Mock-up Bouquet

Even though I wish I could take the risk of making my own fresh flower bouquet for the wedding, I thought it would be best to hire a professional. That way I won't have that extra stress the day of and that's a good thing.

For my flowers I wanted something fluffly... basically that's the definition of peonies. They are my ultimate favorite bloom and I love big and full bodies flowers. This inspiration of bouquets is pretty much what I am going for.

Via : Faye and Greer Blog

The only issue is that in June peonies aren't in bloom, but luckily my florist did an awesome job and found a supplier. I also really like Ranunculus. Well makes sense since it looks like a mini version of a peony. I thought it would look nice to have the two in my bouquet all in ivory tones. So that's what I'll be doing. I'm not a fan of greenery so there will be very little or none in my bouquet.

My florist was kind enough to include a bouquet mock up at no extra charge. I got a call yesterday and the flowers came in... I was soooo excited. Here is the mock up:

The peonies were actually really small and closed, so I told my florist that I wanted them to be open and as big as possible. I didn't really like the leaves in the actual bouquet, but she explained that because the flowers were quite small she needed something to make it a little bigger.

Then I though, I could maybe make bouquet jewels as a filler and to add for the extra glam. I also would like to have a unique / stylish bouquet handle, but I still have to figure out what I would want.

Do you like it? On a side note, is anyone else out there not a greenery lover?

Showering me with love, laughter and gifts

Two weeks ago was my surprise bridal shower. Even though I had doubts, I didn't know it would be this big event! My bridal shower was done in a reception hall at a hotel near my house. So yeah, when Mr.Flamingo told me we were going to eat brunch at the hotel... it was so obvious.

The whole thing was possible to my loving mom, step mom and maid of honor. Now I know my mom had a hard time planning this shower... especially since I live in the apartment downstairs. I sometimes make unexpected visits here and there... and let me say - she will never plan something for me again as long as I live under the same roof. Hahaha

Mommy flamingo, MOH, me, and Step mom Flamingo

I also have to thank my lovely and hot bridal party! There participation was key, and they did not let me down one bit! To honor that... were posed like true Charlies Angels (A little fact about me... my mom called me Kelly after Kelly Garrett a Charlies Angel played by Jaclyn Smith in the 70s - so yeah, its in my blood)

From left to right: Youngest sister F, Oldest sister F,
Me and middle sister F. At the bottom my MOH

Here is the grand entrance:

I was really happy but no emotional breakdown. That was for a little later when my best friend from Toronto came down just for me. She drove 6 hours for my shower... so it most definitely deserved some tears...

Here are some of my high school friends. I love it that even after 13 years of knowing each other we still find time for one another (less time then before, but nonetheless)

So before the party officially started I was called to the dance for to do my famous cowboy dance. (Honestly I made it up along the way, but if it looked professional .. all I can say it I fooled ya all!)

There were lots of games and dancing. Its was really fun and everyone participated. Of course we had to do the classic toilet paper wedding dress contest...I won of course and this is what I looked like:

I honestly should win a fashion award for this. I have a feeling it will be the next wedding dress trend!!!

Then it was gift time... since I didn't have a registry I could only imagine the type of gifts I would get. I was really surprised they were all awesome. Thank you everyone!

I got a pair of beautiful brown luggage with a carry on bag. I also got some Corningware and 4 foldable small wood tables (think TV dinner) with stand. I also got some body butter and a cute PJ (see images below - I'm wearing it)

My godmother got me a pair of studded Swarovski crystal earrings. I've always wanted a pair but never bought them. I was so happy when I opened the box. They are absolutely stunning and will most definitely wear them on my wedding day.

Lastly was a collective gift from everyone. They made me close my eyes and everything... I was really curious to see what it was. I got a check for 500$ which must be applied to my honeymoon. Hurray!!! That's great and I am really happy... watch out Mexico here I come!

I had to say my thank yous in this beautiful outfit. But I think I look hot don't you? Everyone was so nice and not to mention generous. I had to give my MOH a big hug too... thanks for a great bridal shower...

So whats next bachlorette?

Tush attire - sexy sexy sexy

I've been thinking about my wedding undergarments for some time now. I would of loved to have a beautiful kit like the ones below, but it would be easier and better letting the ladies free.

Via: Nuits de Satin

I still wanted to have a sexy panties at least, and nothing says vintage sexy than ruffles and....ruffles. Now, I don't know whether its because its not "instyle" or simply because they are sold out, but I had a hard time finding some ruffles for my tush. Lets say they were non-existant in every lingerie store I went in.

