned... Pretty much everything! I've planned this whole event in 5 weeks! Hall, church, minister, DJ, caterer, decorator, photographer, wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses, tuxs, decorations... like I said. Pretty much everything! There's really not much else to do!

Our biggest concern right now is... Maybe spending too much money? But really no major concerns.

Ceremony @ Freedom in Christ Church - Kitchener

Reception @ Golf's Steak House - Waterloo

Other bookings... invitations: printing our own, cake: My mom, consultant: me, myself and I

Favourite guest favour idea... this is up to my mother. whatever she decides. All I ask is that there are M&M's like our initials.

Ideas for gifts for attendants... I'm paying for half of their bridesmaids dresses.

bridal diary: april 5, 2006

How we're feeling... Believe it or not... we've been engaged for about 5 weeks and I've planned the whole wedding! Mark has been amazing with helping me and taking the step to make it happen. I'm amazed with myself that it has been pulled together so quickly! We are having fun with the planning which is very important and now that everything is pretty much done we can sit back and enjoy each other until the day comes!

The groom surprised me by... He's just amazing in everything that he does. I thank God everyday for him and for bringing him to me.

What's going on with my bridal party... I only have one bridesmaid here in Toronto. The other two are in Manitoba and Nova Scotia. It's hard not having them here but at least they provide input and help me out in anyway they can.

What happened this week that was frustrating... hmmmm.... must say the drive out to Waterloo this past weekend. I was driving out there to see him and I got lost. I just completely forgot where I was going and passed the exit. I ended up in the middle of no where and didn't know how to get back on the 401. I called Mark and he finally guided me to where I needed to go, but we were both frustrated with each other cause I didn't know where I was and neither did he. We got through it and laughed about it when I finally did make it to his place. I usually don't do the driving so I didn't have a clue... haha

And the hunt continues... all vendors are booked!!!

Advice for out brides out there... this is more fun than I thought it would be. I'm not stressed and so happy that things are just flowing. I guess when it's meant to be it's meant to be!

bridal diary: june 16, 2006

How we're feeling... We are little more than 3 months from our wedding day and I can't believe how smoothly everything is falling into place! Who said planning a wedding was hard!!

The groom surprised me by... Mark has been absolutely incredible with this whole planning. He's doing his own work and research without me having to get involved. I'm so happy that he's into this just as much as I am!

What's going on with my bridal party... All the outfits that I got for my bridesmaids all fit and no alterations are needed! yay!!

Advice for out brides out there... I'm so happy to be marrying the man of my dreams and I can't wait to walk down the aisle towards him.

Stay tuned for more of Melina & Mark's wedding story & photos

Andrea Wright & Don Johnson

Engaged

August 12, 2005

Wedding

July 29, 2006

Our Theme & Colours

Eggplant and red; Celtic-medieval

Guest Invited

118

Guests Expected

110

Budget

$20,000

basics

How we met... Lavalife...can you believe it?!

We wanted to share our story because... This website has been a life-saver for me in the last 10 months as I have been planning my wedding. The girls on here have been there for me through my tears, excitement and stress so I would love to give something back to The Ring. Also, ours will be a unique wedding that celebrates our loves for history and our backgrounds and I think people  would enjoy reading about planning a theme wedding!

How we feel about our upcoming married life... This is the most exciting time in my life... I have met the most wonderful man in the world and I cannot wait to celebrate our love and share our lives together. We have been traveling between London and Kitchener for a YEAR so we can't wait to wake up to each other every day!

Our dream wedding could be described as... Celtic/medieval theme (I am a history teacher and he is a military police officer (my modern day knight!) He is wearing his kilt and I am having a medieval-inspired dress made for me. We have been making our own invitations complete with a wax seal so guests feel like they have been invited to a royal feast! but most of all...I want to have a fun, relaxed day and I want my guests to have a great time.

