RUN!!!!! It's BRIDEZILLA!!!

Bridezilla
A woman who, in the course of planning her wedding, exercises or attempts to exercise an high degree of control over all or many minor details of the ceremony and reception.

Signs That You Have Come Into Contact With A Bridezilla
1. Do you have a friend or relative who used to be as "sweet as apple pie" but has done a complete 180 and turned into a Witch, ever since she got engaged?
2. Is the only thing that you hear roaring out of her mouth since she got engaged is: MY WEDDING! MY WEDDING! MY WEDDING!
3. Would you happily prefer to have a root-canal over having to be within a 10 foot radius of your newly-engaged friend or relative?
Well, CONGRATULATIONS! You have just come into contact with your first Bridezilla! (God help you!) And, just in case some of you out there are reading this and you don't know what a Bridezilla is, the following is a definition written by author and etiquette expert, Gail Dunson, that pretty much sums it up.

BRIDEZILLAS are a new breed of soon-to-wed women who abuse the idea that weddings are "their day." They terrorize their bridal party and family members, make greedy demands and break all rules of etiquette to insure that they are the single most important person on the planet from the time that they are engaged to the time that they are married.

How To Get Rid Of A Bridezilla
There are a lot of ways that a person can get rid of a Bridezilla, but most of them are against the law. Basically, if you don't want to wind up in jail or in the electric chair, I am going to suggest this less controversial method. Suggest a blog-site...and encourage her to use it frequently. One of the main reasons why a Bridezilla acts the way that she does or any other Bride for that matter, is the extreme stress that usually comes with planning and executing a wedding.
Go out and buy her a journal so that she can record her thoughts and experiences, good and bad, leading up to the big day. Frequent journaling can help a Bridezilla get the little things as well as the big ones off of her chest. This release can actually make her feel better mentally and physically because some of the weight that she has been carrying around has been lifted. Also, by recording her thoughts and experiences and then going back and re-reading what she has written can sometimes make things much clearer and give her some fresh insight that she didn't have before.
The main objective in helping a Bridezilla get rid of the stress that is making her act irrationally is for her to get what is bothering her out on paper, cassette, or an online journal or blog. And not to take it out on innocent friends, relatives or hired staff who just want to help. Frequent journaling has the power to get rid of a Bridezilla! And let's face it, that is exactly what everyone involved in a wedding wants, including the "Bridezilla" herself.

My babies :)

I have something worth blogging about… I finally (I say finally because it’s been about a week) got my toasting flutes in!!!!

They are the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen before. Ever. When I opened the Swarovski box, I became breathless! They are champagne flutes with a Swarovksi crystal base. The stem is also filled with little Swarovski crystals.
Here’s a picture:


















And trust me…. They’re even more beautiful in person! Just like my engagement ring, these babies sparkle in low light!

My own personal online diary

It just occurred to me that it's entirely possible that no one reads this. LOL

I was glancing at our webpage when I realized something... there is only 85 Weeks until my wedding!!! Sorry, OUR wedding... lol

If you want to break it down, it's 597 days and 18 minutes until I walk down the aisle. This is obviously provided that I am punctual, and not fashionably late.

I'm aiming for fashionably late - you guys need the suspense... LOL

What more do you need!?

We booked one last thing before the "Winter break"

A little background, I've been having nightmares about the stupidest things.... for instance, how are the table seating cards going to get put out properly??? How are things going to flow?

Needless to say, I panicked.... Rob's suggestion was to hire a planner. Unfortunatly, it wasn't in our budget. I have been more and more stressed about that as the time went by. Can you imagine what I would have worked myself into come the wedding?

I happened across Crystal from Distinct Occasions. She has a deal on - book before 07 and get $100 off.... This could fit in the budget! I prayed that we would get along and we would like her. I couldn't afford not too LOL

So we met up at Williams Coffee Pub, had some Java and talked a bit. Crystal was so easy to get along with! She was friendly and had a great portfolio, Rob and I didn't even need to think about it, we wanted to have her with us to tie in the final details.

