Convertibile sandals...

Thanks to Wedding Tulle, I was introduced to Jane Rafter’s SLINKS. These beautiful handmade leather sandals is such an ingenious idea. Mixing beauty, creativeness and fashion. These sandals called SLINKS, are completely transformable with individually designed, interchangeable uppers. How great is that : 3 pairs of sandals in 1.

Cream & Dusty pink ; image from Jane Rafter

The presentation itself is worth the buy, each come in a beautiful silk fair-trade bag. Each uppers have their own compartment for easy storage. Easy to see, easy to use. You can purchase additional uppers to have even more options.

Black & Taupe ; image from Jane Rafter

These beautiful creations retail at 120$ British Pounds. Talk about a great gift for your bridesmaid or even for the bride-to-be. Aren’t we lucky Christmas is just around the corner. =)

Has anyone found interesting gifts to give to their bridal party? I would love to hear them.... I'm overwhelmed with my lack of ideas, and I find it quite difficult to please everyone!

Must be love

When Mr. Flamingo and I finally decided to set a date, there were numerous questions that needed answers. What? When ? Where? How? and Why? The classic five. Now we all know the reason behind the What : Our wedding. But the other questions were harder to answer.

When : At first we wanted a May wedding mostly because both are birthdays are in May... but soon after we changed our mind. We opted for a June wedding, that way we are sure that the everything will be in bloom. Also, it happens to be the same day as my grandfathers birthday. Our wedding will be even more special. When I told my grandfather he was so happy he got all teary eyed. Made me cry of course.

Where : This was the hard part. I personally always envisioned my wedding in a church in the presence of God. I am not a very religious person - in the sense that I do not go to church on Sundays, but I practice on my own time. I believe in God and getting married in a church seems so much more concrete (for me) Mr. Flamingo believes in God, but isn't crazy about Churches. Seems like the only times he's gone was for funerals, so its only normal he associates it with a negative event. I want to change that. I wanted our ceremony in a church, him not so much.... but he was kind enough to accept the church idea. I was really happy about this, and it was so kind on his part. Must be love.

We will be getting married in a beautiful church. Its a 1789 historical church situated about 10 minutes from my house. Labelled in 1987 as a historical monument, the structure and detail is simply breath-taking.





How : In the presence of all my friends and family of course. My family is Italian and french Canadian but because I am part of a reconstructed family... the family members never cease to increase. Already we knew our wedding would have a lot of people, more than what we wanted, but how to you invite one person and don't invite another. Mr. Flamingo's family is quite small compared to mine. I could even say its a third the size of mine. He even jokes about hiring some extras to put on his side so that the church will look balanced and filled. lol. He's too funny. To top things off, the last wedding his family attended was my future in-laws in 1967. This is sure to be one interesting wedding.

Why : Because we love each other and we want to share it with the world and all you fabulous weddingbee readers. :D Hope you all enjoy.

The book of our love

Mr. Flamingo and I thought it would be nice to offer our parents a nice thank you gift for supporting us during the whole wedding process. So when it came time to think about our parents gift, it was a very obvious choice. The book of our our love : a photo album.

Images by Blurb.com

Our photographer will give us the copyrights and all our wedding images (hi-resolution) on a DVD. Being a graphic designer, I didn't want to spend money on a photo album, when I could use my talents and make my own. After searching the net for various software, the one I found to be the most complete is BookSmart from Blurb.com

Images by Blurb.com

I think this will be a great project to do and the program seems quite complete. You can personalize everything! From the page layout, colors and even the binding. I will be adding small meaningful texts in the book as well, like the speech to my dad, the lyrics of our love song, our vows and some little extras. It will be an awesome memento... well i hope so.

Has anyone used Booksmart for their wedding album? What's your feedback on this software and what little extras did you add to your album?

Paris & Italy or Disney???

Everytime we start and discuss our honeymoon... you'd think we were making the biggest decision of our lives. Mr. Flamingo and I can't seem to agree on our choices. On my side, ever since I've been small I've wanted to go to Europe, especially Italy. I am half Italian so it only make sense that I would want to visit my fathers homeland. Thinking ahead, I've figured that maybe my honeymoon would be my only chance to visit Europe before I settle down and start a family.

What I would like would be to visit Europe but more specifically Paris and Italy. Mr. Flamingo lived in France for a year, and I would love to see where he stayed and at the same time experience it. Now I know you might be saying its going to cost us a fortune.... well that's not the goal. I would like to backpack in Europe, sleep in hostels, meet new people and all of that. Knowing that I want to visit two very expensive cities, I was thinking maybe splurging on a one night in Paris for that extra romantic touch.

Image source: Italy- Patrizia Giacomini,
Paris - gettyimages.com Disney- Disney Honeymoons.

