High School Confidential

Every day I commute to Toronto, and every day, as my train pulls out of the Milton station and toward Mississauga, I can see the back of my high school in the distance. Yesterday, as I looked upon it I suddenly realized that I met half of my wedding party there. Two of the amazing women that I call my bridesmaids went to my high school where I was fortunate enough to not only meet them, but call them my friends.

Let me tell you about my bridesmaids -- in order of when I met them.

Andrea

Andrea, my Matron of Honour, is my beautiful first cousin. She's my Dad's sister's daughter, and that makes her not only a very close relative, but also like a sister. She is ten years older than me and was actually at my parents' wedding! Imagine! I have looked up to her my entire life, and she's been good to me my entire life. I was Andrea's bridesmaid in 2004 when she got married to her wonderful husband John. I was so thrilled to be part of that day!

Justine

I met Justine when I started school at Holy Rosary in 1998. She reminded me of a little doll with her short dark hair and doll-like face. I feel like I grew up with Justine, through the end of elementary school, then all through high school, keeping in touch through university, and up until now, when I am so privileged to call her one of my best friends. I still remember sleepovers throughout high school, walking home together all the time, and hanging out whenever we were both in Milton. She's one of the most genuinely kind, happy people I have ever known. It's infectious and I always look forward to seeing her.

On our way to Bryden's...summer 2005

Sasha

The first day of high school was an overwhelming, scary one. There were so many kids I'd never seen before! I went to my first class of the day, Science with Mr. Buckley (having him as my first high school teacher didn't eliminate any anxiety either), and groaned to myself when he told us to get into pairs for our first science experiment, as I didn't know that many people in the class. I turned around to my left and saw a red-headed girl who smiled at me right away. We paired up and examined our hair under a microscope. And the rest, as they say, is history! Sasha has been a constant source of support, laughter, and extreme inside jokes ever since the day I met her. Whenever we see each other, insanity ensues, and no matter how much time passes between our hangouts, we pick right up where we left off.

Sasha and I in October 2001.

Katie

That same scary first week of high school, I was standing around in Bishop Reding's Piazza one morning. The space was packed, and I was trying to be as outgoing as I could, so I could make new friends. Katie started talking to me out of the blue, not about anything specific, but just started up a warm, light conversation with me that really struck me. Friendly, outgoing, and with every effort to make everyone else comfortable and have fun. She hasn't changed at all to this day. So glad you moved back to Milton, Katie!! God knows what I would do without you.

Prom, 2004

Weekend Update

I have been at the new job for three weeks and it's been a whirlwind! I really like it -- the people are fantastic, the location (with the exception of the commute) is fabulous, and the job itself is pretty interesting. Keeps me busy, that's for sure! Today I had lunch at the Holt Renfrew Cafe located downstairs (yes, downstairs) from my office.

So what's new on the wedding front? Well, Andrew and I finally got our appointment at an undisclosed location (details to come) on Monday night to see if we could possibly have our reception there. Stay tuned. I don't want to give too much away. Or anything, actually. Ha. That should keep you all coming back!

In the span of two weeks, I've seen Bridesmaids twice. Although I had tears running down my face laughing the first time, it was actually funnier the second time! Loved it!

What Heaven Sounds Like

I know the Royal Wedding is over, but I continue to draw inspiration from it! (Thanks, Will and Kate).

I think this piece of music, Ubi Caritas et Amor, is the most heavenly song I've ever heard. I got goosebumps when I heard it during the wedding, and now that I've found it on YouTube I can't seem to turn it off. Maybe it's the church, and the magnificence of the wedding that make this song even more beautiful, but I don't know. It's part Gregorian chant, part hymn, part sound of the angels. I want it at my wedding but I don't know how to go about doing it!!





Anyone know a group of male choristers? Seriously. Or know of any way I could have this played during the ceremony?

What do you think?

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Or, Princess Catherine, as she will inevitably be called by everyone.

This post is pretty late, but it has been a week in the making! Last Friday at approximately 11:00 AM London time (6:00 AM here), Kate Middleton stepped gently out of a Rolls Royce into everyone's fairytale fantasy. I loved how she looked and I soaked up all the details -- how bride-like of me, right? Here's the scoop! Oh, and of course, pictures!