We've left a deposit and now the winter hiatus begins.....

Do you? Do you? You do... you're married!

All I've heard since the proposal was "Where's the ceremony?" So for all of you that don't know yet, the ceremony will be held in a Garden. Neither Rob nor I are very religious, and we don't share the same religion to boot.
The problem with the garden ceremony was that it wasn't in a church. Therefore we don't have a built in officiant. Begin panicking now!
We originally wanted to find a Catholic priest to marry us in the Garden. This way, our marriage would be recognized by the church. However, upon further investigation, we found out that the Catholic church will not recognize your union as a marriage unless you are married in the church - marriage is a sacrament.
At this point, we were taking advice from anyone who would offer it. The first suggestion was Gordon Kushner, a non denominational officiant (for those of you that don't know, an officiant is similar to a Justice of the Peace). Gordon was amazing! He was able to meet up with us within days of our first phone call at my Grandpa's apartment. When he came in, he came with all the documents you could ever want, including a marriage license application. I'll probably go get another one with Rob anyway, but that's not the point.
Gord let us know that Rob and I can customize the ceremony however we would like. We can include as much or as little religion as we wanted to. This was a fantastic selling feature as that's exactly what Rob and I wanted. Just enough God to bless our marriage :)

Shortly after, we met with a Reverend. He too was very cordial and pleasant - just a little too religious for the both of us. When the bible was brought out, and readings suggested that included "The man is the head of the marriage..." I was blown away. I'm not trying to put down anyone's beliefs, but it's just not for me...

Now, we've sent Gord the cheque to 'retain' him for our wedding and if NOTHING else gets done... we can still get married :P

Ready, Set....SHOP!!

Tomorrow is the Annual William Ashley Warehouse sale in Scarborough. So tomorrow at 6am I will be leaving home to head down there to line up. I can't wait! Rob and I have decided to start our collection of fine china. The sale has a wonderful selection of fine English bone china. I'll probably just end up picking something plain and classic. Something that I won't look at 10 years from now and shudder at.

I'm also planning on getting our cake cutting set and toasting flutes for the wedding. Although, I can probably wait until next November to get those...

Also, I'm going in for a dress fitting tomorrow. I wanted to have a look at the Paloma Blanca dresses. There's a specific style I love, it's style 3752. If you go to www.palomablanca.com and click on "Collections", and then the "Paloma Blanca Collection" it's the dress on the right. I love it! Rob, don't look at the site, you're not allowed!

I'm also going to do some peeking at the bridesmaid dresses... I've got my partner in crime, Shannon, to come with me. Apparently I don't have the best taste out there... lol

I'll come back with some pics of the BM dresses we looked at :)

The List

Ok, it's about time I put one together.... If I see what I've done already, then I see what still needs to be done, I can give myself a whole NEW version of anxiety stimulated heartburn. I'm one of those extremely anal people, I like ALL my ducks in a row. I like to know that, yes, I am capable of getting everything done perfectly. Right down to the nitty gritty stuff that no-one notices. Sad, I know.
So here goes with the inevitable heartburn. I should call this my heartburn list!

Done:
Booked - reception/ceremony venue, florist, photographer, limo
Decided on - favours, colours, rough outline of menu for dinner, first dance, father/daughter dance, Bridal Party, Master of Ceremonies, one of the readers in the ceremony.

To do: (someone pass me the Tums...)
Book: planner, DJ, Officiant, ceremony music, Videographer, Decorator, Baker, Printer (lol), hair stylist (Sam?) makeup artist, Mani/Pedi, honeymoon, wedding night hotel room, newspaper engagement/marriage announcement.
Order: Favours, extra flowers for receiving line and at the house, wedding dress and accessories, BM dresses, suits for the men, alterations on all attire, cake cutting knife and serving set, toasting flutes, wedding bands, marriage license, cake topper, guest book, attendants gifts, gift for Rob, gifts for our parents.
Make/plan: GUESTLIST!! Bathroom baskets, emergency kit, BM's luncheon, gown preservation, speeches, seating arrangements, weight loss regimen (that's a whole other post!).

