Day 106 - FOUND IT!

Lately I've been thinking it's time to narrow in on a venue. I've narrowed down some possible suspects and think I should set up some appointments to go downtown and view them in person. I'm so nervous to fall in love with something and not be able to afford it or lose it because I can't foot the deposit for a few more months. But I'm going to have to get past that and start looking.

I'm now down 21 lbs and back into some of my old university pants. I've lost so much weight that my engagement ring keeps falling off. I guess we'll have to hurry and get our wedding set purchased before I lose the ring for good. That's a fearful thought!

Today, though, was productive. My bridesmaid, Jenny, has been insisting I try on wedding dresses for a while now. She has been frothing at the bit trying to get me in there. I don't know what size I am and I don't want to be this size when I buy my dress. But she was so excited so I thought, "well...we cant at least see what store I want to shop at when I buy my dress." so I pulled up two names of local stores and we were off. We foolishly had the girls with us so there was some amount of stress in trying to get things sorted out. Not to mention it was a Saturday and the store was really full! We were given 5 rings and sent on our way. I pushed and browsed and was saddened to see the dresses I could afford were....well there was a reason they were so cheap and on clearance. The dresses that were prettier were $$$$ way off course of my budget. My budget being $600 I knew this was a bad idea. Finally I found one dress that made me smile. It was almost twice my budget though. *Wimper* but we decided I should try it on and see how it looks before I completely rule it out.

It was gorgeous, it is gorgeous. After having searched through all the dresses, even the original dress that I fell in love with I think I found a winner. Now to lose another 20lbs and come back. As for the girls, they did pretty good all things considered. And Jenny's daughter was still running around the store in her dreams as you can see below.

Day 65 - Bridal Showcase!

The bridal showcase was positively amazing, all the information you could possibly want was right there in front of you. Questions to be asked, cards to be taken and everyone wanted to know when your special day was. It was amazing and I wish there were more every year. ;) Right now I'm still in the early stages of planning so I needed information on everything but in a few months I'll be looking at Cakes, or flowers and I think it'd be more beneficial to have those showcases then. But today I had loads of fun entering my name in draws and gathering bagfuls of information. I had at the ready two of my bridesmaids both also running around in all the excitement filling their bags with so many pamphlets and ideas.

The girls (flower and ring girls) were having almost as much fun as us adult girls. By the end of it they were completely played out! As much fun as they had I think we could have tackled the event even better were they left home with the best man and/or groom-to-be. Next year I believe I will ensure they have someone to watch them and that I have even more bridesmaids there. SO MUCH FUN!
I think the moment that hit me the most was when we were sitting there at the fashion show and the men started coming down the runway to Putting on the Ritz doing their best Fred Astaire impressions although they were marching to Taco's version of the song.

There I was surrounded by some of my best friends, my two favorite little girls and these men all dressed up in their best duds dancing down the aisle like goofballs just as David would and tears welled up. I tried to hide behind my hair. Such a silly bridal tear moment but it just hit me. Everything in my life, every trial and tribulation, every stumble, every fall, it was all leading to this moment when I would be surrounded by my best friends, people who want only the best for me as I plan my wedding with my best friend.
In the end the day was a huge success. I gathered massive amounts of information which I quickly sorted into careful piles that covered my living room floor. We had piles such as, jewelry, fashion, dress, tux, transportation, honeymoon, coupons, business cards, etc. and then they were sorted into my wedding planning book. I have not filtered through them yet simply sorted them into their categories. However, tonight I am armed with post-its and paper to dive right into my book of wedding bliss.

I think this book will help get through those days where I am feeling inspired but can not afford the inspiration until next paycheque. Those days when all I can do is browse through options and write down information and ideas. This book is now my wedding bible and I shall know it verse by verse.