snswedding2016

So ladies I'm down to 11 sleeps...I should be well into my 11th sleep right now but as most past brides will tell you, this close to the wedding you really don't sleep that much. I did have a couple of days for Christmas where I didn't really do too much for the wedding and that was kind of a nice break but now that we're so close and Christmas is done...we're back at it!! To do list... -Finish set up document for Azul Fives (Still need to add a couple more things and it will be ready to go!) -Exchange US money!! -Send out my gift for my TA (It's all packaged and ready to go!) -Buy Sean's shoes and white dress shirt (Done and done! We found some great boxing day discounts. The stores were crazy but it was worth it. We also went with one groomsman and he found his shoes and shirt as well!) -Finish groomsmen gifts (We still need to pull the trigger on this one. We're finding it so tough as all the guys are different and have different tastes. We might end up doing a couple different ideas and getting the guys a range of things but all costing the same amount. We're toying with a portable speaker, fitbit, and a leatherman) -Print photos for display (Do NOT do this one Christmas Eve. I wasn't planning on going that day but we had to go to get other things done but I ended up waiting in line to print these pics for over an hour!! At least it's done!) -Finish escort cards (made separate Kid's menus but now I just need to print and cut them as well as add the names to the seating chart) -Get playlist back from our friend who is putting it all together for us (meeting with our friend on Wed to go through how to use the music app.) -Started packing our clothing suitcase with most of our summer clothes we're not using at the moment. -Finish vows - we started brainstorming tonight -Continue to hand out welcome bags to Toronto guests (I can get rid of two more tomorrow!! woohoo!) NEW - Finish kids menus - Buy more lace for candles - Buy extra batteries for candles - Buy a couple more small frames - Write thank you cards for bridal party and thank you speech for reception - Confirm hair and make up appointments for bridesmaids with AF (they have been pending for a while now) Dec 23 - Waxing appointment and going to see Kinky Boots Dec 25 - Christmas Dec 26 - Boxing day shopping - last minute deals for last minute items we need Dec 27 - Extended Family Christmas Dinner Dec 28 - sit down to write thank you cards and speech (evening) Dec 29 - Renew our license plates! Take our niece to the museum. Dinner plans. Dec 30 - Meet with our friend about wedding music & pick up dress! Dec 31 - New Years Eve Jan 3 - Mani/Pedi with Maids of Honour Jan 6 - we leave for Mexico!!! **Waxing Review- So I've always been a bit too scared to try waxing but thought if there was ever a time to do it, my wedding would be it! So I ended up trying Sugarmoon in Toronto that does sugar waxing as it is supposed to be less painful and better for you with the natural ingredients in the sugar. I have to say it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. My esthetician was really nice and informative (apparently I have a high pain threshold - she was surprised at my first time reaction). I would definitely go back there again and would recommend this place to anyone nervous about trying waxing for the first time. Processional song update You may remember that Sean's family was going to record my processional song. Well with everything going on and some recent injuries this didn't end up happening. At first I was quite disappointed because I did give them a lot of notice but at the end of the day I'll still have the song I want. The irony is that now that I have come to terms with that, Sean's family is saying they want to try and get it done now. We got the call like 2 days ago about this. We keep telling them not to stress themselves out because it's the holidays and I feel like it will just drive them crazy trying to rush to get it done. It is a lot of coordinating as it would be his mom, sister, two nieces and a close friend. We're kind of hoping to talk them out of it now because we don't want it to cause tension between anyone. Guest update We found out this morning that one guest had to back out. He's a lawyer and his case just got pushed and the judge wouldn't let him reschedule beyond our wedding week. He is really disappointed. His wife, baby and mother in law are still going though as they can't get the money back so they might as well come since it's paid for. Ok that's it for now. I will try my best to do another update before we leave! can't believe it's so soon!

@@acw271011 Thanks Ann! I'm so glad you liked working with Mike! It's nice to have another personal recommendation! Can't wait to see your video!

@@Wafflesmom Yes, we did find a videographer! I'm really excited now that we've decided to take the plunge and just do it. We were hoping to use the video team with our photographers Photos in Cancun but they were booked for our date so they suggested a couple of others including Mike Cantarell Films. We like his style and our photographers said they love working with him (that was a huge plus rushing into booking someone last minute). I also found his prices to be very reasonable which is good with the exchange rate being just awful right now. He has several packages to choose from to suit your needs. They are also working with our photographers as one vendor so that was a big factor in our decision to go ahead and book them.