Ok, so now that I'm completely in full blown panic attack mode..... I can move on!
I know most of you are looking at that list and saying: "That's not a lot considering the time you have left". But people, please remember, as stated before, I am COMPLETELY anal, and I want everything to be done perfectly. I'm also seeing the time go by, my list is really lopsided, and I'm not seeing the weight change from one side to another. I also fear that Rob and I will get complacent, you know - we have time, we don't have to do it now... and then BAM we're at the alter with no one there to marry us - didn't have time to find an officiant!

To add insult to injury, I had my first wedding nightmare last night. It was something completely ridiculous - the placecards weren't set up. This is why I am panicking about the lack of wedding co-ordinator!! But, before this entry in my blog becomes TOO long winded, I'll stop writing... the differences between MY must have list and ROB'S must have list are too much of a touchy subject to try and address now!

Cutbacks...

Well, the general consensus is that the budget is the end all and be all of wedding planning.

Yeah, right.

When Rob and I sat down and originally budgeted for the wedding, we had NO idea how much things actually costed! After we booked a few things, our budget changed, doubled almost! In fact, I'm completely unsure as to why we even HAVE a budget... we're constantly changing it!

Not to say that it's a problem, because we are doing everything we can to make sure that our wedding day is not only an amazing memory for us, but also for everyone else who will be coming to celebrate with us!

After leaving a couple of deposits, Rob and I had a heart to heart. It went something like this:

"If we're getting such an amazing photographer, we don't NEED a videographer, right?""- Rob
"I, I guess..." - Jenn
"Well, come on.... the pictures will be great!"- Rob
"No, you're right babe, we don't need one.... let's save the money!"- Jenn

So, we veto'd the videographer. THEN, Rob went to work, and was bombarded by people at work that told him you can't do WITHOUT the videographer.... apparently, we'd regret it. LOL So, we re-budgeted for the videographer.

I'm thinking, for the price of a BASIC package of videography, we could buy ourselves a video camera, put it on a tripod and press RECORD. At least this way, we'd have something other than just the video afterwards....
Then again, who wants to be the videographer at their own wedding?? LOL If there are any takers out there good with a tripod, please be sure to let us know! LOL

So far, we've got our photographer, florist, limo and reception venue.... we still have so much to do... and time is just FLYING by! We're at 1 year and 9 months until the wedding exactly, today!

And finally, I know I'm not just writing this Blog to myself!!! Thanks to everyone for reading about the whole process.... :)

Say Cheese!

About a week ago, we decided to go out and scout out a photographer. I had been doing my internet research and came across Video Babylon. I wasn't too sure about them, but the price was right, so we fugured why not?! We walked up to the little unit at Keele and Finch. When we walked in to the unit, the first thing to come out of my mouth was "You've got to be kidding me!" Not only was this place a photo/video studio, they also sold fake rolex's and the club. Just in case your car got broken into while shopping for your photographer lol. Needless to say, this was NOT the photographer for us!
On Saturday, Rob and I took the drive to Milton to visit with the photographer that I wanted to use, Jennifer Images. The drive out there was nice, we stopped for lunch and drove around the block a bit because we were early. When we got there, Jen let us and I was immediatly wowed! She offered us tea and coffee, and let us look around at her work. Her studio was so warm and inviting I felt right at home.
Our appoinment should really have only lasted about a half hour. We were there for 2 hours! Jen was so wonderful! She was very friendly and we clicked the minute we started talking! After we went over all the details of the packages she offered, Rob and I didn't even need a minute to decide, we just knew that she was it for us! We left a deposit on the spot!

