Swimming in the Pool of Weddings

Blub, blub, tablecloths, blub, blub, registry, blub, blub, taxes...

I have to say that it always amazes me how when one starts planning a wedding the thinking never stops. For instance I have spent the one million days that have passed since Brandon proposed trying to pick colours for the wedding. Yes I know I have ordered bridesmaid dresses and the invitation paper, but the fact is that I am finding the actual decor colour scheme difficult to develop as a result of, well, everything! (Scottish may seem cool, but it adds a special layer of complexity to the situation).

Therefore, when I went with my lovely entourage (AKA: the Fiancé, the MOH, and the Queen Mum) up to Royal Ashburn to pick out table cloths for the day I felt a little overwhelmed with colour... it was everywhere and nowhere all at the same time. We were met at Ashburn by my lovely wedding planner (who had a Scottish wedding herself) and were offered a number of choices all of which would be perfect. In some ways I felt like a kindergartener and wanted to pick one of everything.

As the true spaze I am we debated everything (and are still working on completely crystallizing the ideas), however what impressed me the most was how supportive and understanding everyone was and not once did anyone suggest I would do better in a mental institution or perhaps as the "poop scooper" in a three ring circus - you know the job I am talking about... the dude/chick with the backwards hat following the parade of elephants around with an extra large shovel, known as "the" shovel (sorry folks not for home use, as they are only available via special order and not from Canadian Tire, Wal-Mart or Zellers).

Therefore the debate... do I choose green? chocolate? champagne? buttercup yellow? electric blue? dogwood rose? jazzberry jam? well you get the point... (Don’t worry electric blue is not really an option! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_colors). Well the verdict has been reached, but only as a result of a huge expenditure of brain power on my part... sigh... this is where the blub, blub, blubbing starts.

Now with tablecloths planted firmly in my past (thank God), I have turned my attention to registering. DISCLAIMER: I WOULD LIKE TO STATE NOW THAT I DON`T EXPECT GIFTS, I ONLY WANT TO SHARE BRANDON AND MY BIG DAY WITH OUR CLOSEST LOVED ONES. PLEASE DO NOT FEEL YOU NEED TO BUY FROM THE REGISTRY THIS IS JUST ME EXPLAINING MY TALE... In order to avoid the appearance of asking for gifts I am not going to use the stores' names in this discussion; instead I am going to refer to the first store we registered at as “Regina Phalange” (I miss Friends) and the second as “Tom, Dick and Harry”.

Never having been married or had a baby before I have never registered, hence why this was a bit of a learning experience... We went to Regina Phalange and met with the staff member assigned to the registry area... then we were turned loose with a scanner and a never ending time frame. Frankly I think Brandon became blinded by the light of Regina Phalange’s “electronics’ department”, as his top priority was to scan a number shiny objects (aka televisions) and a few lazy boy recliners... once I got that out of Brandon’s system and suggested that perhaps we would do better with a few gifts geared towards actually living in our future residence (aka sheets, towels, dishes) we really got down to business.

Our second stop was Tom, Dick and Harry. This store was not as much fun as Regina Phalange as I feel that it did not have enough to offer and the quality just wasn’t there. However, we finished off the items on our list, but we still had one more stop...

While Tom, Dick and Harry and Regina Phalange proved to be interesting experiences, Brandon and I found the Oshawa Regina Phalange rather lacking and decided we would be better off hitting the downtown location... and the only thing that can be said is WOW! And as a result we are now done the whole “registering process” with the minor exception that we have a king sized duvet registered with a queen sized duvet cover, but the way I look at it marriage is a work in progress... blub.

The final topic that I am swimming in as we tick down the days till the wedding (198 and counting!) is the HST. This is a problem because we clarified with all of our vendors when we signed the contract the impact the HST would have on our cost, but when it came down to it not all of them respected our contracts. Therefore, blub, I have been spending the last few weeks, blub, trying to sort out this mess and fight the “good” fight, blub. I will explain the whole saga when it comes time to pass, but for now let me say that it is drama ridden at best.

Did anyone note my mention of 198 days and counting? We have entered a new century of pre-wedding bliss and I cannot wait for the days to tick away. As such I want to take this moment and thank both our families for all they do for each of us every day. For example without my MOH, I would be lost (she is my hero after all).

WE ARE GETTING MARRIED!!!

Canadian Cold Feet?

