So no, this posting isn't about basketball. Another month has come and gone. This month is a bit crazier than last month. So far, the planning process has slowed down a bit. Researching and meeting with vendors is definitely time consuming.
Videography
D and I have pretty much made a decision on this already. We just have to contact the videographer to let them know. I'll post who we've chosen once the contracts have been squared away. Picking a videographer wasn't as easy as we thought it would be. Then again, I think D and I are just too nice sometimes. We think about how so-and-so is so nice, etc. Ultimately, being "nice" doesn't help us too much. Anyway, like I said, I'll post who we've chosen probably by the end of this week.
Side note, for those who have time, check out these two awesome videographers: Still Motion (based in Toronto) and Jason Magbanua (based in the Philippines). Their stuff is nice *dreamy sigh*
Catering
Yay! D has sent some emails out! Hooray! :) We're finally getting the ball rolling with the catering stuff. It doesn't look like we'll be going for Fuel or Gastropod because 1. they don't have a catering license and 2. they require a kitchen where they can prepare the food. One of ways we may be able to work things out is if we go for a buffet reception. However, having attended a wedding recently that had a buffet reception, D and I prefer a sit down dinner more. We're currently in contact with two caterers: Sugar Mountain Catering and Metropolitan Hotel (Diva). The Metropolitan Hotel did the catering for my co-worker's super awesome wedding. So we thought we should contact them and find out more info since they seem super experienced with catering.
So little bit of advice for everyone... If you plan to get married someday and you're hoping to have something on the nicer side or maybe you're very particular, start doing mini-researches on the side. I didn't look too much into videography and catering prior to the engagement. That's why it's taking up a lot of time now. Luckily we still have over a year to plan the wedding. I can't imagine how stressful planning would be if we chose to get married this year! It's good to be prepared :)
With videography soon to be out of my plate, I'll be tackling flowers and decoration. Things may go a bit slowly though for the month of April. Why? Because it's income tax time :(
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Month #2 Started Off...
Frankly, kind of rocky. Hence the lack of posts :( I didn't want to be a total downer on my wedding blog. Anyway, sorry for the lack of updates. Here's where we are now...
Videography
At the moment, we are focusing on catering and videography. I'll talk a bit about videography first. We figured it'd be a good idea to remember our wedding via moving pictures as well. However, video isn't really one of our priorities. So we're not going to go all out on that (by booking someone like Cloud Nine Creative) like we did with photography. Here's our list videography contestants:
So this was the cause of my stress. Why? Because there were more things about catering than I anticipated. Things like:
burden responsibility. Just so everyone knows, if there's no food at the wedding, blame D :P Anyway, by me delegating to him, it just means he has to do all the research and communicate with the caterers. He can figure out the logistics, etc. Maybe D can write a post on this blog on his progress *hint hint*
Ok, I am going to sleep now. If there's one thing you should take away from this posting, it is this: delegating is awesome.
Videography
At the moment, we are focusing on catering and videography. I'll talk a bit about videography first. We figured it'd be a good idea to remember our wedding via moving pictures as well. However, video isn't really one of our priorities. So we're not going to go all out on that (by booking someone like Cloud Nine Creative) like we did with photography. Here's our list videography contestants:
- Bailey's Video Studio
- Cosmo Computer & Photo Imaging
- Realistically Fictional Productions
- Laura Ann Cinema
- find a videographer who can work well with your photographer -- you don't want these two to clash
- style is important -- I admit, I am cheezy/corny/lame etc at times but I don't want my wedding video to look like that
- quality -- I saw some videos that looked like amateur footage that was just edited to look like one continuous feed *shakes head*
- make sure you can communicate and work well with your videographer -- if you can't work well with them, you probably won't like them
So this was the cause of my stress. Why? Because there were more things about catering than I anticipated. Things like:
- restaurants who cater want to have access to a kitchen so they can prep stuff; UBC Boathouse doesn't have cooking equipment
- UBC Boathouse requires a catering license
- we may have to do a buffet dinner
Ok, I am going to sleep now. If there's one thing you should take away from this posting, it is this: delegating is awesome.
Friday, March 13, 2009
One Month Engagement!
It's been one month since the engagement. Since February only has 28 days, today is also Friday the 13th!