I was looking for something along these lines: (not as dramatic though)

Via: The Trendy Girl & Strumpet & Pink

I really love the black satin underwear, so sexy. But unfortunately they are out of my price range. So after a day of pantie shopping, I finally found the one. (Well, it was the only one so I didn't really have a choice :)

I present you my tush attire:

Via: La Senza

Since majority of the time the garter attachments are straight on the corset and since I'm not wearing one, I needed panties with them and these Love La Senza^TM Glam Girl Garter Panty were perfect. I also love the fact that they are pink. I love pink...

So do you like? Is anyone else going for ruffles?

Last Birthday Bash as a Single Lady

Today is officially my birthday. Now, I'm not one to get depressed or anything because I am one year older... but this year is a double wammy: Not only am I the big 25, but its my last birthday as a single lady.

I love this cake (hint hint) find it here

Even though I don't generally highlight my birthday… my friends keep telling me its important even more so this year. But what do I do... I have no idea! Well whether or not I do something special… I got an early birthday gift this year, and let me say… that alone is worth doing nothing this birthday.

You know our audition for La Bosse des Noces well thanks to everyones great vibes... We got chosen. I am so excited you have no idea. Once I have more details, I will most defintely share...

So back to the birthday thing... Did you do something special for your last Birthday Bash as a Single Lady?

Flamingo spot-light

Here in the province of Quebec we have something we like to call Quebec Television. Unlike other provinces, we not only have American channels but have our own independent prime-time French-language soap operas/TV dramas. Lets say we have our mini Quebec Hollywood thing going on.

Now you must be wondering why I'm writing about this... please bear with me. We have one local channel called Canal Vie (basically its sort of like a french version of TLC) There is a wedding show called La Bosse des Noces (translation - The Wedding Boss) where a team of people help you out with your wedding planning and problematics you might come across along the way.

They're always in search of couples to help, so I decided to send in our 12 page application at the end of February. It was clearly stated when we send in our application that if we passed the pre-selection we would get contacted 2 months prior to the wedding. Since the 2 month mark passed and never got any news, I forgot about it.... well I got a call last week and they want to meet us.

Now you must be wondering whats the big deal... well apart from having parts of my wedding televised, what ever they decide to help you with, they offer as a gift to the couple. How awesome is that!!!

I was told to bring every single thing I can think of that is wedding related. From pictures to my actual favors.... This is when you realize how great blogging about my whole wedding process really is. Its really made this so much easier.

Since they are behind on the whole process (only 1 month left to my wedding), they narrowed down the choice to 2 couples. Us and someone else. That means we have 50% chance of getting chosen.

Our audition is TODAY!!! I'm so nervous! I really hope we get chosen.
Wish us luck.

Finally... the unveiling of my centerpiece

Like I had mentioned in my previous post, Mr.Flamingo and I wanted for our centerpiece some type of chandelier on a stand (but we didn't want to make a big hole in our budget.) During the holidays while I was doing my shopping, I suddenly had this “AWWWWWWWW” moment - and I apologize because I never showed you what that AWWW piece was.

Well without further ado here it the AWWW piece:

They are beautiful clear vase-type candle holders. We got 2 different models (the one you see at the front which is shaped like a wine glass, and the ones completely at the back that are thin and long. Both models have a ribbed pattern in the glass which will create beautiful lighting. Plus they are all different heights - so it will create such a beautiful effect)

These vases were such a deal : The smaller ones: 9.99$ and the taller ones: 12.99$ (All purchased at Winners and HomeSense.)

After showing you all the bits and pieces of my centerpieces... the time has finally come to show you the finished product...yes yes I'm not kidding you. Now I apologize for the blurriness of the photos (that's what happens when you don't use a flash) Either way I'm pretty sure you'll get the picture. (get it picture - :) )

My DIY chandelier on a stand:

I am so happy with the outcome of my centerpieces, even my mom is glad she took part in the DIY-ness. (Shes the one that cut all the strands of beads and created the hooks (using jewelry wiring) to make it a WOW factor)

Here are close ups of the votive and the beading of the centerpiece

We have 22 vases in total and with everything; vases, candles, votive holders, tea lights, bead stands, bead curtain, wiring and mirrors our centerpieces came out to 19.00$ each (including 13% taxes)

So what do you think? Is it like what you imagined?