Check out her website if you're interested: www.jenniferimages.ca

A picture is worth a thousand words

Well, maybe not a thousand... I'm hoping the photo's will at least cover the basics of the day. I've heard mixed feelings about the importance of the photographer. Anything from "use a friend" to "it's the most important part of your memories".'I think Rob and I will meet them in between! I would like to have the engagement shoot... I would like to have the photographer there all day! I don't need a lot of pics printed, but I do want the negs or a CD with all the pics. Then we get to the videographer... boy oh boy.
I want a videographer to capture the LIVE action of the day! Something we can watch later and say "remember that!?" The problem is that they're so damn pricey! We found a couple of places that do BOTH! How convenient, your video and photo together as one! It's like a one stop wedding shop!
Anyways, if anyone is interested, we're going to check out Babylon stodios on Tuesday. I'll check back in and let you know what we thought!

It's off to the show we go...

The Fall National Bridal Show was on Saturday. We woke up BRIGHT and EARLY at the crack of 8:00am (lol) and drove down to Mississauga. Found ourselves a parking spot and skipped like giddy schoolgirls in to the building. Well, I did, at least!
The first stop was a rack sale of wedding gowns. It was funny to see the different styles my mom and my sister had. I tried on a few, but fit into none. Rob threatened to leave if I forced him to wait more than 6 minutes anyways :) so we went into the exhibits.
My GOD! There is so much we didn't account for, it not like you have one option, so you have to take it. There were about 5-7 limo rental places, same with cakes! It was unreal! I think Rob was overwhelmed by the amount of tuxedo rental places, even he had his hands full by the end of the day.
We found a couple of places we were interested in, DJ102, Nancy's Sweets, Piper Studios.... but we now have to sit and look at our budget and decide which arm to cut off to pay these people... lol
It's no wonder the wedding industry is the largest industry around....

The First Wedding Show

So, my wedding season has officially began! Next weekend is the first bridal show I will attend as a bride, not a bridesmaid or simply a friend of the couple... I will be the bride! How awesome is that? I mean, bridal shows are fun and all... lots of free stuff and cake tasting (which is by far my favourite part)

I figure, I'll be able to scope out photographers, videographers, limo, musician, DJ, CAKE!! You never know what kinds of deals you'll get. Plus, the fashion shows are great! You can see what styles of dresses are in style, and how they look on real people - none of this size 0 model thing.

Plus, my mom is coming, which, I have to admit, I'm looking forward to. This will be our first "Mother-Daughter" wedding task that we complete together.

I'll let you know how it goes this weekend!

And Vice-Versa.

Yesterday, I had a meeting with "N" from work. She told me about how things are going to be when I'm moved back to my old job. All in all, there was nothing surprising. I mean, I know what I'll be getting in to, I knew they had plans to move me into accounting management. I was hoping for a raise, but I didn't expect one until I got trained for my new position (N told me that I would get a raise in 90 days, after training). I mostly knew everything she had to say.

I'm glad I'm moving back to my old job. My new job is terrible! Thats not to say I can't do it - any monkey with half a brain could do it. But when I was told I could get into sales, I didn't expect to be working at a counter, ringing peoples purchase through. I expected to actually be selling! Foolish me!

One of the biggest problems I had was with my boss. Now I know what you're thinking, most people have problems with their bosses. And you'd be right, however, my situation is especially sticky. My new boss is "P", my old friend. What I mean by this is that he used to be a friend of mine, we used to go on break together and laugh and tell jokes. Then he got promoted out of the office, I got sent to the front counter, and *BANG* He was my boss.

He stopped calling me Jenn. This was what bugged me the most. I mean, it's like I changed, I was no longer his friend, but his subordinate. Being the boss really went to his head. And you know, I would understand his new found responsibility, but he's not acting like the boss... He spends his whole day outside smoking - he calls this his "Manager's Meetings" So what about those of us that don't smoke, do we still have to stand out there and watch him??