Here's a list of wedding related things that took place this month...
The engagement didn't really change how D and I are with each other. I have probably had a few "panic" moments this month, which D was able to mitigate. Speaking of D, when I asked him for his thoughts on our one month engagement, all he pretty much said was that "our minds are melding." Why? Yesterday I asked him what we're doing this weekend. He suggested we go to Metrotown. His answer surprised me as I was thinking the same thing earlier that day! So he thinks are minds are melding since the engagement, and wonders what will happen after we're married. Silly D. Anyway, in terms of wedding planning so far, I can definitely say it can be stressful. However, I think most of the stress is self-inflicted. If I don't overly worry about spending too much, then everything's quite hunky-dory :)
Let's see what month two brings!
Here's a list of wedding related things that took place this month...
- we set the date -- there was much drama behind this
- booked reception venue = UBC Boathouse
- booked ceremony venue = Minoru Chapel
- sent photography contract to Chris+Lynn
- I tried dresses on :)
The engagement didn't really change how D and I are with each other. I have probably had a few "panic" moments this month, which D was able to mitigate. Speaking of D, when I asked him for his thoughts on our one month engagement, all he pretty much said was that "our minds are melding." Why? Yesterday I asked him what we're doing this weekend. He suggested we go to Metrotown. His answer surprised me as I was thinking the same thing earlier that day! So he thinks are minds are melding since the engagement, and wonders what will happen after we're married. Silly D. Anyway, in terms of wedding planning so far, I can definitely say it can be stressful. However, I think most of the stress is self-inflicted. If I don't overly worry about spending too much, then everything's quite hunky-dory :)
Let's see what month two brings!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Photography -> Dress -> Chapel -> Contracts
Sorry for the lack of updates! Lots of things have been happening the past few days. Let's pick up where we last left our story...
Photography
Last Thursday, D and I went to New West to meet with Lynn of Chris+Lynn. The meeting went well! Lynn is super nice and super awesome!! She talked about their photography style and how they work during the day. She also showed us a variety of sample wedding albums. Interestingly, we also talked about some photographer horror stories. It's scary to think that there are photographers out there who act unprofessionally. If anyone's interested in reading a photographer horror story, my co-worker had sent me this link before. Anyway, back to the meeting... towards the end, Lynn said something along the lines of if we want to sleep on our decision, etc. At that point, D and I just kind of looked at each other and said, "Just send the contract." I guess the meeting was more of a formality, just to see how Lynn is. We're just finalize the contract now. We should be set by mid-next week. Can't wait to work with Chris+Lynn! :D
Dress
My awesome co-workers and I took Friday off. They accompanied me to 3 bridal stores. Here's our schedule:
(in terms of dress style)
D and I checked out Minoru Chapel on Sunday. It's a pretty little chapel located in Minoru Park. It does feel a bit small inside. However, we only have at most 120 guests, which is the chapel's capacity. Other than that, it has a very classic/traditional feel to it. Its glass windows should help create beautiful wedding day photos. I also liked the bridal room at the chapel. Again, it has a very classic feel to it. Anyway, during our brief tour of the facility, I was kind of imagining what the actual wedding day will be like. I kind of felt a bit jittery inside. I guess it was part excitement and part nervousness. I think a side of me still can't believe I'll be getting married!
Contracts
And lastly... contracts. I never really paid much attention to contracts before. But now it's like pages after pages of reading! Contracts intimidate me a bit; the wording used is kind of scary and so binding. Then again, I guess it's meant to be taken seriously. Hmm, I should make D sign a contract. Just kidding! Here's a status summary:
Photography
Last Thursday, D and I went to New West to meet with Lynn of Chris+Lynn. The meeting went well! Lynn is super nice and super awesome!! She talked about their photography style and how they work during the day. She also showed us a variety of sample wedding albums. Interestingly, we also talked about some photographer horror stories. It's scary to think that there are photographers out there who act unprofessionally. If anyone's interested in reading a photographer horror story, my co-worker had sent me this link before. Anyway, back to the meeting... towards the end, Lynn said something along the lines of if we want to sleep on our decision, etc. At that point, D and I just kind of looked at each other and said, "Just send the contract." I guess the meeting was more of a formality, just to see how Lynn is. We're just finalize the contract now. We should be set by mid-next week. Can't wait to work with Chris+Lynn! :D
Dress
My awesome co-workers and I took Friday off. They accompanied me to 3 bridal stores. Here's our schedule:
- 10:15am -- meet @ B's place
- 11am - 12:15pm -- Bisou Bridal
- 12.30pm - 1:30pm -- lunch @ Fuel
- 1:30pm - 2:30pm -- travel to New West
- 2:30pm - 3:45pm -- The Bridal Gallery
- 4pm - 5:30pm -- Sposa
(in terms of dress style)
- sweetheart necklines are romantic
- I'm not a big fan of tulle
- I apparently love bling on my dress
- lace is a pretty fabric but it needs boning (and no, I won't get into some kind of dirty joke here)
- corsets are awesome - they give you shape!