For a superhero

If Mr.Flamingo could fly and have all the superpowers like Superman... he would be the happiness man alive (ya - even happier than getting married to me - I'm serious :) ) His bond with superman is unbreakable... so I have to play Lois Lane once in a while. lol

Via Janvonholleben

Well, today is Mr.Flamingo's 30th birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY my sweetheart! Though he may feel old because hes no longer in the "twenties" he still young at heart. I thought for this special occasion I would share with you an image of him at his finest (hope he doesnt see this - hes going to kill me)

(Mr.Flamingo at only 6 months old - and already a superman fan)

Its certain that the wedding process could not go by without some superman element incorporated somewhere. Both him and his best man will have a pair of these official superman cuff links and I've never seen 2 grown up men this excited before. (doesn't take much - really)

via WB shop

I'm also planning on making him a superman garter (shhh don't say it too loud - its a surprise) and will most probably put the actual superman theme song when he goes to get it. It will be really funny and I'm pretty sure he will be happy.

Is your fiancé a superhero freak?
Will you be incorporating certain elements in your wedding.

Our dance, no song

Even though I'd be willing to do some funky dance for our first dance, Mr.Flamingo isn't that type of person. Its OK really... and to be honest he's not the best dancer out there . If he would try a little he'd be good, but when a guy doesn't want...ladies... you don't force them.

Our first dance song choice has been a debate for the longest time, but being almost a month away from the wedding, I think its time to make a decision. I wanted to use "Our Song." I truly love it and honestly it would have so much more meaning if we dance to it on our wedding day. Its not a popular song and that's what I love about it. I'm really into unique song choices and our song : Lifehouse - Take me away (acoustic version) is just that.

Everyone who has heard of the song has loved it. The issue: Mr.Flamingo doesn't seem to want to dance to that song. He says that the song is too slow and too long. Its true but still... its our song! I've tried to find other options but I don't seem to LOVE anything. Any suggestions for unique love song?

Are you dancing to your song or are you opting for a more popular choice?

Cake beauty... help needed

Because I want my cake to match my whole themed wedding, I thought it would be easier if I designed it rather than try explaining everything to my baker over email or phone. Depending on how many slices we will get, it might be a 3 tier or 4 tier cake.

After looking at all the options available this is what I came up with: (for a 3 tier cake)

At first I wanted my invitation pattern on 2 layers of my cake and on the other layer opt for a quilted design. (option 2) Very simple yet elegant. But then everything changed...

A weddingbee reader sent me a link for a chandelier inspired cake and I truly fell in love. This is the cake... isn't it stunning? I think there are just too many chandeliers for my liking, so I modified it a bit. Obviously this cake is the inspiration for Option 1.

Cake designed by: I Dream of Cake
Image source: Zenadia Design blog

Which one would you go with? Would you make any modifications?

Vintage Ambiance

If there is one thing Mr.Flamingo was really interested about was the decor of the reception site. He wanted to have this specific look and I thought it was a great idea. Since we're going vintage he thought it would be neat to go all out and rent outdoor lighting but for inside. That's exactly what we will be doing. Two weeks ago, Mr.Flamingo and I went to Paul Gregoire a local lighting company which offers rental services.

We wanted to re-create a vintage in-the park kinda look and this is what we got...

A Victorian inspired 5 branch lamp post

Two vintage looking park benches

What we wanted to create was a seating area at the back of the reception site. It will be situated near the bar area, so the guests can sit while having a drink. We will put the 5 branch lamp post and 2 benches. The lamp post will be surrounded by plants to really give that outdoor feeling.

2 Victorian inspired single branch lamp post

We also rented 2 single lamp posts. Still not sure where we will be placing these, there was the option of having them near the honor table. We can also place them completely opposite of the park area... but once we decide where the tables will be placed then we will have all the options open.

My favorite of all... is our card box. When I first read Miss Gingerbreads post on her card box, I completely fell in love with the idea of having a neat vintage looking mailbox. I was so happy to have found one that was perfect for out outdoor idea.

This mailbox is perfect, not only does it really fit that vintage look, its got a light too... What I really loved about this mailbox is that it comes with keys. Isn't that great?... so unless one of my guests leaves with the whole thing, there will be less chances of having disappearing envelopes.

All of this cost 400$ delivery included. Plus they will be painting all the elements in a antique bronze color... perfect match with my colors. I think this will be a great addition to our decor (though we don't have much - really) Things are finally coming together...

I'm finally seeing the whole picture and I love it. What do you think?

Non-RSVPers

I was told that I should include an earlier reply date on my RSVP cards to ensure that I would get all my responses in time by May 21st (1 month before). I knew I would receive late replies - its a given. Well, I had put a May 10th deadline and it has officially passed.

I knew I would have some people who wouldn't respond on time, but I never thought so many people in my family would find it hard to mail a postcard. Its not like they had to put a stamp on it, it was already there.

