I know... psychotic right!?
I'll just be happy when it's hanging safely in my parents closet...
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sudden Apprehension
Today I ordered my 2nd dress today and as I walked out of the store I felt a moment of panic. What if this one gets discontinued, what if I can't have it? On the bus on the way home I was convinced that the bridal shop I ordered it from was a bunch of crooks who were going to disappear now that they have my money.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Flower Girl Fun
From the moment I asked Anastasia to be my flower girl she has been extremely excited to shop for her dress. This past Saturday she finally got what she wanted and was able to try on some Flower Girl dresses at Champagne and Lace in Abbotsford. It was fairly easy to cut down the list as some where nice and some where not so nice.
Here is one that we short listed: (it would have a red bow not pink)
There was another one as well... but I can't find the picture of it online. Sorry.
After we got home I went online with mom to see what I could find on the various website and here are the three that we really like:
Here is one that we short listed: (it would have a red bow not pink)
There was another one as well... but I can't find the picture of it online. Sorry.
After we got home I went online with mom to see what I could find on the various website and here are the three that we really like:
Could it be Fate for Cate?
From the moment that I heard Robynn's voice on my answering machine I knew that the dress that I had chosen was not going to be the dress I married Ian in.
This past weekend was the final trip to Champagne and Lace to see "Alfie" (the dress that was similar to my original dress). I tried "him" on and "he" was amazing. I felt stunning... oh boy. Alfie was everything I wanted in a bridal gown... well at least everything I thought I wanted.
We spent the remainder of the appointment letting Anastasia try on flower girl dresses, I'll post more about that later.
After we left I was in the car and was still torn between Alfie and Cate. Cate is the name I've given to the first dress I tried on. "She" was at Ivory Bridal and it had been quite as while since I had tried "her" on. For those of you who don't remember Cate is the dress that I nixed for being too expensive but was thrown back in the mix when I found her for 1/2 price here on the island.
So I asked my posse, who consisted of Mom, Kathy, Anastasia and Annalyse, if they minded stopping at Ivory Bridal on the way home to have one more "quick" look at Cate. They responded with a "sure", "no problem", "yay" and "goo" respectively. So off we went.
We walked in the door and the lovely girl at the desk told me that I was in luck as they had no appointments at that moment and was more then welcome to not only look at the dress, but try it on. So off I went to put on Cate for the 4th time.
I tried "her" on and felt every bit as special as I did the first time around. We hummed and hawed and saw it with a veil. I told the girl that I needed to go away and sleep on it before I made my final choice. As we walked away from the store my mom turned to me and said,
"Order that dress"
She told me that she had yet to see me react to any dress the way I did to Cate and that I glowed when I put "her" on.
So on Wednesday I will be making a trip to Grad Central to order Cate (for 1/2 the price that I would have paid at Ivory... Score!).
I choose to believe that it was fate that made the manufacturer discontinue my dress, especially since I was told that once a dress gets confirmed with a manufacturer it NEVER gets discontinued. I think that I had made the wrong decision and the gods on wedding dresses were telling me to choose Cate, the very first wedding dress I tried on. Lets just hope I get "her" ordered before "she" gets discontinued too!
This past weekend was the final trip to Champagne and Lace to see "Alfie" (the dress that was similar to my original dress). I tried "him" on and "he" was amazing. I felt stunning... oh boy. Alfie was everything I wanted in a bridal gown... well at least everything I thought I wanted.
We spent the remainder of the appointment letting Anastasia try on flower girl dresses, I'll post more about that later.
After we left I was in the car and was still torn between Alfie and Cate. Cate is the name I've given to the first dress I tried on. "She" was at Ivory Bridal and it had been quite as while since I had tried "her" on. For those of you who don't remember Cate is the dress that I nixed for being too expensive but was thrown back in the mix when I found her for 1/2 price here on the island.
So I asked my posse, who consisted of Mom, Kathy, Anastasia and Annalyse, if they minded stopping at Ivory Bridal on the way home to have one more "quick" look at Cate. They responded with a "sure", "no problem", "yay" and "goo" respectively. So off we went.
We walked in the door and the lovely girl at the desk told me that I was in luck as they had no appointments at that moment and was more then welcome to not only look at the dress, but try it on. So off I went to put on Cate for the 4th time.
I tried "her" on and felt every bit as special as I did the first time around. We hummed and hawed and saw it with a veil. I told the girl that I needed to go away and sleep on it before I made my final choice. As we walked away from the store my mom turned to me and said,
"Order that dress"
She told me that she had yet to see me react to any dress the way I did to Cate and that I glowed when I put "her" on.