- dresses with a longer train should also have a longer veil; cathedral length veils are dramatic (yes N, I'm coming around)
- trumpet style dresses don't really flatter me unless they have pleating around the hip area
- wedding dresses are very pretty and it's tough to pick just one :)
- best service: Bisou Bridal - they let you take photos!
- worst service: Sposa
- taking guys to go wedding dress shopping seems like a bad idea BUT as long as they are properly entertained, fed, and energized, they can actually be very helpful :)
- going with someone who has an eye for style is also an awesome idea ;)
- take notes down!
D and I checked out Minoru Chapel on Sunday. It's a pretty little chapel located in Minoru Park. It does feel a bit small inside. However, we only have at most 120 guests, which is the chapel's capacity. Other than that, it has a very classic/traditional feel to it. Its glass windows should help create beautiful wedding day photos. I also liked the bridal room at the chapel. Again, it has a very classic feel to it. Anyway, during our brief tour of the facility, I was kind of imagining what the actual wedding day will be like. I kind of felt a bit jittery inside. I guess it was part excitement and part nervousness. I think a side of me still can't believe I'll be getting married!
Contracts
And lastly... contracts. I never really paid much attention to contracts before. But now it's like pages after pages of reading! Contracts intimidate me a bit; the wording used is kind of scary and so binding. Then again, I guess it's meant to be taken seriously. Hmm, I should make D sign a contract. Just kidding! Here's a status summary:
- UBC Boathouse - deposit paid and contract signed
- Minoru Chapel - fees paid and contract signed
- Chris+Lynn - in progress as mentioned above
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The To-Do List So Far
Four hundred fifty days or fourteen months to go...
Pick a date-- finally done :)Book reception venue-- UBC Boathouse- Book ceremony venue -- decision to be made (hopefully) by March 9
- Pick photographer -- meeting tonight!
Other things on the to do list...
- Pick caterer
- Hire decorator/planner?
- Pick dresses
- Flowers
- Hair & make-up
- STAY SANE!
I'm going to stop adding stuff to the list for now. I'm starting to get scared! :P
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
24
It's been a dramatic 24 hours! It was almost like the TV show. But no, there were no terrorists or Jack Bauer. Read on to find out!
It's a Date
[the following took place Sunday between 11pm to 12am]
Or rather, there are 2 dates! Last night I was informed that there is actually another super auspicious date that we absolutely must go for. The thing is the new super auspicious date is in May and it falls on a Saturday. To us, this would mean 1. the wedding won't be during our anniversary month of June and 2. it'll cost more. The new date is supposed to bring prosperity to me and D's future. However, it currently brought a deluge of questions. Is the UBC Boathouse available for that date? What about Chris+Lynn? What about the additional costs? We'll have to pick a separate ceremony venue, which one? What if we get legally married on the super auspicious date but celebrate during the old inferior date? Will the madness continue?
Today's Revelations
[the following took place today between 9am to 10am... or maybe later than that]
Some of the questions were answered today. Both UBC Boathouse and Chris+Lynn are available for both dates - the new super auspicious date and the old not so auspicious date. So whew, right? Crisis averted. Well... sort of... We still had to make the ultimate decision!