So I got a little distracted from my happy tales of pre-marital bliss... and had to express my discontent (I will keep all posted on whether I receive an apology). HOWEVER, it is time I return to my blathering on about my wedding (which is getting CLOSER!).


Now as I have been trying to finish recapping December to make it look like I actively thought about the wedding that month, I have a few more tales to share and then I think I am caught up to date. This is a good thing as starting Friday the next few weeks are going to be nuts! First comes cake, then comes kilts, then comes a million other things (I think I am most excited about the kilts)!

I guess the biggest thing I have to explain is that as of late I have been having a serious case of cold feet. Now I know you are thinking this is an awkward way of telling Brandon that something's wrong, but don't worry my cold feet have had absolutely nothing to do with him... The first instance occurred when Megan and I went to the Torch Relay at Nathan Phillips Square. It was so exciting to see the Olympic Flame be brought into Toronto; it made me feel like I was actually a part of the Olympic experience even though the Games are happening so far away. However, no matter how much I was warmed by the spirit of being Canadian, I can easily say that the Torch Ceremony was absolutely one of the coldest experiences of my life. Seriously! Three days later I still wasn't sure if I had left my left foot behind... and specifically there is a toe that was really missing - it was an important one... it really gave definition to my foot.

True Canadian Spirit - I don't know if I was made for this though!

The second instance wasn't so joyous, nor a laughing matter. However, the overall feeling of being Canadian was there despite the reason for the gathering. My second instance of cold feet occurred when Dad, Megan and I went to watch the soldiers being brought home from across the Highway of Heroes from our vantage point on the Henry St. Overpass. In this situation I swear I nearly lost a foot to the cold, but I have to say that my pathetic complaints are nothing compared to what some have given/lost and I want to say thank you to the four soldiers and their families.

At any rate, despite the severe cases of cold feet I have been experiencing as of late I am proud to report that the only sign of cold feet thus far has been environmentally induced as opposed to romantically/mentally (are you breathing Brandon?).

A few days after the Torch Relay (AKA the coldest experience of my life) another exciting moment happened... my cousin Janessa and her boyfriend Jesse got engaged! Brandon and I are both thrilled for them and excited that there is another wedding on the horizon. I have to say the moment I found out was incredibly exciting because Janessa said she had news for me and I had grabbed her hand... and I felt the ring (PS it is beautiful!) and we started jumping up and down. It was all rather fantastic. Congrats guys and we can't wait to watch you go through your whole wedding planning experience.

How Cool Is This?  (No really how cold is this!?)

Okay so this is a short blog... as promised (miracles do happen). I will have another instalment this weekend as tomorrow we are going to the bakery to talk "cake" and then Saturday is Kilt Day... I will keep y'all posted and I can't wait to tell everyone how "off kilter" our kilt experience turns out to be!

Once Upon a Time We Got Engaged... (And it took me one million years to write this!)

Originally this post was started at least twenty days ago... however now that I am sitting here with plans of finishing it I almost feel overwhelmed with how much I have to say... a shocking occurrence I am sure you realize. Therefore, I guess the best place to pick up this blog is at the beginning and we will see how I do at getting the many wedding related tidbits onto paper (this may have to turn into another three part saga)... But just for the record I really do try to limit each post to about 10,000 words or so... (Kidding... kind of!).

First, Brandon and I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Hopefully 2010 is better than 2009 and the next decade is better than the last. On a personal note, I am suddenly beside myself because it is now 2010 and that means THIS is the year I am getting married! How did that happen?

That being said, the last blog I published was a pre-amble to Brandon and I going to Nathan Phillip’s Square to celebrate the one year anniversary of our engagement. The night was lovely for many reasons, but it was “extra” lovely because I got to use him as a pack mule to haul a Christmas tree, bells, tinsel, a doll bed, and other assorted items up to the 13th floor of City Hall for my entry in my office’s holiday desk decorating contest (more on that later). However, the trip was worth it as there is nothing better than the view of the Square from City Hall. It is breathtaking – especially once the Christmas lights are all turned on.

We're Engaged!

Once I had finished using and abusing Brandon’s excellent pack mule qualities it was time for skating and to enjoy Toronto’s Cavalcade of Lights. It was tons of fun and thankfully not as cold as last year.

OMG!  What a night (I am going to get frost bite on my hand!)

Speaking of the Cavalcade of Lights and the one year anniversary of our engagement I feel it is time I bore (yes bore, I have learned to face reality – another one of my “steps”) everyone with the tale of Brandon proposing (don’t worry I will only provide the Reader’s Digest version)...