Hair: Kate was attended to by many hairstylists -- one of whom was her stylist of over 5 years. Her hairdo is called a "demi-chignon" which is a half-up, half-down bun style. Where her tiara is sitting has been backcombed and lacquered to not move, and the rest of her hair is curled. Lovely and natural.

Makeup: Believe or not, she actually did her own makeup!!! She wanted it to be as "her" as possible, and the only difference I can see is that its just a tad more dramatic. Obviously. This is a Royal Wedding we're talking about. Her blush was my favorite, though. It suited her so well, and her thin veil really showcased her face. Her eyebrows were filled in and her mascara was thick. Also dramatic but lovely. I think she chose a lip colour that would show off her white white teeth, and the effect was gorgeous!

The Veil: All along I've wanted a lace-trimmed veil but could never picture it. Well, here it is. Shhhhhh don't tell my fiance! A thin veil is like a dreamy gauze over the face. It's so beautiful.

The Tiara: Kate apparently wanted flowers in her hair for a while, but finally chose...or was coaxed...into wearing this Cartier Halo Tiara from 1936. Given to Queen Elizabeth II on her 18th birthday, this tiara was stunning on Kate without being too over-the-top. Also, I will be donning a tiara, or at least a hair accessory similar to a tiara, on my wedding day.

Finally...The Dress: Ahhhh...the dress. Just the stuff of every fairytale ever written. I loved the lace on Kate, but I know personally I'd be scratching my neck and arms if I wore lace. The plunging neckline was so gorgeous, and so modern. The skirt and train are incredible -- I may or may not be copying (drawing inspiration) from those as well!

Did I mention Pippa was a total knockout?? Her dress was red hot! For being white, that is.

Overall the wedding was magnificent. I totally cried like a big romantic mess. And I took careful notes of all the details I loved!

Ode to the Royal Couple

All jokes, mockeries, and groans aside, I am beyond excited for this Royal Wedding happening on Friday. Of course I am. I grew up in a home where my Mom loved the Royals, my Grandmother loved the Royals, and my Aunts on my Dad's side loved the Royals! We had coffee table books, new ones at that, of Princess Diana and her many, many different dresses and tiaras. We had spoons with Prince Charles and Diana on them, from their wedding day in 1981. I had stories from my Mom about the morning she woke up at 3AM to see lovely, nervous Lady Diana Spencer step out of her carriage and walk up the aisle toward her Prince. I remember my Mom crying real tears while watching Diana's funeral on TV in 1997.

With the big day only two days away -- even less, really, I decided to do a bit of a tribute on my wedding blog about what will no doubt be the biggest wedding event in history so far. William and Kate. William and Catherine.

Every little girl dreams of her wedding day. A day just like Cinderella had when she became a princess from a commoner. It doesn't often happen that a real commoner marries the heir to the throne. Some may argue that Diana was a commoner -- they would be wrong. Diana's father was a Lord. She was nobility. The fact that she ran in royal circles was a big reason why she caught Charles' eye. Or he caught hers. Or however that whole mess happened.

And what a mess it was.

I think one of the reasons the world has caught Royal Wedding fever is that in this case, Kate and William seem to really love one another. They've been together for eight years! This is a true, lasting relationship, and that is beautiful.

Look how happy these two are! It's just great. Call me a hopeless romantic but I can't wait to watch this wedding. Maybe it's because I'm getting married? I'm not sure. The British Royal Family may be the butt of endless jokes and criticisms but you gotta hand it to them -- nobody in the world does weddings like these folks do.

So bake some biscuits, have some tea, and don a tiara. I'll be parked in front of my Royal telly at 3AM sharp!

April

Sorry I've disappeared! I'm back now. School is wrapping up and finally, finally, I will have time to really research/plan/daydream for my wedding next year!

The date is set, for those of you who don't know already.

May the 4th be with you.

Yes really. And not to disappoint, but Yoda and/or Darth Vader will not be making appearances on my invitations. In all seriousness, May 4th, 2012 is a Friday. Hopefully a gloriously sunny Friday. Hopefully. Andrew and I met with our Minister several weeks ago and set it all in stone!

St. George's Church in Lowville. May 4th, 2012. Time TBA.

Other news? The entirety of my wedding party (on my side) has been chosen and I couldn't be happier. Four of the loveliest, smartest, most beautiful women I know are going to stand with me on my wedding day. How did I get so lucky??