[the following took place today between 10pm to 11pm]
So tonight, D and I discussed and discussed and discussed. At times it was almost painfully frustrating. But at the end of the day (or night, in this case), we had to make a decision that we're both happy with. Once the decision has been made, there's no turning back. No should have, would have, or could haves. We just own up to our choice and move on. Decision will be revealed in the next post once bookings are done :)
It's a Date
[the following took place Sunday between 11pm to 12am]
Or rather, there are 2 dates! Last night I was informed that there is actually another super auspicious date that we absolutely must go for. The thing is the new super auspicious date is in May and it falls on a Saturday. To us, this would mean 1. the wedding won't be during our anniversary month of June and 2. it'll cost more. The new date is supposed to bring prosperity to me and D's future. However, it currently brought a deluge of questions. Is the UBC Boathouse available for that date? What about Chris+Lynn? What about the additional costs? We'll have to pick a separate ceremony venue, which one? What if we get legally married on the super auspicious date but celebrate during the old inferior date? Will the madness continue?
Today's Revelations
[the following took place today between 9am to 10am... or maybe later than that]
Some of the questions were answered today. Both UBC Boathouse and Chris+Lynn are available for both dates - the new super auspicious date and the old not so auspicious date. So whew, right? Crisis averted. Well... sort of... We still had to make the ultimate decision!
[the following took place today between 10pm to 11pm]
So tonight, D and I discussed and discussed and discussed. At times it was almost painfully frustrating. But at the end of the day (or night, in this case), we had to make a decision that we're both happy with. Once the decision has been made, there's no turning back. No should have, would have, or could haves. We just own up to our choice and move on. Decision will be revealed in the next post once bookings are done :)
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Nervous!
No, I'm not already having cold feet! On Friday, I tried booking the Boathouse for the "auspicious" date my mom provided. To my dismay, someone's already put a temporary hold on that date >_< Here's what the facility manager said will happen next...
This leads me to my small side musing. You can just skip reading this if you'd like...
Here goes. The auspicious date is kind of custom made, tailored if you will, for me and D. So is it supposed to mean we are destined to be wed on that date? What if we can't get the venue we like? Does that mean the universe is against us getting married at that venue? But we REALLY like that venue! I wish there was a sign of some sort that can appease me in the meantime.
As for the date, it will be announced when the venue is booked. I know it's a lil' superstitious-y. It's almost like announcing a pregnancy after the first trimester is over. I just don't want to announce it yet in case we end up having to change the date. That possibility does exist!
Currently I'm also scheduling a meet with the photographers. We may meet with them on Tuesday evening. I will write a post on that afterwards. You may be wondering which photographer... Well, if all goes smoothly, we're hoping to go for the dream photographer *dreamy sigh*
Lastly, I'm taking Friday off work to try dresses on! My goal by the end of Friday is to know what style works for me. I will be high on caffeine that day so I can just go, go, go!
This should be an interesting week...
So from here, two things will happen …….one, if you are ready to book and pay the deposit ($800 non refundable, must be paid on Credit card) we will challenge their hold. They will then have 24 hours to either pay the deposit and book the date, or release the day to you.The hold was challenged on Friday; we find out tomorrow if we get the venue or not. It's kind of nerve racking! D and I discussed our options this weekend. However, I'm hoping things will go to our favor tomorrow so we don't have to go for our other options.
Second, if they release the date, I will then need some info from you… first and last name for both of you, contact #’s for both of you, one address, estimate timeline for your rental, estimate guest count, credit card info and lastly a fax # that I can send the contract to.
This leads me to my small side musing. You can just skip reading this if you'd like...
Here goes. The auspicious date is kind of custom made, tailored if you will, for me and D. So is it supposed to mean we are destined to be wed on that date? What if we can't get the venue we like? Does that mean the universe is against us getting married at that venue? But we REALLY like that venue! I wish there was a sign of some sort that can appease me in the meantime.
As for the date, it will be announced when the venue is booked. I know it's a lil' superstitious-y. It's almost like announcing a pregnancy after the first trimester is over. I just don't want to announce it yet in case we end up having to change the date. That possibility does exist!
Currently I'm also scheduling a meet with the photographers. We may meet with them on Tuesday evening. I will write a post on that afterwards. You may be wondering which photographer... Well, if all goes smoothly, we're hoping to go for the dream photographer *dreamy sigh*
Lastly, I'm taking Friday off work to try dresses on! My goal by the end of Friday is to know what style works for me. I will be high on caffeine that day so I can just go, go, go!
This should be an interesting week...
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