Welcome to my bio! As three out of my four bridesmaids live out of town, I've decided the put together this bio for them, and all the "moms" so they can see how my planning is coming along.
They aren't supposed to share this with ANYONE else (yes Moms, I'm talkin' to you) so I hope they can keep my planning a secret as I really want it to be a surprise for all of our guests!
PW has been and is a HUGE source of inspiration for my planning and helpful in keeping me organized (even though I'm an organization-nut by nature ;)
Please let me know if I've used any of your photos or ideas without proper credit 'cause ya gotta give credit where credit is due!
~ Enjoy ~
We met just after Valentine's Day in 2007 and were introduced by mutual friends. He proposed in September 2009 by replicating our first date and getting down on one knee in the home we just finished building together six months earlier. Words can't describe how truly blessed I feel to have him as part of my life. I could not ask for a better life partner; he takes care of me, loves me unconditionally, and best of all, we make each other laugh constantly!
Here's my favourite "family photo" with our fur-baby Chika.
These are only the teasers...photographed by the amazingly talented & incredibly inspiring Jen Steele. www.jensteele.com
OMG, I must admit I was a little startled when I created this ticker...7 months and three days? Eeeeeek! Anywho, it's coming together and it's truly the most exciting time of my life. I guess I just want it to slow down so I can enjoy every single moment...though I can NOT wait to be a Mrs. and continue on this journey called life with my best friend by my side through it all.
Okay...here it goes, my first PW page, YAY!
So for my BMs that haven't been able to join me on my dress mission, this one's for you! I've decided to have my gown custom made from Alida's Gowns in Sidney. She is such a sweet lady and her gowns are simply stunning. I have been lusting over two Lazaro gowns but couldn't understand why I would pay that much for a dress and have the fabric still be a blend of polyester. Alida's gowns are all 100% real silk "peau de soi", French for "skin of silk", and 100% cotton hand loomed French lace...need I say more? Not to mention, there were things about each dress that I wanted to change. This way I get exactly what I want and I am so thrilled to have my gown custom made for me.
So without further ado...here are my "inspiration" pics, enjoy & be sure to check out www.alidasgowns.com
These pics show the general "flow/shape" of the dress and the STUNNING sash that I will still be ordering from the designer, Lazaro.
These pics show the lace detail that will be added to the top and bottom of the dress:
And here is the sweatheart neckline that I am soooo in love with!
{ THE FIRST FITTING - 2010/06/05 }
My inspiration pics from Jim Hjelm, my seamstress will be making mine from the same lace as my dress!
I am so thrilled with this purchase, as soon as I saw them I knew they would be perfect...the pic does not do them justice! They are Steve Madden "Gabriela" in champagne satin & I got them for 25% off, yahooo!
Pink & feathers, what more could you ask for? Had to scoop these up from sugarplumgarters on www.etsy.com The keepsake garter also has a tiny blue bow on the inside for my "something blue" which is awesome because I am not a fan of blue and couldn't think of what I would wear!
Makeup: (Eva Mendes) to be done by the amazingly talented Petrina Dezall! http://petrinadezall.com/
Hair: (Jessica Simpson & Beautiful Bride) l-o-v-e Jessica's bangs, but I'll have more uniform thick curls like below.
Then before we enter the reception, change it to a lose low bun like this. This ostrich fan hairclip is made by PowderBlueBijoux on www.etsy.com. She has custom made me my actual clip on the right and best of all, she's a local Vancouver artist!
Update: Changed the dress! Just ordered these from Banana Republic, I love them!! So modern and chic, hope the BMs love them too :)

We are booked, yahoooo!
Our ceremony will be taking place at the Villa Marco Polo in Victoria, BC. I have been dreaming of this place since I first came across their website years ago. It was hard to justify staying at this b&b as it's right up the street from our house, but is truly the PERFECT place to say our vows & I'll finally get to stay here the night before and for our actual wedding night, can't wait!!
Check out the website...STUNNING! www.villamarcopolo.com
Our reception will be at the Victoria Golf Club, a perfect fit as my H2B is a member and golf nut, not to mention the beautiful and classic Club House, ch-ch-ch-check it out! www.victoriagolf.com

LOVE my invites and RSVPs, designed by moi and Nicole from www.rubypickles.com
Snow white paper on black cardstock all tied up with a pink satin ribbon. Can't wait for these beauties to arrive and get 'em in the mail!
Here is my bouquet & the BM's bouquets inspirations, except mine will be pink and theirs will be white:
Centrepiece and table decor inspiration pics; roses, freesia; light pink, hot pink, white, cream, green! All in mint julep cups, lots of pink rose petals and candles!
Photo Credit: V3 Weddings & Events
Then behind the head table, two of these tall arrangements flanking either side of the fireplace, with a "candle scape" like this in the middle. This is all in front of a giant mirror so I think it will look beautiful with the reflection!!
Photo Credit: Richard Wood Photographics, Floral Design by Nancy Liu Chin, Event Coordination by Lulu Events