It is negative one million and Brandon is still doesn't wear a scarf!

Once upon a time, Brandon and Marie met and fell in love... they dated for a REALLY long time and one day the couple went to Toronto to enjoy the “perfect” Christmas day. Upon their arrival at Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. W., Toronto) Brandon led Marie over to the beautiful red and white Christmas tree and handed her a box. Inside the box was a Kleenex and a Band Aid (what an odd gift...); the explanation for the Band Aid was “in case ‘this’ doesn’t fit”, at which point Brandon got down on one knee, pulled out an incredible diamond ring and proposed. However, the surprise ending to this lovely tale was that Marie said... no (gotcha!) – Of course the answer was a clear and certain yes!

The best night ever - December 2008

Okay, now that I have the follow up to my last post off my chest I can now at least deal with wedding events in recent days as opposed to early December! The next exciting event that occurred over the last few weeks was Brandon and I attended our friends’ (Avryl and Ricky) wedding at Trillium Trails on December 19th and it was a beautiful. For us, attending a wedding before our own big day amplified our anticipation and that mingling in with our shared joy for our friends’ happiness created the perfect day.

Heading to the wedding...

However, one of the most exciting moments occurred when I CAUGHT THE BOUQUET! I was thrilled! I used the two finger reach out technique (and did not scratch out anyone’s eyes). Question: Is it lame that before all the “single ladies” went up to do the mad dash for the flowers all I could think of was that this was my last opportunity to catch the bouquet? Therefore, I was committed... I was going to be the lucky one. Thanks Avryl for throwing it to me! And to you both we wish you all the best in your exciting future together!

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Jeffreys

All that December excitement brings me right to Christmas. This Christmas Brandon had to work and we didn’t have a lot of time together and therefore had to capitalize on what we did have. However, Christmas Eve Brandon was off, but I had to work late so he came to City Hall and picked me up (I once more capitalized on his pack mule capabilities and got him to help bring my Christmas Tree home (another reason why I love him!)... by the way I won the desk contest!). We drove back to Whitby and arrived home to my wonderful family. While we munched on cookies (my mom is the best baker in the world) my parents prepared dinner. However, before we dined Brandon and I headed over to his Grandma Marj’s and Grandpa Vic’s place to see his parents and the rest of his extended family for some yuletide good wishes.

Guess I am the next to be married!

Doesn't she make a beautiful bride?

Dinner was honestly one of my high points for 2009 as it had all my favourites... lobster, steak, chocolate chip and banana cake.... mmmm... However, the food was beat by our game of “High/Low”. For those who have never played the game please reference The Story of Us with Michelle Pfeiffer and Bruce Willis... but the basic idea is that everyone at the table has to state their high point of the day/week/month/year (whatever is specified) and their low point. Everyone went around the table and Brandon went last... his low point was having to work Christmas Day, but his high point was finding out whether Amandeep (Megan’s boyfriend) would like to wear a kilt in our wedding and join our wedding party! The answer was a surprised and pleased yes! Welcome to the team Deep!

Okay I just hit word number 959 so I think it is time to stop. However, I won’t be so slow positing now that the holidays are over so just stayed tuned. There is exactly T-Minus 258 days to go and lots more stories and exciting things to share (don’t worry I still have a stock pile from the last few weeks!).

Happy 2010 Everyone!

PS... If you want to check out a picture of the most adorable new baby in the world... see below!  (Carter Landon - Son of Groomsman Lanny and Bridesmaid Lorraine)

They are so cute... Brandon will make such a great dad!

iPhone, Videographer and Ice Skates

My week can best be described by three words: iPhone, videographer and ice skates; an interesting combination I am sure you will agree. I am also positive that you are wondering how at least two of the three have anything to do with my wedding and/or weddings in general. Therefore, sit back, put your feet up, fix yourself a beverage (before you put your feet up), and relax while I fill you in on the comings and goings of the last few days.

First off... my cell phone died. Yes I know I have put this poor electronic device through the ringer (pun intended) – dropping it, losing it, soaking it, forgetting to charge it (etc...), but I do feel that it should last longer than just over a year... regardless of the means I use to torture it.