Mr.Flamingo doesn't feel like going to Europe because obviously he's done it, his dream honeymoon would be Disney. He finds it to be romantic and since he's a child at heart would love to experience it. (Just to point outhe's never gone before) Even to the point that he told me to bring my wedding dress so that we can take picture next to the castle. It would be magical I agree but on the other hand I've been to Disney. Also, Disney is something I see ourselves doing with our future kids, Europe not so much.

I even suggested going to Disney Paris, but that doesn't interest him. He wants to stay there for the whole week or two. I'm afraid that I will get fed-up if we do this. What Mr. Flamingo thinks about Europe is this. He wants to go and experience it with me, but would like to do so when we are older and when we can afford to spend the money. I completely understand his point of view.

We keep going back and forth and I don't know what to do. HELP!!! What do you think we should do? and for those who have gone to Disney... how was it? I would love to hear the pros and cons.

Here it is....

After my numerous posts about my wedding accessories, I think that the anticipation built up is at its maximum. Unlike many brides-to-be my wedding dress shopping was quite easy.... and honestly I couldn't be more happy.

Planning way in advance obviously had its quirks when it came to dress shopping. The first place I visited with my mom was a very small boutique. There were some nice dresses, but nothing that gave me the butterflies everyone was telling me about. I wanted to fall in love with my dress, and that didn't happen. I didn't waste more time... even though I could of tried on endless amounts of dresses. There's something magical when you have a wedding dress on... too bad we only wear it one day!

Next place I visited was referred by my sisters friend. I was a bit sceptical after all the references which ended up being vendorzilla stories. I didn't lose hope though and called. This time around I went with my cousin who happens to be my MOH. When we arrived we were greeted with such kindness, this was a good sign. We looked around the first dress I tried was the one. It fit perfectly the color was gorgeous... oh and not to mention that I had butterflies.

I knew this dress had to be expensive... I have expensive taste. The salesperson replied : 650$ taxes included. Did I hear clearly??? Yes yes, 650$ taxes included. Wow... I was impressed with myself. To top things off, if I ordered my dress before the end of the month (which was march 2007) I got a 100$ off. Now that's what I'm talking about. Rewarding those who plan ahead. So I basically got my dress, veil, garter, shale, sash, and extra straps for 690$ taxes in. Talk about an awesome price....even better when your mom says she is offering it to you as a gift!

Many of yous have mentioned that you dislike pick-up dresses... I recall someone saying they are so 'Davids Bridal' ...whatever that means... but luckily for me, we don't have David's Bridal here in Canada. ;) Honestly, your wedding dress all about you, and if its perfect for you then its all that counts. So I would like to say...I am a proud pick-up dress bride-to-be. =)

OK here it is:
Mr. Flamingo your journey stops here. I mean it!!!

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Voilà:

front view:

back view:


side view:

My wedding dress is champagne, the color is stunning and once the lights dimmed my dress shimmers. Romantic and not to mention glamorous. You might be wondering whats up with all the taupe-grayish accessories...well that's because I will add a sash to my dress - yup a taupe sash.

So what do you think? Honest input please...

Vendorzilla Part 2

As we all know, planning a wedding can be a mess, especially when you a planning way ahead. Just so we all understand here ... when I mean a mess, I am talking about the percentage of not-so-nice wedding vendors out there. After the huge success of my first Vendorzilla post, I thought it was time for part 2.

I still can't believe how many of yous had stories to share. It really amazes me to see the reaction of certain vendors... so without further a-do here is vendorzilla part 2. (oh how cute, it rhymes)

Video/Photo Combo (#1):
I contacted a video/photo company which was referred by a girl of a local wedding forum. She kept telling me that they were really kind, and that there prices were unbeatable. So I decided to email the company. Being an organized bride-to-be, I already had a email template with all my questions. I admit, I had a lot... but it only showed that I knew what I was talking about. Now to put you in the context, I'm a graphic designer and my emails have a signature. Basically with my name, website ...etc.

Not long after I sent my email, I get an answer back this is what it said: "I think this is for commercial reasons, I found your online portfolio when I google-ed you!!! Call me for re-seller information." What the heck was he talking about. I was really wondering what he was accusing me of exactly. Yes I am a graphic designer, and I didn't try to hide it (it was in my signature) but what, graphic designers, can't get married and want to hire a photographer and videographer??? I was really offended so I called. (Ya I know, I shouldn't of)

The guy starts giving me crap over the telephone for these non-sense reasons... I explain to him that yes I am a graphic designer but that I was indeed getting married and looking to hire someone. Doesn't he reply by saying, "Well, you're asking for many options, quite demanding I see... this will be expensive - Combo 5000$" WHAT??? I couldn't believe it. These questions were sent to other companies previously, and they quoted me 1/3 of that amount. I wasn't shy to tell him. Of course he wanted to know the names of those companies ... no way buddy!!! If then starts his famous speech " I have the best prices in town, I don't understand how there could be such a difference in price... but I can do it for you for 2000$" Does that make any sense to you? In a matter a 2 minutes he went down 3K! Ya, definitely makes me want to do business with you. I told him not thank you and hung up.