Ring Bowl:
Since we don't have a ring bearer, I purchased this bowl from www.palomasnest.com to hold our rings during the ceremony. Just like the picture below, except with a silver guilded edge!
Okay girls, so moving into the plan for decor, here's my inspiration pic for the cake table, an odd place to start, I know! Anyhow, I LOVE this picture and the cake in it as well, it's simple, elegant and will allow me to include my rose theme too!
And here is the cake server & knife set as well as the toasting flutes that we will be using. They are Vera Wang "With Love", a Christmas gift from my parents!
Mix of long rectangular tables : see {The Seating} : and rounds with pewter "pintuck" tablecloths and white napkins. Mint julep cups will hold bouquets of white, light pink and hot pink roses, freesia, carnations, spray roses, hints of green : see {the florals} :
Silver beaded chargers on each place setting.
Here's a drawing of our seating plan as it stands now. I love the mix of long rectangles and rounds of 6 and 8. It gives the space a real cozy feel; this is seating for 130.
Bridesmaids Processional ~ I'm Yours (Accoustic), Jason Mraz
Walking Down The Aisle ~ That's All, Michael Buble
Signing of the Register ~ Hey Soul Sister, Train
Walk Back "Up" the Aisle as Husband & Wife ~ When Love Takes Over, David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland
Bridal Party Reception Entrance ~ I Got A Feelin', Black Eyed Peas
Reception Entrance ~ Sex & The City Movie Theme, Pfeifer Broz. Brother Ochestra
Cake Cutting ~ How Sweet It Is, Michael Buble
First Dance ~ At Last, Etta James
Father/Daughter Dance ~ You Are So Beautiful, Joe Cocker
Bouquet Toss ~ Single Ladies, Beyonce
Garter Toss ~ Mercy, Duffy
So a few loving years of my super happy & comfy relationship filled with amazing dinners, wine and travel have left me with weigh too much weight, lol! SO I'm on a mission, and to help keep me accountable, I'm puttin' it out here for everyone to see.
I started my mission on December 16th...here we go!
I couldn't ask for anything more beautiful! A 2.1 brilliant cut centre stone with three marquis stones on each side. I'm in love with the handmade detail on all three sides. These are phone pics, but it will do until we get our e-pics done.
Had to do this one, too funny! As created @ www.theknot.com
This list makes it hard to sleep at night LOL!
- Set a date
- Determine wedding day style & colours
- Set up a budget
- Compile the Guest List
- Contact potential Day of Coordinators
- Create our Web Page
- Choose our Wedding Party
- Book Ceremony & Reception locations
- Book our Officiant
- Book our Entertainment
- Book our Florist
- Book our Photographer
- Book our DJ
- Buy my Gown
- Get Measured for Gown
- Determine the Menu
- Book our Cake Baker
- Create an Event Itinerary for Wedding & Weekend
- Distribute Itinerary to Family & Wedding Party
- Forward Itinerary to Golf Club
- Book beauty appointments
- Confirm Transportation
- Buy Bridesmaid Dresses
- Register for Gifts
- Make Honeymoon Arrangements
- Rent Formal Wear for the guys
- Determine All Stationary Wording
- Order Stationary
- Design & Order my Ring
- Order Groom`s Ring
- Rent Ceremony Chairs
- Rent Table Cloths
- Book E-Pics
- Complete E-Pics
- Design and Order Guest Book
- Get Guest Book Pens
- Meet with DJ
- Complete Song Choices for DJ
- Order "Mr. & Mrs. Signs/Thank You" Signs
- Garter
- Jewelry
- Finalize Guest List
- Appoint Ushers and Ceremony Helpers
- Complete Guest Database with addresses
- Prepare address labels X 3 sets
- Mail Out Invitations - May 21
- Send invites to rehearsal dinner
- Book Hairstylist
- Book Makeup Artist
- Buy Wedding Party Accessories
- Buy Groom`s Accessories
- Finalize Rehearsal Dinner Details
- Finalize Post Wedding Brunch Details
- Book B-Pics
- Complete B-Pics
- Create B-Pic Book
- Purchase Groom`s Gifts
- Wrap Groom`s Gifts
- Discuss Vows
- DIY Bridal Suite/Do Not Disturb
- DIY Place Card Holders
- Order Favours
- Package Favours
- Order Rose Petals
- Wrap Gifts
- Hold Bridesmaid's Luncheon
- Determine Fireplace Mantle Decor
- Purchase BM Gifts
- Purchase GM Gifts
- Makeup Trial
- Hair Trial
- Buy Candles
- Final Gown Fitting
- Finalize Flower Details
- Take floral design to florist
- Take ribbon and vases to florist
- Get Marriage License
- Prepare Ceremony Itinerary w/ Officiant
- Call Guests who haven't RSVP'd
- Assemble "Day Of" Emergency Kit
- Pack Everything to be Taken to the Villa
- Confirm Itinerary
- Complete & distribute "Emergency Contact List"
- Finalize Seating Chart & Menu Selections
- Forward Seating Details & Menu Details to Golf Club
- Confirm all Vendors
- Order place cards, favour tags and programs
- Order seating chart
- Forward guest names/table selections to Ruby Pickes
- Have Rehearsal Dinner
- Pack for the Honeymoon
- Set aside Vendor Tips
- Deliver Decor Items & Seating Chart to Golf Club
- Deliver Items to Villa
- Pick Up Dress
- Check Registry
- Prepare Toasts
- Triple Check that we have everything!!!
- Have the most AMAZING DAY EVER!














