Wafflesmom

Thank you @@acw271011 and @@vancouverpetunia I'm sorry my promise of updates hasn't been kept. I officially start in my new position on December 23 so I've been busy with the handover leading up to it. It has been stressful so far and I've now developed an eye twitch. Apparently it could be due to stress so I'm hoping it goes away before the wedding. Can you imagine how awful that would look in photos? Lol I do have a week off for the holidays so I'm hoping to get back on track and have more updates for you guys.

@@clmattie my Moon Palace Wedding is in 40 days. I'd be happy to help you out, just let me know

@@calgarybride2015 I know!!! It's crazy how quickly the year flew by. Wasn't I just cheering you on for yours? Lol and now it's gonna be your one year anniversary!!

@@vancouverpetunia wow, your photos are impressive! Doesn't it feel good to see the fruits of your labour. It's completely encouraging to see that all the hard work, determination and will power does produce results. Thank you for sharing, you've actually motivated me to produce results of my own! By the way, what was the program? As for me, I've been doing do well with no snacks at night. I've decided to brush my teeth after dinner and it totally helps lol. I've been making my workouts though with the Christmas concerts, dinners and get togethers, they're completely throwing off my schedule. I missed bootcamp today for my boss' going away party. I couldn't miss that so I opted for a brisk walk with my dog. Better than nothing I suppose. I will be doing the rest of my workout regime (pilates x2 and bootcamp) so I'm still gonna work my butt off.

I'm sorry I'm late replying but congratulations to you and Sean!!! It looks like such a wonderful venue and you two are ridiculously gorgeous. I can't believe your day is near. I'm so glad you have two weeks off to get everything done. Your list is totally manageable and I love how everything has turned out.

Dee, that's wonderful news that Col's mom and best friend are coming over for your bridal shower. That's really sweet of them. And I can't wait to see your ring and dress with the corset built in. Also, welcome back....we've missed you

@@calgarybride2015 thanks Kim! My sister has been so helpful, it's the least I could do. and I really appreciate the reassurance that my list us doable. You were in my shoes exactly a year ago so you would know And definitely download Apple Music. You can listen to music while you're in Cuba

Aww thanks @! I think my to-do list is actually longer than that so I better get my butt in gear. At least I have the week between Christmas and New Year's to get a lot of stuff done. So far Derrick hasn't been opposed to saying our vows so I'm running with it. LOL And definitely download Apple Music, it's so good

Happy legal wedding day!!! That's so exciting, it's truly going to be a memorable and intimate day for all of you. I can't wait to see pics.

Update Ok I know I said I'd have more updates since we're now less than two months away but life has been crazy busy. The director of my unit has decided to take a position in Ottawa and I have been identified as the temporary backfill for her. They're not going to post the position just yet so I think I will be in this temporary role for at least 6 months. As much as I love the challenge and am flattered that I was chosen, I'm a little apprehensive about it. First as the director, it will obviously be more responsibilities, but most of all, it's a thankless position. My hopes of wedding planning at work are now gone LOL On the bright side, it will mean a temporary pay increase In terms of wedding planning, I'm happy to say that we have finalized our PO and is now completely paid off The only thing outstanding is payment for our photographer. So now that our PO has been finalized, we've already been assigned our onsite wedding coordinator. I'm so excited because we were assigned Leidi Laura Guzman and I have heard wonderful reviews both on BDW and Travelocity. Although my offiste has done the official handover, Leidi is away until December 10 so I haven't spoken to her yet. I'm not too anxious considering most people get assigned their onsite 30 days before the wedding date and I was assigned mine already. Aside from that, I really need to get my butt in gear with the rest of my wedding planning and I have a lot to do still. One thing that I have crossed off my list are my bridesmaids' gifts, along with my mom's gift. I have been eyeing the Kate Spade bridesmaid bangles for over a year now. I checked online two weeks ago and they were on sale at the Bay. So yup, that was the deciding factor and I bought 4 rose gold bridesmaid bangles for my bridal party. I bought these Kate Spade earrings for my mom, they'll go so well with her dress. So in terms of Bridal party presents, I'm all done. So far their gifts include: their dress, their hair and makeup on the day of the wedding (with Styling Trio), getting ready robes, a bridal hanger with their name and the bangles. I'm so happy with everything. My sister has been so wonderful with everything so I may add something special for her. I was thinking of gifting her and my nephew (my ring bearer) a trip to Xel-ha while we're in Mexico. I know she really wants to go there so I think she'll really appreciate that. Another thing that I'm so excited about and thought I'd share with you all is Apple Music. Right now, apple music is having a free 3-month trial and you can download all the songs you want and create playlists. And the best thing about it is you can save music to play offline so no worries about spotty wifi at the resort. I found out about this too late and we've already hired a DJ but I'll be taking advantage of it for our welcome dinner and our ceremony music. Oh and also for the cocktail hour. Ok so with 46 days to go until our wedding date, this is my to do list. I'm hoping it will keep me accountable and get my butt in gear: - make a playlist / list of recommended songs for the DJ - download and make a playlist on my iPad for the ceremony, cocktail hour and welcome BBQ - Buy the rest of the OOT bag items (Oh sh*t kit items: bandaids, gum, advil, pepto, tums), candy, etc Then tag and package the bags - prepare place cards (We're using gift tags and attaching them to the napkins so they don't blow away) - Pre-fold napkins into bows and tie place cards - print engagement photos and buy frames to display them - complete wedding timeline for photographer and send it to him - make payments to photographer in January - Make personal appointments: haircut and colour, eyebrow threading, wax, nails - Make a packing list for self and guests - Write vows I'm sure there's more but that's all I can think of for now