@@deecol @@calgarybride2015 @@yycbride2016 @@Wafflesmom Thanks ladies! The time has really flown by especially this last month but I'm feeling pretty good about where we're at. Still lots to tackle but I think it's manageable. I'm getting really excited but I don't think it will really hit me until New Years Eve! @@yycbride2016 I know what you mean about all the stuff. This is why I started packing already. I needed to see if it would all fit and also to start getting rid of all the clutter. haha yes, I'm definitely a bride with a plan but whether or not anyone follows the plan is another story. lol! I'm excited for Jan because at that point it will be whatever it is going to be and I will let go of all the little things I don't get around to finishing and just enjoy it....hopefully! @@Wafflesmom It didn't take as long as you think for the itineraries. The hardest part was deciding on the format for the first one and then from there I just added in extra info for the bridal party. A lot of our bridal party specifically the groomsmen are notorious for not reading emails or remembering what I've told them but will inevitably be the one to ask the question I've already answered before, so at least this way they will have it with them in Mexico and not bug me on the actual wedding day. That's the goal anyway! I honestly have no idea how @ did it! She was amazing and was able to get these to me so quickly!! Your day is almost here too - 1 month!!!! woohoo!! It will seriously fly by...I know everyone says it but I really feel like that was just me a minute ago and now we're leaving in 2 weeks!!

So as of today we leave for Mexico in exactly 2 weeks!!! I really can't believe it! It feels like I've knocked off some major things but still there's a bunch of stuff to do before we go. Here are some of the big updates: Welcome Bags They are officially done!!! They're all assembled (Toronto ones), printed and packed. I have started giving them out to our Toronto guests before we depart. This is going to be a huge help as I will only need to pack 8 bags with me. Here's how they turned out... Originally I didn't think I would have room in the budget for these bags but I really loved the idea and made it work by keeping it simple. Contents: Welcome book Anchor bag Kleenex Gum "Oh Sh!t Kit" - Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash - Hand Sanitizer - Wet wipes - Bandaids - Nail file - Q-tips - Pepto - Electrolyte booster (this saved me on my bachelorette weekend) The welcome books were a bit of an undertaking but I'm really pleased with how they turned out. I don't know if you can see in the photo but I used a Japanese book binding technique to bind the loose pages together. I wanted a simple but easy way of binding the pages as I didn't create it in a booklet format. It was pretty easy to learn but a bit time consuming. I got a 1/16" hole punch from Michaels and pre-punched the holes (3 sheets at a time) and then threaded the twine with a large needle (following the instructions of the tutorial). The way this technique works is that the knot is actually in the centre of the booklet hidden in the seam so from the outside it has a smooth clean look to it, which I love! Here are the sheets are included: 4 different types of itineraries based on who they are for *General *Groomsmen *Bridesmaid *Maid of Honour Resort Tips Things To Do Rooming List Programs We decided to go with an infographic type of program. We had fun adding in the facts about us and wedding planning...although my BDW # of posts is off now.. Chalkboards and Menu I just realized I never posted about these items. The amazingly talent @ helped me with these items! I LOVE LOVE LOVE them and am forever indebted to her for them as they would have driven me crazy if I was left to my own devices! Here they are: To do list... -Print the rest of the printable for welcome bags (I finished the last of the documents today) and assemble and start distributing (I have to give out some this week to my colleagues before we all leave for the holidays) -Finish set up document for Azul Fives (Almost done!) -Sort out carry on situation (long story short the carry on luggage I ordered mid nov with my airmiles points is now out of stock...even though I was able to order it. I'm fighting with airmiles now to expedite the shipping time. I may have to buy a new piece of luggage) I'm borrowing luggage from a friend -Book mani/pedi appointments for me and my maids of honour (Jan 3) -Book honeymoon transfer (working out if it's worth it to upgrade to the luxury car transfer with my TA) -Exchange money (at the place @kyrstalball suggested!) Exchanged pesos - we're waiting on US but will have to pull the trigger soon - the exchange is so terrible -Send out my gift for my TA -Test travel steamer It works!! -Buy Sean's shoes and white dress shirt (it might be last minute but we're holding out for boxing day sales - we have our eye on a couple of items though) -Finish groomsmen gifts -Print photos for display -Finish escort cards (with dietary restriction stickers) -Get playlist back from our friend who is putting it all together for us -Start packing!! Started yesterday! The carry ons are pretty much done and one checked bag is halfway done! NEW - Finish kids menus - Buy more lace for candles - Buy extra batteries for candles - Buy a couple more small frames Dec 18 - last day of work!!!! Dec 19 - Christmas Party Dec 20 - SEAN'S BIRTHDAY!!!! Dec 21- Pick up dress! 4pm So my dress is looking really good but I need to make a couple more adjustments. Last time we had to take it in a lot in several places but now it is just a bit too snug around the hips. It was bunching funny. I got back Jan 2nd to pick it up. Dec 22 - Disney on Ice with our niece/flower girl (our Christmas present to her) Dec 23 - Waxing appointment and going to see Kinky Boots Dec 25 - Christmas Dec 26 - Boxing day shopping - last minute deals for last minute items we need Dec 27 - Extended Family Christmas Dinner Dec 31 - New Years Eve Jan 3 - Mani/Pedi with Maids of Honour Jan 6 - we leave for Mexico!!! I will do my best to keep updating my thread as I get closer to leaving!