Our colour/theme: Eggplant and red; Celtic-medieval.

planning

So far (by April 12, 2006) we've planned... Pretty much all the big stuff (ceremony, reception, dress, bridesmaids dresses, dj, photographer, florist, cake, ceremony musicians, transportation, honeymoon, hair/makeup etc.) Getting down to the last few months...

Our biggest concern right now is... Money... of course. Because we wanted a wedding that reflected our interests we had to spend a lot of money on our reception site. Oh, and the construction that will be happening in front of it in July and the detours to get there!

Ceremony @ Notre Dame Chapel, St. Jerome's University

Reception @ Verses Restaurant

Other bookings... invitations: We made them... cake: The Cake Box, officiant: Our priest, planning book: The Wedding Timer.

Favourite guest favour idea... Cookie favours from The Cake Box.

Ideas for gifts for attendants... Ties for groomsmen; an assortment of girly things for the bridesmaids.

bridal diary: april 12, 2006

How we're feeling... Well... it's getting down to the wire! The wedding day is getting so close I can actually start getting excited! Okay, its still 3 and a half months away but, hey, a girl's got a right to get excited! We are counting the weeks until I get to move to London and we can be together. This weekends-only deal is torture. We have never wanted something to come so bad in our whole lives!

The groom surprised me by... He has actually started complaining about all the things we have to do on the weekends. Run here, pick up this, go to this appointment. He says he "just wants to relax". I say "we have our whole lives to do that". But I totally understand. I am exhausted...

What's going on with my bridal party... My girls have set the date for my bridal shower - May 28th, and I am really excited. I am the youngest of all my cousins and I have grown up at baby and wedding showers and I never thought I would see MINE! I am really looking forward to celebrating with the women in my family. It is definitely a milestone in my life... it's like I have "come of age". As for my girls (Jen and Meghan) I want to make sure we get together next week for a dinner to catch up on things and start getting excited!

What happened this week that was frustrating... Making the map/directions for our invitations. UGH! So annoying and finicky! But one of the girls on this site has been a life-saver for me and helped me out. I owe her my life right now...

What happened this week that was awesome!... Hmmmmm......... I am still working on that one. Maybe if we get our invitations done this weekend I will feel "awesome".

Planning pet peeves lately... Map....obviously.

Our budgeting issues this week/day/month... I am starting to worry about how much the rehearsal dinner will cost. We have some options but they all look pricy at the moment. Basically: is there any money left?!?!?!?!

And the hunt continues... I think I have hired all my vendors if you can believe it!!!!!!!!

Advice for out brides out there... Girls, take some time for yourself and put the wedding/work/family commitments on hold for at least a bit. Too bad I can't take my own advice.

bridal diary: may 10, 2006

How we're feeling... It is becoming so real now. The wedding is about 80 days away (yes, I am counting). We are so excited we can hardly contain ourselves. We are also getting really anxious as well. It is getting harder and harder to say goodbye every Sunday night. We actually counted last weekend that we only have to do the Sunday-night goodbye 7 more times (I am moving to London on the weekend of June 23rd).

The groom surprised me by... I was surprised by how excited he was that the girls' dresses are in! Didn't think he would be too bothered by that. So cute!

What's going on with my bridal party... Yes, the dresses are in. I was surprised because I didn't expect them until June (huge relief). Going shoe shopping tomorrow after work with my maid of honour to Latino's. I have to find some shoes for the final fitting!

What happened this week that was frustrating... Every day is a constant frustration sitting in limbo. Can't wait to move/for the wedding/to know if I have a job in London (I am a teacher). I am the kind of person who likes to be in control of things so to be at the mercy of time, well, let's just say I am not reacting well to that!

What happened this week that was awesome!... We got our first wedding present! The Bay sent a card in the mail telling us that a bunch of gifts were purchased at the Bay and when they are in we can go pick them up! Also, we have set a date for our engagement pictures on Friday May 26th. We are going to Guelph to take them around some old ruins (very "us"). We are both really pumped about that... My mom and I are going to the reception site next Tuesday to meet with manager to choose the dinner choices and the wines.