Ugh. I hated him. I hate him. I'm so glad to be done with that place.

I have to get my fat ass into THAT???

I was thinking about going to try on a wedding dress or two.... there are a couple of styles that I liked, and hell - I'm allowed to now! So I talked to Amanda (FSIL) and we she made the appointment. I wasn't going to buy anything, I was seriously just going to browse... endulge in the original bridal sin, sneak around, without my mom or my maids to try on a wedding dress...

Then I got to thinking, and the thin girl inside of me (the one that I ate with the last bag of cookies) reminded me that the dress you try on at the boutique is a size six, SIX! I'm not sure... but I think that that thats one or two sizes too small for MY overgrown ass!

So I'm going to try to eat healthier, bail on the cookies, chips, chocolate bars, ice cream and all my other vices. It seems completely do-able, in theory. The way I see it, I have 100 weeks until I get married, lets say I lose 1lb, every other week, I'm looking at losing 50lbs!!!! Is this wishful thinking? Ya, I know.... I'm setting myself up for failure, because I have an addiction to bad food. I swear, if there was an over-eaters anonymous - OEA, I would be all over it!

Wish me luck in my "Fast your Fat away" approach to getting married!

So does this mean it's OUR money now?

How does that work? I mean, you grow up saving your money for things that you wanted, stereos, a car, trips etc.... now you have to get used to OUR money. Not that I'm complaining, in all honesty I've never been the 'saver'... I'm the reckless spender! It wasn't until recently that I started saving. (To be fair, I was always in school full time, working part time, at least up until a year ago) But today I had that awakening. Rob and I went out to look at cars because I'm going to be needing a new one soon and I realized, this purchase isn't just my purchase. It's our purchase, with our money!

Or at least, it will be our money. When does that officially happen? I mean, we basically share everything now.... we have a joint savings, we split all our expenses, we have a blockbuster account (lol) so when does it become official? Does the our money thing come with changing my name? Is there a book on all this? A section in Chapters?

Aside from that, no new wedding plans. It's funny to think about how many things Rob actually has an opinion of. I mean, most guys could care less... or at least thats how I thought it was. But not Rob. He has an opinion about SO many things... right down to the shape of the vases for the centerpieces. Is this normal? Do guys really care about these things?

On the plus side, I've been told that I will be moving back to my last job. The new one just isn't my cup of tea, and I made such an impression with the people at my last one, they were glad to find a spot for me. This just goes to show that working hard really pays off in the end!

Plus, I will be able to get back on to CB (canadianbride.com). FINALLY! I have to tell you, I've missed the other CBer's. It's been really sucky not being able to chat with the other B2B's!

Off to bed with me now...

He Loves Me.... He Loves Me Not.... He Loves Me...

Blog written August 10, 2006 - copied from other site

I just finished reading the updated pregnancy blogs of a friend of mine's. I figured, you know what - even if no one reads this, at least i can still put my thoughts down, you know, get them out of my head. I've been reading that a lot of wedding related stress can be caused by the lack of people you can yap at that will listen.. lol

At this point, I'm still telling people that I'm engaged. I know, I know... it's hard to believe that I haven't shouted it from the rooftops... and there are still people that haven't had that life shattering moment where they hear "Oh ya, Rob and I are getting married"... but it's true, those people actually do exist.

I'm pretty excited that I've found myself a 'partner in crime'. My friend Mel is getting married exactly 6 months before Rob and I. January 19, 2008 and have to admit, I'm crazy excited to share my ideas and everything with someone that isn't just looking because I forced them into it... lol

We're going camping this weekend with Shannon and Jake, meeting my cousin up at Balsam Lake. That should be a good time... bought a tent and air mattress, sleeping bag.. everything! All we need now is food and drinks... maybe some marshmallows :)

I think this is it for today, because I'm getting pretty hungry and It's dinner time, so I'll end this blog... for now.I hope Rob takes the initiative to blog every now and then, but somehow...I doubt he will...