@@ashhtayy Sean was not really into it either at first but then I explained the advantages of having it and he came around. He really wanted that moment of seeing me for the first time walking down the aisle but I told him we'd still have that moment but just with each other (plus our photographer) and it would be really intimate and special. He liked that idea. Wow I can't believe the BDR went up that much...although I'm not totally surprised, even in low season when we went there were a lot of brides spread out through all the Karisma properties. The old price was also amazing for the value. I'm really glad we did it. I don't think it is completely necessary but a nice bonus if you can squeeze it in. Side note: you should come to our next GTA meet up!!

I had Lynda and now Ivis. Let me know how it goes with Judy!

@@ashhtayy Sean and I are doing a first look for the same reasons you want to. I wanted to have a private moment with him before seeing everyone else. I also wanted to maximize our time with our photographers and get some extra time to get certain pics taken care of. In case this helps this is our photography schedule: 2:00pm getting ready pics 3:00pm first look 3:15pm bridal party & family pics 4:30pm ceremony 4:55pm group pic 5:00pm bride & groom pics 6:00pm reception (starting with first dance) We actually made up our own welcome drink while we were there for the BDR in Sept. We had a menu tasting for our specific menu and then we tried a couple of options for the welcome cocktail. We wanted something local to Mexico and we LOVE the Cantina tequila and mezcal cocktails. They came up with a drink they called "Tequila Party" - I'm pretty sure they just made that name up for us ...haha! It is Amaretto, tequila and sour mix - really good!

@@ashhtayy yes, sorry for not getting back to you sooner! things have been hectic over here with the planning and finishing up work. Yes, I worked with Judy at Bloom Bridal - she was great to work with and sends you a pic of the flowers for approval before she ships it. Also, my first WC at AF said to wait until we got there for children's menu selections but then my second WC said it would be easier to have them pre-selected. I don't know if that's because we're doing a plated meal or if it is just a WC preference. It was easy enough though. I just posted it on our Facebook group to all of the parents and they sent them back right away. Most kids picked the same thing - cheeseburgers and grilled cheese and lots of fries lol!

Food-Allergy-Cards.pdf@@Smellsey I know I can't believe it either! My last day at work is today!! woohoo! I was originally doing escort cards but now I'm just doing a seating chart. I'm going to probably make escort cards just for those with dietary restrictions as well as the kids. All of our kids have pre-selected their meals so I'll have to indicate them. I was going to use stickers on their escort cards (ie. a plant for vegetarians etc). I also found this online - this might help (see attached)

