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.