That's about it for now. Happy Easter to all of you readers! I hope it's filled with laughter, joy, and tons of food. Food-induced comas for all.

I am baking Easter cupcakes -- bought the ingredients yesterday and am hoping they turn out well. Celebrating at my Aunt & Uncle's house with all my extended family and of course my fiance.

Liz

It's been a busy Wednesday, but I couldn't let the day end without writing a tribute blog post about the ultimate Hollywood screen goddess, Elizabeth Taylor.

For many people, Marilyn Monroe embodies what Hollywood is/was, even though she died young. I disagree. While I love Marilyn (who wouldn't love her?), and even though I am an Audrey Hepburn girl, Elizabeth Taylor for me owns Hollywood beauty, elegance, and attitude. Even though she's not with us any longer, her spirit will live forever, like a sparkling diamond. Marilyn had the face, the walk, the sex appeal, but she left us far too soon. Dead today at age 79, Elizabeth Taylor has been around as an actress and as a character in the world for well over 60 years. Now that's staying power!

Liz was arguably the most beautiful actress of all time. I say arguably because beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and some folks would argue that the title of most beautiful belongs to Ava Gardner, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, or Hedy Lamarr. While all these actresses are stunners, they ain't got nothing on Liz Taylor. Liz was a total knockout. With her violet eyes, long lashes, perfect complexion, and cupid's bow lips, Liz was a natural beauty. But it wasn't just beauty that made her the most beautiful woman in Hollywood. It was her voice, her walk, her personality, her glamour. It was the fact that, even though at 18 she married an abusive alcoholic, she held her head high and never lost her glow. She survived. She survived the death of a man that some call her true love, although I think that title belongs to Richard Burton (she married him twice!). She was married eight times to seven different husbands, and some called her a homewrecker. The thing about her, though, was that she lived her life for herself, and followed her passions without caring what other people thought of her. Who else can say that? I certainly can't!

Last summer, I read her biography. I was immersed in her life, her friends, her lovers, her various husbands. Even though on screen she was elegant and refined, inside she was a real person with real aspirations, feelings, and emotions. Those were rarely seen on camera. She was a compassionate person who donated her time to causes close to her heart, such as AIDS research. She was best friends with Michael Jackson!

So, in closing, I think of Liz when I apply five or more coats of mascara. I think of her when my engagement ring has that fiery sparkle on a sunny day, and I think of her whenever the name Cleopatra comes up!

Here are some of my favorite pictures of her.

Something Borrowed

Sorry I've been MIA...midterms and a busy weekend!


Has anyone read Emily Giffin's book series? The first book being the fabulous Something Borrowed, of course. I read this book years ago-- probably five years ago, at least. I remember loving it, but not reading further into the series for some reason. I picked up the book again this morning-- not going to lie, that may or may not have been triggered by the recent release of the movie trailer with Kate Hudson and Ginnifer Goodwin. I started reading the book again and I'm totally hooked, again. The movie looks funny, I'm definitely going to check it out in May.

Latte Hearts & Wedding Bliss

I am taking a break (a short one, at that) from midterm studying to share with you the highlight of my day yesterday.

I am interning at a company that has moved offices, specifically to Spadina, right in Chinatown. On the main floor of this new building is the Toronto renowned Dark Horse Espresso Bar, which outdoes your friendly neighborhood Starbucks in pretty much every way possible. I treated myself to a Mocha Latte yesterday before work, and was enchanted when they handed me the final product -- I looked into the cardboard cup and saw a heart on the top!

I didn't even want to drink it, because that would mess up the design. Yeah, that lasted long. The latte was heaven, by the way.

In other news, if you happen to be in the area on Sunday, March 6th, I suggest coming by the Sheraton Hotel on Queen St. to the Wedding Bliss Bridal Show. I will be at a booth with the company I'm interning with talking about all things wedding. Also, there's a fabulous sample sale happening. I'll be there from 12pm-2pm. Come out and see!

Where to Church?

