Thank you the Knot!

Right after Stew popped the question, I immediately ran to Chapters (well not immediately, I was still nursing a hangover from the champagne in NYC) to buy a wedding guide book. I assumed it was a ‘must-have’ for planning a wedding, and when I arrived at Chapters I was shocked by how many different guide books were available, from Wedding Planning for Dummies to the Busy Brides Bible- there was so many to choose from. I honestly felt a bit defeated when I couldn’t choose just one, and I ended up leaving the store empty-handed. Fortunately because we were engaged in December, I was gifted a wedding planner book for Christmas. I found it useful and it was fun to put pen to paper, but I must say that the Knot website was and has been one of the most helpful tools.

Not only does the Knot provide tons of inspiration in regards to floral, dresses, etc. but it also has a ton of great tools, like “my budgeter” and guest list tracker. My favourite feature is the wedding website creator. Similar to the reason why I have this blog (laziness), I thought it would be easier and simpler to create a wedding website with all of the wedding details (time/place of ceremony, reception location, and hotel accommodations).  Once I created the website (so easy!), I referenced our wedding website on our save-the-dates and plan to include the website with the wedding invitations instead of having a guest information card. The website is really easy to use and the Knot has a bunch of different templates that you can use to coordinate with your wedding theme. As well it has a spot where guests can electronically RSVP, if you decide to go down that route (I’m still undecided).

If you’re in planning mode, I highly recommend that you check out the Knot. I will say that the only downside is that the Knot is an American based website so everything is from the US, like local vendors. Nonetheless, it has been a pretty big staple in my wedding planning process!

306 days away!

The secrets to a happy marriage RHONJ style

Since this a wedding blog, I thought I’d share my thoughts about a particular book about marriage that has been brought to my attention. I had to post about this because I can’t believe this book was published. One of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, Melissa Gorga decided that it would be a fabulous idea to write an advice book about tricks and trips to having a successful marriage called “Love, Italian Style: The Secrets of My Hot and Happy Marriage”.

I haven’t read, nor will I ever read this book. I’ve read enough comments and feedback to have a pretty good picture of her marital “advice”. Let’s start with one of  the tips from the book:

Men, I know you think your woman isn’t the type who wants to be taken. But trust me, she is. Every girl wants to get her hair pulled once in a while. If your wife says “no,” turn her around, and rip her clothes off. She wants to be dominated. Women don’t realize how easy men are. Just give us what we want.

That’s nice; the key to a successful marriage is marital rape. This is wrong, just wrong. This is such a caveman logic where it’s okay for men to dominate and control women. Other little gems in the book include Melissa letting her husband yell at her so he can “release stress”, and oh, after 30 years he still doesn’t know she poops. If you do choose to read this book, I’d suggest reading it as a guide on what NOT to do for a successful marriage. For more on the book, check out this article from Huffington Post.

Thanks everyone for the continued love and support!
311 days.

The countdown is on until the big day… WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING!

The countdown is on until the big day… WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING!

Yes! The day has come. I have been holding off for many months but October feels right. I’ve researched over and over again on when to buy your wedding, and I’ve read everything from needing 6 months to 12 months to order your dress. I’ve finally decided to bite the bullet and go shopping, plus October is a nice 10 months away. On top of my dress research, I have also been checking out different bridal stores. With so many in Toronto, I have settled on 2. The first is Ritche Bridal, and Becker’s Bridal on the Danforth.

I’m beyond excited, and an extra bonus is that one of my bridesmaids, Alicia will be joining (along with my MOD Anne, pregnant and all)! Time to whip out the champagne! Unfortunately I won’t be able to overindulge as both Alicia and I are running a half marathon a few days later, and Anne is pregnant. Nonetheless, October 17th is the big day. As mentioned in previous posts, I’m going to “try” to walk in with an open slate, but I do have a couple of dress ideas. The first being the “Jaclyn” by Maggie Sottero, and the second, as noted in an earlier post, is by Stella York

Stella York style 5703

“Jaclyn” by Maggie Sottero

I’ve been more and more attracted to dresses with a higher neckline and sleeves, but I still love strapless. Ideally I’m hoping to find a dress with detachable sleeves, where I could have a more modest look for the ceremony and then go strapless for the reception. The Maggie Sottero dress has optional sleeves, and I’m going to inquire or not the sleeves can be made detachable- best of both worlds.

I’m sure by the time October 17^th rolls around, I’ll have many more dress ideas and will become less of an “open slate”.  

That’s it for now!

317 days!

One of the best wedding proposals yet!

Oh dear wedding gods, this is by far one of the best proposals I’ve seen yet! So amazing, so sweet…and since this is a wedding blog, I thought I would share it.

323 days to go!

Way to go Prince George!

Not to toot my own wedding horn, but I just read in Flare magazine that the Prince George Hotel ended up on their top 10 most chic wedding venues in Canada. Good for the Prince George, however surprising that only …