@@vancouverpetunia I'm so sorry for neglecting the thread, thank you so much for holding us accountable 11 lbs lost? Wow, congrats Hun!!! That's awesome to hear, your motivation is so inspiring and clearly your determination works! I agree that the holidays is so hard, especially with all the work parties and treats everywhere. I have been really good with my workouts but have fallen off the healthy eating at night and have started to snack....a lot! I've still been good with meal prep for work but night time is when I turn to my old habits. I weighed myself recently and noticed that I've gained a couple of pounds, ugh. Coincidentally, my bootcamp instructor texted me over the weekend and asked me what my game plan was for the 7 weeks I have left till wedding day. I confessed that I've been snacking more so now we're on a plan. I will add a third bootcamp session to my regular weekly exercise regimen so I'll be working out 5x a week instead of 4. I've also made a promise to her that I will try to not snack at night and she will check up on me nightly to make sure I keep my promise. Today we did my weigh-in and measurements. Sadly I did gain weight (3.5 lbs) but my measurements were basically the same (gained half an inch at the bust and hips but lost an inch around my waist). I was quite happy with that since it's my time of the month, yet my measurements were still good. I'm hoping the weight gain is also from this, or even muscle mass? As for snacking, I brushed my teeth after dinner and have not craved any snacks. So far so good, especially for day 1. How are you all doing?

Love the necklace, and such a good price for them too! Woohoo, 6 months will go by in a blink of an eye (that was meant to be exciting, not to scare you lol)

@@calgarybride2015 let's do it! So as to not take over this thread, where shall we post? Support group thread? Lol

Sounds like your friends organized such a fun and memorable weekend! I'm so glad you guys had tons of fun, exactly what you needed!!! And how the heck did you look so good all night? I was a mess by the end. I have pics that show the negative effects of alcohol lol. Kinda looks like an anti binge drinking ad lol

I'm so sorry you're going through this. There's some of us who are lucky enough to not have to deal with booking stress but then there's the majority of us who unfortunately feel awful during booking time. Like everyone said, a lot of ppl ended up booking at the final day and hour. Although ppl said not to stress, I'm a worrier by nature. I hope it all works out for you in the end. If you need to vent, feel free to message me

It sounds like you've planned a special and intimate legal ceremony that will definitely be memorable. I'm so happy to hear that it's all come together and that you'll have the much needed time with your mom and Sean's parents. I agree that adding the extra touches like your bouquet and getting your hair done will add a special touch to the ceremony. I can't wait to see pics! Oh and have a great time at your bachelorette! After everything you've been through, a weekend of pampering will be exactly what you need and deserve

Yay, you've crossed off two big things on your list That's great to hear about your photographers. And that card is perfect, such a great way to "propose" to your photographers lol And I'm so glad the bridesmaids dresses turned out like you wanted (colour-wise). They are beautiful dresses! You're on a roll, keep it going;)

@@STBMrsPowell how are you? It's definitely been a while since I've seen you on the forum. Hope you're doing well Yes, we're counting down and getting so excited. We're at the point that our favourite saying is now "it is what it is" lol We're focusing on what's important and not letting anything get to us I'm so sorry you're getting a different experience with Yanet. I'm sure it has to do with all the hiccups with Jamaica being a new location. Hope it gets better. We went with three Palace approved vendors, LatinAsia for flowers and décor, PSAV for DJ and Styling Trio for hair and makeup. For photography, I fell in love with Samuel Luna's style and he's an outside vendor. We're paying the vendor fee for him and his assistant. For the most part, the vendors have all been pretty responsive. Though I have been waiting a few days for LatinAsia toget back to me with an updated PO. Once we get that, we can pay off everything! That will be such a nice feeling I'm assuming their vendors are different in Jamaica. I have been seeing a lot of pics of your resort and I'm so impressed! They've really outdone themselves and so far, brides have been very pleased. Let me know if I can help you in any way:)

I love your dress and I love the body jewellery with it. I hope it doesn't irritate your skin too much because it really looks good together

@@vancouverpetunia and @@calgarybride2015 thanks so much! Der and I are super excited to get some down time and enjoy our newly wedded bliss And today we're exactly 2 months away from our wedding date!!!!

Omg you definitely get hugs from me too. I'm so sorry to hear about all the stress and heartaches you and Sean have been experiencing. I know it's definitely not an easy call and that was really selfless of the both of you to just cancel your parent's trips for their well being. On the positive side, your legal ceremony will be all that much more special by having your mom and Sean's parents there. It will be a more intimate family affair that you'll all cherish and remember. I hope it all works out for you and I hope this is the last of it! Hugs from BC

I love our bags from weddingchicks, I would totally recommend them. I'll be sure to message you when the next sale comes up. There was actually one just last weekend but I'm sure there will be more, especially in the lead up to the holidays

Thanks @@jes0912 We're really excited to get some alone time. Between wedding planning and home renos, it will be nice to have some relaxing time together. @@maddjax thanks so much! That's great you guys got the free unlimited functions! And I'm even more glad your scathing email to MP worked

Thanks @ I think you're right about it being a blessing in disguise

Thanks @@snswedding2016 I hated the uncertainty of it all and the feeling of rejection from people I thought would be there for us when we got married. But that's all done now and it is what it is. I'm not gonna focus on the negativity and instead focus on what's important, getting married to my best friend. Hope all is well with you and Sean