I sent out 75 invitations, and 18 of those RSVPs have not yet found its way back to my mailbox. That's a lot - 24% of non - rsvpers. I can't be other than disappointed. I will give them until Wednesday for those who mailed them out this weekend... but I ain't gonna be the one to call them all... that's what mothers and FMIL are for!

How many non-RSVPers did you get?

Au Naturel

If there is one thing I am comfortable with is going bra less. I'm not afraid to say it, I like my boobs and letting them free once in a while has never hurt anyone.

When I tried on my dress I went au naturel... and it fit perfectly - little or no alterations to be done . I know its pretty to have the matchy matchy undergarments, but I will be much more comfortable with no bra.

via Rolling Stones

That being said, is anyone else going all natural and leaving the ladies free for the big day?

And action...

Last night I received a private message from a weddingbee reader. The fabulous fadedblue sent me a message saying she had found a really great piece that would be perfect for my wedding theme.

Really intrigued, I clicked on the link she sent me and my jaw dropped. WOW... vintage inspired movie projectors. I'm in love and so is Mr.Flamingo.

Small - $79.99 , Big- $99.99 via Potterybarn

Even though this would totally be a splurge, it would be so nice next to my not so thematic guestbook. I mean I was trying to find ways of making my whole decor more movie-ish without going overboard... so this would be a good choice - right? I can re-use it for decoration in my new home theatre (when we buy our house of course) it would be a great way to remember our wedding. To top this off its on sale... now, how could I resist a sale?

I know, I know, I'm trying to convince myself.

Well, after much debating, I finally decided to purchase it. Problem - They don't ship to Canada. Snif! Snif! I could always ship it to someone I know it the states, but the billing address must be in the states as well. Maybe if I tried calling them.... maybe that would work.

Since its a final sale, I would love to know if any of you have seen these projectors in person? Can anyone help me with that. Its not like I have a Pottery Barn near my house :( so I can't check it out for myself.

Did you splurge on something for your wedding? Is it something you re-used?

Bits and pieces

I've avoided the topic of our centerpieces for quite some time now, because like I mentioned before I didn't know what to do. We absolutely wanted some type of chandelier on a stand, but I had to figure out how. During the holidays while I was doing my Christmas shopping at Winners/Homesense, I suddenly had this "AWWWWWWWW" moment. Almost as though a glowing light appeared on what seemed to be the perfect centerpiece.

Now before I spill the beans on my centerpieces... I thought I would just share bits and pieces and let your imagination take over. They aren't completely finish, but this weekend I will take pictures of the final product. Until then I have tonnes of unsticking labels and washing to do.

Here is what makes up my centerpieces

Tea light holders with white embellishment:


Stands of iridescent clear pearls - purchased at Wal-Mart

White pillar candles in two sizes - purchased at Ikea


bags of tea lights - purchased at Ikea

square mirrors for the base of the centerpiece - purchased at Ikea



Chandelier imitation Hand beaded curtain - purchased at Shop Wild Things

I have 22 centerpieces though I won't need to use them all... I had purchased more in case of breakage or for additional decoration. I am really happy with the whole ensemble... my reception site will glow. Luckily Mommy Flamingo was there to help me out, with the cutting and placing...

Are you liking what you are seeing so far... even though its not much? Have you made your centerpieces?

Image source : 1,3,4,5 / 2,6

Lip love : L'Oreal Infaillible

If there is one thing I dislike, it's applying and reapplying lip gloss or lipstick. On a day to day basis, I can deal... but on the most important day of my life... I don't want to waste time reapplying. I mean, my photographer will be taking shots here and there when I least expect it, and my lips need to look beautiful at all times.

I heard through the grapevine that there was one gloss that was the bomb-diggity. I needed to test it out for myself so this weekend I when to the pharmacy/drugstore to test the product. I was pleasantly surprised. It worked and I like it. This gloss is L'Oreal Infaillible never fail lip gloss.

via L'Oreal

The name says it all... it never fails to stay on. I put in on in the morning, and after lunch I still had it on. Not as much as I had when I first put it on... but still my lips were shining.

Because this is a new product there are only 8 shades available, but I am certain that you will find one that pleases you. Test them all out if you'd like and because its a gloss, there is a transparency and sheen resulting in a more natural look.

via L'Oreal

This is a lip gloss, so there is still the sticky feeling when you are wearing it. I personally like that sticky feeling because it proves I still have some on... though Mr. Flamingo isn't too fond of it....

For those who don't like lip glosses there the lipstick version with a built in mirror. It's L'Oreal Infaillible never fail lip color. I heard it was awesome too... but I haven't tried it yet. Its the next thing on my list.

What lipstick/lip gloss are you wearing for the big day? Is it the long lasting type?