Planning pet peeves lately... Hmmmm... when people are returning their RSVP's, the are writing "Mrs. and Mrs. John Smith". If it is from FH's side, I don't know them so the problem is, what is the lady's name?!?!?! And do you think he knows? Yep, you go it. Nope.

Our budgeting issues this week/day/month... Starting to panic that the big cheques have to be written soon.

And the hunt continues... All the vendors are hired at this point. Realize that I have to start meeting with DJ, ceremony musicians, florist etc. to go over details.

Advice for out brides out there...  Try to keep your eyes on the prize: I know that day will come when I say "Wow! Its here!"

bridal diary: may 20, 2006

How we're feeling... After a bit of a freakout last weekend... I am feeling a lot better now. The reality of getting married and moving to London away from my job, family, and friends caused a bit of a panic so it was a rough beginning to the week. After talking to my girlfriend (who just celebrated her 3rd anniversary), she reassured me that all these feelings were totally normal, as she went through the same thing. I have been able to put things in perspective and focus on all the fun things that are coming up and take comfort in knowing that everything will be fine (I hope!).

The groom surprised me by... When I was in tears last weekend about moving, he wrapped his arms around me and said "We are going to be just fine, don't worry". Simple words I know, but they filled my heart with love and happiness.

What's going on with my bridal party... Their dresses are in and my MOH is going to check them out to make sure they are the right colour etc.

What happened this week that was frustrating... See above...hahahaha.

What happened this week that was awesome!... So much! I chose the ceremony music with my musician on Monday, and on Tuesday my mom and I went to Verses to pick out the menu for the dinner (I had forgotten how beautiful the restaurant is). Yesterday my MOH and I went to Stratford for my dress fitting and when I had it on with the veil and my shoes... WOAH, that was wild. I cannot wait to wear it on the day and walk down the aisle. When I got to London, FH had already picked up our rings from the engraver and he did a fabulous job. FH tried his on again and my heart dropped to the floor. It is the sexist thing I have ever seen!

Planning pet peeves lately... Nothing this week...

Our budgeting issues this week/day/month... Oh dear, we have to sit down sometime this weekend and work out the budget from here until the day. I am not looking forward to this.

Advice for out brides out there...  I need to focus on the happy stuff and stop worrying so much about the future. I know things will work out, and that there will be bumps in the road, but this is the best thing that is ever happening to me and I know it will be great.

bridal diary: june 13, 2006

How we're feeling... Wedding? What wedding? Too busy finishing the school year with the kids and getting ready to move to London...

The groom surprised me by... We have been struggling to decide which engagement picture to have enlarged for the signing matte at the reception. Believe it or not, he wanted the artsy one! This really surprised me.

What's going on with my bridal party... They went to try on their dresses and they looooved them. This was a huge relief for me. Their first fitting is on July 5th.

What happened this week that was frustrating... People have purchased wedding gifts for us and nothing is in stock! It is weird having to write thank you cards for gifts you haven't even seen yet.

What happened this week that was awesome!... My dress and veil is done!!! I can go in at any time and pick it up ~ but I will probably wait until I have moved. I am going to keep it at my mom's in Waterloo until the wedding.

Planning pet peeves lately... Not being able to get things done for the wedding because I have to mark essays and pack up my stuff.

Stay tuned for more of Andrea & Don's wedding story & photos

Emma & Adam

Engaged

June 4, 2006

Wedding

December 22, 2006

Our Theme & Colours

black, silver and sage green

Guest Invited

130

Guests Expected

120

Budget

about $20,000 (unrealistic maybe)

basics

How we met... Internet... and fate.

We wanted to share our story because... Want to let everyone know that is possible to plan a wedding in under 6 months!

How he proposed... At the bagel cafe we go to every Sunday morning... TOTAL surprise!

How we feel about our upcoming married life... So excited! We have been living together for 9 months but being engaged makes it so real, I can't wait for Ad to be my husband!