Back in the summer, Andrew and I took a long, long drive. We ended up in Lowville, which we thought was absolutely beautiful with its narrow, winding roads and quaint houses and parks. We kept driving and ended up in a town called Freelton (yeah, I know, we'd never heard of it either!). Freelton has close to nothing in terms of entertainment, industry, or real character. Or so we thought...until we found Our Lady of Mount Carmel R.C Church. I remember stumbling upon the church so randomly in our drive and getting out of the car to walk around the grounds. It reminded me so much of a little Irish or Scottish church, the kind that are so old you wonder how long the churchyard has been there for. In the summer, I wasn't planning my wedding and so, obviously, didn't bother to write the name of the church down or actually remember where it was located.

I should have!

Right after we got engaged, we started to talk about churches. And of course, the Freelton church was top of the list. Except for the fact that we thought it had been in Lowville. We didn't remember how far we'd driven and that we'd actually discovered the gem of a church in Freelton, near Hamilton. So today, upon arriving in Lowville to actually see the church again, we quickly realized, hey, this isn't the same church at all. We did, however, find St. George's Anglican Church which is actually in Lowville, and were quite taken with it.

Lowville is just lovely, I'm sure those of you who know it know this. We weren't able to go in, as we weren't there around Mass times, and the doors were locked. There are pictures online but of course I can't go by those -- they are always deceiving. Above is St. George's in Lowville, below is Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Freelton.

Based on the outsides, what do you think?

I'm going to make some calls this week and see if I can set up appointments where I can actually check out the interiors. Stay tuned!

Doe, a Deer

This is generally un-wedding related, but I want to post it anyway. Hope you find it somewhat interesting.

Have you ever heard of anyone having a deer for a pet? Me neither. But of course, being totally one-of-a-kind and original, not to mention almost deer-like in her fragile nature, Audrey Hepburn had a pet deer.

How beautiful is this picture?? The deer looks so vulnerable and yet so safe with her.

So sweet! It's just like a little baby.

She even took the deer grocery shopping with her...on a leash...

And clothes shopping...

And just hung out with it at home...

Just wanted to share these beautiful pictures! I have a very soft, sensitive spot for deers because a couple of weeks ago I unfortunately saw an accident involving a couple of does on the 401 on a sunny Sunday afternoon. They are amazing creatures and it's a terrible thing that the place they get their food is on the edge of our huge highways. Do your best to watch out for them. Without putting yourself in danger, of course.

Valentine's Day Weekend

Happy Friday everyone! In honour of Valentine's Day coming up, single or in a relationship, everyone should celebrate love. Here are my favorite "Hollywood" wedding moments:

Actress Grace Kelly married Monaco's Prince Rainier in the 1950's and simultaneously retired from acting. Wouldn't you have? She became a Princess! Look at all of that beading and lace...

Audrey Hepburn married Mel Ferrer in the 1950's as well. Her dress was a quintessential 1950's cut that ended just below her calf. Love her little rose wreath.

Oh, Richard Burton and Liz Taylor. Married each other twice and divorced each other twice. But she, as always, is gorgeous in this Grecian, or is Roman? style gown with flowers in her hair. Always glamourous.

Tuesday Inspiration

What better place to draw inspiration than from pictures of past weddings online?


Floating roses as centerpieces....gorgeous. I am in love with roses.

I know, I know...A Walk to Remember...but honestly, how beautiful was Mandy Moore in this scene? The moment I saw that lacy veil I knew it was what I wanted (or very similar to what I wanted) at my own wedding. There is something so antique about lacy wedding veils without being too "grandmother-ish". They're as classic as it gets. And aren't weddings all about tradition anyway?

Now I am all for clean lines and a neat bouquet, but there is something so regal and beautiful about a big cascading one that gives the bride an entirely new silhouette. What do you think? Especially a bouquet of pale pink roses.

An Audience

Can I just say how nice it is to write here and know that people are reading it and (hopefully) enjoying it! I love an audience.

You know who else loves an audience? Or certainly should get used to an audience? (Ha ha).

Kate Middleton.

In keeping with all things wedding-related, what event is more exciting than the upcoming royal wedding in April? I can't wait, and I don't even know these people. A friend of mine at school sent me a link to Holt Renfrew's website the other day because the gorgeous blue dress Kate Middleton wore at her engagement announcement back in November is available to all of us commoners.

Made by designer Issa and priced at $535, this dress is the exact one Kate wore, and I think I'm going to need to find a cheaper version of it ASAP. What do you think??