So on Wednesday I will be making a trip to Grad Central to order Cate (for 1/2 the price that I would have paid at Ivory... Score!).
I choose to believe that it was fate that made the manufacturer discontinue my dress, especially since I was told that once a dress gets confirmed with a manufacturer it NEVER gets discontinued. I think that I had made the wrong decision and the gods on wedding dresses were telling me to choose Cate, the very first wedding dress I tried on. Lets just hope I get "her" ordered before "she" gets discontinued too!
Aren't I allowed to change my mind?
My lovely bridesmaids bought me a subscription to BRIDES magazine as a "yay you are a bride" present. Which was such a nice surprise! So for the past few months, every month a new magazine full of fun new ideas has popped into my mailbox. Also within that magazine was obviously endless advertisements for wedding dress, shoes and registry items.
I kept seeing a China pattern that was available called, Platinum Wave by Noritake. Every time I looked at it, I fell more and more in love with it. During my lunch one day I ventured over to the Bay to have a look... well it turns out I liked it even more in person.
I begged Ian to have a look at it with me. So last Thursday on the same night as the ring expedition we also went to The Bay and had a look at Platinum Wave. He wasn't sold right away but like the wonderful husband to-be that he is, he soon conceded and let me choose that one as our china pattern. He also said that if we found something at Bed Bath and Beyond that I liked just as much and he liked better then we would go with that over the Platinum Wave. I agreed.
Here is a pic:
I kept seeing a China pattern that was available called, Platinum Wave by Noritake. Every time I looked at it, I fell more and more in love with it. During my lunch one day I ventured over to the Bay to have a look... well it turns out I liked it even more in person.
I begged Ian to have a look at it with me. So last Thursday on the same night as the ring expedition we also went to The Bay and had a look at Platinum Wave. He wasn't sold right away but like the wonderful husband to-be that he is, he soon conceded and let me choose that one as our china pattern. He also said that if we found something at Bed Bath and Beyond that I liked just as much and he liked better then we would go with that over the Platinum Wave. I agreed.
Here is a pic:
Friday, July 16, 2010
Ring a ding ding
I love jewelery.
Who doesn't?
So within days of being engaged I wanted to start looking for my wedding band. Initially I tried on a couple but they simply looked "gorky" with my engagement ring. Mostly because the shape of my engagement ring - Ian said, "that's how they get ya," but I then reminded him that he was the one who designed my ring.
So it was painfully obvious from day one that my wedding band would need to be custom. A "quick" (aka 2-3 hour) trip to see Roberta later and we were in business.
Ian's ring... that was a different story. He is very picky. He is also used to the variety of shopping online and doesn't understand that in a store, unless you want something custom made (which will cost ya) you have to choose from what you see. We've run into this problem with everything from china patterns and cutlery to venues. The ring was no different.
Initially during our visit with Roberta, Ian had tried a number of rings on but ring after ring Ian didn't see anything that made him say, "that is my ring!" So it was decided that he would go custom too. Roberta told Ian to go look online and see what struck his fancy and get back to her and she'll figure something out. So off we went and I fully expected Ian to "do his homework".
He didn't.
So a couple of months passed and we went back to see Roberta about my ring and she asked if Ian had found anything that he thought was interesting. He looked like a dear in headlights and said... no? We left and he swore up and down that she was going to do the looking and I told him... no you were going to.
So again I wait for Ian to do his homework.
He doesn't.
So finally I said enough is enough. I told him that he needed to pick a ring because the price of gold was going up and the longer he waited the higher the cost of his ring would be. That finally got him going. He said he needed to try them on because pictures were not cutting it.
This leads us to last night when we went to Mayfair mall which has many MANY jewelery stores and we started trying.
The first store, Michael Hill - the sales lady was a little too... greasy car salesman-ish. She was "playing with numbers on the computer" to get the price down for us. I felt like rolling my eyes. We left there and I asked Ian if his top pick was the ring... he said no. Moving on!
The next was Anne Louise. The lady there was much less pushy but a little uninvolved. It felt like she didn't really care. The one there Ian like more then the first so we were making progress. If nothing else we were getting a sense of what he liked v/s what he didn't.
Last stop as it was getting late and Ian was wearing thin, was Lugaro's. We walked in and Ian said there was one ring that really caught his eye. He tried it on and really really liked it. HAZAA!! He seemed happy with his choice except for one small detail so I suggested maybe trying on some of the really cool looking tungsten rings. His reaction was, "sure why not". He put on one that was far too harsh and then put on one that was perfect. It was comfort fit (which he wanted) and just "popped" on him.