Therefore, as this is the year 2009 and I cannot commute back and forth to Toronto without a cell phone, my future husband, Mr. Brandon R.M. Fulton was put in charge of taking my phone to Rogers and getting it fixed – Ha! That was a pipe dream; apparently it would cost roughly the equivalent value of an IMF loan for a small country to fix (read: look at and blink).  Consequently, Brandon made an executive decision and when I returned home that evening, to ponder my phoneless life, to what did my wondering eyes did appear, but a miniature iPhone and 3 gigabytes free.

December 6, 2008 - Whitby Santa Clause Parade...

What came next?  He proposed!  What a Year!

Now as many know I am Scottish (read: cheap) and accordingly this purchase got my veins pumping, but after being reassured (and this is ridiculous) that it was cheaper by half to get an iPhone than fix the piece of …. that I owned it was the obvious solution. Therefore, Brandon and I (because my fiancé was going to cry himself to sleep at night if he didn’t get one too) are the proud owners of two bouncing twin iPhones.

This relates to the wedding for several reasons, the first of which is that I actually have time to return e-mails! This may not seem earth shattering to some, but to anyone who has done the bride shtick in the twenty-first century, it is gold. Therefore, to future husbands-to-be my biggest suggestion (read: your life saver) would be to get your future wife-to-be a cell phone that allows her to e-mail, Google (yes Google… I know, I know) and basically organize her life… you will be gold (read: may get dinner cooked for you once a week after the wedding).

Our Santa Hats... He must love me!

Still at Whitby Santa Clause Parade (2008)

However, the ownership of an iPhone comes with a certain level of responsibility (read: Brandon cannot seem to put the thing down!). Therefore, that evening when we met with our soon to be videographer (JM Productions) and wedding planner (Instyle Weddings) it was virtually impossible to drag his attention to the foreground and the task at hand… mind you (and I love her and she is an incredibly hard worker so this is meant completely positively) our wedding planner and him had a beautiful bonding session over the joys of an iPhone and all the applications (beer pong anyone?).

This conversation has brought me to the next word to describe my week… videographer. This has been a point of contention for me as (reference my previous note) I am Scottish (read: cheap may not quite describe it…). Therefore, it was a massive debate whether to go all out and hire one. I have asked everyone – from co-workers, to random GO Train passengers, to my dental hygienist and every single person said that it was a good idea and/or they regretted not having one at their own wedding. My final decision was made with the assistance of my GO Train Buddy/co-worker Denise (you’ll remember her as the one who helped me find Cindy from Michigan (tear… I love Cindy). Denise said that she loved her wedding video, and that it was (gulp) the only video she has of her grandparents smiling and dancing before they passed away… (sniffle). So there you go folks, were there really any other options?

The meeting with the videographer was enjoyable.  Megan, Brandon and Brandon’s iPhone accompanied me (I think we should name it…) to the appointment and it was great. Jonathan (the videographer) seems extremely thorough and I have to say I loved the videos he has done for other people so I am thinking I will love the video he does for us (crossing fingers…). Tamara (the wedding planner) as I said joined us at the appointment and as per usual she was delightful (read: extremely well organized and a good source of entertainment for Brandon). Actually Tamara has offered to be the “iPhone Bearer” at the wedding… [Brandon – if we require an iPhone bearer at the wedding… just assume you are going to be very lonely at the ceremony).

Nathan Phillips Square - Cavalcade of Lights

... not falling on my butt here!

(December 6, 2008)

So that brings me to the concluding descriptor for my week: ice skates. The truth is that I haven’t used them this season yet, but that is coming – tomorrow night in fact. This weekend is the one year anniversary since Brandon proposed! Yes that is right – one year! I cannot believe how fast time has flown by. It is almost surreal that in 288 days Brandon and I will be husband, wife, and iPhone? hmmmm…. Now as I will explain in perhaps my next post Brandon proposed to me at Nathan Phillips Square during the Cavalcade of Lights (picture perfect snow = lovely). Therefore, we are going back this weekend sans snow (thankfully!) to go skating and celebrate that we have survived one year of engagement (iPhone may need to be left at home… for those who are curious I do not abuse my privileges when it comes to the phone because I am perfect… just to avoid any confusion you may have). I am really excited about our plans as there is nothing prettier than the Square decorated with thousands of lights and millions of people whirling around me as I fall on my butt over and over again … oh winter in Canada! Even sitting here typing this I am getting excited – there is nothing like Christmas + wedding planning that gets me ready to bounce (read: looking like I have a nervous twitch by continuously looking at my engagement ring and smiling/laughing/vibrating/dreaming of the future).