Our dream wedding could be described as... simple but elegant.

Our colour/theme: black, silver and sage green.

planning

So far (by August 9, 2006) we've planned... dress and veil are bought, tuxes have been fitted, venue, flowers, videographer and photographer are set, colour scheme, invitations done, bridesmaids dresses picked out, flutist hired and jobs assigned for wedding day.

Our biggest concern right now is... none really... just that everything works itself out!

Ceremony @ The Pines

Reception @ The Pines

Other bookings... photographer: Fresh Photography, videographer: friend of Adam's, dj: not done yet, transportation: probably our own cars since it is only one venue, invitations: I made them, cake: The Cake Box... I think, registry: we haven't quite gotten to that.

Favourite guest favour idea... since it's around Christmas we're thinking clear glass balls with iridescent tinsel... going to double as place card on the tables.

Ideas for gifts for attendants... we have some ideas but better not tell in case they come on this site!

bridal diary: august 9, 2006

How we're feeling... Well Adam and I are great! Day to day kind of things... I am a little anal so things erk me pretty easy so trying to take some big breaths. Can't wait for the day!!!! Since it's quick we have to be on the ball. Invitations should be out by the end of the week so that's a load off and all the major things are done.

The groom surprised me by... Adam and I auditioned for Rich Bride, Poor Bride and he surprised me by the things he said about me. He also tells me and everyone how well organized I am so that is nice that he notices all the little things.

What's going on with my bridal party... Right now nothing as my sister has been in Italy for 3 weeks. She comes home this weekend and then we'll get them fitted for the dresses. I can't wait to see them!

What happened this week that was frustrating... The frustrating part is that Adam's family is Catholic and I am nothing. His mom really wants our wedding blessed by a Catholic priest so that is causing a lot of stress. I have agreed to have it blessed but not on my wedding day. I'm sure it will work itself out!

What happened this week that was awesome!... Trying out for Rich Bride, Poor Bride was awesome since we got to talk all about our wedding to someone new! We also went to look at The Pines again (Adam has never seen it) and we both LOVED it!!!!!

Planning pet peeves lately... Not many... just getting the labels done for the invitations takes a while. Wouldn't change it though. It is so gratifying to see your hard work and time pay off.

Our budgeting issues this week/day/month... none!

And the hunt continues... We still need a D.J. We didn't want one originally so it's a bit last minute. I also need somewhere to have hair and makeup done. I would like them to come to the place we're getting ready and want M.A.C. Anyone have any ideas?!

Advice for out brides out there... It is fun to plan a wedding in a short time because your adrenaline is always running. Other than issues of reception venues and money, I don't know why anyone would plan for one so far away. I am so excited for the big day and I'm sure everyone around me can't wait either so they can talk about something different!!!

bridal diary: august 16, 2006

What's going on with my bridal party... Van (sister) is back YAY!! Going on Sat. to get the girls fitted.

What happened this week that was frustrating... WOW!! Talk about scary! We went into  where all the men are renting their tuxes to find 3 other groomsmen there. We had originally gone in because my dad and brother went to one in T.O. to be fitted and were having problems. Turns out the other 3 parties had not received their tuxes yet and they were getting married that day! The one guy was supposed to be getting pics. done in 10 mins. Long story short we forfeited our deposit and went somewhere else. I guess it could happen anywhere but it scared us too much!

Planning pet peeves lately... Adam's parents are still being difficult. They are upset that some of his cousins have not been invited since there are no children under 16 invited. It's a bit of an issue right now... it's our day and it will be great...

And the hunt continues... Going with The Cake Box... cupcakes and a mini cake on top... too cute! Still looking into a d.j. and need a good hairstylist and makeup person.

Advice for out brides out there... It's easy to get caught up with the negative stuff. Adam and I keep reminding each other that this is our day and it will be the best party ever!

Stay tuned for more of Emma & Adam's wedding story & photos