He waffled between the two rings for a while and wanted to see what they would look like with a really nice watch... he claims that one day he will actually wear a really nice watch every day... ya we'll see.
They both looked great with the watch (which he not so subtly hinted at wanting) and the sales person, who was wonderful, said - Sleep on it. That impressed me the most. So we went away and as we were walking away Ian said, lets get it! However at this point the mall was closing and I really wanted Ian to sleep on his decision before committing.
So we did go home and talk about it some more and he has decided that this is going to be his ring... only now he wants to figure out a way to bargain down the price... oh boy!
Anyway for those who are curious this is a pic of his ring
Who doesn't?
So within days of being engaged I wanted to start looking for my wedding band. Initially I tried on a couple but they simply looked "gorky" with my engagement ring. Mostly because the shape of my engagement ring - Ian said, "that's how they get ya," but I then reminded him that he was the one who designed my ring.
So it was painfully obvious from day one that my wedding band would need to be custom. A "quick" (aka 2-3 hour) trip to see Roberta later and we were in business.
Ian's ring... that was a different story. He is very picky. He is also used to the variety of shopping online and doesn't understand that in a store, unless you want something custom made (which will cost ya) you have to choose from what you see. We've run into this problem with everything from china patterns and cutlery to venues. The ring was no different.
Initially during our visit with Roberta, Ian had tried a number of rings on but ring after ring Ian didn't see anything that made him say, "that is my ring!" So it was decided that he would go custom too. Roberta told Ian to go look online and see what struck his fancy and get back to her and she'll figure something out. So off we went and I fully expected Ian to "do his homework".
He didn't.
So a couple of months passed and we went back to see Roberta about my ring and she asked if Ian had found anything that he thought was interesting. He looked like a dear in headlights and said... no? We left and he swore up and down that she was going to do the looking and I told him... no you were going to.
So again I wait for Ian to do his homework.
He doesn't.
So finally I said enough is enough. I told him that he needed to pick a ring because the price of gold was going up and the longer he waited the higher the cost of his ring would be. That finally got him going. He said he needed to try them on because pictures were not cutting it.
This leads us to last night when we went to Mayfair mall which has many MANY jewelery stores and we started trying.
The first store, Michael Hill - the sales lady was a little too... greasy car salesman-ish. She was "playing with numbers on the computer" to get the price down for us. I felt like rolling my eyes. We left there and I asked Ian if his top pick was the ring... he said no. Moving on!
The next was Anne Louise. The lady there was much less pushy but a little uninvolved. It felt like she didn't really care. The one there Ian like more then the first so we were making progress. If nothing else we were getting a sense of what he liked v/s what he didn't.
Last stop as it was getting late and Ian was wearing thin, was Lugaro's. We walked in and Ian said there was one ring that really caught his eye. He tried it on and really really liked it. HAZAA!! He seemed happy with his choice except for one small detail so I suggested maybe trying on some of the really cool looking tungsten rings. His reaction was, "sure why not". He put on one that was far too harsh and then put on one that was perfect. It was comfort fit (which he wanted) and just "popped" on him.
He waffled between the two rings for a while and wanted to see what they would look like with a really nice watch... he claims that one day he will actually wear a really nice watch every day... ya we'll see.
They both looked great with the watch (which he not so subtly hinted at wanting) and the sales person, who was wonderful, said - Sleep on it. That impressed me the most. So we went away and as we were walking away Ian said, lets get it! However at this point the mall was closing and I really wanted Ian to sleep on his decision before committing.
So we did go home and talk about it some more and he has decided that this is going to be his ring... only now he wants to figure out a way to bargain down the price... oh boy!
Anyway for those who are curious this is a pic of his ring
Monday, July 12, 2010
Are you tired of reading about my dress yet?
This past week my Mom and Dad were in vic for a small vacation and it was wonderful to have them here. I managed to see them almost every night after work and spent almost the whole weekend either shopping with them or hanging out at their brand new trailer.
While they were here Mom and I hit a few bridal shops. Here is what was found.
The first shop we hit was "Shades of White" just up from where I am working. The consultant was lovely and very helpful and we shortlisted quite a few gowns. However, after leaving I was feeling a little conflicted and wasn't really excited about any of the gowns. So we decided to keep looking.