(Not) Saying Yes to the Dress

Today I tried on wedding dresses. For the first time ever. It was quite an experience. Don't be sad, my lovely friends, this was just a few hours for my mom and I to see what was out there, what I looked like in different styles -- it wasn't a serious wedding shopping event! You will all be invited when I shop to buy, don't worry!

So, we got to the boutique and were escorted to a big room in the back, with wall-to-wall bridal dresses. In the center was your traditional huge, three-way mirror and platform upon which I would model my bridal style. I tried on about five dresses, some A-line, some mermaid, and was laced up like a Victorian maiden (and was subsequently amazed at my figure...I should always wear corsets!!). As I stood on the platform and allowing the consultant to smooth out my train, I put a veil on my head and just looked at myself in awe. It really wasn't real until this point. I suppose this is the first of many of those moments.

All in all, I went in with one idea of a dress in my mind and left with many ideas. I'm keeping an open mind. I did try a "headpiece", though, as they call it, which translates to "tiara" in regular people's terms. I'm SOLD. I love the way I look with a sparkly tiara.

Anyway, that's all for not saying yes to the dress. It will certainly be an adventure once I really start looking!

Up in the Air

You know that movie with George Clooney, the one where he flies everywhere, lives out of a suitcase, and essentially fires people for a living? It's called Up in the Air and it was kind of a big deal last Oscar season. Why am I referencing it here, though? Because it's a little bit of how my life feels currently.

I have a stunningly sparkly engagement ring on my finger but no wedding date (as of yet). And that's fine. I guess. Maybe. I am not good with uncertainty and surely this is no exception. It's an adventure my fiance and I are on. But we're on it together and things will hopefully sort themselves out in due time. We're both at a stage in our lives where school is about to begin (or end), we need a place to live, and we need income. Oh, and we can't wait to get married (did I mention that?)

Complications aside, yesterday was the first snow day of the winter, and my school was closed. I took advantage of my day off by using a face mask to exfoliate (I've been sick throughout the week and as a result look ghostly....and ghastly). The mask was gorgeous and smelled like cream and honey. By Balea. Highly recommended. Didn't do much else.

Tomorrow I am wedding dress shopping -- yes, I know, no date. But hey, gotta start somewhere. Happy weekend.

William & Kate Merchandise

With the engagement of Prince William and Catherine (Kate) Middleton came the surge of 'Wills & Kate' merchandise, specifically mugs, tea towels, and even dolls. I was browsing Wedding Bells and came across these new mugs made just for the royal couple.



I love these! Look at the little champagne bottles and glasses, and the crown and tiara. These, my friends, are modern products for a modern royal couple. Not like your grandmother's, or even mother's, Charles & Diana sterling silver spoons, these are actually chic mugs you WANT to use. They're only available as of February 14th, Valentine's Day, and I definitely want to buy one for myself! Obviously for my tea on the morning of April 29th....;-)

Bridal Shows

On Saturday my fiance and I went to the National Bridal Show at Toronto's Direct Energy Centre. The show was my second bridal show, as I had gone to the one held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on January 8th with my Mom (I wasn't even engaged yet!). This show was done on a smaller scale, but going with my fiance actually was really beneficial because we were able to look at things together such as cakes, colours, venues, and even pre-register with the Bay. We actually decided on our cake, which was a really great accomplishment.

This picture is just an idea of what we chose -- obviously the details will be different. But a three-tier cream coloured cake is perfect for us.

Beyond the cake, we just took in the sights and tried not to get haggled too much by the vendors, who pounce on newly engaged couples like a lion in the jungle.

The Wedding Planner

I decided to make a blog totally dedicated to wedding planning and all the ups and downs, unexpected events, and general interesting stories that will inevitably go along with it. I will have pictures, inspiration, videos, and all kinds of other stuff I'll post here, so stay tuned. To get the ball rolling, here's an unforgettable movie bride, Elizabeth Taylor in 1950's Father of the Bride (the one the Steve Martin film was based on).

Obviously Liz's dress is a little dated, but the fabric is still gorgeous and you can always get away with ruby red lips on your big day.

Since I've been engaged (I just got engaged on January 21st) I've been noticing women's engagement rings and wedding bands more and more. Not to mention taking a serious interest in their wedding stories and where/how/when they were married.

What's your story? What was your wedding like?