@@ashhtayy I decided to get the spa credit instead of the cocktail hour. It wasn't really important for me to have a formal cocktail hour especially since the bars will be open, we were planning on just setting up an informal cocktail hour by letting all of our guests know which bar to meet at. We also have a bunch of kids coming and we thought some families might want to take a break and go back to the room etc. I also knew that I wanted hair and make up from the spa for sure so that made the choice easier. We only set aside 1 hour for cocktails but that's more to do with the fact that we only have our photographers until the beginning of our reception (we have a smaller package) so we couldn't really afford to push it back and further. Sean and I are not really into cake...we love dessert but cake isn't really our thing plus I agree they are super expensive at AF. I always find at weddings I eat the dessert that comes with the meal and never eat the wedding cake. We decided to just go with the dessert that comes with our meal. Totally personal preference though. I also find the prices for the flowers at AF to be too expensive. I went with real touch flowers but it all depends on how important they are to you. Some people need to have fresh flowers but on the other hand the plus side of real touch is that you can bring them home and they'll last forever. If you want the name of the vendor I used for real touch, let me know. She's based out of Toronto but unfortunately you can't go and pick up the order - I tried to avoid shipping costs but couldn't get around it. She did a really nice job with my bouquet. Let me know if you have any other questions. Can't believe I'm leaving soon!! Also let me know if you have any questions you want answered while we're there. Looks like things are really moving forward with your plans!!

@@Wafflesmom Thanks!! Your day is rapidly approaching too!!! I'm with you - it feels like yesterday that I had over a year to plan this wedding! @@calgarybride2015 So glad you think the list is manageable! That does make me feel better! Just gotta get through one item at a time right?! Hope you have an amazing time on your vacation!! Small Updates Legal Ceremony Band Inspired by @ I've been thinking about getting a ring to symbolize our legal ceremony. I've been eyeing a couple of very simple bands from Pandora. I didn't want anything too expensive but something nice and simple to honour that day as special as well. This is what I picked up tonight. Videography I really thought I was okay with not having an official video. We had planned to stream our ceremony live as well as record it. After see the Toronto gals a couple of weeks ago and see snippets of @@Meandhim 's video - I couldn't stop thinking that I might really regret not having one. After getting our refund for our parent's trips and then receiving some very generous gifts from Sean's biological dad and some other guests we had a little more wiggle room in our budget. Also with our parent's not being able to go now a professional video would be really nice to show them. I contacted our photographers to see if their video team would be available but unfortunately they are not. They did recommend another videographer that they really like working with and I contacted him late last night. It looks like we might be able to work something out to fit within our budget. It's not officially booked yet but I'm getting really excited with the idea of having a video!! Music I sent our friend the playlist for the ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner last night. He's almost finished our reception playlist!! I owe him big time for doing all of this for us! Such a relief to have this off my plate. Our E-tickets were also released today!!! Every day it feel more and more real! 4 days left of work!!

Events leading up to the wedding - wedding related and not (this is to keep me on track so I can refer back to it.) Dec 18 - last day of work!!!! Dec 19 - Christmas Party Dec 20 - SEAN'S BIRTHDAY!!!! Dec 21- Pick up dress! 4pm Dec 22 - Disney on Ice with our niece/flower girl (our Christmas present to her) Dec 23 - Waxing appointment and going to see Kinky Boots Dec 25 - Christmas Dec 26 - Boxing day shopping - last minute deals for last minute items we need Dec 27 - Extended Family Christmas Dinner Dec 31 - New Years Eve Jan 3 - Mani/Pedi with Maids of Honour Jan 6 - we leave for Mexico!!! ok looking at this list...we have a lot going on despite being off of work! Eek!! I forgot a really important one on my to do list - maybe because we've been procrastinating on this one big time...WRITE VOWS!!!

Thanks ladies for all the well wishes!!! It really was a very special day and a great little getaway with our parents! I'm really feeling the countdown now. Sean just came back today from his Toronto bachelor party - lucky guy had two bachelor weekends! That's pretty much it for big wedding events before we leave for Mexico. This friday is my last day at work - 5 more days!!! Woohoo!! Can't believe it is all coming up so quickly. I still feel like I have a ton to do but I'm happy that I'll have 2 full weeks off before we leave for Mexico (although we do have to squeeze in Christmas in between there haha). It's going to be a bit busy with family stuff but at least I won't have to worry about working during the days. A couple of things I've been working on/finished up: Flower girl basket (petals are just too expensive at Azul Fives in my opinion) - I got an assortment of blue and white flowers from Michaels. Centrepieces (almost fully complete - the glass bottles will have 1 or 2 fresh flowers in them, from our ceremony floral arrangements. Medium sized candle will have the vellum with love quotes on them - printed just not attached yet): Sweetheart Table Decor (all of these candles will also be wrapped in vellum with love quotes): To do list... -Print the rest of the printable for welcome bags (I finished the last of the documents today) and assemble and start distributing (I have to give out some this week to my colleagues before we all leave for the holidays) -Finish set up document for Azul Fives -Sort out carry on situation (long story short the carry on luggage I ordered mid nov with my airmiles points is now out of stock...even though I was able to order it. I'm fighting with airmiles now to expedite the shipping time. I may have to buy a new piece of luggage) -Book mani/pedi appointments for me and my maids of honour (Jan 3) -Book honeymoon transfer (working out if it's worth it to upgrade to the luxury car transfer with my TA) -Exchange money (at the place @kyrstalball suggested!) -Send out my gift for my TA -Test travel steamer -Buy Sean's shoes and white dress shirt (it might be last minute but we're holding out for boxing day sales - we have our eye on a couple of items though) -Finish groomsmen gifts -Print photos for display -Finish escort cards (with dietary restriction stickers) -Get playlist back from our friend who is putting it all together for us -Start packing!!