The next step was Blush bridal... and WOW!!! I was very impressed... but not in a good way. The dresses were exceptionally expensive while not being very nice, the staff was not terribly helpful and I have never felt fatter then when I tried to get into a drop waist dress and it wouldn't get over my hips. Who orders a drop waist sample dress in a size 6??? Idiots.
After leaving there feeling very disheartened I mentioned that the store where I found the 1st dress for 1/2 price was just around the corner and Mom suggested we stick our noses in there.
I was very impressed again, only this time it was for the right reasons. We just dropped in on the shop keeper and she was kind, helpful and exceptionally fun. Mom and I found 2 dresses that were amazing and very reasonably priced. We left that store feeling excited and couldn't stop talking about dresses the whole way home.
We decided that I need to hit Champagne and Lace one more time to see if they can produce anything else that makes me go "WOW" and then choose a dress. I have a lean at this point but I do want to wait and visit Champagne and Lace one more time. You never know!
Or maybe I should just stop 2nd guessing myself and order the dress that I am leaning towards... well actually if I am being honest - I've pretty much decided on.
On a slightly related note, during a shopping trip with my mom at the mall we were very pleasently surprised when we found an outfit that would be perfect for her on sale for less then $100.00. Not to mention that she looks radiant in it!!!
While they were here Mom and I hit a few bridal shops. Here is what was found.
The first shop we hit was "Shades of White" just up from where I am working. The consultant was lovely and very helpful and we shortlisted quite a few gowns. However, after leaving I was feeling a little conflicted and wasn't really excited about any of the gowns. So we decided to keep looking.
The next step was Blush bridal... and WOW!!! I was very impressed... but not in a good way. The dresses were exceptionally expensive while not being very nice, the staff was not terribly helpful and I have never felt fatter then when I tried to get into a drop waist dress and it wouldn't get over my hips. Who orders a drop waist sample dress in a size 6??? Idiots.
After leaving there feeling very disheartened I mentioned that the store where I found the 1st dress for 1/2 price was just around the corner and Mom suggested we stick our noses in there.
I was very impressed again, only this time it was for the right reasons. We just dropped in on the shop keeper and she was kind, helpful and exceptionally fun. Mom and I found 2 dresses that were amazing and very reasonably priced. We left that store feeling excited and couldn't stop talking about dresses the whole way home.
We decided that I need to hit Champagne and Lace one more time to see if they can produce anything else that makes me go "WOW" and then choose a dress. I have a lean at this point but I do want to wait and visit Champagne and Lace one more time. You never know!
Or maybe I should just stop 2nd guessing myself and order the dress that I am leaning towards... well actually if I am being honest - I've pretty much decided on.
On a slightly related note, during a shopping trip with my mom at the mall we were very pleasently surprised when we found an outfit that would be perfect for her on sale for less then $100.00. Not to mention that she looks radiant in it!!!
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Plot Thickens
So in doing a little bit of googling (a bride's best friend) I came across a store here in Vic that caries the same line of dresses that I found at Ivory Bridal. Also known as the first dress I tried on. While they didn't have the particular gown I had found they were able to quote me a price on how much it would be to order in.
I nearly fell over when she quoted me a price that was 1/2 of what Ivory Bridal was charging for the exact same dress.
hmmm... it would appear that dress #1 is back in the mix.
Tomorrow night, Mom and I are scouting some dresses that are similar to my original dress (the one I had chosen) here in Vic. Stay tuned for our findings.
I nearly fell over when she quoted me a price that was 1/2 of what Ivory Bridal was charging for the exact same dress.
hmmm... it would appear that dress #1 is back in the mix.
Tomorrow night, Mom and I are scouting some dresses that are similar to my original dress (the one I had chosen) here in Vic. Stay tuned for our findings.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Dress Drama
So today after a very unusual week I got a phone call when I arrived home from work,
"Hi Jennifer, this is Robyn from Champagne and Lace calling, please call me back as soon as you can"...
this can't be good.
Luckily I got home before Robyn left for the day and was able to speak to her. She told me that the designer who designed my dress was discontinuing they style and I was able to get the dress in "Diamond" (ie off white) but not in the white that I wanted. She sounded very relieved when I didn't freak out, I mean yes it is my wedding dress but in the grand scheme of things it's just a dress. So she told me to take my time and think it over and call her back when I had made up my mind.
I immediately called my mom and we talked it over and decided to let the original dress go and pick another one. I mean is it really so bad that I have to try on more wedding dresses?
In other wedding news, I am 90% sure on an invitation design, since I want that to be a bit of a surprise I won't be posting pics. Sorry.
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