Later than night I realized he emailed me again and left me a message on my cell phone. Doesn't he understand what no means? I never called back obviously! I couldn't believe how rude this guy was!

Like they say in french "Jamais deux sans trois" (direct translation : Never 2 without 3 - or saying translation: When it rains it pours) so I thought I would continue my vendorzilla stories with a final chapter of this saga. I will become sort of a trilogy. M.Flamingo would be so proud of me for making this a trilogy - don't forget he's a movie freak!!! lol)

Part 3 to follow shortly.

Capturing the image

They say that when you plan a wedding it is best to make a list of your priorities. Well one of my priorities is having a talented photographer. A photographer in my eyes, is essential to capture those special moments. Finding a good photographer, that's another story.

I have viewed a mountain of portfolios, and honestly I think the problem is... me. Being a graphic designer, I don't like the typical wedding photos. Not that there is anything wrong with what others like, but I personally don't like the black and white photos with elements in color. I find it tacky and that's not what I am looking for. Also, I want someone who can take in the moment pictures. I know that there will be some pictures that we will have to pose for, but I don't want to have everything planned. Oh and the details are really important to me as well.

After months of searching I found a photographer... I just hope we made a good choice. His work is stunning so I would be devastated if my pictures turned out bad. Drum roll please....

All images courtesy of IPI Photography

Rainbow brite

Last week it was pouring outside, but somehow the sun found its way and a beautiful rainbow appeared. I’m always amazed when I see a rainbow in the sky, the colors are so pretty. These beautiful pieces are inspired by mother natures own creation. I introduce you the gemstone rings.

All rings and earring courtesy of Costco.com

I am a fan of color and I love seeing engagement rings or wedding rings different than what we generally fancy. We tend to think that when we see beautiful rings in countless wedding magazines that the prices are obviously over the top…. well I am happy to announce that all the rings and earrings shown all come from Costco.com. Prices vary from 268$ to 6000$. So why not be different… opt for a gemstone ring.

Anyone has any colored rings??? I don't but I would love to someday.

Invitations that 'Glow'

For several months, I’ve been trying to find ideas for my wedding invitations. Being a graphic designer, I find it extremely hard designing something for myself. I don’t know what it is… I guess I am extremely critical of my work. Its hard finding the perfect idea, and we all know that we want everything to be perfect for the BIG day!

Invitations in general should set the tone & mood of a wedding, but most of all they should be inviting. You want your guest to want to come to my wedding. Invitations at times can also serve as great mementos… but in order to offer such a unique invitation, you have to be willing to pay a little more, oh or be talented with your two hands, of course.

Invitations by Gleaux

I came across a really neat invitation company called Gleaux (pronounced “Glow”). GLEAUX is a full service graphic design studio dedicated to the reincarnation of the paper invitations. What pushed them to create such beautiful designs is the urge to re-kindle the excitement of receiving and opening a personal, handwritten addressed envelope on beautiful paper. They pay lots of attention to details, but most of all they want to establish that special relationship between you and your guests.

This is exactly what I need and obviously I will make them myself but I don't even know where to start... I called my good friend in TO for some help. She said she would be happy to help me out! Thank goodness... because I don't think I can do this myself. We are gathering ideas left and right, so once I have something more concrete to show you guys - don't worry I will.

But is this indecisiveness only something designer prone? My whole planning has actually gone really smoothly, but my invitations is a huge road block! What are your wedding road blocks???

SMP - Little Black Book

Abby from Style me Pretty has launched her Little Black Book . It's basically a highly edited collection of wedding service providers. They are recommended by our closest girlfriends, industry insiders and Style Me Pretty readers. What's great is that each city has three, hand-picked listings per category.



Over the next few months, Abby will be adding vendors to the cities listed, as well as adding a nice handful of new cities. So make a stop at Style Me Pretty and share your oh-so-fabulous vendors. Canadians cities are not part of the list just yet... in hopes they will be next time around.

I heart purses

A while back I was reading Weddingbee and I came across a post about this particular purse. (sorry I don't remember which Bee wrote it) There always been this debate over having a handbag on your big day. I know that it's not necessary and the money could go to something better and more useful, but being an accessories junkie, I had to have one.

I heart purses and this one was so perfect.


I ordered it off ebay and it cost me 30$ shipping included. Its more than what I thought I would pay for, especially it being an ebay item. The quality is very nice and the gems aren't the cheap dollar store looking ones. So overall - its a good purchase. To top things off... my new favorite clutch matches perfectly with my peep toe grey satin shoes.

And you... are you an accessories junkie??? How much did you splurge on all the little extras?