A couple more...

Hi Ladies! Well it's official, Sean and I are legally hitched now!! It went really well and I couldn't have asked for more. The staff at the hotel were amazing! They ended up giving us both rooms complimentary. They also had 4 staff members meet us to let us choose our ceremony spot by the fire. It was a cute little spot with a couch and some chairs that made it a nice intimate seating area. Our officiant drove in from Toronto as well and he was great. Sean and I made it through the ceremony without crying too much. I got a bit lost in Sean's eyes (I know...cheesy) that I totally forgot part of what our officiant was asking me to repeat. lol! We both laughed a little. I'm still waiting on pics from my uncle but here are some photos that the Hotel Hostess took took for us! She was so sweet to offer to take photos with her own camera. After the ceremony we had a champagne toast and then went to have a lovely dinner. When we got back to our room the hotel had put together a little gift basket and card for us!

Thanks ladies!!! Just finished at the aveda institute salon! I really made that student work for it today-haha! She looked a bit intimidated. I'm happy with how it turned out! I will update more soon!

@@vancouverpetunia haha yes it was all of the above! @@acw271011 Thanks Ann!! It's been a roller coaster ride in the last couple of months for sure...and I'm sure it isn't over yet but right now we're excited about both our little getaway with our parents for our legal ceremony and of course gearing up for Mexico! It's starting to feel real!! As for the places in NOTL - Sean and I also love visiting! We go every year to visit my clients at the Shaw Festival! The Pie Plate has been on my list for a while and now I've finally been there. It is right across from the Silversmith brewery (if you're familiar with it), on your way into NOTL but not on the main "downtown" strip. ...Peppermints is in the falls and let's just say I have lots of stories for our next GTA meet up that the other girls all heard about on Friday - haha! Ok ladies there are a bunch of things to update but I will get to that by the end of the week. Tonight we picked up my in laws from the airport and tomorrow (well I guess technically today - Tuesday 8th!) we get legated hitched!!! I know we're keeping the legal ceremony small and simple but I can't believe it is going to be for real tomorrow!! I'm picking up my flowers, getting my hair done and then off we go. I will post pics as soon as I can! For tonight we took out Sean's parents to the 360 restaurant at the top of the CN tower for a special supper! They loved it! We're also less than one month away from being in Mexico!!!! So crazy! OH and the most important update of all...that groomsman BOUGHT THE PANTS!!! LOL! I think that after everything he was scared not to..haha

We're by the door -to the left!

On my way ladies! See you all soon! I'll post an update of where the table is when I get there!

@@acw271011 No worries Ann! I'm sorry you're not feeling well! Hoping you get some rest and feel better soon. Yes, let's definitely do another meet up in the new year! I'm totally game for that.

Yes! We're going to Bar hop Brewco 137 Peter St (Queen/Peter ...streetcar stop SoHo) Confirmed: @ @@krystalball @@Meandhim @@diadiamond Maybe: @@acw271011 have I missed anyone? I'll be there at 5pm.

@@Meandhim oh the review is here! can't wait to hear more!! I can't believe they got your names wrong so many times. I wish I could click on your profile pic to see it bigger!

@@Wafflesmom @@calgarybride2015 lol! I want to see them...you can totally post them on here!

It really was a great weekend full of fun adventures...it was just what I needed after a stressful month! @ haha yea peppermints was an 'experience' - I'll tell you more about it on Friday.